Bruce Bell, candidate Pitt Meadows Council 2011

1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver?

I live in Pitt Meadows and I work in Vancouver. I drive a car to work and I use my car within the community of Pitt Meadows. I do cycle on the dykes for recreation.

2. How would you support and encourage cycling for transportation - for people of all ages and abilities - to promote healthy and livable communities?

I am in support of cycling. Promotion and communication is needed. I would support $ coming from the budget to promote safe cycling programmes.

3. There have been many surveys asking people what it would take to get them on a bike. The number one thing people want is separated cycling facilities. How would you support separated bike lanes on key routes? If you are not in support, please explain why.

Safety is number one. I would support separate bike lanes on key routes.

4. If elected, would you aim to increase or decrease cycling funding from current levels? Do you feel that cycling funding levels should merely reflect the present level of cycling in our communities, or should it reflect the potential of cycling - not only as a means of transportation and for recreation, but also in view of the many desirable benefits cycling has for individuals as well as for our communities/society, such as health benefits, improved livability, reduced greenhouse gasses/pollution, reduced oil-dependency, reduced need for expensive car infrastructure/parking lots, reduced congestion, etc.?

If elected I would be in favour of increasing cycling funds from current levels. Pitt Meadows is a great place to have safe cycling lanes. We are fortunate because 86% of our land is agricultural. We need to ensure that we have safe cycling lanes so we can tie the urban to the rural. We have the benifit of being able to use the dykes and the lesser used farm roads for cycling. The benefits of cycling are obvious, the concern is safety.

5. What is your level of interest in a public bike-share system integrated with the transit system? How do you think a public bike-share system in Vancouver can benefit Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows residents?
I think the public bike- share system is a good idea. When Vancouver goes a head with it I think it could be of benefit to folks commuting via transit from Pitt Meadows/ Maple Ridge.

6. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists? 

I think the Municipality should have a partnership role in the support and promotion of safe cycling amongst the children,cyclists and the motorists.

7. How do you feel e-bikes can play a role in our transportation system?
What do you see as the benefits of e-bikes as compared to cars?
What can e-bikes mean for less densely populated suburban communities like Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows?I think e-bikes are good. Especially for the senior residents who may have some difficulty with a standard bicycle. Again with safe bike lanes, e-bikes in some cases could replace cars as the choice of transportation.

8. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community?Yes, I would be interested in a bike ride thru our community.