George Coghlan, candidate Pitt Meadows Council 2011

1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver?
Since I live about 40 minutes walk from the nearest shops I usually drive. However, I often take public transit (the C41 bus) within Pitt Meadows and use the 701 and 791 to travel outside. I sometimes cycle around the city on errands and also occasionally as far as Westwood and Haney. I also frequently use my bicycle for recreation and exercise on local roads and along the dyke system.

2. How would you support and encourage cycling for transportation - for people of all ages and abilities - to promote healthy and livable communities?
Separating bicycles from other traffic by providing dedicated bike lanes on busy roads is essential. All new main roads in the city should have marked bike lanes or shoulders so cyclists can ride safely. Bike racks should be provided at all places of public recourse and, as far as practicable, should be covered to protect bicycles from the elements. Council should promote cycling as part of an active lifestyle and encourage safe cycling education. 
I also think we should discuss with adjacent communities the addition or improvement of cycling facilities along both sides of the Lougheed Highway.

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.
Pitt Meadows has separate bike lanes on most key routes, but where they are missing I would encourage their addition when maintenance or upgrades are being performed.

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 we want to increase the number of cyclists and the frequency of cycling, some additional expenditure is inevitable. I believe that much could be accomplished at a modest cost, particularly in the areas of promotion,
education and 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?
Subject to cost, we might consider a trial program for visitors who want to cycle the dykes, and possibly expand from there. 

6. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
This is an extremely important consideration for all levels of government. Cycling safety ought to be taught in schools. Cycling organisations and ICBC should be invited to participate in programs, and the police should be asked to enforce the helmet laws rigorously.

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?
Electrically-assisted bikes make it much easier for many people who might otherwise have difficulty cycling even on level roads. This is important for our ageing population. It should be possible to provide electrical
"refuelling" stations at bike stands.

8. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community?
Love to! Just tell me when.