Randy Wagner, candidate Maple Ridge Council 2011

1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver?
Wheelchair, bus, taxi (accessible ones) 

2. How would you support and encourage cycling for transportation - for people of all ages and abilities - to promote healthy and livable communities?
I’m in a unique position to appreciate bike lanes as it makes it so much more convenient and accessible as I ride my electric wheelchair darn near everywhere. The more bike lanes the merrier.

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.
I would make sure that bike lanes were a top priority on any new roadway. Take away some of the parking on side roads and allow cycling paths.

4. Maple Ridge has no off-road (non-mountain-) biking/multi-use trails and is lagging behind other Lower Mainland communities in this respect. How do you feel off-road biking/multi-use trails can benefit Maple Ridge, and how do you suggest to start developing a network of trails. 

It promotes exercise and wellness. There are dykes galore in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge. It would be nice to build a designated off road/ multi use trail all the way along Fern Crescent to Mike, and Alouette Lakes.

5. 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.?

I think cycling funding levels should be increased. It beats the heck out of taking a car. I used to cycle to work from New Westminster to Maple Ridge. Scary stuff. Bike only lanes would be a vast improvement along this route.

6. 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?

It would take people out of their cars, decrease pollution and encourage exercise.

7. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
Safety begins at home.

8. 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?

It makes sense to promote e-biking as it means less traffic congestion and promotes overall fitness. Easier on the wallet with the inevitable gas price increases.

9. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community?

Sorry, not possible. If the bike ride was slowed right down so my wheelchair could keep up.