Below are lists of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows mayors and council members elected during the Nov. 2011 election, followed by lists of non-elected candidates. Click on each name to see Q&A's.
Maple Ridge Mayor and Council:
Mayor:
Ernie Daykin
Council:
Cheryl Ashlie
Corisa Bell
Judy Dueck
Al Hogarth
Robert Masse
Mike Morden
Pitt Meadows Mayor and Council:
Mayor:
Deb Walters
Council:
Bruce Bell
Doug Bing
Janis Elkerton
Tracy Miyashita
David Murray
Gwen O'Connell
Non-elected candidates Maple Ridge:
Mayor:
Craig Ruthven
Council:
Claus Andrup
Jacques Blackstone
Wendy Cook
Christian Cowley
Kiersten Duncan
Bob Goos
Candace Gordon
Gladys Hewson
Mark Kauhane
Dana Lang
Sandy MacDougal
John McKenzie
Graham Mowatt
Carly O'Rourke
Alex Pope
Graeme Ross
Craig Speirs
Ken Stewart
Peter Tam
Elizabeth Taylor
Grover Telford
Randy Wagner
Non-elected candidates Pitt Meadows:
Mayor:
Gary Paller
John Becker
Council:
John Clancy
George Coghlan
Gay Conn
Michael Hayes
Rick Kreklewetz
Charm Prophet
Mike Stark
In this blog the topic of urban/lifestyle cycling is explored in the wider context of city planning & design, sustainability, local economics, environment, health, recreation and broader topics in transportation.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Take a hike, take a bike in future?
By Gary McKenna
THE TRI-CITY NEWS - Nov. 30/11
Walking, cycling and public transit are emphasized in an update to Coquitlam’s strategic transportation plan, a document that seeks to
increase alternate modes of commuter travel in the municipality. Currently, 82% of trips in the city are made by automobile, a number engineering staff said they hope will drop to 70% by the end of the plan’s 20- year horizon. Of the 30% of commuters expected to use alternative travel methods by 2031, 12% of trips will be done on foot, 3% by bicycle and 15% by public transit.
“There is more of an emphasis on sustainable ways of travelling,” said Catherine Mohoruk, the city’s manager of transportation. “We are hoping our future targets are met.” One of the ways the city plans to increase the number of walking trips is by expanding its sidewalk coverage. To build sidewalks on all city streets would cost upwards of $100 million, Mohoruk said, an amount the city cannot afford.
The transportation plan calls for $43 million to be spent to build 150 km of new sidewalks over the next 20 years in strategically placed pedestrian areas such as the city and neighbourhood centres. Mohoruk added that enhanced pedestrian facilities, including crossing
lights, benches and landscaping, can also help increase the number of people moving around the municipality on foot. Cycling also factors prominently in the city’s future transportation plans. Currently, 1% of all trips in the municipality are made by bike, a number
city staff expect to increase to 3% by 2031. In order to meet the target, staff is proposing increasing the number of bike lanes from the current 40 km of routes to 150 km. The change, Mohoruk said, would put 70% of Coquitlam’s urban area 500 m or less from a bike
route. The plan also looks at increasing transit coverage and the overall frequency of trips, particularly in the southwest area and
the northeast connections with city centre. Mohoruk said increased connections between Surrey and Coquitlam over the new Port Mann Bridge would also be required. But in order for the strategic plan to be effective, co-operation is required from various governing
agencies, particularly TransLink, said Coun. Brent Asmundson, chair of the city’s engineering committee and a bus driver. More discussions need to take place with the regional transit authority and the city needs to have a say over what service levels are required in
Coquitlam, he said. “We need to tell TransLink what our desires and issues are and push the matter,” he said, “not wait for them to come in and do a transit plan for us and tell us what they are going to do.” The cost of the strategic transportation plan is between $221 million and $237 million over 20 years but much of that money would come from external sources such as TransLink and ICBC, and through development cost charges. Staff said the city would only pay 20% of the overall costs from property tax revenues.
gmckenna@tricitynews.com
Bike parking could become a must in Coquitlam
City ponders making lock-ups for bicycles a requirement of different developments
By Gary McKenna
Finding a place to lock up a bicycle could get a lot easier for commuters in Coquitlam if city council adopts a proposal that would require all new developments to provide bike parking. While adequate vehicle parking has long been a part of any development application in the city, there are no provisions requiring bicycle facilities. If the recommendations are adopted, it would mean that residential, commercial and industrial developments would have to provide and maintain both long- and shortterm parking spaces. “If cycling is becoming more of a mode of transportation, there should be spots for
them to park,” said Coun. Mae Reid, chair of the city’s land use committee. “It is the reality of the future and we should be planning for the future.” Reid, who is also a realtor, said there is market demand for increased residential bicycle parking, particularly for multi-family developments such as townhouses and apartments. According to a staff report, the number of spaces required would depend on the type of development being proposed. A multi-family apartment or townhouse, for example, would have to provide 1.25 spaces per dwelling unit while larger format industrial buildings would have to provide
three spaces for every 1,000 sq. m of floor area. Civic buildings, schools, institutions and tourist accommodations would also be required to provide spaces. All bicycle parking would have to be located within 15 m of the main building entrance in a well-lit area. The storage area would be required to include racks or bike lockers.
gmckenna@tricitynews.com
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Are Complete Streets Incomplete?
At several all-candidates meetings in the last few weeks, the term "Complete Streets" was mentioned. When engineers design Complete Streets, they consider the needs of all users: pedestrians, wheelchair users, cyclists, transit, and cars. On some streets with low traffic volumes and speeds cyclists can share the road with cars, on other streets bike lanes with or without separation - such as a barrier or a strip of grass - might be prefered. Other treatments might be
There's more to designing streets/neighbourhoods/communities than just incorporating these kinds of elements though. Read this article from "Project for Public Spaces".
- "bulb-outs", extentions of the sidewalk at intersections, which make the distance to cross for pedestrians shorter;
- pedestrian signals;
- medians;
- frequent bus stops;
- a bike box at an intersection where frequently cyclists need to make a left turn. This is a space - usually painted green - in front of the stop line for cars at a traffic light, where cyclists can wait until the light turns green, so that they more easily make the left turn.
There's more to designing streets/neighbourhoods/communities than just incorporating these kinds of elements though. Read this article from "Project for Public Spaces".
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Bike Advisory Committee Special Speaker Richard Drdul
Note: this presentation has been canceled. We will try to reschedule.
Highlight of this month's regular B.A.C. meeting - Nov. 21, 7pm, Blaney Room, Maple Ridge City Hall - is a presentation by accomplished transportation specialist Richard Drdul.
Highlight of this month's regular B.A.C. meeting - Nov. 21, 7pm, Blaney Room, Maple Ridge City Hall - is a presentation by accomplished transportation specialist Richard Drdul.
Richard Drdul is an active transportation specialist with more than 25 years of transportation planning and design experience. He has worked with more than 30 municipalities and regional districts throughout Western Canada in all aspects of bicycle and pedestrian policy, planning, design and implementation. His relevant experience includes:
- Comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian plans for twenty BC municipalities and regional districts. Each of these plans includes a network of on-street and off-street bicycle routes and pedestrian facilities, design guidelines, complementary programs, funding strategies, cost estimates and implementation plans.
- Plans and designs for pedestrian and bicycle facilities in communities across BC, including the BC Parkway from Vancouver to Surrey via New Westminster, the Central Valley Greenway from Vancouver to New Westminster, the Stanley Park seawall and several other multi-use pathways.
- Bicycle and pedestrian networks as part of development plans for new communities, neighbourhoods and subdivisions in Burnaby, Surrey, Coquitlam, Colwood, Chilliwack, Kelowna and at UBC.
- Development of “state-of-the-art” bicycle and pedestrian facility design guidelines. Through his years of experience, Richard has developed comprehensive design guidelines for bicycle and pedestrian facilities, including on-street and off-street facilities, intersections and crossings, signage and pavement markings, parking and maintenance. Richard’s design guidelines provide practical information to address a range of situations and issues not addressed by TAC and AASHTO design manuals.
Much of Richard’s work involves “non-traditional” approaches to transportation planning and engineering. He was the principal author of the Canadian Guide to Neighbourhood Traffic Calming, and has developed traffic calming plans for more than thirty neighbourhoods throughout BC. Richard has developed and implemented several travel demand management programs for post-secondary institutions, employers and government agencies. He has also worked with more than two dozen transit systems across Canada in all aspects of transit planning and operations.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Mark your calendar - Velo-City Global Vancouver June 26 - 29
Velo-city Global is the world’s premier international cycling planning conference. The four day event offers delegates from around the world a chance to share best practices for creating and sustaining cycling-friendly cities, where bicycles are valued as part of daily transport and recreation... AND IT'S COMING TO VANCOUVER!
www.velo-city2012.com/
www.velo-city2012.com/
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Al Hogarth, candidate Maple Ridge Council 2011
1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver?
I usually use my personal vehicle. On short errands around town I will walk and if I have to do downtown Vancouver for a day I will take the West Coast Express but that is a rare occassion. I will also use Skytrain
2. How would you support and encourage cycling for transportation - for people of all ages and abilities - to promote healthy and livable communities?
Cycling is one of many modes of transportation that is and being recognized in much of the work being done. The bicycle committee has done a great job of bringing awareness and evolving some of our streets reconstruction or new construction as well as planning for bike routes. I agree with this continuing.
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 think separated routes are an excellent idea and particularly multi-user paths - sidewalks, lanes whatever you wish to call them. My not be achievable on existing streets but certainly in new or redeveloping areas. I first saw this in China in 2003 and thought they were great but they were being done in large new road construction projects where road allowances could accommodate them.
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.
I think the idea is great and could enhance tourism. This could be work done by the bicycle advisory committee. There are other networks, horse trails, dykes etc. they should all be looked at as multi use and linked where possible.
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.?
The easy answer is yes, but realistically it would likely have to remain as is now. All of your points in your question are very appropriate in terms of a "complete community" There are other areas that require attention as well particularly relating to pedestrian access and safety. As you are aware there is a great push back in this campaign for reducing taxes while at the same time community groups and neighbourhoods feel they are deserving of more attention in respect to their needs and wants. Perhaps your group could review the budget and suggest what is not needed.
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?
I have to admit I know very little about it, but fro what I know it appears that there has to be alot of other things in place and a large increase in bike ridership to possibly make it feasible.
7. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
I believe there is a role for the municipality but it may involve either volunteers in conunction with RCMP, driving schools or perhaps cycle shops when they sell bikes. Should there be some form of compliance test or knowledge test for cyclists and conversely should there be more emphasis on motor vehicle driving tests in respect to cyclists.
If there was a program that could be introduced that may have a cost associated with it - should or could it be funded through a point of sale fee charged by the retailers much like the environmental fees on some products.
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?
E-bikes can play a role in more accessibility and mobility, reduce greenhouse gases etc. It gets back to number 7 and the cyclists, motorist mutual respect issue and rules of the road. Due to greater speed of e-bikes there is a concern or risk of higher accident rates and injury. I am as concerned about e-bike accidents with motor vehicles as I am with pedestrians.
9. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community?
I would join a bike ride in our community but I do not own a bike or riding gear which I am sure I could be assisted in. I'm sure I would need a day or two to recover afterwards, but I would welcome it since I have been considering buying a bike for needed exercise and it would afford me the opportunity to see if it would work for me and of course see the issues from the cyclists side as opposed to the motorists.
I usually use my personal vehicle. On short errands around town I will walk and if I have to do downtown Vancouver for a day I will take the West Coast Express but that is a rare occassion. I will also use Skytrain
2. How would you support and encourage cycling for transportation - for people of all ages and abilities - to promote healthy and livable communities?
Cycling is one of many modes of transportation that is and being recognized in much of the work being done. The bicycle committee has done a great job of bringing awareness and evolving some of our streets reconstruction or new construction as well as planning for bike routes. I agree with this continuing.
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 think separated routes are an excellent idea and particularly multi-user paths - sidewalks, lanes whatever you wish to call them. My not be achievable on existing streets but certainly in new or redeveloping areas. I first saw this in China in 2003 and thought they were great but they were being done in large new road construction projects where road allowances could accommodate them.
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.
I think the idea is great and could enhance tourism. This could be work done by the bicycle advisory committee. There are other networks, horse trails, dykes etc. they should all be looked at as multi use and linked where possible.
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.?
The easy answer is yes, but realistically it would likely have to remain as is now. All of your points in your question are very appropriate in terms of a "complete community" There are other areas that require attention as well particularly relating to pedestrian access and safety. As you are aware there is a great push back in this campaign for reducing taxes while at the same time community groups and neighbourhoods feel they are deserving of more attention in respect to their needs and wants. Perhaps your group could review the budget and suggest what is not needed.
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?
I have to admit I know very little about it, but fro what I know it appears that there has to be alot of other things in place and a large increase in bike ridership to possibly make it feasible.
7. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
I believe there is a role for the municipality but it may involve either volunteers in conunction with RCMP, driving schools or perhaps cycle shops when they sell bikes. Should there be some form of compliance test or knowledge test for cyclists and conversely should there be more emphasis on motor vehicle driving tests in respect to cyclists.
If there was a program that could be introduced that may have a cost associated with it - should or could it be funded through a point of sale fee charged by the retailers much like the environmental fees on some products.
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?
E-bikes can play a role in more accessibility and mobility, reduce greenhouse gases etc. It gets back to number 7 and the cyclists, motorist mutual respect issue and rules of the road. Due to greater speed of e-bikes there is a concern or risk of higher accident rates and injury. I am as concerned about e-bike accidents with motor vehicles as I am with pedestrians.
9. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community?
I would join a bike ride in our community but I do not own a bike or riding gear which I am sure I could be assisted in. I'm sure I would need a day or two to recover afterwards, but I would welcome it since I have been considering buying a bike for needed exercise and it would afford me the opportunity to see if it would work for me and of course see the issues from the cyclists side as opposed to the motorists.
Friday, November 11, 2011
VACC Column Maple Ridge News - Don’t waste your vote; enough sprawl
Published in the Maple Ridge News Nov. 11, 2011:
According to a recent United Nations report on population growth, research shows that “an extra child born today in the United States, would, down the generations, produce an eventual carbon footprint seven times that of an extra child in China, 55 times that of an Indian child, or 86 times that of a Nigerian child.”
An extra child born in our communities today likely would be just as taxing on the environment as one in the states.
Read more...
According to a recent United Nations report on population growth, research shows that “an extra child born today in the United States, would, down the generations, produce an eventual carbon footprint seven times that of an extra child in China, 55 times that of an Indian child, or 86 times that of a Nigerian child.”
An extra child born in our communities today likely would be just as taxing on the environment as one in the states.
Read more...
Crisis? What Crisis? What we need is MORE SHOPPING!
World risks being next to unlivable
The world has just five years to avoid being trapped in a scenario of perilous climate change and extreme weather events, the International Energy Agency (IEA) warned Wednesday.
On current trends, "rising fossil energy use will lead to irreversible and potentially catastrophic climate change," the IEA concluded in its annual World Energy Outlook report.
"The door to 2.0 Celsius is closing," it said, referring to the 2.0 C cap on global warming widely accepted by scientists and governments as the ceiling for averting unmanageable climate damage.
Without further action, by 2017 the total CO2 emissions compatible with the 2.0 C goal will be "locked in" by power plants, factories and other carbon-emitting sources either built or planned, the IEA said.
Read more:
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
A neat local business
On weekday mornings and afternoons people in east Maple Ridge may have had a chance to see Steve Schleicher in his bright yellow velomobile, on his way to or from work. When I mention the word "velomobile", most people always look at me, wondering: "what on earth is a velomobile?". It's a tricycle, either with two wheels in front, or two wheels in back, with a cover. The cover provides streamlining, which helps it go faster, at least when the terrain is flat or downhill - when you go uphill it's a bit slower than a regular bike - and it also helps to keep yourself dry when it rains.
Here's a photo of Steve in a classy white velo:
Steve is the owner of Velomobiles.ca, a business close to where the Albion Ferry used to be. This is where he has been designing these pedal-powered, sleek-looking vehicles. Check out Steve's blog. Before the economic downturn, business was pretty good for Steve, who also makes kayaks. In recent years he's had to downsize, like so many other companies. He's been in Albion for quite a few years, but not for that much longer. Steve and his wife Jan recently moved to Quadra Island, the lucky stinker, and one of these days he'll move the business to Quadra too. I hope he'll come back once in a while to visit, and bring his velomobile too. It's always been a great draw for us at local events. I've had a chance to ride one back to his shop after GETI Fest in September. It wasn't a very long ride, and I thought it wasn't worth the trouble to adjust the velo to my smaller frame. I quickly found out that I should have, because I couldn't really see much in the mirror without stretching way back. Anyway, it was fun!
You don't see too many velomobiles around here. Steve's velos are the only ones I've seen. As a matter of fact, his are the only velomobiles I've ever seen in my life, apart from photos. After I met Steve several years ago, and googled "velomobiles", I found out that actually in the Netherlands, where I come from, velomobiles are a very common sight these days. That makes me think of an excellent blogger in Holland, who's originally from England, who writes about them too occasionally. He happens to work in a velomobile workshop as well. His name is David Hembrow, and his blog, A View from the Cycle Path, is an excellent source of very interesting, well researched cycling related information. His blog explains why we should all be paying attention to the Dutch examples and expertise when we try to make cycling a more appealing mode of transportation to people of all ages and abilities in our part of the world. Apart from writing on his blog and making velomobiles, he also organizes cycling tours for foreign politicians and planners to show them how things are done in the Netherlands, and to explain to them what it is that the Dutch have done to make cycling so popular. It's not true that the only reason people cycle so much in Holland is just because it's part of their culture. Most Dutch people would cycle a whole lot less if they would move to Maple Ridge, you can believe me! A couple years ago I sent David a photo that I took in Maple Ridge of what was considered an "acceptable bike route". He then used that photo for this blog post on "subjective safety". You can probably guess which road it is. A rather dubious honour for Maple Ridge to be used as a bad example! I wish some of our politicians and planners could take a cycling trip with David. They'd come back converted, that's for sure!
Going back to velomobiles, here's a great article that a.o. explains the efficiency of velomobiles.
Here's a photo of Steve in a classy white velo:
Steve is the owner of Velomobiles.ca, a business close to where the Albion Ferry used to be. This is where he has been designing these pedal-powered, sleek-looking vehicles. Check out Steve's blog. Before the economic downturn, business was pretty good for Steve, who also makes kayaks. In recent years he's had to downsize, like so many other companies. He's been in Albion for quite a few years, but not for that much longer. Steve and his wife Jan recently moved to Quadra Island, the lucky stinker, and one of these days he'll move the business to Quadra too. I hope he'll come back once in a while to visit, and bring his velomobile too. It's always been a great draw for us at local events. I've had a chance to ride one back to his shop after GETI Fest in September. It wasn't a very long ride, and I thought it wasn't worth the trouble to adjust the velo to my smaller frame. I quickly found out that I should have, because I couldn't really see much in the mirror without stretching way back. Anyway, it was fun!
You don't see too many velomobiles around here. Steve's velos are the only ones I've seen. As a matter of fact, his are the only velomobiles I've ever seen in my life, apart from photos. After I met Steve several years ago, and googled "velomobiles", I found out that actually in the Netherlands, where I come from, velomobiles are a very common sight these days. That makes me think of an excellent blogger in Holland, who's originally from England, who writes about them too occasionally. He happens to work in a velomobile workshop as well. His name is David Hembrow, and his blog, A View from the Cycle Path, is an excellent source of very interesting, well researched cycling related information. His blog explains why we should all be paying attention to the Dutch examples and expertise when we try to make cycling a more appealing mode of transportation to people of all ages and abilities in our part of the world. Apart from writing on his blog and making velomobiles, he also organizes cycling tours for foreign politicians and planners to show them how things are done in the Netherlands, and to explain to them what it is that the Dutch have done to make cycling so popular. It's not true that the only reason people cycle so much in Holland is just because it's part of their culture. Most Dutch people would cycle a whole lot less if they would move to Maple Ridge, you can believe me! A couple years ago I sent David a photo that I took in Maple Ridge of what was considered an "acceptable bike route". He then used that photo for this blog post on "subjective safety". You can probably guess which road it is. A rather dubious honour for Maple Ridge to be used as a bad example! I wish some of our politicians and planners could take a cycling trip with David. They'd come back converted, that's for sure!
Going back to velomobiles, here's a great article that a.o. explains the efficiency of velomobiles.
Candace Gordon, candidate Maple Ridge Council 2011
1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver?
I mostly drive my car. I arrange my day so that I can do all my work with one trip. Due to the nature of my contracts I frequently have too much to use a bike. Community Kitchens require too many bins of equipment and food to load on a bike! I do own a bike and for several years when I owned my restaurant “The Sunflower” I only had a bike with large baskets to travel by and actually did all my local shopping with it.
2. How would you support and encourage cycling for transportation - for people of all ages and abilities - to promote healthy and livable communities?
I would support cycling by adopting a comprehensive plan for cycling trails and routes as developed by BAC ( I understand it is part of the business plan for next year). I would also support an implementation plan, timeline and resources to fund the plan.
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 support separated bike lanes on key routes. I would want the recommendations of our Bicycle Advisory Committee and to review the plan to achieve separated bike lanes on key routes. We must have a comprehensive cycling network plan. Once we have the plan then we need an implementation plan, a timeline and the resources allocated to achieve it. To find the money without an increase to taxes we could look at our transportation infrastructure budget and reallocate a small portion of it to cycling.
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.
Off-road biking multi-use trails can benefit the residents of Maple Ridge by providing safe recreation use for everyone making us healthier and of course for our enjoyment. In addition however, this can improve our recreational tourism as we are in easy day use distance for the entire Lower Mainland. We have a Bicycle Advisory Committee so we should start by asking for their recommendations on this subject. Again we need to complete a comprehensive plan of cycling networks which include commuting and recreational use.
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 we 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 would increase the funding for cycling infrastructure as we need to increase our cycling infrastructure for all the reasons cited above. Also if we are to increase cycling we need to make sure that people feel safe on our system. This would dictate that we need to make significant improvements and investments in the system.. Much has been done since I was on BAC but the funding has always been a significant restraint.
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?
I think this is a great idea. It would be wonderful if we have something here. The system in Vancouver allows our citizens to take the West Coast Express for instance into downtown and use a bike to get around in Vancouver.
7. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
Yes the municipality has a role in educating our road users of the road etiquette for both cyclists and motorists. It is very confusing when you are on a bike or in a car and you are not sure what the other road user is going to do. You always need to be extra cautious on the chance that they will not follow the law. Workshops can be done especially with children so they learn the rules of the road early. The Bicycle committee certainly is able to do this. Also for adults as many of them need the same information. The RCMP bike patrol has a role to play in educating the public on safe habits on the road. The signage that indicates to cars that this road is a shared route is important too.
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?
Yes e-bikes can play a role in our transportation system. They play a role in the continuum of transportation choices. People, for example, who are challenged with chronic illnesses can benefit from having a little extra help while still cycling. E-bikes definitely reduce green house gas, wear and tear on our road infrastructure and in the long term our taxes. They are a better environmental choice over cars. Because suburban development is spread out, e-bikes can potentially encourage people in the outlying areas with long distances to services to e-bike to their destinations.
9. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community?
Yes although recently I had eye procedures in both eyes and I am somewhat restricted in what I do.
I mostly drive my car. I arrange my day so that I can do all my work with one trip. Due to the nature of my contracts I frequently have too much to use a bike. Community Kitchens require too many bins of equipment and food to load on a bike! I do own a bike and for several years when I owned my restaurant “The Sunflower” I only had a bike with large baskets to travel by and actually did all my local shopping with it.
2. How would you support and encourage cycling for transportation - for people of all ages and abilities - to promote healthy and livable communities?
I would support cycling by adopting a comprehensive plan for cycling trails and routes as developed by BAC ( I understand it is part of the business plan for next year). I would also support an implementation plan, timeline and resources to fund the plan.
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 support separated bike lanes on key routes. I would want the recommendations of our Bicycle Advisory Committee and to review the plan to achieve separated bike lanes on key routes. We must have a comprehensive cycling network plan. Once we have the plan then we need an implementation plan, a timeline and the resources allocated to achieve it. To find the money without an increase to taxes we could look at our transportation infrastructure budget and reallocate a small portion of it to cycling.
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.
Off-road biking multi-use trails can benefit the residents of Maple Ridge by providing safe recreation use for everyone making us healthier and of course for our enjoyment. In addition however, this can improve our recreational tourism as we are in easy day use distance for the entire Lower Mainland. We have a Bicycle Advisory Committee so we should start by asking for their recommendations on this subject. Again we need to complete a comprehensive plan of cycling networks which include commuting and recreational use.
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 we 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 would increase the funding for cycling infrastructure as we need to increase our cycling infrastructure for all the reasons cited above. Also if we are to increase cycling we need to make sure that people feel safe on our system. This would dictate that we need to make significant improvements and investments in the system.. Much has been done since I was on BAC but the funding has always been a significant restraint.
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?
I think this is a great idea. It would be wonderful if we have something here. The system in Vancouver allows our citizens to take the West Coast Express for instance into downtown and use a bike to get around in Vancouver.
7. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
Yes the municipality has a role in educating our road users of the road etiquette for both cyclists and motorists. It is very confusing when you are on a bike or in a car and you are not sure what the other road user is going to do. You always need to be extra cautious on the chance that they will not follow the law. Workshops can be done especially with children so they learn the rules of the road early. The Bicycle committee certainly is able to do this. Also for adults as many of them need the same information. The RCMP bike patrol has a role to play in educating the public on safe habits on the road. The signage that indicates to cars that this road is a shared route is important too.
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?
Yes e-bikes can play a role in our transportation system. They play a role in the continuum of transportation choices. People, for example, who are challenged with chronic illnesses can benefit from having a little extra help while still cycling. E-bikes definitely reduce green house gas, wear and tear on our road infrastructure and in the long term our taxes. They are a better environmental choice over cars. Because suburban development is spread out, e-bikes can potentially encourage people in the outlying areas with long distances to services to e-bike to their destinations.
9. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community?
Yes although recently I had eye procedures in both eyes and I am somewhat restricted in what I do.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
John McKenzie, candidate Maple Ridge Council 2011
1) What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver?
I normally use my car within Maple Ridge, and West Coast Express for my commute to work everyday.
2) How would you support and encourage cycling for transportation - for people of all ages and abilities - to promote healthy and livable communities?
I used to be on the Ridge Meadows Volunteer Bike Patrols and know how unsafe some streets are to ride on, like Lougheed Hwy. etc. I'm in favor of dedicated bike lanes which will provide you with an added amount of safety. Making it safer is the most important way to encourage people to use their bikes!
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.
Good quality bike racks at all shopping facilities where you can secure your bike and not have to worry about it being stolen is important. Also if they would have made the sidewalks a little narrower , that would have allowed for a small bike lane on one or both sides of the downtown core improvement project. But, once again everything is geared to the use of the automobile in planner's minds at city hall! You've got to continually lobby city hall about the benefits of changing this mind set.
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.
Yes, I like the idea of off-road biking trails and would support council dong this. It will have the economic benefit of encouraging tourism to our community.
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 would increase this funding and feel it should be based on the need to encourage more bike ridership in our city. I'm going to be dusting off my own bike in the future to get the much needed exercise and save on gas! Just the health benefits to our community alone, would justify this expenditure. It is also part of the Metro 2040 Plan of building sustainable and healthy communities! And, it is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, (PHSA's) document which I gave to city hall about building healthy cities, by promoting such activities, like biking and walking, in their planning projects.
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?
I think that it is essential that we incorporate a public bike share system into our transit our planning system. Free bikes to be used by local residents within our city.
7) What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
The city has a role of promoting a health society and bike usage is part of that role. It is part of the Metro 2040 plan and part of the PHSA's building healthy cities education program.
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?
We must try and reduce our dependency on cars, and bikes are one alternative to do this. Building up our density in the city core is another way; where people can use their bikes to do their shopping instead of their cars. And, of course making it safer to ride their bikes!
9) 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. But, I'd have to whip myself back into riding shape. I remembered how it just about killed me when I first stared rideing with the bike patrols in Maple Ridge. It took about one month to get into bike ridding shape. Just ask Derrick Keist of volunteer bike patrols how I was slow to start, but whipped into excellent shape after a year of riding with them!
Thanks, VACC. You are pursuing a noble cause and our planet will thank you for it; even if certain citizen's don't realize the importance of your efforts!
I normally use my car within Maple Ridge, and West Coast Express for my commute to work everyday.
2) How would you support and encourage cycling for transportation - for people of all ages and abilities - to promote healthy and livable communities?
I used to be on the Ridge Meadows Volunteer Bike Patrols and know how unsafe some streets are to ride on, like Lougheed Hwy. etc. I'm in favor of dedicated bike lanes which will provide you with an added amount of safety. Making it safer is the most important way to encourage people to use their bikes!
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.
Good quality bike racks at all shopping facilities where you can secure your bike and not have to worry about it being stolen is important. Also if they would have made the sidewalks a little narrower , that would have allowed for a small bike lane on one or both sides of the downtown core improvement project. But, once again everything is geared to the use of the automobile in planner's minds at city hall! You've got to continually lobby city hall about the benefits of changing this mind set.
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.
Yes, I like the idea of off-road biking trails and would support council dong this. It will have the economic benefit of encouraging tourism to our community.
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 would increase this funding and feel it should be based on the need to encourage more bike ridership in our city. I'm going to be dusting off my own bike in the future to get the much needed exercise and save on gas! Just the health benefits to our community alone, would justify this expenditure. It is also part of the Metro 2040 Plan of building sustainable and healthy communities! And, it is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, (PHSA's) document which I gave to city hall about building healthy cities, by promoting such activities, like biking and walking, in their planning projects.
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?
I think that it is essential that we incorporate a public bike share system into our transit our planning system. Free bikes to be used by local residents within our city.
7) What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
The city has a role of promoting a health society and bike usage is part of that role. It is part of the Metro 2040 plan and part of the PHSA's building healthy cities education program.
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?
We must try and reduce our dependency on cars, and bikes are one alternative to do this. Building up our density in the city core is another way; where people can use their bikes to do their shopping instead of their cars. And, of course making it safer to ride their bikes!
9) 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. But, I'd have to whip myself back into riding shape. I remembered how it just about killed me when I first stared rideing with the bike patrols in Maple Ridge. It took about one month to get into bike ridding shape. Just ask Derrick Keist of volunteer bike patrols how I was slow to start, but whipped into excellent shape after a year of riding with them!
Thanks, VACC. You are pursuing a noble cause and our planet will thank you for it; even if certain citizen's don't realize the importance of your efforts!
Kiersten Duncan, candidate Maple Ridge Council 2011
1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver?
2. How would you support and encourage cycling for transportation - for people of all ages and abilities - to promote healthy and livable communities?
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.
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.
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.?
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?
7. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
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?
9. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community?
My car and my own two feet are my main modes of transport in my community and within Metro Vancouver. As I live out in the country it is often too far to bike and bus service is limited so I drive, park, than walk as much as possible. I also have two bad knees due to sports related injuries so I cycle recreationally but do not feel I would be able to bike as my main form of transportation.
2. How would you support and encourage cycling for transportation - for people of all ages and abilities - to promote healthy and livable communities?
I would support improvements and additions to our current bike lanes to make it safer and easier for cyclists to reach their destination. If elected I would like to get more public feedback on cycling issues and then work with the bicycle advisory committee to see these issues addressed. I would also like to see the public better educated about the many benefits of cycling by starting incentive programs for youth at local schools and youth centres (e.g. Greg Moore & the Leisure Centre).Not only would getting youth cycling promote a healthy active lifestyle, but it would also cut back on traffic and reduce our carbon foot print. Hopefully this will create a good habit that will transfer into adulthood for many youth. I myself need to cycle more so I can lead by example!Please read about my idea of bike lanes in Albion Flats in question 3.
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.
Whenever possible it is best to have separated bike lanes because it is safer and less stressful for both cyclists and drivers. I would like to see a separated bike lane on Albion Flats that would be parallel to Lougheed HWY. I feel this would make Lougheed far more accessible to any mode of non-vehicle transportation and encourage more people to use this route.
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.
Multi-use trails are great for getting people active and outdoors. By improving our current trails to be more bike friendly and creating new unique multi-use trails we can get more people involved in cycling. This will promote an active lifestyle and get people thinking more about cycling as a main mode of transportation. I feel putting a unique twist to our trails such as making them educational would be fun, different, and more likely to draw people out. Simple plaques about the natural surrounding’s flora and fauna located throughout a path could grow into eco-tourism for Maple Ridge.
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 don’t know how much money is allocated for cycling funding so I need to do more research on the current level of funding for cycling before I state yes or no to this question. What I can say is that I do feel cycling funding levels should reflect the potential of cycling as a means of transportation and for recreation in our community. Because cycling is a rapidly growing mode of transportation that is essential to reducing our carbon emissions I would like to ensure it gets proper funding.
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?
I think a public bike-share system is a fantastic idea and I would love to see it in Maple Ridge. I think it would be especially great in our downtown core for people who want to get their errands done quickly but in an environmentally sensitive way. They could cut down on their carbon emissions and get things done quicker than if they were driving! I do think we need to make major improvements to our bike lanes before this idea will really take off. Once we have established safer cycling routes we can look at implementing such a program. This might also work very well in conjunction with schools and trying to get kids within a few blocks to bike instead of having their parents drive them. This system has worked for many communities in Europe for years, I see no reason why we cannot make it work here.
7. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
The municipality needs to take a better role in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists, and motorists. I feel there should be a special focus on educating the public about bike safety (e.g. learning bike signals and how to share the road with cyclists) as well as the many benefits of cycling vs. driving. Because I notice very few recreational cyclists wear helmet’s I feel we should be targeting children to wear helmets in the hope that they will carry this habit into adulthood. I also love candidate Christian Cowley’s idea of more bike lockers and bike lockups near commercial enterprises. I would like to see safer lockups at schools because as a recent graduate I know theft/damage of bikes is a problem at many schools. Cowley is also advocating for a decorative bike rack contest among local businesses, I believe implementing this would be a great step by the municipality in promoting cycling.
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?
E-bikes are a great alternative to the conventional bicycle because they lessen the physical strain on cyclists who intend to ride for long distances, those with injuries such as myself, and are just plain fun! E-bikes are far more affordable compared to cars and help keep people active. I think if we advertised them and made them more readily available to our youth it could become the next big fad. E-bikes give youth who are too young to drive the independence to take themselves places. For those able to drive it is a more affordable, healthier, and environmentally friendly form of transportation.
9. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community?
Yes, I would love to come out and bike through the community. Hopefully on a sunny day!
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