John Becker, mayoral candidate Pitt Meadows 2011

1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver?
In my community I walk, drive, ride my bike and motorcycle.  In the greater Metro area I drive and use West Coast Express.

2. How would you support and encourage cycling for transportation - for people of all ages and abilities - to promote healthy and livable communities?
Pitt Meadows has  a policy encouraging bike lanes on our roads and trail system. I have always supported  these initiatives, and plan to continue to support them.

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.
Our bike lanes are marked as such. However, my primary concern will always be safety. We currently do not have the road allowances for physically  separated  lanes, so until we can accommodate cyclists with safe routes. We will have to wait until infrastructure upgrades to these key routes will allow us to add bike lanes. In the meantime, I remain keen to find other opportunities to include bike paths in our plans around our community.

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.?
I would maintain our current policy and  programs, but I’m open to finding new and creative ways to encourage safe cycling in our community.

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 do not  see how a bike share system in Vancouver would benefit Pitt Meadows. It is too far away.

6. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
Our recreation services encourages a healthy lifestyle. This includes cycling. We work with the RCMP on safety initiatives all year round which includes cycling awareness.

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 do not have enough information to properly comment, but would be open to learning more.

8. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community?
Of course – I’m always interested in any opportunity to ride through our beautiful city.