Rick Kreklewetz, candidate Pitt Meadows Council 2011

1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver?
I work in Vancouver so my normal mode of transportation is by car or the West Coast Express.  Within Pitt Meadows and area I will use my car or walk.

2. How would you support and encourage cycling for transportation - for people of all ages and abilities - to promote healthy and livable communities?
We need to ensure we have adequate bike racks and well maintained cycling lanes and signage.   Safety is very important.

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 been very proactive in setting up bike lanes and ensuring the roads are safe for cyclists.   The use of bike lanes has helped to improve the relationship between motorist and cyclist as lanes are well marked and it creates an added safety awareness.

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.?
As mentioned previously, Pitt Meadows has a more than adequate number of bike lanes.  At this point we should establish a fund to ensure we maintain our existing facilities as well as ensure we can develop future lanes for any new roadways within the city.

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 it is a great idea for a high density area such as Vancouver and could benefit some of the commuters in the area that work downtown.

6. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
The municipality should promote and support cycling education and partner with local newspapers, cycling groups and schools to promote the benefits of cycling and safety.

7. How do you feel e-bikes can play a role in our transportation system?
I believe e- bikes should be part of our transportation system.
What do you see as the benefits of e-bikes as compared to cars?
There are several benefits; economic as  they are a cost efficient mode of transportation and their use may improve traffic flows.
What can e-bikes mean for less densely populated suburban communities like Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows?
It provides an alternative transportation method and one that can be utilized by people who may not be able to travel longer distances on a convention bike.

8. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community?
Yes.  I’d appreciate the invite.

Gay Conn, candidate Pitt Meadows Council 2011

1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver?
I normally use a vehicle to commute to my job which is in a rural location. When I occasionally travel to Downtown Vancouver I take the West Coast Express or Skytrain whenever possible. I enjoy walking in my community and occasionally cycling. When I have the time to ride anything it would likely be my horse.

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 is a leader in creating bike lanes. Continuing this practice will make cycling more attractive to more people. Additionally encouraging businesses to provide bike lock ups for their employees and customers ensures the safe storage of a person’s bike when they leave them unattended. Encouraging our children at an early age to cycle whenever possible will help create a lifestyle for their future.

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 do love getting out on a nice day and riding on the many miles of trails and dykes that we have available in this Pitt Meadows. I personally could not ride to work due to location and the fact that I often need my car while working. Also our climate is not conducive to cycling year round. This does not mean that I would not support and encourage another person’s right to have safe access and roads to use for transportation purposes. I’m not sure what is meant by separated cycling facilities. Currently our trail systems are for the enjoyment of walkers, cyclists, horseback riding and others. Most of our major roadways in Pitt Meadows have designated bike lanes.

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.?
Bike riding has many desirable benefits for our communities and I am most definitely in favor of creating an environment that supports cycling. Funding levels must be relative to the needs of the whole community and the City’s ability to support those costs. If the City could afford to increase funding then I would be in favor of doing so.

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 had never heard of this before. After some research, I think this sounds like a very interesting way to encourage the use of transit coupled with cycling. A successful Vancouver based bike-share system could provide our community with ideas on the best way to implement something similar in our community. The main issue I see is that I feel this program would work well in an urban area like Vancouver , but would be challenging in our communities due to the rural nature of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows and transit limitations.

6. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
Every community can offer opportunities for the Bike Coalition to promote their cause. Information booths at local fairs, community events, and markets are a great way to promote awareness. Today’s social media networks such as Twitter and Facebook reach a phenomenal number of people very quickly. Partnering with School Boards, ICBC, local police, are also ways to augment whatever way each municipality is able to help create 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?
As a seasonal alternative to cars I think that e-bikes would work. For people whose distance traveled would be more feasible on an e-bike as opposed to under their own steam, this could be the incentive required to switch over and get out of their cars.

8. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community?
In September, due to a horse riding accident I broke both wrists, and am now recovering from surgery. Any activity requiring wrist strength or coordination is not possible. I would be happy to help in some other way.

Michael Hayes, candidate Pitt Meadows Council 2011

1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver?
 - Small car within our community
 - West Coast Express or small car when unavoidable while traveling to Metro Vancouver

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

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, this is important for added rider safety

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 like to see an increase in cycling funding and development planning from our current levels.

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?
- This would certainly be afavourable area of consideration for both Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows current and future development planning. However, I feel first creating more adequate and safer bike pathways would be a more of a priority.

6. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
- As leaders of our community I believe it is important to promote a healthier lifestylewhere ever possible.

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 have personally seen a definite increase in the use of E-Bikes over the past few years. I believe this is a very positive trend and would like to see this continue. E-Bikes can provide an instant low cost solution for local travel and aid in the reduction of traffic congestion and environmental issues.

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

Gwen O'Connell, candidate Pitt Meadows Council 2011

1.    What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver? I normally do drive unless I am going to an event down town and then I use sky train. I drive to New West and take the sky train from there.

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

I think we need to make bike lanes mandatory on the roads that have been built wide enough to have them. We also need to start encouraging our children to ride bikes to school and sports and have a proper lock up area at each of the places so that they do not have to worry about someone stealing their bike.
 

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 do not support separated bike lanes on key routes in our community because unfortunately most of our residents travel long distances to go to work outside the community. We are very dependent on the vehicle in our community as we do not have good bus service or a commuter train that runs all day and night. We need to start encouraging businesses and companies to start building their companies out in the valley more so that people do not have to travel so far to get to work. I think where separated bike lanes should be on the one way streets and you should still keep the street open on one lane for cars and one lane for bikes.

4.    If elected would you to increase or decrease cycling funding from current levels? Do you 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 for transportation and for recreation, but also in view of the many desirable benefits cycling for individuals as well as for our communities/society, such as health benefits ,improved livability, reduced greenhouses gasses/pollution, reduced oil – dependency, reduced need for expensive car infrastructure/parking lots, reduced congestion, etc?

I think we do need to continue to fund cycling and always keep an eye on ways that we can get more people out of their cars. We need to encourage ways for people to travel together and make the large companies more responsible to help find ways for their workers to get to them greener. How can workers that pack large tools boxes get to their jobs on the bus or bike that just will not work. If we could just encourage children to ride bikes to school that would start the change in habit that we need to start.
 

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 bike share system is awesome it works very well in Europe and other countries and it would work here. I think it would benefit the residents in our community that work downtown and the train or bus station does not go that close to their office they could hop on a bike and ride the rest of the way.
 

6.    What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
I think every level of government is responsible for this we have to all work together on the same page or this will take way to long to implement changes in how we commute.

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 love e bikes for some people they are way more affordable and they can travel quite a distance. This would probably be a better solution for communities like ours that do not have good bus service and way better for our environment.

8.    Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community?
I personally could not do this as it would be very scary for people to see me riding a bike years ago I loved it but now it is better for our residents for me to walk.  

David Murray, candidate Pitt Meadows Council 2011

1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver?
I like to try and walk as much as possible in my community , a lot of the shopping is very close to where live; and within Metro Vancouver, the West Coast Express, SkyTrain  as well as my car.

2. How would you support and encourage cycling for transportation - for people of all ages and abilities - to promote healthy and livable communities? 
We need to have more distinct cycling paths. I have had a couple of friends that have died in cycle accidents, I would support this initiative wherever possible. Having cycling options helps us become a much more sustainable community.

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.
Getting separate bike lanes is key. I think it would be important to be able to engage in stake holders and be in a position to lobby senior levels of government to help fund some of these projects. Getting people out of their cars is key to reducing our carbon footprint . This is something all politicians need to look at in a serious manner.

4. If elected, would you aim to increase or decrease cycling funding from current levels?
Pitt Meadows has one of the best main transportation route cycling lanes in the lower mainland. Having said that I would always look at trying to make our community more sustainable and a key way is to offer more options to get people out of their cars.

4 a. 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 am very supportive of  the health benefits, improved livability and reduced greenhouse gasses/pollution and reduced oil-dependency that cycling brings into making our community more sustainable.  I would support more funding for cycling initiatives in our community.

5. What is your level of interest in a public bike-share system integrated with the transit system?
I think this is a great idea! We need to make it more accessible for everyone, regardless of their age or physical challenges.
How do you think a public bike-share system in Vancouver can benefit Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows residents?  
First off it will make it a better option for our riders (transit/bike) passengers to get to a location and then continue their travels without having to pay horrific parking rates. This will be a benefit. And of course less traffic in Vancouver would make it easier once travellers from MR/Pitt got into town.

6. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?  
Being on council, I would advocate for supporting and promoting cycling education.  It is important for the City of Pitt Meadows to show leadership and work towards  building more and safer cycling routes.

7. How do you feel e-bikes can play a role in our transportation system? 

e-bikes are another way to engage people in cycling.

I think anything that will help make our community become more sustainable in the future has to be considered.
What do you see as the benefits of e-bikes as compared to cars? 
Again , sustainability coupled with health benefits will make supporting e-bikes a worthwhile project in the immediate future.
What can e-bikes mean for less densely populated suburban communities like Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows? 
Again the biggest benefit is creating sustainability , this will create an opportunity to be able to link the two communities in a way that needs to happen in the future.

8. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community?
I would be happy to take part as an active member.

John Clancy, candidate Pitt Meadows Council 2011

1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver?
I primarily drive. Being a stay at home Dad of 3 young girls during the day, most of my transportation requires a vehicle.

2. How would you support and encourage cycling for transportation - for people of all ages and abilities - to promote healthy and livable communities?
Good question, but honestly, I don't know how. I think the best starting point is to ask people like yourself who have a passion for it and have better ideas than me. My cycling is limited to the capabilities of my 7, 5 and 2 year old daughters, so we typically stay relatively close to home and use existing trails, dykes and lanes.

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.
The last census showed that 85% of the people that live in Pitt Meadows work outside the community. I would think most of them work far enough away that they wouldn't ride to work even if you paid them to. This could very well be chalked up to my own ignorance, but my gut feeling is that most of our citizens see cycling as a recreational activity and not an alternative mode of transportation to their vehicles. However, the roadways north of Lougheed Highway are completely unsafe for cyclists but also are really desireable places to ride. I would concentrate efforts on widening roads to accomodate cycling lanes there.

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.?
One of the major components of my election platform is getting our City's fiscal navigation back on track. I'm not going to support cuts to funding for any of our community's recreation, but I can't say that I'll support additional funding either. I think there is an opportunity to spend our exisiting tax dollars more efficiently and when it comes to reallocating these savings back to the community, it would come down to the difference of needs and wants. Aside from the need to make the roadways north of Lougheed safer for cyclists, the wants of the cycling community would go up against other recreational activities' needs and, to be honest, lose my support.  

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 it's an idea with merit given the concentration of our City's population into areas that aren't part of the Agricultural Land Reserves. Over time though, I think we would find most of the public bikes would be concentrated at our two shopping malls or the West Coast Express station. There are definately some logisitical problems to consider, but I think it's a good idea.

6. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
It definately has a role in making it safe to cycle and promoting healthy activities in general. As far as education goes, I think the role becomes more weighted towards enforcement. A cycling fair supported by the City to teach kids how to ride whose parents either don't know how or have time to teach would be a good start. As far as educating motorists though, I'm more stick than carrot on that one. I used to ride 30 kms a day to get back and forth to UVic and cyclist education is pretty staight forward. Ride defensively and assume that every car doesn't see you. 

7. How do you feel e-bikes can play a role in our transportation system?
No idea what they are.
What do you see as the benefits of e-bikes as compared to cars?
See above.
What can e-bikes mean for less densely populated suburban communities like Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows?
Dido.

8. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community?
You bet! Please don't expect to see Eddy Merckx though, more like Julie Andrews.

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.

Janis Elkerton, candidate Pitt Meadows Council 2011

1)Mode of transport in Pitt Meadows and within Metro Vancouver 

I use the car primarily in town but utilise the West Coast Express and Sky Train when travelling to Vancouver for meetings and events. I walk or cycle for exercise and pleasure on our dykes.

 

2)How would you support cycling for transportation to promote healthy and liveable communities?

When on Council I supported including separated bike lanes on our new transportation projects including the Golden Ears and Pitt River Bridges. Pitt Meadows has integrated their greenways on the dykes with dedicated bike lanes in the City. We also have installed new bike lanes in the major road networks of our ALR to provide easier and safer access to our picturesque dykes. Both businesses and the City have installed bike racks for security. And on Pitt Meadows Days we have provided bike storage manned by volunteers to encourage alternatives to the car transportation. I would also encourage senior levels of government to provide grants to communities that reduce pollution and promote healthy lifestyles by increasing the number of separated bike lanes in their communities.

 

3) Separated bike lanes on key routes are the number one thing to get people on bikes

As a health professional I am well aware that safety is the number one concern for bikers and their families. As I have stated I have supported inclusion of bike lanes in new transportation projects. When doing maintenance and repair of key transportation corridors I would include the construction of new bike lanes. Senior levels of government have provided matching in the past "green initiatives" for which bike lanes have qualified.

 

4) If elected would you increase or decrease cycling funding from current levels?

I believe Pitt Meadows has been very supportive of cycling in the past. That does not mean there is not room for improvement. There is only one taxpayer who funds all levels of government. Pitt Meadows has to ensure we look at every grant opportunity to take advantage of funding for promotion of cycling in our community. I believe cycling provides all the tangible and intangible benefits you have listed especially in regards to the health and liveability of our City and citizens,  now and in the future. So as with any corporate lifecycle asset, cycling funding should increase with time.

 

5) What is your level of interest in a public bike/share system integrated with the transportation network? And how would a public bike/share system work for Pitt Meadows?

Since the majority of our residents commute to work, often long distances, this bike/share system would be essential for getting more people out of their cars. Integrating it with the transportation network is the key. Convenience, safety and reliability are key components encouraging the public to change  their ingrained habits.

 

6) What has the City done in promoting and supporting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?

The City has a Bicycle Advisory Committee which has had strong representation in the past from Council liaisons and community volunteers. It helps these advocates have been enthusiastic cyclists themselves. This group, which is affiliated with Parks and Recreation, has provided planning for inclusion of bike lanes and paths, especially  in our OCP (Official Community Plan). The Municipal Advisory Committee on Accessibility Issues also deals with planning for separated lanes for scooters and bikes . Public education and promotion of cycling issues have been done with Council presentations and Council reports from the liaisons to these committees.

 

7) How do you feel e-bikes can play a role in the transportation system? What do you see as  the benefits of the e-bike in comparison to the car?

E-bikes have a number of benefits for our transportation system. The escalating costs of providing new roads/bridges is unsustainable for the public purse. E-bikes could be encouraged and utilised as the "second car" for local transportation. Residents could use their e-bikes in our safe bike lanes to do local business and shopping. E-bikes reduce pollution, which is so important with our increased global warming  concerns. They also reduce stress with their slower pace and allow our residents to really experience our community. Instead of just rushing from place to place.

 

8) Would you be interested in a cycling experience in your community?

Absolutely. I always found Council "road trips" beneficial for planning and making decisions for our community.

Doug Bing, candidate Pitt Meadows Council 2011

1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver?  My normal modes of transportation used within my community are my own two feet and my car; and within Metro Vancouver, the West Coast Express, SkyTrain, Sea Bus and my car.
 

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 encourage all communities to build more separated cycling paths.  Safety is number one in my mind because cyclists are so vulnerable and at risk to injury or death whenever there is an accident involving cars and bicycle riders. Cyclists and motorists have always had  an uneasy co-existence when they share road space.  

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 target and develop positive personal relationships with the politicians and people of influence who could help to bring about the change that you are seeking. If you have a good relationship built it is easier to educate and convince people to help you, compared to sending them a document to read and naively expecting them to support your cause when there are so many competing causes out there.    

4. If elected, would you aim to increase or decrease cycling funding from current levels? 

I am a big supporter of cycling for all the reasons you have mentioned, transportation, recreation, health benefits, fewer cars on the road, less green house gas created, etc. but the reality is, in Pitt Meadows we have the most cycling paths per capita in the lower mainland and it is not an easy sell to increase funding from current levels although I am always pleased to see recommendations from staff to increase cycling funding.   

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 am very supportive of more funding for cycling initiatives in our communities and would like it to reflect the potential of cycling but as an experienced Councillor, I am also aware of competing interests and political realities . 

5. What is your level of interest in a public bike-share system integrated with the transit system? 

I think it would be a wonderful idea.  I have been in many cities where they have successful public bike-share programs.  One thing I noticed though is that none of these places had helmet laws which tends to be one more admittedly poor excuse for people to not cycle. I was in Britain last year and I noticed that at every commuter station outside of London there were hundreds of bicycles parked as there was no parking for cars so people rode their bikes to the stations in the mornings and home again at night.  

How do you think a public bike-share system in Vancouver can benefit Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows residents?   

Vancouver, because of its size, is a trend-setter for the region and I think if Vancouver can get a successful program off the ground, it will benefit Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows residents by showing us what could be done. 

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

As the level of government closest to the people, I think the municipality has a key role in supporting and promoting cycling education.  It is important for the municipality to show leadership and work with cycling advocates like yourselves to support cycling through its OCP, planning and building more and safer cycling paths.

7. How do you feel e-bikes can play a role in our transportation system?  

e-bikes are just one more piece of the puzzle; not everyone is young enough or fit enough to cycle long distances so this is one more way to get people out of their cars and onto a bike. The more people we get out of cars and onto bicycle paths the better as more people on bikes can never be a bad thing in a car-obsessed society.
What do you see as the benefits of e-bikes as compared to cars?   

Read the second half of question 4 on the "desirable benefits of cycling."

What can e-bikes mean for less densely populated suburban communities like Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows?  
It is one more option for people and to reiterate what I have already said, "more people on bikes can never be a bad thing!"

8. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community? 
Sure, love to!

Tracy Miyashita, candidate Pitt Meadows Council 2011

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

I live and work in my community so I walk, drive and cycle to get around the community.

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

I support cycling for people of all ages. It promotes health, cleaner cities, and is a method of transportation that actually reduces stress. Many cities in Europe use cycling as the main mode of transportation and I would love to see more cycling in our community. To do this we need to make it easier for people to get around our community safely on a bike and to be able to park their bike safety at thier destination. This begins with planning our communities when we building new roads/developments and insisting businesses put in bike racks. Events such as Bike to Work Week/Bike to school, etc help promote cycling. Certainly the new gas tax should help encourage cycling more as well!!

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 done a good job of supporting cycling as transportation through safe bike lanes and separated pathways along the Lougheed. Whenever a new road/development is approved we create bike lanes and all of our buildings, parks,etc have bike racks.

I have a child who prefers to cycle to school and enjoys cycling with me to run errands. As a parent, my child's safety is number one and makes me more comfortable when I feel our routes accommodate for cyclists.

 

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 think funding should be increased to support cycling as a strong alternative method of transportation - not only for recreation, but for commuting to work as well. We put a lot of dollars into highways, road rehabillitation, as well as health problems, yet do not focus on health alternatives such as cycling that are often cheaper to fund.

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 love this idea and think this would benefit our residents.

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

I think the municipality plays a strong role in advocating for cycling and could work with other partners to get this message across. Currently we have a joint Bicycle Advisory Committee with Maple Ridge in which city planning departments and Parks and Leisure staff participate, along with community representatives. I think we could also work with schools more to promote safe cycling to school.

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?

The clear benefit for e-bikes compared to cars is the reduction in pollution. There are also economic benefits of saving gas and insurance fees. They offer an improved quality of life as an alternative to driving. E-bikes would be more appealing to those with limited phyical ability because they are electric and don't require a high level of fitness. They are quite easy to use so people of any age could operate them.

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

The rides are a great opportunity for families to have fun together and to see more of the community on their bikes. I would love to come on the next ride.