Robert Masse, candidate Maple Ridge Council 2011

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

Locally I drive and also walk a lot. For my occasional trips into Vancouver I drive or take the 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?

In my practice I constantly extoll the need for regular daily exercise, be it walk, run or cycle.

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.

Where possible, practical and affordable, I definitely do. Due to a chronic lack of local jobs and shopping, the majority of Maple Ridge people are car dependent to commute to work, so I am not in favor of losing a car lane along main commuter routes.

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 its a great idea. I would welcome and give most serious consideration to proposals brought before council in this regard. It sounds like great health and quality of life benefit, low to moderate cost, and minimal environmental impact.

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 seriously consider proposals brought forward by the cycling community. I do not know what the current levels of funding are, and I will not make specific funding promises until I understand the issues and cost benefits better.

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?

If there is a successful model in place somewhere that could be copied, it sounds like a great idea.

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

Safety is of primary concern and is the collective responsibility of the individual, family, schools, municipality, province MVB, ICBC et al.

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? 

I don't know much about ebikes. Anything that safely gets people from point A to point B, with low environmental impact and without impeding other forms of transportation sounds like a good thing.


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

Quite likely, yes, thank you.

Claus Andrup, candidate Maple Ridge Council 2011

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

The Andrups are a one-car family (Jetta TDI). Claus uses the West Coast Express to get to his office in Vancouver and goes by foot around Maple Ridge. Deborah Andrup drives from East maple Ridge to West Maple for work. Daughter Olivia now lives in Vancouver where she walks only. To visit her family she gets the Sky Train or the 701 bus.

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

I don't know. This is not a subject I have given much thought to, so while I understand the appeal and can see the benefits and would support and vote for urban planning and infrastructure models that encourage cycling, I do not have any specific ideas. I would welcome any ideas that the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition may come up with from time.

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 separate lanes personally when they do not interfere with regular traffic. I always enjoyed seeing cyclists in downtown Vancouver. The lanes I fear have created (unnecessarily) a hostile environment between cyclist and driver.  

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.

A natural trail to me would be the existing horse trails. The horse trails in Maple Ridge are one of the District's unique attractions (unique if you are visiting from abroad). The horse trails could be opened to bike trail enthusiasts. Cars, trucks, buses, motorbikes and scooters co-exist on paved roads. It seems to me that bikes and horses make natural bedfellows. There may be resistance from the equestrian community. Or would there?

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 am not aware that funds existed for cycling. If they do then it seems reasonable that they should be increased from time to time to reflect the growth of cycling - there is no denying its growth in popularity. Only recently Caps opened a new store in Maple Ridge, indicating that we love cycling in Maple Ridge.

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 am Danish by birth. Visit Copenhagen for my answer.

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

I believe you mean 'has done' as opposed to 'has' (the one latter word would be the result of the former two). To answer the former I am not aware of anything the municipality has done when it comes to educating children, cyclists and motorists. There appears to be tons of room for improvement in that direction. Then again, and stealing a social media saying, it is safe to say that cycling is enjoying a 'trending' period.

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

E-bikes seem to be growing in popularity with people who are old enough to benefit from the added boost of an auxiliary power source yet young enough to enjoy the pleasures of two wheeled transport.

b. What do you see as the benefits of e-bikes as compared to cars?

E-bikes cost a fraction of a car and take up less space. A company of which I am founder and remain a director recently leased a small fleet of the much heralded Chevy Volt. Our company this year built $300 million of wind park capacity in Arizona and California.

   c. What can e-bikes mean for less densely populated suburban communities like Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows?

The older generations can move about without too much effort over greater distances - and there is evidence that they already do.

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

Certainly.

Mike Morden, candidate Maple Ridge Council 2011

1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver? Walk, drive or transit (rode for years when I was younger but not anymore)
 

2. How would you support and encourage cycling for transportation - for people of all ages and abilities - to promote healthy and livable communities? I do promote it now by being an advocate for it on our roads, on assigned paths, NOT on sidewalks as it goes the goal of a healthier 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.  I would love to support this, and if we were building a new community from scratch knowing what we know now, we would put in separated bike lines everywhere. The reality is we cannot easily do this now, but wherever possible we should and plan out routes that gets a lot of the needed connectivity. Separated bike lanes is even more important on highways for safety of cyclists.

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.  These initiatives need to be proposed by cycling groups as they know what is needed and desired. A plan and a strategy and proposed venue(s) would be the start. This will grow over time as this is a healthy and upcoming sport as well as a tourism opportunity.

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.?  funding levels come from different levels of government depending on the ownership and who has jurisdiction and maintenance obligation of the particular roadway. I support cycling lane initiatives, as well as places to park bicycles once at your destination such as downtown cores, shopping venues or other attractions.  

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 would be interested to see what this looks like to the proposed users as well as the taxpayer. I need a lot more information on this to make further comment, but it merits looking at.

7. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?  We along with health authorities and all levels of government have a responsibility to promote healthy lifestyles and we all have to participate in these programs.

8. How do you feel e-bikes can play a role in our transportation system? Ebikes are very new and I would need more information and education on them to make an informed opinion, however the benefits are fairly obvious.
What do you see as the benefits of e-bikes as compared to cars?  In light of the above I would suggest that the benefits are to our health and no pollution, and ability to ride for greater distances or trips with challenging hilly terrain.
What can e-bikes mean for less densely populated suburban communities like Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows? You can go a greater distance than a completely manual bike.

9. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community? I have some physical limitations but yes I would be interested.

Sandy MacDougal, candidate Maple Ridge Council 2011

1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver?
I am 71 years old and live in downtown Maple Ridge. For most destinations in the immediate area, I walk. For other more distant destinations, I usually drive either our car or camper-equipped truck. For recreation use, I will ride almost anywhere, ranging from downtown to Pitt Polder or Websters Corners. I seldom venture into Vancouver and would likely drive on those infrequent occasions.

2. How would you support and encourage cycling for transportation - for people of all ages and abilities - to promote healthy and livable communities?
If elected, I would encourage cycling as a means of transportation for anyone physically able. This would have to include safe cycling routes and other measures.

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.
Space permitting, separate bike lanes can be accommodated on most existing main routes. Separate cycling lanes could be included in the design phase of future main routes.

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.
The development of off-road cycling networks would have to involve long range planning such as the horse trail network in Maple Rldge. The use of volunteers and very limited amounts of capital have allowed the development of an excellent equestrian trail system. It should be easier to establish a cycling network.

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 wasn't aware that there was any credible existing level of public funding for cycling in Maple Ridge. A few buckets of paint on existing streets is not my idea of adequate funding. Huge sums aren't necessarily needed but limited amounts could aid in planning.

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? 
6: I don't think the concept of bike sharing would work in Maple Ridge at this time but it could be promoted to great advantage in urban areas such as Vamcouver. If properly planned and implemented, it would help reduce congestion and pollution on city streets.

7. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
Because the municipality already plays a key role in virtually all areas of recreation, it is obvious to me that we should also be involved in promoting cycling safety and education.

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?
The use of e-bikes as a component in our transportation system is an idea that is a bit ahead of its time but should be incorporated into the planning stage for the future.

9. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community?
 9: I am definitely interested in the idea of a VACC ride. Please keep me posted.

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Maple Ridge News: Timing is right for car-free street

Our latest column in the News. If you like the idea of creating a car-free street between Haney Place Mall and Valley Fair Mall, please write to Maple Ridge Council (mayorandcouncil@mapleridge.ca) to express your support.

Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues - October 25

Within the context of peak oil, climate change, and unpredictable energy prices, the world is rethinking the supply and use of energy. Securing a diversified energy supply, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and managing energy demand can each help build resiliency. But what strategies and alternative energy solutions hold the most promise for developing a more resilient system? What innovative actions are currently being taken to help shape a more sustainable energy future? What is the role for policy makers, investors, government bodies, academia and the private sector?

Website:

America's commutes start earlier and last longer

Not good news from our neighbours to the south:
BBC story

photo Discovery Bike Ride #7, Cranberry Festival Fort Langley

Here's a photo of a group of participants of our 7th - and probably last? - Discovery Bike Ride of this year to the Cranberry Festival in Fort Langley on Sat. October 8.

PoCo ponders bike path along Kingsway corridor

By Gary McKenna - The Tri-City News
Published: October 04, 2011 2:00 PM
Updated: October 04, 2011 2:52 PM

Port Coquitlam council is looking at a proposed $800,000 pedestrian/bike trail along Kingsway Avenue that city staff say would enhance the municipality’s east-west cycling connections.

Engineering staff are recommending councillors approve the first phase of the trail, which would run on the north side of Kingsway between Broadway Street and Wilson Avenue.

Dave Currie, the city’s manager of transportation, said the route would eventually continue right to the Mary Hill Bypass, connecting the city’s west side with the Pitt River bridge, Pitt Meadows and beyond.

“This would provide further connections to our industrial and job centres further east and also a direct connection to the Pitt River Bridge trail system,” Currie said. “It is very much a high-quality trail facility that would function well for the Tri-Cities.”

But a few hurdles must be cleared before the cycling infrastructure can be built.

The planned route would use land owned by BC Hydro, which would require permission from the Crown corporation. The city would also need a commitment from TransLink to cover 50% of the $800,000 cost as part of its cycling infrastructure funding program.

Council’s approval of the funding request, Currie said, would allow city staff to begin serious negotiations with both the transit authority and BC Hydro.

If the route is approved by council, it would be consistent with the trails outlined in the city’s Master Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan, which was adopted in 2007. That plan calls for improved crossings, easier pedestrian access to elementary schools and new sidewalks and dedicate bike routes.

The east-west bicycle crossing would also help funnel people into the city’s downtown, connecting them with other transit services, including West Coast Express as well as recreation and shopping amenities.

A paved pedestrian/bike path would be separated from the road and would have a width of approximately 3 to 4 m, said a city staff report.

Currie said that if the city receives the necessary approvals by early next year, construction on the facility could commence in spring or summer 2012.

Link to Tri-City News story:

Minneapolis surpassed Portland as most bike friendly city in US

Another example of what happens when politicians take cycling as a way of transportation seriously. Read this article and watch another excellent Streetfilms video about cycling and all its benefits in Minneapolis.