“Peak car use will generate a growing rationale for removal of high-capacity roads and conversion of space to support transit, walking and cycling and the urbanism of the new city.”
Read this interesting article in the Globe and Mail.
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.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Dana Lang, candidate Maple Ridge Council 2011
1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver?
I normally drive to work but my husband and I will car share so sometimes I take the bus or West Coast express home.
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 for all ages by creating larger bike lanes and larger sidewalks. the bike lanes are to small with to much debris in them and to close to cars.
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.
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 cycling on key routes we need just larger bike lanes and more places to lock up your bike securely
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.
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.
Maple Ridge does haveThe woodlot and trails in Golden Ears Park. The terrain of Maple Ridge is perfect for mountain biking. We also have the dikes for family friendly rides. I believe Maple Ridge Should do more for Mountain biking as it would bring in income to Maple Ridge as Eco-tourism. Squamish and Whistler are doing it so should we. We need systems and trail in place so that people would bike. I think the main reasons people don't bike is safety, regarding dealing with cars, the weather and the terrain. I think we can address 2 of these issues. It will put more people on bikes and less cars on the road.
5. If elected, would you aim to increase or decrease cycling funding from current levels? Do you feel that cycling funding levels should merely reflect the present level of cycling in our communities, or should it reflect the potential of cycling - not only as a means of transportation and for recreation, but also in view of the many desirable benefits cycling has for individuals as well as for our communities/society, such as health benefits, improved livability, reduced greenhouse gasses/pollution, reduced oil-dependency, reduced need for expensive car infrastructure/parking lots, reduced congestion, etc.?
I think cycling has lots of benefits for the community. I would have to look at funding and find creative way to support cycling. Maple Ridge pays high land taxes. and I really believe in looking for ways to do more with less.
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 don't know about the bike share program. I would like to learn more if you could forward that info to me that would be great.
7. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?Children should know how to cycle. Just like they should know how to swim. These are milestones in a child's life. I believe that parents should be involved with their child's education regarding biking. It would be great if there could be extra curricular classes and clubs lead by teachers or volunteers regarding safe biking. My son's school has a mountain bike club and it has been a highlight of his high school years. I would also love to see bike to school groups encourage by parents and volunteers, this would take more cars of the road and provide exercise for the students. We need signs letting cars know that they need to share the road. and safe bike ways for children.
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?
Please let me know more about e bikes.
9. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community?
Wow a bike ride! I don't think I'm in shape enough I would slow you down. I definitely would love to come out and meet you. Thanks again for sending me this email and I appreciate all you do to make this place, healthier, greener and safer.
Friday, October 21, 2011
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?
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?
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!
Alex Pope, candidate Maple Ridge Council 2011
1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver?
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 commute from Maple Ridge to Vancouver twice per week, usually by bicycle (I telecommute on the other three days). I occasionally use my car or the West Coast Express to get to Vancouver. For getting around Maple Ridge, I use my car, walk or cycle, depending on where I am going.
2. How would you support and encourage cycling for transportation - for people of all ages and abilities - to promote healthy and livable communities?
The concern most people express when talking about reasons they don’t use their bike for transportation is safety. A white line on the road doesn’t protect cyclists in bike lanes from automobiles. Separated bike infrastructure is what is required to get people of all ages and abilities willing to consider using their bike, at least some of the time, for transportation.
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.
Maple Ridge is in desperate need of a separated East-West cycling route. There have been suggestions that a cycling path along 128th and Abernethy Way would be a good choice. While I support this route, I don’t think it is the most important route, as it is too far north to connect to places within Maple Ridge where people might ride their bikes for transportation. A route in the vicinity of the Dewdney-Lougheed corridor, while likely more difficult to build, will have a greater benefit in encouraging cycling for transportation because it can connect to shopping areas in Haney, the West Coast Express Stations, and denser residential areas.
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.
Separated cycling infrastructure is actually the cheapest form of transportation network to build and once built, it is also the cheapest to maintain. Translink’s vision is to have 15% of all trips less than 8km made using a bicycle by 2040. This doesn’t seem like a lot but it is enough to make a noticeable impact on reducing traffic congestion on our local roads and possibly reducing the need to spend tax dollars on future road expansion.
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.?
If elected I would aim to increase cycling funding to 3% of the Maple Ridge transportation services budget. I believe this can be done by reallocating funding and not increasing taxes. This doesn’t sound like much but is a significant increase from what we are currently spending and should be enough, by taking advantage of matching funding from senior governments, to build a separated multi-use trail from 203rd to 240th in five years. Allocation levels of funding to cycling need to reflect the potential benefits to our community.
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?
Public bike-share systems have proven to be popular and successful in many large cities around the world. The City of Vancouver is in the process of obtaining proposals for a bike-share system there, which would benefit Maple Ridge residents get around Vancouver if they were to commute by transit. I would be very hesitant about supporting a bike-share system for Maple Ridge with our current level of cycling infrastructure. Ten years into the future, when we have better cycling infrastructure, this may be an option here as well.
7. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
The Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition has outstanding courses for adult cyclists (the Streetwise Cycling Courses) and students (Bike to School). Cycling BC is also now offering cycling training for students. One of the municipality’s roles should be to recommend and promote these courses in our community. Another role for the municipality is to keep all road users informed about safety on our road systems via local newspapers and educational material at community events.
8. How do you feel e-bikes can play a role in our transportation system? You can already see e-bikes in use anywhere that bicycles are used, including Maple Ridge. They are a benefit to anyone who would like to get out on a bicycle but has some difficulties due to fitness or physical limitations. My wife, Barb, has Fibromyalgia and, as a result, has difficulty with physical exercise, including riding a bicycle. We are considering converting her bike to an e-bike so that she will be able to keep up with our kids when going out for a family bike ride.
8. How do you feel e-bikes can play a role in our transportation system? You can already see e-bikes in use anywhere that bicycles are used, including Maple Ridge. They are a benefit to anyone who would like to get out on a bicycle but has some difficulties due to fitness or physical limitations. My wife, Barb, has Fibromyalgia and, as a result, has difficulty with physical exercise, including riding a bicycle. We are considering converting her bike to an e-bike so that she will be able to keep up with our kids when going out for a family bike ride.
What do you see as the benefits of e-bikes as compared to cars?E-bikes have all the same mobility and cost-saving benefits that bikes have as compared to cars but add the limitation that they need to be charged regularly.
What can e-bikes mean for less densely populated suburban communities like Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows?
Maple Ridge has a few hills which, for some people, is a disincentive to use a bike. An e-bike can provide the assistance for climbing a hill that some people need. This can allow a few more people to use a mode of transportation other than their car.
9. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community?
I have really enjoyed the Discovery bike rides that the VACC have put on in our community, as have my kids. The destinations and routes have been well thought out and accessible to a wide range of cyclists. I would be happy to join the VACC for more rides.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Bruce Bell, candidate Pitt Meadows Council 2011
1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver?
I live in Pitt Meadows and I work in Vancouver. I drive a car to work and I use my car within the community of Pitt Meadows. I do cycle on the dykes for recreation.
2. How would you support and encourage cycling for transportation - for people of all ages and abilities - to promote healthy and livable communities?
I am in support of cycling. Promotion and communication is needed. I would support $ coming from the budget to promote safe cycling programmes.
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.
Safety is number one. I would support separate bike lanes on key routes.
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 elected I would be in favour of increasing cycling funds from current levels. Pitt Meadows is a great place to have safe cycling lanes. We are fortunate because 86% of our land is agricultural. We need to ensure that we have safe cycling lanes so we can tie the urban to the rural. We have the benifit of being able to use the dykes and the lesser used farm roads for cycling. The benefits of cycling are obvious, the concern is 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?
I think the public bike- share system is a good idea. When Vancouver goes a head with it I think it could be of benefit to folks commuting via transit from Pitt Meadows/ Maple Ridge.
I think the public bike- share system is a good idea. When Vancouver goes a head with it I think it could be of benefit to folks commuting via transit from Pitt Meadows/ Maple Ridge.
6. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
I think the Municipality should have a partnership role in the support and promotion of safe cycling amongst the children,cyclists and the motorists.
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 think e-bikes are good. Especially for the senior residents who may have some difficulty with a standard bicycle. Again with safe bike lanes, e-bikes in some cases could replace cars as the choice of transportation.
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 think e-bikes are good. Especially for the senior residents who may have some difficulty with a standard bicycle. Again with safe bike lanes, e-bikes in some cases could replace cars as the choice of transportation.
8. 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 in a bike ride thru our community.
Tracy Miyashita, candidate Pitt Meadows Council 2011
1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver?
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.
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?
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?
Jacques Blackstone, candidate Maple Ridge Council 2011
1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver?
I have to travel by car. I work in the film industry and the locations and hours change all the time. On top of that, there is equipment I need to carry with me that does not like rain and sometimes weighs over 100lbs. I cycle with my 2 boys on my side street as it is the only safe street to cycle on. I wish that there were safer routes to take and travel further but I must live with what is provided. I do, however, walk my boy to kindergarten every morning instead of driving (rain or shine) and do my part in reducing emissions and promote health.
2. How would you support and encourage cycling for transportation - for people of all ages and abilities - to promote healthy and livable communities?
For now I would allow for bicycles to ride on sidewalks (provided they dismount and respect pedestrians) as we do not have designated bike lanes but all of this has to be done within logical reason. We do live in a mountainous part of the world. Going downhill is great but I’m sorry pedaling up a hill is not fun. Maple Ridge is not designed as a downtown type of lifestyle as Vancouver and alternate modes of transportation did not seem to be part of the planner’s visions in the past. Should we start to introduce lanes for cyclists, segways, rollerblades, joggers, mom’s with strollers? Yes. But everyone also seems to forget that we do live in a rainforest and our municipality being that much closer to the mountains attracts more rain.
I love the dike for a bike, but to take my kids there we need to drive there. A 3 and 5 year old on the Abernethy connector is pure insanity.
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’m only, and emphasize only, in support of separated cycle lanes if it does not take away from existing car lanes. Cyclists share the road with cars which is fine. But many cyclists do not follow the rules of the road. They will cross red lights, merge with traffic, go opposite of traffic, so in all of these regards, I do not think we should proliferate the expansion of cycle lanes until we can get a clear cut definition of the rules, proper cyclist road tests, licenses, and insurance.
It may sound a little harsh what I said but when it’s dark out in rush hour and the rain is coming down sideways in January and I have a cyclist darting out in front of me, who’s fault is the pending accident?
So back to your question about cycle lanes on key routes: No. For their safety, keep them away from potential harm. To penalize a car driver’s and cyclists’ safety is not a good idea. We have so many side streets that we could seriously look into creating bike lanes in the residential areas (side streets) and create a bike crossing preference.
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.
Personally, I cannot comment on this as I am not a mountain biker. I do help out yearly in the BC Bike Race that lasts 7 days, but have no involvement in the tracks. The logical answer to this question is to get a couple of mountain bikers and ask them. I can recommend some individuals as they are the ones that manage these global events. But really, how many bike trail enthusiasts do we have in Maple Ridge to justify a financial expense paid by tax dollars?
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.?
Again, we live in a mountainous rain forest that gets cold. This kind of hardcore cycling is only shared by few. All you are saying in this question is true: we should reduce pollution, but not at the cost of our citizens. My wife cannot ride a bike and carry 2 children to the grocery store and back.
We need to build a better infrastructure of roads that reduce stops and starts and promote the electric car. If you own and drive an electric car, to allow single riders in car pool lanes, designate closer parking spots for electric vehicles, reduce the hydro bill of an electric car owner, etc… Incentives for everyone and not just one group.
This would do everything you are saying in a matter of years. We have to be logical and realistic as to where we live, not how to make us live. Forcing people to commute a certain way is not freedom. Giving us the electric car with incentives is freedom from oil.
No matter the path we take in developing our infrastructure, the one thing we need is better roads with less stops and less ‘T’ intersections that cause collisions. If we add rail, or bike lanes, or electric cars, or gondolas, or whatever the ‘catch-phrase’ of the day may be, traffic flow is the key. We need to respect the commuters time away from home and bring them home sooner. That will benefit what we know as family, as more family time is important for our children.
We need to re-think this global initiative of urban planning as looking ahead by 10 or 20 years is not enough. We need to look ahead at 100 years and build it once and build it right. It will save us money in the long run, save us time right now, and build a socially cohesive community.
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?
None whatsoever. We are all about to pay more in gas tax for a transit system that is a ½ hour drive from here (over 1 hour on a bike). If Vancouver wishes to adopt a system as this, the more power to them.
7. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
When I was a kid (in Montreal), my friends and I rode our bicycles to school and everywhere else, everyday! When the snows came, we took the school bus. Today it seems that school buses are pretty much gone and parents who have to get to work have to drive their kids to school. We cannot penalize the hard working citizen for an infrastructure that was ill-designed to start with that only allows for cars.
Every child likes riding a bike already; just let them be. You cannot promote an ideology into a child that one day may have to commute to Vancouver for employment. Maple Ridge has not allowed for business growth and now wants to penalize commuters for having to drive to work and earn a living.
Let me put it this way: if all of the municipality employees and elected officials start riding their bikes to work, then maybe the municipality can better justify this initiative (lead by example). Just like Translink: I would love to see the CEO and VP’s take a bus.
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 what an e-bike is; this needs clarification. I’ve got an iBike, not an e-bike.
9. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community?
I would love to but I have to pass. At the age of 45, there are some things that my body has done with age that a bicycle will injure. I support you 100% as since biking is something you are passionate about, no one should be denounced their passion but no one should impose their passions on others. We live in a free country and a Democracy and that’s what I intend to uphold.
I have to travel by car. I work in the film industry and the locations and hours change all the time. On top of that, there is equipment I need to carry with me that does not like rain and sometimes weighs over 100lbs. I cycle with my 2 boys on my side street as it is the only safe street to cycle on. I wish that there were safer routes to take and travel further but I must live with what is provided. I do, however, walk my boy to kindergarten every morning instead of driving (rain or shine) and do my part in reducing emissions and promote health.
2. How would you support and encourage cycling for transportation - for people of all ages and abilities - to promote healthy and livable communities?
For now I would allow for bicycles to ride on sidewalks (provided they dismount and respect pedestrians) as we do not have designated bike lanes but all of this has to be done within logical reason. We do live in a mountainous part of the world. Going downhill is great but I’m sorry pedaling up a hill is not fun. Maple Ridge is not designed as a downtown type of lifestyle as Vancouver and alternate modes of transportation did not seem to be part of the planner’s visions in the past. Should we start to introduce lanes for cyclists, segways, rollerblades, joggers, mom’s with strollers? Yes. But everyone also seems to forget that we do live in a rainforest and our municipality being that much closer to the mountains attracts more rain.
I love the dike for a bike, but to take my kids there we need to drive there. A 3 and 5 year old on the Abernethy connector is pure insanity.
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’m only, and emphasize only, in support of separated cycle lanes if it does not take away from existing car lanes. Cyclists share the road with cars which is fine. But many cyclists do not follow the rules of the road. They will cross red lights, merge with traffic, go opposite of traffic, so in all of these regards, I do not think we should proliferate the expansion of cycle lanes until we can get a clear cut definition of the rules, proper cyclist road tests, licenses, and insurance.
It may sound a little harsh what I said but when it’s dark out in rush hour and the rain is coming down sideways in January and I have a cyclist darting out in front of me, who’s fault is the pending accident?
So back to your question about cycle lanes on key routes: No. For their safety, keep them away from potential harm. To penalize a car driver’s and cyclists’ safety is not a good idea. We have so many side streets that we could seriously look into creating bike lanes in the residential areas (side streets) and create a bike crossing preference.
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.
Personally, I cannot comment on this as I am not a mountain biker. I do help out yearly in the BC Bike Race that lasts 7 days, but have no involvement in the tracks. The logical answer to this question is to get a couple of mountain bikers and ask them. I can recommend some individuals as they are the ones that manage these global events. But really, how many bike trail enthusiasts do we have in Maple Ridge to justify a financial expense paid by tax dollars?
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.?
Again, we live in a mountainous rain forest that gets cold. This kind of hardcore cycling is only shared by few. All you are saying in this question is true: we should reduce pollution, but not at the cost of our citizens. My wife cannot ride a bike and carry 2 children to the grocery store and back.
We need to build a better infrastructure of roads that reduce stops and starts and promote the electric car. If you own and drive an electric car, to allow single riders in car pool lanes, designate closer parking spots for electric vehicles, reduce the hydro bill of an electric car owner, etc… Incentives for everyone and not just one group.
This would do everything you are saying in a matter of years. We have to be logical and realistic as to where we live, not how to make us live. Forcing people to commute a certain way is not freedom. Giving us the electric car with incentives is freedom from oil.
No matter the path we take in developing our infrastructure, the one thing we need is better roads with less stops and less ‘T’ intersections that cause collisions. If we add rail, or bike lanes, or electric cars, or gondolas, or whatever the ‘catch-phrase’ of the day may be, traffic flow is the key. We need to respect the commuters time away from home and bring them home sooner. That will benefit what we know as family, as more family time is important for our children.
We need to re-think this global initiative of urban planning as looking ahead by 10 or 20 years is not enough. We need to look ahead at 100 years and build it once and build it right. It will save us money in the long run, save us time right now, and build a socially cohesive community.
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?
None whatsoever. We are all about to pay more in gas tax for a transit system that is a ½ hour drive from here (over 1 hour on a bike). If Vancouver wishes to adopt a system as this, the more power to them.
7. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
When I was a kid (in Montreal), my friends and I rode our bicycles to school and everywhere else, everyday! When the snows came, we took the school bus. Today it seems that school buses are pretty much gone and parents who have to get to work have to drive their kids to school. We cannot penalize the hard working citizen for an infrastructure that was ill-designed to start with that only allows for cars.
Every child likes riding a bike already; just let them be. You cannot promote an ideology into a child that one day may have to commute to Vancouver for employment. Maple Ridge has not allowed for business growth and now wants to penalize commuters for having to drive to work and earn a living.
Let me put it this way: if all of the municipality employees and elected officials start riding their bikes to work, then maybe the municipality can better justify this initiative (lead by example). Just like Translink: I would love to see the CEO and VP’s take a bus.
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 what an e-bike is; this needs clarification. I’ve got an iBike, not an e-bike.
9. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community?
I would love to but I have to pass. At the age of 45, there are some things that my body has done with age that a bicycle will injure. I support you 100% as since biking is something you are passionate about, no one should be denounced their passion but no one should impose their passions on others. We live in a free country and a Democracy and that’s what I intend to uphold.
Randy Wagner, candidate Maple Ridge Council 2011
1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver?
Wheelchair, bus, taxi (accessible ones)
Wheelchair, bus, taxi (accessible ones)
2. How would you support and encourage cycling for transportation - for people of all ages and abilities - to promote healthy and livable communities?
I’m in a unique position to appreciate bike lanes as it makes it so much more convenient and accessible as I ride my electric wheelchair darn near everywhere. The more bike lanes the merrier.
I’m in a unique position to appreciate bike lanes as it makes it so much more convenient and accessible as I ride my electric wheelchair darn near everywhere. The more bike lanes the merrier.
3. There have been many surveys asking people what it would take to get them on a bike. The number one thing people want is separated cycling facilities. How would you support separated bike lanes on key routes? If you are not in support, please explain why.
I would make sure that bike lanes were a top priority on any new roadway. Take away some of the parking on side roads and allow cycling paths.
I would make sure that bike lanes were a top priority on any new roadway. Take away some of the parking on side roads and allow cycling paths.
4. Maple Ridge has no off-road (non-mountain-) biking/multi-use trails and is lagging behind other Lower Mainland communities in this respect. How do you feel off-road biking/multi-use trails can benefit Maple Ridge, and how do you suggest to start developing a network of trails.
It promotes exercise and wellness. There are dykes galore in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge. It would be nice to build a designated off road/ multi use trail all the way along Fern Crescent to Mike, and Alouette Lakes.
5. If elected, would you aim to increase or decrease cycling funding from current levels? Do you feel that cycling funding levels should merely reflect the present level of cycling in our communities, or should it reflect the potential of cycling - not only as a means of transportation and for recreation, but also in view of the many desirable benefits cycling has for individuals as well as for our communities/society, such as health benefits, improved livability, reduced greenhouse gasses/pollution, reduced oil-dependency, reduced need for expensive car infrastructure/parking lots, reduced congestion, etc.?
I think cycling funding levels should be increased. It beats the heck out of taking a car. I used to cycle to work from New Westminster to Maple Ridge. Scary stuff. Bike only lanes would be a vast improvement along this route.
6. What is your level of interest in a public bike-share system integrated with the transit system? How do you think a public bike-share system in Vancouver can benefit Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows residents?
It would take people out of their cars, decrease pollution and encourage exercise.
7. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
Safety begins at home.
Safety begins at home.
8. How do you feel e-bikes can play a role in our transportation system?
What do you see as the benefits of e-bikes as compared to cars?
What can e-bikes mean for less densely populated suburban communities like Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows?
It makes sense to promote e-biking as it means less traffic congestion and promotes overall fitness. Easier on the wallet with the inevitable gas price increases.
9. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community?
9. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community?
Sorry, not possible. If the bike ride was slowed right down so my wheelchair could keep up.
Craig Speirs, candidate Maple Ridge Council 2011
1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver?
I drive 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?
In Maple Ridge north/south has been easier to work with. East/west on the other hand is more challenging with some gains being made by being creative. Dewdney and Lougheed are brutal for anyone other than the most seasoned of riders. I think our biggest gain will come from the Golden Ears/128/Abernethy/210th corridor and we have started a conversation around a separated pathway from 210th through to 224th. Connected to this is the proposal from the Alouette Valley Association's proposal for a recreational corridor going north to 132 on 216th, then ll the way down 132nd to 232nd. I think the concept is brilliant and will be very welcoming to tourism and of course the biking community. I view it as a economic generator if we do it on purpose.
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 provide separated bike routes both in the urban and rural environments, again we have to do it on purpose and that takes 4 votes. we have our best chance to do our first on the Golden Ears/Abernethy/132nd recreational corridor
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.
Get me four votes on council and i will work toward making it happen
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 potential is huge for all the reasons you mention but for me the economic piece is the real bonus because of the lifestyle branding we could capitalize on.
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?
The obvious benifit is being able to bus or West Coast into Vancouver and then have a bike availablewould the reverse work? I don't know how it would work but it would be great to see if it would.
7. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
Funny this came up the other day as I was talking to a senior who was angry that people are allowed to ride their bikes on Dew Tr Rd. He mentioned how it used to be a big deal to get a bike licence at the fire hall and as part of that process there was a educational opportunity provided that taught the rules of the road. I doubt we could bring back that process but we do lots of stuff in Park and Recreation that might provide an opportunity. It would be a good topic for our bike committee. I would support such a 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?
E-bikes have a place in our transportation network we are seeing them around town. I think they are an affordale alternative to the car and should be encouraged.
9. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community?
I drive 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?
In Maple Ridge north/south has been easier to work with. East/west on the other hand is more challenging with some gains being made by being creative. Dewdney and Lougheed are brutal for anyone other than the most seasoned of riders. I think our biggest gain will come from the Golden Ears/128/Abernethy/210th corridor and we have started a conversation around a separated pathway from 210th through to 224th. Connected to this is the proposal from the Alouette Valley Association's proposal for a recreational corridor going north to 132 on 216th, then ll the way down 132nd to 232nd. I think the concept is brilliant and will be very welcoming to tourism and of course the biking community. I view it as a economic generator if we do it on purpose.
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 provide separated bike routes both in the urban and rural environments, again we have to do it on purpose and that takes 4 votes. we have our best chance to do our first on the Golden Ears/Abernethy/132nd recreational corridor
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.
Get me four votes on council and i will work toward making it happen
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 potential is huge for all the reasons you mention but for me the economic piece is the real bonus because of the lifestyle branding we could capitalize on.
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?
The obvious benifit is being able to bus or West Coast into Vancouver and then have a bike availablewould the reverse work? I don't know how it would work but it would be great to see if it would.
7. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
Funny this came up the other day as I was talking to a senior who was angry that people are allowed to ride their bikes on Dew Tr Rd. He mentioned how it used to be a big deal to get a bike licence at the fire hall and as part of that process there was a educational opportunity provided that taught the rules of the road. I doubt we could bring back that process but we do lots of stuff in Park and Recreation that might provide an opportunity. It would be a good topic for our bike committee. I would support such a 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?
E-bikes have a place in our transportation network we are seeing them around town. I think they are an affordale alternative to the car and should be encouraged.
9. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community?
Love to go for a ride but at this point I don't have a bike.
Graham Mowatt, candidate Maple Ridge Council 2011
1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within your community and within Metro Vancouver?
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.
personal vehicle
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 maintain the present policies of the Municipality
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.
For Maple Ridge there are alot of other priorities that must take precedence. Past councils have not only supported but have encouraged urban sprawl without providing any services or facilities for the new subdivisions. Kids walk to school on the road as there are no side walks. There are no recreational facilities close to them nor are there parks or other recreational facilities. We don't even have garbage pick up. These are all greater priorities especially as the vast majority of residents leave the community completely to get to work. WE have some bike lanes but we also have many trails, and other areas where people can cycle.
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.
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 must disagree with your statement. We have literally miles of hiking trails on our diking systems that are flat and are used by cyclists all the time. In some ways they challenge the cycling paths around Stanley Park. Other trails would obviously be advantageous but as stated above there are much greater needs requiring fanancial support. Nothing is more important that the safety of our children.
I am also a supporter of reinstating the Albion Ferry as it would open up the many cycling paths and trails in Fort Langley/Derby Reach area in addition to providing much needed transit routes and shorter commuter routes. It is a win/win for everyone
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.?
This question is very easy to answer for large cities with large concentrations of people going relatively short distances to work. It is highly unlikely that cycling from Maple Ridge to Vancouver will ever be the norm or even an option for even a small portion of the population. I do not believe the demand exists nor will it in the near future. There are serious needs of funding of projects that are directly related to safety, sidewalks, crosswalks , pedestrian activated lights, . There is only so much money available. I would not reduce present funding.. Safety of our citizens is paramount.
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 do not feel it would be of benefit at this time. I do not believe it would be used to that extent to justify the expense. I also question the longevity of the program with the high probability that the bikes will disappear.
7. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
The municipality has a great responsibility and this is where the municipality could inprove it's present level of commitment. WEhave bylaws for cyclist that are not enforced, helmets for example that makes the whole system look silly. Safety while biking is as important as the sport itself.
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?Again this is not going to be widely popular for our community. Areas where there are sufficient bus routes to bring a person close to their destination is imparative for an ebike system to work. Maple Ridge has basically been ignored by Translink. We have three routes that all overlap for several miles, and a couple of community buses. It is a joke. I think the role of e-bikes is an excellent one, just not for Maple Ridge .
9. Would you be interested in joining members of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition on a bike ride through your community?
No thank-you
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)