Advocacy for Local Elections 2011

I bring this up so that you know that what I say is not just a campaign blurb…!

I am very excited about enhancing the sport here in 100 Mile House and the South Cariboo.

We need a proper BMX track and we need our trails linked to the other trails in the area

I am fully aware of how important and growing this sport is and am 100 % behind it

If elected, I would like to meet yourself &/or representative and see how we can get this going here.

As we move on from some of the more urgent matters requiring councils attention, I would be putting that idea forward, and hope start the ball rolling.

The municipality does not currently fund any sports activities.
All of our sports clubs are privately funded. We did share in a grant with the West Van School Board to build an artificial turf field 2 years ago – but I will stress that the funding was through a grant. One of the reasons I am running for office is because our finances are less than robust at the moment.

That said, I would be happy to support any request you might have to host an event on Bowen to raise awareness for your club.

I am lucky to be the RDCK Director for Area E where the Fat Tire Fest has taken place each year for the past 16 years at Morning Mountain. I hope to work with the Nelson Cycling Club to improve this area, put in facilities and empower them to build trail. I also live on an awesome little bike route in Harrop-Procter where cyclists come from Nelson to have a cinnamon bun and then cycle the 37 kilometres back. Svoboda Road is also in my electoral area as is Mountain Station and parts of the Great Northern Trail: all used for riding. I see tremendous economic potential from cycling and would like to encourage: green” mountain biking as well as road cycling by looking for infrastructure dollars when they come available. As for taxation, in the Regional District a referendum or petition needs to be put in place to get taxation funding support for new projects. We have tax conservative voters in Area E so I do not think I would win that strategy, but there are grant monies available for moderate amounts of support for cycling and II encourage applications from the local club.

To me funding should always be on a sliding scale with the following criteria:
1)      What is the funding going to support.  This would address issues of is this a short term needs for long term gain or ongoing and ever increasing needs.
2)      What is the ability of the participants to pay.  Though it would be great to pay for everything as you know that only means higher taxes for al.
3)      While the funds be distributed in such a way that the maximum amount of people benefit or are large groups left out.

There is a limited pool of funds and if funding a group of adults with jobs in the pursuit of fitness at the expense of children that would otherwise be roaming the streets then I would not be in favour but if that same group of adults gave time and energy to help kids learn to love the sport then I would be more than just in favour but a huge advocate.  We need to start giving to our youth especially in Central Saanich were there is less to do as a youth then in the more urban areas.

I also remember being hit by 2 cars when I was 17 and 18, escaping near death in one of them, while training on the road. Safety for cyclists is a major concern for me.

These days I do some recreational mountain biking only, however, I remain an enthusiast of the sport and could get behind initiatives that further participation and safety in the sport.

I realize the extent that cycling has evolved, not just here in the Okanagan, but everywhere, and certainly not only as a green alternative. Mountain biking in this area is not new, and although I’ve not been out to see where the trails are, I appreciate that this area does offer trails. I can no longer ride myself due to injuries, but I certainly encourage others to venture out and explore the Shuswap by bike. Even if its only along the roadways around Blind Bay, where I reside and out to Eagle Bay and or White lake. If you have not hosted an event prior to my arriving in this community I would certainly encourage your efforts to do so. Please check out the link below on our wonderful local trails.

I also realize that as the community grows, and infrastructure is put into place, mountain bike trails and or areas along side the roadways for walking or cycling is very important for the shear enjoyment, health and lifestyle of our citizen’s.

As a result of this initiative, the CSRD’s Shuswap Tourism dept. has produced very high quality professional brochures promoting all trails throughout the entire Shuswap Area.

Do I support the sport of cycling?  The answer obviously is yes.  Thanks you for this opportunity.

Exposure to major cycling events go a long way to encouraging increased participation in the community because:

1) cycling is something everyone can do, therefore is immediately model-able;
2) cycling events take place on community streets and infrastructure, so they are very visable to the public (versus events that take place in gyms or arenas, therefore participants serve as positive role models for children by their very presence in the community;
3) cycling events are especially important to the lower island because it can be a year-round activity, unlike other parts of Canada.

I believe promoting cycling can go a long way to combatting transportation inequity in society due to it being a low cost option. While vehicles are not financially accessible to everyone, it is much easier to afford a bike, especially when recycled bikes and re-used bikes are made available to low income families.

Funding cycling events is important as it addresses supporting a sport that is more economically accessible for families and children.

International research has shown that segregated bike lanes are more attractive to seniors, women and children because of the safety they feel from being physically separated from traffic. Creating safe bike lanes away from traffic would encourage more people to cycle more often and allow riders to reach more destinations safely.

Safe routes to school need to be established so that all school age children can ride their bikes to and from school! Given the dramatic rise in childhood obesity, trips to and from school offer children the chance to develop healthy lifestyle habits. In the next 5-10 years, we need to establish more cycling routes that fully integrate our community. These will not only serve local residents, but if properly designed, can be used for ecotourism and international sporting events.

I want to work with other municipalities to implement the priority projects and develop the recommended inter-community bicycle network. I want to establish an active transportation safety taskforce to ensure that safety concerns are clearly identified and addressed early in the implementation process. If we want to encourage active transportation, then it must be safe to do so!

Quebec’s Route Verte provides a great Canadian example of how cycling tourism can be properly developed, using an integrated approach involving the business community. Cycling tourists have been shown to spend more money that regular tousits. Vancouver Island has a great advantage of having a climate that can support cycling all year round. If Quebec can realise an excellent cycling tourism industry, then Vancouver Island with no winter climate, combined with majestic ocean and mountain views should have no limit to what can be created, with significant economic spinoffs for this area.

encourage infilling and increased density close to shopping hubs to enable walking and reduce commutes.
improve our transit system while encouraging ridership, with workplace incentives to take transit and carpool.

promote traffic calming in neighbourhoods and insist that new development is pedestrian/cycling friendly.

push senior governments to direct infrastructure spending into sustainable transportation initiatives.

recognize cycling as a key element in managing traffic flow and promote cycling infrastructure through continued development of a network of routes, including the proposed pedestrian bridge if economically feasible.

look to other communities such as Portland, and work towards making the Comox Valley a leader in alternative transportation.

bring our best engineering minds together with other citizens in a transportation task force to look at creative initiatives to address ever-increasing traffic volumes.

Ongoing meetings with representatives from the Ministry of Transportation as well as the region’s roadwork contractors, Mainroad South Island Contracting.
Issue became critical earlier this year because of the state of roads prior to the Subaru Western Triathlon Series, where over 200 cyclists were racing on the regions roads.
Bylaw Enforcement – Trying to enhance and speed up our bylaw enforcement capabilities so Bylaw Officer or in some cases the RCMP can issue a ticket on the spot.
This is important because the Trans-Canada trail runs through the community, and it is not supposed to be used by motorized traffic. Hence cyclists who use the trail are currently being impacted by motorcycles and ATV users.
Advocated for the regional government to support the Kinsol Trestle restoration. The trestle connected two portions of the Trans-Canada trail and as a result, cyclists can now ride from Lake Cowichan to Shawnigan Lake.
Our next goal is to connect with the Galloping Goos trail in Victoria.

Good luck with your advocacy on behalf of the cyclists in BC.

Cycling is a great way to see the residents close-up and at a slower pace, develop stronger bodies increase the over health of the community.

The environment would be healthier.

Last week an idea came to me, a nature centre worth $ 350,000 + is on the mind of a few here in Cowichan Bay, what if that money was used to purchase every able body person a bicycle. The bicycle would be specially designed and built for the residence. A win win situation for humanity.  It was a good idea!

I also support the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, riding the ‘Big Bike” a 30 seat bicycle.

On the non-competitive level, I am working with other Area Directors in the Cowichan Valley to create more connective bicycling and walking trails that get people where they want to go safely without having to resort to fossil fuel powered transportation.  We also need to see double bike racks on every transit bus, bike racks at bus stops so that people have the option to “rack and ride”, and bike lockers in Duncan for those who commute by bus to Victoria. As we stay healthy we can also reduce our carbon footprint.
The Kinsol Trestle restoration is a great addition to our community’s bike-ability. The trestle connected two portions of the Trans-Canada trail and as a result, cyclists can now ride from Lake Cowichan all the way to Shawnigan Lake.  Our next goal is to connect with the Galloping Goose trail in Victoria.
I am pleased to advocate for the sport of cycling and appreciate the work of Cycling BC.

1.      Safety.  Having bike lanes that accommodates cycling traffic separate from motor vehicles.
2.      Ensuring new roads, trails and pathways are built to accommodate cyclists.
3.      I am pleased to say that the cycling plan is part of the work the CVRD will be undertaking when it begins its sustainability plan in 2012.

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your questions.

As part of my platform for Mayor of Cranbrook I am very excited about the concept of establishing a Bike Skill’s Park in Cranbrook and to look for opportunities to expand cycling trails in our community.

In short, I am a fan of cycling and believe we need to encourage cycling for transportation, recreation and community health.

The Village is involved in a public consultation process currently regarding the move of the BMX track to allow for development. (for road and water/ sewer access) I am concerned that this will disrupt the 2012 BMX season, and that the Village may see a net loss of public park space as a result. I will continue to particpate in this process to voice my concerns.

Cycling is an important activity in Cumberland, and I would be interested in seeing it increase in a way that engages the residents of Cumberland and cyclists.

There are opportunities to set up BMX facilities in Delta in which the Corporation could perhaps, supply access to publicly-owned property. We need to expand our bicycle lanes on public roads particularly from the Massey tunnel down through Ladner and Tsawwassen as well as creating substantially more bicycle trails.

The sport has gone to new levels of skill, stamina and daring that I do not believe the public fully appreciates. Like cross country skiing, many of the bike events do not lend themselves to television coverage so they are very much under reported.  I do believe with their low carbon footprint, low environmental impact and high levels of competition that in time sport cycling will be a featured sport. You have Bill Norton’s support.

If elected, I will continue to support cycling as an important part of transportation, recreation and sport in the City of Kamloops.”

From leisure to competitive sport, cycling has grown in popularity worldwide. The market for bespoke cycling tours and competitions at all levels is a growth industry in BC. We should be encouraging not only the sport, but dig deeply into the technologies required in the entire supply chain around the sport of cycling, as part of our research and development initiatives.

The areas I am a candidate for Trustee – Gambier Island Trust includes islands accessed only by boat. The larger islands have unpaved roads, the smaller islands have only trails. Certainly cycling is used as modes of transportation and recreation year round. I would support cycling races on the larger islands if the residents wished to host these events.

Denman Island is a small rural island of about 1000 people that is stuck in the middle between two incredibly great places for mountain biking – Hornby Island and Cumberland and most Denman off-road cyclists go to those two communities for their thrills. We also see a lot of cyclists on the road heading to Hornby. Much of our land base is agricultural, and most of our parks and natural areas have been created because of their species and ecosystems at risk whose protection must take priority over recreational uses under our legislated mandate to preserve and protect the island.

Despite an Official Community Plan that advocates for cycling as a climate change adaptation, our roads are not particularly safe for road bikes because of the general disregard for the speed limits by drivers racing across Denman to get to the Hornby ferry. I am a proponent of the Slow Islands Movement and a recreational and commuting cyclist. I will work with Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure to ensure that our roads are shared and safe for all (including horseriders).

Here on Galiano Island cycling is a big thing even though out roads are winding and hilly and our trails may be bumpy.  Locals can often be seen riding to the stores, the library, the post office ….  During tourist season hundreds of cyclists ride to the island and are welcomed.  Our community has just finished an Official Community Plan which endorses and maps the Galiano Parks and Recreation plan for trails and beach accesses, many of which allow for cyclists.  Some of the more sensitive beach access trails have bicycle racks at the head of the trail for both the convenience of cyclists and the protection of the environment.

If you haven’t cycled on Galiano try it out sometime.

If elected, I will continue to support cycling as an important part of transportation, recreation and sport in the City of Kamloops.

In particular I support:
·         New trail building for mountain bikers
·         Establishing broader shoulders for road riders on our roads
·         Establishing and maintaining bike parks for teens (bmx’ers)
·         Safe riding education (for riders and drivers)

I understand the benefits of cycling, along with other sports, in building strong and healthy communities.

I will continue to work hard on this front with my fellow Cycling Coalition members beyond the mere Council table.

I support all levels of cycling completion. Several years ago I founded an organization called DreamSports to assist Canadian Athletes. Long story…did lots of work on this and put a lot of money out to help athletes.

I commit to you and your members that if elected I would do all I could for your sport and to advocate for the sport of cycling (road, mountain biking, BMX, & cycle-cross) to receive comparable support to that offered to similar sized sports in Langley. You can count on my support.

Here, in the City of Langley, we have a terrific trail network that runs through the entire width of our city that is especially well-suited to cycling.

We have a cycling network that has been developed and is being implemented throughout our entire city.  Road reconstruction always includes a cycling consideration.

Even the popular Langley Good Times Cruise-In features a cycling component.

Our level downtown core has been host to numerous cycling events and marathons.  The City of Langley closed the streets in our city center for these activities to accommodate special cycling events.  I look forward to hosting more such events in the future.

I see absolutely no reason to not agree to support the growth of cycling as a sport in our community. If elected and presented with the opportunity, I would most certainly advocate the sport of cycling to receive comparable support to that offered to similar sized sports in our community.

We have had a BMX park for a longtime, have two mountain bike parks, and connect with bicycle friendly park trails in the Metro Vancouver parks systems. As well cyclists enjoy our rural setting to stage major cycling events and road races.

A new 10 year plan for Sport, Recreation and Culture will be prepared in 2012.  I would like to see the sport of cycling included in the assessment of sport in Langley.

I hope this helps to answer some of your concerns.  Once I am Mayor I would like to meet with your association to see how Langley Township can better work with you.

To answer your question: I will help assure that our roads, trails and facilities are available for events. I would be pleased and proud to see Maple Ridge support
more sport cycling events and to see increased local participation.

The Local Ride Bike Shop in Maple Ridge offers a couple races in Maple Ridge (Race the Ridge, Pumpkin Cross) and one in Pitt Meadows (Barry’s Roubaix).  Events like this have a positive financial effect in the area in which they are held. The Race the Ridge Criterium, located in the Maple Ridge downtown core, is especially beneficial to our community, generating a crowd of spectators and participants that also patronize our local shops and restaurants. I would like to see a continuing support of events like this in Maple Ridge.

I am also proposing, as part of my election platform, that Maple Ridge allocate 3% of the transportation services budget for improving our local cycling infrastructure. A safe cycling environment is essential for the use of cycling for both transportation and recreation for people of all ages and abilities.

I am a down hill biker,  road biker, kids did BMX.   I like to see how we can expand on existing trail up at BCIT woodlot. And consider biking as a main stream mode of  transportation.

All this aside, if elected, I will support your organization in any way I can.  I know that Mission is popular with cyclists, but it could possibly become a cycling Mecca with adequate investment and marketing. If I am successful and elected to council, bring me your ideas. I’d like to make them work for you.

One thing I will be supporting is Mountain biking tracks. I love the idea of competions; maybe even one day Hosting Crankworx.
(That would be amazing) I believe Mission (geographically) has the perfect terrain. The Pastor of Mission Hills Community Church
actually build trails on Bear Mountain and I’d love to see this become a popular tourist destination.

I wholeheartedly endorse ANY sporting function whatsoever, and it really doesn’t matter WHAT that sport is (Within reason). ALL sport activities that promote healthy activity, sportsmanship, and character building should be treated equally and encouraged.

When elected, I only need to be asked and I will endeavour to expedite and endorse in any way that I can.

Of course I would advocate cycling as a  “supported” sport Lottery fund grants should be given to cycle organizations just like any other sport. Also I think that cycling should be integrated into overall traansportation planning.

As a teenager and young adult he helped build mountain biking trails. We need to encourage all of us to get out and ” ride our bikes” more often. For exercise and for the environment. Instead of driving to the corner store, we should be riding our bikes!!

When I am on City Council, I will continue to support our local bicycle associations.

Nanaimo has not yet gone through the process of an official “visioning” process; indeed, there are other communities with a head-start in this respect.  However, the seeds have been sown in a Visioning Rally that took place at the Vancouver Island Convention centre October 5th, 2011 (a start); and, a Civic election to be decided Nov 19th, 2011 with candidate platforms and a vision such as my own.

The City of Nanaimo – the Harbour City – is already considered a “hub” city; moreover, it is Nanaimo’s geographic location and harbour setting that places it well to move into the future as “The Hub” of Vancouver Island in transportation of all respects; human powered (cycling & pedestrian), Sea, Rail and Air connecting Vancouver Island to the world.  It is my earnest hope that the Nanaimo of Tomorrow includes cycling in all its forms (Road, Mountain biking, BMX, Cyclo-cross etc.) as centre pieces of attraction – not unlike that of the Bathtub races and the Van Isle 360 sailing race (starting point Nanaimo 2011) and a host of other such events that keep Nanaimo as the centre of attention and helping us as a community become more prosperous, sustainable and enriched in our social texture.  Perhaps even a fame equal to the Tour-de-France; in our own Canadian & Island way.

The first task at hand is to be elected to council; in this I ask the support of the Nanaimo electorate that forms part of your 13,748 plus e-newsletter subscribers at the polls Nov 19th, 2011. Cycle; push, pull or drag a friend to VOTE with you.

I would hope, If elected to City Council, Nanaimo could adopt a more mountain biking/ racing attitude.
What places could we make more citizen/tourist/enthusiast/child friendly? For example.
I hear that Whistler found that lots of people liked to bike/ race/ jump and it makes the summer season there.
Nanaimo’s temperate climate also allows four season adventure.

I plan to find every opportunity to promote cycling not only as a means of recreation by a viable form of transportation.  I have never owned a car but always owned at least one bicycle and lots of good shoes and boots.  Active transportation and recreation is my definition of quality of life.

As director – and Founding member of NWEP – I am in good position to understand the importance
of non-motorized transportation methods – bicycle, walking – for environment.

You may be assured of my support for these issues at City Council.

We will have a very significant election this year. I trust your members share my support for less cars than more cars, for more green spaces than more concrete, better livability than worse traffic congestion.

Believe that partnerships and adoption of trials for bike use can be done.. Trials kept up by groups instead of letting them go to ruin.

Sporting events are great for all. Brings so many possitives ..

I pushed for the Skate Park in the City of North Van years ago, Also pushed to get it were it is today. I do not want to loose it when Harry Jerome is redone . It was hard enough to get it finally . Rod Clark worked hard on that also..

As for the future of rec facilities we need far more input and far more will to get them in place that has happened in the past six years.. That is one of the reasons I have put myself here..Now I need help.. The machine that is against me is very well funded and managed . Take a look at last election campaign disclosures.. Tells a story in it self..

The only way that is going to happen is if people get out and vote who do not do so. Time to make changes.. We can’t keep sitting on the side lines as public lands are sold off and we get little in return.

So you can be assured I support all forms of cycling.  In the past few years Oak Bay has supported cycle races and tours.  If elected I will continue to be an avid supporter of sport cycling.

Osoyoos annually supports a Half-Iron Man event and cooperates with the Penticton Iron Man via volunteers and the use of highways in our boundaries.  In the past year we have supported an initiative for developing a BMX track on Town owned land.  Council, with my encouragement, is worked with the Min of Trans. to make Hwy 3 by widening the bridge between the east and west areas of town.  We also developed a lot for boat trailers to remove them from the “motel strip” road and make it safer for cyclists.

We have developed a series of trails through town for walking and cycling.  We have plans in our 2012 business plan to develop bike lanes and a bike route throughout the Town.

Who doesn’t love cycling?  A major event in the life of any child is the day the training wheels come off of their bike. Remember the excitement the first time you pedalled down the driveway unassisted, and it only got better from there.  Not only is cycling a sustainable way to get from point A to point B, cycling is freedom to a child, cycling is excitement to a BMX rider, cycling is a rush to a mountain biker, cycling is a fantastic exercise for someone trying to lose weight and cycling is fun for all ages.

I support initiatives which enhance activities such as cycling and encourage residents to be involved in their community’s OCP(Official Community Plan) process.  The OCP is where design and planning begins for communities and things such as bike lanes and trails should be part of this document.  I do, however,  believe that it isn’t the place of a Council or Regional Board to initiate but rather to support healthy active choices.

I have proposed paving of the former Kettle Valley Railway bed from Penticton to OK Falls.  It could be the Okanagan’s answer to the Stanley Park Seawall.
I have worked to bring new trails along the oxbows of the Okanagan River on the east side of the highway.

I was chair of the City’s Transportation Advisory committee for three years, and know the issues and challenges.  Our society focuses entirely too much on the personal automobile.  Penticton, particularly in the valley bottom, lends itself well to walking, inline-skating, bicycles, etc.

Please also check out the online poll at http://okanaganpolls.ca/

http://www.rmcyclist.info/2011/10/george-coghlan-candidate-pitt-meadows.html

I live in Pitt Meadows, which is a very bicycle-friendly community and make
considerable use of my own bike. I am in favour of policies which would make
it safer and more convenient for people to use their bikes in our towns and
cities.

As a member of Council I will be pleased to work with you and your affiliated organizations to advance the sport here, and to bring significant cycling events to the city.

When i get elected, i pledge to make Port Coquitlam, a safe Cycling City, and designated safe lanes for bikers, and build out doors dirt bike routes, mountain bike tracks around port Coquitlam.
i Hope to count on your support and the support of your group

There are multiple cycling facilities and venues in the City which are well used and maintained by City staff and volunteers.

I would continue to support the advancement of cycling for both sport and as an environmentally friendly option for transportation. A prime action for Port Moody over the next 12 months will be the completion of its’ Master Cycling Plan’. The plan may not apply to all facets of interest to the Cycling BC but I would encourage your organization to review and provide comment on behalf of your affiliate clubs and their members.

What is sorely lacking in our city is adequate on-road cycling lanes. I understand the explanation I have been given many times that older roads are narrow and expensive to retrofit. But that’s not good enough a reason not to start. Ioco road for example is used by hundreds of cyclists headed to Anmore, Belcarra, Sasamat Lake and White Pine beach, yet it has no provision for on-road cycling. I believe the city needs to work with TransLink and the Province to fund bike lanes in both directions on Ioco Road.

The widening of Guildford Way undertaken by Port Moody and Coquitlam was a huge missed opportunity for Port Moody. Guildford Way ended up with dedicated bike lanes in Coquitlam and no cycling amenities in Port Moody. The westbound bike lane just ends at the Port Moody boundary. We can’t let that kind of disconnect between jurisdictions happen again. We also need to widen Guildford Way and build a bike lane to Rocky Point Park.

The detailed design of the Evergreen Line is proceeding now. Port Moody Council needs to oversee the fine tuning of pedestrian and biking connections between local traffic and the stations as well as ensure that proper biking facilities are provided at the stations.

Thank you again for your commitment to advancing a zero GHG mode of transportation.

http://www.rosemarysmall.ca/The_Issues.html

You might be interested . Here is the link to our city’s cycling plan.

http://www.portmoody.ca/index.aspx?page=390

Currently, there is no major cycling event held in Port Moody which I
think is a shame. I can easily see the trails at Inlet Park being used to
host a  trail ride. If elected, this is something that I would like to
promote at the civic level.

Growing up I did a lot of mountain biking, and I still love going up the trails to Anmore, and on Burke Mountain as well. I did BMW for a year in middle school but nowadays I wouldn’t be caught dead doing anything but a wheelie. Nowadays, I stick to road biking, usually doing David Avenue from end to end. Sometimes I sneak out my dad’s Specialized full carbon-fibre road bike, but that’s only for special occasions, as I know that a scratch on that thing would cost me my life.

In short, I am fully in support of your cause, and I would love to see biking be promoted not just as a mode of transportation, or an alternative to a car, but an actual sport.

There are dozens of fantastic mountain biking trails in or near Port Moody – up into Anmore, Eagle Mountain and Burke Mountain.I would love to see some events and races held in this area and would be in full support.

For road cycling/transportation, I think it is important that Port Moody complete the Master Cycling Plan. I would like to see collaboration with our neighbouring municipalities so that effective, safe, connecting regional biking routes are established.

To answer your question directly, if elected, I would most definitely advocate for the sport of cycling to receive comparable support to that offered to similar sized sports in our community.

I am an advocate for the cycling enhancements for commuting, fitness and a healthy environment, and the economic benefits. Oceanside is a great cycle area and this activity could be a greater boon for cycle tourism (revenue), for cycle touring, road biking and mountain biking.

As curent secretary of Richmond Sports Council I support all local sports.

I am an active cyclist and have advocated for city infrastructure for bicycles for the past 6 years, where I have attended most city council meeting to make presentations on sustainable communities, which include sustainable transportation options for all. As for the sport of cycling, I have been both a participant in bike races and spectator of my sister who races in triathlons. I am a VACC member and this week is bike to work week, and as a public school teacher with lots of resources and all-candidate meetings after work, I still commit to riding, rain or shine, across our city and back again in the dark. Last year I had a role with the Richmond School District, as the Sustainability Consultant, where I helped to write the District’s new Sustainable Transportation Policy Regulation. I also advocated for more bike lock areas in better locations and I hosted VACC bike basics and street-wise training courses for staff on Pro-D days.

To be a politician, I feel you have to be clear and visible leader. I plan to bring a balance to council, to bring forth accountability and transparency. My vision for Richmond is one that provides a voice for all, through directly including citizens in the decision making process. The advocacy work for the sport of cycling is part of my role in that vision. I hope your question inspires a change of heart and mind of those who are trying to get re-elected in our community.

You can read an article I wrote in the local paper recently about cycling in Richmond.

http://de4council.wordpress.com/2011/07/24/driving-shouldnt-be-only-option/

I support bringing high level competitive events to Richmond and I would advocate to bring appropriate cycling events to Richmond.

I also support the creation of cycle paths and the enforcement of traffic safety to increase the safety of cycling in Richmond.

I ride both to meetings and for recreation (and exercise) enjoyment.

There is no doubt that cycling will be at the top of the list for discussion.

I do office work, sales and photograph inventory for a bicycle shop and have had a 2 wheeler since I was 4 and kept up w/the Boyz.

The sport of cycling is non-polluting and cycling events highlight this!
All aspects, (road, mountain biking, BMX, & cyclo-cross) must receive comparable support to that offered to similar sized sports in our community.

To ensure these events and the sport of cycling grows in popularity, long distance trails for commuters and racers must be developed further, in Squamish, BC.   Though roads are narrow, bicycle lanes are a necessity.  The 20th century catered to motorized vehicles with dire consequences.  The 21st century must be “geared” to alternate energy and transportation.

It is important in Squamish BC to co-ordinate events so as not to block travelers to other events as happened with the seriously eco-friendly Brackendale Farmers Market.

Squamish is proud to have recently completed paving a large section of our
valley trail network in order to promote cycling not only as a sport but
also as a practical commuting solution.

We just completed another section of the Sea to Sky trail – connecting communities from Squamish to D’Arcy.

Funding support for the Pemberton Valley Trails Association –$65K last year to build the Mackenzie/ Owl connector and trail.

We’re working on securing funding for the friendship trail – connecting Pemberton and Mount Currie.

Continued support for local trails and active living.

The Pemberton area is a favorite destination for many mountain bikers from across the Province and the annual Pemberton Slow Food Cycle attracts thousands of cyclists each year

On the recreation side, the mountain bike network on Mt Elphinstone in Roberts Creek is legendary and a very important aspect of our tourism industry. I have advocated the development of a Trails Strategy to help resolve conflicts amongst users of our back country trail system. I have also advocated for the development of a ferry to ferry bike lane and multiuse trail. This has been started with the first phase of the Suncoaster Trail in Pender Harbour. I will continue to champion the development of the next phase to come through the community of Roberts Creek and on through to Langdale. I have also been working to ensure that logging activity by BC Timber Sales and Island Timberlands who are both active on Mt Elphinstone does not negatively impact bike and walking trails.

Many have recently voiced concerns with regard to the few choices of activities our youth have available to them. I like to look for “win/win” situations and this one seems ideal.

The sport (and the variations) provide an additional healthy choice of recreation and exercise while promoting the spirit of “fair play” and competition.  All this with low impact on beauty and the environment and with very little relative cost. One would think that an elected official is derelict in his or her responsibility by ignoring the potential.

I can see the present and growing value of this sport to a community and would , indeed, endorse and encourage support for it.

As a councilor I was co-chair of the Sustainability Task force and was instrumental in developing the Terrace Active Transportation plan. I also sat on the Kermodei Tourism Board, and worked to bring awareness to Cycling as an attraction to this region.I will continue to support and promote cycling and cycling issues as an elected official, and will continue to live the life and show my constituents how much fun it is.

It’s pretty easy for any candidate to say they support the sport of cycling, and I suspect many will do just that. In fact I do support this sport.  I support all sports that promote health, happiness and community betterment and advocate a balanced approach to supporting them equally.

All great buzz words still so let me explain further.

One of the reasons I’m running for council in West Kelowna is because we need to have a much greater focus put on the development of ammenities that serve a wider range of people in the community.  This balance is a critical part of a strong and vibrant community and sorely lacking in West Kelowna.

Bike parks, pathways and other ammenities that help facilitate the growth in participation, along with the pursuit of excellence in the sport, will help make West Kelowna a more attractive place to live, work and play for everyone.  Cycling in particular is a very accessible sport.  It promotes healthy lifestyle which means that particpation by kids, teens and young adults becomes a key part of protecting youth at risk.  The benefits go on and on, but I suspect you already know all this.

There are far too many empty parks and far too few that are well utilized by groups like Cycle BC.  I encourage you to continue communication so as to help me better understand what’s truly important and helpful for your sport and your members.

The Grande Fondo (if I have the correct title) that was recently held in the Okanagan is one example, and while there were a few last minute changes in the routing, it is my understanding that it was a success and I would like to see more of these events in this area as I believe we have the best climate and scenery to host something of this scale.

For local mountain biking we also have Crystal Mountain (privately owned) that could be another wonderful local venue for this although I am not personally aware if the owners have been approached to look at the possibility of making a business case for summer use at this local resort.

Bottom line – I would be happy to assist in any way possible to bring this and other sporting events to West Kelowna and the Okanagan area.

You will find reference to cycling in my Safety, Health and Well Being Plank of my Platform at my webpage www.findlater.com .

“Mountain biking is one of the leading summer economic drivers for Whistler and the Sea To Sky Corridor.  As a member of council or as mayor how do you plan to promote and support the sport of mountain biking in Whistler during the upcoming three years?”

As a leading economic driver, mountain biking is important to Whistler in all aspects:
1. For the community as a major summer sport & recreation activity as well as a green mode of transportation.
2. For the resort as a key tourist attraction and recreation activity often the driver for multi-day visits.
3. For business as sales generation in retail, rental, and services.

As a member of council, I would work hard to promote and support mountain biking in Whistler over the next three years.
1. I believe promoting mountain biking is a good use of RMI funds and I would support the continuation of this use and further maximize the share allotted to MTB initiatives and programs.
2. I would support opportunities for Whistler to host national and international accredited mountain bike events.
3. I would work with WORCA to leverage the efforts that the RMOW invests in the trails system. Collaboration in new trail identification, trail location, trail building, trail maintenance and accessibility, trail safety and education.
4. I have a strong interest in expanding education opportunities in Whistler, and therefore would support all mountain bike programs that involve the education of skills and safety for all abilities; including: concussion injury prevention and recovery.
5. I have a strong interest in improving the safety of our community and would like to have a task force for the prevention of bike theft. Working with the RCMP and local groups such as crime stoppers and Block Watch, to identify ways to help prevent this loss and educate the community.
To learn more, please visit www.CorinneAllison.ca

If elected I intend to advocate for the sport of cycling (road, mountain biking, BMX, & cyclo-cross) to receive comparable support to that offered to similar sized sports in my community.