BikeBurlington 2014 Municipal Candidate QuestionnaireSurvey

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    MAYORAL CANDIDATES

    GOLDRING, Rick:

    1) What is the biggest priority

    for enabling active

    transportation in the city?

    We need to create a more extensive cycling network in the city including where

    appropriate, segregated bike lanes.

    2) Do you think the city

    should spend more / less /

    same as it is currently to build

    out the city's cycling

    network?

    Without looking at past budgets, I suggest we ideally would need to spend more but this

    needs to be considered in the context of all other priorities during future budget

    discussion.

    3) What else do you think the

    city should be doing to

    increase the number of trips

    taken by Burlington residents

    via walking or cycling?

    We have a great opportunity to convert more of the city into liveable, walkable

    Neighbourhoods with amenities in close proximity to major transit around our Go

    Stations. All this with good design will contribute to more walking and cycling.

    4) As Mayor, how will you

    help to bridge the divide

    between cyclists/ non-cyclists

    that is evident fromnewspaper and online

    commentary?

    Being a cyclist helps you to become a more courteous motorist and vice versa.

    Everyone on the road or pathways (pedestrian, cyclist or motorist) has to realize it is not

    all about them.

    I would like some input from both cyclists and motorists in providing an answer to this

    question.

    MARSDEN, Anne: No response received

    RUSIN, Peter:

    1) What is the biggest priority

    for enabling active

    transportation in the city?

    In my view there are a few, in no particular order. First, Burlington needs to do a better

    job planning growth so that people are better able to get out of their cars and walk/bike

    to nearby services and amenities. So many of us in this city cannot even take a Saturday

    morning walk to our local coffee shop because of how this city is laid out. We must do a

    better job. Second, we need better targeted and effective transit. Third, we must develo

    better bike lanes than the sad example of the lanes painted along Lakeshore Road with change to road width. This is symbolic at best, dangerous at worst. Fourth, we need to

    help the public better understand how vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians can safely and

    happily co-exist in our city.

    2) Do you think the city

    should spend more / less /

    same as it is currently to build

    out the city's cycling

    network?

    Without having access to the city's current and planned spending, it is difficult for me to

    answer this question. I will say that I believe this is a priority. Firstly, the existing networ

    should be made to function more safely before any expansions.

    3) What else do you think the

    city should be doing to

    increase the number of trips

    taken by Burlington residents

    via walking or cycling?

    Essentially the city needs to provide the necessary infrastructure and climate and then

    promote that.

    4) As Mayor, how will you

    help to bridge the divide

    between cyclists/ non-cyclists

    that is evident from

    newspaper and online

    commentary?

    Education and, frankly, enforcement. I would really like to see a situation where the City

    works with Halton Regional Police to enhance and expand both driver and cyclist

    education. As often as I have seen drivers taking dangerous chances near cyclists, I have

    seen cyclists behaving in ways that not only endanger themselves, but also drivers and

    pedestrians. We can do a better job here.

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    WARD 1 CANDIDATES

    ALLEN, Patrick:

    1) What is the biggest priority

    for enabling active

    transportation in your ward?

    To me it is clear that transportation is currently an issue in our ward and in the city, let

    alone the entire country. City Council has to do a better job promoting cycling and not

    just painting a cycle on the roadway. I have had the opportunity to live in The Netherlan

    for 4 years and see first hand just how important cycling can be and what needs to go in

    a cycling program in order for it to work well for everyone. In The Netherlands, for

    example, bicycles are given their own lane, protected by a curb, on most city streets.

    These lanes also have their own traffic signals in some high traffic areas. The system hel

    improve cycling safety and also sends a signal to motorists that cyclists have a right to

    share the road. While we have some differences between our two countries, there is no

    reason that we cannot be creative in finding viable solutions.

    2) Do you think the city

    should spend more / less /

    same as it is currently to build

    out the city's cycling

    network?

    Good question. I believe that the city has to adopt a Total Quality Management (TQM)

    style in order to interconnect systems and strategies so that they aren't just band aid

    solutions. What I mean to say is that building out cycling has to go hand in hand with

    other initiatives such as reducing carbon emissions, reducing traffic jams, increasing

    transit ridership, lowering transit rates, developing incentive programs for households t

    reduce the number of vehicles, establishing strict hauling routes to prevent the

    deterioration of our roads...etc., etc. Anyone can make promises, anyone can mimic whother cities are doing but it takes courage to be creative and to seek out new ways to do

    business.

    3) What else do you think the

    city should be doing to

    increase the number of trips

    taken by Burlington residents

    via walking or cycling?

    Fitness is a great goal for most people but always hard to achieve. Helping to improve

    fitness levels also helps to improve the quality of life in the community. I came across a

    wonderful park in a city where there were fitness stations and activities associated with

    those stations. the rout was actually a fitness program that was sponsored by the city an

    maintained by a group with an interest in community participation. I believe that the cit

    has to openly and actively entice residents to partake in outdoor activities including

    cycling.

    4) As a Council member, how

    will you help to bridge thedivide between cyclists/ non-

    cyclists that is evident from

    newspaper and online

    commentary?

    Tough question; tough in that an answer one way will upset one of the two groups

    mentioned here. Creative solutions are needed and I am certainly open to looking at, anparticipating in, groups that help find creative solutions that can work for everyone. If w

    adopt a TQM stance then the solutions will be apparent as we move forward and as we

    become inter-connected and interdependent in our community relationships. I would

    help to foster this idea and to promote it.

    BOELHOUWER, Jason:

    1) What is the biggest priority

    for enabling active

    transportation in your ward?

    The biggest transportation issue is the quality of the roads. Finally we are getting some

    traction on the infrastructure improvements, but City Council has allowed it to get too f

    behind for an easy solution. For example I have knocked on peoples doors and they say

    they dont like driving their cars in the right lane because the lane is a mess (holes, rough

    pavement, sunken sewers etc) therefore they drive in the left lane whenever possible

    imagine the same road with a painted on bike lane

    2) Do you think the city

    should spend more / less /

    same as it is currently to build

    out the city's cycling

    network?

    Again I think the answer to this question goes back to question #1, we need to get our

    infrastructure caught up as the Cities first priority. Within that development/build all

    modes of traffic can be integrated as appropriate.

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    WARD 1 CANDIDATES (contd)

    BOELHOUWER, Jason (contd):

    3) What else do you think the

    city should be doing to

    increase the number of trips

    taken by Burlington residents

    via walking or cycling?

    Promoting respect and rules. One of the problems I see as I am out in the mornings

    campaigning is a lack of respect from motorists (not consciously Im sure) not paying

    attention to where cyclists are, not adequately sharing the road etc. I also see cyclists

    ignoring red lights and stop signs while not respecting pedestrian traffic. Both groups

    tend to be the commuters that I am seeing, driving or cycling to and from work. If the

    City can foster a better sense of respect from one group to the other and vise versa, the

    I think well see more people involved in multi-modal transportation.

    4) As a Council member, how

    will you help to bridge the

    divide between cyclists/ non-

    cyclists that is evident from

    newspaper and online

    commentary?

    First off, newspapers and the on-line community tend to take on sensational

    issues/comments only. They dont often carry articles or commentary about the good

    things that cyclists and drivers are doing it doesntgrab attention, so therefore the bad

    gets reported on or commented on primarily. As a council member I would like to see

    us building respect for one another, helping foster an environment where both sides ca

    better understand frustration and where everyone can actively work towards shared an

    interdependent solutions. I drive most places but I also have a bicycle that I use for som

    recreation, and Im sure many of the people who identify themselves as cyclists also driv

    CRAVEN, Rick:

    1) What is the biggest priorityfor enabling active

    transportation in your ward?

    Fixing Plains Road. Council has passed the Functional Design which includes wider andbetter sidewalks and bike lanes. Now its about budget and implementation.

    2) Do you think the city

    should spend more / less /

    same as it is currently to build

    out the city's cycling

    network?

    more

    3) What else do you think the

    city should be doing to

    increase the number of trips

    taken by Burlington residentsvia walking or cycling?

    We need to build more compact communities. Destinations like stores and churches nee

    to be closer to higher density population so that people can walk or bike ride to these

    locations. This is what we are attempting to do along Plains Road.

    4) As a Council member, how

    will you help to bridge the

    divide between cyclists/ non-

    cyclists that is evident from

    newspaper and online

    commentary?

    We need to spend much more time and money on community education.

    HENSHELL, Katherine:

    1) What is the biggest priority

    for enabling active

    transportation in your ward?

    I have been a strong supporter of more bike lanes and bike paths on roads where cyclist

    and families can ride. Currently there is a proposal to widen Plains Road to include bike

    lanes. I believe that this is a waste of taxpayers money to widen a road where bike lanes

    are clearly unsafe. It is the busiest road in all of Aldershot and Burlingtons plan is to add

    more bike traffic. All you need is one texter or cell phone user driving a car to swerve a

    now we have a fatality. Plains Road is not a safe place for cyclists and/or children to ride

    bikes.

    2) Do you think the city

    should spend more / less /

    same as it is currently to build

    out the city's cycling

    network?

    The city should spend more to build out bike lanes/paths. People are seeking alternativ

    routes to work and Burlington needs to promote this trend to keep its citizens active an

    healthy.

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    WARD 1 CANDIDATES (contd)

    HENSHELL, Katherine (contd):

    3) What else do you think the

    city should be doing to

    increase the number of trips

    taken by Burlington residents

    via walking or cycling?

    Currently, Aldershot does not have any options to walk or cycle anywhere within a

    reasonable distance. Aldershot has no grocery stores, no department stores and no LCB

    or Beer stores. It is underrepresented/underserviced for restaurants and banks.

    Aldershot needs to be developed in order to increase walking and bike traffic.

    4) As a Council member, how

    will you help to bridge the

    divide between cyclists/ non-

    cyclists that is evident from

    newspaper and online

    commentary?

    In certain cases, Burlington needs to adopt European urban planning strategies which

    separate bike lanes from car lanes with medians and traffic signals. Cyclists then have

    dedicated lanes for themselves without the fear of drivers swerving into them. Families

    can also ride in the lanes without fear of being hit by cars and can encourage youth with

    green miles to stay active.

    Bike paths need to be created in useable green spaces or under hydro lines so that cycli

    can keep momentum for longer periods of time without traffic lights to stop them.

    Bikes are not cars and we need to stop trying to adjust bike riding to a car riding

    transportation model.

    MILNE, Garry: No response received

    STEISS, Margaret Anne:

    1) What is the biggest priorityfor enabling active

    transportation in your ward?

    First of all let me say that I am a cyclist and have been my whole life. It is my main form transportation. While I don't have the fear of riding on busy streets that many have I can

    see why people would be afraid. I believe education is the biggest priority, both for War

    and the city.

    2) Do you think the city

    should spend more / less /

    same as it is currently to build

    out the city's cycling

    network?

    Much has been made of bike lanes and I certainly like them but they can be costly. They

    also will not fix all the problems. They will not stop a driver from cutting off a cyclist so

    they can get into a driveway or parking lot a few seconds earlier. They will not stop

    drivers from shouting out at cyclists or honking their horns for no reason, starling us or

    from throwing things out the window at us, all of which have happened to me.

    3) What else do you think the

    city should be doing to

    increase the number of tripstaken by Burlington residents

    via walking or cycling?

    4) As a Council member, how

    will you help to bridge the

    divide between cyclists/ non-

    cyclists that is evident from

    newspaper and online

    commentary?

    Drivers need to realize that cyclists are taxpayers too and that we have a right to use the

    roadways our taxes pay for. Cyclist too must do their part by obeying the rules of the

    road. A little common respect (and maybe a few fines) would go a long way to alleviatin

    the problems.

    WARD 2 CANDIDATES

    ARNOTT, Kelly

    1) What is the biggest priorityfor enabling active

    transportation in your ward?

    The biggest priority for enabling active transportation in my ward is, without a doubt, toimprove safety for both cyclists and pedestrians.

    The only way we will ever encourage more people to walk or bike as a realistic alternativ

    to driving their car is by making is safe. Right now, cycling on the road is extremely

    dangerous in many parts of Burlington.

    2) Do you think the city

    should spend more / less /

    same as it is currently to build

    out the city's cycling

    network?

    No one likes to hear we need to spend more, but if we are serious about building out th

    city's cycling network, we will need to spend more money to do it properly.

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    WARD 2 CANDIDATES (contd)

    ARNOTT, Kelly (contd)

    3) What else do you think the

    city should be doing to

    increase the number of trips

    taken by Burlington residents

    via walking or cycling?

    Improve communication with residents through social media, emails, and other city

    marketing/communication about Burlington's cycling routes, and the newest cycling

    infrastructure improvements. Providing more bike racks around the city and encouragin

    businesses to provide secure bike parking for customers. Continue to improve and inves

    in cycling infrastructure. Continue to build more compact, complete streets which help t

    make walking and cycling the logical ways to get around town.

    Connect with local schools/trustees to encourage students to cycle to school and to

    address pedestrian/cycling safety issues concerning children. Lead by example:

    Councillors and other visible city staff should try to cycle and walk as much as possible

    and show leadership by pressing for improvements to cycling/pedestrian safety and

    infrastructure improvements. Encourage cycling and walking to special events like the

    Sound of Music Festival and make it as easy as possible to do so (provide bike

    racks/parking, etc)

    4) As a Council member, how

    will you help to bridge the

    divide between cyclists/ non-cyclists that is evident from

    newspaper and online

    commentary?

    It will require on ongoing commitment to communicate and consult with all residents

    about the benefits of cycling and investing in cycling safety and infrastructure to our

    entire community. I'll work with other members of council to promote cycling as a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, safe mode of transportation for almost ALL resident

    I think having public presentations where various speakers talk about smart growth and

    the role cycling plays in that can also be extremely useful.

    MEED WARD, Marianne:

    1) What is the biggest priority

    for enabling active

    transportation in your ward?

    Ward 2 is the smallest ward geographically, and includes our downtown, with more

    people living in less space, closer to shops, community centres, work, schools and home

    As such, walking, transit, and cycling are higher in this ward than anywhere else in the c

    because people are closer to daily needs.

    That said, there are still improvements that can be made, in linking active transportation

    reducing the preeminence of the car, bringing shops, jobs and homes closer together, aconnecting downtown and nearby neighbourhoods to the rest of the city. For more abo

    my commitments on cycling, see my cycling video here:

    http://votemarianne.ca/burlington-election-2014-cycling/

    More ideas regarding cycling are below:

    1. Pedestrian Priority: residents have asked for more crossing time at lights on maj

    roads (Maple/Lakeshore/Brant); pedestrian islands at road intersections (eg. Pearl/John

    and pedestrian priority measures throughout the downtown core, for example, instead

    signs advising pedestrians to wait for the gap on Brant, what about signs that advise

    drivers stop for pedestrian crossing. The first sign gives priority to cars; the second to

    pedestrians. We need to work with the province, which governs content of road signs, t

    provide municipalities the flexibility we need to signal that some areas are pedestrian

    priority streets. Our Downtown Task Group came up with 33 recommendations to

    improve the downtown, and a pedestrian priority pilot program was one of them. Im

    committed to moving this forward, and making investments necessary to see it through

    http://votemarianne.ca/burlington-election-2014-cycling/http://votemarianne.ca/burlington-election-2014-cycling/http://votemarianne.ca/burlington-election-2014-cycling/
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    WARD 2 CANDIDATES (contd)

    MEED WARD, Marianne (contd):

    1) What is the biggest priority

    for enabling active

    transportation in your ward

    (contd)?

    2. Linkages with the bike path: the Centennial Bikeway is an excellent, safe,

    east/west route for cyclists and walkers, bringing people through neighbourhoods in

    Wards 5, 4, and 2 into the downtown. However, the path stops at Martha, before

    reaching the core, and cyclists and pedestrians have to navigate parking lots. This

    transportation corridor has been identified for a potential cycling/pedestrian path as

    these parking lots come up for renewal or redevelopment. Im committed to investing in

    improvements to make a continuous pathway link.

    3. Linkages with the rest of the city: City staff have been working on a trails strateg

    and have inventoried all the paths in the city, including many along hydro corridors. Ma

    of these, including the north-south hydro corridor from Ontario to Stephenson, are not

    paved or maintained. There is an opportunity to use some of the money already

    earmarked for cycling (which is typically not fully spent each year) to invest in cycling

    corridors along these paths throughout the city, and improve cycling/walking

    connectivity.

    4. Transit: Ward 2 has two mobility hubs which are intended to foster a range ofactive transportation options: downtown Burlington, and the Burlington GO station. For

    residents going to key destinations across the city (GO, Malls) transit is easy; but for som

    trips, including getting to school, connections are a challenge. Its easier to get to Toront

    than across town. I support adding 13000 hours in transit service, and three community

    buses that would serve the seniors centre and other key destinations, proposed by staff

    for the 2015 budget. But we need to do more to make transit effective throughout the

    city. For more, see my responses to the Transit questionnaire here:

    http://bfastransit.ca/?p=343

    5. Shop Local promotion: As the council representative on the board of the

    Burlington Downtown Business Association, weve worked hard to make the downtown destination for shopping, recreation and work, especially for local residents who are clo

    enough to walk or cycle. The BDBA won a $10,000 award for its Shop the Hood campaig

    in 2013 encouraing residents to shop locally, closer to home, rather than drive to bigger

    stores further afield. The BDBA and the Burlington Economic Development Corporation

    are working on a retail recruitment strategy to ensure the right mix of stores downtown

    so residents can meet most of their shopping needs within walking/cycling distance.

    6. Office Attraction: One of the best ways to encourage active transportation is to

    bring activities closer together, especially bringing work closer to home. Currently 55% o

    our residents travel on average 45km one way outside the city to work. This is too far to

    walk, for many too far to cycle, and transit connections may not be feasible. One of my

    goals for the next term is attracting office uses to the downtown on one of our cityparking lotsrepurposing space meant for cars into jobs.

    7. Improved Communications: Burlington and Halton is blessed with an extensive

    cycling/hiking/trails network, captured in maps available online. But do residents know

    about the maps, and the trails? If residents are made aware of existing active

    transportation options, more will use them. Maps are available here:

    http://cms.burlington.ca/Page418.aspx#.VEV72CLF_eQ

    http://bfastransit.ca/?p=343http://bfastransit.ca/?p=343http://cms.burlington.ca/Page418.aspx#.VEV72CLF_eQhttp://cms.burlington.ca/Page418.aspx#.VEV72CLF_eQhttp://cms.burlington.ca/Page418.aspx#.VEV72CLF_eQhttp://bfastransit.ca/?p=343
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    WARD 2 CANDIDATES (contd)

    MEED WARD, Marianne (contd):

    1) What is the biggest

    priority for enabling active

    transportation in your ward

    (contd)?

    8. Enhancing existing cycling infrastructure: There are multi-use paths for cycling

    along several East-West roads, including Lakeshore, Harvester and Fairview, however som

    are in disrepair (Lakeshore in places) making them difficult and uncomfortable to ride. We

    can use existing funds to improve the cycling infrastructure we already have.

    2) Do you think the city

    should spend more / less /

    same as it is currently to

    build out the city's cycling

    network?

    The city has unspent funds in its cycling budget, and the priorities can shift midstream,

    leading to stalled projects. For example: the cycling master plan identifies connections

    across the QEW as a priority, but that was set aside to consider widening New Street and

    adding rollover curbs for an additional unbudgetted cost of $1.2m. That expenditure

    would assist just a small group of riders, while cycling infrastructure that is suitable for all

    ages and abilities of cyclists is available on the Centennial Bike Path a half a block south. I

    support cycling infrastructure that is in keeping with the 8-80 prioritiesnamely cycling

    infrastructure that can be used by all of our residents ranging in age from 8 to 80. We also

    need to make sure we dont sacrifice greenspace in the name of green transportation

    widening New Street to accommodate rollover curbs would require cutting trees and

    removing some of the green boulevards.

    Meanwhile, there is an opportunity to increase cycling infrastructure along hydro corridor

    throughout the city (including the hydro corridor path downtown at Ontario-Stephenson)using existing cycling funds.

    The cycling network as outlined in the Cycling Master Plan calls for adding onroad bike

    lanes, where feasible and safe, and adding sharrows or lane markings asking

    drivers/cyclists to share the road. On Lakeshore Road, it was not feasible to add bike lanes

    without compromising driver safety by removing the centre turn lane, or removing trees t

    widen the road. Instead, enhanced sharrows were added, which has according to reports

    improved safety for cyclists, and encouraged sharing the road.

    There are very few East-West routes across the city, which is an issue not just for cyclists

    but also transit and drivers. However, Lakeshore, Fairview and Harvester all have sections

    them with a multi-use path intended for cyclists, that is adjacent to the sidewalk and off

    road. Recently, our family cycled from downtown to Paletta Park on this path. It was aterrific ride where it had been recently paved; not so much closer to Paletta where it hasn

    been maintained. I support investments to repave this strip of cycling insfrastructure.

    Elsewhere, Spruce St. provides a fast, residential on-road cycling route where there are

    fewer cars and more space to pass. I cycled this corridor recently from downtown to the

    boundary at Burloak it was fast, safe, shaded and enjoyable. Its a designated bike route,

    with painted sharrows advising everyone to enjoy the road. But how many people know

    about it?

    We can also improve communication of the on-road and off road cycling paths that exist.

    Burlington has received the Bronze Bike Friendly Community Award sponsored by the Sha

    the Road Cycling Coalition for our cycling infrastructure. If more people knew what

    currently exists, we could increase use.

    Various agencies have developed cycling and trail maps for Burlington/Halton, available

    here: http://cms.burlington.ca/Page418.aspx#.VEA7uWddXeQ promoting those maps

    would help people to take advantage of the cycling and walking infrastructure that already

    exists.

    Burlington also permits cycling on sidewalks, especially on major roads where residents

    dont feel comfortable mingling among cars. Cyclists must give way to all other sidewalk

    users, and sound their approach with a bell. There is one exception: Bikes are not allowed

    on the sidewalks on Brant Street from Caroline to the lake due to the increased pedestrian

    traffic downtown.

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    WARD 2 CANDIDATES (contd)

    MEED WARD, Marianne (contd):

    3) What else do you think

    the city should be doing to

    increase the number of

    trips taken by Burlington

    residents via walking or

    cycling?

    Building complete communities that are walkable is the key, and it will take some time to

    reshape our suburban areas into walkable neighbourhoods. That means bringing jobs clos

    to home, so people dont need to commute outside the city for work. That means ensuring

    a range of shops and services are within walking distanceand pleasant to ride to, and

    through. That means not approving more big box retail, or segregated office parks, with

    nothing around them but parking lots and roadways. That means moving away from

    traditional suburban planning into community hubs of traditional town planning

    essentially recreating the downtown experience in neighbourhoods throughout the city, s

    the car becomes optional not essential.

    In addition, the 8 steps outlined in #1 above will assist in increasing walking/cycling/transi

    use, not just in Ward 2 but throughout the city.

    4) As a Council member,

    how will you help to bridge

    the divide between cyclists/

    non-cyclists that is evident

    from newspaper and online

    commentary?

    The difference in perspective is not between cyclists and non-cyclists, it is occuring betwe

    cyclists who favour one type of cycling infrastructure, and cyclists who favour another typ

    of infrastructure.

    We have to move toward having a respectful dialogue about the various types of cycling

    infrastructure and their prioritywhat do we do first, second, third - without people being

    labelled anti-cycling if they support one type of cycling infrastructure over another(example off-road versus on-road).

    We need to bring the cycling community together to discuss, in respectful ways, the vario

    options for cycling infrastructure, and the short- mid- and long-term opportunities and

    priorities. The cycling Master Plan provided some of that priority setting, but the plan has

    been set aside during various votes on specific cycling initiatives.

    Were got to return to the plan, and either follow it, or refresh it. If the community wants t

    refresh it, Im supportive of that conversation.

    We also need to bring together all members of the community who support active

    transportation, of which cycling is one option, so that advice and advocacy is not done in a

    siloed way, but rather in a coordinated way. I support the establishment of one active

    transportation advisory committee to council that would include subcommittees ontransit, cycling, and pedestrian priorities.

    Finally, we need to encourage all roads users to be respectful of each other and follow the

    rules of the road. This is an issue not just for Burlington, but province-wide. Polling data

    collected by StratComm for the Share the Road Coalition in Spring 2014 found:

    59% of Ontarians have a negative impression of how motorists behave toward

    cyclists and pedestrians

    57% of Ontarians have a negative impression of how cyclists behave toward

    motorists and pedestrians

    According to the study (available here:

    http://www.sharetheroad.ca/files/STR2014Pollingsummary.pdf):

    Opinion toward the behaviour of both groups is generally negative, and it has tended to

    become more negative in recent years. The good news? Cyclists and drivers see a problem

    in the behaviour of both groups.

    I can attest to many calls received in my office about behaviour of both cyclists and

    motorists, many from pedestrians but also some from fellow cyclists and motorists.

    Everyone needs to be more respectful of each other, and follow the rules of the road and

    common courtesy. When we can respect each other in the streets, we can begin to respec

    each other when we discuss how to advance active transportation in our community.

    http://www.sharetheroad.ca/files/STR2014Pollingsummary.pdfhttp://www.sharetheroad.ca/files/STR2014Pollingsummary.pdfhttp://www.sharetheroad.ca/files/STR2014Pollingsummary.pdf
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    WARD 2 CANDIDATES (contd)

    PAPADOPOULOS, Philip:

    1) What is the biggest priority

    for enabling active

    transportation in your ward?

    Ward 2 is where Burlington began and the current road infrastructure is very different

    from the newer areas of the city. We will have to look at ways of incorporating active

    transportation in this area. Bike lanes on the main arteries may be an option or the use

    sharrows to make motorists aware of bikes. The ward is very well suited for encouraging

    more pedestrian traffic which accomplishes many of the same goals as cycling does.

    2) Do you think the city

    should spend more / less /

    same as it is currently to build

    out the city's cycling

    network?

    I think the city's network should be expanded to include more bike lanes and a network

    cycling paths through neighbourhoods. These paths should be part of the considerations

    for new developments to make active transportation a built in option for everyone.

    3) What else do you think the

    city should be doing to

    increase the number of trips

    taken by Burlington residents

    via walking or cycling?

    The city needs to examine how neighbourhoods are built. We need to transition from

    being a bedroom suburb to a city that stands on its own. Too many retailers and service

    are located a great distance away from housing and are on busy routes. Why not look at

    alternative plans that make neighbourhoods walkable or bike friendly? Turn the model

    inside out and look at the possibility of building neighbourhoods with centre squares,

    complete with stores, parks and the basic needs of a community. This would avoid the

    need to go out by car to pick up basics and encourage a greater sense of community. This just one example of what can be done but we need to start looking at things different

    4) As a Council member, how

    will you help to bridge the

    divide between cyclists/ non-

    cyclists that is evident from

    newspaper and online

    commentary?

    We all have our own ways of moving around a city. The car culture has been the

    dominant way of thinking for decades. Let's try to present options in our planning that

    considers walking, cars and bicycles. We have roads for cars, sidewalks for pedestrians,

    now we need to look at how we can accommodate cyclists. We need to educate, listen

    and explore. Each side has legitimate concerns. Cyclists are worried about safety on the

    roads and the cars that surround them. Drivers are concerned about cyclists that don't

    obey the rules of the road. We need to find a way to educate everyone so that both

    cyclists and drivers know what to expect and how each are supposed to behave on the

    road. A community awareness campaign may be the way to go to encourage everyone t

    be respectful.PORECKI, Andy: No response received

    WARD 3 CANDIDATES

    BROOKS, Jeff:

    1) What is the biggest priority

    for enabling active

    transportation in your ward?

    We need to find a solution to enhance bike travel along or adjacent to Guelph Line nort

    of the QEW.

    It's the only major north-south roadway in Burlington without any bike paths or lanes.

    2) Do you think the city

    should spend more / less /

    same as it is currently to build

    out the city's cycling

    network?

    We need to spend more on expanding and enhancing our cycling network.

    Cycling provides great recreation as well as an alternative form of transportation to

    work,school and shopping.

    Congestion is a huge problem. If we can get cars off the roads and people using bike , it

    a win win in so many ways.3) What else do you think the

    city should be doing to

    increase the number of trips

    taken by Burlington residents

    via walking or cycling?

    Active and healthy lifestyles need to be promoted.

    We need to invest in and promote our bike and walking paths,we must get the word ou

    More bike racks at popular destinations are needed. (Retail and commercial businesses)

    4) As a Council member, how

    will you help to bridge the

    divide between cyclists/ non-

    cyclists that is evident from

    newspaper and online

    The us vs them debate is not productive, cyclists are not going away.

    We must do what we can so that all can coexist safely on our roads.

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    commentary?

    WARD 3 CANDIDATES (contd)

    COOPER, Lisa: No response received

    TAYLOR, John:

    1) What is the biggest priority

    for enabling active

    transportation in your ward?

    The biggest active transportation priority in Ward 3 is to create and better maintain safe

    off road cycling paths to accommodate the vast majority of Burlington cyclists who are

    recreational and not commuter cyclists.

    2) Do you think the city

    should spend more / less /

    same as it is currently to build

    out the city's cycling

    network?

    The city should continue to implement the Cycling Master Plan at the present rate. In th

    short term thus spending may be reduced to respond to the storm water safety and

    infrastructure issues presented by the August 4th storm.

    3) What else do you think the

    city should be doing to

    increase the number of trips

    taken by Burlington residents

    via walking or cycling?

    From a health perspective the city should promote and support the Bruce Trail

    connections in North Burlington.

    4) As a Council member, how

    will you help to bridge thedivide between cyclists/ non-

    cyclists that is evident from

    newspaper and online

    commentary?

    We have already had one well attended public meeting in Rural Burlington to hear both

    sides of this issue. There should be more give and take here but all users of the roadwayneed to obey the law.

    WARD 4 CANDIDATES

    DENNISON, Jack: No response received

    GOTTLOB, Carol:

    1) What is the biggest priority

    for enabling active

    transportation in your ward?

    Ward 4 is currently challenged with ensuring bike and road safety. It is my opinion that

    today, with the exception of existing bike paths off main thoroughfares, there does not

    appear to be a safe environment which cyclists can utilize be it for leisure or as a primar

    method of transportation. We need to find more sustainable and financially responsiblesolutions to this issue.

    2) Do you think the city

    should spend more / less /

    same as it is currently to build

    out the city's cycling

    network?

    I believe the city has been spending on a lot on wants and not on maintaining its existing

    infrastructure through Burlington's growth period. While I believe cycling is important a

    should continue to be supported, I need to effectively weigh the budget mandates and

    make responsible decisions for our city in order for it to continue to prosper. I do not

    believe Council today has been responsible in its spending and ignoring the need to

    manage and maintain its infrastructure services for the whole of the community. It does

    not bode well to have chevrons on roads that are not being maintained for vehicles or

    cyclists.

    3) What else do you think the

    city should be doing toincrease the number of trips

    taken by Burlington residents

    via walking or cycling?

    Accessibility is critical. If it's not safe for residents to use alternate means to arrive at the

    destination, we are removing the choice from them.

    4) As a Council member, how

    will you help to bridge the

    divide between cyclists/ non-

    cyclists that is evident from

    newspaper and online

    commentary?

    As a Council representative, I am about building relationships. Today's conversation has

    pinned drivers against cyclists and exorbitant costs to taxpayers are being filtered throu

    various communication sources without a full conversation. I don't believe this is the rig

    conversation. At the root, nobody wants to see a cyclist killed on the roads. Our commo

    goal is road safety for all, but we need to start a new conversation, inclusive of all who

    share the roads, namely motorists, transit and cyclists. This is what will bring real

    solutions that are financially viable.

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    WARD 4 CANDIDATES (contd)

    WILCOX, Doug:

    1) What is the biggest priority

    for enabling active

    transportation in your ward?

    All major artery roads that are to be reconstructed should be done so with the

    incorporation of bike lanes.

    2) Do you think the city

    should spend more / less /

    same as it is currently to build

    out the city's cycling

    network?

    I am an avid bike rider and weather permitting rode downtown every day this summer,

    believe the City should allocate annual capital funds towards building out the city's cycli

    network.

    3) What else do you think the

    city should be doing to

    increase the number of trips

    taken by Burlington residents

    via walking or cycling?

    We could close down more roads for one day at a time to encourage walking and cycling

    The City's marketing department could encourage active cycling in the community. The

    Police department could do safety cycling demonstrations geared towards youth.

    4) As a Council member, how

    will you help to bridge the

    divide between cyclists/ non-

    cyclists that is evident fromnewspaper and online

    commentary?

    As a cyclist, myself and the drivers get along just fine, I believe that through education

    and marketing we could encourage both drivers and cyclists to respect each other and

    cohabitate on the streets of Burlington.

    If elected I will ride my bike to City Hall every day weather permitting to lead by exampl

    WARD 5 CANDIDATES

    SHARMAN, Paul:

    1) What is the biggest priority

    for enabling active

    transportation in your ward?

    COMMUNITY SHUTTLES AND SEGREGATED BIKE PATHS. NEIGHBOURHOOD RETAIL AND

    AMENITIES

    2) Do you think the city

    should spend more / less /

    same as it is currently to build

    out the city's cyclingnetwork?

    MORE, ON SEGREGATED BIKE PATHS

    3) What else do you think the

    city should be doing to

    increase the number of trips

    taken by Burlington residents

    via walking or cycling?

    INCREASE NUMBER OF EMPLOYERS AND JOBS IN BURLINGTON SO THAT LESS PEOPLE

    HAVE TO TRAVEL OUTSIDE CITY BOUNDARIES. ALSO MORE MIXED USE DEVELOPMENTS

    AND NEIGHBOURHOODS THAT PEOPLE CAN CONVENIENTLY WALK AND CYCLE AROUND

    4) As a Council member, how

    will you help to bridge the

    divide between cyclists/ non-

    cyclists that is evident from

    newspaper and onlinecommentary?

    FOCUS ON PROVIDING SAFE CYCLING FOR CHILDREN. GENERATIONS HAVE BEEN

    CONDITIONED TO DEPEND ON CARS 1) BECAUSE BURLINGTON WAS DEVELOPED THAT

    WAY AND 2) BECAUSE ROADS ARE NOT SAFE FOR CHILDREN TO RIDE ON, WHICH FUELS

    THE DIVIDE. SAFE CYCLING WILL PROVIDE FOR PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS TO TAKE

    CHILDREN OUT CYCLING SO THEY CAN BE CONDITIONED TO CYCLE FOR THE REST OFTHEIR LIFE

    SIMPSON, Ian: No response received

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    WARD 5 CANDIDATES (contd)

    SMITH, James

    1) What is the biggest priority

    for enabling active

    transportation in your ward?

    Follow the example of the CIties of Mississauga, Guelph, & Waterloo Region in funding a

    proper active transportation programme and Transportation Demand Management

    programme to actively encourage people to choose alternatives to the automobile.

    2) Do you think the city

    should spend more / less /

    same as it is currently to build

    out the city's cycling

    network?

    More

    3) What else do you think the

    city should be doing to

    increase the number of trips

    taken by Burlington residents

    via walking or cycling?

    We need to focus on Point to Point plans in addition to adding capacity.

    Bring in the "Idaho Stop"* to Burlington & Halton.

    (* Stop signs in residential areas are treated as Yield Signs by cyclists )

    4) As a Council member, how

    will you help to bridge the

    divide between cyclists/ non-

    cyclists that is evident fromnewspaper and online

    commentary?

    Yes, we need to give the Road Safety committee resources to mount a campaign that

    focuses on respect for all who use our streets, paths & sidewalks. Drivers need to

    understand how vulnerable cyclists and pedestrians are and cyclists need to ensure they

    are good ambassadors by having lights that work, having and using bells and obeying therules of the road.

    WARD 6 CANDIDATES

    BENTIVEGNA, Angelo

    1) What is the biggest priority

    for enabling active

    transportation in your ward?

    Confidence and safety on sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists, unlicensed

    motorized vehicles, dog walkers, and skateboarders...just to name a few.

    Improving transportation capacity and the use of more transportation methods in ward

    involves some very serious discussions (within a very short time frame) with all

    stakeholders. The Region, City, Schools, and road-friendly active community organizatio

    need sit down...get along...agree to a plan...then,set out a plan that will ensure rules are

    in place, safety is always a priority, and that a plan is in place with a detailed time frameand method for roll-out.

    2) Do you think the city

    should spend more / less /

    same as it is currently to build

    out the city's cycling

    network?

    Same amount dollars spent...use more effectively and smarter.

    3) What else do you think the

    city should be doing to

    increase the number of trips

    taken by Burlington residents

    via walking or cycling?

    Need to take answer # 1 seriously.

    4) As a Council member, how

    will you help to bridge the

    divide between cyclists/ non-

    cyclists that is evident from

    newspaper and online

    commentary?

    Bring the divided groups together to find common ground... balance the needs of each

    group...then, have a news conference with BOTH groups (actual stakeholders) so that t

    media doesn't send the wrong message.

    CURRAN, Jim: No response received

    DOSANJH, Pardeep Kaur: No response received

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    WARD 6 CANDIDATES (contd)

    HLUSKO, Jennifer

    1) What is the biggest priority

    for enabling active

    transportation in your ward?

    1. Ward 6 residents have complained to me about two major barriers to safe cyclists:

    i) Walker's Line from Dundas St to Derry Rd needs to be paved and widened to allow for

    safe recreational cycling.

    ii) north Burlington families need a safe way to cycle over the QEW/Hwy 403 to access t

    waterfront and downtown Burlington.

    2) Do you think the city

    should spend more / less /

    same as it is currently to build

    out the city's cycling

    network?

    More. I believe that a close evaluation of the annual budget and not just the proposed

    increases will find savings. For example, the City could re-direct funds away from hiring

    Consultants to prepare reports instead to projects that directly impact our citizens' qual

    of life. Highest on my priority list is road safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

    3) What else do you think the

    city should be doing to

    increase the number of trips

    taken by Burlington residents

    via walking or cycling?

    I liked Robert Narejko's idea of a partnership that designs a pilot project to reward

    commuters who cycle to the Go-Train or to car-pool parking lots.

    4) As a Council member, how

    will you help to bridge thedivide between cyclists/ non-

    cyclists that is evident from

    newspaper and online

    commentary?

    The safer we make the roads for cyclists, the more cyclists that will travel on our roads.

    believe over time this will result in greater overall improvement in relationships. I believwe are a few decades behind Europe and need to accelerate the process of catching up

    LANCASTER, Blair: No response received

    SANGHERA, Jivan: No response received

    SHAMS, Shoaib: No response received

    THIARA, Ishtar: No response received

    WAHIDI, Mina:

    1) What is the biggest priority

    for enabling activetransportation in your ward?

    Dundas Street path or bike lane from Guelph Line to Northampton. Winter maintenanc

    along the hydro line bike path.

    2) Do you think the city

    should spend more / less /

    same as it is currently to build

    out the city's cycling

    network?

    Bike lane planning should be built into the planning of new roads and road upgrades. It

    long term solution but financially responsible.

    3) What else do you think the

    city should be doing to

    increase the number of trips

    taken by Burlington residents

    via walking or cycling?

    Work with private business to launch a bike share program.

    4) As a Council member, how

    will you help to bridge the

    divide between cyclists/ non-

    cyclists that is evident from

    newspaper and online

    commentary?

    Facilitated dialogue.

    WARREN, Vanessa: No response received