Election 2011: Reema Faris

Dear Heather,

I'm sending this reply to you as requested in Peter's original email and I apologize for the delay in getting this information to you.  Here are my answers to the questions he posed:

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

I use my car and public transit, particularly the West Vancouver Blue Bus and the SeaBus.

2. How would you support and encourage parents and children to cycle to school to promote healthy and livable communities?

As Chair of the Parents Advisory Council (PAC) at my son's school, I worked with the parent-team, the school, and the District to make sure, in response to parents' demands, we had bicycle racks installed.  This initiative was paid for by the PAC, and I'm always gratified to see that the installation helped encourage cycling to school as an option.  Providing information, ensuring access to resources, promoting the benefits, and enhancing the infrastructure are all ways in which we can encourage parents and children to cycle to school.

3. What role do you think the school board has in supporting and promoting cycling education and training for children?

The Board of Education has many priorities to juggle.  Cycling education and training would fall under the larger umbrellas of (1) health and safety, and (2) traffic and transportation.  Other avenues to explore may be to work with professional associations or service providers to provide more education for students and parents as well as opportunities to develop cycling skills or holding special promotional events.  Given the demand on Board resources, a planned approach may be facilitated and more effective if considered as a joint effort between the Board, the District (West Vancouver), the District Parents Advisory Council (WV DPAC), and the Parent Advisory Councils (PAC) from each school.

Thank you for providing this opportunity for me to comment and do not hesitate to contact me should further information be required.

Reema

Reema Faris
Candidate - Trustee, WVan Board of Education

http://ReemaFaris.com
Reema@ReemaFaris.com
Tel.: 604.921.6995

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