Election 2011: Bill Soprovich
1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within Metro Vancouver? Do you ever use a bike for transportation in your municipality?
I drive a car around metro Vancouver. On occasion I cycle using the safest routes possible. its still very dangerous for cyclists. much education is needed.
2. How would you support and encourage cycling for transportation to promote healthy and livable communities?
The hierarchy of transportation has pedestrian first, cycling second and transit third. The transportation working group made several recommendations to Council it starts with our transportation dept. and road layouts for the future. We must consider bike lane safety on the major leadups to the lions gate bridge. The spirit trail should provide a safe haven for recreational cycling, however more work must be done for those who commute on a daily basis. A bike is a vehicle thus all must pay attention to to sharing the road, and in future provisions for cycling must be common place
3. Do you think the current level of funding for cycling in your municipality is adequate?
Budgets are very tight these last few years. The roads budget is no different. If we put much consideration into calming traffic models, we should also pay close attention to bike lane modification. funding has been there for spirit trail work, why not increase funding levels for safer corridors on majors road networks.
4. What would you do to ensure a sustainable and adequate source of cycling funding during your term in office?
Well good question, All departments and our CFO meet on a regular basis setting out their spending needs on way to a balanced budget, based on our recommendations from our transportation working group we should analyze what reasonable amounts should be set aside for cycling needs.
5. What is your level of interest in a public bike-share system integrated with the transit system?
The transit system is and will be improving on the north shore as far as I know bike capacity on bus fronts are limited and stats should spell out needs to improve’ Bike sharing is proving successful in many cities in North America. A community bike program is a great idea. Create affordable access to bikes for short distant trips in urban environment. Also create bike network route maps.
6. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
I was a delivery boy at 14 years old to get hired you had to own a bike and with parents ok off I went travelling from Kits to west van every weekend. long distance, less cars, cheap transportation. since a made 35 cents for each delivery. bike were our life. very few problems, rode to school, off on fun trips whenever . WHAT HAPPENED IN FIFTY YEARS. EDUCATION IS THE KEY.
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