Election 2011: Juliana Buitenhuis
Thank you for bringing this discussion forward!
Juliana Buitenhuis
www.iheartnorthvan.com
1. What modes of transportation do you normally use within Metro Vancouver? Do you ever use a bike for transportation in your municipality?
I use a bike to commute downtown, and only use a bike, walk, or use public transit with in the downtown core. I specifically moved just a few blocks from my worksite in the City of North Vancouver so that I can bike, walk, or use public transport to get to work. When driving (as I use my car to transport my clients) I drive less than 2 km’s to the office.
2. How would you support and encourage cycling for transportation to promote healthy and livable communities?
Although I bike quite a bit, I feel much more comfortable on major routes when on bike lanes that are separated by a median or planters. I feel that more people would bike to work if the lanes were protected from traffic. Also, we need a way to get bikes up Lonsdale - and I think that the tram idea that has been floating around for a while is brilliant.
3. Do you think the current level of funding for cycling in your municipality is adequate?
I think that the City of North Vancouver is moving in the right direction, and has been working hard to put bike lanes in when repairing roads. I am unaware of the exact amount of money that the city is using towards creating bike lanes, so to better answer that question I would need some specific numbers.
4. What would you do to ensure a sustainable and adequate source of cycling funding during your term in office?
I know that the projects I suggested are expensive, and I will work to bring resolutions forward that support these ideas. I will also vote to support biking projects when the question is brought before council.
5. What is your level of interest in a public bike-share system integrated with the transit system?
I think it is a great idea that is functioning in many cities around the world, and I have used these systems frequently when traveling. I am always impressed with the ease and success there programs have. Most recently I used public bike shares in Mexico City and Paris.
6. What role do you think the municipality has in supporting and promoting cycling education for children, cyclists and motorists?
I think that having safe, separated bike lanes leading from all major arteries to elementary and high schools is a great way to encourage cycling at a young age. Also, I have seen schools with bike clubs and teams be very successful to promote ridership. Municipalities should look closely at new developments to make sure that they have adequate bike storage, and that the entrances, outdoor driveways and sidewalk support biking. We must also encourage office space on the North Shore so that walking or biking to work is much easier and safer.
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