What do you think are the benefits of active transportation (e.g. walking, riding a bicycle)?

There are many benefits to active transportation — a healthy lifestyle and less cars on the road being the most prominent.

Research recommends enabling biking and walking for transport as an important public health measure. What are your thoughts on the current state of the infrastructure for active transportation in the city? How will you increase the convenience and safety of all modes of transportation, including walking/using a wheelchair, riding a bike, and transit?

I would ensure a complete operational review of alternative methods of transportation in Ward 2. This would take place within one year of being elected. These forms of transportation must be safe and accessible to all.

Lowering speeds to 30 kph in residential areas improves road safety for all users, especially children and seniors.  Calgary citizen groups in many communities are calling on the City to act against speeding. If elected, how will you work to reduce vehicle speeds in residential areas in Calgary?

I would lobby for more enforcement. As well, I would push for the use of  radar cameras in the 30 kph playground and school zones to enforce the speed limits when CPS resources are unavailable.

Vibrant communities depend upon everyday people using city streets to shop, eat, linger, and walk. Several factors play into the walkability of communities including: intensity, mixing of different types of uses, connectivity, and quality of the urban realm. If elected, how will you increase the walkability and vibrancy of Calgary’s communities?

I am an advocate for having more mixed-use developments (business&residential) take place. Future developments should have a “small-town, Main Street” approach similar to the vibe in McKenzie Towne. Existing communities could also be retro-fitted if the citizens deem it to be a worthwhile project.

Bicycle access to amenities (e.g. work, school, recreation) requires bicycle facilities that extend beyond our pathways. In addition, this summer we saw how reliance on a pathway network built primarily in a river floodplain resulted in a loss of viable travel routes for many Calgarians. Of its 18,000 lane-km of roads, Calgary has only 26 km of marked on-street bike routes. Given that 98% of Calgarians are uncomfortable riding in traffic, do you support reallocation of roadway space to provide people on bicycles with equitable, reliable, safe, comfortable, and efficient access to the amenities they need to reach?

I would look at each proposal on project-by-project basis. The Rocky Ridge Recreation Centre opening soon in Ward 2 must have proper biking infrastructure in place!

How will you increase the convenience and appeal of transit as a mode of choice, as well as facilitate the possibility of multi-modal trips (e.g. walking & transit, riding a bike & transit)?

I am an advocate of transit as I regularly take transit to work. I would continue to be a role model and active user of transit.

Are you familiar with the New York experience from 2007-2013? How can we replicate most of that success here in the next five years?

I am familiar with the New York experience from 2007-2013. A common vision amongst City Council would have to occur for that success to be replicated.

Will you advocate for the prioritization of cold hard cash directed towards alternative transport options, and an urgent move to make on-the-ground changes immediately?

Definitely. It is up to all three levels of government to provide funding/incentives and I would lobby for our fair share.