[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”17196″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” qode_css_animation=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]In the lead up to the Windsor municipal election, we asked candidates running in each ward important questions about cycling in our city. We also asked school board trustee candidates whether they would advocate for active transportation for students.
Below you can read answers from the candidates who responded.
Here are our picks:
Mayor – Matt Marchand. He has a vision and a plan for cycling infrastructure, and he sought us out for a bike ride to experience and discuss issues from the saddle. “Recognize cycling as a form of active transportation and recreation as well as create a cultural shift of restoring a true partnership with City Hall and the cycling community.”
Ward 1 – Darcie Renaud and Krysta Glovasky-Ridsdale. It’s unfortunate these two smart women candidates may well split the vote in this riding. We could use them both on council.
Ward 2 – Fabio Constante
Ward 3 – Rino Bortolin
Ward 4 – Chris Holt
Ward 5 – Joey Wright
Ward 6 – Jeff Denomme and Terry Yaldo* Terry responded well to our Facebook question (below) however, his campaign literature ignores cycling and active transportation.
Ward 7 – Angelo Marignani and Irek Kusmierczyk* We were disappointed Irek did not respond to our survey but he reached out to us for a ward ride earlier this year and is generally supportive of cycling infrastructure and open to dialogue.
Ward 8 – Greg Lemay
Ward 9 – Kieran McKenzie
Ward 10 – Sadiq Pirani * Sadiq is highly knowledgeable about cycling and active transportation and is the only candidate who responded to ALL our other ward questions.
Trustees – Sarah Cipkar and Jessica Sartori . We’re also giving a nod to incumbent Kim McKinley whose record is not strong on Active and Safe Routes to School (she voted in favour of the construction of a road through Massey S.S. and Glenwood Elementary playing fields to ease traffic woes by facilitating kiss & ride) but who has reached out and is expressing keen interest in working with us and that’s good news.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_raw_html]JTNDYSUyMG5hbWUlM0QlMjIxJTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGYSUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][vc_empty_space][vc_separator type=”normal”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]
Ward 1
Thousands of Windsor residents say they would ride their bikes more often if they felt safe and protected from cars.
Q. What will you do to create a safer cycling environment in Windsor?[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”17194″ img_size=”medium” qode_css_animation=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Darcie Renaud I think it’s important that active transportation routes be safe, accessible, identifiable and connected so that pedestrians and cyclists of all levels feel safe to access recreation facilities, parks and amenities. We know that communities with fewer barriers to non-motorized transportation create an environment that encourages active transportation as a more convenient, practical and accessible option for transportation, and thus opportunities for physical activity for all.
I would support the use of the Complete Streets policy for all new roads and when undertaking fixing other roads to ensure that transportation planners consistently design the entire street network for all road users, including cyclists. While I applaud the amount of work that has gone into creating bike lanes across the City, there absolutely needs to be a more continuous network to allow cyclists to move between many different destinations. I would also support an application to the Safe Routes to School Program and push for the creation of more bicycle parking where needed.
Lastly, I read with interest the recommendation from the Bike Windsor-Essex Community Input report for the City’s Active Transportation Plan regarding “data collection, monitoring, progress reporting and improved community consultation”. While I agree that there needs to be a balance to ensure that such consultation and data collection aren’t overly burdensome and costly, consulting with stakeholders in advance and monitoring the performance of projects in this way will ensure that projects and investments are achieving their intended outcomes and results. In my view, the city needs to do more of this in general, not just when it comes to cycling.
I also like the idea of engaging the public about their perceptions of safety when it comes to active transportation. Many cities conduct annual or biennial (representative) surveys of residents and businesses to ask questions about broad issues (e.g., priorities for investments, active transportation, policing, quality of life issues, satisfaction with city services). The results are used as one measure to determine a) whether investments are line with their priorities and b) whether the city has moved the needle in priority areas or whether improvements need to be made. The data – good or bad – are publicly available and go a long way toward improving transparency, accountability and ensuring that investments being made are smart ones that get results for residents.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”17200″ img_size=”medium” qode_css_animation=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Krysta Glovasky-Ridsdale I would forward the Vision Zero plan, proposing by-laws and planning points to bring us as close to this goal as possible. Some items could be implemented immediately, others as we build new roads or repave existing. It is more than just “bike lanes”. It’s a shift in perspective from car centric infrastructure to an active transportation focus. My goal would be to take the “small bites” first to get the process started. Larger projects could be budgeted to build on those successes.
I also want to emphasize that when we say “bike lanes” we aren’t only talking about a family taking a leisurely ride through the neighbourhood! Our city lacks safe and connected commuter paths. With thousands of international students and a growing population of people that do not drive (or cannot afford a car) this has quickly shifted from a “want” to a definite “NEED”.
It is great that we have added walking, biking, and multi-use trails to our parks and so on, but the next goal is concentrating on how to access these amenities without needing to load the bikes onto the car and drive there 😉[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_raw_html]JTNDYSUyMG5hbWUlM0QlMjIyJTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGYSUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][vc_empty_space][vc_separator type=”normal”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]
Ward 2
The City of Windsor does not have a single protected or separated bike lane. We do not have any painted bike lanes or bike boxes at intersections.
Q. Will you advocate for these safety features where needed, and become a champion for pilot projects for cycling safety?[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”17201″ img_size=”medium” qode_css_animation=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Fabio Constante I’m all for better cycling infrastructure connecting our neighbourhoods.*
Bike Windsor Essex Fabio – would you support pilot projects like painted lanes and intersections to keep vulnerable road users safer? – No reply.
*We’re disappointed that Fabio failed to provide a more fulsome response; however, he includes cycling and active transportation in his platform, has confirmed this at public debates and sought us out to go for a Ward 2 bike ride to discuss challenges. He’s solid.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_raw_html]JTNDYSUyMG5hbWUlM0QlMjIzJTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGYSUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][vc_empty_space][vc_separator type=”normal”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]
Ward 3
Many people who want to ride their bikes to work, school, or an event choose to drive instead because of rampant bike theft, especially downtown and around the University.
Q. What steps will you take to address Windsor’s bike parking deficit and epidemic levels of bikes theft?[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”17202″ img_size=”medium” qode_css_animation=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]
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Ward 4
The number one complaint at many ward meetings is cars running stop signs and speeding. We also see too many bicycles riding on the sidewalk seeking perceived safety. There seems to be no enforcement to curb these problems.
Q. Would you support a high-profile education and enforcement program aimed at drivers and bike riders to increase awareness of the Rules of the Road and safety on our streets?[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”17203″ img_size=”medium” qode_css_animation=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]
Chris Holt Of course I would support a beefed up educational campaign as well as additional enforcement, it is something I have advocated for since my time chairing the Windsor Bicycling Committee back in the late ‘90’s.
One of the things I noticed back when I started up the City Cyclery bike shop with Ron, attitudes towards cycling changes when people are given what they want. I honestly believe we did more for cycling in Windsor when Ron and I opened the bike shop and provided them with the bikes they wanted to ride and the gear that made it conducive to making cycling a part of their everyday routine, than all my years of cycling advocacy. Nobody else did it like we did back then.
I feel the same way about cycling infrastructure. We can educate and enforce the rules (both very necessary) all we want but until we provide people the cycling infrastructure they want and the amenities that will make cycling a regular part of their daily routine, not much is going to change. If the city is going to spend scarce financial resources, I believe this is where it needs to be spent to make the biggest impact.
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Ward 5
Almost 20 years after the Bicycle Use MasterPlan (BUMP) was approved, few of the recommendations have been implemented and not much of the infrastructure has been built.
Q. When the new Active Transportation Plan is delivered, how will you ensure that it is funded and implemented in a reasonable timeframe and prevent the delays that have plagued the implementation of the BUMP?[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”17204″ img_size=”medium” qode_css_animation=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Joey Wright Thanks for the question, the fact the it’s been 20 years since BUMP was approved and not much has been accomplished goes to show how cycling infrastructure has been totally forgotten about until recent times. As someone who advocates and relies on alternative transportation including public transit and cycling this is an issue the effects me directly. I would aggressively advocate for protected, and clearly marked bikes lines in all future infrastructure investments.
Using input from organizations such as yourself and from cycling enthusiasts, we can invest in cycling infrastructure that our city is calling out for. With more and more people utilizing alternate forms of transportation it’s essential that we weave this into our future urban planning.
By advocating for proper funding from all levels of government and by working with the cycling community not against it, I believe we can transform the way our city gets from point a to point b within the next decade.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_raw_html]JTNDYSUyMG5hbWUlM0QlMjI2JTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGYSUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][vc_empty_space][vc_separator type=”normal”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]
Ward 6
Creating “slow zones” in residential neighborhoods is proven to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety while improving livability and overall traffic flow.
Q. Will you work to implement a citywide default speed limit of 30 km/h to create community “slow zones” on residential streets?[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”17205″ img_size=”medium” qode_css_animation=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Jeff Denomme Although I am a lead foot at times, I do see the positives in lowering the speed in residential zones.
I think people are missing the point of this question. I don’t think anyone can argue the fact that it is necessary to drive 50-60km down a residential street.
A lot of residential streets in Riverside Ward 6 do not have sidewalks. These are YOUR streets that YOUR kids and YOUR dogs and YOURself use to travel around YOUR community.
I think 30km is a perfectly reasonable speed to travel down residential streets.
It has been brought to my attention by the BIA’s of Ward 6 that they would like to see traffic calming effects implemented in their BIA zones. I fully support that initiative. Safety, economic and community benefits will be seen if you slow down traffic in the BIA zones.
I believe we should seek community input and also have a warning period before issuing traffic tickets. This would be done to benefit the community, not divide it.
TO THE WORRIERS:
Main artery roads would still be defaulted to 50km. Residential streets would be 30km. The same streets your kids would be able to play road hockey on, again.
PS.
When was the last time you rode a bike for leisure? Try it again. It is actually exciting, enjoyable and liberating. While you’re at it, go to a park and try a swing, too. Stop taking your adult self so seriously![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”17206″ img_size=”medium” qode_css_animation=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Terry Yaldo Cars racing down streets is a huge concern for me. I know one of the main things that attracted me to choose to live on Frank Ave, was the small amount of traffic that would go down this street. After the reconstruction of Wyandotte and Lauzon intersection, my block is being used as a short cut when the light is red at that intersection. My street does not have sidewalks and my kids play out front all the time, their safety and the safety of other kids and families’ enjoying the outdoors is essential.
Owing a business on Wyandotte I have seen many near misses and others that were not as fortunate. Its important to all that we work together to come up and implement the best solutions. We all want to improve the livability of our communities.
Before committing to a city-wide default speed limit of 40km/h, I would consult with the community to see what they want. I would also want to work closely with Bike Windsor Essex to get more data and learn best practices to make biking safer.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_raw_html]JTNDYSUyMG5hbWUlM0QlMjI3JTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGYSUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][vc_empty_space][vc_separator type=”normal”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]
Ward 7
Many citizens and advocacy groups work hard on improving our city only to be disappointed with the lack of interest and engagement from City Hall.
Q. How would you build a more welcoming, collaborative and engaged relationship with the community and advocacy groups?[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”17212″ img_size=”medium” qode_css_animation=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Angelo Marignani Councillors work for the public and the public should be able to access their councillors.
I will hold regularly scheduled monthly neighbourhood meeting so you can bring your concerns directly to me. together, we will work quickly and effectively to find a solution.
In addition I will also create a website that will have a real-time chat feature. This will allow you the taxpayer direct contact with me. As a community we can discuss your concerns and ideas before and during council meetings. This I believe will improve public consultation especially on important issues such as our hospital location . We have a lot of creative people in our community and I will bring your ideas forward. Your voice does matters.
As far as biking Windsor is concerned we need only look to Detroit to see some true models of success. Bike on![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”17219″ img_size=”medium” qode_css_animation=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]
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Ward 8
Thousands of Windsor residents say they would ride their bikes more often if they felt safe and protected from cars.
Q. What will you do to create a safer cycling environment in Windsor?[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”17213″ img_size=”medium” qode_css_animation=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Greg Lemay I would like to see smarter bike lanes designed. In ward 8, the city recently painted lines for “bikes” on Rivard but they didn’t leave enough room for the cars. When driving you basically run over the bikes based on where they painted the lines. This question was brought up to us at the Cupe debate on Thursday about “Lowering the traffic speed to 30km/h” will all candidates opposed to the idea. We would like to see more police presence in the the city to control that particular subject. I would like to see better designed/ designated bike lanes that go across the entire city as I recognize cycling is a means of transportation and many are using it as an alternative to driving. I would like to see more public input from cyclists on what they believe is unsafe while on the road. Maybe it’s something simple like adjusting traffic signals or bike education courses on safety.
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Ward 9
Ouellette Avenue was recently redeveloped and “bike lanes were considered but rejected.” A 6 km zigzag was proposed to divert cyclists around a shopping area on Wyandotte St. East. A large section of Tecumseh Road E was just completely reconstructed with no cycling or active transportation facilities added.
Q. Will you support the development and implementation of a Complete Streets Policy?
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Ward 10
Shifting a small amount of spending towards cycling does not mean drivers or transit users lose. Maximizing the use of our road space is a win-win for everyone.
Q. Will you commit to an annual cycling investment of 4% of the roads budget?
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”17238″ img_size=”medium” qode_css_animation=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Sadiqu Pirani Thanks for your question and I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts on Active Transportation infrastructure investment.
As a municipal government engineer and project manager, I personally lead an integrated transportation master plan whichincluded sustainable and multi-modal transportation strategy coupled with intelligent transportation system (ITS) application solutions for safe, smart and efficient traffic operation and management.
I had successfully secured Council’s approval to develop 5-years Implementation Plan along with commitment to allocate 2 to 5 percent of the Annual Capital Infrastructure Budget funds to invest on Cycling (bike lanes) and Walking (sidewalk) facilities.
If elected as a Ward 10 Councillor, I will initiate the same proposal for the City of Windsor and will make a strong case to ensure commitment of 2-5% ‘or’ more (if needed) of annual capital infrastructure budget funds’ investment towards protected bike lanes, multi-use trails and sidewalk facilities to connect communities and respected residents.
We also need to invest more funds into our public transit service as more and more City residents including Daily Commuters and University, College and High School Students are using these services.
In addition, I will work with City staff to develop strong proposals to pursue alternative funding grants that are offered by federal and provincial governments for smart and sustainable cities / communities.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_raw_html]JTNDYSUyMG5hbWUlM0QlMjJ0cnVzdGVlcyUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmElM0U=[/vc_raw_html][vc_empty_space][vc_separator type=”normal”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]
School Board Trustees
School boards across Ontario are mandating that their schools have Active and Safe Routes to School plans to promote walking and wheeling to school.
Q. Would you actively advocate for school travel planning that promotes children’s health and safety, support Vision Zero on our streets and encourage walking, cycling to school including education on safe cycling and bike maintenance in the schools?
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Elect Beau Helbert School Board Trustee Of course I would advocate for children’s safety. I am a big fan of bike lanes however it’s important that they are rolled out intelligently. Some areas aren’t well suited to bike lanes without street widening. I believe that cycling is a fun healthy way to get around!
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[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Sarah Cipkar – Public School Board Trustee Candidate, Wards 3, 4, & 10 Yes, I would most definitely support and promote school travel planning that promotes health and safety, as I already do in my day-to-day life! I think this is a big area of opportunity in our community as I hear from many parents how frustrated they are with getting their child to school safely. Active transportation policies are good for ALL people, including our students and it imperative that we take a leadership role with students to reduce traffic & congestion in our schools, while also increasing physical education with our students and families.
If elected Trustee, I would seek to implement a policy where all schools MUST have an active transportation plan that is promoted by the school and community partners so that it is publicly available and known by the community. Additionally, I would also advocate for a safe cycling program implemented Board-wide, as I feel this is imperative to changing the culture and increasing cycling in our cities. I would also like to see an increase in partnerships with local organizations who can provide bike maintenance classes, but also ‘Earn-a-bike’ programs. Many students in the downtown (in particular based on my limited sample size) do not own bikes, nor have the tools to fix them up. Getting these kids bikes, teaching them hands on skills, and providing safe cycling education is not only fun, it is completely necessary as strive to reduce our reliance on vehicles and want to increase the amount of cyclists in Windsor & Essex County over the next 10-20 years. So yes, I am all in when it comes to active transportation programs and policies in our schools![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Jessica Sartori Thanks for your questions. Active transportation is important for the health and well-being of our community and our students. Working to encourage and support active transportation can have great impact on student well-being and our community. We hear about traffic congestion around schools and one cost-effective way to address it is to encourage and provide tools for active transportation. I support the idea of safe cycling and maintenance programs as well. I like Sarah‘s idea above to ensure that all schools have an active transportation plan.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”100″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
