Election Cycling Issues
Wheel Life column - 2 October, 1999
by Todd Litman and Suzanne Kort - Victoria Transport Policy Institute

Congratulations and thanks to organizers of the Lochside Ramble, a celebration of the Lochside Trail held last Sunday. With its latest improvements the trail now stretches from Mount Newton Crossroads down to Lohbrunner Road, and additional work scheduled for next year will extend it down to McKenzie Avenue.

Our family had a delightful time, with stops to eat at Mattick's Farm, observe working farms, watch flying model airplanes, play in parks, ride a model train and take part in other festivities at Saanich Historical Society (now called Heritage Acres).

We particularly enjoyed the Flying Cow Maze in the corn field at Island View Road, which is far more interesting and challenging than last year (Open daily through October, weather permitting. Entrance fee is $4 for adults and $2 for children. Call 544-1147 for additional information).

Along the way we saw hundreds of cyclists, pedestrians and equestrians using the trail. There was a notable reduction in traffic congestion at Heritage Acres because so many people arrived sans automobile. Our regional trail network is clearly becoming an important transportation and recreation resource.

Cycling and walking depend, in part, on individual action. Only you can decide to use these modes rather than drive. Only you can push the pedals or take a step. Only you can learn skills and practice behaviours that make these activities safe and enjoyable.

But cycling and walking are also sensitive to community decisions. For too long our road system has been designed primarily for automobiles, with facilities for non-motorized transport added as an afterthought, if at all. Speed and convenience of motorists is often considered more important than the safety and mobility of cyclists and pedestrians.

The most active municipality in our region is Saanich, which has an active bicycle advisory committee and bicycle improvement plan. Langord is developing a bicycle plan. Victoria's current city council disbanded its bicycle committee and has done little to update or implement its bicycle plan. Other governments are doing little for cycling and even less pedestrians.

Some communities have done far more. Toronto's transportation policy gives highest priority to accommodating non-motorized transport. Public transit and rideshare vehicles rank second. Private automobiles are accommodated last. The result is a street system which is truly multi-modal.

Other communities with outstanding bicycle, pedestrian and traffic calming programs include Davis, California; Eugene, Oregon; Portland, Oregon; and Seattle, Washington. These communities have experienced significant increases in non-motorized travel, safer streets, increased consumer choice, and more pleasant environments.

Southern Vancouver Island has the mildest climate in Canada. We are home to the National Cycling Team, two universities, two colleges, and numerous schools. Many residents place a high value on walking and cycling. We have every reason to put more emphasis on non-motorized transportation.

With municipal elections next month, this is a good time to think about the priorities you want for your local government, and to express them by supporting candidates who share this vision. This is not just another "special interest" issue. Everybody benefits from a more diverse and sustainable transportation system.

Below are questions to ask candidates:

• Do you consider bicycle and pedestrian improvements important as part of both transportation and recreation programs?
• Would you work to create municipal bicycle and pedestrian advisory committees, and to create update local bicycle and pedestrian plans?
• Do you support funding for non-motorized transport that is at least proportional to the portion of trips made by these modes?
• Would you work to address barriers and bottlenecks to walking and cycling, such as dangerous intersections and difficult-to-cross bridges?
• Do you support traffic calming and bicycle safety programs?
• Are you willing to vote for bicycle lanes and pedestrian improvements, even if they require removing on-street parking?

The candidates' sincerity and intelligence when answering these questions can tell you much about the importance they place on creating a more people-friendly community.