Responses to Sault Cycling Club survey

Jody Curran, Ward 2 Are you in support of developing bike routes in this City? - Yes. The use of bikes is healthy and cost-efficient. They provide a safe lane for travel and help the environment, by cutting down on gas emissions.

Jody Curran, Ward 2

Are you in support of developing bike routes in this City? - Yes. The use of bikes is healthy and cost-efficient. They provide a safe lane for travel and help the environment, by cutting down on gas emissions.

Would you support the establishment of an annual funding forumla to implement the cycling component of the City's Trail Master Plan? If so, what amount would you want allocated? - I agree with funding the Trail Master Plan as part of the annual budget process. The city needs to show that it supports the plan with real dollars. The Sault Cycling Club can help to show what lanes should be developed first and what that will cost.

What bike priorities would you recommend for development? - It seems logical to develop practical high-volume lanes first. That would mean developing routes to the downtown from the east, west, and north. Also, lanes to our recreational highlights like Hiawatha Park would also be a big priority.

Do you have any additional comments that you would like to provide? - Bicycle lanes work. I’ve seen it in Ottawa and elsewhere. I own a bike and use it enough to understand the value. This project has been on the books for a long time and needs a push.

Susan Milne, Ward 2

Are you in support of developing bike routes in this City? - Definitely.

Would you support the establishment of an annual funding forumla to implement the cycling component of the City's Trail Master Plan? If so, what amount would you want allocated? - This would have to be considered in cooperation with the user groups, council and city staff. The amount allocated would be best determined by these groups. I would also want to investigate the likely availability of grants and funds through federal and provincial governments.

What bike priorities would you recommend for development? - This should be done in consultation with the user groups. However, my first inclination would be to start with areas of high traffic. This I would think would also coincide with routes regularly traversed to and from some of our major workplaces.

Do you have any additional comments that you would like to provide? - I am committed to establishing a full trail system in our community. I firmly believe that we must improve the quality of life for the residents of SSM before we can entice newcomers to our beautiful city. I strongly support this idea and agree that it is not just necessary to ensure the safety of cyclists but for the important reasons outlined in your letter. My sister is an avid cyclist and she often says she is more comfortable riding her bike on Highway 17 in from Heyden rather than cycling within the city.

Mike O'Shea, Ward 2

Are you in support of developing bike routes in this City? - Yes - in favour of establishment of bike paths (routes) within our community.

Would you support the establishment of an annual funding forumla to implement the cycling component of the City's Trail Master Plan? If so, what amount would you want allocated? - I believe it is important to determine a formula that would allow this community and council to provide the necessary funds to implement the cycling component of the city’s Trails Master Plan.

What bike priorities would you recommend for development? - It seems to me, and I believe the residents of Ward 2 would agree, that the waterfront and downtown routes would be a priority providing benefit to both local biking enthusiasts and visiting tourists. Having suggested this, I confess that I am no expert in this area and would defer such recommendations to those intimately involved in this effort.

Do you have any additional comments that you would like to provide? - Not only am I in favour of this, I also believe that it is an important part of developing our recreational & leisure infrastructures. This I believe is an opportunity for our city to move forward toward a "model" community, one in which people are proud to live and the envy of visitors. My campaign is based on building an environment that promotes good health, improved economic prosperity, sound public safety, equal access to services to all citizens and confidence in the leadership of our community. I believe the development of bike paths in the Sault is part of the creative thinking that this city must pursue.

Terry Sheehan, Ward 2

Are you in support of developing bike routes in this City? - Yes.

What bike priorities would you recommend for development? - I would like to see the board walk extended with a Bike Route and Walking Route. Then I would like to see all the City connected via walking and bike trails. This would have to be over time.

Do you have any additional comments that you would like to provide? - I have years of experience in the tourism industry. I was the Sales and Marketing Manager of Algoma's Water Tower Inn and Lodge Manager of Searchmont Resort for a season. Therefore I know how important trails are to the quality of life of Saultites and for tourists visiting the area.

**************************************************************** To read more ward candidate responses, please click here.