John Oplanich

night had this plan in my talk but I only had 6 mins and didn’t get a chance to discuss. I was also at the forum for Ward 7 and it did come up. I can’t remember his name but teh candidate has no car and bikes everywhere. I would love to talk with you so please call me on my cell at 780-991-6741.

Nice to hear from you

Councillor of the People

John Oplanich

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Hi Chris:

My responses are attached.

Thanks, john oplanich

Councillor of the People

Do you ride a bicycle? Yes For leisure? Yes Exercise? Yes Commuting? Sometimes How often? twice per week, shopping

Similarly, do you walk or take transit? I walk How often? every day about 1 hour

Do you feel comfortable/safe riding on the road with traffic Not usually so I stay on sidewalks. I have travelled around the world in many interesting places. I was impressed the most in Stockholm, Sweden. People of all ages bike to work. They have bike lanes in the streets?

What about your family? Yes, the kids love to bike. We bike alot at the cabin If not, why? How would you change bicycle infrastructure to make cyclists feel more safe? Bike commuter lanes to encourage biking. Otherwise people are afraid to fight with cars

How do you celebrate Bike Month (June) in Edmonton? I celebrate every time I bike so I don’t do anything special in June

The number of cyclists in this city grew over 150% between 1994 and 2005, with over 25,000 trips made daily by bicycle, and we’ve seen even more rapid growth since 2005. Last year, City Council moved to earmark 5% of the Transportation Capital Budget toward Active Transportation Projects. With this funding, the BTP and the Sidewalk Strategy would be completed around 2025. What are your spending priorities in relation to active transportation?

LRT, infrastructure, transit

The 10-year Bicycle Transportation Plan calls for bikeways to be constructed across the city, making safe paths within neighbourhoods and connecting them to a City-wide network of bike corridors. Nearly 500 km of bikeways, covering the entire city, can be built for less than the cost of a single overpass. Given that cycling reduces the use of single-occupant vehicles, easing congestion and freeing parking spaces, and builds stronger, healthier communities, and is extremely cost-effective: would you commit to fully-funding the Bicycle Transportation Plan (BTP) if elected?

Absolutely. We know all the positive contributions biking does for the community and city.

Which specific departments and branches do you feel have a say in cycling issues? Transportation Who needs to be at the table to coordinate an effective strategy? Councillors

Edmonton Zoning Bylaw #12800 includes requirements for bicycle parking. Unfortunately, this requirement is minimal, only applies to developments since 2001, and isn’t always enforced, leaving the city with inadequate bike parking. Secure parking facilities are critical for cyclists, as bicycles are easy targets for thieves. About 10 bicycles can be parked in the space of a single car-parking stall. What is your opinion on car & bicycle parking requirements, especially in the downtown and also in new, mid- and high-density redevelopments?

I am open to all ideas. It is easy to make avail parking for bikes

Most cities our size have a municipal education program to help residents, businesses and institutions choose healthy, active modes of transportation. Despite a visible increase in the number of cyclists in Edmonton, the City Transportation branch currently has no education programs for cyclists. How would you (or the administration) encourage more people to choose a bike over a private automobile?

People need incentives. Citizens would get credits that they could use against prop taxes, garbage etc.

Do you have a recent photo of yourself riding your bicycle?

I am going to look for one and send it over to you. It will probably have my family as well.