Friday, September 18, 2009

Cycling Event - Follow up

What a great turnout we had last night. There were just over 20 passionate people that arrived at the meeting to figure out how we could improve cycling in Langley. We had representation from all areas of Langley including the City, Brookswood, Fort Langley, Aldergrove, Walnut Grove, and Willoughby. We heard about the Mobility Matters program from BEST. The program is basically about neighbourhoods giving up their secondary vehicles in exchange for non-vehicular transportation (i.e.: bike) and a co-op car. Find out more on their website. We also heard from members of the Surrey/White Rock and Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge Chapters of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition (VACC) on how to bring energy to the cycling issue.

My friend (and co-sponsor of this meeting), from the Township of Langley Park Commission, Suzan Guest led us in an issues mind mapping exercise. At the end of the exercise, we noticed that cycling issue in Langley fell into a few main categories: Clean Bike Routes, Safe Bike Routes, Safe Bike Parking, Better Engineered Bike Routes (included separated bike lanes), Enforcement, Driver and Cyclist Education, and Promotion.

We will be hosting another meeting in the next month to discuss becoming a chapter of the VACC. Exciting days for cycling are ahead for the people of Langley!

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