Rob Sassine
3800 Huntington Avenue
N9E 3W8
Phone: (519) 562-3312
Email: robsassine2010@gmail.com
Website: www.robsassine.com
1) What are your views on cycling in Windsor?
I believe cycling is an excellent way to promote exercise and is also environmentally friendly transportation option. I think that Windsor has some of the best trails around and other municipalities are envious of them. Unfortunately, cycling on Windsor streets can be challenging at times and if elected I will do my best to promote a safer cycling environment.
2) Do you own a bike? How often do you ride it?
I have owed a bicycle since I was a child and I ride my bike at least once a week. My son Jacob has just 1 year old and I have acquired a child trailer to attach to my bicycle. I am excited as I believe he will be thrilled to go biking with me.
3) Recent research shows that 65% of Windsorites have ridden a bike in the last year. What do you think can be done to get more windsorites cycling more often?
Several things can be done to get more Windsorites cycling. First, I believe Windsorites need more education as to the benefits of cycling. The school boards can play an integral role in getting the younger Windsorites back on bikes. I remember riding my bicycle to school everyday including the winter time. Now, I rarely, if ever see a Grade School aged child riding their bike to school. This can also be accomplished by using incentives such as Ride you Bike to School Days or by the school administration themselves leading by example.
Second, I think parents need to promote bicycling as a form of family time together. Nothing makes me happier when I see parents and their children out for rides on their bicycles together. This not only promotes a healthy lifestyle choice but also promotes family bonding.
4) What do you think needs to be done to make Windsor more bicycle friendly?
I believe that there needs to be a serious investment in our city’s Infrastructure. Many of our city streets need to be improved to allow for bike lanes. As a resident of Ward 9, I realize that few of the major thoroughfares do not allow for cyclists to safely travel throughout the area. My website goes into detail about my plans for Cabana Road and the inclusion of bike lanes to allow an east-west bike thoroughfare for cyclists in South Windsor.
5) What are your views on enforcing cycling laws in Windsor?
I believe that the enforcement of cycling laws in imperative in keeping our youth safe. Every study ever done shows the increased survivability factor when an accident occurs and the cyclist was wearing a protective helmet. Numerous times I have witnessed youth riding their bicycles past the Police without wearing their helmets. I would like to get the Windsor Police more involved in the promotion and enforcement of cycling laws in Windsor.
6) Are you willing to make a commitment to bike to at least 4 city council meetings per year, to lead by example?
If elected, I am willing to commit to biking to at least 4 City Council Meetings. I think this would show a true lead by example approach to promoting cycling in Windsor. This will also give me a first hand experience of the struggles and frustrations that cyclists face everyday.
