Don Merrifield
1264 Bruce Avenue N8X 1X3
Email: donmerrifieldjr@gmail.com
Website: www.vote4don.com
1) What are your views on cycling in Windsor?
Cycling on the streets of Windsor to be honest is a scary process. I used to bike all the the time in Downtown Toronto and felt safer. Our trail system and waterfront paths are great asset to the community, but the roads are not bike friendly.
2) Do you own a bike? How often do you ride it?
Yes…Few times a month
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?
Until the infrastructure is developed and community awareness done for the drivers in the area all that can be done is promote what cycling infrastructure we have and the health and environmental benefits of cycling.
4) What do you think needs to be done to make Windsor more bicycle friendly?
We need a public awareness campaign for drivers in Windsor. I live on a street with bike lanes and they are usually ignored, or not even recognized for what they are. As infrastructure is replaced in the City a segment needs to be developed for safe biking. We need to connect the entire Waterfront from West to East with bike lanes, and as the railroad lines are consolidated or redeveloped these will present perfect cost effective ways to greatly increase cycling infrastructure in our area. Until people can bike safely from all areas of the City not much will improve. I’ve been to many places in Europe that have great bike infrastructure and would love to see those programs and designs be brought to the area.
5) What are your views on enforcing cycling laws in Windsor?
My views on enforcement is “They Aren’t”. Until the laws are enforced for both cyclists and drivers we can’t expect any improvement for bikers on City streets
6) Are you willing to make a commitment to bike to at least 4 city council meetings per year, to lead by example?
Given where I live that’s an easy commitment. I would probably walk to many of the council meetings.
