Fulvio Valentinis
2173 Victoria Avenue N8X 1P8
Phone: (519) 977-9367
Email: fvalentinis@gmail.com
Website: www.fulviovalentinis.ca
1) What are your views on cycling in Windsor?
Our flat geography which we often lament is now one of our best assets
when it comes to cycling. In fact we have topography in Essex County
similar to that of Holland, one of Europe’s top cycling nations.
Although the City has developed some premier recreational bike trails
(Ganatchio Trail and the riverfront) our narrow and congested streets
continue to pose a challenge. The proposed consolidation of railways
will allow a unique opportunity to create linkages to our waterfront
through the conversion of abandoned rail lines into green trails.
2) Do you own a bike? How often do you ride it?
After a third close call resulting in an accident, I hung up my red
Italian “Bianchi” some years ago after deciding there were too many
distracted and erratic drivers on the street. I now only ride
recreationally on off street trails or when on vacation.
3) Recent studies show 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?
The simple answer is to create more safe venues. The trend in cities
like Montreal and Vancouver and even Europe is to separate cyclists
from motor vehicles whenever possible. Rather than sporadic
improvements to our cycling infrastructure on roadways as they are
reconstructed, more emphasis needs to be placed on connecting long
linkages of dedicated trails or cycling routes. City wide promotions
such as “Bicycling Sundays” will hopefully encourage individual and
families to take to the streets and bike trails in a safe and
enjoyable way.
4) What do you think needs to be done to make Windsor more bicycle friendly?
BUMP was a good start but it is now outdated. A more focused plan of
action is required. The cycling community needs to be a major
resource. This will require the disparate groups: The Cycling
Committee, Bike Friendly Windsor, Share the Road Cycling Coalition, to
come together and speak with a united voice. Set four or five very
specific and realistic goals as targets in consultation with the
city’s infrastructure plans and then lobby to ensure it gets done.
Modification to existing roads, signage, painted lanes, reducing
speeds etc. can still occur but the major emphasis should be on new
cycling infrastructure.
5) What are your views on enforcing cycling laws in Windsor?
A discussion needs to be held regarding the creation of cycle friendly
streets. The flip side is that maybe certain high speed big traffic
streets may have to be off limits to bicycles i.e. Huron Church, and
on these streets off road cycling or even cycling on sidewalks may
have to be allowed (Some communities such as Burlington allow cycling
on sidewalks in certain areas). In general cycling laws are not being
enforced except intermittently in Windsor. Police need to be
encouraged to conduct enforcement blitzes, both against errant
cyclists and against aggressive drivers.
6) Are you willing to make a commitment to bike to at least 4 council meetings per year, to lead by example?
Yes I will commit.
