1. Active Transportation Master Plan
Yes. I will support full implementation of Markham’s Active Transportation Master Plan, including its recommended cycling and active transportation projects, policies, and priorities. If elected, I will advocate for annual capital funding, align road reconstruction with ATMP ( Active Transportation Master Plan) routes, and require progress reports to Council and residents. I will prioritize connections to schools, transit stations, community centres, and commercial areas. I will work with York Region on regional links. I will set measurable targets for kilometres built, safety improvements, and maintenance standards. Implementation must be predictable, transparent, and community-informed.
2. Expanding Markham’s Cycling Network
Yes. I support expanding Markham’s cycling network with protected bike lanes, separated cycle tracks, multi-use paths, neighbourhood bikeways, and appropriate facilities. I would prioritize projects that close gaps, connect neighbourhoods to schools, transit, community centres, and employment areas, and serve high-demand corridors. I would use collision data, ridership potential, and council-approved plans to rank projects. I will push for annual funding and coordinated construction with road resurfacing and development. I will report progress each year. Building a connected, safe network must be a standard part of city-building.
3. Safe and Connected Cycling Routes
I will close dangerous gaps by prioritizing connections between neighbourhoods, schools, transit stations, community centres, commercial areas, trails, and major destinations. I support protected crossings, signal changes, and safe intersections on high-speed, high-volume roads. I will work with York Region to fix regional barriers and coordinate with school boards and transit agencies. I will use data to identify missing links and build short, strategic connections each year. I will require new developments to complete links. I will report annually on connectivity, safety, and progress toward a continuous network.
4. Protected Cycling Infrastructure on Major Roads
Yes, on appropriate arterial and collector roads, I support protected cycling infrastructure, including reallocating road space. I will balance modes by following complete streets principles: safe crossings, transit priority, accessible sidewalks, and reliable driving lanes. Decisions will be evidence-based, using traffic data, collision history, transit use, and public input. I will prioritize corridors with high risk. I will coordinate with York Region, because many major roads are regional. I will not pit road users against each other; safety and choice benefit everyone. I will report outcomes publicly annually.
5. Road Safety and Vision Zero
I support Vision Zero and will prioritize safety for people walking and cycling. Measures include safer intersections, protected crossings, traffic calming, lower speed limits, daylighting, automated enforcement, and improved cycling infrastructure. I will target high-collision locations first, using data and community input. I will work with York Region, police, and school boards. I will support a Vision Zero action plan with clear targets, annual reporting, and dedicated funding. I will advocate for quick-build improvements while permanent fixes are designed. Every resident should feel safe travelling without a car.
6. Cycling Infrastructure in New Developments and Road Projects
Yes. High-quality walking and cycling infrastructure must be standard in new developments, road reconstruction, widening, and major transportation projects, not optional. I will support policies requiring complete streets, protected connections, safe crossings, and secure bicycle parking at approval stage. Developers must build connections as part of initial construction, with clear standards and inspections. I will align capital projects with the ATMP and require staff to report on compliance. I will not approve major projects that leave people walking or cycling unsafe. These investments reduce congestion and improve health.
7. Maintenance and Year-Round Accessibility
I will improve maintenance with clear, published service standards for snow clearing, pavement quality, debris removal, vegetation management, lighting, signage, and accessibility. Important cycling routes should be cleared promptly after snow, just like roads. I will support dedicated maintenance funding, regular inspections, and a simple reporting system for residents. I will prioritize routes near schools, transit, hospitals, and community centres. I will require annual performance reports so residents can see whether standards are met. Reliable year-round maintenance is essential if Markham expects more people to walk and cycle.
8. Safe Routes to School and Youth Cycling
I will make walking and cycling to school safer by expanding Safe Routes to School, traffic calming around schools, protected crossings, and secure bicycle parking. I will work with school boards, parents, police, and York Region to fix dangerous intersections and missing links. I will prioritize connections to schools within neighbourhoods and along transit routes. I will support youth cycling education and bike-share opportunities where feasible. I will require new schools and developments to include safe walking and cycling access. I will report annually on school-zone safety improvements.
9. Funding and Implementation
Yes. I support dedicated, predictable funding for cycling and active transportation in Markham’s capital budgets. I will advocate for a multi-year program, not one-off projects, so routes get designed, built, and maintained reliably. Active transportation should be a high priority when transportation investments are considered, because it is affordable, healthy, and reduces congestion. I will support matching grants. I will require annual public reporting on spending, kilometres built, safety outcomes, and maintenance. I will work to ensure funding reaches underserved areas. Political commitment must match the plan’s vision.
10. Your Commitment to Active Transportation
My three commitments: First, build a connected protected cycling network, prioritizing safe routes to schools, transit, and town centres, with annual progress reports. Second, dedicate predictable capital funding for active transportation in every budget and coordinate construction with road projects. Third, implement Vision Zero safety improvements at high-risk intersections and establish clear year-round maintenance standards for cycling routes. Residents can assess my progress through kilometres built, safety data, maintenance reports, and budget commitments. I will be transparent and accountable. Safe walking and cycling must be normal and accessible.
Best Regards
Alan Ho
647-808-6332