1. Active Transportation Master Plan
Yes, I support implementing Markham’s Active Transportation Master Plan, with safety, connectivity, and local needs guiding priorities. If elected, I will advocate for reviewing gaps in Ward 5’s walking and cycling network, identifying hazardous connections, and prioritizing improvements through evidence-based planning and resident feedback. I will also work with City staff and York Region to advance appropriate projects, monitor progress, and ensure infrastructure meets applicable safety and accessibility standards. Implementation should focus on meaningful improvements, not simply increasing the number of kilometres of cycling facilities.
2. Expanding Markham’s Cycling Network
I support expanding Markham’s cycling network where facilities can be designed safely and appropriately. Priorities should include connecting existing routes, linking neighbourhoods to schools, transit, parks, and community services, and addressing identified safety risks. Ward 5 residents rely heavily on cars, and traffic congestion is a major concern. Each project must consider road capacity, traffic patterns, local conditions, and the needs of all road users. Protected lanes, multi-use paths, and neighbourhood bikeways should be selected according to the location, with safety standards never compromised.
3. Safe and Connected Cycling Routes
I have cycled since Grade 7 in China, commuting to school by bicycle every day. I believe one of the best ways to understand cyclists’ needs is to ride alongside them. If elected, I would join residents on cycling routes throughout Markham to experience conditions firsthand, identify hazards and gaps, and listen to their suggestions. I would then work with City and York Region staff to prioritize practical improvements, particularly at dangerous intersections, disconnected routes, and roads with inadequate lighting or limited space.
4. Protected Cycling Infrastructure on Major Roads
I support protected cycling infrastructure on suitable arterial and collector roads when it can be designed to meet appropriate safety standards. Reallocating road space should be considered where justified, but decisions must be based on traffic studies, road geometry, transit needs, accessibility, and the safety of all users. In Ward 5, where many residents depend on cars and congestion is a significant concern, we must carefully assess each location rather than apply a one-size-fits-all approach. The goal is to reduce conflicts between drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians through better design, not create new hazards.
5. Road Safety and Vision Zero
I support a strong road-safety approach focused on preventing serious injuries and fatalities. Priorities should include safer intersections and crossings, appropriate traffic calming, speed management, improved lighting, clear sightlines, and cycling facilities designed to recognized safety standards. School zones and locations with documented collision risks deserve particular attention. Automated enforcement should be considered where legally permitted and supported by evidence. I will advocate for reviewing collision data and resident concerns to guide investments, working with City and York Region authorities to implement measures within their respective responsibilities.
6. Cycling Infrastructure in New Developments and Road Projects
Yes. Safe, accessible walking and cycling connections should be considered from the beginning of new developments, road reconstruction, and major transportation projects—not added as an afterthought. I will support integrating appropriate facilities into project planning, design reviews, development approvals, and capital budgeting. Connections must link meaningfully with existing networks and destinations, and designs must meet applicable safety standards. Coordination between developers, City staff, York Region, and other agencies is essential to avoid disconnected infrastructure and costly retrofits. Each design should reflect local road conditions and the needs of all users.
7. Maintenance and Year-Round Accessibility
Infrastructure is only useful when it remains safe and accessible. I will advocate for clear, practical maintenance standards for priority walking and cycling routes, including snow and ice clearing, debris removal, pavement repairs, vegetation management, lighting, and signage. Maintenance priorities should consider usage, safety risks, accessibility, and connections to schools and transit. I will also encourage residents to report hazards and seek better follow-up from the responsible authority. City-owned and regional routes require coordination between Markham and York Region so that maintenance gaps do not undermine the safety of an otherwise connected route.
8. Safe Routes to School and Youth Cycling
Children should be able to walk or cycle to school safely. I support assessing school-area hazards, improving crossings and sightlines, managing vehicle speeds, and providing appropriate cycling connections and secure bicycle parking. School-route planning must also consider school traffic, drop-off congestion, sidewalks, lighting, and accessibility. I will advocate for collaboration among schools, families, City staff, York Region, and other relevant partners to identify problems and prioritize effective solutions. Encouraging active transportation must go hand in hand with safe infrastructure and education for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
9. Funding and Implementation
I support predictable funding for active transportation as part of a balanced, evidence-based transportation budget. Walking and cycling infrastructure should receive appropriate priority where it addresses serious safety risks, fills important network gaps, connects residents to essential destinations, or supports growing communities. Investment decisions must also consider road maintenance, congestion, transit, accessibility, and affordability for taxpayers. I will advocate for transparent project priorities, realistic cost estimates, coordination with York Region, and regular progress reporting. Residents should be able to see what is planned, why it matters, and whether public investments are delivering safer, more connected routes.
10. Your Commitment to Active Transportation
If elected, my three priorities will be:
- Identify and address safety gaps: Work with residents and City and York Region staff to identify dangerous intersections, disconnected routes, and hazardous road conditions in Ward 5.
- Promote safe, connected design: Advocate for cycling and walking facilities that meet appropriate safety and accessibility standards and reflect local traffic and road conditions.
- Demand accountability: Support transparent project prioritization, realistic funding, effective maintenance, and regular progress updates.
My goal is not simply to build more cycling infrastructure, but to make walking and cycling safer and more practical for residents while respecting Ward 5’s transportation needs.