Website: sherrirollins.ca
Email: info@sherrirollins.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/sherrilynn.rollins
Twitter: @SherriLRollins
From candidate’s website (accessed 2 Oct 2018):
It’s Time to Take Real Action on Cyclist and Pedestrian Safety, Create Zero Fatality Strategy: Rollins (Press Release dated September 11th, 2018)
Sherri Rollins, City Council candidate for Fort Rouge – East Fort Garry, commits to making Winnipeg streets safer by pushing for a zero traffic fatality strategy.
“It is time for Winnipeg to set the bar at zero fatalities so that everyone makes it home safe. Tragedies like last week’s fatal collision with a cyclist in Sage Creek are entirely preventable, and all of our families should be able to walk, bike, and drive in our city without fear,” Rollins said. “I’ve heard firsthand at the doorstep from people mourning the loss of their friend and neighbour.”
Every year, pedestrians and cyclists – both adults and schoolchildren – are injured or killed by drivers on Winnipeg roads. While some action has been taken, there are many areas that lack dedicated cycling lanes and traffic calming measures that are essential to ensure cyclists and pedestrians of all ages are safe, Rollins added.
The “Vision Zero” model was developed in Sweden in 1997 as a plan to eliminate pedestrian and cyclist fatalities by viewing every incident as a preventable tragedy rather than an accident. Under this model, a long-term, evidence-based strategy is developed targeting how infrastructure is built and traffic signs are used, including road redesign, traffic calming, lower speed limits, extended cross-walk times, pedestrian-driven signaling, targeted traffic law enforcements, and increased public awareness campaigns.
“Every year there are more preventable deaths on our roadways and another family is struck by tragedy. It’s time we get serious and make our roads work for all of our citizens, whether they walk, cycle, or drive,” Rollins said.
Since the “Vision Zero” model was developed it has been adopted in many jurisdictions including New York City, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Edmonton. Every city has seen decreases in traffic fatalities, with Sweden now having the lowest rate in the world.
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From Vote Winnipeg 2018 (Winnipeg Free Press) accessed 2 Oct 2018:
Q: “What should Winnipeg’s plan be for the future of public and active transit?”
A: “I am committed to improving the quality of city services like public transit and infrastructure for cyclists.
That means planning for more busses – built right here in Winnipeg – as part of our active fleet. Investing in the next leg of rapid transit development is a priority so that transit users get where they need to go reliably and quickly. Keeping fares affordable for seniors and those on a fixed income is a priority. Provincial cuts and fare increases put more burden onto our already underfunded system every day; I will continue to advocate for the restoration of 50/50 transit funding between the City and the Province.
It also means expanding and connecting our network of active transit paths so that individuals and families have the opportunity to walk, run, and bike in safety and more fully enjoy the beautiful neighbourhoods and natural settings with which we are blessed.”
Q: “What is your position on reopening Portage and Main to pedestrians?”
A” I will stand behind the decision of Winnipeggers, and respect their vote. Personally I will be voting to open because I believe in a barrier-free and accessible Winnipeg and want to see safety improved downtown.
The candidate completed the 2018 all-candidate environmental survey: A coalition of Winnipeg Environmental Organizations compiled questions for an all-candidate (Mayoral and Councilor) survey with questions relating to the environment, including AT.