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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2010
W E S T M I N S T E R
INSIDE FEATURE: Septuagenarian standup ◗P11
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Ready for action Ashley Fowler, a participant in the city’s 2010 youth firefighter program, helps Olivia Ross into some of the gear worn on the job. The annual firehall open house attracted big crowds on Saturday. Jason Lang/THE RECORD
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City staffers plugging in with e-bikes BY THERESA MCMANUS REPORTER tmcmanus@royalcityrecord.com
Some employees of the City of New Westminster are using city-owned electric bikes to go about their day’s work. In the summer, the city purchased two electric-powered bicycles to allow staff to switch from using fossil-fuel burning cars to electric-powered bicycles for their business travel needs. “I’m delighted to have the option of using the e-bike when I conduct project site visits,” said Julie Schueck, the city’s heritage planner. “It feels good to be environmentally friendly, it is efficient and
easy to use. I don’t have to worry about finding a parking space, and most of all it’s fun to ride. In fact, I am thinking of getting one for my personal use too.” Dean Gibson, the city’s director of parks, culture and recreation, is riding seven to 10 kilometres each workday on the electric bike. He previously would have used his car for those trips – and can now leave his car at home if he chooses. Jenyfer Neumann, the city’s transportation demand management coordinator, said the city surveyed staff and found that many people drive because they need their vehicles for work. “For most destinations in New
Westminster, the electric bikes are as fast as, if not faster than cars,” she said. “By sticking to the bike routes, our staff are able to avoid heavy traffic and the full electric assist also keeps staff cool - except for steeper hills, pedaling is not necessary.” Neumann said the e-bikes cost $1,100 each. They are part of the city’s vehicle fleet and can be booked by staff wanting to use them to drive to appointments. “It’s a really good opportunity for staff to do their work in an environmentally friendly manner that is economical,” she said. The electric bike initiative is part of the
city’s corporate transportation demand management program that supports and encourages staff to switch to more sustainable transportation modes, such as transit, cycling and carpooling, for getting to work, instead of driving. “I would say it is a great initiative,” said Matthew Laird, a member of New Westminster Environmental Partners.”We are going to face higher oil prices.” In addition, Laird points out that the province has mandated municipalities to lower their greenhouse gases and will be imposing financial penalties on those who don’t do so. ◗E-bikes Page 8
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