Ride with Candidates: Ying Jiang – Waterloo Ward 2

For the 2026 municipal elections, CycleWR volunteers have been taking municipal electoral candidates on bike rides to show off the best and worst of the cycling infrastructure in their ward/city/region.

Below is a summary written by municipal candidate for Waterloo Ward 2, Ying Jiang, on their ride with CycleWR volunteer Philip Molto.

Disclaimer: CycleWR is a non-partisan organization that does not endorse a party or candidate. Summaries are written by volunteers or candidates and may not reflect the mandate or views of CycleWR. For more information, contact us at hello@cyclewr.ca.

I have lived in Waterloo for over 20 years and bring a background in aerospace engineering, software quality assurance, and real estate. As a long-distance runner and marathoner, I value active transportation, safe and accessible public spaces, and a community where walking, cycling, and public transit are practical options for everyday travel.

During my ride with Philip near the Costco area, I had the opportunity to observe cycling infrastructure from a rider’s perspective rather than simply looking at it on a map. We discussed how bike lanes connect—or sometimes do not connect—between different sections of a route. We also looked at variations in road width, roundabouts, and road signage, and how these features can affect a cyclist’s comfort, visibility, and sense of safety.

One key takeaway for me was the importance of continuity and clarity. Even where cycling infrastructure is already in place, gaps between sections or unclear transitions can make a journey less comfortable and predictable. Roundabouts and changes in road layout also highlight the need for clear visual cues so that cyclists and drivers can better anticipate each other’s movements.

I appreciate the work that has gone into developing active transportation infrastructure in our community. At the same time, I believe that riding these routes in person is valuable for identifying practical improvements that may not be obvious from plans alone. Reviewing route connections, signage, visibility, and the experience of cyclists with different levels of confidence would help us understand where further improvements could make the greatest difference.

The ride was a valuable opportunity to learn directly from Philip and to see local infrastructure through the eyes of someone who cycles regularly. Thank you to CycleWR for organizing this initiative and creating opportunities for candidates and community members to have these important conversations.