AT-Network April 2012

at-network@lists.umanitoba.ca

8 participants
32 discussions

by Jackie Avent (ASRTS)

*please post to your networks as you see fit* Dear AT Network, I am writing with news about staffing changes at the Active and Safe Routes to School Program. After 7 years as program coordinator for the Active and Safe Routes to School Program at Green Action Centre, I will be taking a 6 month leave of absence (May - November) to more deeply explore my dream of farming! Because we do not know what my level of involvement with this project will be after November 2012, we have made some changes in the project management and staffing of the program to ensure it continues to operate smoothly. It's exciting to have such a capable and competent team at the helm who are dedicated to children's mobility and active transportation and who can ensure the ASRTS program continues to grow and support the exciting uptake that is taking place around the province and Canada. Shoni Litinsky, Lea Grzenda and Masha Giller will all stay with the program, however will shift some of their responsibilities to fill in my absence. We are also excited to announce that Anders Swanson will be working with the ASRTS Team to assist with some program development, namely the creation of an IPAD application that will build our capacity related to mapping and data collection for school travel planning. I believe I can speak for the other ASRTS Staff that Anders will be an asset to this project! I will remain connected to the project one day per week throughout my leave in order to assist with the transition and will always be a supporter willing to share information, resources and opinions (!) about sustainable transportation and Active and Safe Routes to School. Please note that my e-mail address will shift to jackie(a)greenactioncentre.ca, and the e-mail "asrts(a)greenactioncentre.ca" will be directed to Shoni Litinsky after May 1st, 2012. My best to you all this summer. I look forward to crossing bike-paths with you soon! Sincerely, Jackie -- *Jackie Avent* Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> | Active and Safe Routes to School 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>

12 years, 1 month

City cycling for beginners - Sat, May 5th, Noon-4pm

by Beth McKechnie

** Please share widely! ** *Register online at Winnipeg.ca/leisureonline * (Leisure Guide, p.82) *City Cycling for Beginners** - Sat, May 5th* Do you want to ride your bike more often but just don’t feel safe? Do you want to teach your kids how to cycle safely? Can-Bike certified instructors from Bike to the Future will help you build both the knowledge and confidence to start riding on the streets and trails in Winnipeg. The course is endorsed by the Manitoba Cycling Association and each participant will receive a copy of the 2012 Winnipeg Cycling Map. Fee: $43 Fort Rouge Leisure Centre: 625 Osborne St. 412613 Sat May 5 Noon–4 pm *OR* *City Cycling for Commuters** - Sat, May 12* Would you like to start commuting but are uncomfortable on busier streets? Are you already commuting, but want to learn the cycling skills that will allow you to ride safely in heavier traffic? Certified Can-Bike instructors from Bike to the Future will help you build the skills and knowledge to ride confidently in traffic. The course is endorsed by the Manitoba Cycling Association and each participant will receive a copy of the 2012 Winnipeg Cycling Map. Fee: $43 St. James Civic Centre: 2055 Ness Ave. 412612 Sat May 12 Noon–4 pm

12 years, 1 month

Gen Y Drives Less (And Not Just Because We're Broke)

by Beth McKechnie

*Gen Y Drives Less (And Not Just Because We're Broke)* By Beth Buczynski <http://www.shareable.net/users/bethb> 04.09.12, 3:14pm http://www.shareable.net/blog/gen-y-driving-less-and-not-just-because-were-… A new study found that the average American drove 6 percent fewer miles in 2011 than 2004. This finding confirms a slow decline in car travel<http://www.shareable.net/blog/a-moral-imperative-to-drive-less>that began at the turn of the century, and according to the research, young people are responsible. The report<http://www.uspirg.org/reports/usp/transportation-and-new-generation>, released last week by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund, found that from 2001 and 2009, the average annual number of vehicle-miles traveled by individuals under the age of 34 decreased from 10,300 miles to 7,900 miles per capita – a drop of 23 percent. “For the first time in two generations, there has been a significant shift in how many miles Americans are driving each year,” said Phineas Baxandall, Senior Transportation Analyst for U.S.PIRG Education Fund and a co-author of the report. “America needs to understand these trends when deciding how to focus our future transportation investments<http://www.shareable.net/blog/embarq-study-turns-new-eyes-to-public-transpo…>, especially when transportation dollars are so scarce.” Some might say the recession, or more specifically, wallet-crushing gas prices are to blame.* But researchers say Generation Y isn't just driving less because it's too expensive.* In fact the report found that the trend toward reduced driving has occurred even among young people who are employed and/or are doing well financially. Instead new licensing laws, improvements in technology that support alternative transportation, and changes in Gen Y’s values and preferences<http://www.shareable.net/blog/study-millennials-prefer-sharing-over-ownersh…>emerged as factors likely to continue this trend away from driving for years to come. The conclusion that technology and shifting priorities are the catalyzing force behind this decline in car travel fits in with what Shareable has observed many times over the last few years. Just over a year ago, Jay Walljasper noted that our emotional attachment to personal vehicles, once a symbol of personality and independence, is drying up. "With all the amazing information, entertainment and communications available on the web, the computer has become our vehicle for exploration and self-fulfillment," pointed out<http://www.shareable.net/blog/computers-outpace-cars-as-our-vehicle-of-self…>Walljasper. "The car is now seen as simply a way to get from point A to point B, especially for young people." This sentiment was echoed by Paul Davis a couple of months later in a piece called *The iPhone is the New Prius*<http://www.shareable.net/blog/the-iphone-is-the-new-prius>. "For the price of a regular checkup and a couple months of insurance, you can get a smartphone, a transit card and a decent bike and ditch the headaches and the endless money drain that come with even a hybrid," Davis observed. Noting that with all the apps available for making shared and public transit more accessible, going car free<http://www.shareable.net/blog/lessons-from-car-free-fire-island>is easier than ever, especially in urban areas. ** Which brings us to another variable influencing Gen Y's transition away from the car: urban density<http://www.shareable.net/blog/density-reconsidered> . The report USPRIG report notes that a growing number of young Americans do not have driver’s licenses; from 2000 to 2010, and the share of 14 to 34-year-olds without a license increased from 21 percent to 26 percent. Additionally, between 2001 and 2009, the annual number of miles traveled by 16 to 34 year olds on public transit<http://www.shareable.net/blog/how-to-design-family-friendly-transit>such as trains and buses increased by 40 percent. Public transit systems, as well as infrastructure to facilitate biking and walking, are most robust in America's largest cities<http://www.shareable.net/blog/the-13-best-us-cities-for-public-transit>. Conversely, traffic and limited parking in metropolitan areas is trypically a nightmare. As urban communities continue to grow, more people are taking advantage of cheaper, more convenient public transportation options. Developers are taking notice, specifically designing communities where access to transit, car sharing, and walkability are major selling points. All off this quantitative research shows that we, especially the younger Americans, are shifting to a more shareable world in which our lives and our cities are denser and more transit versus car-oriented.

12 years, 1 month

Transportation Webinar - Wed, Apr 18, 2-3:30 - A Bold Experiment in Four Communities

by Beth McKechnie

Green Action Centre and Bike to the Future invite you to join us for a local viewing of the upcoming APBP webinars at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) followed by group discussion.* *Detailed descriptions provided below.* *NTPP Update: A Bold Experiment in Four Communities Wednesday, April 18th • 2:00 to 3:30 pm CST In-street Bicycle Parking: What, When, Where and How Much? Wednesday, May 16th • 2:00 to 3:00 pm CST RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth 925-3772 * * * * * Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) presents: NTPP Update: A Bold Experiment in Four Communities Wednesday, April 18th • 2:00 to 3:30 pm CST This webinar will focus on success stories and lessons learned from the four Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTPP) communities in the U.S. [image: april-18]The NTPP program was established in 2005 "to construct…a network of nonmotorized transportation infrastructure facilities, including sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and pedestrian and bicycle trails, that connect directly with transit stations, schools, residences, businesses, recreation areas, and other community activity centers.” U.S. federal transportation legislation (SAFETEA-LU) provided $25 million for each of the four NTPP communities – areas with unique physical and demographic characteristics, and at various stages of implementing their respective nonmotorized networks -- and was designed to develop statistical information on transportation mode share shift before and after program implementation. Learn which specific programs and projects succeeded, what may be replicable and transferable to other communities, and how much money should be budgeted for success. The pilot communities will provide insight on various aspects of planning and project implementation, including innovation, leveraging resources, capacity building and the importance of community input and partnerships. A representative from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Volpe Center will also discuss the importance of evaluation, and the development and implementation of a common methodology for data collection and analysis. Presenters are Ted Curtis, Columbia, Missouri; Dan Dawson, Marin County, California; Tony Hull, Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Emily Vetting, Sheboygan County, Wisconsin. APBP has applied to the AICP for 1.5 Certification Maintenance credits for this webinar, and will provide an attendance certificate to those who document their professional development hours. In-street Bicycle Parking: What, When, Where and How Much? Wednesday, May 16th • 2:00 to 3:00 pm CST Increasingly communities face the dilemma of bicycles and pedestrians competing for scarce sidewalk space. As pedestrian activity increases wider sidewalks are needed, while as cycling increases more bicycle parking—traditionally placed on sidewalks—is also needed. In-street bicycle corrals allow agencies to place bicycle parking in the street, [image: may-16]off the pedestrian way, resolving this conflict and making more efficient use of existing parking spaces. However, jurisdictions may hesitate to undertake bicycle corrals since there are few design examples and little specific guidance on which to base such projects. Planners, engineers, developers and advocates should attend this webinar to learn how to scale up bicycle parking to meet growing demand while avoiding negative impacts to the pedestrian environment. Placing bicycle parking in the street presents unique challenges for traffic engineers and streetscape designers. Issues include roadway operations, cyclist and pedestrian safety, placement of a bike corral in relation to other sidewalk and street design elements, pedestrian flows and adjacent land uses. The webinar will address these challenges with examples of successful in-street bicycle parking projects (examples from New York City, Portland, and Washington D.C.). Presenters will also define best practices for providing bicycle parking in the street and discuss how a program might progress, beginning with public process and moving through costs, installation, and maintenance. Presenters include Eric Anderson, City of Berkeley, California; Sarah Figliozzi, Portland Bureau of Transportation; Chris Holben, District Department of Transportation; and Hayes Lord, New York City Department of Transportation. APBP has applied to the AICP for one Certification Maintenance credit for this webinar, and will provide an attendance certificate to those who document their professional development hours. -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/>

12 years, 1 month

Walking

by Jackie Avent

Interesting series on pedestrians...**** ** ** http://www.slate.com/articles/life/walking/2012/04/why_don_t_americans_walk… **** ** ** * * * *

12 years, 1 month

Active Transportation Beyond Urban Centers

by Beth McKechnie

*[Same holds true in Canada... snipped from http://transitgis.org/2012/04/10/active-transportation-beyond-urban-centers/ ] * ** *Active Transportation Beyond Urban Centers*, a research report prepared by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, suggests that, in coming years, active transportation can play a bigger role in making rural America more attractive for young families and business investment – improving economic vitality, public safety and overall health of Americans. So far, biking and walking have been long assumed as a “big city” phenomenon. Further, decision-makers assume that rural Americans can not benefit from bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure. Recent data from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) reveal that an active transportation-human-powered mobility, including biking and walking, count as significant means of transportation all across the countryside. Creating opportunities for walking and biking for rural Americans also provides economic relief from higher gas prices.Therefore, active transportation is a creative, simple solution to address multiple challenges.This report also recommends that federal investment in active transportation infrastructure is necessary to a balanced transportation system that meets the need of all Americans. Check out the full report at: http://www.railstotrails.org/ourWork/reports/beyondurbancenters.html

12 years, 1 month

Women & Cycling Workshop Series

by Cara Fisher

Women & Cycling Workshop Series * bike repair workshops for women taught by women Wed April 18 ~ Demystify Your Bike Wed April 25 ~ Them's the Brakes Mon April 30~ Hubs & Rotational Systems Wed May 16 ~ Bike Fit & Stretched (maybe not the right name) Wed May 23 ~ Gears Wed May 30 ~ Bling Your Ride All workshops free at the Bike Dump 631 Main St 7-9 PM ContactL womencycle(a)gmail.com

12 years, 1 month

The Urban Transportation Monitor

by Beth McKechnie

Thanks to Bob Kurylko for sharing the following newsletter: http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1103347168859-4/vol26n… Note the article on the new requirement for bike parking in commercial buildings in San Francisco on page 8. "San Francisco has joined a growing number of cities that require the accommodation of bicycle parking in buildings... 'This bill is a simple, cost-effective way to help San Francisco businesses meet the growing need for secure bicycle parking that employees crave…,' said Supervisor John Avalos who sponsored the measure developed with the San Francisco Bike Coalition and the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)." Also interesting is the article on page 10 regarding the question of liability and pathways. cheers, Beth -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/>

12 years, 1 month

Ride2Win Winnipeg Bike Helmet Promotion Campaign

by Beth McKechnie

*From:* Curtis, Janelle (HLYS) *Sent:* April-10-12 10:31 AM *Subject:* FW: Ride2Win Winnipeg Bike Helmet Promotion Campaign ** ** FYI & share with your contacts as you see fit. Thanks, Janelle**** ** ** *Ride2Win Bike Helmet Promotion Campaign* The WRHA is launching the *Ride2Win helmet promotion campaign and contest*on April 10, 2012. Teachers, students, and parents can find information by visiting www.ride2win.ca. Students can enter to win prizes by learning the *2-V-1 helmet fit rule* for properly fitting a bike helmet. **** *What are the campaign messages?* - Bike together! Younger children should always cycle with a parent. - Everyone wear a helmet. Parents too! This increases helmet use in kids. - Wear your helmet correctly: always use the 2-V-1 rule ** ** *How can a school participate?* - Have a 2-V-1 (helmet fit rule) contest: have students create an eye-catching poster or write a rap song to teach other kids about helmet fit - Start a “Caught You Using Your Helmet” campaign at your school: reward helmet users seen wearing their helmet with prizes or coupons - Record helmet use in students riding to school, graph the results, write a newspaper story - Have a parent or community partner (police, EMS, nurse) talk about preventing brain injuries *What resources are available?* - WRHA Helmet Campaign Website www.ride2win.ca. – is an interactive website that provides information and resources on bike and helmet safety. **** - 2V1 Helmet fitting cards – provides information on the correct way to wear a bike helmet as well as bike safety information.**** *To order resources: email injuryinfo(a)wrha.mb.ca (preferred) or call 787-1873.* Janelle Curtis**** Injury Prevention Consultant**** Manitoba Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs**** Healthy Living and Populations**** 2096-300 Carlton Street**** Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 3M9**** Phone: 788-6645**** Fax: 948-2366**** E-mail: janelle.curtis(a)gov.mb.ca**** Web: www.gov.mb.ca/healthyliving**** *Confidentiality Notice*: This message and any attachment to it are intended for the addressee only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, or copying is strictly prohibited. Please notify the sender if you have received this E-mail by mistake, and please delete it and the attachments (and all copies) in a secure manner. Thank you.**** *Message de confidentialité* : Ce message et tout document dans cette transmission est destiné à la personne ou aux personnes à qui il est adressé. Il peut contenir des informations privilégiées ou confidentielles. Toute utilisation, divulgation, distribution ou copie non autorisée est strictement défendue. Si vous n'êtes pas le destinataire de ce courriel, veuillez en informer l'expéditeur et effacer l'original (et toutes les pièces jointes) de manière sécuritaire. Merci. **** ** **

12 years, 1 month

Please welcome the A/T Women of Distinction!

by Shoni Litinsky

Hi Everyone, I just wanted to spread some exciting (!!!) news...Three inspirational women from our community have been recognized this year as YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction<http://www.ywinnipeg.ca/documents/Meetour2012Nominees-GeneralCategories.pdf>for the *endless* hours they have dedicated to the programs and policies that help meet Winnipeg's/Manitoba's active transportation needs. With incredible vision and passion Janice Lukes, Beth McKechnie, and Jan Schmalenberg have contributed to almost everything A/T you can find around these parts, if you have not met them already, please take a minute to read their details below. Congratulations to all of you, and thank you for all of the amazing things you do! It is also very exciting to see that this award category is filled with Active Transportation this year! For additional information visit: http://www.ywinnipeg.ca/documents/Meetour2012Nominees-GeneralCategories.pdf *Janice Lukes* Trailblazing is actually a literal description of Janice’s accomplishments increasing safe active living, recreation and transportation opportunities in Manitoba. Over the past decade, she has been directly involved in securing upwards of $56 million towards trail and cycling infrastructure in Winnipeg. Janice’s advocacy for active living started shortly after she found out she would be expecting triplets – she tells the story of being petrified with fear over the pending arrival of three boys, knowing the unbridled energy they would unleash, while living on a street that didn’t even have a sidewalk. She can often be found, triplets in tow, at City Hall or the Legislature educating about the importance of having safe places to walk and ride bikes. She routinely provides advice and recommendations on active transportation to the City of Winnipeg and Province of Manitoba, and is also an advocate for the development of innovative natural playgrounds. *Beth McKechnie* Beth is a leader in the area of active transportation (AT), working tirelessly to improve opportunities for all aspects of cycling and walking in our community. She is an integral part of the City’s active transportation advisory committee, a member since its inception in 2007. Virtually every AT initiative has her stamp on it – from the Cyclist Map of Winnipeg that she first developed in 1999 to the growing success of the annual Commuter Challenge, to the sections of the Trans-Canada Trail in her neighbourhood – Beth’s work has meant many thousands of Winnipeggers are better able to enjoy walking and cycling for recreation or commuting. Beth is also a co-founder of Peg City Car Co-op, which emphasizes AT through its tagline: "Bike. Walk. Bus. And Sometimes, Drive." *Jan Schmalenberg* Jan has a vision for a more active Winnipeg, and as the Manager of Physical Activity Promotion for the WRHA, it is a vision that she realized through the development of Winnipeg in motion. Winnipeg in motion represents a collaboration of the WRHA, the University of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg and Jan’s leadership in bringing these partners and other organizations together to share resources, knowledge and expertise has helped all Winnipeggers. Her focus is on building the capacity of groups and communities to support sustainable change through the promotion of physical activity and healthy lifestyles. Jan also embodies active living, which all of her colleagues point to as something that really sets her apart – from finding time in her hectic day to work out to holding walking meetings or leading others in true activity breaks – she is someone who walks the walk. -- *Shoni Litinsky* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>

12 years, 1 month

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AT-Network April 2012