October 2012 - AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Sou'Wester - Bike, Walk and Roll in Fort Richmond
by Shoni Litinsky 17 Oct '12

17 Oct '12

The article below can be found in the Sou'Wester and provides a great overview of the Green Action Centre project - Bike, Walk, Roll Fort Richmond. The project is funded through the Neighbourhoods Alive - LIFT program and aims to increase awareness and expand education on A/T in the Fort Richmond community. Live in Fort Richmond? Our public open house is next Tuesday October, 23rd from 7-8:30pm at the Acadia Junior High School library, located at 175 Killarney Ave. See more project details at: fortrichmondat.ca Bike, walk and roll in Fort Richmond<http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/souwester/Bike-walk-and-ro…> A brand new active transportation initiative is hitting the streets of Fort Richmond. Bike Walk & Roll Fort Richmond is a project that aims to increase awareness and expand active transportation opportunities and safety in the community. Active transportation includes walking, cycling, in-line skating or any mode of self-propelled transportation. The project was initiated by local community residents, but is being spearheaded by the Green Action Centre, a non-profit environmental education hub that does work throughout the province. Bike Walk & Roll builds on the Green Action Centre’s Active and Safe Routes to School program, which works with Fort Richmond schools to increase the number of students who walked or cycled to school. Through the program, the Green Action Centre had the opportunity to apply for the Bike Walk & Roll grant which will allow them to offer the program to the entire community, not just students. "It’s helping us to work more broadly with all ages and abilities to increase the education and awareness of active transportation around the whole community," said Shoni Litinsky, co-ordinator of the Active and Safe Routes to Schools program. Litinsky said the project will include different community events, including cycling education and public open houses. The first open house will be held Tues., Oct. 23 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Acadia Junior High School library, located at 175 Killarney Ave. The open house will be an opportunity for residents to learn more about active transportation and discuss how the conditions in the community can improve for cyclists and pedestrians. "If you look at the area, it’s a classic representation of a lot of old neighbourhoods with lots of bays, and a shortage of sidewalks. It’s really hard to navigate on foot," Litinsky said. She said one of the key components of the project will be to work with the community to develop a map to highlight walking and cycling routes in the neighbourhood. "We’re trying to highlight the key destinations and routes people can take," she said. Fort Richmond resident Jennifer Watt said such a map would be useful tool for people living in the neighbourhood. Watt said the neighbourhood is full of cut-through paths that go from one bay to another, but that many residents don’t know where they are. She thinks a map might encourage residents to get out and walk more. "A map is a very practical step that gives people options to go through residential bays where there’s not much traffic." Watt stressed other solutions will still be needed. She’s hoping to see a walking and cycling path installed near Ecole St. Avila, where her children attend school. "Walkers and bikers don’t really have a safe path to get to get to school," said Watt, who said one of the main concerns for residents in the area is the lack of sidewalks. "My daughter is in Grade 3 and she’s at the age where she should be able to bike to school by herself, but it’s really difficult to (allow it) because... the traffic... can make it quite dangerous. "With a few modifications we can make this a safer and more sustainable neighbourhood." For more information on the Walk Bike & Roll Fort Richmond initiative go to FortRichmondAT.ca. -- *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/>

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AT webinar CANCELLATION: Wed, Oct. 17th, 2-3 pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 15 Oct '12

15 Oct '12

*Please note that this Wednesday's AT webinar is CANCELLED:* ** *FHWA Experimentation for Advancing Best Practices Wednesday, October 17th | 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CDT* The content appears too U.S.-focused to be of value for us in Winnipeg. However, please plan to join us next month to hear about: Maps that Guide, Encourage and Inform Wednesday, November 14th | 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CST Details will follow closer to the date. cheers, Beth * *

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Happy International Walk to School Month
by Shoni Litinsky 15 Oct '12

15 Oct '12

Green Action Centre's Active and Safe Routes to School Program<http://greenactioncentre.ca/program/asrts/>would like to wish everyone a happyInternational Walk to School Month<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/iwalk>! Currently more than 70 schools in Manitoba are participating in IWALK, and encouraging students to walk to and from school. IWALK presents a chance for schools to celebrate our environment by keeping our air clean, to share walking safety skills with children, to bring safety to our neighbourhoods, address traffic congestion and speed around our schools. <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/iwalk-reg/> Schools can still sign up here.<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/iwalk-reg/> Last Wednesday was International Walk to School Day - and several schools held their own events to celebrate. See below for details! ----------------------------------- mysteinbachonline <http://www.steinbachonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id…> Niverville Elementary Places Emphasis On Walking To School Written by Sawyer Klassen on Saturday, 13 October 2012 [image: 2012 10 nes walk1]*One of the groups of students leaves for NES.* On Wednesday, students from Niverville Elementary School (NES) joined over 3,500 schools in North America in participating in International Walk to School Day. Students met at a church one block from NES before school started, and walked to the school from there in groups. Students who were bussed to school also participated by walking laps around the school playground. Matthew Fast, a grade five teacher at NES, explains why they chose to participate in I-Walk to School Day. "We're starting to try to change things around our community and make it safer for kids to walk to school. So in an effort to promote walking or biking to school and less driving, we want to be part of events like I-Walk to School Day." World-wide, schools in 40 different countries participated in the event. Fast notes that at NES, the majority of students also chose to take part in I-Walk to School Day. "I think we're close to about 65% participation. I'm not quite sure about the numbers yet as I'm still waiting for results from a few classes to come in, but I would say upwards of about 200 to 250 students at least." Fast adds this was the second year in a row they have taken part in the event, and he notes several other schools in Hanover School Division also participated. ----------------------------------- Green Action Centre Blog<http://greenactioncentre.ca/2012/a-successful-iwalk-day-celebrated-by-maple…> A successful IWALK Day celebrated by Mapleton School & Green Action Centre!<http://greenactioncentre.ca/2012/a-successful-iwalk-day-celebrated-by-maple…> **Despite the chilly weather in the morning, International Walk to School Day 2012 was a great success with approximately 150 students, teachers, and the school principal all joining in the walk together on October 10th! This year, Mapleton School in St. Andrews <http://www.lssd.ca/maple/> was selected as the recipient for a walk to school with Green Action Centre along with Councillor Russ Garvie. The event focuses on getting more kids active by walking and biking to school and over 65 schools in Manitoba and 40 countries worldwide will be participating over the month of October this year. It was great to see the excitement among the students and staff there to participate on IWALK day, since every single student was out there walking. Mapleton School also committed to doing this walk the entire week to show students that it’s fun to participate! Since some of the students at Mapleton live farther away, this morning walk is also meant to show the school that even though busing is a reality for some, they can still join in with those who walk and bike in this event. The morning walk started just after 8:30 am in the school yard where the staff and students began the walk on the track laid out around the school. Everyone was happy to celebrate IWALK day, especially the students who had fun playing and chatting with their friends along the way. When everyone completed their walk around the track and arrived back at the school, Councillor Russ Garvie said a few words on why it’s important to be active and participate in International Walk to School Month. For participating in the event, every student in the school also got a small prize and sticker! Thanks to Mapleton School and Mrs. Bouchard, the school’s IWALK coordinator, for celebrating the event with Green Action Centre this year and setting a great example for schools all across Manitoba! If your school would still like to participate, don’t worry, there’s still time! Register for IWALK here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/iwalk-reg/>and your school will receive a kit with all the resources, posters and stickers you need! This event is a chance to promote active transportation to students over a *day*, a *week*, or the *entire m**onth of October.* In addition for participating, your school can be entered great prizes including *great active transportation gear from Bikes&Beyond, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Healthy Schools in Motion and MPI! *Just remember to send in your tally sheet before *November 9*th! Happy Walking! By Lea Grezenda -- *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/>

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Economic Impacts of AT Backgrounder (Toronto Centre for Active Transportation)
by Beth McKechnie 15 Oct '12

15 Oct '12

On Oct 11, 2012, the Toronto Centre for Active Transportation (TCAT) released its latest backgrounder, *The Economic Impacts of Active Transportation*. This backgrounder discusses some of the economic impacts related to walking and cycling within an urban environment, in terms of impacts on businesses and real estate, personal and public finances, and indirect impacts such as health and productivity. It also includes figures from recent surveys and studies to introduce the wide array of economic benefits that investments in walking and cycling can return to governments, business owners, and individuals. *http://tcat.ca/sites/all/files/Backgrounder_Economic_Impacts.pdf* This backgrounder is the third in TCAT's periodic backgrounder series, the first focused on Bikeway Options currently under consideration in Toronto<http://tcat.ca/node/1686>and the second on Designing Off-Road Paths for Pedestrians and Cyclists <http://tcat.ca/node/1751>.

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UPDATE - Pembina Buffered Bike Lanes
by Janice Lukes 15 Oct '12

15 Oct '12

Hello! The below comments are made purely from observations made on Saturday, October 13th - I'm not aware of any updates from the City on the project -these are solely my observations and comments on the Pembina buffered bike lane project. If anyone else has observations - consider sharing them with this posting! PEMBINA MEDIAN (between Plaza Dr and Chevrier): Narrowing of the centre median between Plaza Dr and Chevrier, and construction of the curbs and roadway on both sides of the median is now complete. This aspect of the buffered bike lane project took about 3 months - undoubtedly creating new roadway lanes is a big component of the project. On Saturday, new topsoil was being installed on the medians and expect the salt resistant grass will be sprayed on shortly. In this last month of construction - the project is going to become really interesting as the detail for the buffered bike lanes is starting! BUS STOPS: Safe access on / off busses for transit users was a key aspect of the design of the buffered bike lane project. Transit users could not be in the 'line of cycling traffic' when waiting for or exiting a bus. The Bus Stop Treatment <http://www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/MajorProjects/ActiveTransportation/Pembi naBufferedBikeLanes/PDF/PembinaBufferedBikeLane-ChevrierBusStop.pdf> enables transit users to have a 'landing area' as they wait to enter / exit busses. The landing area has a point where they can then safely check for cycling traffic and cross the buffered bike way to the sidewalk. Southbound Pembina: You may recall that last year - new asphalt surfacing was placed on southbound Pembina between Chevrier and Plaza Drive ($890,000) as part of the City <http://www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/Streets/StreetsProgram.asp> 's street maintenance program. Now, as part of the buffered bike lane design, construction is starting on the southbound Bus Stop treatments. Sections of asphalt are being cut out of the roadway at all the bus stops between Chevrier and Plaza Drive (see southbound Pembina jpg) to provide 'enhanced bus stop design <http://winnipeg.ca/publicworks/MajorProjects/ActiveTransportation/PembinaBu fferedBikeLanes/default.stm> '. Not sure if the bus stop will be identified with raised surfacing or colored surfacing and expect the bike lane to transition into the existing sidewalk curbs. This will be interesting to watch unfold. Northbound Pembina: This year, as part of the City's street maintenance program, northbound Pembina (between Chevrier and Plaza Drive) was scheduled for new asphalt surfacing. This new asphalt surfacing is occurring simultaneously with the buffered bike lane project on the northbound side of Pembina. See the attached north bound Pembina jpgs highlighting the new roadway asphalt surfacing, bus stops awaiting enhanced design and soon to be constructed new sidewalk sections. PAINT & POLY POSTS: The final touches - once all asphalting / concrete is complete, there are to special paint markings installed on the roadway to provide a 'buffer' from vehicular traffic and the bike lane AND what I consider the most important part of this project - the installation of poly posts (upright posts) to create a 'visual separation' between vehicular traffic and the bike lane. SIGNAGE & PROMOTION: In theory - this new bike facility is to be 'intuitive' related to how it is used. (Wasn't the thought that traffic circles were 'intuitive'??!) I'm hoping there will be some kind of AWARENESS campaign about the buffered bike lanes. I really believe a lot of folks still think Pembina is being widened for vehicles - all in preparation for the new stadium. Last year saw upwards of $6 M worth of roadway improvements in the Pembina and Bison / Chancellor area related to the new stadium. COST for BUFFERED BIKE LANES: I've not heard what the final cost for the bike lanes will be - noting it is incorporated with the northbound Pembina new roadway asphalting project. (~ $1M) All very exciting for sure! Janice Lukes

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New 40 km/h speed limit on local residential streets (Montreal)
by Anders Swanson 14 Oct '12

14 Oct '12

*[Stumbled upon this today. Text copied below. To see associated schematics and images, see the original source: City of Montreal<http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/portal/page?_pageid=5957,54865598&_dad=portal&_…>- A.S.] * Introduction of the 40-km/h speed limit in Montréal's boroughs On December 14, 2009, Ms. Manon Barbe, executive committee member responsible for transportation, and Mr. Claude Trudel, executive committee member in charge of public safety, announced measures to introduce the reduced 40 km/h<http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/portal/page?_pageid=5957,55187595&_dad=portal&_…>(from 50 km/h) speed limit on local residential streets. New signage by sector was implemented first in 2009 in Lachine, Pierrefonds-Roxboro, Rosemont-La Petite Patrie, Saint-Laurent and two parts of Ville-Marie. The new speed limit is being introduced gradually in all of Montréal's boroughs between now and the end of 2010. The city will consult the other 15 reconstituted cities on the island of Montréal to coordinate the introduction of the new speed limit across the Montréal agglomeration. *...* In boroughs where there are already streets with a 40 km/h speed limit, the new signage by sector wuill be installed in order to harmonize this measure across the city. Drivers develop a number of automatic behaviours that make driving easier. Setting the same speed limits in similar road environments helps drivers to understand the desired behaviour more easily, which helps to improve safety. Furthermore, the new signs are more reflective, which makes them more visible. *How does it work?* As a rule, the speed limit will remain at 50 km/h along the main arteries. This limit will apply also to industrial zones, as well as roads where transit priority initiatives are in effect (reserved lanes, bus rapid transit service). The 30-km speed limit will apply to school zones and near parks, as posted. The *sector* concept was used as part of the introduction of the 40-km/h speed limit, to reduce the number of signs which would have to be installed. Signs that read MAXIMUM 40 – SECTEUR will be posted at the entrance to a residential sector. Motorists must obey the speed limit until they see another speed-limit sign. When SECTEUR does not appear on a speed-limit sign, the speed limit is only in effect along the road on which the sign is posted. The new by-law comes into force 90 days after adoption by the borough council: - Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve : September 14, 2010 - Ahuntsic-Cartierville : August 1, 2010 - Saint-Léonard : August 1, 2010 - Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension : August 2, 2010 - Le Sud-Ouest: July 5, 2010 - Le Plateau–Mont-Royal: July 5, 2010 - Saint-Laurent: December 30, 2009 - Two sectors in Ville-Marie (see map): December 28, 2009 - Lachine: December 27, 2009 - Pierrefonds-Roxboro: December 27, 2009 - Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie: December 27, 2009 At all times, motorists must obey signs and speed limits in force. ... *Where does the 40-km/h speed limit apply?* The reduced speed limit has been implemented in Lachine, Le Sud-Ouest, Pierrefonds-Roxboro, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, Rosemont - La Petite-Patrie, Saint-Laurent and two sectors of Ville-Marie. The maps below show speed limits for each borough. will be implemented first in the Pierrefonds-Roxboro, Saint-Laurent, Lachine and Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie boroughs, as well as in two sectors in Ville-Marie. - Ahuntsic-Cartierville<http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/pls/portal/url/ITEM/8C8D79A08F446018E0430A93013…>[778,6 ko - 1 page] - Lachine<http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/pls/portal/docs/page/transport_v2_fr/media/docu…>[1,19 Mo - 1 page] - Le Sud-Ouest<http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/pls/portal/url/ITEM/8AE917C457ADD078E0430A93013…>[1,9 Mo - 1 page] - Le Plateau–Mont-Royal<http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/pls/portal/url/ITEM/8AE870629B63B090E0430A93013…>[1,4 Mo - 1 page] - Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve<http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/pls/portal/url/ITEM/90CB00709933A0DCE0430A93013…>[628,1 ko - 1 page] - Pierrefonds<http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/pls/portal/docs/page/transport_v2_fr/media/docu…>[2,12 Mo - 1 page] - Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie<http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/pls/portal/docs/page/transport_v2_fr/media/docu…>[1,34 Mo - 1 page] - Saint-Laurent<http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/pls/portal/docs/page/transport_v2_fr/media/docu…>[1,88 Mo - 1 page] - Saint-Léonard<http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/pls/portal/url/ITEM/8F2554EEBDE220B6E0430A93013…>[1,5 Mo - 1 page] - Ville-Marie<http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/pls/portal/docs/page/transport_v2_fr/media/docu…>[1,26 Mo - 1 page] - Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension<http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/pls/portal/url/ITEM/8C8D14B4910B106AE0430A93013…>[522,6 ko - 1 page] The new speed limit will be gradually extended to the rest of Montréal boroughs by the end of the year 2010, and measures will be taken with the 15 related municipalities to harmonize the new speed limit throughout the urban agglomeration. *Why is Montréal reducing the speed limit?* The Transportation Plan aims to reduce accidents by 40 per cent by the year 2018. Several measures have already been implemented as part of the 17th annual workshop, which included improving safety at intersections, introducing countdown displays at pedestrian crossings and emphasizing road safety awareness campaigns. These measures have helped significantly to reduce the number of accidents within the urban agglomeration since 2007. In fact, 13 per cent fewer deaths were reported at the end of 2008, all categories included. The 40-km/h speed limit is one of several measures to improve the quality of living for Montrealers. It will help to reduce the probability and severity of injuries, since the odds of motorists fatally injuring a pedestrian with their vehicle are 70 per cent at 50 km/h and 25 per cent at 40 km/h. The impact of the new speed limit will be reviewed closely to determine if the goals regarding motorist behaviour and fatality reduction have been achieved. Other appropriate measures may be introduced as per the results and conclusions of this review.

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“Do It Like The Dutch & Danes”: A Guide To Becoming A Bike Friendly Mecca
by Beth McKechnie 13 Oct '12

13 Oct '12

“Do It Like The Dutch & Danes”: A Guide To Becoming A Bike Friendly Mecca *Why are some European cities cycling mad? And how can other cities copy their infrastructure? ECF spoke to Kalle Vaismaa, co-author of the book “Best European Practices in Promoting Cycling and Walking”. * Working for the Transport Research Centre at the Tampere University of Technology, Vaismaa spent more than two years researching the best cycle infrastructure that Europe has to offer and compiling it into a 269 page book packed full of colour photos and diagrams. “We originally published the book in Finnish,” explains Vaismaa, “but then we realized there was a huge demand for it in Europe and now it has been translated into English.” It’s easy to see why people were eager to get their hands on this gem. The book looks at some of Europe’s most famous cycling cities with insight into cycling greats such as Groningen, Strasbourg, Amsterdam and Copenhagen. And it comes as no surprise as to which countries do cycling infrastructure best. Read more: http://www.ecf.com/news/do-it-like-the-dutch-danes-a-guide-to-becoming-a-bi…

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ITE E-newsletter 10.11.12
by Beth McKechnie 11 Oct '12

11 Oct '12

Some interesting AT-related articles in the ITE newsletter below... *From:* Institute of Transportation Engineers [mailto:info@ite.ccsend.com] *On Behalf Of *Institute of Transportation Engineers *Sent:* Thursday, October 11, 2012 1:03 PM *To:* Kurylko, Robert *Subject:* ITE E-newsletter 10.11.12 Having trouble viewing this email? Click here <http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=umc9fycab&v=001BpBBz7jUJ…> *[image: ITE Banner]* [image: ITE E-Newsletter] * * *10.11.12* *FHWA Releases 2012 Version of Interactive Highway Safety Design Model* http://www.ihsdm.org/wiki/Welcome<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001VdSws4-9JKdXsVrmSUCfHUjOP9o-SciOZYuPCQKf7MKk…> Analysis Tool: *Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)* FHWA has released version 8.0.0 of the Interactive Highway Safety Design Model (IHSDM), a suite of software analysis tools for evaluating safety and operational effects of geometric design decisions. The 2012 release includes a Crash Prediction Module (CPM) that implements the AASHTO Highway Safety Manual (HSM), Part C: Predictive Method. The 2012 version also includes a Beta version of crash prediction capabilities for mainline freeway segments, based on draft HSM materials developed under National Cooperative Highway Research Project 17-45. *Driving Down the Numbers - Toward Zero Deaths* http://youtu.be/E9sImnOIS3M<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001VdSws4-9JKemsM6j6WNu-jtnNPuhpSvetFJHb16nNOoU…> Video: *Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT)* The compelling RIDOT video promotes the concept of zero deaths on roads and highways. The video features interviews with Rhode Island residents who respond to a series of questions about highway safety. When asked to think about themselves, family members, and friends, the majority of people positively respond to the zero deaths message *Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21)* http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/map21/<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001VdSws4-9JKfd5sYKlot47R4_TEBStzWRuk2-SzH1o-lJ…> Guidance Documents: *Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)* FHWA has posted new guidance documents and an expanded set of questions and answers on the MAP-21 website. The guidance covers Infrastructure; Environment, Planning, and Realty; Safety; Operations; Innovative Program Delivery; and Federal Lands. *Introducing the Redesigned www.dot.gov* http://www.dot.gov/briefing-room/introducing-redesigned- wwwdotgov<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001VdSws4-9JKdTFfHmHLWNrjUYq9ZTovVMf9HyUYGkZ7LD…> Website: *U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)* The USDOT website has been redesigned to help the reader find what is needed as easily as possible, to make the most popular resources more accessible, and to improve the arrangement of the website resources. *40 years of Swindon's Magic Roundabout* http://www.itv.com/news/west/2012-10-09/40-years-of-swindons-magic-roundabo…<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001VdSws4-9JKd2wlABFKFFgIEJXfX7WR16-gVrI_r6ZvKX…> News Report: *ITV News* The article describes an atypical roundabout design in Great Britain that consists of five mini-roundabouts arranged around a sixth central, anti-clockwise roundabout. An aerial photograph is included. *Investigation of Pedestrian/Bicyclist Risk in Minnesota Roundabout Crossings* http://www.its.umn.edu/Publications/ResearchReports/ reportdetail.html?id=2186<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001VdSws4-9JKcR4vScRot0pd9k8z90526kh1cumiTCESWJ…> Research Report: *University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies* The report investigates pedestrian accessibility at two urban roundabouts in Minnesota, addressing complaints from pedestrians regarding difficulties in crossing and safety. The methodology includes a sufficiently large number of observations on the interactions between pedestrians or bicyclists and vehicles. The results highlight and categorize the existence of friction between pedestrians and motorists at roundabout crossings. *Sharing the Road: Optimizing Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety and Vehicle Mobility* http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,4616,7-151-9622_11045_24249-279311--,00.html<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001VdSws4-9JKfUi0qWmLxxFBydgwjrKDPPhjfKdgKhmzEN…> Research Report: *Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)* The report reviews roadway improvements designed to enhance bicyclist, pedestrian, and motorist safety and mobility. The report includes a review of national design guidelines on methods to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety, a case study analysis of recently completed improvements in Michigan, and a set of recommended best design practices for walking and bicycling. *Ride-Sharing Services Grow Popular in Europe* http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/01/technology/ride-sharing- services-grow-popular-in-europe.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001VdSws4-9JKdH_W1J-58hKxGfTxYybEEsV68BVI48dFKw…> News Report: *New York Times* Private rideshare matching services are flourishing throughout Europe. Two companies based in France and Germany together have more than 6 million registered users. Expansion to the rest of Europe is underway. *Traveler Response to Transportation System Changes Handbook, Third Edition; Chapter 16, Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities* http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/167122.aspx<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001VdSws4-9JKemCbGLf_PB1UQqlnDbXE7vvchwa4FDWp-J…> Research Report: *Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) of the Transportation Research Board (TRB)* TCRP has published the non-motorized transportation chapter of the Traveler Response Handbook series. The chapter synthesizes available findings on observed effects of pedestrian and bicycle improvements and programs, covering both travel demand and public health outcomes and implications. The chapter is available as a free download or a print copy can be purchased. Accompanying PowerPoint slides may be downloaded. *Utah Officials Celebrate 100th Anniversary of Traffic Signal that Debuted in Salt Lake City* http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/ 3795d8a4d70a4b13800dee0425c7db34/UT--Celebrating-Stoplights<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001VdSws4-9JKeT8DoDthSlWVw5PnT2-GRBgttvxQ2QLRf7…> http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/55027680-90/1912-green- invention-lake.html.csp<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001VdSws4-9JKc6k6fhKkhDugdtI8IhfJPvrhetY5KG93pz…> News Articles: *The Republic and The Salt Lake Tribune* Utah is celebrating the 100th anniversary of a traffic signal developed by Lester Farnsworth Wire, arguably the inventor of the world's first electric traffic light in 1912. The second article includes a photograph of the birdhouse-like box with red and green bulbs on each side to signal stop and go to travelers. *Data from Only State that Tracks Dooring Show Its Big Problem* http://transportationnation.org/2012/09/28/data-from-only- state-that-tracks-dooring-show-its-big-problem/<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001VdSws4-9JKdxLeCkCGhqRWA09nDqli2MyMeFe12rgYXl…> News Article: *Transportation Nation* Data from Chicago shows that dooring - a crash that involves a bicyclist hitting an open car door - represented nearly 20 percent of all reported bike crashes in 2011. *Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities 2012 Request for Letters of Interest* http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/pdf/buildingblocks/ building-blocks-2012-rfli-9-25-12-final.pdf<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001VdSws4-9JKcj-jhrNMeTBCfQdl-bVmp2gpgkL6PRI9xI…> Request for Letters of Interest: *Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)* EPA is offering help to communities through its Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. The quick and targeted technical assistance areas include conducting parking audits, creating Green Streets strategies, and planning bikeshare programs. Applications for the assistance are due October 26. *2012 National Rural ITS Conference* http://www.nritsconference.org/Proceedings2012.html<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001VdSws4-9JKdA3dj_z9J0-o_Qx5-gy7JBbtujxB87YXlQ…> Conference Proceeding: *2012 National Rural ITS Conference* The conference brought together traditional and non-traditional ITS users to address rural safety, multi-agency coordination, transit and other topics. The website provides links to 34 presentations given covering topics such as adaptive traffic signal control, work zone traffic management plans, and motorist information systems. *In Bike-Friendly Copenhagen, Highways for Cyclists* http://www.npr.org/2012/09/01/160386904/in-bike-friendly- copenhagen-highways-for-cyclists<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001VdSws4-9JKf6HmbVvskV_SuO3lIbVcETr5Xw7wUj3pvB…> News Report: *National Public Radio (NPR)* NPR reports on the development of a "cycling superhighway" in Copenhagen where currently one-third of commute trips are by bicycle. Existing features such as traffic signals timed to accommodate bicyclists and the placement of footrests with bars to lean on at signalized intersections are also featured. *Highway Robbery - The Real Cost of Traffic Jams* http://www.nationwide.com/cps/road-congestion-infographic.htm<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001VdSws4-9JKeyLI6Qg5zgAaPTvgDwt-OoWeWuoKkfIcdr…> Infographic: *Nationwide Insurance* The infographic highlights several facts covering the causes of traffic congestion, the average duration of traffic congestion per day by month of the year, and the amount of excess fuel consumption that is a result of traffic congestion. *'Terminus' Teaches Transportation Planning to High Schoolers* http://www.gatech.edu/newsroom/release.html?nid=158521<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001VdSws4-9JKe2dVgIE8C9fiAdwe-H4uPzxoH9c1wPWIdq…> Press Release: *Georgia Institute of Technology* Three Georgia Tech graduate students have developed a game that teaches high school students how transportation planning works. *Transportation/Land Use Greenhouse Gas Reduction Toolkit* http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TD/TP/Pages/GHGToolkit.aspx<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001VdSws4-9JKe-BBCVfLlKVRkP9CnsjX9m48gBdCFvWVi9…> Toolkit: *Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)* ODOT has assembled a toolkit to help local jurisdictions identify and explore the kinds of actions and programs which can be implemented to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. The toolkit measures include pricing, land use, bicycle and pedestrian, public transportation, transportation demand management, operations, capacity expansion and bottleneck relief, fleet, and freight. The toolkit has several components which can be used together or independently: Database; Modeling and Analysis Tools Report; Case Studies; and a Communications Guide. *Road Safety in the United States: Are the (Relatively) Good Times Over?* http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/ 93637/1/102887.pdf<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001VdSws4-9JKfz2Rhsmy6bMjQynumHcHTx0uFaeYfwM7y5…> Research Report: *University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI)* The UMTRI research reports that over the 7-year period ending in 2011, road fatalities in the U.S. decreased 26 percent. Data have indicated that a reversal of this trend might be now taking place. 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Mark Your Calendars - Two Important Bicycle Infrastructure Design Training Sessions in November
by Anders Swanson 11 Oct '12

11 Oct '12

*A quick note about two important and complementary training opportunities. This is aimed squarely at those planners/engineers/folks interested in applying the best and latest in bicycle infrastructure design principles to all kinds of projects. There is a cost associated with each session, yet it is recommended that you plan to attend both if at all possible to get the full perspective. Knowledge is, after all, much cheaper than concrete! * *Monday November 19 TAC is offering a seminar on bicycle facility guidelines in Winnipeg: http://www.tac-atc.ca/english/seminars/cycling.cfm Thursday November 22 and Friday November 23 Kickstand sessions* Mobycon <http://www.mobycon.com/page/352/about.html> and Copenhagnize<http://copenhagenize.eu/clients.html>are presenting a made-for-North America two-day workshop on applying the hallmarks of Dutch and Danish cycling policy, engineering and bicycle culture principles to Canada. This presentation is aimed at combining Canadian guidelines and European know-how to come up with solutions adapted to North America. http://kickstandsessions.com/ * I am part of the organizing team for the latter. The local steering committee is meeting next week to finalize location, but the dates are firm. Registration is in fact already open. More details and ancilliary events to follow. If anyone wants more info in the meantime, feel free to call me.* * Anders Swanson 204-797-1962 *

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Charleswood "Transportation" Study
by Mark Cohoe 11 Oct '12

11 Oct '12

Hi, I attended the Charleswood Transportation Study Public Information Display tonight, and the news was quite bad. The draft plan completely ignores the city's AT policy in their recommendations for Shaftesbury. They are recommending widening this road to four excessivley wide lanes without providing any cycling facilities at all on a roadway that connects one of the city's main east west AT corridors (the Harte Trail) to Assiniboine Park, the Canadian Mennonite Museum, and a critical bicycle pedestrian bridge over the Assiniboine River. This is despite the fact that north of the study area, a multi-use pathway runs along the west side of Shaftesbury all the way to the pedestrian/bicycle bridge and over the Assinboine River. I wish I could say I was surprised by this, but in truth it is not at all surprising. Beyond the issue with Shaftesbury, both Shaftesbury and Taylor/West Taylor were omitted from the City's network of proposed AT facilities, and while both Grant and Roblin were correctly marked as having sharrows, there was no indication that these would ever be upgraded to something useful such as a bike lane, or better yet, a buffered bicycle lane or cycle track, which would be warranted. In fact, I was told point blank by one of the MMM staff that AT was not within the mandate of the study other than to identify existing facilities. Shaftesbury was the one exception, but as I indicated above, they have inexplicably excluded any cycling facilities from their recommendation to widen this roadway to four lanes (each 4m wide)! The only other AT related recommendation I saw was what appeared to be a recommendation to remove the restriction on right turns on red in front of a busy pedestrian crossing leading to Royal School. Here are the points I think need to be made: 1. Any widening of Shaftesbury needs to include a bicycle path and sidewalk on the west side of the roadway 2. A bicycle/pedestrian overpass for the Harte Trail must be included in any southward extension of the William Clement Parkway 3. Bicycle lanes or cycle tracks should be added to West Taylor and Taylor from Shaftesbury to Kenaston 4. A recommendation to add buffered bicycle lanes or cycle tracks to Grant and Roblin as part of any future rehabilitation 5. The study needs to look into traffic calming on North/South residential streets in the study area that would encourage more cycling and walking, especially on streets leading to schools and commercial nodes 6. If the city had maintained the AT Advisory Committee, these errors would have been spotted prior to the public information display This can likely all be paid for if they simply reduce the lane width on Shaftesbury from 4m to a more reasonable 3.35m (11 ft), which is still wider than the current edition of the Highway Capacity Manual (The Green Book) recommends. Mark

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