*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/>
** 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
*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.
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/>
*[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
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
*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. ****
** **
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/>