AT-Network February 2014

at-network@lists.umanitoba.ca

10 participants
26 discussions

by Cyndi Otfinowski

Hi, I hope this is not an abuse of the network, but I thought a little humour about winter driving (or not) might be appreciated. Rick Mercer on: Rick's Rant: "Winter Driving". http://youtu.be/fgUosngyAu0 Sincerely, Cyndi

9 years, 9 months

Fwd: Invitation to Bid - Winnipeg Trail Signage

by Anders Swanson

FYI. See below. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Melissa Sitter <executive_director(a)trailsmanitoba.ca> Date: Thu, Feb 27, 2014 at 11:34 AM Subject: Invitation to Bid - Winnipeg Trail Signage To: Cc: margaret(a)trailsmanitoba.ca Hi Everyone; Further to our meeting on January 6th, we have an opportunity to hire a consultant to develop a signage strategy for the Winnipeg Trail. The project description is included in the attached invitation to bid. The purpose of this project is to answer the preliminary questions that arose at our meeting, such as what types of signs should be used (e.g.: reflective or aluminum; TCT logo only or TCT logo with directional arrows or a customized sign), how many signs of each type, where should they go, and provide a cost estimate for the project. Please share the invitation widely. I'm available to answer questions about these projects. Thank you, Melissa Melissa Sitter Executive Director *Trails Manitoba/Sentiers Manitoba* 3-303 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3B 2B4 204-786-2688 www.trailsmanitoba.ca *"In every walk with nature one receives * *far more than he seeks."* - John Muir

9 years, 9 months

Fwd: A Dialogue on Public Health and its Relationship to Sustainable Development

by Jackie Avent (ASRTS)

Some of you may be interested in the content of these lectures and discussion. Jackie ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Tim Walker (Basecamp) <notifications(a)basecamp.com> Date: Wed, Feb 26, 2014 at 1:13 PM Tim Walker posted this message on Basecamp. *For anyone who may be interested. A Dialogue on public health and its relationship to sustainable development in Winnipeg, in Manitoba, in Canada, and globally is happening soon..........* "I want to engage the audience in a dialogue on important, challenging and controversial issues of public health - and its relationship to sustainable development in Winnipeg, in Manitoba, in Canada, and globally". - Dr Joel Kettner Former Chief Public Health Officer for Manitoba Current Director of The Canadian Public Health Association *Public Health in the 21st Century. Presentation and Community dialogue every Tuesday in the Month of March. *in Convocation Hall at the U of W. 2nd floor Wesley Hall (the castle like building). Public Health | What is it? Who needs it? Tuesday, March 4, 2014 at *7:30 p.m.* Priorities for Prevention in Manitoba Our Provincial Profile Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at *12:30 p.m*. Public Health How can we prevent the threats that we do not see or know? Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at *12:30 p.m.* Principles, Power and Public Policy The Peculiar Ethics and Politics of Public Health Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at * 7:30 p.m*. "Manitoba has significant inequalities in health status, associated with racial, gender, socio-economic and geographic factors." "Dr. Kettner will explore how we can understand the related roles and opportunities of public health and social development in tackling big issues such as poor health status, poverty, and illiteracy - within Manitoba - and within and between countries." RSVP Appreciated by: Jennifer Ledoux je.ledoux(a)uwinnipeg.ca 204-786-9157 -- *Jackie Avent* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 *|* 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/become-a-member/>

9 years, 9 months

Free Commuting Ambassador Session THIS Wednesday, 1- 4:30pm

by Jessie Klassen

Just a reminder of a free half-day session coming up* this Wednesday* on becoming a Creative Commuting Ambassador at your workplace (info below). All are welcome, please RSVP by emailing <jessie(a)greenactioncentre.ca> or calling 204-925-3772. Two related sessions that are coming up include creating baseline commuting surveys<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/creative-commuting-ambassador-training/>(March 12, 12:00 - 1:30) and behaviour change<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/creative-commuting-ambassador-training/>strategies(March 26, 1:00 - 4:30). [image: Inline image 1] I: Tools and hands-on training *Wednesday, February 26, 1:00 - 4:30pm* Become a Creative Commuting Ambassador at your workplace! Get the tools and guidance to support your co-workers to get the most out of their commutes. >From a basic primer on different types of bike infrastructure to transit tools, such as Navigo, BUStxt and transit apps, to understanding carpooling vs carsharing. *Jessie Klassen* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca>| Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3772 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>

9 years, 9 months

WFP: In conversation with Bartek Komorowski [winter cycling conference] (Feb.22'14)

by Beth McKechnie

In Conversation with Bartek Komorowski By: Estefania Wujkiw *http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/in-conversation-with-bartek-komorowski-246651851.html <http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/in-conversation-with-bartek-komorows…>* For the 170 delegates who attended last week's International Winter Cycling Congress, the challenges facing Winnipeg proponents couldn't have been more apparent. Frigid temperatures. Plenty of snowfall. Slippery streets. But Bartek Komorowski, who was one of the invited experts to the conference, believes the obstacles can be overcome. He works at Vélo Québec as the project leader in the research and consulting division. He has extensive experience on projects about active transportation and sustainable urban development for cities, including Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal.ã He sat down with Free Press intern Estefania Wujkiw and explained that biking is not about income, but about convenience. Biking is not only fast, but environmentally friendly and cheap, because it doesn't require any fancy gear. *FP: What do you hope to see in Winnipeg?* Komorowski: I would hope to see more cycle tracks hopefully, and maybe a cultural change as well. I think a lot of people are telling me here that Winnipeg is very much a car city and there is a bit of friction between cars and bicycles. But that can change. Right now in Montreal, it is better than it used to be. Apparently, the people that started, when they would go out and bike on the streets, they would get things thrown at them out of cars back in the '70s. *FP: What are the prejudices of winter cycling?* Komorowski: What really fascinates me is that Canadians generally have no issue with doing winter sports. We go skiing, snowshoeing and that's OK, yet cycling for some reason, it is too cold to cycle. If you are dressed reasonably, it is no different. The benefits of cycling in the winter are exactly the same as the benefits of cycling in the summer. In my case, I keep riding through the winter because it's the fastest option to get to work. I could drive, but there's no parking around where I work. I could take transit, but that would take about 45 minutes, or I could ride my bicycle and it takes me about 15 (minutes). *FP: What has been the craziest idea you've heard at this event?* Komorowski: The most out-there idea I've heard of was a presenter from Finland saying that they are working on a cellphone app which will track cyclists with a GPS. When a few cyclists are approaching an intersection, they will turn the light green. In Copenhagen, for example, they have green way, so they time the traffic light to the speed of a bicycle. But this is even better because this is dynamic. If there are unexpectedly a bunch of cyclists heading towards an intersection, that intersection will turn green for them. They are working on it, incidentally, in Oulu, which is actually where Nokia cellphones come from, so it makes sense that they would do that there. *FP: What best practices were discussed?* Komorowski:ã The key practices are building separated paths, also prioritizing. You have a network and then you have to decide what are you gonna maintain first, what are you gonna maintain second and third. If you try to do everything at once and you don't have a plan, then it doesn't work and nothing gets done. That's really a big message that a lot of people here had. Then there are technical things like different techniques, like using salt or sand, or scratching the surface to make grooves. Those all depend on the type of climate you have. By exchanging (ideas) we can avoid making mistakes. *FP: Is the overall experience different between winter and summer cycling, besides the obvious cold weather?* Komorowski: I heard that there's apparently a Norwegian saying that "there is no such thing as bad weather, there is only bad clothes." It's really not that different from cycling in the summer; you just have to dress appropriately. The only place where it's sort of painful is any part of your face that is exposed. In terms of your technique, you have to be a little more careful in the winter, and it's probably best to go a bit slower because there can be unexpected circumstances. If you have studded tires, you can stop on a dime, but a car might skid. In places where you are sharing the road with cars, you have to remember that. *FP: Do you have any advice for beginners?* Komorowski: It is possible to bike in the winter; it is not insane to do it. You dress the same way you would as if you were going cross-country skiing. Maybe if you have a road bike with slick tires, that's not the best. (Try) a slightly bigger tire or with a bit of tread or even a winter tire. Just do it. Go slow when you start just to get a feel for it. Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 22, 2014 D3

9 years, 9 months

Protected intersections for bicyclists -- 6 minute video presentation

by Kevin Miller

http://www.treehugger.com/bikes/next-breakthrough-bike-friendly-world-pr otected-intersections-video.html

9 years, 9 months

Active Transportation-Canada

by Beth McKechnie

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Terry Zdan <tjzdan50(a)gmail.com> Date: Thu, Feb 20, 2014 at 3:18 PM Subject: Active Transportation-Canada Active Transportation Listserv Members: It is past due for a reminder of the new articles that have been posted on Active Transportation-Canada. Since the last notice, on February 1, links to more than 65 new items have been added. We all have our favourites, but here are a few that I found worthwhile reading: 1. Brisk Walking Delays Cognitive Decline in Older Adults <http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.ca/2014/02/brisk-walking-delays…> 2. Calgary - 1st Street cycle track to be debated by city committee<http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.ca/2014/02/calgary-1st-street-c…> 3. Montreal winter Tour de l'Île kicks off inaugural edition<http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.ca/2014/02/montreal-winter-tour…> 4. Bike share program coming to Hamilton this summer<http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.ca/2014/02/bike-share-program-c…> 5. Edmonton's bike-lane plan unproven and costly<http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.ca/2014/02/edmontons-bike-lane-…> 6. Call for Proposals: Present at the 2014 Ontario Bike Summit<http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.ca/2014/02/call-for-proposals-p…> 7. Cycling infrastructure more economic than for other transport<http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.ca/2014/02/cycling-infrastructu…> 8. Bike lane removal and relocation peddled by Edmonton councillor<http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.ca/2014/02/bike-lane-removal-an…> 9. Build it and they will come: Peak car culture<http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.ca/2014/02/build-it-and-they-wi…> 10. Canada - The Federal Election and Cycling<http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.ca/2014/02/canada-federal-elect…> Or, just visit the home page and explore for yourself: http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.ca/. If you are interested in Active Transportation isssues, I suspect you will find something worthwhile among the more than 2,800 items that have been posted. Michael Haynes Director TransActive Solutions -- Terry Zdan 126 Duncan Norrie Drive Wpg MB R3P 2J9 CANADA tjzdan50(a)gmail.com <tjzdan(a)gmasil.com>

9 years, 9 months

WFP: Leadership makes wheels turn - Political will a must to spur year-round cycling (Feb.18'14)

by Beth McKechnie

Leadership makes wheels turn Political will a must to spur year-round cycling in city ON ARCHITECTUREBy: Brent Bellamy http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/leadership-makes-wheels-turn-2459… Winnipeg played host last week to the second International Winter Cycling Congress. Nearly 200 delegates from across North America gathered to discuss the challenges of urban winter cycling and celebrate the benefits it can have for northern cities. The health and quality-of-life-benefits cycling as urban transportation can bring to the citizens of a city are obvious. Numerous studies show commuters who cycle are generally healthier; they feel less stress, sleep better and have more energy. Physically active employees often show improved productivity, reduced absenteeism and turnover. Beyond improving the well-being of its citizens, many cities that struggle to keep up with infrastructure deficits are beginning to understand the positive role investment in active transportation can have in building a sustainable city. As we construct sprawling suburbs, greater commuting distances increase vehicle time on the road, which, in turn, increases congestion levels. The response is often to build new roads or expand existing ones to accommodate higher traffic volumes at peak times. This increased capacity then drives new development even further out and the cycle begins again. By investing in initiatives such as public transit and cycling infrastructure, cities can begin to affect the urban-sprawl spiral, while incrementally reducing road construction and maintenance costs. At less than a tenth of the cost of a new road, construction of fully segregated bike lanes is an attractive option for cities interested in sustainable growth. For the first time, vehicle-ownership levels are declining in Canada and young people in particular are looking for alternative transportation options. Enticing even a small percentage of commuters to choose cycling can significantly affect overall traffic congestion. A study by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration indicated reducing the number of cars by only three per cent can lower peak rush-hour traffic by nearly 30 per cent. Realizing the benefits of reduced infrastructure spending through the provision of alternate transportation options is only effective if the strategy is successful year-round. A harsh winter climate is an obvious barrier to achieving these results. Delegates at the Winter Cycling Congress were inspired by the successful growth of four-season cycling in Minneapolis, a sprawling suburban metropolis that has been named the best cycling city in America, despite winter conditions similar to those in Winnipeg. Political leadership in Minneapolis has been dedicated to transforming the city's urban-cycling culture, making it a central component of overall transportation planning and a primary tool in its urban-design strategy. Widespread construction of dedicated bike lanes, urban zoning requirements for bike parking, rapid transit with bicycle-carrying capability and the implementation of a successful 170 station bike-share program has led to a 78 per cent increase in commuter cyclists since 2007. Despite being America's coldest major metropolitan area, winter cycling rates are growing three times faster than those in summer. Today, five per cent of Minneapolis residents bike to work (twice that of Winnipeg) and nearly 40 per cent of those cycle through the winter months. The most significant barrier to winter cycling participation is not temperature, but the perception of safety. Riders generally feel cold can be accommodated with proper clothing, but unsafe road conditions pose a deterrent that is difficult to overcome. The Twin Cities has addressed this issue by developing a system of paths that physically separate cars and bikes. Smaller street-side bike lanes connect to an innovative system of 'bicycle freeways' linking downtown and the suburbs along former rail lines. The eight-kilometre Midtown Greenway carries as many as 4,000 cyclists per day. The city has committed to clearing these paths within 24 hours of a snowfall, providing winter cyclists with a safe and efficient commuter path in all seasons. With winter participation rates growing, Minneapolis cyclists are experiencing safety in numbers as greater presence in the streets has heightened overall awareness and lowered accident rates. Similarly, in Montreal, a city that keeps 60 km of bike lanes clear from snow all winter, participation has grown by 70 per cent since 2009 with the number of accidents remaining constant. Winnipeggers often hide behind the excuse of cold winters to resist new ideas for improving our city's urban quality. Minneapolis should inspire us to embrace northern-city living and reap the benefits of becoming a year-round cycling community. The conditions for developing a four-season cycling culture in Winnipeg are more favourable than they were in Minneapolis. Our city is denser, it's smaller with far shorter commuting distances, a more highly concentrated downtown workforce and stronger initial participation levels. Both cities have ample sunshine and flat topography, each with rail lines and hydro corridors that could serve as 'bicycle freeways.' Climate and urban form are not the most important factors in developing an urban cycling culture. The common characteristic shared by all bike cities is political leadership that makes active-transportation policy a priority. These cities achieved high numbers of commuter cyclists through deliberate municipal-development decisions. They serve as a model for winter cities such as Winnipeg, demonstrating what is possible with strong political leadership committed to sustainable urban growth and healthy cities. Brent Bellamy is senior design architect for Number Ten Architectural Group. bbellamy(a)numberten.com Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 18, 2014 B5

9 years, 9 months

AT Webinar: Design for Cyclist and Pedestrian Comfort, Wed, Feb 19, 2-3pm, Ecocentre

by Beth McKechnie

*Apologies for the late notice regarding tomorrow's webinar due to being away at the excellent Winter Cycling Congress last week followed by the holiday Monday.* <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg invite you to join us for a local viewing of the following APBP webinar at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave). This will be followed by group discussion of local applications. Description provided below. RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth / Jessie (204) 925-3772 ** * * * ** Design for Cyclist and Pedestrian Comfort Wednesday, February 19 | 2:00-3:00 pm CT Learn what tools some communities are using to make qualitative assessments of cycling and walking facilities. Case studies include San Francisco's Bicycle and Pedestrian Environmental Quality Indices and the Traffic Stress model developed at the Mineta Transportation Institute. *Presenters:* - Conor Semler, Kittelson and Associates - Megan Wier, San Francisco Department of Public Health - Peter Furth, Professor of Civil Engineering, Northeastern University

9 years, 9 months

New report: Best Complete Streets Policies of 2013

by Beth McKechnie

*The Best Complete Streets Policies of 2013,* released today by Smart Growth America's National Complete Streets Coalition, highlights *15 communities that led the nation *in creating comprehensive Complete Streets policies last year. See the winning communities and download the full report: http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/complete-streets-2013-analysis

9 years, 9 months

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AT-Network February 2014