June 2019 - AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Montreal & Vancouver make Top 20 cycling cities in world list
by Beth McKechnie 28 Jun '19

28 Jun '19

https://www.wired.com/story/most-bike-friendly-cities-2019-copenhagenize-de… -- Beth McKechnie (she/her/hers) *| *Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3777 x102 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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WFP: E-scooter rental company plans Alberta launch (Jun28'19)
by Beth McKechnie 28 Jun '19

28 Jun '19

*E-SCOOTER RENTAL COMPANY PLANS ALBERTA LAUNCH * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/calgary-and-edmonton-targeted-fo… CALGARY — A company backed by Toronto Raptors founder John Bitove says it will bring e-scooter rentals to Calgary and Edmonton in early July. Newly founded Bird Canada says Alberta will be the launching point for its line of dockless electric-powered scooters, but it plans to expand to eventually offer scootersharing and other “commuter solutions” across the country. The company says Kelowna, B.C., is likely to be the next city to see its products. Bird Canada CEO Stewart Lyons says it negotiated the exclusive licence to offer device-sharing services in Canada from California-based Bird, which was founded in 2017 and has grown to operate in 120 cities, mainly in North America and Europe. Lyons says the company decided to come to Alberta first because it anticipates that exceptions to provincial regulations requested by the cities of Calgary and Edmonton will be granted soon, thus allowing the e-scooters to be operated on public roads. He says customers will be able to use the machines at a cost of $1.15 to start and 35 cents a minute after, a rate which he says makes the service competitive with public transit. The company expects to put between 500 and 1,000 e-scooters in each city. The devices have attracted complaints in some cities of littering sidewalks and being tossed in streams, but Lyons says his firm is committed to have enough staff to track and return wayward e-scooters. — The Canadian Press

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Low income transit pass – Survey live
by Beth McKechnie 27 Jun '19

27 Jun '19

*Un message en français suivra.* Good day, Thank you to all those who have provided input and perspectives on the low income transit pass program so far. Your feedback has been invaluable in identifying areas in need of greater focus. Since we last met, Council approved the low income transit pass. Once implemented in spring 2020, eligible adults will be able to purchase a monthly transit pass at a 30 percent discount. We are currently seeking your feedback on the implementation of a low income transit pass, including criteria for eligibility to improve the success of the program. Please complete the survey *before July 10* and share with your networks and community partners. Complete the survey now <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/52Y925J>. A report on stakeholder feedback will be included with a report to Council on the program’s proposed implementation in fall 2019. Once the low income transit pass is introduced, we will be consulting with those who are using it to gather their feedback and improve implementation over time. Focus groups and interviews will be held to determine the lived experience of those using the low income transit pass and how the program could be improved. Information on the low income transit pass is available online at winnipeg.ca/lowincometransitpass <http://www.winnipeg.ca/lowincometransitpass>. If you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule a meeting to discuss further, please do not hesitate to contact me at lowincometransitpass(a)winnipeg.ca. Bonjour, Merci à toutes les personnes ayant fait part de leurs commentaires et points de vue sur le programme de laissez-passer d’autobus pour personnes à faible revenu. Vos rétroactions sont essentielles pour déterminer les domaines ayant besoin de davantage de travail. Depuis notre dernière rencontre, le Conseil a approuvé le laissez-passer d’autobus pour personnes à faible revenu. Une fois le programme mis en œuvre en 2020, les adultes admissibles pourront acheter un laissez-passer d’autobus mensuel en jouissant d’une réduction de 30 %. Nous vous demandons vos rétroactions pour la mise en œuvre d’un laissez-passer d’autobus pour personnes à faible revenu, notamment en ce qui concerne les critères d’admissibilité, et ce, pour améliorer la réussite du programme. Veuillez remplir le sondage *avant le 10 juillet* et le faire suivre à vos réseaux et à vos partenaires communautaires. Répondre au sondage maintenant <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5C269WW>. Un rapport sur les rétroactions des parties prenantes sera inclus aux côtés d’un rapport soumis au Conseil concernant la mise en œuvre proposée à l’automne 2019. Une fois le laissez-passer d’autobus pour personnes à faible revenu présenté, nous consulterons les personnes qui s’en servent pour recueillir leurs rétroactions et améliorer la mise en œuvre au fil du temps. Des groupes de consultation et des entrevues seront organisés pour déterminer l’expérience des personnes à faible revenu utilisant le laissez-passer ainsi que les façons d’améliorer le programme. Vous trouverez des renseignements sur le laissez-passer d’autobus pour personnes à faible revenu en ligne à winnipeg.ca/laissezpasserpourfaiblerevenu <https://www.winnipeg.ca/laissezpasserpourfaiblerevenu>. Si vous avez des questions ou si vous souhaitez prendre un rendez-vous pour en discuter davantage, n’hésitez pas à m’écrire à lowincometransitpass(a)winnipeg.ca. Regards/Cordialement, [image: City of Winnipeg logo] <https://winnipeg.ca/> *Neil Bailey* Public Engagement Officer City of Winnipeg *Office of Public Engagement* *Customer Service and Communications* *TELEPHONE: *204-451-2591 *EMAIL: *neilbailey(a)winnipeg.ca *WEBSITE: *winnipeg.ca *ADDRESS: *4th Floor, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB R3B 1B9 *CONNECT WITH US:* [image: Facebook] <https://www.facebook.com/cityofwinnipeg> [image: Twitter] <https://twitter.com/cityofwinnipeg> *Confidentiality Notice:** The information contained in this message is intended solely for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged information. Any use, dissemination, distribution, copying or disclosure of this message and attachments, in whole or in part, by anyone other than the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and permanently delete the complete message and any attachments. Thank you.*

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WFP: Drive to lower speed limits hits bump (Jun26'19)
by Beth McKechnie 26 Jun '19

26 Jun '19

*Drive to lower speed limits hits bump* https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/drive-to-lower-speed-limits-hits-bu… THERE appears to be growing support in favour of reducing the speed limit on all Winnipeg residential streets to 30 km/h. Six groups and individuals attended a public works committee meeting Tuesday, calling on city hall to follow the example of hundreds of cities across Europe that have already made the move. “We envision a city where all children and youth have the opportunity to walk, bike or roll to school safely and, at times, independently,” Denae Penner of the Green Action Centre told councillors. “The streets in Winnipeg are unsafe for children to travel to school or to their friends’ houses or other activities because of high speeds (and) high volumes of cars on those roads.” The speed limit for the city’s residential areas is 50 km/h, unless otherwise posted. Penner and others — including representatives of the Winnipeg Trails Association, Safe Speeds Winnipeg and Bike Winnipeg — urged the committee to dramatically alter the city’s streetscape with lower speed limits, accompanied with road alterations to encourage slower speeds, including narrowing roadways, adding more bike lanes and a switch to angle parking. The presentations were prompted by a proposed bylaw the administration has drafted in response to the Pallister government’s decision to allow all Manitoba municipalities to set their own speed limits — a function which had previously required the approval of the Highway Traffic Board. City staff have proposed maintaining all current speed limits, as they were March 1. The new bylaw, once approved by city council, will take effect Sept. 1. David Patman, City of Winnipeg transportation manager, said the administration will later develop a process for speed-limit change requests. The committee Tuesday voted 3-1 to support the proposed new bylaw. Coun. Vivian Santos, the lone dissenting vote, urged the others to lower the speed limit to 40 km/h on residential streets. “Look at the pedestrians and cyclists who are dying. We need to do something now,” Santos later told reporters. Coun. Matt Allard, chairman of the committee, said while he recognized the growing support for a lower speed limit, he said it wouldn’t be fair for the committee to impose it without consulting other councillors and the community — and allowing those in opposition to speak on the issue. The presentations Tuesday appear in stark contrast to a Probe Research study from mid-October 2018, which found nearly two-thirds of Winnipeggers it polled were opposed to a lower speed limit. Patman said a move to 30 km/h would be expected to encounter resistance from many motorists and would require increased police enforcement. He suggested a pilot study be conducted, with one neighbourhood chosen to study the public response and implementation issues. Santos countered a pilot study was unnecessary, arguing Winnipeggers have become accustomed to lower speeds as a result of the 30 km/h limit in school zones. aldo.santin(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Wpg Sun: City looking at rerouting active transportation during construction interruptions (Jun25'19)
by Beth McKechnie 25 Jun '19

25 Jun '19

*City looking at rerouting active transportation during construction interruptions* https://winnipegsun.com/news/news-news/city-looking-at-rerouting-active-tra… City guidelines will be updated early next year to consider how best to address active transportation routes, when construction projects interrupt their use. Coun. Matt Allard (St. Boniface), who chairs council’s public works committee, moved a successful motion Tuesday that calls to update a civic construction manual with considerations around the interruption of AT routes. “The issue of AT is, if you do close a street, you are closing a much bigger section of the network than you would be in the case of vehicle traffic where you can just go to the next street, in some cases you might have to take a significant (AT) detour if you’re staying on the network,” said Allard. The updates are expected to return to council’s public works committee in February 2020.

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The Herald: Interest in AT strong in East St. Paul (Jun21'19)
by Beth McKechnie 22 Jun '19

22 Jun '19

Interest in AT strong in East St. Paul https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/herald/Room-to-improve-on… North of the Perimeter, the RM of East St. Paul is also home to a network of paved and unpaved active transportation pathways that continues to grow. “Anytime we have development coming forward, we’re always looking for that connectivity,” mayor Shelley Hart said. “We continue to upgrade our trail system.” The TransCanada Trail runs through the RM, and a paved AT path runs parallel to Hoddinott Road from Henderson Highway to Birds Hill. “That path gets a ton of use,” Hart said, adding that lights were recently added along the route. Currently, Hart said the municipal council is looking to pave the path that would connect Hoddinott to the Northeast Pioneers Greenway. “There’s a lot of room there,” Hart said. “We’re looking to turn it into a linear park, with places for people to stop and be engaged in different activities.” While Hart could not specify a date of completion for the project, she did say that council is eager to see it move along. “I’d like to see some progress this year. We’re just looking at costs and possibilities for funding to allow us to do more sooner.”

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The Herald: Room to improve on strong cycling foundation (Jun21'19)
by Beth McKechnie 22 Jun '19

22 Jun '19

Room to improve on strong cycling foundation Northeast Winnipeg’s cycling infrastructure: the good, the bad, the ugly https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/herald/Room-to-improve-on… They say that "if you build it, they will come." But how do you get there in the first place? For Bike to Work Day on June 17, Transcona city councillor Shawn Nason cycled the 14 kilometres from his home in the Park City to City Hall at the urging of Robb Massey. "I survived," Nason said with a smile on the steps of 555 Main St. "I’m probably 15 to 20 years removed from being an active cyclist. This was fun. It’s rejuvenating. I’m arriving here at a reasonable hour, and reasonably awake. We’ll see how I’m doing around three o’clock when I have to start thinking about the ride home." Massey, a cycling advocate who ran unsuccessfully against incumbent Elmwood-East Kildonan councillor Jason Schreyer in the civic election last year, reached out to Nason as a means of highlighting how inconsistent cycling infrastructure is in northeast Winnipeg is. "It was a nice ride," said Massey, whose daughters Olivia and Sinéad joined the ride on their way to school. "We didn’t see too many cyclists out there, which I think speaks to some of the challenges we have riding from the northeast to downtown." The wide, tree-lined avenues in northeast Winnipeg are inviting to cyclists. The area is also home to an array of active transportation projects and pathways — from the Disraeli Active Transportation Bridge to the Transcona Trail — that residents and City staff alike can look to with pride. But getting from one route to another safely can be challenging. That lack of connection is a constant complaint among cycling advocates and enthusiasts. Nason acknowledged as much. "It was a fairly disjointed ride," Nason admitted. "We saw the greater part of Elmwood-EK to get here, but overall it felt fairly safe." The good The Northeast Pioneers Greenway, which runs parallel to Gateway and Raleigh from Talbot Avenue in Elmwood north to East St. Paul, provides a sheltered, scenic thoroughfare for cyclists and pedestrians. The 6.5-kilometre paved pathway is a former CPR rail line and is often touted as a successful example of active transportation infrastructure. "The Greenway is wonderful," said Emma Durand-Wood, a member of the Glenelm Neighbourhood Association who joined Massey and Nason on their ride in Elmwood. "But the problem is there’s not a lot to get to on the Greenway. It’s a great way to get to Superstore, or the park way up north. It’s a great piece of cycling infrastructure, but it doesn’t get us to the library, or the drug store, or Sobeys." While the Greenway does connect to a number of east-west on-street routes that the City’s Public Works department lists as low- to medium-stress routes for cyclists, there are some outstanding issues, particularly in connecting to AT paths in St. Boniface to the south. "Finishing some of those connections aren’t necessarily huge capital costs, but they’re important," Coun. Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan) admitted. "Those small improvements would go a long way." Coun. Schreyer agreed, adding that he believes that repurposing the aging Louise Bridge as an active transportation bridge is an idea that council should at least consider. "Sooner or later they’ve got to deal with it," he said. The Chief Peguis Trail in North Kildonan runs east from Main Street over the Kildonan Settlers Bridge to Lagimodière Boulevard, connecting to the Northeast Pioneers Greenway and the Bunn’s Creek Trail at Gateway Road. The extension of the Chief Peguis Trail west to McPhillips includes a major active transportation link to northwest Winnipeg. Transcona, meanwhile, is home to over 22 kilometres of paved active transportation trails, many more limestone neighbourhood trails, and a number of low- to medium-stress street routes for cyclists. "We have a lot of multi-purpose trails, we’re very fortunate," said Val Cousineau, president of the Transcona Trails Association. "Because so much new development is happening now we have a chance to get a really amazing system in there." "We have a lot of new subdivisions, especially in Transcona, where it’s part of the development agreement that AT is built in," Nason explained. The bad While designated active transit pathways like the Transcona Trail and the Northeast Pioneers Greenway offer ideal conditions for cyclists, the reality is most cyclists need to use city streets to get where they’re going. "When people don’t feel safe on the roads, or when motorists feel squeezed or frustrated, that creates challenges," Massey said. Sometimes, the streets the City has designated as a bike route don’t make sense to commuters, Massey argued. "We’ve designated Roch (Street) as a bike route, but it’s not connected," he said by way of example. Instead, commuters favour Brazier Street. Wayfinding signage directing cyclists to AT pathways and designated on street bike routes is an issue Cousineau and Nason would like to see improved. "I think what City needs to do now is wayfinding for cyclists," Cousineau said. "There should be safe cycling routes throughout the city." Durand-Wood and her husband have three children between the ages of two and nine years old. They recently sold their car and rely on public transportation, cycling, or walking to get around. "We tend to try to find routes that allow for the adults to ride on a low-traffic street and the kids to ride on the sidewalk, which is doable," Durand-Wood said. "But the crossing at the major streets like Henderson and Johnson are very scary." Durand-Wood said she would like to see more separated bike lanes on major streets, or at least have active transportation considered when major streets like Johnson and Munroe are up for renewal. "If it’s not safe enough for me to ride with my children, it’s not that safe," she said. "I don’t really foresee being able to increase the amount of cycling until that happens." "There are all sorts of little things that don’t have to cost a lot of money that would make people safer," Massey suggested. "Like painting green lines through the intersections, cars would be aware that there could be cyclists." "Having protected, designated bike lanes on some of our major streets would be well supported," Nason said "(But) these are all projects that take considerable capital. It has to be a priority of council and the budget working group, of which I am currently not a part of. In the meantime, hopefully they’ll see the way and continue to improve our cycling network." The ugly Although Transcona boasts a series of active transportation paths that would be the envy of many neighbourhoods in the city, getting out of the Park City itself can be difficult — if not downright daunting — for cyclists. "There are short gaps in cycling infrastructure throughout the city, but they’re key gaps," Cousineau said. "It’s those little key links between communities that are so important." "We have to make sure that these ATs are connected to something," Nason added. "We have to find a way there." Lagimodière Boulevard separates Transcona from the rest of the city, as do the CN rail line that runs parallel to Regent/Nairn Avenue in the south and the CPR, which cuts southwest from Gunn Road to Panet Road. As a result, opportunities for safe, low-stress cycling routes are limited. "We’re advocating to complete the Transcona Trail, over to Panet and Mission," Cousineau said. "That’s a high priority for us. Those links to Elmwood and East Kildonan are important." According to Nason, an AT connection along that route had been included in an early draft budget for 2019, but was cut. "I’ve asked (council) to go back, to see if there’s a way we can do it, to find a separated bike path," Nason said. "I have patience for the system on this," Schreyer said regarding connecting Transcona to East Kildonan. "It’s not simple, but it’s not off the agenda. Those routes are being developed fairly, I believe." The Chief Peguis Trail and AT paths in and around Kilcona Park are separated only by Lagimodière. Though controlled, the intersection is listed by the City’s Public Works department as an area of caution. Browaty said that while a better connection between the Chief Peguis Trail and Kilcona Park has been discussed over the years, it was not a high priority of his. "There are a number of things in Kilcona Park that need improvement first," he said. "But it would be nice." A higher priority for Browaty is improving or adding sidewalks on routes like DeVries Avenue or Henderson Highway north of Chief Peguis. "It’s not easy to add active transportation on Henderson," Browaty added. "The saving grace is there are some parallel routes that have had some active transportation additions to them." "Sidewalks are 90 per cent of the active transportation system," Schreyer added. "If we’re serious about active transportation, we have to maintain our sidewalks in the winter time." *Sheldon Birnie* *Community journalist — The Herald* Sheldon Birnie is the community journalist for The Herald Email him at sheldon.birnie(a)canstarnews.com Call him at 204-697-7112

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Wolseley to Downtown Walk Bike Project - Survey Deadline Extension
by Beth McKechnie 21 Jun '19

21 Jun '19

Find Bike Winnipeg's draft recommendations and comments regarding the project here: https://bikewinnipeg.ca/2019/06/19/draft-recommendations-and-comments-wolse… * * * * * The deadline to provide your input on the Wolseley to Downtown Corridor Project through the online survey <https://na1se.voxco.com/SE/111/wolseleytodowntown/> has been extended. The survey will close on the evening of *June 23, 2019*. Thank you to everyone who has already provided input! The project team will enter Phase 3 of the public engagement program in fall 2019 to share a recommended design. Phase 3 will include additional opportunities to provide feedback before the proposed design is complete. For more information visit winnipeg.ca/walkbikeprojects <https://www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/pedestriansCycling/walkBikeProjects/def…> .

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CBC: 8 Winnipeg libraries to get outdoor bike repair stations (Jun21'19)
by Beth McKechnie 21 Jun '19

21 Jun '19

*8 Winnipeg libraries to get outdoor bike repair stations* City issues tender to build stations at city libraries https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/bike-repair-stations-winnipeg-1.518… Winnipeggers may soon be able to find a book and fix up their bike in the same place. The city has issued a request for tenders to install bike repair stations — each complete with a bike rack, repair stand, pump and basic tools — outside eight libraries across Winnipeg. Mark Cohoe, executive director of Bike Winnipeg calls the move a step in the right direction. "It's a way to create an easy and accessible way for people to do quick repairs on the bikes," he said. "It's something where, if you don't have access to those tools … it'll make a big difference being able to go to the library, put your bike up, and get it fixed." The libraries which will see the outdoor stations built include the Henderson, Harvey Smith (West End), Charleswood, Fort Garry, St. James-Assiniboia, Sir William Stephenson and Osborne branches. The city already has 13 bike repair stations scattered throughout Winnipeg, including one recently opened at City Hall. 'Bicycles are power machines' Patrick Krawec, managing director at the WRENCH, a charity that breathes new life into old bikes and teaches people how to fix them, says he's glad to see more stations being added. "The city supporting infrastructure for bicycles and programming, especially at a place where people really connect, like libraries, shows that the city realizes that a prosperous city needs bicycles — that bicycles are power machines to generate health, wealth and happiness," he said. "To bring people together with bicycles in a community setting — any step in that direction is a good thing." But, as well as providing space to fix bikes, Krawec said he'd also like to the city run programming around the importance of cycling and bicycle repair. He says he's heard of tools from the other stands being stolen, and then used to steal bikes. "I think it would be good to have some other programming tied to (the stations), especially explaining them to people so people value them," he said. "I think sometimes they might get vandalized, or misused, because people don't realize what a resource it is. "A tool is an inanimate object, a human will help you connect over that tool." The deadline for submissions to build the stands is June 27 and a city spokesperson said the work is expected to be completed by the fall of 2019 or spring of 2020. The cost of the project won't be known until the bids are chosen, the spokesperson said.

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CBC: Montreal's suburban drivers will pay more for car registration to boost transit funding
by Beth McKechnie 21 Jun '19

21 Jun '19

*Montreal's suburban drivers will pay more for car registration to boost transit funding* https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/motorists-registration-costs-montre… Suburban motorists will have to pay $50 more a year for their car's registration as officials look for new ways to fund public transit. Montrealers already pay the extra fee, but the Montreal Metropolitan Community (CMM) approved a measure Thursday that will require drivers in the surrounding suburbs to pay it as well. This new price hike will generate an estimated $100 million a year to support bus, train and Metro services. "We are talking about $1 a week," said Laval Mayor Marc Demers before the CMM approved the increase. "We are talking about a tax that aims to alleviate traffic congestion, improve public transit and, of course, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the quality of air." Only Boucherville Mayor Jean Martel voted against the fee increase, which will come into effect in 2021. "People want an improvement in public transit and we must find a way to finance this," said Demers. Most municipal financing comes from property taxes, but authorities must diversify funding sources, he said. While most officials might think it's a good idea, not everybody on the South Shore agrees. Mary Ward said she already pays higher fares for public transportation as a resident of Longueuil and costs are so high, young people can't even afford to use the service. "I think it's awful," said Ward of the proposed fee. "I'm totally against it. I don't think it should be done at all." Plante backs plan to tax suburban drivers On Wednesday, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante defended the level of investment the city is making in public and active transportation. "At the CMM, we are 82 municipalities and each has different realities," she said. While issues between those municipalities differ, the fact remains that the "CMM must make firm commitments and position itself" when it comes to funding public transit. At the same time, she said both the provincial and federal governments must loosen the purse strings and "invest heavily" in public transit. Her administration wants "clear commitments" from the higher levels of government. Chantal Rouleau, junior transport minister and minister for Montreal, has said she is not in favour of additional taxation on suburban motorists to better fund public transit systems. Legally, however, the Coalition Avenir Québec does not have the power to prevent the CMM from imposing an increase.

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WFP: Isabel ped signal & City to oversee speed limits (Jun20'20)
by Beth McKechnie 20 Jun '19

20 Jun '19

*ISABEL STREET TO GET PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS * PEDESTRIAN safety measures are planned for a stretch of Isabel Street where a four-year-old girl died after being struck by a vehicle earlier this year. The public works department, mirroring proposals suggested by Coun. Vivian Santos (Point Douglas), is recommending the pedestrian corridor at Ross Avenue be replaced with traffic signals and the crossing at Alexander Avenue be upgraded with the addition of mid-level, amber flashing lights. The changes follow the death in March of a four-year-old who was struck by a car while crossing at Alexander with her mother. A report to the June 25 public works committee meeting states the cost of purchasing and installing traffic signals at Ross is about $250,000; the mid-level flashing amber lights at Alexander is $5,000. Both items would be funded out of the $2.5 million council set aside for unspecified pedestrian safety enhancements from the bonus $40-million-plus federal gas tax revenue. *CITY TO OVERSEE SPEED LIMITS * CITY hall is putting the regulatory framework in place to oversee speed limits across Winnipeg. A bylaw is being prepared in the wake of the Pallister government’s decision earlier this year to allow municipalities to set their own speed limits. Previously,changes to speed limits had to be considered and approved by the Highway Traffic Board. The new law requires municipalities to enact their own bylaws governing speed limits. The bylaw being proposed by city staff would maintain all current speed limits as they were on March 1. There is a time factor: if municipalities don’t pass a new bylaw by Sept. 1, speed limits within the city will default to 50 km/h. There are only two more council meetings before the deadline: Thursday, and the July council meeting. Once the bylaw has been approved by council, the administration will develop a process for speed-limit change requests. — Aldo Santin

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WFP: Requests for speed humps almost always denied (Jun20'20)
by Beth McKechnie 20 Jun '19

20 Jun '19

*Report shows test requirements rarely met* * Requests hit speed hump * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/requests-for-speed-humps-almost-alw… MOST requests for speed humps on Winnipeg streets don’t result in the traffic-calming measures being implemented, said a report that will be presented to a city committee next week. “This finding does not mean that the current technical standard is ineffective,” wrote the report’s author, transportation division manager David Patman. “But it does substantiate the need to evaluate the standard to ensure it is appropriately structured for the City of Winnipeg context and reflective of national best practices.” The report, which will be reviewed Tuesday by the public works committee, found only about one-fifth of applicants met the initial requirement to garner 70 per cent neighbourhood support for their request in a petition. Of the 156 calls to 311 requesting speed humps on public streets from 2015 to 2018, only 32 people reached that threshold. None of these requests resulted in speed humps being installed because they didn’t pass a speed test conducted by the city. The committee’s report said a street must meet one of three requirements to pass the test: the street’s average speed must exceed the speed limit, at least 15 per cent of vehicles must exceed the speed limit by 5 km/h or at least 10 per cent of vehicles must exceed the limit by 10 km/h. Of 14 calls made to 311 that requested the traffic-calming measures on public lanes during the same three-year period, four people satisfied the petition requirement. Of these, two requests satisfied the rest of the requirements and the speed humps were installed. Steve Rosdobutko, who has lived on Grove Street in North Point Douglas for 15 years, said he and a group of his neighbours tried to get speed humps installed on their street about five years ago. “It’s been like a race track up here for a long time,” Rosdobutko said. “It shouldn’t have to wait for somebody to be hurt (or) killed… When is enough enough?” Rosdobutko estimated the group collected about 50 to 60 signatures from people living on their street who were worried about the roads being unsafe for kids playing in the area — but they didn’t meet the minimum petition threshold, so nothing happened. “Nobody seemed to care,” Rosdobutko said. Coun. Matt Allard (St. Boniface), who was on the Riel community committee that recommended the public works committee review its speed hump approval process last year, said he wants to see if there’s a way to change the process so it’s more aligned with what people expect. “There (were) many streets where there was a desire for traffic control devices, but once the evaluation was done, it wasn’t warranted by the (public works) department,” Allard said. The city declined a request for an interview Wednesday, and instead provided a written statement outlining a pilot program for speed tables that will be completed later this year. Speed tables are flat-topped speed humps that are typically long enough for the entire wheelbase of a passenger car to rest on top. Their length, as well as ramps that are more gently sloped than speed humps, may be more appropriate for streets with higher speeds. caitlyn.gowriluk(a)freepress.mb.ca

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WFP: Free transit rides for kids would cost $1M a year: city (Jun20'20)
by Beth McKechnie 20 Jun '19

20 Jun '19

[Unfortunately no mention of Victoria's recent decision to fund free transit for youth through parking revenue <https://globalnews.ca/news/5384599/victoria-approves-free-public-transit/>] *Free transit rides for kids would cost $1M a year: city * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/transit-pegs-cost-of-free-rides-for… COUN. Matt Allard’s campaign promise to offer free bus rides to kids has a price tag even he admits could squelch the initiative. A report from Winnipeg Transit says it could cost taxpayers more than $1 million annually to provide free transportation for children age six to 11. The report, to be considered at the June 25 public works committee meeting, breaks down the cost of Allard’s idea. It includes an estimated $834,000 in lost fare and $200,000 in additional operating expenses, presumably related to additional salaries for two new buses needed for the project. (The cost of two buses is a further $1.34 million.) Allard, who proposed the idea during the 2018 civic election, said he believes the amounts are exaggerated, but admits it may be a tough sell. “I have to say I’m a bit skeptical on the numbers presented by Transit,” the public works committee chairman said, adding he thought the report exaggerates the number of children who use transit and what it would mean in terms of lost revenue. “I ride transit quite a bit, and I just don’t see that age group riding the buses now,” Allard said. “I ran for re-election with the promise that this is something I would bring to council — and I think it’s a good idea. My challenge now is having that conversation with members of the committee and other council members to see if eventually this is something we would fund.” Allard had hoped the initiative would get kids to use the bus, and they would become paying customers after turning 12. He said offering free fare to children age six to 11 might also encourage parents to use Transit more. Currently, children five and under ride transit for free; children between the ages of six and 16 (and other high school-aged youth) receive a 30 per cent discount on the full fare. Transit says it collected $8.34 million in children and youth fare revenue in 2018, but it has no way of knowing how many of those children are between the ages of six and 11. It estimates the number at 10 per cent, and placed the potential lost revenue at $834,000. The report noted Edmonton has been offering free transit to children since 2018, where it’s estimated the annual revenue loss will be about $2 million with an additional $880,000 in operating costs, along with the need to purchase 17 additional buses. Toronto had a marked jump in the number of children riders (to 28 million from 22 million), when it began offering free transportation. It estimates it has lost $8 million in revenue. Winnipeg Transit says it didn’t expect to see the same experience as Toronto and Edmonton, and projected lower operating costs and revenue loss. As an alternative, Transit suggests free fares for children could be incorporated into the proposed low-income discount initiative, which has yet to be fully costed. The report doesn’t make a recommendation to the committee about adopting the plan. It says if councillors want to proceed, children should be required to get a Peggo card so they have to provide their age. The free-fare period would expire on their 12th birthday. “One of the key challenges with offering free transit for children under the age of 12 is determining who is eligible at the time of use,” the report states. “Bus operators would have a difficult time determining the age of a child if no additional identification was required. “Some controls would need to be in place to ensure the program was not abused.” aldo.santin(a)freepress.mb.ca

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BC promotes active transportation, Vision Zero, $850 incentive for e-bikes
by Beth McKechnie 20 Jun '19

20 Jun '19

[British Columbia] has just introduced a new "active transportation strategy" <https://cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/active> that is designed to get people out of cars and on to alternatives... The goal of the plan is to double the percentage of trips taken with active transportation, which is already pretty high in cities like Vancouver. They are adopting Vision Zero (the real thing, with the first point being "working with communities to build and improve safe active transportation infrastructure"). https://www.treehugger.com/alternative/british-columbia-promotes-active-tra… -- Beth McKechnie (she/her/hers) *| *Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3777 x102 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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Rules of the Road: Compliance and Defiance among the Different Types of Cyclists
by Beth McKechnie 19 Jun '19

19 Jun '19

From: "Zdan, Terry (MI)" <Terry.Zdan(a)gov.mb.ca> A recent Canadian study in Montreal found only 0.6% of surveyed cyclist follow traffic laws…”.. reflects a disconnect between the safety goals of traffic laws and the reality on the streets…” is it any different here? https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0361198119844965 *Rules of the Road: Compliance and Defiance among the Different Types of Cyclists* Nick Chaloux <https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0361198119844965> https://doi.org/10.1177/0361198119844965 Article information <https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0361198119844965> [image: Full Access] *Article Information* Article first published online: May 3, 2019 Nick Chaloux <https://journals.sagepub.com/author/Chaloux%2C+Nick>1, Ahmed El-Geneidy <https://journals.sagepub.com/author/El-Geneidy%2C+Ahmed>1 1School of Urban Planning, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada Corresponding Author: Address correspondence to Ahmed El-Geneidy: ahmed.elgeneidy(a)mcgill.ca Abstract Although cycling has become a more attractive option to commuters in many North American cities recently, significant apprehension remains around its safety. Though risks experienced by cyclists are diverse, the idea that they are because of scofflaw cyclists—cyclists who regularly ignore the rules of the road—remains prevalent. Improving cycling safety requires countering this idea, and therefore an understanding of how different cyclists act under the existing rules. Using a survey of 1,329 cyclists in Montreal, Canada, this study generated a typology of cyclists based on cycling motivations and behaviors and conducted comparisons based on their responses to four cycling rule-breaking scenarios. Our study shows that all cyclist types contravene traffic laws in similar ways, and 0.6% of respondents consistently follow the traffic laws. Breaking the law was often considered the safest option by respondents, which reflects a disconnect between the safety goals of traffic laws and the reality on the streets based on the perspectives of different cyclist types. Although cyclist types may act similarly in response to existing laws, they still respond uniquely to policies aimed at increasing rule adherence. Targeted interventions aimed at educating young cyclists, improving dedicated infrastructure, and prioritizing cycling traffic could increase rule compliance across all types. Through our study, planners, policy makers, and law enforcement could improve cycling safety by better understanding the behavior and rationale taken by cyclists.

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Crestview man rescues baby crow & takes on daily bike rides
by Beth McKechnie 19 Jun '19

19 Jun '19

Even crows are getting in on Bike Week! https://globalnews.ca/news/5392870/crescentview-man-rescues-baby-crow-takes…

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WFP: MPI criticized for recommending protective equipment for cyclers (Jun19'19)
by Beth McKechnie 19 Jun '19

19 Jun '19

*MPI criticized for recommending protective equipment for cyclers * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/mpi-criticized-for-advising-excessi… SOME Winnipeg cycling enthusiasts took to social media this weekend to criticize a list of recommended safety equipment for cyclists published by Manitoba’s public insurer, saying it amounted to suggesting people wear battle gear to ride their bikes. Erin Riediger said she first posted a picture from Manitoba Public Insurance’s cycling safety guide — which features a man wearing orangetinted safety glasses, a yellow safety vest and reflective bands on his wrists and ankles — on Twitter Sunday because she thinks the guide makes cycling seem like a dangerous activity. “When I first saw the photo, I thought it was a little bit comical because of the amount of gear that the cyclist was wearing,” Riediger said. “If anybody wanted to cycle in Winnipeg and they opened up this safety guide, it would turn them off immediately.” She said the amount of equipment the province’s public insurer recommends cyclists wear is ridiculous, and puts the onus for road safety solely on people riding bikes. “We don’t put the same sort of responsibility on drivers who could actually cause a lot more damage on the road,” she said. “Really, the issue isn’t what you’re wearing. It’s how the roads are designed and how you interact with traffic.” Brian Smiley, a spokesman for Manitoba Public Insurance, said the public insurer is in constant communication with Winnipeg’s cycling community for feedback to implement in its safety tips. Smiley said MPI creates its handbooks keeping in mind bikes and cars are using the same roads — but one is protected by a lot more metal. “A cyclist does not have a ton of steel protecting them (like) a motorist does,” he said. “Both groups are expected to share the road responsibly and safely, but in some situations that does not happen.” Smiley said MPI recommends cyclists take extra steps — like wearing brightly coloured, reflective clothing — to keep themselves safer. The safety guide Riediger posted suggests cyclists wear safety glasses or sunglasses, gloves and reflective ankle and wrist straps. It also recommends using mirrors, a bell and a bike panier attached over the rear wheel to increase safety. “For the cyclists, it’s a suggestion,” he said. “It’s nothing mandatory.” Smiley said main issues that have come up in MPI’s consultations with the cycling community are people driving their vehicles too close to cyclists when passing them on the road, and forgetting that each bike has a person on it. “We often lose sight of what a cyclist really is,” Smiley said. “It’s a person, it’s a mom, a dad, it’s an uncle, it’s a colleague.” Riediger said cycling safety gear is important, but the focus on cyclists armouring up to hit the streets could create a false sense of security for people on their bikes. “The most effective thing would be to be separated from the cars and eliminate the hazard of the cars,” she said. “The evidence is if you actually get hit by a car and you’re wearing a helmet, you’re likely to still be injured quite severely.” Riediger said she hopes to see more local politicians push for investments in cycling infrastructure projects like protected bike lanes across the city. caitlyn.gowriluk(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Victoria uses parking revenue to pay for free transit (under 18)
by Beth McKechnie 18 Jun '19

18 Jun '19

Victoria approves free public transit for young residents starting in fall https://globalnews.ca/news/5384599/victoria-approves-free-public-transit/ A plan to provide free public transit to all Victoria resident under the age of 18 is becoming a reality. Starting in September, the City of Victoria will take on the cost of the $45 monthly youth transit passes. “The [Victoria Regional] Transit Commission made its decision yesterday to allow Victoria to purchase the fare product, so the U-Pass, the Universal Pass,” said Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps. City council approved sending the plan to the transit commission in April. At that time, the province had said no money would come from them, leaving Victoria to figure out how to pay for it. The plan will not see any tax increases, despite a recommendation from council to do just that. Instead, the money will come from parking revenue, which currently brings in about $8 million a year. As of May 1, the city started charging for parking on Sundays, which is expected to add between $600,000 to $1 million to the pot. With 6,350 youth in the city, and passes at a cost of $135 per year, that should be enough to cover it. At the same time, Helps said families will also save. “It’s money back in parents’ pockets that can be spent on food, or rent or maybe ballet or soccer.” The idea is to create lifelong transit riders by starting them young. It’s also being called a promising step in combating climate change. Now, students from around the Capital Regional District (CRD) are hoping the commission will consider expanding the program to include other municipalities in the region, including Saanich and Oak Bay. “We really want it to be a CRD-wide thing,” Our Earth Our Future co-organizer Emma-Jane Burian said. “We really hope that the transit commission, after looking into it more, decides to do if for the whole region, but we’re still waiting to hear more.” Naturally, that has transit users are asking whether free transit for all is an option. Roughly one-third of transit revenues come from ridership. The city is hoping to look at what the total cost might be, and put it to the public to decide whether to shift the burden to taxpayers. “What I’d love to see in 2022 is a referendum across the region that says, ‘Here’s the price tag, do you want to pay?'” Helps said.

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Petition/Opposition against proposed one-ways in West Broadway (for Wolseley-Downtown connection)
by Sean Carlson 17 Jun '19

17 Jun '19

Say "NO" to Winnipeg's West Broadway One-Way Streets: https://www.change.org/p/the-city-of-winnipeg-say-no-to-winnipeg-s-west-bro… While it seems not to be a huge number of people yet, there are fears in certain members of the community need to be addressed, and that pro-cycling residents may need to be vigilant so they aren't drowned out. The comments on the petition might provide some insight into where oppoonents are coming from. The petition seems to be led by Houston Properties, or at the very least they distributed the following letter to some residents of Balmoral direction people to it (also attached as an image, which the Listserv may not support). Interesting how they create a false divide between "cyclists" and "residents"/ "people who work and live in the area". Residents of West Broadway, The City of Winnipeg is exploring options pertaining to the roadways in our neighborhood to accommodate cyclists and we want you to be aware of how these changes will affect your daily route. While Houston Properties fully supports cyclists, we feel the proposed option of turning the roads into a one-way will have a negative impact on our community. The city has proposed three options and they have considerable support for the first option which will be the worst for our residents. This proposition will change the following routes: - Balmoral will change into an eastbound one-way off Sherbrook and northbound to Broadway, meaning you will no longer have access off Broadway - Granite Way will become a westbound one-way off Osborne, resulting in NO access to Osborne, funneling Great West Life's 3000 car count into our neighbourhood and onto Broadway (which already has too much traffic) - Langside will be a southbound one-way from Balmoral to Westminster and home of a new bus route. All of these changes will greatly impact the daily lives of everyone in our neighbourhood by creating more vehicle congestion and it will significantly inconvenience the people who work and live in the area by making the route longer. If you're coming from the North or East you will now have to make a large loop around. Please take a minute and use your finger to trace your daily routes to understand how it personally impacts you. To date, much of the support has come from cyclists because residents in the surrounding area were not informed of the impending changes. With this information, we encourage you to take action and fight for the neighbourhood. The deadline is June 21 and here are ways in which you can take a stance: 1) Take the City of winnipeg's online survey. - Visit www.winnipeg.ca/walkbikeprojects -> Wolseley to Downtown Walk Bike Projects -> Engage -> Online survey 2) Voice your opinions to Councillor Sherri Rollins - E-mail address: srollins(a)winnipeg.ca - Phone number: (204) 986-5878 3) Sign the Petition - Visit http://chng.it/HrhHZKrJ -> Sign this Petition If you have any questions please contact the office at (204)772-07777. Thank you for your support, Houston Properties. *Sean Carlson* (he/him/his) Active and Safe Routes to School Program, Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> 204-925-3777 ext. 109 | 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB *Green Action Centre is your green living hub* Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/>. Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/GreenActionCentre/> | Twitter <https://twitter.com/greenactionctr> | Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/greenactioncentre/> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-action-centre/> ᐧ

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UK advocates critical of substandard cycling / walking infrastructure
by Charles Feaver 17 Jun '19

17 Jun '19

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/17/painted-bike-lanes-waste-mo ney-cycling-commissioners?utm_term=RWRpdG9yaWFsX0d1YXJkaWFuVG9kYXlVS19XZWVrZ GF5cy0xOTA2MTc%3D <https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/17/painted-bike-lanes-waste-m oney-cycling-commissioners?utm_term=RWRpdG9yaWFsX0d1YXJkaWFuVG9kYXlVS19XZWVr ZGF5cy0xOTA2MTc%3D&utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=GuardianToda yUK&CMP=GTUK_email> &utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=GuardianTodayUK&CMP=GTUK_email UK AT advocate report critical of transportation investment. Some snippets: Painted bike lanes are waste of money, say cycling commissioners In a letter to the transport secretary, Chris Grayling, the commissioners - including the Olympic champions Chris Boardman (Greater Manchester), Dame Sarah Storey (Sheffield City region) and Will Norman (London) - say painted cycle lanes are a "gesture" and do nothing to make people feel safer on a bike. Recent studies have shown they can actually make people less safe, they argue. "As there are currently no national minimum safety standards for walking and cycling infrastructure, these practices can and will continue wasting public money and failing to persuade people to change their travel habits," the letter says. The commissioners also call for an end to car-centric transport planning and a move towards investment decisions that "account for the true cost of car use to society". They argue that current economic appraisal models used by the Treasury to decide whether to fund a new motorway or a segregated cycle lane "do not take full account of the negative consequences of making private car use easier, nor do they take full account of the benefits of walking and cycling on our health, wellbeing and environment". Charles Feaver <mailto:charles@bikewinnipeg.ca> charles(a)bikewinnipeg.ca 204.293.6332

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WFP: Cyclists say faded bike lanes unsafe (Jun13'19)
by Beth McKechnie 13 Jun '19

13 Jun '19

*Cyclists say faded bike lanes unsafe * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/disappearing-bike-lanes-need-new-pa… JULIE Penner rides her bike to work every day. But lately, she said, she feels less safe on her commute from Wolseley to the Exchange District because the painted bike lane she uses on Sherbrook Street has faded and chipped away . “It’s like this every year. I’m surprised (it) isn’t given more of a priority,” Penner said. The City of Winnipeg did not respond to a request for comment. The city’s website page on lane-marking says the process begins in mid-April, when it’s warm enough for paint to adhere to the road. The page says crews work clockwise around Winnipeg, starting north of the Assiniboine River. Penner said she’s confused about why the city schedules the repainting based on geography instead of how often certain bike lanes are used. Mark Cohoe, executive director of cycling advocacy group Bike Winnipeg, said he would like to see the city make more of an effort to keep cyclists in mind when making the schedules. “The bike lanes should be one of the city’s priorities. If you’re on a bike, you’re one of the most vulnerable people out there,” he said. Cohoe is encouraged by steps the city has taken lately to create roads with expanded bike lanes and bicycle-specific traffic signals that have cyclists in mind, but he would like to see a more proactive approach to maintaining infrastructure that will help keep riders safe on the road. “It definitely does make a difference in terms of safety to have the bike lane there, but it’s only there if it’s painted and visible. If it isn’t there, the drivers are less likely to respect it,” he said. While painted bike lanes don’t give cyclists the same protection from vehicles as lanes that have barriers, they let drivers know to be aware that cyclists could be nearby, Penner said, adding that with the lane on Sherbrook Street disappearing, she has noticed cars inching closer to her on the road. “Cars are used to responding to paint on the road. I’m a driver, too. You respond to that. (If) there’s a solid line, then you don’t cross it,” she said. “They’re either unaware of the bike lane, or they don’t respect it as much because there’s just nothing on the ground.” Recent city actions that support cycling infrastructure are positive moves, but there are still gaps to fill, Penner said. “Right now, there’s bits and pieces where you can get downtown relatively safely in some areas, but not in others. It’s definitely requiring patience from the cycling community, but I do feel hopeful about it,” she said. Because the lanes will get repainted eventually, Penner said it might not seem like a big deal, but in the meantime, she said she’ll feel less safe when riding her bike. “It’s the lowest form of cycling protection, just paint on the ground, but even that is better than having nothing,” she said. “And I do feel like cars notice when it’s there.” caitlyn.gowriluk(a)freepress.mb.ca

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AT Webinar: Finding Common Ground with First Responders (Wed Jun 19, 2-3pm)
by Beth McKechnie 13 Jun '19

13 Jun '19

Please join Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg for a group viewing of the June APBP webinar in the EcoCentre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/uncategorized/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-o…> boardroom. This will be followed by discussion for those who wish to stay. *Particularly timely topic given concerns around emergency vehicles access and proposed changes to the Wolseley / Westminster cycling route.* cheers, Beth * * * * * *AT Webinar: Wed, June 19th, 2-3pm* Finding Common Ground with First Responders First responders provide the 1st line of defense against emergencies. The notion that “every second counts” has left its mark on our communities, creating wide and fast streets. Though intended to provide efficient access for first responders, this type of street design creates unintended consequences for other roadway users. How can agencies find common ground to address the needs of emergency response while maintaining low speed networks that support safe and convenient active transportation. -- Beth McKechnie (she/her/hers) *| *Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3777 x102 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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When not to push for bike lanes
by Beth McKechnie 12 Jun '19

12 Jun '19

Very interesting (short) article: https://bikesiliconvalley.org/2019/05/action-alert-when-not-to-push-for-bik…

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WFP: Going Dutch - Plain Bicycle Project aims to fuel bicycling explosion (Jun12'19)
by Beth McKechnie 12 Jun '19

12 Jun '19

*Plain Bicycle Project aims to fuel bicycling explosion with two-wheelers from the Netherlands* * GOING DUTCH* https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/going-dutch-511149792.html ANYONE want a used bike from the Netherlands? They’re going fast. The Plain Bicycle Project unloaded a shipping container crammed with discarded Dutch bicycles Tuesday at a secret location in downtown Winnipeg. Over the next month or so, the local enthusiasts will repair and get the bikes ready for the 221 people who signed up for the so-called omafiets (“grandma bikes”), leaving 19 available for $350 each online at the Plain Bicycle Project. (The price covers the costs of shipping and repairs.) “The whole idea is to create a bicycle culture explosion,” said Plain Bicycle co-founder Anders Swanson, who also heads up the Winnipeg Trails Association and is one of six people who organized the shipment to the Prairie city. “What better way to welcome the bicycle infrastructure being built in Winnipeg and all across North America than by being an early adopter of a plain bike... (which) will probably become the preferred ride,” Plain Bicycle Project’s website says. Safety for cyclists is a perennial issue in Winnipeg, with enthusiasts pressing for more paths to safeguard cyclists navigating busy traffic corridors. On average, two cyclists are killed in the province each year, according to Manitoba Public Insurance. Durable, comfortable and easy to ride, the Dutch bikes come with fenders, upright handlebars, a rack, integrated lock, kickstand and sturdy steel frame with a sloping tube (so you can wear whatever and still get around). Like Winnipeg, the Netherlands is flat, so most of the bikes come with internal gears, which the Plain Bicycle founders claim makes them last longer and stand up to more abuse. “The point is to get people thinking anybody can ride a bike, that it’s a lifelong thing to bike. You can be a kid or a grandma, it doesn’t matter. These bikes grow old with you. They’re the Honda Civics of bicycles,” Swanson said. None of the plain bikes have disc brakes, shocks, knobby tires, carbon fibre, etc. In other words, less bling to draw thieves. Of the 100 bicycles Plain Bicycle organizers shipped over from the Netherlands last year — the first year for the project — two were stolen, organizers said. Earlier this year, three co-founders made the trip to the Netherlands to collect more bikes and stick handle paperwork to export the cargo to Winnipeg. A container weighing more than 8,200 kilograms was loaded onto a cargo ship in mid-April and arrived via the Panama Canal in Vancouver, then was shipped by freight train to Winnipeg. The container was locked with a Dutch bike lock and, without the key, opening the doors proved a problem. “They had to beat the hell out of it,” said trucker Grant Houlden, who hung around after unloading the cargo. The Plain Bicycle people used his hammer to pound the lock apart; it took about five minutes and a lot of exertion for Swanson to finally snap it open. “I’ve never seen a lock like it before. My bolt cutters couldn’t cut it,” Houlden said. The appeal of a Dutch bike, apart from the lock, is its simplicity and its supply, theatre director and former bike courier Leigh Anne Parry said. “The Netherlands have over two bikes per person and a lot of them end up on the side of the streets. There are more bikes than people, so there are a lot of bikes not being used,” the project co-founder said. “It’s an easy, relaxing ride. There’s no pressure on your arms and you can carry all your groceries with these bikes,” she added, before heading into the shipping container to start hauling them out. alexandra.paul(a)freepress.mb.ca

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WFP: Wolseley considers cutting shortcuts (Jun11'19)
by Beth McKechnie 11 Jun '19

11 Jun '19

*Bike plan aims to keep rush-hour traffic on main roads* * Wolseley considers cutting shortcuts * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/cutting-off-shortcuts-wolseley-bike… TAKING a rush-hour shortcut through Wolseley could get more difficult for drivers, thanks to proposed changes to the neighbourhood’s bike infrastructure. Speed humps, vehicle access restrictions and new crosswalks identified in the Wolseley to Downtown Walk Bike Project are all designed to let bikes ride and push cars to thoroughfares, said Mark Doucet, City of Winnipeg transportation facilities planning engineer. “The Wolseley area has got a lot of active community,” Doucet said Monday. “There’s a lot of short-cutting traffic through the Wolseley neighbourhood, so (this is) an attempt to look at that concern and try to just make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists through the area.” For example, during the afternoon rush hour, vehicles cut through the residential neighbourhood, avoiding busy Portage Avenue by taking Arlington Street to Wolseley Avenue. Residents will get to have their say this week about several options for change, including making Langside and Balmoral streets one-ways and eliminating some parking spaces in West Broadway. Westminster Avenue is set to get either a protected bike lane or become a neighbourhood greenway. Protected bike lanes from Langside to Osborne streets are on the table as well, even raised lanes — like the ones the city has installed on Silver Avenue and Chevrier Boulevard in recent years. Bike Winnipeg executive director Mark Cohoe supports the proposed changes to cut back on the number of cars searching for a shortcut. He said he’d like to see protected bike lanes continuing through Maryland and Sherbrook avenues to West Broadway, as well as intersection improvements to help cyclists make safe left turns at major intersections. “We’re not sure what they’re planning between Langside and Maryland, that seems a little open-ended in some of the plans,” Cohoe said. “It just doesn’t seem to have anything. Just through that stretch, which we think is a critical part of the connection, so we want to make sure that’s a strong point and not a weak point in any improvements going forward.” Doucet said he’s heard such concerns and hopes to do something about them for the final version of the plan, which is expected to be released in the fall. Another possible sticking point is vehicle blockades, which Doucet said are modelled on diversions from Lethbridge, Alta. “That’s a tricky one, because we want to discourage short-cutting traffic and encourage cycling and pedestrians, but the fire paramedic group has concerns with a diversion,” he said, noting it could keep ambulances and fire trucks out, as well as passenger vehicles. “It’s a big hurdle for us right now, we’re trying to find ways to balance everyone’s needs.” West End resident Caroline Thiessen was cycling through Wolseley on Monday, and said she spent the ride thinking about how nice it is — not like the West End, where she recently got honked at in a construction zone. “It almost doesn’t feel safe anywhere other than Wolseley,” she said. Her sentiments were echoed by neighbourhood resident and cyclist Tamara Lewis-Jones: “Wolseley’s the safest (place to bike) in the city but it still needs more... I guess the whole city needs to be better.” Other area residents said Monday they notice some people cutting through, but aren’t worried about motorists. “During the week, people should be able to go up Wolseley, people should be able to go up Westminster, if they want to,” Morgan Davis said. “It’s not that difficult to bike there.” Riley Durocher, who cycles and drives through his neighbourhood, said the shortcut problem seems to be worst near Mulvey School. “I have no issues other than Sundays,” Durocher said, noting it can be a tangle to get his car home if he forgets Wolseley is closed to cars. Doucet notes the city plans aren’t set in stone, and hopes to hear more from residents at community consultations being held today through Thursday. tvanderhart(a)freepress.mb.ca @tessavanderhart

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WFP: Cyclist dies after collision with truck (Jun5'19)
by Beth McKechnie 06 Jun '19

06 Jun '19

*Traffic safety audit needed, bike advocate and councillor say* * Cyclist dies after collision with truck * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/cyclists-death-sparks-inquiry-call-… THE death of a bicyclist on Higgins Avenue at King Street — the second such incident in seven years — has sparked calls for a traffic safety audit of the area. The bicyclist died Tuesday at the scene, after colliding with the cab of a transport truck at around 1:45 p.m. A single red bicycle with a mangled wheel was still on the sidewalk hours after the collision. Winnipeg police blocked traffic on Higgins Avenue between Main and Princess streets for a few hours while officers gathered evidence. While no details were released about the age or gender of the deceased — or how the collision occurred — a bike advocate and a city councillor who is a longtime bike path booster said the City of Winnipeg has to look at the intersection and other nearby streets to see how safe they are for bicyclists and pedestrians. Mark Cohoe, executive director of Bike Winnipeg, said he’s upset because it’s not the first bicyclist killed in the area. Violet Nelson, 35, chairwoman of the Native Women’s Transition Centre, was cycling to the grand opening of the Kihiw Iskewock Lodge in May 2012, when she collided with a vehicle and fell in front of a semi-trailer on Higgins Avenue just west of Main Street. Cohoe said there was another fatality a block south, when a pedestrian on her way to work at Siloam Mission was struck and killed by a truck at Logan Avenue and King Street in July 2015. “It is kind of a confusing intersection and you can maintain high speeds there,” he said. “It is a high-flow kind of route, and it is really set up to move people through as quickly as possible, but at the same time, you have people walking and cycling. “It’s high time a safety study is done there. It’s clear we have a major safety issue in these few blocks.” Cohoe said a safety audit would look at all areas of traffic flow, including whether there should be a stop sign (instead of a yield) for northbound vehicles on King Street turning right onto eastbound Higgins Avenue, and whether the speed limit should be slower. “We need to make sure if someone makes a mistake in future it doesn’t end in tragedy. We don’t want it to happen again — it has already happened too much.” Coun. Janice Lukes (Waverley West) said Tuesday she’ll be speaking with Cohoe with the idea of putting forward a motion calling for a safety audit of the area. Lukes sat on the city’s active transportation advisory committee and was appointed the first chair of the province’s active transportation advisory group prior to becoming a city councillor. “I’m just dreading this season, because we’ve done a pathetic job in education,” she said. “We’re good now at putting in more (bike) infrastructure, but with more bikes and more people, we need more education for cyclists and drivers.” kevin.rollason(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Fwd: Employment Opportunity / Bike Bazaar / Wheels of Courage
by Dave Elmore 04 Jun '19

04 Jun '19

Please pass this around Cheers Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X) ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Sarah Thiessen <wrenchvolunteer(a)gmail.com> Date: Tue, Jun 4, 2019 at 7:21 PM Subject: Employment Opportunity / Bike Bazaar / Wheels of Courage To: Hey WRENCH Volunteers! A few exciting announcements to share with you: *1. Employment Opportunity: Summer Programming Assistant * Term Position: 8-week term with flexible starting date 32 hrs/week @ $15.00/hr Must be 18-29 years old to apply. Application deadline: 10 pm, Sunday June 16th, 2019 Please read Job Description (attached) for all the details on this position and how to apply. *2. West Broadway Bike Bazaar <https://www.facebook.com/events/1245477358948421/> is this Sunday!* *When*: Sunday, June 9th 12-3pm *Where:* In outdoor rink behind Broadway Neighbourhood Centre (185 Young St) If you are able to come volunteer, we can always use another set of hands! *We could especially use some more folks helping with:* -Sales (11:30-3) -Bike Repairs (11:45-3) -Tear Down (3-6pm) Please let me know if you are available to help! & Help spread the word by sharing the event on Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/events/1245477358948421/>. *3. Today is the last day to apply for our Wheels of Courage Mentorship Program! <http://thewrench.ca/woc/>* If you are between 14-29 and want to use bikes as a tool for personal growth and social change, Wheels of Courage is for you! *Learn more & Apply now!* <http://thewrench.ca/woc/> Alrighty that is all for now, hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful weather. Kindly, Sarah Thiessen *Volunteer Coordinator & Wheels of Courage Lead Mentor* The *W*innipeg *R*epair* E*ducation '*N*' *C*ycling *H*ub 1057 Logan Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3N8 Treaty 1 Territory & Homeland of the Metis Nation 204.296.3389 www.thewrench.ca <volunteer(a)thewrench.ca>

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Cycling lanes reduce fatalities for all road users, study shows
by Charles Feaver 03 Jun '19

03 Jun '19

Roads are safer for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists in cities with robust bike facilities Date: May 29, 2019 Source: University of Colorado Denver Summary: The most comprehensive study of bicycle and road safety to date finds that building safe facilities for cyclists is one of the biggest factors in road safety for everyone. Bicycling infrastructure -- specifically, separated and protected bike lanes -- leads to fewer fatalities and better road-safety outcomes for all road users. https://www.cudenvertoday.org/cycling-lanes-not-cyclists-lower-road-fataliti es/ In the most comprehensive look at bicycle and road safety to date, researchers at the University of Colorado Denver and the University of New Mexico discovered that it's not the cyclists, but the infrastructure built for them, that is making roads safer for everyone. "Bicycling seems inherently dangerous on its own," said study co-author Wesley Marshall, PhD, PE, assistant professor in the College of Engineering, Design and Computing at CU Denver. "So it would seem that a city with a lot of bicycling is more dangerous, but the opposite is true. Building safe facilities for cyclists turned out to be one of the biggest factors in road safety for everyone." The study published in the Journal of Transport & Health found that bike facilities act as "calming" mechanisms on traffic, slowing cars and reducing fatalities. The effect is similar to the effect of grid blocks found in cities with higher intersection density Researchers looked through 13 years of data from 12 large U.S. cities with high-bicycling mode shares, including Denver, Dallas, Portland, Ore., and Kansas City, Mo. During those years, the United States saw a 51% increase in bicycling to work and the number of protected bike lanes double each year starting in 2009. In a longitudinal study, the researchers investigated over 17,000 fatalities and 77,000 severe injuries. Originally, researchers believed that more bike lanes and the increase in cyclists would lead to a "safety-in-numbers" effect: the more cyclists on the road, the more likely drivers would slow down and be aware of their surroundings. Instead, they found that safer cities aren't due to the increase in cyclists, but the infrastructure built for them -- specifically, separated and protected bike lanes. They found that bicycling infrastructure is significantly associated with fewer fatalities and better road-safety outcomes. Portland, Ore., saw the biggest increase. Between 1990 and 2010, city's bicycle mode share increased from 1.2% to 6%; over the same period, the road fatality rate dropped by 75%. With added bike lanes, fatal crash rates dropped in Seattle (-60.6%), San Francisco (-49.3%), Denver (-40.3%) and Chicago (-38.2%), among others. "The U.S. is killing 40,000 people a year on roads, and we treat it as the cost of doing business," Marshall said. "A lot of the existing research focuses on bicycle safety; with this study, we're interested in everyone's safety." Eliminating fatalities is the goal of Vision Zero cities like Denver. To reduce deaths, cities need more evidence-based research to help them make better policy decisions. "Focusing on fatalities -- not crashes -- is important," said Marshall. "Over the years, my research has found that safer cities have fewer fatalities but more fender benders." The study co-author is Nicholas Ferenchak, PhD, assistant professor in the department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering at the University of New Mexico. Ferenchak studied under Marshall and received his doctoral degree from CU Denver. Overall, Ferenchak hopes this study simplifies the ways in which cities move forward. "When we believed it was the old safety-in-numbers concept, that meant we had to figure out how to get more people on bicycles to make a city safer," Ferenchak said. "That's not easy. But this research has boiled it down for city planners: create cycling facilities, and you'll see the impact." The 12 cities included in this research are Oklahoma City, Memphis, Kansas City, Mo., Dallas, Houston, Austin, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, San Francisco, Minneapolis and Portland. As this study focuses on larger cities, the results are not generalizable to smaller cities. _____ Story Source: <https://www.cudenvertoday.org/cycling-lanes-not-cyclists-lower-road-fatalit ies/> Materials provided by <http://www.ucdenver.edu/> University of Colorado Denver. Original written by Rachel Sturtz. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. _____ Journal Reference: 1. Wesley E. Marshall, Nicholas N. Ferenchak. Why cities with high bicycling rates are safer for all road users. Journal of Transport & Health, 2019 Charles Feaver 11 Harvard Ave Winnipeg R3M 0J6 204.293.6332

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FYI Rules of the Road: Compliance and Defiance among the Different Types of Cyclists
by Zdan, Terry (MI) 03 Jun '19

03 Jun '19

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0361198119844965 Rules of the Road: Compliance and Defiance among the Different Types of Cyclists Nick Chaloux<https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0361198119844965> https://doi.org/10.1177/0361198119844965<https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0361198119844965> Article information <https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0361198119844965> [Full Access] Article Information Article first published online: May 3, 2019 Nick Chaloux<https://journals.sagepub.com/author/Chaloux%2C+Nick>1, Ahmed El-Geneidy<https://journals.sagepub.com/author/El-Geneidy%2C+Ahmed>1 1School of Urban Planning, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada Corresponding Author: Address correspondence to Ahmed El-Geneidy: ahmed.elgeneidy(a)mcgill.ca<mailto:ahmed.elgeneidy@mcgill.ca> Abstract Although cycling has become a more attractive option to commuters in many North American cities recently, significant apprehension remains around its safety. Though risks experienced by cyclists are diverse, the idea that they are because of scofflaw cyclists—cyclists who regularly ignore the rules of the road—remains prevalent. Improving cycling safety requires countering this idea, and therefore an understanding of how different cyclists act under the existing rules. Using a survey of 1,329 cyclists in Montreal, Canada, this study generated a typology of cyclists based on cycling motivations and behaviors and conducted comparisons based on their responses to four cycling rule-breaking scenarios. Our study shows that all cyclist types contravene traffic laws in similar ways, and 0.6% of respondents consistently follow the traffic laws. Breaking the law was often considered the safest option by respondents, which reflects a disconnect between the safety goals of traffic laws and the reality on the streets based on the perspectives of different cyclist types. Although cyclist types may act similarly in response to existing laws, they still respond uniquely to policies aimed at increasing rule adherence. Targeted interventions aimed at educating young cyclists, improving dedicated infrastructure, and prioritizing cycling traffic could increase rule compliance across all types. Through our study, planners, policy makers, and law enforcement could improve cycling safety by better understanding the behavior and rationale taken by cyclists. HAPPY TRAILS Terry Zdan BA MEDes þ Think green, read on screen | Soyez écolo, lisez à l'écran From: at-network-bounces(a)lists.umanitoba.ca <at-network-bounces(a)lists.umanitoba.ca> On Behalf Of Beth McKechnie Sent: June-02-19 10:09 AM To: AT network <at-network(a)lists.umanitoba.ca> Subject: [At-network] WFP: Healing prescription - nature trails (Jun2'19) HEALING PRESCRIPTION City life got you down? A cure for what ails you is as close as the nearest nature trail https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/healing-prescription-510724862.html THE urban grind can grind one down. Being stuck in rush-hour gridlock and inhaling exhaust, hearing the unwelcome roar of a neighbour’s lawn mower too early on a Saturday morning, or fighting crowds in grocery stores and malls can give one the itch to escape. But cutting and running from city life is not always in the cards for those who take umbrage with urban annoyances. The kids have soccer, there’s that dentist appointment, the plumber’s coming to fix the leaky faucet… Luckily, one doesn’t have to cross the Perimeter to access green spaces and nature trails. Opportunities to enjoy the outdoors abound in every neighbourhood. “Our mental health is really at risk when we don’t get outside,” Anders Swanson, active living enthusiast and executive director of the Winnipeg Trails Association, says. “Accessing nature and moving your body is very, very good for you,” especially in the modern world where people are “increasingly stressed out.” “If you think about it, it’s completely obvious,” he adds. “As human beings, we are part of the natural world; we grew up in it. When you take that away or we don’t get out there, you very quickly find yourself lost.” Winnipeg Trails works to make sure Winnipeggers don’t get lost. They’re a coalition focused on accelerating the development and connectivity of Winnipeg’s greenways and cycling paths — “the transportation system underlying Winnipeg that’s built for human beings,” as Swanson puts it. Winnipeg Trails has “done everything,” from helping to fund and build trails to adding amenities to existing ones. They’re also involved in events such as next week’s Commuter Challenge and have scheduled a Plog-a-Thon — where people jog and pick up trash — for June 8. One of Winnipeg Trails’ most popular projects has been its exhaustive list of detailed trail maps, which can be found on their website, winnipegtrails.ca. The maps —more than 30 of them — outline the length of each trail, how they connect with the citywide network, and highlight points of interest along the way. It’s a tremendous resource for those looking to get out and explore new paths. “Those were a pretty important project for us,” Swanson says. “It’s one of the biggest ways that people know about Winnipeg Trails is for those detailed trail maps.” “Our job basically is to make it easy,” he continues. “We just want the easiest choice to be the most active one. That’s how we’re going to make a big difference for society.” Charleswood’s Harte Trail, for example — a 6.5-kilometre path through a tunnel of trees that stretches from Sterling Lyon Parkway and Shaftesbury Boulevard to the west Perimeter Highway — has a crushed limestone surface and connects to five other trails, including the Assiniboine Forest trail network. The key to finding time to spend outdoors, Swanson says, is to integrate it into one’s daily routine. “Recreation is great — it’s great to have a chance to unwind — but you have to find energy, money, basically to do that,” Swanson says, hence Winnipeg Trails’ focus on active commuting. “We only have a certain amount of time that we’re willing to move every day,” Swanson says. “Otherwise, we need to get some work done or go to that class… we have a time budget. “If you live a 45-minute drive away from a city and that’s your commute, people tend to report feeling more unhappy than people who had a half-hour walk, and it’s because the people who had a 45-minute commute still want to get human connection and recreation… but they end up not having enough time to do that and then they feel more stressed out. “People who bike or walk to school or work or out to dinner, or whatever — they integrate it into ways they get around — they tend to report being a lot happier because they managed basically to kill two birds with one stone.” Winnipegger Jen Doerksen has been doing that for years. Doerksen grew up in St. James near Sturgeon Creek and Saskatchewan Avenue. Doerksen cycled the Yellow Ribbon Greenway Trail — which begins at Sturgeon Creek and Hamilton Avenue, terminates at Silver Avenue and Ferry Road, and is named in honour of the Canadian Armed Forces — hundreds of times over six years as part of a commute to the University of Winnipeg and later, Red River College’s Exchange District campus. Winnipeg Trails calls the 5.5-kilometre path a “crucial east-west link,” and it’s been just that to the now-24-year-old Doerksen. “Green space and time in nature is super… important to me for a number of reasons,” Doerksen says. “Primarily, it feels better to be outside, generally, than inside… It feels better on the body and mind and suits our hardware in a way. Our bodies are still getting accustomed to this whole ‘civilization’ thing, evolutionarily I’d say, and the western lifestyle of indoor work and play is somewhat contrary to how we’re built, I think. “If I’m feeling the air, smelling the rain, grass, (and) fart smells of downtown Winnipeg, I’m more actively engaged in what I’m doing and my mind is working better in this way,” Doerksen says. The freelance photographer, videographer and editor now lives in the Corydon area and doesn’t traverse the Yellow Ribbon Trail much these days, but still cycles for transportation and leisure. Swanson, a year-round cyclist, prefers biking over driving to Winnipeg Trails’ Exchange District headquarters. He tries to walk anywhere within a kilometre, cycle anywhere between one and eight kilometres, and takes the bus for longer distances. He owns a vehicle, but uses it “basically to get out into the bush” or to transport things too heavy to haul on two wheels. Just as important as the physical benefits are the social ones. “Try and shake hands with the person next to you in a traffic jam, you know?” Swanson says. “Our meaningful contact with human beings is face-to-face. There’s nothing that human beings like more than watching and seeing other people. “We can’t survive without it. It makes us happy. It makes us stumble into an old friend… share a moment with a stranger… that kind of thing is so instrumental to us. The more time we spend doing it, the happier we are,” he continues, noting people in countries with the highest happiness index tend to spend more time socializing outdoors. Using the trail network helped Doerksen develop social connections. “Basically, my movement from living in the suburbs to developing friends, finding community, and spending time downtown came through travelling the Yellow Ribbon Trail,” Doerksen says. Doerksen found getting to downtown, Osborne Village and Wolseley to visit friends took an hour or more by bus, but “biking that path took 45 minutes every time.” Swanson is careful not to judge anyone who doesn’t make use of green space, acknowledging their life situation, location or physical limitations might make an active commute an impossibility. However, he’d love Winnipeg to reach a broader consensus that walking, bicycle commuting, and active living benefits all. “We want to make that as pleasant and fun and beautiful as possible,” he says of Winnipeg Trails. “Whether that’s biking down a protected bike lane with all kinds of shops you can stop at on your way home from work, or if you’re super lucky and you get to walk or bike to a park or along a riverbank in order to make it there, it’s the kind of quality of life thing that benefits everybody in ways we don’t even think about. “I want everyone to be able to access nature because it’s something you want to share. For me, sharing Winnipeg in that way is really important.” Outdoor cure “THERE’S a reason they say exercise is the best medicine,” Anders Swanson says, and science backs up the claim. If you want to thrive, get outside. Spending time outdoors can reduce one’s risk for a variety of common physical and mental health problems such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stressrelated disorders, and even premature death. That’s according to a 2018 study conducted by researchers from the University of East Anglia’s Norwich Medical School. The England-based research team gathered evidence from nearly 150 studies involving close to 300 million people from 20 different countries to come to their conclusions. “People living closer to nature… had reduced diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and stress,” lead researcher Caoimhe Twohig-Bennett said in a press release outlining the study’s findings last summer. “In fact, one of the really interesting things we found is that exposure to greenspace significantly reduces people’s levels of salivary cortisol — a physiological marker of stress.” “We often reach for medication when we’re unwell,” Professor of Public Health and study co-author Andy Jones added, “but exposure to health-promoting environments is increasingly recognized as both preventing and helping treat disease.” The evidence is so unequivocal that some doctors in the UK are giving patients “nature prescriptions,” eschewing pills for bird watching and beach walking. It doesn’t take long to reap rewards, either. A modest 20 minutes in a park is enough to boost a person’s well-being, a February study by the International Journal of Environmental Health Research found. “It would be lot easier to talk about the kind of medical ailments that aren’t helped by getting outside and using trails,” Swanson says. “Almost everyone stands to benefit making it part of their life.”

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WFP: Healing prescription - nature trails (Jun2'19)
by Beth McKechnie 02 Jun '19

02 Jun '19

*HEALING PRESCRIPTION * * City life got you down? A cure for what ails you is as close as the nearest nature trail* https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/healing-prescription-510724862.html THE urban grind can grind one down. Being stuck in rush-hour gridlock and inhaling exhaust, hearing the unwelcome roar of a neighbour’s lawn mower too early on a Saturday morning, or fighting crowds in grocery stores and malls can give one the itch to escape. But cutting and running from city life is not always in the cards for those who take umbrage with urban annoyances. The kids have soccer, there’s that dentist appointment, the plumber’s coming to fix the leaky faucet… Luckily, one doesn’t have to cross the Perimeter to access green spaces and nature trails. Opportunities to enjoy the outdoors abound in every neighbourhood. “Our mental health is really at risk when we don’t get outside,” Anders Swanson, active living enthusiast and executive director of the Winnipeg Trails Association, says. “Accessing nature and moving your body is very, very good for you,” especially in the modern world where people are “increasingly stressed out.” “If you think about it, it’s completely obvious,” he adds. “As human beings, we are part of the natural world; we grew up in it. When you take that away or we don’t get out there, you very quickly find yourself lost.” Winnipeg Trails works to make sure Winnipeggers don’t get lost. They’re a coalition focused on accelerating the development and connectivity of Winnipeg’s greenways and cycling paths — “the transportation system underlying Winnipeg that’s built for human beings,” as Swanson puts it. Winnipeg Trails has “done everything,” from helping to fund and build trails to adding amenities to existing ones. They’re also involved in events such as next week’s Commuter Challenge and have scheduled a Plog-a-Thon — where people jog and pick up trash — for June 8. One of Winnipeg Trails’ most popular projects has been its exhaustive list of detailed trail maps, which can be found on their website, winnipegtrails.ca. The maps —more than 30 of them — outline the length of each trail, how they connect with the citywide network, and highlight points of interest along the way. It’s a tremendous resource for those looking to get out and explore new paths. “Those were a pretty important project for us,” Swanson says. “It’s one of the biggest ways that people know about Winnipeg Trails is for those detailed trail maps.” “Our job basically is to make it easy,” he continues. “We just want the easiest choice to be the most active one. That’s how we’re going to make a big difference for society.” Charleswood’s Harte Trail, for example — a 6.5-kilometre path through a tunnel of trees that stretches from Sterling Lyon Parkway and Shaftesbury Boulevard to the west Perimeter Highway — has a crushed limestone surface and connects to five other trails, including the Assiniboine Forest trail network. The key to finding time to spend outdoors, Swanson says, is to integrate it into one’s daily routine. “Recreation is great — it’s great to have a chance to unwind — but you have to find energy, money, basically to do that,” Swanson says, hence Winnipeg Trails’ focus on active commuting. “We only have a certain amount of time that we’re willing to move every day,” Swanson says. “Otherwise, we need to get some work done or go to that class… we have a time budget. “If you live a 45-minute drive away from a city and that’s your commute, people tend to report feeling more unhappy than people who had a half-hour walk, and it’s because the people who had a 45-minute commute still want to get human connection and recreation… but they end up not having enough time to do that and then they feel more stressed out. “People who bike or walk to school or work or out to dinner, or whatever — they integrate it into ways they get around — they tend to report being a lot happier because they managed basically to kill two birds with one stone.” Winnipegger Jen Doerksen has been doing that for years. Doerksen grew up in St. James near Sturgeon Creek and Saskatchewan Avenue. Doerksen cycled the Yellow Ribbon Greenway Trail — which begins at Sturgeon Creek and Hamilton Avenue, terminates at Silver Avenue and Ferry Road, and is named in honour of the Canadian Armed Forces — hundreds of times over six years as part of a commute to the University of Winnipeg and later, Red River College’s Exchange District campus. Winnipeg Trails calls the 5.5-kilometre path a “crucial east-west link,” and it’s been just that to the now-24-year-old Doerksen. “Green space and time in nature is super… important to me for a number of reasons,” Doerksen says. “Primarily, it feels better to be outside, generally, than inside… It feels better on the body and mind and suits our hardware in a way. Our bodies are still getting accustomed to this whole ‘civilization’ thing, evolutionarily I’d say, and the western lifestyle of indoor work and play is somewhat contrary to how we’re built, I think. “If I’m feeling the air, smelling the rain, grass, (and) fart smells of downtown Winnipeg, I’m more actively engaged in what I’m doing and my mind is working better in this way,” Doerksen says. The freelance photographer, videographer and editor now lives in the Corydon area and doesn’t traverse the Yellow Ribbon Trail much these days, but still cycles for transportation and leisure. Swanson, a year-round cyclist, prefers biking over driving to Winnipeg Trails’ Exchange District headquarters. He tries to walk anywhere within a kilometre, cycle anywhere between one and eight kilometres, and takes the bus for longer distances. He owns a vehicle, but uses it “basically to get out into the bush” or to transport things too heavy to haul on two wheels. Just as important as the physical benefits are the social ones. “Try and shake hands with the person next to you in a traffic jam, you know?” Swanson says. “Our meaningful contact with human beings is face-to-face. There’s nothing that human beings like more than watching and seeing other people. “We can’t survive without it. It makes us happy. It makes us stumble into an old friend… share a moment with a stranger… that kind of thing is so instrumental to us. The more time we spend doing it, the happier we are,” he continues, noting people in countries with the highest happiness index tend to spend more time socializing outdoors. Using the trail network helped Doerksen develop social connections. “Basically, my movement from living in the suburbs to developing friends, finding community, and spending time downtown came through travelling the Yellow Ribbon Trail,” Doerksen says. Doerksen found getting to downtown, Osborne Village and Wolseley to visit friends took an hour or more by bus, but “biking that path took 45 minutes every time.” Swanson is careful not to judge anyone who doesn’t make use of green space, acknowledging their life situation, location or physical limitations might make an active commute an impossibility. However, he’d love Winnipeg to reach a broader consensus that walking, bicycle commuting, and active living benefits all. “We want to make that as pleasant and fun and beautiful as possible,” he says of Winnipeg Trails. “Whether that’s biking down a protected bike lane with all kinds of shops you can stop at on your way home from work, or if you’re super lucky and you get to walk or bike to a park or along a riverbank in order to make it there, it’s the kind of quality of life thing that benefits everybody in ways we don’t even think about. “I want everyone to be able to access nature because it’s something you want to share. For me, sharing Winnipeg in that way is really important.” Outdoor cure “THERE’S a reason they say exercise is the best medicine,” Anders Swanson says, and science backs up the claim. If you want to thrive, get outside. Spending time outdoors can reduce one’s risk for a variety of common physical and mental health problems such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stressrelated disorders, and even premature death. That’s according to a 2018 study conducted by researchers from the University of East Anglia’s Norwich Medical School. The England-based research team gathered evidence from nearly 150 studies involving close to 300 million people from 20 different countries to come to their conclusions. “People living closer to nature… had reduced diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and stress,” lead researcher Caoimhe Twohig-Bennett said in a press release outlining the study’s findings last summer. “In fact, one of the really interesting things we found is that exposure to greenspace significantly reduces people’s levels of salivary cortisol — a physiological marker of stress.” “We often reach for medication when we’re unwell,” Professor of Public Health and study co-author Andy Jones added, “but exposure to health-promoting environments is increasingly recognized as both preventing and helping treat disease.” The evidence is so unequivocal that some doctors in the UK are giving patients “nature prescriptions,” eschewing pills for bird watching and beach walking. It doesn’t take long to reap rewards, either. A modest 20 minutes in a park is enough to boost a person’s well-being, a February study by the International Journal of Environmental Health Research found. “It would be lot easier to talk about the kind of medical ailments that aren’t helped by getting outside and using trails,” Swanson says. “Almost everyone stands to benefit making it part of their life.”

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