*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
*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
[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
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.
*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
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.
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
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