AT-Network October 2020

at-network@lists.umanitoba.ca

3 participants
27 discussions

Proof: Bike Paths are Good for the Local Economy

by Beth McKechnie

The bean counters have spoken: A safe network of protected bike lanes is good for the urban economy. Completion of the long-sought 35-mile Baltimore Greenway Trails Network would create jobs, improve property values, reduce vehicle miles traveled, create new business activity surrounding the trail and just be better for the air, according to a new report to be released today [Oct 15] by the accounting firm Ernst and Young. Full story: https://usa.streetsblog.org/2020/10/15/proof-bike-paths-are-good-for-the-lo… -- Beth McKechnie (she/her) *| *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>

3 years, 6 months

Phase Three public engagement for the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan has begun

by Beth McKechnie

From: Winnipeg Transit Master Plan <transitmasterplan(a)argylepr.com> Date: Fri, Oct 16, 2020 at 11:42 AM Hello / Bonjour *Un message en français suivra.* We are excited to announce that the third phase of public engagement for the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan has begun. In the fall of 2019, we asked for public input on a proposed new transit system, which has been used to shape the draft Winnipeg Transit Master Plan. In this third and final phase of engagement for the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan, we are sharing plans for the future of rapid transit, including the types of infrastructure that could be built and plans for downtown. We are also sharing details about how we can make transit more accessible for people of all ages and abilities. Winnipeggers made it clear that accessibility for all users is a top priority, and the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan proposes changes to better integrate Winnipeg Transit Plus with the rest of the transit network. Improving accessibility for all will be a key consideration in transit network planning and design. Learn more and share your thoughts on the future of rapid transit and accessible transit from October 9 to November 6 online at: winnipeg.ca/transitmasterplan <https://winnipegtransit.com/en/major-projects/transit-master-plan/> *Zoom Meetings * Join us live on Zoom for a presentation and Q&A about the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan. Use the links below to register for one of the sessions. Topic: The Future of Rapid Transit Format: Zoom meeting Date: Saturday, October 24 (Register now <https://winnipeg.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_454Ch45GTYebyr_M2BjtZg>) Time: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Topic: The Future of Rapid Transit Format: Zoom meeting Date: Wednesday, October 28 (Register now <https://winnipeg.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yrsucwfmTUm26873-g1DpA>) Time: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. *Help us get Winnipeggers involved* We invite you to help get your fellow residents involved in this process by sharing information about the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan with your communities and encouraging them to share their input. You can follow us on Twitter <https://twitter.com/cityofwinnipeg> and Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/cityofwinnipeg/>, and stay up to date on the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan project by signing up for updates at transitmasterplan(a)winnipeg.ca. Please visit winnipeg.ca/transitmasterplan <https://winnipegtransit.com/en/major-projects/transit-master-plan/> to learn more. For inquiries or for those who require alternate formats or interpretation to participate, please contact transitmasterplan(a)winnipeg.ca. Sincerely, Winnipeg Transit Master Plan project team *[image: cw-v-dk_blue-rgb]* Nous sommes heureux d’annoncer que la phase trois de participation du public pour le Plan directeur du transport en commun de Winnipeg a commencé. À l’automne 2019, nous avons demandé au public de nous donner son opinion sur un nouveau système proposé de transport en commun; cette opinion a servi à élaborer le projet de Plan directeur du transport en commun de Winnipeg. Dans cette troisième et dernière phase de participation du public pour le Plan directeur du transport en commun de Winnipeg, nous communiquons les plans pour l’avenir du transport en commun rapide, y compris les infrastructures qui pourraient être construites et les plans relatifs au centre-ville. Nous communiquons également de l’information sur la manière dont nous pouvons rendre le transport en commun plus accessible aux personnes de tous âges et de toutes capacités. Les Winnipégois ont clairement indiqué que l’accessibilité pour tous les usagers est une priorité absolue, et le Plan directeur du transport en commun de Winnipeg propose des changements visant à mieux intégrer le service Winnipeg Transit Plus au reste du réseau de transport en commun. L’amélioration de l’accessibilité pour tous sera un facteur clé dans la planification et la conception du réseau de transport en commun. Pour en savoir plus et donner votre opinion sur l’avenir du transport en commun rapide et du transport accessible, consultez le site Web suivant entre le 8 octobre et le 6 novembre : winnipeg.ca/plantransportencommun <https://winnipegtransit.com/en/major-projects/transit-master-plan-francais> *Réunions sur Zoom * Joignez-nous en direct sur Zoom pour une présentation et une séance de questions sur le Plan directeur du transport en commun de Winnipeg. Utilisez les liens ci-dessous pour vous inscrire à l’une des séances. Sujet : L’avenir du transport en commun rapide Format : Réunion sur Zoom Date : Samedi 24 octobre (S’inscrire <https://winnipeg.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_454Ch45GTYebyr_M2BjtZg>) Heure : De 13 h à 14 h 30 Sujet : L’avenir du transport en commun rapide Format : Réunion sur Zoom Date : Mercredi 28 octobre (S’inscrire <https://winnipeg.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yrsucwfmTUm26873-g1DpA>) Heure : De 19 h à 20 h 30 *Aidez-nous à faire participer les Winnipégois* Nous vous invitons à aider vos concitoyens à participer à ce processus en informant vos communautés au sujet du Plan directeur du transport en commun de Winnipeg et en les encourageant à donner leur opinion. Vous pouvez nous suivre sur Twitter <https://twitter.com/cityofwinnipeg> et Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/cityofwinnipeg/>, et vous tenir au courant du projet de Plan directeur du transport en commun de Winnipeg en vous inscrivant aux mises à jour à l’adresse transitmasterplan(a)winnipeg.ca. Veuillez consulter le site winnipeg.ca/plantransportencommun <https://winnipegtransit.com/en/major-projects/transit-master-plan-francais> pour en savoir plus. Si vous avez des questions, ou si vous avez besoin de médias substituts ou de services d’interprétation pour participer, veuillez écrire à transitmasterplan(a)winnipeg.ca. Cordialement, L’équipe du projet de Plan directeur du transport en commun de Winnipeg *[image: cw-v-dk_blue-rgb]*

3 years, 6 months

Using AI to count pedestrians and bicyclists

by Zdan, Terry (MI)

Using AI to count pedestrians and bicyclists<http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/181329.aspx> <http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/181329.aspx> Automatic Traffic Monitoring and Management for Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Using Deep Learning and Artificial Intelligence<https://transweb.sjsu.edu/sites/default/files/1808-Pourhomayoun-Automatic-T…>, released by the Mineta Transportation Institute at San Jose State University HAPPY TRAILS Terry Zdan, BA MEDes 1520 215 Garry Street Policy, Programs and Regulation Manitoba Infrastructure Winnipeg MB R3C 3P3 C 204 227 3724 E Terry.Zdan(a)gov.mb.ca<mailto:Terry.Zdan@gov.mb.ca> [Google (Android 10)] "...Resilience is the ability to prepare and plan for, absorb, recover from, and more successfully adapt to adverse events..." þ Think green, read on screen | Soyez écolo, lisez à l'écran

3 years, 6 months

Province to spend $7M on trails

by Beth McKechnie

*PROVINCE TO SPEND $7 MILLION ON TRAILS* https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/572630921.html THE province, in partnership with Trails Manitoba, is spending $7 million to create, maintain and enhance active transportation trails across the province, including in Winnipeg. There are more than 1,700 kilometres of active transportation trails in the province. The government has created three funds that will be managed by Trails Manitoba and held in trust by the Winnipeg Foundation. The $1-million Trails Manitoba Operating Endowment Fund will serve as ongoing operating funding for Trails Manitoba. The $4-million Manitoba Trails Improvement Endowment Fund will support grants to create trails or improve existing ones. The third fund, a $2-million Manitoba Trails Strategic Fund, supports capital projects that advance trail development in Winnipeg and will be distributed as matching grants. CBC coverage: 'Get outside' - Manitoba trail system gets $7M enhancement boost <https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-active-transportation-trai…> *News release*: PROVINCE INVESTS $7 MILLION FOR CREATION, MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OF MANITOBA TRAILS <https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?item=49376&posted=2020-10-09>

3 years, 6 months

New resource: Pedestrian and Bicyclist Road Safety Audit Guide and Prompt List (US)

by Beth McKechnie

The Pedestrian and Bicyclist Road Safety Audit Guide and Prompt List <https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/tools_solve/docs/fhwasa20042.pdf> serves as an update to the *Pedestrian Road Safety Audit Guidelines and Prompt Lists *(2007) and *Bicycle Road Safety Audit Guidelines and Prompt Lists *(2012). However, as pedestrian- and bicycle-focused RSAs are oftentimes conducted simultaneously, this new guide provides the content in one concise document. The document provides information on how to conduct an RSA and effectively assess the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. These Guidelines provide an overview of the Road Safety Audit process, as well as an overview of basic safety principles and potential hazards affecting pedestrians and cyclists. Prompt lists are provided to assist RSA team members in considering general issues when performing a PBRSA. Tamara Redmon Pedestrian Safety Program Manager Federal Highway Administration Room E71-303 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC 20590 Phone: 202-366-4077 Web page: safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike

3 years, 6 months

Walking and cycling fatalities | US vs UK, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands

by Beth McKechnie

Ralph Buehler and John Pucher. 2021. "The Growing Gap in Pedestrian and Cyclist Fatality Fates between the United States and the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands, 1990–2018," *Transport Reviews*, Vol. 41, Issue 1, January 2021. (Published online on Oct. 7, 2021) *https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01441647.2020.1823521 <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.tandfonline.com_do…>* Using official national data for each country, this article calculates trends in walking and cycling fatalities per capita and per km in the USA, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark. From 1990 to 2018, pedestrian fatalities per capita fell by 23% in the USA vs. 66%–80% in the other countries; cyclist fatalities per capita fell by 22% in the USA vs. 55%–68% in the other countries. In 2018, pedestrian fatality rates per km in the USA were 5–10 times higher than in the other four countries; cyclist fatality rates per km in the USA were 4–7 times higher. *The gap in walking and cycling fatality rates between the USA and the other countries increased over the entire 28-year period, but especially from 2010 to 2018. Over that 8-year period, per-capita fatality rates in the USA rose by 19% for pedestrians and 11% for cyclists; per-km fatality rates rose by 17% for pedestrians and 33% for cyclists. By comparison, fatality rates either fell or remained stable in the four European countries.* We reviewed the relevant literature to identify factors that might help explain the much lower walking and cycling fatality rates in Europe compared to the USA. Possible explanatory factors include better walking and cycling infrastructure; lower urban speed limits; fewer vehicle km travelled; smaller and less powerful personal motor vehicles; and better traffic training, testing, and enforcement of traffic regulations. We recommend that the USA consider implementing an integrated package of mutually reinforcing safety measures such as those that have been successfully implemented in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany to reduce pedestrian and cyclist fatality rates.

3 years, 6 months

WFP: Snow-cleared streets lure winter bike riders (Oct9'20)

by Beth McKechnie

Snow-cleared streets lure winter bike riders Report shows demand for cycling routes in winter cold https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/snow-cleared-streets-lure-winter-bi… THERE is demand for accessible, snow-cleared winter cycling routes in Winnipeg, according to a report to be presented to the public works committee next week at city hall. The city conducted cycling counts on 10 streets recently upgraded to Priority 1 snow-clearing (maintained to bare pavement) between Jan. 31 and Feb. 13. A total of 1,633 cyclists were logged across all sites, equivalent to approximately 115 daily. According to the data, the majority rode on weekdays, and during slightly warmer weather. This is the first time specific data of this nature has been tracked in Winnipeg, according to Coun. Matt Allard (St. Boniface). In June 2018, the city approved some upgrades to active transportation pathway snow-clearing, and began designing a winter cycling network. According to the report, improved winter maintenance is intended to ensure key routes are cleared quickly after snowfall to provide “uninterrupted and effective connections” between neighbourhoods, Winnipeg Transit facilities, and downtown. “I want to stress that the lion’s share of the budget for this enhanced snow clearing is to clear the roads that lead to our active transportation facilities,” Allard explained in an interview Thursday. A November 2019 motion called for some monitoring of those cleared routes to determine how much demand there is for winter riding in the city. Across the 10 sites, the highest-trafficked route was Warsaw Avenue, which logged an average of 24 cyclists daily. One route, Clifton Street, recorded no cyclist activity. Mark Cohoe, executive director of Bike Winnipeg, attributed the low traffic on Clifton Street to its lack of connectivity to main cycle paths, and noted all 10 of the city’s tested routes are located in generally low-traffic areas. As it stands now, much of Winnipeg’s active transportation network is made up of existing roadways, Allard said, meaning enhanced snow-clearing benefits cyclists, pedestrians and motorists alike. “If you create a facility that people can use, people then start using it — and that’s exactly what we want when it comes to active transportation, when we’re building new facilities because every trip that someone takes on a bicycle or walking is another trip that they’re not taking using another mode,” Allard said. The city noted it was unable to provide figures for latent demand — which would indicate how many potential winter cyclists would ride if infrastructure and snow-clearing were improved — because the data collection processes are currently in early stages. More robust data sets are expected in the future. Cohoe indicated, in his experience, latent demand for winter cycling is substantial — so long as the paths and roads are cleared, and proper infrastructure is in place for accessibility. A 2018 poll conducted by Bike Winnipeg and CAA found a majority of respondents think the city’s snow-clearing on roads and pathways is neutral or poor. “The very basic one is: get that winter maintenance in place,” Cohoe said. “It’s also having protected facilities — it’s even more important through winter to have that type of facility to make those connections.” — with files from Joyanne Pursaga julia-simone.rutgers(a)freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @jsrutgers

3 years, 6 months

Free webinar on Ottawa's recent e-scooter pilot

by Beth McKechnie

*Oct 15th, 12-1pm EST* *Register at **https:// <https://t.co/QVhp2TdGGC?amp=1>www.cite7.org/event/... <https://www.cite7.org/event/ite-ncs-october-webinar-e-scooter-pilot-in-otta…>* The webinar will cover the results and lessons learned of this summer's e-scooter pilot in Ottawa as well as highlight e-scooter operations elsewhere in Canada. A short Q/A will follow the presentations. *Presenter: Kathleen Wilker, City of Ottawa.* Kathleen Wilker leads the City of Ottawa's Transportation Demand Management Program. Her work centres on developing and implementing policies and programs enabling residents to enjoy using Ottawa's walking, cycling and transit networks more often. She has been instrumental in collaborating with colleagues, councillors, external stakeholders, e-scooter providers and residents to bring e-scooters to Ottawa this summer. *Presenter: Chris Schafer, Bird Canada.* Chris Schafer is Vice President, Government Affairs at Bird Canada. Prior to joining Bird Canada, Chris was a Senior Director at another micromobility start-up after almost five years at Uber Canada as their Senior Public Policy Manager in Canada. Previously, Chris did stints in media, at think tanks and as a regulatory lawyer with Gowlings in Ottawa.

3 years, 6 months

Vancouver City Council approves study on eliminating minimum parking standards

by Beth McKechnie

Vancouver City Council approves study on eliminating minimum parking standards https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/vancouver-city-council-approves-study-on-el… Vancouver City Council has directed city staff to perform a deep dive into eliminating city-mandated parking minimums in future building development projects <https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/vancouver-parking-minimum-requirements-open…> . Instead, the intention is to have an Open Parking Policy method where market forces — developers and businesses — would decide on the amount of parking supply needed, and be required to implement transportation demand management (TDM) measures that encourage public transit use and active transportation. If city council approves a future staff recommendation to abolish parking minimums, Vancouver would follow in the footsteps of Edmonton, which approved the elimination of parking minimums <https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/edmonton-remove-minimum-parking-requirements> this past June. -- Beth McKechnie (she/her) *| *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>

3 years, 6 months

WFP Analysis: Collective response is the best strategy (Oct5'20)

by Beth McKechnie

Collective response is the best strategy https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/collective-response-is-t… REMEMBER when we thought schools taking an extra week off at spring break would give us time for the COVID-19 pandemic to pass? It seems laughable in hindsight, but it was not a unique reaction. For decades, we have been racing toward a climate crisis with a similar “It couldn’t happen here” naiveté. This pandemic could well be a dress rehearsal for the main show, climate change — a far more catastrophic global emergency, with no hope of a vaccine to save us. The coronavirus has demonstrated that our world is a fragile ecosystem, and when we push it too hard, it breaks. It has proven that a global problem is everyone’s problem. Old tropes, such as the suggestion the climate crisis is the sole responsibility of major polluters like India, China or the United States, no longer fly. Like tackling a pandemic, the solution to climate change can only be realized through collective response. Global warming has been created through the cumulative effect of billions of small actions, and the only response is an equal number of small solutions. Canadian cities and provinces will be on the front lines of this effort. To provide context, if Manitoba were a country, it would sit within the top 15 highest per-capita emitters in the world. Manitoba’s emissions have increased by more than eight per cent since 2005 — the third highest growth rate among provinces. What’s driving much of the increase in Manitoba’s emissions is driving. The number of cars on Manitoba’s roads has grown by almost 50 per cent since 2005, and despite higher fuel efficiency, emissions from vehicles in the province have almost doubled since 1990. The story is much the same for the city of Winnipeg, where vehicles are responsible for half of all emissions, by far the largest contributor. More than 10,000 vehicles are added to Winnipeg’s roads every year, and with the city’s low density and sprawling growth, we are also driving farther. Winnipeggers drive a combined 5 1/2 billion kilometres per year, equating to every person over the age of 16 driving alone in a car 26 kilometers every single day. Compounding this, Winnipeg is the only major city in Canada to have lower public-transit ridership today than it did 20 years ago (pre-pandemic). The City of Winnipeg has a comprehensive Climate Action Plan that targets a 20 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030 (relative to 2011 levels). It targets a 17 per cent reduction in transportation-related emissions, achieved in part by increasing public-transit use and tripling the number of people who walk and bike. So, how do we change 60 years of urban planning centred around traffic management, and begin to promote more sustainable transportation options? Coun. Matt Allard recently introduced two innovative ideas that could be part of a larger transformation. His first proposal introduces an ‘induced demand analysis’ for all new transportation projects. Induced demand is a concept that can best be described as “you get what you build for.” When cities build more roads, people drive more cars. A groundbreaking study from 2011 titled “The Fundamental Law of Road Congestion” demonstrated that there is a one-to-one correlation between a city’s road capacity and the number of kilometres residents drive. The phenomenon has many contributing factors. Increased road capacity initially reduces commute times, causing people to alter their driving patterns, either route, frequency, or time of travel, to take advantage of the higher capacity network. Greater convenience results in fewer people using public transportation and promotes more trips by car. It also inspires driving farther distances, which keeps cars on the road for longer times and stimulates urban sprawl, which further promotes an automobile-centred lifestyle as longer distances make alternate transportation options ineffective. These factors all work together to increase the number of cars on the road, which invariably grows to meet the road capacity, no matter how much was built. This leads to demand for even more roads, creating an unwinnable cycle. Allard’s proposal may allow us to understand how our road-building choices will be affected by induced demand, helping us to make smarter choices, reducing road construction spending, traffic congestion, the amount we collectively drive and, in turn, greenhouse gas emissions. The second motion introduced by Allard is to make the “open streets,” which were so popular during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, a permanent fixture in the city. His proposal is to close 15 streets to vehicles for six months per year. This move would represent a transformational shift in our traditional priorities by taking vehicle space and creating places for people. Open streets such as Wellington Crescent and Wolseley Avenue saw high levels of use, regularly accommodating up to two hundred cyclists and almost as many pedestrians every hour. It changed how we experience our city. If the motion passes, open streets could provide the backbone for a new, connected, active-transportation network that fundamentally transforms how we move around. It would be a progressive and bold move for Winnipeg, one that might inspire us to think differently about our city and encourage investment in more sustainable transportation options such as walking, biking and transit. We have learned from the pandemic that change takes a collective effort. As we emerge from the crisis, we have an opportunity to channel this unprecedented global collaboration to focus on the even greater challenge moving toward us. These types of local, progressive ideas, implemented in cities across the world, can create a powerful cumulative effect that moves us toward flattening the global-warming curve, so our children and grandchildren inherit a future from us. *Brent Bellamy is creative director at Number Ten Architectural Group.*

3 years, 6 months

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AT-Network October 2020