From: FHWA Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty (HEP) <FHWA.HEP(a)info.dot.gov>
Sent: December-10-20 11:02 AM
To: Zdan, Terry (MI) <Terry.Zdan(a)gov.mb.ca>
Subject: Human Environment Digest 12/10/20
[header]
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVy…>.
December 10, 2020
Human Environment Digest
Welcome to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Human Environment biweekly email digest. This digest shares the latest information from a range of Federal and non-Federal sources, addressing transportation and its relationship to the human environment. Through this information exchange, FHWA hopes to foster dialogue at all levels and continue to further the state of the practice on these important topics in support of safety; infrastructure, including accelerated project delivery, access to jobs, and community revitalization; technology and design innovation; and accountability, including, data-driven decisions and performance-based planning.
For more information on any of these topics, see the FHWA Related Links on the sidebar.
Click here<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVy…> to manage your subscriptions.
*The information provided in this mailing does not necessarily reflect the view of the Federal Highway Administration or the U.S. Department of Transportation.
EVENTS
Please check with event organizers on if/how events are being adjusted to accommodate remote participation.
December 8-10, 2020<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVy…>: FHWA's Every Day Counts-6. Virtual Summit.
February 28-March 3, 2021<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVy…>: League of American Bicyclists' 2021 National Bike Summit. Virtual Event. (There is a fee)
January 5-8 and 11-15, 2021<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVy…>: TRB's 100th Annual Meeting: Committee Meetings. Virtual Event. (There is a fee for some)
January 16, 2021<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVy…>: Transportation for America's TransportationCamp DC. Virtual Event. (There is a fee)
January 21-22 and 25-29, 2021<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVy…>: TRB's 100th Annual Meeting: Sessions and Exhibits. Virtual Event. (There is a fee for some)
January 27-29, 2021<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVy…>: Micromobility World Conference. Virtual Event. (There is a fee for some)
March 17-19, 2021<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVy…>: National Environmental Justice Conference and Training Program, Washington, D.C. (There is a fee for some)
March 17-19, 2021<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDksInVy…>: Urbanism Next Center Forum. Virtual Event.
WEBINARS
December 10, 12:00-1:15 PM ET<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTAsInVy…>: Rail~Volution's Micromobility: Scooter Technology and Accessibility in Cities.
December 10, 1:00-2:00 PM ET<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTEsInVy…>: Next City's Solutions of the Year: How Cities Can Promote Environmental Justice in Underserved Neighborhoods. (There is a fee for some)
December 10, 1:00-3:00 PM ET<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTMsInVy…>: TRB's Cross-Cutting Issues in Urban Congestion Pricing. (There is a fee)
December 10, 2:00-2:45 PM ET<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTQsInVy…>: Eno Center for Transportation's Environmental (In)Justice During COVID-19.
December 10, 2:00-3:00 PM ET<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTUsInVy…>: Alta Planning + Design's Delivering Quick-Build Projects: Four Cities Share their Stories of Doing More with Less.
December 10, 3:00-4:00 PM ET<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTYsInVy…>: PeopleForBikes' Leveraging Policy to Support the Bike Boom in 2021.
December 11, 1:30-3:00 PM ET<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTcsInVy…>: ITE's Smart Columbus Program: Event Parking Management.
December 14-15, 6:00-8:00PM ET<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTgsInVy…>: Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation's Compliance to the Americans with Disabilities Act in the Public Right-of-Way. (Session 1 of 2. This session is offered twice and there is a fee)
December 15, 1:00-2:30 PM ET<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTksInVy…>: AASHTO Council on Active Transportation and FHWA's Speed Management.
December 15, 1:00-2:30 PM ET<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjAsInVy…>: American Planning Association Oregon Chapter's Equity by Design. (There is a fee for some)
December 15, 2:00-3:00PM ET<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjEsInVy…>: Association for Commuter Transportation's New Year... New Transportation Possibilities! (There is a fee for some)
December 16-17, 10:00AM-12:00PM ET<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjIsInVy…>: Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation's Compliance to the Americans with Disabilities Act in the Public Right-of-Way. (Session 2 of 2. This session is offered twice and there is a fee.)
December 16, 3:00-4:00 PM ET:<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjMsInVy…> Association of Pedestrian & Bicycle Professionals' Are We There Yet? Best Practices in Speed Management. (There is a fee)
December 18, 1:00-2:00 PM ET<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjQsInVy…>: Center for Advanced Transportation Mobility, North Carolina A&T State University's Collaborative Multimodal Decision Making with Advanced Transportation Technologies and Computing.
December 17, 1:00-3:00 PM ET<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjUsInVy…>: FHWA's Moving FoRRRwD with Safety Action Plans: Statewide, Regional, and Local.
December 21-23, 10:00AM-12:00PM ET<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjYsInVy…>: Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation's Design of Americans with Disabilities Act Curb Ramps and Pedestrian Access Routes. (There is a fee)
January 6, 1:00-2:30 PM ET<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjcsInVy…>: PBIC's Improving Safety with Bicyclist and Pedestrian Road Safety Audits.
January 19, 1:00-2:00 PM ET<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjgsInVy…>: Transportation Research and Education Center's Transportation Benefits of Polycentric Urban Form.
January 21, 1:00-2:00PM ET<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjksInVy…>: American Trails' Making Meaningful Spaces: A Brief Survey of Integrative Active Transportation.
February 9, 1:00-2:00 PM ET<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzAsInVy…>: Transportation Research and Education Center's Land Use and Transportation Policies for a Sustainable Future.
FHWA RELATED LINKS
Environment Homepage<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzEsInVy…> Bicycle/Pedestrian<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzIsInVy…> Environmental Justice<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzMsInVy…> Transportation Alternatives<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzQsInVy…> Recreational Trails Program<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzUsInVy…>
To submit comments or information for inclusion in the next HE Digest, click here<mailto:livable.communities@dot.gov>. Submissions must be made before 12 PM ET Wednesday.
[safety]
U.S. DOT Publishes Pedestrian Safety Action Plan
The U.S. Department of Transportation released a pedestrian safety action plan<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzYsInVy…> to address pedestrian fatalities and injuries through the expanded use of countermeasures, technology, and data-driven practices. The plan explains the Department's comprehensive approach that encompasses improvements to the roadway and surrounding environment, increased education on the shared responsibility of both pedestrians and motorists, along with enforcement and adjudication of pedestrian safety laws. It identifies actions the Department intends to accomplish in the next two years, focusing on the development or update of resources, tools, and plans; new and revised campaigns, programs, and initiatives; the creation or revision of curriculum; and new research to improve pedestrian safety.
U.S. DOT Releases Summary Report on Pedestrian Safety Summit
The U.S. Department of Transportation published a summary report<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzcsInVy…> of the Pedestrian Safety Summit held in July 2020. The three-part webinar series covered the current state of pedestrian safety, risk factors that impact pedestrian safety, and the Department's planned efforts to improve pedestrian safety. Additional videos, presentations, and materials<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzgsInVy…> from the event are also available.
IIHS Studies Find Most E-scooter Rider Injuries Occur on Sidewalks
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety developed two research<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzksInVy…> papers using interviews of electric scooter (e-scooter) riders whose injuries brought them to an emergency room in Washington, DC. One study examined how the severity of their injuries varied according to where and how they were injured. The second compared the rider demographics, usage patterns, and injuries to those of bicyclists who were interviewed as part of an earlier study. The studies found that e-scooter riders suffered more injuries per mile traveled than bicyclists, but bicyclists were more likely to have conflicts with motor vehicles.
Research Assesses Safety of E-bikes Relative to Conventional Bicycles
The Journal of Transport & Health published a study<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDAsInVy…> examining the role of bicyclists' health condition on safety of electric bicycles (e-bikes) compared to conventional bicycles. Researchers surveyed bicyclists treated at emergency rooms for crash injuries and a control group without known crash experience. The findings indicate that e-bike users were not more likely to be involved in a crash or to sustain more severe injuries; however, older female bicyclists had an elevated risk on e-bikes and sustained more severe injuries. The study suggests that older females are more likely to fall while mounting or dismounting their e-bikes, and recommends lower saddle height to mitigate risk.
________________________________
[infrastructure]
White Paper Discusses Framework to Balance Utility, Safety, and User Experience on Shared-Use Paths
Alta Planning + Design published a white paper<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDEsInVy…> exploring how shared-use paths should be designed, operated, and managed to accommodate micromobility transportation options, including powered micromobility. The paper discusses policy and design considerations for multi-use paths, provides implementation advice for trail managers, and shares examples of how trails across the U.S. are adapting to emerging mobility trends. It suggests several principles to guide decision making regarding powered micromobility devices on trails: advance mobility justice, design for safety, complement the natural environment, prioritize the human experience, expand user amenities, and design for the future trail.
Research Analyzes Parking Supply and Demand at Transit-Oriented Developments
The Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board published a study<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDIsInVy…> examining parking at seven transit-oriented developments (TODs) in the U.S. to determine how much less parking is required at TODs than the new Institute of Transportation Engineers Parking Generation manual would suggest. Researchers conducted a literature review and measured parking generation at the TODs through field observation and intercept surveys. The findings indicate that, at the peak parking demand hour, only 51 to 84 percent of spaces are filled. The study suggests TODs could improve use of shared parking and change policies around bundled residential parking.
________________________________
[innovation]
Transportation Research Board to Host 2021 Annual Meeting
The Transportation Research Board 100th Annual Meeting<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDMsInVy…> will be conducted as a virtual event throughout January 2021. The meeting program will cover all transportation modes, addressing topics such as micromobility, ridehailing, emerging mobility technologies<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDQsInVy…>, transportation equity<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDUsInVy…>, safety and public health<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDYsInVy…>, resiliency and security<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDcsInVy…>, and more. The sessions and workshops will focus on the spotlight theme for the 2021 meeting: Launching a New Century of Mobility and Quality of Life. This year's meeting will feature dozens of sessions on how the national health emergency<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDgsInVy…> has impacted transportation and how transportation professionals and researchers are responding. Committee meetings will be held January 5-8 and 11-15. Sessions and exhibits will occur January 21-22 and 25-29.
Report Examines Availability and Use of Pedestrian Infrastructure Data to Support Active Transportation Planning
The National Cooperative Highway Research Program published a report<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDksInVy…> describing how State departments of transportation (DOTs) are collecting, managing, sharing, and analyzing pedestrian infrastructure data. The report documents and summarize current State DOT practices for defining, storing, collecting, and sharing pedestrian infrastructure data. Agencies can use the report's findings to tailor the data collection process to build data infrastructure that supports various uses, leading to more consistent and efficient planning and management of pedestrian infrastructure.
________________________________
[account]
Involving Underserved Populations in Rural Community Transportation Planning
The Federal Highway Administration published a case study<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNTAsInVy…> discussing community engagement approaches with traditionally underserved populations, including Hispanic and Tribal communities, in Cortez, Colorado during an update to the town's Access Control Plan. The plan is intended to improve traffic, bicycle and pedestrian safety, and preserve traffic flow capacity of two highways in the city. The outreach process gave residents the opportunity to express concerns about street design and high-speed vehicles in the central business district, and as a result, the city incorporated traffic calming measures into the design. Cortez's holistic public engagement efforts enhanced project delivery and established long-term strategy for ongoing engagement.
Presentations Discuss Environmental Justice Resources and Methods for Collaboration
The National Environmental Justice Conference and Training Program released presentation recordings<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNTEsInVy…> from the October 2020 virtual event. The presentations share ideas and approaches to environmental justice, including the impacts of the national health emergency on low-income communities, energy solutions, as well as active transportation and transit considerations. They explain the nexus of environmental justice with the National Environmental Policy Act.
Podcast Examines Use of Digital Tools for Participatory Transportation Planning
The Public Transport Research Group at Monash University in Australia released a podcast<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNTIsInVy…> discussing how virtual tools can facilitate more collaborative transportation planning. Researchers explain how data and digital tools can assist the public and decision makers during the transportation planning process. The discussion also explores the synergies between transportation and health. The podcast details how an interactive walkability planning support map tool helped planners understand infrastructure needs and healthcare costs of developing in a new neighborhood with limited walkability, compared to redeveloping an existing site.
Survey Requests Inputs on Complete Streets Education and Outreach Efforts
The Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center at Rutgers University, in partnership with a national transportation advocacy group, is leading an effort to collect information about effective and notable complete streets outreach, along with educational and engagement activities across the country. The researchers encourage representatives of State departments of transportations, regional planning authorities, county and local governments, advocacy groups, community organizations, and all others to respond to the survey<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNTMsInVy…> by December 15.
[footer]
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________________________________
This email was sent to terry.zdan(a)gov.mb.ca<mailto:terry.zdan@gov.mb.ca> using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: U.S. DOT Federal Highway Administration * 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE * Washington, DC 20590 * 202-366-4000
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In case you weren't able to download this report from an earlier post, here
are links to both the report and technical appendices:
<goog_1441524465>
https://www.tac-atc.ca/en/publications/ptm-spbi-e
(Thanks to Terry Zdan for the link.)
[From the APBP listserv]
The Portland Bureau of Transportation has published a report
<https://www.portland.gov/sites/default/files/2020-09/pbot_escooter_report_f…>
about
their phase 2 e-scooter pilot program, evaluating it against the goals they
established for it. I found a lot in the report that would be of interest
to active transportation professionals, including what types of facilities
are used, how usage changes when new facilities are installed, how to
reduce sidewalk riding and ped-unfriendly parking, what reduces pedestrian
conflict, what percentage of scooter trips replace walk/bike trips, and
more.
*JESSICA ROBERTS*
*Pronouns: she/her*
Principal | *Alta Planning + Design, Inc.*
*Working remotely: c**:* 503.752.4144
Portland, OR | altago.com
Public health orders mean outdoor activity is one of few options left, but
clearing must keep up: advocates
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-winter-covid-19-1.5827678
Manitobans are being encouraged to stay active and get outdoors this
pandemic winter — but advocates say that means sidewalk and active
transportation route clearing has to keep up.
"If people felt trapped before, they're really going to feel trapped now,"
said Anders Swanson, executive director of the Winnipeg Trails Association.
The organization is working with multiple city councillors and community
groups to try to make more opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, biking
and walking this winter.
On top of those efforts, the city should be doubling down on sidewalk
clearing, with extra attention to areas around schools, grocery stores and
seniors' homes, Swanson said.
"Right now, trails and getting outside is really the only recreational
opportunity that is available. I think it's taken on an importance that
even we couldn't have conjured before this," he said.
"People are going to need to get outside. More than ever, we need to look
at … the ways we maintain our existing pathway networks to make sure that
everybody has access."
David Kron, executive director of the Cerebral Palsy Association of
Manitoba and a spokesperson for Barrier-Free Manitoba, said poorly
maintained sidewalks affect everybody.
"It's not just for folks who are in the disability community. It's for all
Winnipeggers and all Manitobans," he said. "It's a safety issue. It's an
access issue. It's [an] equality issue."
Everyone can appreciate getting outdoors and getting some exercise,
especially during the pandemic, Kron said.
"It's great to get out and get some fresh air, and it's something you can
do safely together, but separately," he said. "It's just what everybody
needs."
'Fear of falling'
Aida Champagne, board member and consultant for the Filipino Seniors Group
of Winnipeg, said the people she works with are lonely right now and facing
limited options for how to get out of the house.
Sidewalks can be treacherous even with very little snow, and popular
options for indoor activities, like mall walking, are closed.
"It's too lonely to be cooped inside a house, especially for some seniors
without any relatives, or living alone in their apartments or a nursing
home," she said.
Connie Newman, executive director of the Manitoba Association of Senior
Centres, said the seniors she works with — and she herself — are also
apprehensive about getting outdoors in the winter.
"For many of us and many of our centres, the ability to get outside and
enjoy relatively OK fresh air right now is very, very important for own
mental health and our physical health," she said.
"I love to walk in my neighbourhood, and yet with our icy conditions, it
makes it almost impossible because of fear of falling."
'A bleak winter if we don't'
No matter your reason for getting outside, Swanson said it can have a major
impact on mental health.
The Winnipeg Trails Association has some projects in the works that he
hopes to share more information on soon, but everyone can play a role in
helping make the outdoors accessible, he said.
"What we're looking at doing is bringing enhanced winter trail activities
to every area of the city, because, quite frankly … it's going to be a
bleak winter if we don't," he said.
"I think that there's a role for everybody to play, to be honest."
Champagne and Newman echoed that sentiment.
If you're a business owner or a homeowner, ensuring the sidewalks in front
of your property are cleared can be a huge help, they said.
"The more the individual person can do on our side streets, on our
cul-de-sacs, to make sure the front sidewalks are cleared — that would be a
great support," Newman said.
"From a city point of view, our main sidewalks should be cleared. And if
they can't be cleared, there should be sand on them so that we can all
walk."
Kron added that one perk of the pandemic has been the increased ease of
working from home, which has helped some in the disability community who
had faced challenges in their commutes. He hopes to see that change last
longer than COVID-19.
Municipal planning
Michael Cantor, manager of maintenance for Winnipeg's public works
department, said the city isn't planning on doing anything differently
regarding sidewalk or active transportation clearing this year, but will
continue an effort launched last year to enhance clearing of those areas.
The city worked with community groups like Bike Winnipeg to determine which
active transportation routes are the highest priority, he said.
He expects to see more people using those routes this season, as usual
winter recreation options remain closed due to public health orders.
The city launched *new features on its website for snow clearing this year*
<https://www.winnipeg.ca/PublicWorks/snow/default.stm>, so residents can
check an interactive status map to see crews' progress during major plowing
operations.
Spending time outdoors in the Manitoba winter still might not be everyone's
idea of fun, but Swanson said this is the year to change that attitude.
He's focused on highlighting the benefits of winter in Winnipeg.
There's magic out there waiting to be found, he said.
"We take … this embracing of winter pretty seriously," he said. "We think
this winter is going to be the winter that sort of defines us as a city,
because it can sink us in a lot of ways."
Happy Trails
Terry Zdan
Begin forwarded message:
From: Barrie Kirk <bkirk(a)cavcoe.com>
Date: December 3, 2020 at 6:08:05 PM CST
To: "Zdan, Terry (MI)" <Terry.Zdan(a)gov.mb.ca>
Subject: City of Toronto's Automated Sidewalk Winter Maintenance Challenge
Tired of falling, councillor wants to give icy sidewalks the slip
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/tired-of-falling-councillor-wants-t…
HE has fallen multiple times on pavement so slick that even thick winter
boots couldn’t keep him upright.
“I can remember two total wipeouts. Just falling onto the ground and ending
up horizontal,” said St. Boniface Coun. Matt Allard.
Now Allard, chairman of city council’s public works committee, is searching
for ways to make sidewalks and active transportation routes less slippery.
The councillor, who has tried to rely on Winnipeg Transit and active
transportation as much as possible since January 2018, said he’s fallen a
few times over the past two years, including one incident that damaged his
computer.
In November, he said he slipped twice in one walk while turning right onto
Main Street near city hall, at one point grabbing a building to avoid
hitting the ground.
“The sidewalk was icy and slippery and the road was pristine, bare
pavement,” said Allard. After he raised the issue on social media, Allard
said he heard from hundreds of Winnipeggers who also want the city to find
a way to make sidewalks and paths less treacherous.
The councillor said he’ll raise a motion at a council committee in January,
which would require city staff to study how to improve the condition of
sidewalks and active transportation paths. The motion will call on the
public service to study the health costs linked to slips and falls on
sidewalks and how changes to snow clearing and ice treatments could make
the surfaces safer.
“I think there are always ways to make things better, so I’m asking the
questions,” he said.
Allard said he wants the city to consider factors such as increasing sand
and salt treatments to add traction, new snow and ice control equipment,
and an altered snow clearing schedule.
Southdale resident Mary McWilliams said she agrees there’s room for
improvement, especially on the Vermillion Road sidewalk she avoids walking
on each winter.
“There’s just a sheet of ice,” said Mc-Williams. “I’m a senior, and I had a
hip replacement a couple of years ago, so I would not even try to walk on
it for fear of falling.”
Last winter, the city implemented some sidewalk and active transportation
snow-clearing improvements, which cost about $800,000 annually.
Michael Cantor, Winnipeg’s manager of streets maintenance, said those
changes ensure that snow is cleared from entire active transportation
routes to avoid gaps and that top-priority sidewalks (typically the most
used ones) are cleared each time at least five centimetres of snow
accumulates on them.
“Before, some of those paths weren’t cleared on a priority basis and they
were more cleared based on whether resources are available. Now… it’s
defined based on usage,” said Cantor.
Cantor said that’s triggered a “dramatic improvement” in snow clearing,
while ice control is still performed on an as-needed basis, following
sidewalk inspections and 311 complaints.
Cantor said the city could explore additional work to remove ice, though
changes would largely depend on how much council is willing to pay for the
service.
joyanne.pursaga(a)freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga