A national research team is taking aim at creating more sustainable
transportation options in cities across the country. Simon Fraser
University (SFU) health sciences professor Meghan Winters leads the
interdisciplinary group with $3 million in funding from the Canadian
Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). The team will focus on improving
bicycling networks for all ages and strategies to reduce speed.
Full article: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/973429
Urban outcasts: Leaving our most vulnerable to struggle for themselves in
the cold shames this city
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/2022/12/01/urban-outca…
An open letter to the man I saw on Selkirk Avenue on a recent Thursday
afternoon just before 2 p.m.
It’s good that you were wearing a red sweater. It stood out against the
snow, a blotch of crimson on a dirty white tableau, which made you very
easy to see.
I spotted you from a block away, at least, inching slowly down the street.
The wheels of your wheelchair sank into the soft snow, so you were mostly
dragging the chair forward by your slippered feet.
There was nowhere else you could be at that moment. I don’t know where you
were going, but you had to go somewhere and the sidewalk was rutted and
clogged by snow.
Behind you, prowling cars slowed and veered into the oncoming lane, my
lane, making a cautious arc to avoid where you laboured, one inch at a
time, down the road.
I was embarrassed. Not by you. As we drove past, my passenger, a newcomer
from Ukraine, pursed her lips and watched you with curious eyes.
We did not speak enough of each other’s languages for complex conversation,
so it’s hard to say what went through her mind, but she made a sympathetic
murmur. Matching the sentiment, so did I.
So yes, I was embarrassed that a newcomer should see this Winnipeg, the one
that pushes citizens with the greatest need of safe passage out into the
street. It can’t be hidden though. It’s the truth.
But I’m speaking to myself, here; the failures of our city’s responsibility
to people with disabilities will be very well-known to you.
And you aren’t the only one who has to get around like this, which I’m also
sure you know already. It’s an epidemic.
A few days after I saw you, I was stuck in rush hour traffic where Broadway
branches off from Portage Avenue, when the knot of SUVs ahead parted to
show a woman in a power wheelchair, slowly rolling forward, while drivers
gave her a berth.
She looked so small amidst the wall of vehicles around her. So vulnerable.
A street built for cars is no place for people. But with winter sidewalks
so often impassable to wheelchairs, where else could she go?
Having no answer to that, how about a more uncomfortable question: what
would we say to her family, or to yours, should an accident occur?
We’ve raised this as an issue in the *Free Press* before. Sometimes, it’s
poignant. Last December a reader wrote to us, hoping to thank a stranger.
She’d taken a friend to get his flu shot, she wrote, but when she took him
home, his wheelchair got stuck in the sidewalk snow. All her strength could
not move it forward, until a person driving by stopped to help.
In October, the snow-clearing budget was briefly an issue
<https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2022/10/17/winter-of-our-dis…>
in the mayoral election, and my colleague Joyanne Pursaga spoke to Peter
Tonge, a wheelchair-user, about how the winter steals a good chunk of his
independence.
Sometimes, he explained, his power chair will get stuck on the sidewalk for
long minutes until a pedestrian comes by to push him out.
And this winter, after bike lanes got covered with snow, residents in one
neighbourhood took matters into their own hands
<https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2022/11/23/tired-of-waiting-…>
to dig them out. A city spokesman said residents shouldn’t do that, due to
road safety issues.
I had to laugh a little, reading that, thinking of the road safety issues
that come when non-vehicular thoroughfares remain impassable.
In all three of these stories, I see the duality of Winnipeg. The one I
love and the one that breaks my heart. The one where Winnipeggers band
together to help each other through the winter — I write this with
appreciation for every stranger who has ever pushed my car out of a
snowdrift — and the one where the city falls short of what those people
deserve.
The most important work of a city, any city, is to facilitate the movement
of its people. Winnipeg has never been a star on this end: not in our
groaning, threadbare public transit. Not in our slow and piecemeal approach
to improving options for active transportation. And certainly not in
accessibility, for seniors and others who need it most.
Some things can’t be changed, of course. The climate comes with the city’s
location. The winter will always be a burden on Winnipeg’s human and
financial resources, and we all understand that living here requires a
certain level of perseverance.
But Winnipeg is not uniquely disadvantaged. Other cities in the world get
more snow, but still manage to be more accessible.
In Sapporo, Japan — the third-snowiest city in the world, with an average
annual snowfall of 485 centimetres, compared to Winnipeg’s 118 — geothermal
conduits heat the sidewalks to keep them bare year-round.
Other cities, including Oslo and Helsinki, have made similar investments.
Experts there have found the cost of keeping snow melted on key pedestrian
routes is cheaper than the cost of mechanically clearing them.
Of course, the value to safety, dignity and accessibility, especially for
seniors, people who use wheelchairs and others, should be considered as
priceless.
I don’t know what the solution is, for Winnipeg. What I do know is that if,
every winter, a city becomes partially impassable and outright dangerous
for so many of its residents, then that city is not doing the work it most
needs to do.
And I also know that no challenge of this nature is insurmountable, that
there is always a creative solution yet to be tried.
And to you, the man I saw on Selkirk Avenue on that Thursday afternoon,
forced onto the road, trying only to get where you needed to go, I’m sorry
you had to be there.
I’m sorry you had to drag yourself through a city that isn’t designed for
you.
I’m sorry that you had no choice but to inch down the street while cars
growled behind you.
melissa.martin(a)freepress.mb.ca
EDITORIAL: Clearing a path for active transportation
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/editorials/2022/12/02/clearing-a-…
THE white stuff has barely settled in, and Winnipeggers are already
displaying dissatisfaction with the city’s snow-clearing efforts.
Over the last week, a brigade of local cyclists has taken it upon
themselves to dig out and chip away at the icy ruts left along bike lanes
across the city following a recent freeze-thaw cycle. By taking up shovels,
these concerned citizens have effectively captured the attention of
politicians and public works officials.
After their complaints to 311 went unresolved, the group of 10 or so
cyclists cleared a path in West Broadway, and then later turned their
attention to a protected lane in the Exchange District. The latter action
resulted in threats of fines for contravening the city’s streets bylaw,
which prohibits residents from occupying or working on public roadways.
Though the city is well within its rights to dole out penalties — people
mingling in roadways and conducting unpermitted work on public property can
create a safety hazard and a potential liability nightmare — officials
walked back the position on Wednesday, saying there are no plans to issue
fines to those involved.
This isn’t the first time Winnipeggers have taken snow-clearing matters
into their own hands.
In 2019, a pair of neighbours chipped and shovelled ice from the Omand’s
Creek pedestrian bridge — a well-trod connection between Wolseley and River
Heights — after the city closed the route for the season, citing safety
concerns. Without citizen intervention, the corridor would have remained
cordoned off for months. Had this happened on a main road, more than a few
drivers would have been up in arms.
The fact taxpayers are, yet again, taking to the streets is a sign
snow-clearing services in some areas need improvement. For the sake of user
safety, enjoyment and accessibility, let’s hope the city takes heed.
By virtue of urban sprawl and a spotty public transportation system,
Winnipeg has grown into a staunchly car-centric city. Year-round, there are
numerous barriers — such as unconnected bike routes — for those who get
around by cycling, walking, rolling and scooting.
In the winter, active transportation ceases to be an option for many people
unwilling to deal with dodgy road conditions in addition to dodging
vehicles. Seventy-six per cent of respondents to a Bike Winnipeg survey
reported riding less last winter because of inadequately plowed routes.
The latest group of self-appointed snow clearers expressed frustration with
city policy, which sees cycling and walking paths left with a compacted
layer of snow instead of being cleared to bare pavement. Roads are also
given priority after a snowfall, leaving sidewalks and bike lanes to
languish, often for days.
Last week, the city’s manager of street maintenance said it’s not feasible
to plow these routes to the pavement, owing to equipment capabilities and
infrastructure concerns. Perhaps, then, we should look to other
jurisdictions for workable solutions.
A white paper out of Chicago on best practices for winter bike-lane
maintenance recommends prioritizing busy cycling routes after a snowfall
and being proactive about de-icing. An example from North Dakota suggests
applying salt or sugar-beet juice — options the city is already employing —
before a snow event can actually reduce costs because less de-icing
material is needed in the long run.
Winnipeg is a winter city, and treating cycling and walking as if they’re
three-season activities is a disservice to those who can’t afford or don’t
want to use a personal motor vehicle. If shovel disobedience is ruffling
feathers at city hall, perhaps it’s a sign officials need to roll up their
sleeves and scrape their way toward a solution.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: info(a)pegcitycarcoop.ca <info(a)pegcitycarcoop.ca>
Date: Fri, Dec 2, 2022 at 10:49 AM
Subject: We're hiring a Fleet Assistant, and we'd love for you to share!
Dear community,
We're reaching out to let you know that Peg City Car Co-op is hiring a
full-time Fleet Assistant to join our growing team! If you can share the
posting with your network or know of someone who might be a good fit, we'd
be glad for you to pass the posting along!
Fleet Assistants are the eyes and ears of our fleet, travelling among the
vehicles to track, report, and manage maintenance, damage, and cleanliness
issues as they arise. The role includes troubleshooting and performing
minor car maintenance, as well as on-call duties.
To see the full job description and posting, click here
<https://www.pegcitycarcoop.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Fleet-Assistant-Jo…>
.
Either way, thank you for your time and attention!
Best regards,
--
Michelle Panting
*Marketing + Communications Specialist, Peg City Car Co-op*
204.793.3912 | michelle(a)pegcitycarcoop.ca
402-460 Main St, Winnipeg MB R3B1B6
*www.pegcitycarcoop.ca <http://www.pegcitycarcoop.ca/>*
Sharing the road (and cars) for more than 10 years.
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsDCxr4tR4Q>
City won’t issue fines after snow-clearing cyclists warned
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/2022/11/30/city-wont-issue-fines-af…
CITY hall isn’t considering fines against Winnipeg cyclists who clear snow
and ice from bike lanes themselves, after a group received a warning for
taking matters into its own hands last month.
The possibility of bylaw fines was raised after the group shovelled and
scraped a lane on Westminster Avenue between Maryland and Sherbrook streets
on Nov. 22.
Undeterred by a warning from 311, the cyclists cleared a lane on Arthur
Street in the Exchange District Monday in an effort to improve safety.
And the city has no intention of going beyond that warning, spokesman David
Driedger told the Free Press in an email Wednesday.
“We want to be absolutely clear: the city is not considering issuing fines
for clearing snow on roadways, sidewalks, and pathways,” he wrote.
“Rather, we want to hear from pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists so that
we can better identify trouble spots and address them accordingly.”
Residents should call 311 or file a report via the city’s website. Followup
actions are tracked, and data is used to determine what the city can do
better in areas with frequent service requests, he wrote.
The cyclists started clearing bike lanes because they’re dissatisfied with
the handling of their complaints to 311 and the city’s snow-clearing policy
for active transportation.
A tweet from 311 Sunday informed group member Hillary Rosentreter the
cyclists should review certain sections of the streets bylaw.
“In general, residents shouldn’t work on, obstruct, or place items in the
right-of-way without a permit,” an employee wrote in a second tweet.
Rosentreter, who has organized the do-it-yourself snow-clearing efforts,
vowed to fight any fine she receives.
“I believe the attention the original message from 311 received has put a
spotlight on another poor policy from the city which actually prevents
residents from clearing public infrastructure, including the sidewalk in
front of their homes, so they are not considering fines because it would be
absurd to issue fines when all we want is to be safe,” she told the Free
Press Wednesday.
The cyclists have complained to 311 about a bike lane in Point Douglas that
they say is unsafe because of snow ruts.
They plan to clear it Friday afternoon unless the city gets to it first.
“We will continue to clear lanes until the city takes our concerns
seriously and changes their policy on snow-clearing from hard, compact
surface to something more acceptable, such as bare pavement,” said
Rosentreter, who cycles year-round.
“I would also like to see the city shift their priorities to sidewalks and
bike lanes, to centre (on) people in the way we move in this city, rather
than cars.”
According to Winnipeg’s snow-clearing policy, active transportation paths
on Priority 1 and 2 streets are to be cleared to a compacted snow
surface instead
of bare pavement.
Rosentreter said compacted snow surfaces become soft, icy and rutted in
fluctuating temperatures.
Coun. Matt Allard said the city shouldn’t fine people for clearing snow
from streets or paths. He said he isn’t surprised residents are taking
matters into their own hands.
“I don’t think the city should be fining people for doing that, especially
when it’s not getting done,” said Allard (St. Boniface), who raised the
issue as a delegate at Tuesday’s public works committee.
The situation involving the cyclists shows the city isn’t clearing
active-transportation corridors despite the desire for a higher level of
service, he said.
Some Canadian cities require residents to clear sidewalks in front of their
homes.
Allard doesn’t believe there’s an appetite for that in Winnipeg.
“I think Winnipeggers want the city to do it, but in a more timely
fashion,” he said, adding bike lanes and sidewalks that are kept clear will
encourage people to get around by means other than a car.
As he does after every snowfall, Fort Garry resident Luke Filipowicz
shovelled the public sidewalk in front of his house Wednesday afternoon.
For him, it’s a neighbourly duty instilled by his parents.
He doesn’t think fines are necessary if someone clearing public
infrastructure isn’t harming anyone or dumping snow in a way that it
becomes a hazard.
“I don’t understand why (the city) would take issue with community members
taking care of their community,” said Filipowicz. “It’s, like, backwards
thinking.”
He was happy to hear the city isn’t fining the cyclists.
Some Winnipeggers may feel the need to clear snow themselves, he said,
because complaints to 311 aren’t always dealt with in a timely manner.
Driedger noted it can take a couple of days to clear every public sidewalk
and bike path during a major clearing operation.
“We appreciate residents’ understanding because it’s an absolutely huge
undertaking,” he wrote. “We also appreciate seeing neighbours helping
neighbours and keeping sidewalks in front of their homes and businesses
clear for everyone.”
chris.kitching(a)freepress.mb.ca
Twitter: @chriskitching
Resident sees holes in summer bike route survey
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/2022/12/02/resident-sees-holes-in-s…
THE City of Winnipeg is being accused of steering responses to an enhanced
summer bike route survey to those that favour making the routes permanent.
Ray Hignell, who opposes the Wolseley Avenue route near his home, said he
recently filled out a city survey about the routes, which were originally
known as “open streets.”
Hignell noted residents could note they were satisfied or dissatisfied.
However, one question asked the person being surveyed to choose a statement
“that best reflects your feelings about the future of this particular
route” did not offer an option to outright reject it.
“They are intentionally skewing the information to get the results that
they want… It’s terrible. Then they can honestly say, ‘Oh, nobody was
against it,’” said Hignell.
The possible responses listed for that question for the Wolseley Avenue
route included: I think the program should continue on this route as it did
in 2022; I don’t think the program should continue on this route until it
is possible to conduct a more in-depth study at this location; and unsure/I
have no preference for this street.
Hignell deemed it unfair folks have no option to say they don’t want the
route at all, at any point. “They are trying to make it look like the whole
neighbourhood, or at least the vast majority of it, wants this.”
Hignell said he opposes the route over concerns it slows down drivers.
In their 2022 version, the enhanced summer bike routes aimed to make travel
easier for cyclists by reducing the speed limit to 30 km/h from May to
October. Additional traffic calming measures varied by route, including
signs, barricades directing drivers off route at key locations and/or
turning restrictions.
Since council has directed each route in the 2022 program be added to the
city’s pedestrian and cycling strategies, this means each will offer some
type of bike infrastructure in the future, the city survey notes.
A city spokeswoman said the survey wasn’t meant to gauge whether the public
wanted the routes or not.
“(It) was not designed to determine support for or against the routes. Its
intent is to determine whether the routes served their purpose and what we
could do to improve them in the future… We deliberately are not seeking
input on the potential of outright discontinuing a route, as this is not an
option at this time,” Julie Horbal Dooley said in an emailed statement.
However, council’s public works chairwoman said she’d like to ensure all
direct answers are possible in such surveys, such as allowing folks to
declare if they don’t want the routes at all, even after council has made a
decision.
“On any survey we do, we really should try to be all-encompassing to
people’s perspectives… Active transportation can be very polarizing so we need
to recognize that and give people the (full) opportunity to be heard,” said
Coun. Janice Lukes.
Meanwhile, a Winnipegger who supports the enhanced summer bike routes said
she’s anxious for the rounds of public consultation to give way to
permanently implementing the bike routes.
“For me, it shouldn’t really be up for debate. Of course, we have to do
these things to make it easier to walk and bike in the city. Our climate
action plan… (says) we need to have a more walkable, bikeable city,” said
Emma Durand-Wood.
Durand-Wood said she considered the enhanced bike routes so far as a “baby
step” toward a more thoroughly integrated active transportation network.
The city’s online survey on the 15 routes will accept responses until Dec.
8.
joyanne.pursaga(a)freepress.mb.ca
Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga