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WFP Analysis: The war on cars - Oklahoma City shows people, autos can live together (Nov21'14)
by Beth McKechnie 23 Nov '14

23 Nov '14

The war on carsOklahoma City shows people, autos can live together By: Steve Lafleur http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/the-war-on-cars-283455161… There are two types of people in Canadian cities: people who hate cars, and people who hate cyclists. Or so the perception goes. While it is true many cities have seen bitter electoral feuds over bike lanes and urban sprawl, they are driven more by perception than reality. Drivers, pedestrians and cyclists can co-exist, and making life easier for the latter two groups doesn't have to come at the expense of the former. Canadian cities have much to learn from an unlikely place: Oklahoma City, Okla., -- also known as the City That Lost a Million Pounds. Many drivers think of cycling as a hobby for under-employed hipsters. Cyclists often think of drivers as people who are too lazy to get out of their cars. Pedestrians are often ignored. Despite these rigid identities, humans are multi-modal creatures. Everyone is a pedestrian sometimes, and most people also drive, cycle or use public transportation. While drivers often think of non-drivers as an opposing group, they are generally people at different stages of their days or lives. Urban cyclists often go on to become suburban drivers. Suburban drivers often go on to be urban transit users. These identities are fluid, shaped by urban design, personal circumstances and preferences -- which often evolve. Oklahoma City shows how these preferences can be tweaked. It would be tough to come up with a more stereotypical car city than OKC. Most of the city's growth occurred after the age of mass automobile ownership, so they haven't got the type of large, dense urban core that most large cities have. As the city boomed, built entirely around auto commuting, they skimped on active transportation infrastructure such as sidewalks. That choice came back to haunt the city. When Mick Cornett became mayor of Oklahoma City in 2004, the city was accustomed to appearing on the type of lists that cities want to be on. The city was one of the most affordable and most prosperous. But then the city appeared on a less flattering list: America's fattest cities. Being a heavy-set man himself, Cornett decided to use his own personal struggle to help mobilize his community into healthier lifestyle choices. On New Year's Eve 2007, Cornett challenged the city's residents to lose a collective one million pounds -- which they did by 2012, with some help from the 42 pounds shed by the mayor. That year, Oklahoma City was named the 23rd healthiest community in American by Men's Fitness magazine. Part of the success was no doubt driven by the inspiration of Cornett's personal story. The mayor was making the rounds of national talk shows, extolling the virtues of healthy living. But part was due to the fact the city raised $777 million to create infrastructure to give people alternatives to driving to each and every destination. Some of the expenditures were of questionable value. The city is currently building a $129 million streetcar line, despite the growing consensus streetcars do little to improve urban mobility. They also allocated $252 million to a convention centre, which is tertiary at best to fostering walkability. Some of the expenditures were more obviously beneficial. The city is building a 70-acre park downtown to give residents some valuable green space in the urban core. More importantly, the city added 600 kilometres of new sidewalks. While that doesn't mean that people have necessarily started commuting from the suburbs by foot, it does make it easier to walk rather than drive to the convenience store, or to just leisurely stroll around the block without fear of being hit by a car. The city also added 160 km of jogging and biking trails, and has invested in fitness facilities ranging from kayaking to school gyms. Perhaps the most important lesson from Oklahoma City is that providing more active transportation options does not require a war on cars. The initiative was spearheaded by a suburban Republican mayor, and heavily supported by the business community. It wasn't framed as us versus them. As we've seen in Toronto, for example, an adversarial relationship between drivers and cyclists can eliminate the desire for mutual accommodation. Allowing the discussion over bike lanes and improved pedestrian infrastructure to be dominated by emotion can cloud decision making. The question shouldn't be whether to, but how to build bike lanes and improve walkability. Recognizing drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians aren't opposing factions is an important starting point. We all need to share the streets, whether on two wheels or four. *Steve Lafleur is the assistant research director for the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.* Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition November 21, 2014 A13

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Wave goodbye to the two-car family
by Beth McKechnie 21 Nov '14

21 Nov '14

Wave goodbye to the two-car family Phil LeBeau <http://www.cnbc.com/id/15838076> | @Lebeaucarnews <http://twitter.com/Lebeaucarnews> Tuesday, 18 Nov 2014 Imagine the typical American family. Odds are your vision includes a home with two kids, as well as two or more cars. But according to a new study by KPMG, that image is becoming a less common reality. As a growing number of consumers participate in car sharing, wait longer to buy their first vehicle and move to the suburbs, KPMG predicts that in about 25 years, fewer than half of U.S. households will own more than one vehicle. Read whole article: http://www.cnbc.com/id/102193080

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Regional co-operation to create a bicycle highway
by Patman, David 21 Nov '14

21 Nov '14

http://www.citylab.com/commute/2014/11/how-the-danish-cooperated-to-build-a… Would like to see a similar thing done in Manitoba to provide bike connectivity throughout the Capital Region. David Patman, P. Eng. Transit Planner Winnipeg Transit | Service Development Division 421 Osborne Street | Winnipeg, Manitoba R3L 2A2 P: 204-986-5737 | dpatman(a)winnipeg.ca<mailto:dpatman@winnipeg.ca>

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You're Invited: Open House at the U of M on Traffic Engineering and Children's Mobility (November 24, 26 & 27)
by Anders Swanson 20 Nov '14

20 Nov '14

Hi, Want to come see some exciting new research into children's mobility happening right here in Winnipeg? As part of their 4th year transportation engineering training, in a course led by Dr. Jeannette Montufar in partnership with Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> and the City of Winnipeg <http://winnipeg.ca/publicworks/MajorProjects/ActiveTransportation/>, 68 local civil engineering students are assessing 17 local schools across 3 school divisions, looking for ways to make it easier, safer and more convenient to bike, walk or roll to school. The Engineering students have had a semester to research, study, consult and analyze - and they are ready to share some of their findings. The project is also serving as a demonstration of the value our just-released CounterPoint <http://counterpointapp.org/> traffic counting app and, excitingly, a testing hotbed for our second software tool - this one designed to revolutionize origin destination analysis (using Hands Up attendance time "How did you Get Here?" surveys and, ultimately, enlisting the help of kids everywhere). *Come see for yourself. * *Where: * University of Manitoba Engineering Building Atrium See map. <https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Engineering+Atrium/@49.8081537,-97.1332878…> *Dates/Times(Drop-In): * Monday, Nov. 24, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Winnipeg School Division (Group 13 – 17) Wednesday, Nov. 26, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Louis Riel School Division (Group 8 – 12) Thursday, Nov. 27, 10:00 to 11:15 a.m. Pembina Trails School Division (Group 1 – 7) Kindly, Anders Swanson on behalf of the project team

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Green Action Centre job posting: Workplace Commuter Options Coordinator
by Jessie Klassen 18 Nov '14

18 Nov '14

PLEASE SHARE WIDELY, THANKS! *Green Action Centre seeks Workplace Commuter Options Coordinator* Green Action Centre is looking for an independent, energetic, flexible and organized individual to fill a position within our Workplace Commuter Options team. Working collaboratively with other Workplace Commuter Options and Green Action Centre staff, the Program Coordinator assists with the delivery of the WCO program, engaging with businesses, employees and community organizations to make active and green transportation options both appealing and within reach. Apply by Sunday, November 30th. Find full job posting here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/about/jobs/>.

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Fwd: Announcing: The Cycle of Giving 2014!
by Anders Swanson 14 Nov '14

14 Nov '14

[ Another event FYI. This is my favourite event to take part in, ever. Guaranteed good time. If you know how to repair a bike, polish a bike, test ride a bike, donate a bike, cook a pizza, make a christmas card, wash a dish, play music, listen to music or all around be merry, be there. You won't regret it. - Anders] ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: The WRENCH <cog(a)thewrench.ca> Date: Thu, Nov 13, 2014 at 9:39 PM Subject: Announcing: The Cycle of Giving 2014! To: Anders Swanson <andersswanson(a)gmail.com> <http://thewrench.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6238a8c152cbe3f4aa1ed1ab…> ------------------------------ December 6th and 7th 12pm to 12pm The Orioles Community Centre 448 Burnell St. <http://thewrench.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6238a8c152cbe3f4aa1ed1ab…> ------------------------------ *Cycle of Giving* 24 Hour Bike Building Marathon is bringing together volunteers to build over 270 bicycles for Winnipeg children in need. With your generous support we aim to raise over $15,000 to support free bicycle programming in Winnipeg. >From *noon on Saturday December 6th to noon on Sunday December 7th* the Orioles community centre will be transformed into a magical workshop where salvaged and donated bicycles are turned into dreams come true. ------------------------------ *You can support the Cycle of Giving:* Donate <http://thewrench.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6238a8c152cbe3f4aa1ed1ab…> - Volunteer <http://thewrench.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6238a8c152cbe3f4aa1ed1ab…> - Share on Facebook <http://thewrench.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6238a8c152cbe3f4aa1ed1ab…> ------------------------------ This holiday season let's make bicycle dreams come true! *Our mailing address is:* The Wrench 1057 Logan Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3G 0A1 Canada Add us to your address book <http://thewrench.us9.list-manage.com/vcard?u=6238a8c152cbe3f4aa1ed1abd&id=0…> unsubscribe from this list <http://thewrench.us9.list-manage1.com/unsubscribe?u=6238a8c152cbe3f4aa1ed1a…> update subscription preferences <http://thewrench.us9.list-manage2.com/profile?u=6238a8c152cbe3f4aa1ed1abd&i…> [image: Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp] <http://www.mailchimp.com/monkey-rewards/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm…>

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AT Webinar: E-bikes, Electric Assist Bikes and Transportation Policy, 2-3pm, Wed, Nov19th, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 14 Nov '14

14 Nov '14

Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg invite you to join us for a local viewing of the following APBP webinar: E-bikes, Electric Assist Bikes and Transportation Policy. The webinar viewing takes place in the EcoCentre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> boardroom (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) and will be followed by group discussion of local applications. RSVPs appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth * * * * * E-bikes, Electric Assist bikes and Transportation Policy *Wednesday, November 19th, 2:00-3:00 p.m., EcoCentre Boardroom* *Key takeaways* • Develop an understanding of types and definitions of e-bikes, including U.S. federal guidance and regulation • Understand the range and variation of existing North American regulations, and the ramifications for adoption and use of e-bikes • Explore Boulder’s Electric Bike Pilot Project, including models for testing and evaluation *Description* As electric assist bikes become more prevalent, cities must figure out how to integrate these devices into existing transportation networks. This webinar will help you to understand the spectrum of options and get the grounding you need to introduce this topic to your community’s stakeholders. John MacArthur, the Sustainable Transportation Program Manager for TREC at Portland State University, explains the definition and classifications of electric assist bikes, discusses the speed differential of these devices, and provides a review of current North American regulations. Marni Ratzel, Senior Transportation Manager at the City of Boulder, presents the background and results of Boulder’s Electric Bike Pilot Project, which has temporarily allowed the use of e-bikes on paved multiuse paths. The project provides an outstanding model for testing e-bike use, integrating public concerns into regulations, and evaluating results. *Presenters* *John MacArthur* is the Sustainable Transportation Program Manager for the Transportation Research and Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University. He is active in research related to sustainable transportation, particularly in the areas of transportation electrification, climate adaptation, and the relationship between transportation and public health. John is focused on exploring how technology can get more people biking and biking more often in more safe ways. Before joining the OTREC staff, he was the Sustainable Transportation Coordinator for HDR Inc. and worked on Oregon's OTIA III State Bridge Delivery Program, replacing or retrofitting over 200 state bridges. He has worked for 18 years in the environmental and sustainability field. He earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Lehigh University and a M.S. in Environmental Health Sciences from the University of Michigan, School of Public Health. *Marni Ratzel* is a senior transportation planner with the City of Boulder, Colorado. Her primary responsibilities are focused on bicycle and pedestrian transportation planning, utilizing a comprehensive approach comprised of the Five Es, which she will briefly discuss in her presentation today, to increase biking and walking trips in Boulder. A regular bus and bicycle commuter, Marni encourages others to integrate bicycling and walking into their daily routine as fun, viable and efficient transportation modes. She received her master's degree in City and Regional Planning from Rutgers University in 1994 and has served city government as a planner in the transportation field for over 19 years.

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TOD summit on Nov 17th
by Anders Swanson 14 Nov '14

14 Nov '14

Hi AT-Network, If there was one thing that was repeated often at Walk21 Sydney, it was the importance of density and transit to promote walking as mode of transportation. In that spirit, I wanted to make sure you got an invitation to this very interesting event being put on the the BIZ on Monday. There is are in-depth discussions and presentation during the day and a public event in the evening. See below. Anders We hope you and/or your colleagues would consider joining us! * See the attached invitation for the roundtable event. Please also see attached invitation for the evening public forum.* Special thanks to our sponsors: Delta BOMA Jairo Viafara Special thanks to our planning partners: The City of Winnipeg Winnipeg Transit Economic Development Winnipeg Exchange District BIZ Dillon Consulting Green Action Center *TOD SUMMIT AGENDA, NOVEMBER 17th* 9-10AM Mayor Gives Greetings (Mr. Brian Bowman) Introduction to TOD (BIZ Representatives & other speakers) 10:30AM-12PM Break off to 3 discussion groups 12-1PM Lunch break 1-3PM Discussion groups continue, followed by a summary and question period 3-4PM Drinks with TOD 6-8PM Public and Downtown BIZ Member Forum · Three international speakers are showcased followed by a panel discussion · Key points from afternoon session are brought forward Best regards, Stephanie Voyce Manager: Placemaking, Cleanliness & Transportation Downtown Winnipeg BIZ 204-958-4621 office 204-958-4630 fax

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Bike infrastructure snakes-and-ladders
by Patman, David 11 Nov '14

11 Nov '14

http://www.wired.com/2014/11/copenhagenize-cycling-game/ David Patman, P. Eng. Transit Planner Winnipeg Transit | Service Development Division 421 Osborne Street | Winnipeg, Manitoba R3L 2A2 P: 204-986-5737 | dpatman(a)winnipeg.ca<mailto:dpatman@winnipeg.ca>

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Let's Get there Together
by Jackie Avent 30 Oct '14

30 Oct '14

Apologies if these have been circulated before, but check out these great cycling education and safety videos from Edmonton. Great for all ages! http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/cycling_walking/cycling-video-gallery… -- *Jackie Avent* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 *|* Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>

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