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WFP Analysis: Transit hub could transform downtown (Oct26'20)
by Beth McKechnie 26 Oct '20

26 Oct '20

Transit hub could transform downtown https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/transit-hub-could-transf… AT the beginning of this year — back when we could shake hands and see each other’s faces – the city of Winnipeg announced it was no longer planning to build dedicated bus rapid-transit corridors. This came shortly before the opening of the Southwest Transitway, the city’s first completed line. The announcement felt like the end of Winnipeg’s rapid-transit dream. Two weeks ago, however, the city released a new vision for the future of rapid transit, as part of the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan. The new concept shows a dramatic departure from the original plan of dedicated bus-only roadways, a system that would provide fast service between end points, but — as the Southwest Transitway demonstrates — one with important shortcomings. The costly and slow-to-implement system runs largely through open fields, with several stations built far from where large numbers of people live, and without access to many of the destinations potential users would want to go. The new plan focuses on integrating rapid transit onto existing major roadways, using priority signal lanes. Outside of downtown, the plan is to build dedicated transit lines on roads such as Main Street and Portage Avenue that run down the centre of the road, with stations located in the median, similar to Winnipeg’s old streetcar network. Once complete, the system can incorporate modern low-rider and connected buses that emulate the capacity and ride quality light rail. This type of system will likely better integrate transit into neighbourhoods, provide greater access to destinations and make it more usable for everyday trips. A key advantage is that it will use existing road space, with diamond lanes, queuejump lanes at intersections and priority traffic signals, meaning it will be far less costly and time-consuming to implement. Another important change is that priority will be given to developing the system in downtown first, bringing together the three main lines that will cross the city. Possibly the most alluring part of the plan is that beautiful Union Station, sitting prominently at the top of Broadway, will become the central hub of the rapid-transit network. In 1911, the Manitoba Free Press celebrated Union Station as “The Most Modern Railway Terminal in the World.” Designed by Warren and Wetmore, the architects of New York’s Grand Central Terminal, it was once the bustling centre of the city, welcoming people from across the world. To see it brought back to life with crowds of transit riders (when we are allowed to have crowds again) hurrying across the polished marble floors under the majestic dome, surrounded by bustling kiosks, shops and restaurants, is an exhilarating image to dream about. For inspiration, Winnipeg might look to Denver, Colorado. In 2014, after years of planning, the city’s underused historic Union Station, surrounded by empty buildings and surface parking lots, became part of a transformational urban redevelopment. Like in Winnipeg, a rapid-transit hub was established in the old station, but they didn’t stop there. A complete multi-modal transportation centre was created, bringing together light rail, intercity rail, taxis, ride sharing, downtown shuttles, regional and local bus routes. A cycling hub with bike storage, showers and locker rooms, connected to the area’s protected cycling network, was established and a major pedestrian promenade with markets, plazas and public space was developed to connect the station to the surrounding neighbourhoods. The project involved partnerships between private developers and public agencies including city, county, state, and federal entities. A complete master plan was developed that looked well beyond Union Station itself and established a vision for a 36-hectare section of Denver’s downtown, supported by tax increment financing and other government programs. The result of thinking big was that the project became the centrepiece of the most active development site in the United States. The connectivity provided by Union Station as a transit hub has created a centre of gravity that has attracted construction of more than 3,000 residential units, 750 hotel rooms, two million square feet of office space and a quarter million square feet of retail. The Union Station redevelopment has spawned a completely new urban neighbourhood, attracted US$3.5-billion in private investment and has transformed downtown Denver. The key to Denver’s success is that it looked at it holistically, bringing together transportation planners, urban planners, governments and private developers to create an overarching vision and detailed masterplan, complete with funding strategies and zoning regulations, not only to maximize Union Station’s potential as a multimodal transportation hub, but to leverage its opportunity to create renewal across downtown. The announcement that Winnipeg’s Union Station will become a rapid-transit hub could be the first piece in the puzzle toward creating a similar catalyst for development and growth. If we want to take full advantage of the opportunity, our public and private leadership must also come together to create a bigger, more impactful vision. If we think big, and then prioritize those aspirations in our public spending, this little announcement lost in the headlines of a global pandemic could change how we move around our city and fundamentally redefine our downtown forever. *Brent Bellamy is creative director at Number Ten Architectural Group.*

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WFP The Herald: Active transportation bridge a real blessing (Oct23'20)
by Beth McKechnie 25 Oct '20

25 Oct '20

Active transportation bridge a real blessing https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/herald/correspondent/Acti… In 2013, the active transportation bridge linking Elmwood with Point Douglas was opened. Now in 2020, the bridge remains a useful connection between two neighbourhoods, giving cyclists and pedestrians options as they travel across the city. Before the bridge was constructed, getting from one side of the Red River to another on foot or by bicycle was somewhat complicated, often involving a long detour to the Louise or Redwood Bridges. Even for drivers, the trip over the bridge was somewhat risky, as evidenced by the number of times someone failed to navigate the entry onto Henderson Highway successfully and crashed into a house just beyond the curve. While the new Disraeli Bridge helped to correct some of the problems that caused accidents such as these, the active transportation bridge gave people another option for crossing the river. Access from the Elmwood side is on Midwinter Avenue, one block south of Talbot Avenue. On the Point Douglas side, the bridge connects with Rover Avenue, parallel to Higgins Avenue. As the City of Winnipeg website explains, the active transportation bridge incorporates several of the supporting piers from the old bridge. At five metres wide, the bridge is sufficiently large to allow for several cyclists and pedestrians to pass each other without crowding each other. The bridge is high enough to allow boats to pass by on the river without making the slope excessively steep for cyclists. Although some features that were originally planned for the bridge, such as benches, failed to materialize, many interesting features were included in the design. On one side of the pathway, patterns of holes punched into steel structures help to tell the stories of the neighbourhoods the bridge connects. Several lookout areas give people the chance to stop for a few minutes out of the way of traffic to admire the river or to watch birds flying or swimming by. While the current enthusiasm for walking and cycling might eventually diminish, structures like the active transportation bridge between Elmwood and Point Douglas are good for encouraging Winnipeggers to get out into the fresh air. With the additional opportunity to learn about the neighbourhood, the bridge serves a useful purpose in the city. *Susan Huebert is a community correspondent for Elmwood. *

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Net-zero by 2030: Lime becomes first micro-mobility firm to pledge to science-based targets
by Beth McKechnie 25 Oct '20

25 Oct '20

E-scooter and e-bike giant Lime has set a 2030 net-zero target and said it will develop science-based emissions reductions targets in the coming months. https://www.edie.net/news/6/Net-zero-by-2030--Lime-becomes-first-micro-mobi…

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Webinar: Doing more with bike data
by Beth McKechnie 23 Oct '20

23 Oct '20

Doing more with bike data *Join us for a free webinar! October 2020* View this email in your browser <https://info.eco-compteur.com/e/685233/alk-about-data-693449-e-UNIQID/4jfcq…]> *Next week, join us for a free webinar in collaboration with The League of American Bicyclists!* We are a proud partner of the League of American Bicyclists' Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) program <https://info.eco-compteur.com/e/685233/community/4jfcs/171376801?h=tab5-dDg…>. As we've talked about before on our blog, in webinars, and during panel sessions at their annual conference, communities that collect bike data are more likely to achieve BFC certification. Next week, join us for a free panel webinar, co-hosted with the League of American Bicyclists! Click here to register for the webinar <https://info.eco-compteur.com/e/685233/register-2366490280962940687/4jfcv/1…> *About the webinar:* Bike data is an essential tool to develop, maintain and communicate the success of cycling projects. From automated counters to GPS traces, bikeshare data to crash statistics, data plays an increasingly pivotal role in cycling planning. Sometimes, however, collecting, managing and actually using that data can seem like a minefield. What are the best practices for collecting data? How can bike data collection contribute to Bicycle Friendly Community certification? How can data be applied for quick-wins in my community? During this webinar – co-hosted by the League of American Bicyclists and Eco-Counter – hear from leading industry experts, advocates and practitioners about ways in which bike data can be leveraged to make communities more bicycle friendly. We look forward to seeing you there! [image: Facebook] <https://info.eco-compteur.com/e/685233/EcoCounter-/4jfcx/171376801?h=tab5-d…> [image: Twitter] <https://info.eco-compteur.com/e/685233/Eco-Counter/4jfcz/171376801?h=tab5-d…> [image: Website] <https://info.eco-compteur.com/e/685233/2020-10-22/4jfd2/171376801?h=tab5-dD…> Copyright © 2019 Eco-Counter. 3981 Saint-Laurent Blvd, Suite 604 | Montreal, QC | H2W 1Y5 Office: 1-514-849-9779 | Toll Free: 1-866-518-4404 -- 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>

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Comparing the Promise and Reality of E-Scooters: A Critical Assessment of Equity Improvements and Mode-Shift
by Beth McKechnie 22 Oct '20

22 Oct '20

From: Lacey Friedly <rlacey(a)pdx.edu> Date: Wed, Oct 21, 2020 at 6:48 PM Is shared micromobility the ideal first/last mile supplement to transit? Can electric scooters make it easier for historically disadvantaged populations to get around? In just three years, brand-new fleets of e-scooters have substantially disrupted and altered the urban mobility landscape. For proponents, it's tempting to view them as a new answer to old problems. But a new study concludes that cities should not depend on e-scooters as a de facto solution―to first/last mile or equity problems―without targeted management interventions. Read the research: https://trec.pdx.edu/news/comparing-promise-and-reality-e-scooters Lacey Friedly Communications Coordinator *Transportation Research and Education Center (TREC) <http://trec.pdx.edu/> at Portland State University*

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9 Steps towards accessible public transportation: online community forum Nov 2, 2020
by Beth McKechnie 21 Oct '20

21 Oct '20

View this email in your browser <https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?e=__test_email__&u=a7592c507bcd803e8a19d…> [image: https://mcusercontent.com/a7592c507bcd803e8a19d6bde/images/46c032f4-e516-47…] Together we can improve access! The Independent Living Resource Centre (ILRC), in partnership with stakeholders from across the community, will be hosting *online community forums* (November 2, 2020), to discuss the accessibility of Winnipeg Transit services. Passengers can experience many unnecessary barriers to taking the bus, and it is time for the community to start talking about solutions! Forums will be held at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm on November 2 (2020), including a presentation of the *'9 Steps towards accessible public transportation'* document, and breakout discussion groups. Registration is required, *please follow this link* <http://www.ilrc.mb.ca/calendar/2020/9steps.htm>, or contact ILRC for more information: phone204-947-0194 email thecentre(a)ilrc.mb.ca <thecentre(a)ilrc.mb.ca?subject=9%20Steps%20Forum> web www.ilrc.mb.ca [image: Twitter] <https://twitter.com/ilrcwinnipeg?lang=en> [image: Facebook] <https://www.facebook.com/ILRCWinnipeg/> [image: Website] <http://www.ilrc.mb.ca> *copyright, ILRC 2020, All rights reserved.* *Our mailing address is:* 311A-393 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 3H6 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. [image: Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp] <http://www.mailchimp.com/email-referral/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm…>

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WFP: Trails group ramps up accessibility in Winnipeg (Oct21'20)
by Beth McKechnie 21 Oct '20

21 Oct '20

Trails group ramps up accessibility in Winnipeg THE Yellow Dog Tavern is the proud owner of a new set of wheelchair ramps, thanks to two customers who wanted to see the Exchange District business be more accessible. Anders Swanson, director of the Winnipeg Trails Association, and Allen Mankewich, an accessibility advocate and wheelchair user, decided they were going take it upon themselves to make it happen one evening while out for a beer. They had noted a lack of ramps connecting the Donald Street building’s entrances to the sidewalk a few centimetres below. Swanson and Mankewich had just left a meeting on accessibility policy, so the topic was top of mind. “I was like: ‘You know what? Forget it. I’m going to Home Depot on the way back and grabbing some stuff to make those ramps,’” Swanson told the Free Press with a laugh. The 7.5-cm ledge at the entryway might not warrant a second thought from an able-bodied person. However, Swanson said, for someone who uses a wheelchair, it could mean the difference between getting into the building independently and asking for assistance. “Allen and I went and measured it, and just figured out something that worked,” said Swanson. “That’s what Winnipeg Trails does every day. It tries to break down barriers for people moving under their own power.” Swanson installed the ramps on Saturday. The Yellow Dog Tavern had recently re-opened following closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so he figured now was the time to put them to use. Greg Ash, tavern owner, said he is pleased with the finished product. “There’s a lot of old business that don’t have that design to the street,” said Ash, adding the ramps fit in well with streetscape and he appreciates the hand-painted design that matches the Yellow Dog signage. A Winnipeg Trails Association social post about the project garnered significant positive feedback. Swanson said he’s excited about the reaction, because it will mean more people looking to set up such ramps outside their own businesses. “If there’s any businesses that need some advice on how to build these ramps or want to talk about freedom and mobility and universal access, they can always get a hold of us. We’re happy to talk to them,” said Swanson, adding he’ll personally help build ramps for any business that reaches out to the association.

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The Next Normal: Five COVID-19 aftershocks reshaping mobility’s future
by Beth McKechnie 21 Oct '20

21 Oct '20

For anyone who wants to nerd out on what the future of mobility may hold, here is an insightful but longer read. To save you also having to look up these acronyms, OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer and ACES stands for autonomous, connectivity, electrification, and ridesharing. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/automotive-and-assembly/our-insights/fi… cheers, Beth -- 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>

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Proof: Bike Paths are Good for the Local Economy
by Beth McKechnie 18 Oct '20

18 Oct '20

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>

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Phase Three public engagement for the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan has begun
by Beth McKechnie 16 Oct '20

16 Oct '20

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]*

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