- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Mayor of Vancouver to Sign Walk21 Charter
by Beth McKechnie 27 Sep '11

27 Sep '11

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here <http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=7uj76meab&v=001HZh_ryKk0…> *MEDIA RELEASE* *Mayor Robertson to sign the International Charter for Walking * at 12th International Walk21 Conference in Vancouver, October 2, 2011 VANCOUVER, September 27, 2011 - On October 2, Mayor Gregor Robertson will sign the International Charter for Walking on behalf of the City of Vancouver, reinforcing Vancouver's commitment to innovative and leading-edge best practices in walking and health promotion. The Walk21 International Charter for Walking has been signed by thousands of city councils, walking advocates and individuals around the world. It recognizes the benefits of walking as a key indicator of healthy, efficient, socially inclusive and sustainable communities and acknowledges the universal rights of people to be able to walk safely and to enjoy high quality public spaces anywhere and at anytime. Built on extensive discussions with experts throughout the world, it identifies the needs of people on foot and provides a common framework to help authorities refocus their existing policies, activities and relationships to create a culture where people choose to walk. The signing will take place at the opening reception of the 12th International Walk21 Conference, Transforming the Automobile City: Walking Steps Up! Hosted by Mayor Robertson, the reception will take place at the Creekside Community Centre in Olympic Village. Mayor Robertson will welcome over 500 speakers and delegates to the conference, which begins Monday, October 3 and runs until Wednesday, October 5 at SFU's Goldcorp Centre for the Arts and Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue. More information about the conference, including our online registration site, is available at www.walk21.com/vancouver<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=7uj76meab&et=1107859999087&s=1713&e=001NvR18K…>or download the Backgrounder<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=7uj76meab&et=1107859999087&s=1713&e=001NvR18K…> . - 30 - Media contact information: Patty Loveridge Conference Manager Walk21 Metro Vancouver vancouver2011(a)walk21.com 604-360-8063 www.walk21.com/vancouver Forward email<http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?llr=7uj76meab&m=1104240584348&ea=…> <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&mse=001YEZk4OF20b4oPmxP68MARYRd4…> <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=TEM_Basic_206> This email was sent to beth(a)resourceconservation.mb.ca by vancouver2011(a)walk21.com | Update Profile/Email Address<http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=oo&mse=001YEZk4OF20b4oPmxP68MARYRd4…> | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe<http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&mse=001YEZk4OF20b4oPmxP68MARYRd4…>™ | Privacy Policy <http://ui.constantcontact.com/roving/CCPrivacyPolicy.jsp>. Walk21 | City of Vancouver | 453 West 12th Avenue | Vancouver | BC | V5Y 1V4 | Canada [image: Web Bug from http://r20.rs6.net/on.jsp?llr=7uj76meab&t=1107859999087.0.1104240584348.171…] -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | 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/memberships/>

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WFP: Volunteers to sample tourism on eastern Trans-Canada Trail
by Beth McKechnie 25 Sep '11

25 Sep '11

Volunteers to sample tourism on eastern Trans-Canada Trail http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/volunteers-to-sample-tourism-on-east… A volunteer group is the first bunch of trekkers to try a new commercial tourism package for the eastern Manitoba portion of the Trans-Canada Trail. About seven volunteers from the Manitoba Recreational Trails Association teamed up with Jim Bishop, chairman of the national Trans-Canada Trail, on Thursday to begin a four-day, 225-kilometre tour from Pine Falls to Falcon Lake by bike and shuttle. "You build it, you want to use it," said Ruth Marr, a volunteer who was instrumental in getting the section of the trail in shape. "We're having an opportunity to test some of the economic spinoffs from the trail." There will be stops at resorts along the way and meet-and-greets with local business people. The trail association is a network of volunteers who raise money to maintain the Trans-Canada Trail. Now, for the first time in Manitoba, the network is sharpening up its commercial focus with an eye to building ecotourism. The brains behind the commercial venture is Roy Hildebrand, co-founder of WE Hike and Bike, an ecotourism venture based in Pinawa. "The Border to Beaches trail is a dynamic asset right in our backyard," he said. "What the MRTA has done is provide a link, a network, for everyone who associated with the trail and there are seven groups along Borders to Beaches, local business people. We want to engage them and promote their sections." Based at the Wilderness Edge Retreat and Conference Centre in Pinawa, WE is setting up weekend tour packages, ranging from $300 to $500, to launch next spring.

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Active Transportation Canada - New Posts September 24, 2011
by Beth McKechnie 24 Sep '11

24 Sep '11

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Michael Haynes <activetransportation(a)rogers.com> Date: Sat, Sep 24, 2011 at 8:38 AM Subject: Active Transportation Canada - New Posts September 24, 2011 Thirty-five (35) new items have been posted on the Active Transportation-Canada Website. A complete list of titles may be found in the "Blog Archive" box, located on the right margin of the Website. Some sample new items: 1. Latest Hornby, Dunsmuir bike stats show 40% increase in trips since 2010<http://www.geoffmeggs.ca/2011/09/09/latest-hornby-dunsmuir-bike-stats-show-…> 2. Jack Layton saw the future and it was on a bicycle<http://www.wheels.ca/article/799545> 3. U.S. - A New List of Top Walking Cities Reveals Surprises<http://shareable.net/blog/a-new-list-of-top-walking-cities-reveals-surprise…> Active Transportation Canada URL: <http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.com/> http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.com A "Search" function is available on the site. You will find this at the bottom of the page. With more than 1,000 items posted on Active Transportation - Canada, there are links available to dozens of studies and hundreds of news items from communities across Canada and the world. If anyone has a problem reading this message, please let me know. I welcome suggestions for posts, so if you have news items featuring your community, please share them with the other subscribers from Canada, the US, and Australia on Active Transportation-Canada. Thank you. Michael Haynes Director TransActive Solutions

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ELECTION 2011 - Active Transportation PROMISES
by Janice Lukes 24 Sep '11

24 Sep '11

Hi AT folks - please feel free to circulate widely, I've summarized the various political parties active transportation PROMISES that we've heard / seen so far. I have not listened to last night's CTV debate - if any brilliant AT promises were made please tell me. See complete details of all parties promises: <http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/2011/09/23/election-promises/> http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/2011/09/23/election-promises/ * The Progressive Conservatives put their "PROVINCIALLY" focused promise directly into their healthcare platform - in black and white - and on the web. This promise has a PROVINCIAL focus. * The New Democratic Party did a press release on an AREA infrastructure promise - in black and white and on the web. This promise is for one specific area. * All parties have given verbal "PROVINCIAL" verbal promises. 1. A promise in black and white / on the web is far more desirable than a verbal promise from a politician - in my opinion. 2. Area specific infrastructure promises are fantastic! BUT - these are 'one offs' and virtually always requiring extensive months / years of advocacy from volunteers. Currently the Province of Manitoba has NO active transportation plan, no policy, no point people, no developed expertise. SUGGESTION: IF you are speaking to any NDP candidates - tell them you want to see - in writing - a "PROVINCIALLY" focused promise. Tell them you would like to see a promise in WRITING for: - a provincial active transportation policy - a director of active transportation - an active transportation advisory board (see complete details http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/2011/08/23/provincial-election-2011/ ) Perhaps hand them the black and white promise the Progressive Conservatives have made on Page 11, found here: http://www.pcmanitoba.com/assets/downloads/healthy%20communities.pdf Looking forward to October 4th! apologies if you have received this email more than once! Janice Janice Lukes Manager, Special Projects - Winnipeg Trails Winnipeg Trails Association 235-614 Des Meurons Street Winnipeg, MB R2H 2P9 Cell (204) 952-4222 Fax (204) <tel:%28204%29%20237-4618> 237-4618 <mailto:jlukes@riverswest.ca> jlukes(a)riverswest.ca <http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/> www.WinnipegTrails.ca Member of City of Winnipeg Active Transportation Advisory Committee Chair, Province of Manitoba Active Transportation Advisory Group

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350.org Moving Planet Manitoba - Moving to a fossil free future TOMORROW Sep 24
by Beth McKechnie 23 Sep '11

23 Sep '11

Please distribute widely: Bring your family, friends, and neighbours. Join us on bikes, on skates, on a board, or on foot to be part of a global rally to get moving on the climate crisis - *TOMORROW Sat Sep 24*. This will be a day of family fun, education, and solutions for the future of our planet. http://www.moving-planet.org/events/ca/winnipeg/559 The celebration will begin at *noon with a foot/bike parade from the Legislature building* down the Assiniboine bike path to The FORKS. Meet at the fountain south of the leg at noon. This parade event is open to all and will start at 12:30 SHARP. *At The Forks from 1:30 pm our main stage* will host speakers and performers including dance groups and two live bands. We will have inspiring speakers on climate change hopes and realities, First Nation's wisdom, art, and youth. Former Blue Bomber Troy Westwood will also share a few thoughts. *Eco-friendly businesses and organizations will exhibit **until 5:00 pm **at our Eco-Fair*, under The Forks canopy. They will highlight solutions for Manitobans to move toward a sustainable future. Come out to enjoy the sun and to *engage with the people who are working on a better future now*.

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Montreal tops in North America: International survey of bike-friendly cities
by Beth McKechnie 21 Sep '11

21 Sep '11

Montreal tops in North America International survey cites Bixi and other infrastructure initiatives by 'visionary politicians' in ranking city eighth in the world By RENÉ BRUEMMER, The Gazette September 21, 2011 http://www.montrealgazette.com/travel/Montreal+tops+North+America/5433520/s… Montreal has placed among the top 10 in a survey of the world's most bike-friendly cities, earning the highest ranking of any metropolis in North America. The Bicycle-Friendly Cities 2011 index, compiled by urban-planning Danish consulting firm Copenhagenize that specializes in cycling issues, noted that even the survey producers were surprised cities like Montreal, Rio de Janeiro and New York were among the top 20. The firm looked at 80 major cities around the world. "Montreal is North America's premiere bicycle city and comes in at No. 8.," Copenhagenize writes. "The city has had a bicycle infrastructure since the mid-'80s, which should embarrass other cities on that continent, and the rebirth of bicycle culture is noticeable across the city. "A strong, successful bike-sharing program has been implemented and a strong advocacy NGO (Vélo Québec), together with some visionary politicians, make the bicycle's future in Montreal look rosy." Montreal has expanded its bicycle network in recent years, to a total of 535 kilometres, with the intention of increasing it to 800 kilometres by 2015. Bixi, the bicycle sharing network, has proven extremely popular. The cities that came before Montreal were Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Tokyo, Berlin, Munich and Paris. Among North American cities, only Portland (13), San Francisco (17) and New York (20) made it into the top 20. The ranking is one of many in recent years to acknowledge Montreal's ascendancy in the bicycling realm, noted Martine Painchaud, a spokesperson for the mayor's office. "We are very happy about this, but it is important to note that this did not come about by chance," Painchaud said. "It came from a political vision that Mayor (Gérald) Tremblay had to enact policies that would create a culture of cycling in Montreal, and that included cycling as part of its overall transportation plan. . The idea was for it to become not just a pastime, but a means of transportation." The investments have paid off, Painchaud said, with the number of Montrealers who say they sometimes use a bicycle as a means of public transit jumping from 25 per cent in 2000 to nearly 50 per cent in 2010. And Bixi is up to 40,000 members. There is still room for improvement, however, note the authors of the index. The infrastructure must be expanded, because "funnelling the many cyclists down single streets is not the best way to encourage more cycling." Similarly, the authors suggest Montreal graduate from bi-directional on-street bike lanes, and instead put lanes on both sides of the street, for safety reasons. It also suggests retailers must offer more European-style bicycles with high handlebars and high seats that can be used in regular clothes, as opposed to the racing-type bikes commonly sold. And offer Bixi year-round, it suggests. The Copenhagenize Index gave cities marks for their efforts toward re-establishing the bicycle as an accepted and feasible form of transport. Cities were scored on 13 criteria, including bicycle culture (are regular citizens using it?), bicycle infrastructure, presence of a bikesharing program and the level of social acceptance (how do drivers and the community at large regard urban cyclists?). Montreal's bike network has been experiencing growing pains of late, with the de Maisonneuve bike path considered one of the busiest in North America, and pedestrians, drivers and cyclists all jockeying for space in the changing vehicular landscape, often with their elbows up. Painchaud noted that with the growth, there is a need to adapt, and the city is in constant evolution. Copenhagenize CEO Mikael Colville-Anderson said the city must move away from the car-centred culture of the past. "Montreal is 'crowded' simply because the city still treats bicycle users as second-class citizens, funnelling them down chosen streets instead of providing separated infrastructure on the main arteries," he wrote in an email. "You must build infrastructure where people want to ride - instead of forcing them to ride where YOU want them to ride. 'You' means the city." Montreal commuters of all stripes can perhaps gain solace in Amsterdam, perennial front-runner in cycling friendly cities, which has established peace among its many different forms of transit. "The cycling atmosphere (in Amsterdam) is relaxed, enjoyable, and as mainstream as you can get. This is the one place on the planet where fearmongering about cycling is nonexistent and it shows." rbruemmer(a)montrealgazette.com © Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette

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Very significant NDP 'promise' announced last night !
by Janice Lukes 21 Sep '11

21 Sep '11

This looks like a big email - and it is - but contains VERY significant active transportation - election - information - please circulate widely. Last night, at 5:00 pm - in Erna Braun's (MLA Rossmere) campaign office - Premier Selinger, flanked by NDP candidates from Concordia, Elmwood, Radisson, and River East announced to 20+ area residents - that if re-elected - they would build a safe pedestrian / cycle crossing (bridge) over the Perimeter Hwy from the Northeast Pioneers Greenway into the RM of St. Paul. See Sigrun Bailey's (Co-Chair of River East Neighborhood Network - Trail Committee) email below. Sigrun, a resident of NK, was in attendance at the event. Some may have a hard time understanding the significance of this safe pedestrian / cycle crossing over the Perimeter - There is a BIG PICTURE VISION to what seems to be a whole bunch of bits and pieces - I'll try to briefly summarize: CentrePort: http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/2011/08/22/centreports-impact-on-active-transpo rtation/ - as per the Manitoba's Director of Highway Planning & Design, and with the development of CentrePort - "over the next 20 years, traffic volume on the Perimeter Hwy is projected to go from 14,500 to 40,000 vehicles / day". Infrastructure changes on the Perimeter Hwy are occurring around the city to develop the Perimeter into expressway. In the north east quadrant, the interchange of the Perimeter and Hwy 59 is undergoing an $80 - $100 Million overhaul projected to be completed by 2017. RM of East St.Paul: - according to the latest census, East St. Paul is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Manitoba. Birds Hill Provincial Park: - the most heavily used Provincial Park in Manitoba - Conservation / Park officials identify need to reduce 'stress' on the park and support trail systems leading out of park onto floodway Northeast Pioneers Greenway: http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/trails-maps/northeast-pioneers-greenwaynew/ - the most heavily used trail in Manitoba - primarily used by area residents Economic Benefits Provincial Cycle Tourism: - see story Margo Goodhand, Free Press editor wrote last Saturday on cycle tourism & economic benefits in Wisconsin: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/travel/Wisconsins-cycling-secrets--13002077 3.html - see economic benefits in the Province of Quebec from the 'RouteVert' cycle tourism route: page 16 in Greater Strides report to Province of Manitoba: http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/pdf/atag_report6.pdf - google economic benefits and you will see countless other examples. The Long and Winding Trail from Winnipeg to Birds Hill Provincial Park & Lockport: 2004 - Red River Floodway Expansion is announced: see Page 3 http://www.floodwayauthority.mb.ca/pdf/floodnewsletter_all.pdf 2004 - Rivers West enables formation of Red River Floodway Trails Coalition 2004 -2006 Multiple studies investigating recreational opportunities were conducted by the Manitoba Floodway Authority http://www.floodwayauthority.mb.ca/reports.html & Rivers West http://www.riverswest.ca/index.cfm?pageID=5 and see page 5 http://www.floodwayauthority.mb.ca/pdf/newsletter_08_11_05.pdf 2006 - John Buhler engage City of Winnipeg in purchase of Marconi rail line - to convert into multi use trail 2007 - at grand opening of the 'Northeast Pioneers Greenway' then Premier Doer states this trail will ultimately connect to Birds Hill Provincial Park. 2007 - The Forks /Paul Jordan (then co-chair of Winnipeg Trails Association), Bike to the Future, River West, River East Neighborhood Network - Trail Committee initiate discussions with RM St. Paul for 'The Forks National Historic Site to Birds Hill Provincial Park' trail connection 2008 - Phase one of Winnipeg's Rapid Transit is announced - and will include separate active transportation / cycling pathway 2009- construction of asphalt trails on floodway begin - note an asphalt trail from Birds Hill Park to Lockport is also being constructed (attached is a DRAFT - which will be finalized and on WTA website next week) 2010 - following strong advocacy, City of Winnipeg includes separated pedestrian /cycle bridge for Northeast Pioneers Greenway users to SAFELY cross over the $100M Chief Peguis Expansion (Chief Peguis Expansion another key link in CentrePort transportation route) construction of pedestrian / equestrian / cycle bridge over 59 Hwy connecting Birds Hill Park to Floodway begins summer 2011 - Manitoba Floodway Authority highlights overall recreational plan Page 3 http://www.floodwayauthority.mb.ca/pdf/floodway_nwsltr_eng_2011.pdf summer 2011 - Winnipeg Trails Association, River East Neighborhood Network - Trail Committee, Prairie Pathfinders Hiking Club, One Green City, & Bike to the Future launch Winnipeg to Birds Hill Awareness Campaign - citing the need to include SAFE active transportation in the PTH 101 / PTH 59 interchange $80-$100 M rehabilitation fall 2011 - NDP promise 'if re-elected' they will build a safe pedestrian / cycle crossing over the Perimeter Hwy. The Future: The dream is to go from University of Manitoba through the city of Winnipeg to Birds Hill Park and then to Lockport on a completely separate multi use pathway - and while there are still a few missing pieces that need to come together - I and many others are confident this will occur within the next 5 years. Yet to occur: In Winnipeg: - a separate pathway from Chalmers to The Forks (route has been identified) - safe / civilized pedestrian cycling crossing on Osborne under the rail line (in City of Winnipeg 5 year budget projection and will have to occur as rail line needs maintenance overhaul) - Phase Two of Rapid Transit to U of M (also to include an active transportation pathway) - perhaps in the next 4 years? the Stadium's location at U of M is helping move Phase Two up the ladder of priorities In RM Birds Hill: - asphalting / upgrading of Raleigh / Gateway route which is currently on roadway Floodway: - Dunning Road crossing is currently seasonal and related to floodway levels - a separated year around route is being investigated by Manitoba Floodway Authority Lockport: - the trail is being constructed and refinements into Lockport will occur in the next few years. In Summary: Many many folks & organizations have been working towards this vision. HUGE HUGE thank yous to all who have helped the vision get this far. BUT The development of CentrePort - positioning Manitoba as a 'global transportation hub' - will impact countless pedestrian and cycling crossings in the year to come- in Winnipeg and in Manitoba. There are opportunities to enable SAFE pedestrian and cycling crossings in the development of this trucking network - as we've are seeing in the Forks / Birds Hill / Lockport / Floodway trail BUT STRONG / NON STOP / HARD CORE ADVOCACY was required - I know I've been involved since 2004 and it hasn't been an easy ride at all to get to last night's announcement! IF the Province had a Provincial Active Transportation policy - gov't would consider active transportation when they are investing billions of tax payers dollars into roadways. Pedestrians and cyclists would have far higher odds of having SAFE transportation routes and crossings. We have yet to hear a FORMAL commitment from any party stating they would implement an Provincial Active Transportation Policy. When candidates come knocking - please stress the need for a Provincial Active Transportation policy. Provincial Election Active Transportation details can be found here: http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/2011/08/23/provincial-election-2011/ Janice Lukes Manager, Special Projects - Winnipeg Trails Winnipeg Trails Association 235-614 Des Meurons Street Winnipeg, MB R2H 2P9 Cell (204) 952-4222 Fax (204) <tel:%28204%29%20237-4618> 237-4618 <mailto:jlukes@riverswest.ca> jlukes(a)riverswest.ca <http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/> www.WinnipegTrails.ca Member of City of Winnipeg Active Transportation Advisory Committee Chair, Province of Manitoba Active Transportation Advisory Group -----Original Message----- From: Sigrun Bailey [mailto:sigrun.bailey@gmail.com] Sent: September 20, 2011 6:58 PM To: undisclosed-recipients: Subject: Important AT Announcement Today Premier Selinger along with all of the NDP candidates in the NE quadrant of the City promised to build a safe crossing (flyover) of the Northeast Pioneers Greenway at the Perimeter Hwy. If they get elected it will be one of the first things they do! It will be a joyous day for AT. Our vision of connecting The Forks National Historic Site to Birds Hill Provincial Park is one step closer to reality. Sigrun RENN-TC, Co-Chair

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MRTA Job Posting
by Beth McKechnie 19 Sep '11

19 Sep '11

Manitoba Recreational Trails Association EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Manitoba Recreational Trails Association (MRTA) is seeking an Executive Director to join our team. The MRTA is a volunteer based, non-profit organization, whose primary purpose is the management of the Trans Canada Trail in Manitoba. The MRTA represents 18 regional trail associations who are tasked with the construction and maintenance of the Trans Canada Trail. The successful candidate should have experience working independently while managing multiple demands. They should have in-depth experience with volunteer boards and a demonstrated background in liaising effectively with government agencies. Effective communication to maintain close partnerships with our regional trails groups is vital. The successful applicant should possess a thorough understanding of volunteer sector issues, marketing and fundraising. Training and/or experience in project management would be considered an asset, including budget plan development and execution. The Executive Director also must possess strong oral and written communication skills and excel at organizing, time management, prioritizing and problem solving. A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle is essential. Must be available to work evenings and weekends as required and travel extensively throughout Manitoba. A more detailed job description, including salary range, is available at the MRTA website: www.mrta.mb.ca Send resume and cover letter in confidence by September 30th 2011 to: margaret {at} mrta.mb.ca Only candidates to be interviewed will be contacted. No phone calls please. Regards, Margaret Boyechko Administration Assistant/Bookkeeper Manitoba Recreational Trails Association 1007 Century Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0W4 204-633-9879 204-945-1365 (fax) www.mrta.mb.ca *"In every walk with nature one receives * *far more than he seeks."* - John Muir

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WFP: Snow-shovelling relief on way for some
by Beth McKechnie 14 Sep '11

14 Sep '11

[See highlighted paragraphs at end of article regarding snow removal on pathways and AT routes...] Snow-shovelling relief on way for some City to improve lane plowing where front access lacking By: Jen Skerritt Posted: 09/14/2011 THE bad news is Winnipeggers with back lanes will still have to dig out of windrows this winter. The good news is relief may be on the way for some neighbourhoods in 2012. On Tuesday, city council's public works committee approved a plan to spend an additional $50,000 to remove windrows and enhance snow-clearing in back lanes with no front-street access in 2012 and beyond. That means residents in neighbourhoods such as Wildwood Park will no longer have to shovel their way through piles of snow to back out of their lanes. Public works director Brad Sacher said some residents in neighbourhoods such as Wildwood Park and parts of Transcona don't have a front street to park on because they are bordered by sidewalks or parks. In these areas, Sacher said wider back lanes essentially function as front streets. "They literally would have to shovel their way out to get to these paths that we had created," Sacher said. "It wasn't working very well with those residents." If the plan is approved by executive policy committee and then council, Sacher said snowplows will clear those back lanes and remove any windrows left behind by plows. In neighbourhoods where residents with back lanes also have front streets, Sacher said there will not be any changes to how plows clear snow from the back lanes. At the same time, the city will consider a plan to spend an additional $250,000 in 2012 to clear more snow from active transportation routes. Sacher said the idea is to encourage more people to use the trails for recreation and to commute during the winter. Last year, the city spent about $125,000 to plow active transportation trails, and Sacher said the new routes that could be targeted would be determined with input from commuter cyclists and recreational users. The city does not track how many people cycle during the winter, but Sacher said the department suspects it is on the rise. "It's a significant increase in the number of trails we're going to be able to address," he said. Fort Rouge Coun. Jenny Gerbasi said more people are using active transportation corridors than ever before and the move is a positive step for the city. "There are more hardy winter riders," Gerbasi said. jen.skerritt(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Bicyclists top million commuting miles - Pedalling to, from work shows value
by Beth McKechnie 14 Sep '11

14 Sep '11

Bicyclists top million commuting miles Pedaling to, from work shows value 7:01 AM, Sep. 8, 2011 http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20110908/APC0101/109080473/Bicyclists-t… For Neenah resident Gregg Warning, getting serious about bicycling this year has paid short- and long-term benefits. Since last spring, Warning, 50, has logged about 2,500 miles commuting to work by leaving his van parked at his home and biking nine miles to the UPS Center on the north side of Oshkosh. Two weeks after starting his bike commute, Warning lost 10 pounds and found himself more alert and full of energy at work. He also noticed a difference in his wallet. "It's (saving) like the price of a gallon of gas per day — at least $20 a week in fuel," Warning said. He is among the nearly 4,600 bicyclists statewide who have logged more than 1 million miles going to and from work since May 16 as part of the Scott Get Up and Ride Wisconsin Bike Challenge. The challenge, which ends Sept. 30, surpassed the 1 million mile mark last week. All challenge participants and bicycling enthusiasts are invited to help celebrate the milestone and other biking-related successes in the Fox Valley at Fed Fest on Saturday at Appleton's City Park. It is one of several events scheduled across the state by the Bike Federation of Wisconsin to promote bicycling, recognize the bike challenge success and spread the word about Share & Be Aware, a statewide safety program sponsored by the state Department of Transportation. Scott Reilly, of Appleton, a BFW Share & Be Aware ambassador, has been attending public events such as farmer's markets, festivals and concerts while also teaching bike safety and skills classes to spread the word about the safety program launched earlier this year. There have been 32 bike and pedestrian fatalities in Wisconsin so far this year. The safety program's basic messages are: bicyclists and motorists must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk; bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as a motorist, including stopping at red lights and stop signs; and motorists by law need to leave at least three feet of space when passing someone on a bicycle. "Our goal is to educate drivers, bicyclists and the general public on our shared responsibilities on the roads here in the state by attending public events and offering classes on bike safety with the hope of reducing the number of accidents involving bikes and automobiles," Reilly said. *— Michael King: 920-729-6622, ext. 33, or mking(a)postcrescent.com* Wisconsin Bike Challenge at a glance Official name: Scott Get Up and Ride Wisconsin<http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20110908/APC0101/109080473/Bicyclists-t…>Bike Challenge Teams registered: 1,188 Riders: 4,546 Distance: 1,094,653 miles (as of Wednesday) Calories burned: 36.6 billion CO2 saved: 556,578 pounds Dollars saved: $275,553 On the Web: www.challenge.bfw.org Source: www.endomondo.com

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