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Metro News: Winnipeg will improve active transportation education and wayfinding (Dec.14'16)
by Beth McKechnie 16 Dec '16

16 Dec '16

Winnipeg will improve active transportation education and wayfindingNew bike infrastructure will require enhanced outreach and education, as well as fresh maps and wayfinding material. *By:* Braeden Jones <http://www.metronews.ca/authors.jones_braeden.html> Although some of Winnipeg’s many, <http://www.metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/2016/12/08/winnipeg-bike-lanes-could-…> many <http://www.metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/2016/11/23/winnipeg-bike-path-plans-s…> critics <http://www.metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/2016/12/11/winnipeg-at-critic-made-30…> lament how the city is stuck in its deeply engrained, car-culture ways, there's progress afoot. Over the next few years, the city is looking to set aside about $15 million for new active transportation (AT) infrastructure and other related projects, one of which happens to be $1.1 million worth of “public education, awareness and promotion.” In previous years, those three boxes were ticked predominantly by partnerships with the Green Action Centre, Rivers West and Bike Week—all of which promote active living and cycling awareness. The $1.1 million to be spent over the next three years on those same objectives will continue to support those partnerships, but also introduce new initiatives. “We’re expanding (our outreach),” said Stephanie Whitehouse, the city’s AT coordinator. “As we expand our facilities, we need to expand that too.” She explained that with projects like the Garry Street bi-directional bike corridor slated to be constructed by 2018, one of the city’s main priorities is enhanced education. “That will represent a new kind of facility for Winnipeg… bidirectional on a one-way street, with bike boxes, signals specifically for cyclists,” she said. “We want to make sure the public knows how to use it.” Whitehouse said the city will work with a consultant to ensure their communications strategy matches best practices,” but she expects one outcome will be “improving two way communications.” “We want to start a dialogue so that people like the AT critic have ample opportunity to give us feedback we can build on. We always want to learn where we get it right, where there are opportunities for feedback,” she said. It’s not necessarily new for the city, as Whitehouse and her team were responsive to criticism of the Assiniboine Avenue cycle track’s Main Street crossing –namely that the light timing was too short, so they made it longer—but she admits there's room for improvement. “While we do a lot of public engagement, the dialogue doesn’t stop once we construct something,” she said. While most of the AT education initiatives on her wishlist are “high level” at the moment, one tangible item Whitehouse is looking forward to – and cyclists have called for – is improved wayfinding. “As we expand our network we’re going to roll-out a new wayfinding program… this comes from strategies as well as feedback we’ve heard from our AT advisory committee and the public,” she said. The city does have a system of wayfinding signage, but both it and its cycling maps will have to change to add new routes and key destinations. “We’re about to put out a (request for proposals) to put out a new map in 2017, which will also be available online,” Whitehouse said, adding the map would likely be installed on signage “at key junctions” on bike routes. With the budget passed this week <http://www.metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/2016/12/13/winnipeg-roads-budget-coun…>, the preliminary consultation for a new education and outreach strategy will take place in 2017, with “roll out in 2018,” and the wayfinding study is projected for 2018 with implementation in 2019. With both the wayfinding and education efforts, Whitehouse said the goal is “to get more people using (AT) facilities” and help them “think twice about getting in their car.” http://www.metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/2016/12/14/winnipeg-will-improve-acti…

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Safe Routes to Healthy Food
by Beth McKechnie 14 Dec '16

14 Dec '16

Interesting to see the Safe Routes to School Partnership in the US engaging in access to healthy food: http://saferoutespartnership.org/resources/fact-sheet/safe-routes-healthy-f… cheers, Beth -- *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 green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/>

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Fwd: Programming of the Winter Cycling Congress, now online !
by Anders Swanson 08 Dec '16

08 Dec '16

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Claude Beauséjour <cbeausejour(a)velo.qc.ca> Date: Wed, Dec 7, 2016 at 3:06 PM Subject: Programming of the Winter Cycling Congress, now online ! To: "andersswanson(a)gmail.com" <andersswanson(a)gmail.com> Dear Anders Swanson, We want to proudly announced you the programming for the winter Cycling Congress is now online ! Have a look on our website. <http://www.velo.qc.ca/wcc/?lang=en> Also here is different topics we want to share with you: • To everyone is not register <http://www.velo.qc.ca/wcc/?lang=en>yet, don’t forget to do it • Make your life easier and book a room at Hyatt Regency Montréal <https://aws.passkey.com/event/15042628/owner/16160/home?lang=en_US>, special rate are available for you • You want be part of a magical nocturnal Montréal experience ? Participate to Snow Moon by bike <http://www.velo.qc.ca/en/event/Snow-Moon-by-bike> on the February 11th • Stay up date and like the Facebook page of the Winter Cycling Congress <https://www.facebook.com/Wintercyclingcongress/> and the Twitter account <https://twitter.com/wintercycle2017> To promote the Winter Cycling Congress we would like to have illustrations of your topic and pictures of you. Likewise if you have a Twitter account/Facebook page personal or of your organisation, please share those links with us. Thank you very much for your collaboration. The Winter Cycling Congress organizing committee want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year 2017! *Claude Beauséjour* | Adjointe Congrès vélo d'hiver *Vélo Québec Association* | 1251, rue Rachel Est, Montréal (Québec) H2J 2J9 T. 514 521-8356 <(514)%20521-8356>, poste 361 | cbeausejour(a)velo.qc.ca [image: Description : Association:Transport actif:Conférences et colloques:Winter Cycling Congress 2017:Communication-Marketing:visuels:web:960x200_Web_Entete.jpg] <http://www.congresvelohivermtl.org/>

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AT Webinar Invite: Tips to Demystify Traffic Analysis, Wed, Dec. 14, 2-3pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 07 Dec '16

07 Dec '16

Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg invite you to join us for a local viewing of this month's APBP <http://www.apbp.org/> webinar. The webinar viewing takes place in the EcoCentre 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 * * * * * *Tips to Demystify Traffic AnalysisWednesday, December 14 | 2:00 - 3:00 pm CST * With this webinar you can expect to learn: an understanding of some of the basic methods and terminology used by traffic engineers; the impact that assumptions can have on traffic analysis outcomes; and how to work with traffic engineers to evaluate projects more holistically. *Speakers:* - Hannah Pritchard, PE PTOE, Multimodal Traffic Engineer, Toole Design Group - Brian Walsh, P.E., State Traffic Design Engineer – Traffic Operations Division, Washington State DOT - Andrew Beagle, P.E., Transportation Planning Specialist – Public Transportation Office, Washington State DOT

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Bicycle Hotel
by Beth McKechnie 06 Dec '16

06 Dec '16

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Jeremy Hull <hull.jeremy(a)gmail.com> Date: Tue, 6 Dec 2016 11:22:56 -0600 Subject: Bicycle Hotel Norway has set ambitious targets for an environmental and sustainable future. As a result an increasing number of railway stations now have a bicycle hotel, to promote cycling. On Monday 10 October 2016 the Lillestrøm Bicycle Hotel designed by Various Architects AS, opened in the city that has been frequently voted Norway´s best cycling city. The project was commissioned by ROM Eiendom AS and The Norwegian National Railways and the design of the building focuses on making a positive contribution to the surroundings. The project gives back to the city the area it takes away by providing a public green rooftop, which directly connects to the main square of the Train Station. The glass box consists of transparent glass walls and a playful concrete base that protects the building against the surrounding heavy traffic. The transparent glass walls allow natural light to filter through during the day and transform the building into a glowing box at night, providing a special visual experience. The mood of the building keeps changing from day to night. The dynamic wooden roof that lays on top... read more <http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/landing/6755>

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Bicycle Hotel
by Jeremy Hull 06 Dec '16

06 Dec '16

Lighting up cycling in Norway <http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/landing/6755> Norway has set ambitious targets for an environmental and sustainable future. As a result an increasing number of railway stations now have a bicycle hotel, to promote cycling. On Monday 10 October 2016 the Lillestrøm Bicycle Hotel designed by Various Architects AS, opened in the city that has been frequently voted Norway´s best cycling city. The project was commissioned by ROM Eiendom AS and The Norwegian National Railways and the design of the building focuses on making a positive contribution to the surroundings. The project gives back to the city the area it takes away by providing a public green rooftop, which directly connects to the main square of the Train Station. The glass box consists of transparent glass walls and a playful concrete base that protects the building against the surrounding heavy traffic. The transparent glass walls allow natural light to filter through during the day and transform the building into a glowing box at night, providing a special visual experience. The mood of the building keeps changing from day to night. The dynamic wooden roof that lays on top... read more <http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/landing/6755> https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?hl=en&tab=wm#inbox/158d4cf39a1e1152?compo…

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Metro News: Vision Zero forum to be hosted in Winnipeg (Dec.5'16)
by Beth McKechnie 05 Dec '16

05 Dec '16

Vision zero forum to be hosted in WinnipegRebecca Peterniak, a Winnipeg-based road-safety specialist with an interest in accommodating vulnerable road users, said evidence drawn from best-practice shows “injuries and fatalities are preventable.” http://www.metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/2016/12/05/councillor-hosts-vision-ze… Sometimes vehicles hit people, and sometimes those people are either badly injured or killed—but it doesn’t have to be that way, according to one local expert who will speak on a road safety panel in Winnipeg on January 30. Rebecca Peterniak, a Winnipeg-based road-safety specialist with an interest in accommodating vulnerable road users, said evidence drawn from best-practice shows “injuries and fatalities are preventable.” It may seem farfetched, given the innate fallibility of all road users, but Peterniak said that’s old-school thinking. “It’s the responsibility of transportation system providers to allow for that error and build a road system that (minimizes) the outcome of mistakes so they don’t result in people dying,” she said. “Basically, wherever people might fail, the road system shouldn’t.” That sentiment is at the core of Vision Zero, a road safety concept from Sweden that takes a zero tolerance approach to traffic deaths, effectively cutting them by half since the late ‘90s. Peterniak has authored two papers on Vision Zero and held a workshop on the subject at the 2016 Canadian Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Conference in June. She said Vision Zero cities accept road safety issues as nothing less than a “health epidemic,” and then addresses them accordingly through a proactive approach. “How you’re building your roads, maintaining your roads, what types of modes of transportation are prioritized… how you’re protecting (vulnerable users)… there are a lot of things you can do for road safety,” she said. “There is always more that can be done.” She said Vision Zero thinking is relatively new to Canada, but “gaining traction rapidly.” The Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) worked Vision Zero ideals into *Canada’s Road Safety Strategy 2025* in January 2016, which Peterniak said provided a “framework municipalities can use to develop their own strategies locally.” Major Canadian cities including Ottawa, Edmonton and Vancouver have all since publicly attached their own safety strategies to Vision Zero, but each still has work to do. “Becoming a ‘Vision Zero jurisdiction’ happens on a spectrum,” Peterniak said. “Adoption is the first phase … that comes with developing a policy statement to say, ‘we support this vision,’ but implementation is later, that’s what it looks like in practice.” The implementation part is where Vision Zero really starts to matter, according to Vision Zero Canada’s executive director, Graham Larkin, who cautions against claiming Vision Zero sympathy to be “trendy” without really investing in the goal. “Nobody wants traffic deaths, we all want to eliminate them, the question is: ‘Are we willing to go big and make the necessary changes?’” Larkin said. He explained those necessary changes in a Vision Zero city would mean “civic officials taking responsibility for road safety, putting the onus on themselves, and using proven methods to establish fail-safe systems.” Larkin said the status quo of most cities is relying on education, engineering and enforcement, pillars that survive in a shift to Vision Zero thinking, but in totally new ways. “Engineering for one tends to come from this old fashioned idea that roads are devoted to level of service, throughput for cars,” he said. “I’d rather talk about design, that’s sort of a more suitable term for describing what is basically the street as the best possible interface for all of the different users.” Separating vulnerable users from cars, “clever signalization like advanced green for bikes,” pedestrian-initiated cross-walks, lower speeds, traffic-calming measures like speed humps and other innovations that are “compromises” that may irritate some drivers, Larkin said--but it won’t kill them. He said the great part about Vision Zero is that in Europe, where the concept took hold decades ago now, it’s already proven, meaning Canadian cities needn’t reinvent the wheel. “Just emulate the world leaders, do what they do, I’m talking about Sweden, Denmark… If you’re Winnipeg, it’s reasonable to look at those places,” he said. “Go with proven data-driven methods, don’t do what you think is politically expedient so you can sell it to voters… we don’t need to do that.” Peterniak will present her thoughts on the progressive approach at a public forum and panel discussion Coun. Janice Lukes has planned for January 30 at the Millennium Library. She said it’s too early to tell what kind of support Vision Zero could have in Winnipeg, among its citizenry or leaders, but regardless it’s “encouraging” the discussion has started. “I hope it will lead to action, road injuries and deaths are preventable so the more we get together and talk about it, the closer we get to that end.

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Job posting: Operations Manager, Peg City Car Co-op
by Beth McKechnie 01 Dec '16

01 Dec '16

*** Please share widely – thanks! *** *Peg City Car Co-op seeks Operations Manager* We are looking for someone who is entrepreneurial, a strategic thinker, and passionate about the role that carsharing can play in sustainable transportation in Winnipeg, yet who is willing and able to be hands on with the daily operations of a small but growing organization. https://pegcitycarcoop.ca/v1_5/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Operations-Manage… *About the Position* The Operations Manager oversees the day-to-day activities of Peg City Car Co-op, and is directly responsible for data management and metrics tracking, monthly invoicing, fleet management, corporate account management, and strategic planning. Starting salary is $45,000 per year plus $120 per semi-monthly pay period for on call duties and 3 weeks paid vacation. *Primary Responsibilities* - Prepare monthly invoices and manage accounts receivable; - Maintain booking software integrity and data quality; - Manage fleet including the acquisition and set up (or disposal) of vehicles; securing parking sites and signage; coordinating repairs and maintenance; and processing and managing MPI claims; - Recruit and manage corporate accounts; - Prepare quarterly reports on key metrics; - Ensure appropriate compliance, sound financial management, and accountability; - Streamline operating procedures to support growth and efficiencies; - Identify opportunities for growth and increased revenue; - Build or maintain strategic partnerships with government, businesses and community leaders; - Mentor and provide direction and support to the Member Services Coordinator; - Prepare for and participate in board and committee meetings as appropriate; - Provide succinct information and analysis to the Board to inform its key policy decisions; - Assist the Treasurer to develop the annual budget for Board approval; and - Represent the Co-op in public, cultivating strong media relations and political goodwill. *Requirements:* - Hold a valid Manitoba Class F driver's licence and clean driving history - Possess a strong self-starter personality - Able to work independently and find solutions - Desire to learn new things and able to adapt quickly - Able to work a varied schedule including evenings and weekends - Able to respond to time-sensitive vehicle issues *How to Apply* Email your cover letter and resume to info(a)pegcitycarcoop.ca and indicate "Operations Manager Application" in the subject line. *Deadline for Submission*: Review of applications will start December 8, 2016, and will continue until the position is filled.

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Metro News: Winnipeg committee pumps brakes on fast-tracked bike grid (Nov. 29'16)
by Beth McKechnie 01 Dec '16

01 Dec '16

Winnipeg committee pumps brakes on fast-tracked bike gridThe infrastructure and public works committee did not support a lengthy pitch to figure out what it would take to roll out a downtown bike grid quickly. http://www.metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/2016/11/29/winnipeg-pumps-breaks-on-b… An ambitious plan to study a fast-tracked, adjustable grid of protected bike lanes <http://www.metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/2016/11/10/winnipeg-councillor-pushin…> is not moving forward—at least not yet. After a well-attended info session <http://www.metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/2016/10/19/winnipeg-hungry-for-bike-n…> in Winnipeg – including industry experts with experience implementing bike grids in other cities – Coun. Janice Lukes tried to get the infrastructure renewal and public works (IRPW) Committee to order a report on what it would take to follow suit locally. Instead, IRPW chairperson Coun. Marty Morantz accepted her report—and the enthusiastic support from active transportation advocates, the business community, <http://www.metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/2016/11/24/winnipeg-chamber-of-commer…>and other councillors alike—for information, and asked administration to take the next 120 days to determine if an adjustable downtown grid fits with the city’s existing plans. “I think that taking a baby step forward on this is a good idea,” Morantz said. He took contention with the mention of the infrastructure being “adjustable” and “temporary,” and said words like “expedite” put him off during Lukes’ presentation. “Sometimes in our haste we can make mistakes,” he said. Morantz also expressed concern that the city’s 2015 pedestrian and cycling strategy has “not a word” about adjustable bike paths, and wondered whether Edmonton or Calgary’s did before they went with the adjustable grid plan. Transportation Manager Luis Escobar cleared it up, explaining each of those cities were in a similar “piecemeal” <http://www.metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/2016/11/23/winnipeg-bike-path-plans-s…> development mode as Winnipeg, building bike networks out during road renewal as per their respective plans before realizing the approach is “not an actual concerted effort to build a cycling network.” Those cities, like Winnipeg, were years from having a gapless transportation network for cyclists that is both safe and convenient. “So what they did is they (installed) something to fill in that space in-between,” Escobar said. Also, to dissuade fears that Lukes’ idea could in any way defy the existing cycling strategy, Escobar said the department would have to find a way to make the two plans compatible, as it “cannot undermine a policy that has been adopted.” Lukes further rebutted Morantz’s concerns, saying the strategy clearly identifies building out the downtown network as a key priority. It’s a choice, she says, between taking a decade to have a safe cycling network downtown, or having one by 2018 “for a fraction of the cost.” She contends her preferred method is a “new innovative approach” the consultants who developed Winnipeg’s active transportation plan simply hadn’t considered or weren’t familiar with at the time. “Technology and innovation in (the active transportation field) is constantly evolving,” she said. “It used to be just painted llines with sharrows, but we realized people weren’t getting out… this is a very evolving field.” Lukes said the motion that replaced her own is a “delay tactic,” but only a minor set-back. She explained how, leading up to the IRPW meeting, she learned there is “tremendous demand” for the downtown grid, and she believes pushing it back means “people’s safety is put on the line,” so she’ll be working to make it happen. “We’re here to make change,” Lukes said. “Change isn’t easy.

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WFP: Pedestrian safety key to Portage and Main reopening (Nov.30'16)
by Beth McKechnie 30 Nov '16

30 Nov '16

Pedestrian safety key to Portage and Main reopening ALDO SANTIN www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/re-opening-portage-and- main-could-take-years-403621966.html IT will take two years of planning before work can begin on reopening the Portage and Main intersection to pedestrians, a senior city official said. Lester Deane, director of public works, told reporters Tuesday that a consulting firm hired to carry out a traffic analysis found no obstacles or concerns that would prevent foot traffic at the iconic intersection. But Deane said measures would have to be taken to ensure pedestrians are safe when crossing and accessibility is achieved for everyone. “We believe we can open the intersections, it’s just a question of having a good plan going forward and working with the owners so they’re comfortable with the overall picture,” Deane said. “We know we can do it, it’s just a question of painting the big picture and getting costs associated with delivering that.” Deane said the analysis found that there would be delays to traffic flows through the intersection for both private vehicles and transit buses, but he added that was expected. However, no funds have been set aside in the preliminary 2017 city budget for work that would lead to reopening the corner. Mayor Brian Bowman said last week, when he tabled the budget that funds weren’t included because the city is still talking to the property owners. “Some of the issues that have been raised (by the property owners) is a desire for more investments — for the city to do its part — while the property owners have been investing millions of dollars in upgrades to their exterior and interior,” Bowman said. The famous intersection was closed to pedestrians in 1979 in a deal between city hall and developers to facilitate the construction of the underground concourse and adjoining underground Winnipeg Square shopping mall. Deane said the most problematic area for pedestrians would be near the Bank of Montreal, at the intersection’s southeast corner, explaining there is little land available for the infrastructure needed to accommodate pedestrians. The boulevard in front of the bank building also poses accessibility issues, he said, as it is a two-metre drop to the street. Deane said the city would likely have to acquire some of the property from the bank before work could proceed. “It’s the most difficult corner to introduce pedestrian access,” Deane said. “To make things safe and to meet our accessibility requirements, there is a lot of additional work that would have to be done.” Deane said the study, which has not been made public, contained early estimates for some of the work involved, but he added more analysis and designs would be required to determine an accurate cost. aldo.santin(a)freepress.mb.ca

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