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WFP Editorial: Proposed helmet law misguided (Jun10'16)
by Beth McKechnie 11 Jun '16

11 Jun '16

Proposed helmet law misguided http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/editorials/proposed-helmet-law-mis… Winnipeg city council is considering making helmets mandatory for adult cyclists. As a safety move, wearing a helmet is a good idea; a helmet, obviously, protects a person’s head should they be thrown from a bicycle. But a mandatory helmet law only addresses part of the problem. According to data compiled by Transport Canada, increased helmet use among cyclists from 1975 to 2010 had no … [View More]effect on traffic-related fatality trends. When compared against pedestrians, fatalities among cyclists decreased at roughly the same rate. Better driving practices among motorists were credited as having a greater effect. According to the Canadian Automobile Association, most bicycle injuries and crashes occur during afternoon rush hour, while one in three cyclist fatalities occur at night or in places where there’s artificial lighting. Cyclists are most likely to be killed or injured at an intersection or location where there are traffic signals. Sixty-four per cent of cyclist deaths resulting from traffic crashes took place on city roads with a speed limit up to 70 km/h. Common collisions between a motor vehicle and cyclist involve drivers cutting off a cyclist when making a right turn, colliding with an oncoming cyclist when the motorist makes a left turn, and passing a cyclist with insufficient clearance. Not much that helmets are going to do about that. But if the city is considering mandatory helmet use, maybe it can mandate some other things to address these factors. Let's start with bike lanes on all streets. If the problem is motorists and cyclists in the same lane, separate them. For a city such as Winnipeg, that is constantly ripping up its streets for repair, would this expense really be much different if phased in with existing repair work? Or perhaps the city should extend its dedicated cycling infrastructures, such as the paved bike paths in Quebec City, Edmonton, and Calgary? (Oh wait, a $300-million cycling and pedestrian infrastructure plan for Winnipeg was axed by city councillors, as Robert Galston has noted on these pages. Perhaps cyclists’ safety isn’t the top priority.) We can also address cyclist and motorist behaviour. Cyclists should ride on the street and obey traffic laws. Motorists should change lanes to pass cyclists. Motorists should not be passing cyclists in their own lane, running the risk of clipping them with a mirror or blowing them off balance through turbulence. (The one-metre rule should be the bare minimum, but it’s not specified in the Highway Traffic Act; it’s at a motorist’s discretion how much room to give when passing a cyclist.) The city should promote the practice that motor vehicles must change lanes to pass a bicycle, as they must do to pass a car, truck, bus or motorcycle. This isn’t even mentioning the upside to actual cycling infrastructure, be it bike lanes on existing roads or dedicated bike paths. Safer conditions for cyclists mean more people on bikes and fewer in cars, lightening traffic congestion. And cycling infrastructure makes urban life more attractive, as Brainerd, Minn., found out. That community invested heavily in a bike path system and in addition to encouraging more people to live there, its tourist numbers have increased as well. Before the "it-could-never-work-here" howls begin, consider it wasn’t seatbelt requirements alone that have addressed motorist deaths. Airbags and innovations in vehicle design that help absorb impact are factors, as is better road design and road-clearing practices, and better education for drivers. Helmets, while a good idea, are like seatbelts: they minimize damage but don’t solve the problem. Winnipeg drivers and cyclists can tackle part of the solution together, through safer driving practices; but for real change, city hall has to stop giving cyclists the evil eye and actually do something about infrastructure. [View Less]

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AT Webinar: Economic Impacts of Street Design Considerations, Wed, Jun 15, 2-3pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 09 Jun '16

09 Jun '16

Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg invite you to join us for a local viewing of the APBP webinar: *Economic Impacts of Street Design Decisions*. 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 * * * * * *Economic Impacts of Street Design DecisionsWednesday, June 15 | 2-3pm CDT* This webinar will explore how … [View More]

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WFP Analysis: Bike lanes, not helmets, make cycling safer (Jun9'16)
by Beth McKechnie 09 Jun '16

09 Jun '16

Bike lanes, not helmets, make cycling safer By: Robert Galston http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/bike-lanes-not-helmets-ma… One morning last spring I walked down Sherbrook Street with my young children when they noticed the new protected bike lane that lines four blocks of the street. Lifelong Winnipeggers, my children saw cycling as something they did up and down a leafy sidewalk of a residential block, and maybe on riverbank trails to The Forks. On Sherbrook that morning, … [View More]they realized that even a busy street in the middle of the city can rightfully be a place where they are able to ride their bikes in safety and enjoyment. Not everyone shares this perceptiveness. Earlier this week, city hall’s protection, community services and parks committee passed a motion raised by Transcona Coun. Russ Wyatt to have city staff study mandatory helmet use for all adult cyclists. Mandatory bike lights and a sound device such as a bell or horn will also be looked at. The motion passed unanimously. At its heart, the motion was not a nanny-state attempt at protecting cyclists, but spiteful retaliation by council’s frustrated anti-cycling minority. Last summer, Wyatt, as well as his colleague on the protection committee, Mynarski Coun. Ross Eadie, voted against the city’s long-term pedestrian and cycling strategy, which calls for more than $300 million worth of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure to be built in the coming years. Research shows that any one of the strategy’s protected bike lanes will do more for cyclists' safety than making it illegal to ride without a helmet and assorted other bells and whistles. The Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians recently took the position that while helmets should be mandatory, designing streets so that they are safe for cyclists is the best way to reduce head injuries. Real safety is determined by environmental conditions. While clearly useful, mandatory seatbelts do not reassure me that driving on highways during a blizzard is a smart idea. In the same way, mandatory helmets would not reassure me that navigating Regent Avenue on a bike ever is. Other research suggests that helmets are not effective enough to be required. One study undertaken at the University of British Columbia found that helmet legislation is a waste of time. Cities should instead build protected routes for cyclists, which reduce risks and create "numbers in safety": the more dedicated infrastructure for cyclists, the more cyclists there will be. To borrow from French economist J. B. Say’s law of economics, new supply will create new demand. Bigger and more diverse numbers of cyclists would deflate local cycling opponents’ worn-out narrative that only a handful of recklessly impetuous weirdos are crazy enough to cycle in Winnipeg. Protected bike lanes would mean more people — especially women, seniors and children — would take to the road. A supposed love of driving and Winnipeg’s long winters are two common arguments advanced to explain why making streets less hostile for cyclists is just not worth it here. But these are becoming conspicuously outmoded and flimsy excuses; most car-dominated and winter cities in North America are getting serious about cycling. Last week, the sprawling city of Atlanta dedicated $1 billion to build a cycling and pedestrian network over the next 20 years. Los Angeles, a city that embodied American car culture in the 20th century, passed a similar long-term plan to slow car traffic on a number of its fabled boulevards by making room for bike lanes and wider sidewalks. Calgary recently opened a 6.5-kilometre network of protected bike lanes in its predominantly car-oriented downtown. Last month, Minneapolis adopted a complete streets policy that will give pedestrians, cyclists and transit just as much priority as cars in new street designs. Fargo, a city of 113,000, implemented a bike-share program last year that has, so far, seen higher per-capita usage than bike shares in New York and Paris. Change is often slow in Winnipeg, but it is occurring. Wholesale opposition to making Winnipeg streets safer for all users will sound more shrill and intellectually hollow over time, and will soon be clung to by a small number of citizens who are staunchly anti-cycling as a matter of quixotic principle. Certainly, not every Winnipegger will give up commuting by car, but making some room on city streets for those who do will become an accepted fact of life here. A protected bike lane on a busy street in Winnipeg may have been a new discovery for my young children, but it won’t be for theirs. [View Less]

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Fwd: Velo-city 2017 - Call for Abstracts is now open!
by Anders Swanson 08 Jun '16

08 Jun '16

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Velo-city 2017 <newsletter(a)velo-city2017.com> Date: Mon, Jun 6, 2016 at 10:51 AM Subject: Velo-city 2017 - Call for Abstracts is now open! To: andersswanson(a)gmail.com Call for Abstracts is now open! The Velo-city 2017 newsletter [image: Velo-city 2017] <http://velo-city2017.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6feb92cec2109dfa908…> Call for Abstracts is now open! Velo-city 2017 Arnhem-Nijmegen invites you to share with us your … [View More]

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WFP: City hall considers mandatory bike helmets for adults (Jun7'16)
by Beth McKechnie 07 Jun '16

07 Jun '16

City hall considers mandatory bike helmets for adultsReview also examines compulsory horn or bell, and lighting http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/city-hall-considers-mandatory-bike-h… City hall has moved closer to a mandatory bicycle helmet law that would include adults. Councillors on a civic committee have instructed the administration to review the need for a mandatory bike-helmet law, despite opposition from a cycling advocacy group that opposes the concept. Bike helmets have been … [View More]mandatory for riders younger than 18 years since 2013 but the committee wants the administration to consider making them compulsory for all riders. Coun. Russ Wyatt said the city needs to consider imposing the law as it proceeds to spend millions of dollars building dedicated bike lanes across the city. "If you want a cycle, wear a helmet," Wyatt (Transcona) said. The administration is expected to bring back its report at the September meeting of the protection, community services and parks committee. The review will also examine the need for requiring all bikes to have a horn or bell and proper lighting. Mark Cohoe, executive director of Bike Winnipeg, opposed the review, arguing making bike helmets mandatory would discourage bike riding. Cohoe said the added safety from wearing a helmet is unproven and purchasing a helmet becomes another obstacle for those on low incomes. Cohoe said the city would make more improvements on cyclist safety by building more dedicated bike lanes. If people are discouraged from riding bikes, Cohoe said, then the overall health of the community is put at risk. "Where mandatory helmet laws have gone into place, it’s been shown that often the number of people biking decreases when the mandatory helmet law comes into place," Cohoe said. "So, while you might get fewer head injuries, you’re getting less health benefits – you’re trading fewer head injuries for more heart attacks, for more kidney disease, for more diabetes." Wyatt said he doubted a mandatory helmet law would result in fewer bike riders, adding he hopes the bike lobby will come around and support it. Licences for cyclists? Cyclists riding in Assinboine Park Monday offered divided opinions on helmets. "I'm a volunteer at the park and it's mandatory in the park to wear a helmet," said Wayne Hewitt. "I'm always amazed at the people who don't wear helmets." Hewitt's friend, who only gave her name as Janice, said she has always worn a helmet — partly because it's a safety practice and partly to model the behaviour for her children. "As a parent I always made my kids wear helmets and I know I went against the trend. I got harassed by other adults for it but I did it anyway," Janice said. On the other side of the issue was Peter Chrzanowski from Toronto. He was cycling through Winnipeg Monday on his way to Vancouver. Chrzanowski's bicycle was loaded with gear, including a helmet, hanging from his saddle gear. "It won't really save you if you're on the highway. It's more for decoration," he chuckled. He said drivers' licences for cyclists would be a better idea. "You know the highest number of collisions with cars and cyclists is in North America," he said, pulling out his smartphone displaying handy websites showing collision rates. In many European countries, there's no debate on mandatory use of helmets and many cyclists will never wear them. But then again drivers and cyclists are better educated about sharing the road in Europe than they are on this continent, said Chrzanowski, who immigrated from Poland. "I'm European and Europeans think helmets are an American scam," he added. "If you get hit by a car going 60 to 80 kilometres an hour, I don't think you have a chance at survival anyway." And then there are the cyclists like Sylvie Roy. Law abiding, she dismounted and walked her bike across the footbridge in Assiboine Park. "I haven't decided yet what I want to buy," Roy said, adding that bike helmets aren't very flattering. "I don't like them. They don't look good on you," she said. aldo.santin(a)freepress.mb.ca alexandra.paul(a)freepress.mb.ca -- *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/> [View Less]

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Job posting: Manitoba Eco-Network Coordinator
by Beth McKechnie 06 Jun '16

06 Jun '16

** Please share widely ** The Manitoba Eco-Network is seeking an energetic, team player. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to establish a place for themselves in Manitoba’s environmental community as a key part of a dynamic organization. *Manitoba Eco-Network* We collaborate, educate, and advance sustainability to the benefit of the environment and society through our members, networks, and programs. We are a non-profit charity which promotes positive environmental action by … [View More]

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WFP: Selkirk-Winnipeg bus line saved (Jun4'16)
by Beth McKechnie 06 Jun '16

06 Jun '16

Selkirk-Winnipeg bus line saved http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/selkirk-winnipeg-bus-line-saved-3… The Walt Morris Group of Companies is picking up the route Beaver Bus lines dropped with commuter service between Selkirk and Winnipeg. The announcement Friday of a partnership between Exclusive Bus Lines and Selkirk Transit was released was made on Twitter. The news came as welcome relief to Selkirk. "People will be excited about that. There’s no other way of getting to Winnipeg … [View More]

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WFP: Mayors approve of opening Portage & Main to pedestrians (Jun4'16)
by Beth McKechnie 06 Jun '16

06 Jun '16

Mayors approve of opening Portage & Main to pedestrians http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/mayors-approve-of-opening-portage--m… Mayor Brian Bowman has found some strong support from visiting mayors to the controversial proposal to re-open Portage and Main to pedestrians. Bowman told reporters Friday that he hopes the intersection can be opened by next summer, in advance of the Canada Summer Games which are being held in Winnipeg. Bowman took some of the visiting mayors on a walk … [View More]

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Fwd: Weather looks sunny and the prizes look great! Commuter Challenge starts on Sunday!!
by Dave Elmore 03 Jun '16

03 Jun '16

Don't forget to register and log your commutes ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Green Action Centre <commuterchallenge(a)greenactioncentre.ca> Date: Fri, Jun 3, 2016 at 3:14 PM Subject: Weather looks sunny and the prizes look great! Commuter Challenge starts on Sunday!! To: daveelmore12(a)gmail.com The Commuter Challenge is off to the races (June 5-11th) View this email in your browser <http://us13.campaign-archive2.com/?u=f93515e0084306ab5cc7339c7&id=c8c215af2…… [View More]

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New Portage Community Bicycle Repair Shop
by Ian Wassink 02 Jun '16

02 Jun '16

A group in Portage la Prairie is starting a new Community Bicycle Repair Shop. Based on The WRENCH's model of recovering parts and donations, people will learn to fix their bikes. Slated to open end of June 2016 with grand opening in summer/fall 2016. *Some recent news coverage can be found here:* 1) http://www.portageonline.com/local/49390-bike-shop 2) http://www.communitynewscommons.org/our-city/health-safety/new-community-bi… *Media release found below:* Portage AT Committee … [View More]Announces new Community Bicycle Shop Project *Portage la Prairie MB – May 30, 2016* – Portage la Prairie cyclists of all ages will soon have a place to fix their own bicycles at a newly established Community Bicycle Repair Shop. The Community Bicycle Repair Shop is a partnership between the Portage Active Transportation Committee and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Central Region. The shop will provide access to repair space, bicycle repair tools, bicycle parts, and educational programming. Tools are being donated and purchased now for an end of June 2016 opening. Use of tools will be on a donation basis with everyone welcome to use the tools and space. All donations will support the not-for-profit charitable project. “The Community Bicycle Repair Shop project is a profound community building idea,” said Jordan Friesen, Executive Director of CMHA-Central Region. “This project will help enhance people’s lives, and it fits well with CMHA’s mental health initiatives of supporting people who are marginalized, at-risk, or vulnerable.” “This project is truly for everyone,” said Ian Wassink, Project Steering Committee Chair for the Community Bicycle Repair Shop and Portage AT Committee member. “Portagers – from kids to seniors - will have access to specialized bicycle tools, bike stands, parts, oil and grease, and educational programming. We are going to bring in bike experts to lead repair workshops, and have Open Shop hours for drop-in repair time. Volunteers can also help maintain the shop during Volunteer Shop.” In recent years, the number of bicycles and Active Transportation initiatives have risen in Portage la Prairie. In addition to pathways, the Portage Fire Fighters Annual Bike Auction, and the annual Bike Week events each June, Portage will now have a volunteer-based bike repair shop. The timeline for the shop includes organization and initial tool purchase in June 2016 with a soft opening end of June. Educational programming will hopefully roll out in the summer and into the fall. The use of space is being donated by CMHA-Central Region at a new garage built near the Tupper St. Bridge/Overpass. A grand opening will occur in the summer or fall of 2016. The Portage AT Committee is looking for anyone who knows anything about bicycle repair or tools to come forward and assist. Donations of tools, bicycles, bike parts, skills, money, and volunteer time are welcome. People are encouraged to join the project steering committee to help guide the initial set-up and operation of the shop. To assist further, please contact Ian Wassink at ianwassink(a)gmail.com For media inquiries and interview opportunities, please contact: Ian Wassink Project Steering Committee Chair Portage Active Transportation Committee member Community Bicycle Repair Shop 204-249-0088 ianwassink(a)gmail.com [View Less]

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