- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

New proposal for Parcel 4 at The Forks
by Beth McKechnie 05 Jun '14

05 Jun '14

New Proposal for Parcel 4 at the Forks Winnipeg, MB, Canada / 680 CJOB - Winnipeg's News & Information Leader CJOB Team Coverage <cjobnews(a)cjob.com> June 04, 2014 05:25 am http://www.cjob.com/2014/06/04/future-the-forks-parcel-4-decided/ The last piece of undeveloped land at the Forks could be transformed into two parking structures, housing, some retail and plenty of Green space that will also link the site to downtown. It’s an ambitious plan that will transform the surface parking lots known as “Parcel 4″ opposite the new Canadian Museum for Human Rights. That’s the land near Shaw Park that was put forward as a possible sight for the controversial hotel and water park plan that was eventually killed by city council. Some details of this new plan are still being worked out and there will still be another round of public consultations before anything is finalized. The plan also needs approval from the City of Winnipeg. Forks North Portage Partnership President and CEO Jim August says the idea is that the retail will include market style shops and the site would also include a link to Upper Fort Garry under construction south of Broadway on Main. And August says they want to push more pedestrians through the Portage and Main area in anticipation of it eventually reopening to traffic. “We really believe that a pedestrian flow to Portage and Main is important so our engineers have been working on that.” He says they’re also looking at putting a walkway of some kind over the rail lines. Waterfront Drive may eventually be extended through Point Douglas. The plan will take shape over the next five years as the public consultations continue. There are no cost estimates at this point. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Forks. [Note: here's more background if you're keen - http://www.theforks.com/railside]

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The first major academic study of protected bike lanes in the U.S. is out
by Dave Elmore 04 Jun '14

04 Jun '14

http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entry/the-first-major-academic-study-of-p rotected-bike-lanes-in-the-u.s.-is-out It's a sign of how new the modern protected bike lane <http://www.peopleforbikes.org/green-lane-project/pages/protected-bike-lanes -101> is to the United States that we have known very little about them, scientifically speaking. Until now. Most academic studies of modern protected lanes have relied on data from countries where culture, land use, street design and social behavior are dramatically different (the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany) or from Canada, which has led the North American protected lane revolution <http://bikelanes.ca/on-urban-bike-infrastructure-canada-is-now-leading-the- way/> . Three widely noticed Canadian studies, led by Harvard's Ann Lusk <http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/early/2011/02/02/ip.2010.028696.ful l.pdf+html> , the University of British Columbia's Kay Teschke <http://cyclingincities.spph.ubc.ca/injuries/the-bice-study/> and Ryerson University's Anne Harris <http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/19/5/303.full> , focused mostly on safety. And though all three concluded that protected bike lanes greatly improve bike safety (28 percent fewer injuries per mile compared to comparable streets with no bike infrastructure using Lusk's methodology, 90 percent fewer using Teschke's; in Harris's study, protected lanes reduced intersection risk by about 75 percent), they've drawn some thoughtful criticism <http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/19/5/303.full/reply#injuryprev_el_1 0126> for underexamining the importance of intersections, where most bike-related conflicts arise. Today, Portland State University's National Institute of Transportation and Communities <http://otrec.us/NITC> released its voluminous findings <http://ppms.otrec.us/media/project_files/NITC-RR-583_ProtectedLanes_FinalRe portb.pdf> from a wide-ranging study of protected bike lane intersections in five U.S. cities. It's based on 204 hours of video footage that captured the movement patterns of 16,000 people on bicycles and 20,000 turning cars; on 2,301 surveys with people who live near the projects; and on 1,111 surveys of people using the protected lanes. "This has never been done on this scale - having five cities and a number of different sites being done at the same time," NITC spokesman Justin Carinci said in an interview Monday. "The number of hours of video review is unprecedented. But the perceptions piece is really the most definitive of it: This is a big enough sample that we could say for each of the (projects), people feel safe riding them. People say we should have more of them." The new study was co-funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Summit Foundation <http://summitfdn.org/> and PeopleForBikes. The team was led by PSU's Christopher Monsere, Jennifer Dill, Kelly Clifton and Nathan McNeil. You can download the whole report <http://ppms.otrec.us/media/project_files/NITC-RR-583_ProtectedLanes_FinalRe portb.pdf> immediately, but if you want the Cliff's Notes, we'll be digging into this huge study here on the Green Lane Project blog one angle at a time, all this week: * Tuesday: How protected lanes affect ridership <http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entry/everywhere-they-appear-protected-b ike-lanes-seem-to-attract-riders> * Wednesday: Protected bike lanes and intersection safety * Thursday: What protected lanes can't do * Friday: Finally, scientific evidence that changes to auto parking make people crazy Stay tuned - for those of us who see the potential for bikes to improve cities, the findings are exciting and the notes of caution are useful. We'll be here all week.

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Protected Bike Lanes Aren't Just Safer, They Can Also Increase Cycling
by Dave Elmore 03 Jun '14

03 Jun '14

http://www.citylab.com/commute/2014/06/protected-bike-lanes-arent-just-safer -they-can-also-increase-cycling/371958/ Not all bike lanes are created equal. A line in the pavement dividing cars from cyclists is nice, but it doesn't provide nearly the comfort of a protected bike lane - a track separated from vehicle traffic by a row of parked cars, or a curb, or at least a line of flexible posts. Cyclists who use protected lanes say they feel safer, and some studies show they truly are safer, with their risk of injury cut in half <http://www.citylab.com/commute/2012/10/dedicated-bike-lanes-can-cut-cycling -injuries-half/3654/> . That's great for committed riders and public health more broadly. But what about city residents who don't already ride a bike, perhaps due to safety fears? After all, it stands to reason that cities invest in bike infrastructure not just to secure the existing rider population, but to expand it. So is the assurance of a protected bike lane enough to make a cyclist of those who might otherwise choose another transportation mode? New research suggests that, to a modest extent, the answer is yes. Today a study team <http://otrec.us/project/583> led by Christopher Monsere of Portland State University released a thorough analysis of new protected bike lanes in five major U.S. cities. The researchers videotaped the new lanes, conducted local surveys, and gathered data on cycling trends to get a full picture of life in these new corridors - comparing what they found to rider habits before the protected lanes were installed. They found that ridership increased anywhere from 21 to 171 percent, with about 10 percent of new riders drawn from other modes. The analysis focused on new bike facilities along eight city streets: Barton Springs, Bluebonnet, and Rio Grande in Austin; Dearborn and Milwaukee in Chicago; Multnomah in Portland, Oregon; Oak and Fell (a street couplet) in San Francisco; and L Street in Washington, D.C. Some of the corridors had an unprotected bike lane before the study, others had nothing at all. While the research looked at a range of measures, including safety and lane design, we'll focus on ridership here. Cycling rates rose on the new lanes across the board. The following chart, prepared by the researchers, shows street ridership counts based on an average of city data and video analysis. The biggest gains - with ridership more than doubling - occurred on two streets converted into two-way lanes. That's to be expected, but the fact that even streets with an existing bike lane saw a spike in ridership shows just how attractive protected lanes are: http://cdn.theatlantic.com/newsroom/img/posts/2014/06/protected_lane_chart/7 f1810311.jpgVia Monsere et al (2014) Those results are impressive, but on their own they have limited meaning, since cycling in these cities is on the rise everywhere. A better baseline comparison comes by placing ridership in the new corridors against general trends across the city. Here, too, the protected lanes performed well. Ridership in the new lanes beat the city average along all but one street - and on that street (Milwaukee) it matched the average. http://cdn.theatlantic.com/newsroom/img/posts/2014/06/Change_in_Ridership_Av erage_Increase_Protected_Lanes_Citywide_Increase_chartbuilder/6600db3f3.pngC ityLab The key is not just whether the protected lanes attract more riders, but whether they attract new riders. In surveys, the researchers found that across all five cities, 65 percent of riders would have gone by bike along this street anyway, and that another 24 percent, evidently comforted by the protected lane, would have traveled by bike but gone a different route. Critically, 10 percent of the new riders would have taken another (unspecified) mode - a share that reached 21 percent along the Dearborn corridor in Chicago: http://cdn.theatlantic.com/newsroom/img/posts/2014/06/Shift_in_Ridership_Fro m_Other_Modes_New_Mode_chartbuilder/e2bb9ade5.pngCityLab (data for Bluebonnet not available) So protected bike lanes do seem to serve the double purpose of improving rider safety while also inspiring people to ride in the first place. There are some key caveats to keep in mind: the big percentage swings reflect relatively small total numbers, often in the tens of riders, and it's unknown how many riders made a true shift from driving (as opposed to from other transit modes). These are also five cities with growing bike cultures: it's unclear how well protected lanes would perform in places where cycling isn't already a rising subculture. But there's fewer of those places <http://www.citylab.com/commute/2014/05/rise-bicycling-smaller-and-midsize-u s-cities/9059/> every day, which is precisely the point.

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US Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program: 2014 Report: Continued Progress in Developing Walking and Bicycling Networks
by Beth McKechnie 03 Jun '14

03 Jun '14

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Terry Zdan <tjzdan50(a)gmail.com> Date: Mon, 2 Jun 2014 13:33:11 -0500 Subject: US Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program: 2014 Report: Continued Progress in Developing Walking and Bicycling Networks *http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/ntpp/2014_report/index.cfm <http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/ntpp/2014_report/ind…>* *13. ABSTRACT* *In 2005, the United States Congress directed the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to develop the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTPP). The program provided over $25 million in contract authority to four pilot communities (Columbia, Missouri; Marin County, California; Minneapolis area, Minnesota; and Sheboygan County, Wisconsin) for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and nonmotorized programs. This report summarizes the progress and results of the NTPP from August 2005 through December 2013, updating and expanding upon the analysis from the Report to the U.S. Congress on the Outcomes of the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program, submitted by the Federal Highway Administration in April 2012. This report analyzes the results through December 2013 of the NTPP in terms of program implementation, transportation mode shift toward walking and bicycling and associated improvements pertaining to access and mobility, safety and public health, and the environment and energy. From 2007 to 2013, the pilot communities observed an estimated 22.8 percent increase in the number of walking trips and an estimated 48.3 percent increase in the number of bicycling trips. This report examines how the NTPP pilot communities provide examples to other communities interested in implementing and evaluating nonmotorized investments.* -- Terry Zdan 126 Duncan Norrie Drive Wpg MB R3P 2J9 CANADA tjzdan50(a)gmail.com <tjzdan(a)gmasil.com> ng. Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>

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City of Montreal to pump $10 million into expanding bike paths (May30'14)
by Beth McKechnie 01 Jun '14

01 Jun '14

City of Montreal to pump $10 million into expanding bike paths Critics call the plan too timid, considering recent deaths BY MICHELLE LALONDE, THE GAZETTE MAY 30, 2014 http://www.montrealgazette.com/City+Montreal+pumps+million+into+expanding+b… MONTREAL — The city of Montreal will spend $10 million to expand and improve bike routes this year and will likely begin construction of a 14-kilometre bike path along a Canadian Pacific rail line spanning the island from north to south. The city will add a total of 50 kilometres of bike lanes and paths this year, in a total of 49 different locations. There will also be 24 projects to repair existing paths or lanes. Aref Salem, responsible for transportation issues on the city's executive committee, said construction of a 14-kilometre "Véloroute" from Rivière-des-Prairies to the St. Lawrence River could begin this fall if negotiations between the city and the railway result in a settlement. If not, an arbitrator will be appointed to resolve the issue, but Salem said he is confident the project will go ahead. The Véloroute will become the "spinal cord" of Montreal's cycling network, Salem said, connecting the Île Perry Bridge to Laval and the Notre Dame bike path that connects to Île Ste-Hélène, Île Notre-Dame and the South Shore. "The Véloroute will enchant cyclists who want to cross the city completely protected from car traffic, in an environment that is welcoming to the whole family," Salem said. He said construction on phase one of the Véloroute, from the Île Perry Bridge to Henri-Bourassa Blvd. should begin this fall. The route will offer easy access to métro and train stations along the way. But critics immediately denounced this year's bicycle infrastructure plan as timid, considering the recent deaths and serious injuries of cyclists and the administration's promise to act quickly to significantly improve cycling safety through infrastructure changes. The city has budgeted the same amount as last year for bike routes, they noted. The city's goal, according to the 2008 Transportation Plan, was to grow its cycling network from 400 to 800 kilometres of bike routes by 2015. (Bike routes include painted bike lanes, pictograms on the roads indicating safe bike routes, protected bike paths on roads, paths on sidewalks, and off-road paths shared with walkers and joggers.) The goal was not met, Aref conceded, as the total is currently only 650 kilometres, but he said the new administration intends to exceed 800 kilometres by 2017. "We would like them to be a lot more ambitious," said Mariane Giguère, Plateau-Mont-Royal borough councillor and Projet Montréal's critic on cycling issues. She said more work needs to be done immediately to make intersections and major arteries safer, and more protected bike paths must be built if the city really wants to persuade more people to use bikes for transportation. "It's not only about adding more kilometres of bike paths," she said. "We are looking for quality ... if we want to increase the number of people who use bicycles to get around the city every day, we need to offer safer routes, not just in the periphery but where most people live and work." Suzanne Lareau, executive director of the cycling advocacy group Vélo Québec, said the plan for this year is quite good, but more could be done. "We always want more, but 50 kilometres is not bad. There are some interventions that are really significant like at St-Laurent Blvd. and Bernard St., and remember that sometimes there are links of only half a kilometre that are extremely structurally important because they allow cyclists to go from Point A to Point B (safely) where there had been a gap in the route before." But she was disappointed the city has still not announced a solution for giving cyclists a safer route leading from Old Montreal north up to the area where St-Laurent Blvd. and Bellechasse St. intersect. She said that segment of St-Laurent is very busy and dangerous for cyclists going north and they need a protected lane or a safer alternative route nearby, along Clark St. or St-Dominique St. for example. The city plans to paint two more green bicycle boxes at busy intersections, similar to three existing pilot projects on Milton St. and University St., on Villeneuve Ave. at St-Urbain St., and on Laurier St. at St-Laurent Blvd. These painted green areas on the pavement indicate that cyclists can gather in front of cars at intersections and have priority to proceed before waiting vehicles when the light turns green. The new ones will be on Laurier St. at St-Denis St., and on Thimens Blvd. at Cavendish Blvd.. Lareau applauded these plans but said bike boxes should be painted at about 30 intersections where bicycle traffic is heavy, considering they are proven to improve safety and do not cost much. She would also like to see coloured bicycle lanes painted through the city's most dangerous intersections, so vehicles are expecting cyclists and so that cyclists follow a clearly delineated route. But Lareau said she finds the new city administration of Mayor Denis Coderre to be very receptive to ideas for improving cycling safety. "They really are in listening mode," she said. *For the list of projects planned for this year, go to:www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/velo <http://www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/velo>* <mlalonde(a)montrealgazette.com> <mlalonde(a)montrealgazette.com> mlalonde(a)montrealgazette.com © Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette

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New from the NCCHPP - 30 km/h speed limits & 3.0m traffic lanes
by Beth McKechnie 30 May '14

30 May '14

*Our apologies for cross-posting.* Dear colleagues, The National Collaborating Centre for Healthy Public Policy (NCCHPP) recently published two briefing notes documenting municipal norms that have the potential to help create environments promoting safe, active transportation. These documents are available in both English and in French on the NCCHPP's Website: *A 30-km/h Speed Limit on Local Streets* http://www.ncchpp.ca/175/publications.ccnpps?id_article=1080 <http://netmail.ccnpps.ca/redirect.aspx?id=992827&idcampagne=2514&url=http%3…> (En) http://www.ccnpps.ca/187/publications.ccnpps?id_article=1081 <http://netmail.ccnpps.ca/redirect.aspx?id=992827&idcampagne=2514&url=http%3…> (Fr) *Traffic Lane Width of 3.0 m in Urban Environments* http://www.ncchpp.ca/175/publications.ccnpps?id_article=1097 <http://netmail.ccnpps.ca/redirect.aspx?id=992827&idcampagne=2514&url=http%3…> (En) http://www.ccnpps.ca/187/publications.ccnpps?id_article=1096 <http://netmail.ccnpps.ca/redirect.aspx?id=992827&idcampagne=2514&url=http%3…> (Fr) To learn more about this project, click here: http://www.ncchpp.ca/en/IndexNoComments.aspx?sortcode=2.4.14.15.16 <http://netmail.ccnpps.ca/redirect.aspx?id=992827&idcampagne=2514&url=http%3…> If you have questions or feedback, please contact Olivier Bellefleur at olivier.bellfleur(a)inspq.qc.ca <http://netmail.ccnpps.ca/redirect.aspx?id=992827&idcampagne=2514&url=mailto…>, or François Gagnon at françois.gagnon(a)inspq.qc.ca <http://netmail.ccnpps.ca/redirect.aspx?id=992827&idcampagne=2514&url=mailto…>. Kind regards, Marianne Jacques Network Development Officer National Collaborating Centre for Healthy Public Policy Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) 190 Crémazie Est, Montréal, Québec Phone : 514-864-1600, ext. 3613 Email : marianne.jacques(a)inspq.qc.ca <http://netmail.ccnpps.ca/redirect.aspx?id=992827&idcampagne=2514&url=mailto…>

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Press and popsicles - 11am TODAY Disraeli AT Bridge for Commuter Challenge Kickoff
by Beth McKechnie 30 May '14

30 May '14

Need a break this morning? *Escape the office and join us for a press release <http://greenactioncentre.ca/living-green-living-well/2014-commuter-challeng…> and popsicles at 11 am on the south side (Rover Ave) of the Disraeli AT Bridge!* It's time to kickoff the 2014 Commuter Challenge! Hope to see you there.

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AT overpass - PTH 59
by Beth McKechnie 29 May '14

29 May '14

Please see message below from Terry Zdan... ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Terry Zdan <tjzdan50(a)gmail.com> Date: Wed, 28 May 2014 13:41:49 -0500 Subject: active transportation overpass The premier noted an active transportation overpass at the northeast Perimeter Highway and Raleigh Street/Gateway Road will also be built in conjunction with structures at the northeast Perimeter Highway and PTH 59 interchange, in order to connect the northeast Pioneers Greenway with the Duff Roblin Parkway Trail and Birds Hill Park. May 28, 2014 PROVINCE ANNOUNCES MAJOR HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS ALONG PTH 59 - - - Design Work to Begin Immediately On North Perimeter Interchange: Premier Selinger The Manitoba government will invest hundreds of millions of dollars in repairs and upgrades along PTH 59 including immediately undertaking design work on the PTH 59 and PTH 101 interchange, major paving projects and bridge rehabilitation, Premier Greg Selinger announced today. "PTH 59 is a heavily travelled north-south tourist and trade route, and these road investments will improve the ride for heavy trucks and commuters," Premier Selinger said. "The new projects include bridge replacements and paving of this roadway to Birds Hill and the east side beach communities of Lake Winnipeg." Approximately $160 million was initially budgeted for PTH 59 work over the next five years, but even more will be allocated to PTH 59 with the completion of the PTH 59/PTH 101 interchange in the five-year period, the premier said. The project will see design and tendering take place over this year, with planned construction beginning in the fall of 2015 and completed over a three-year period, he said, adding the size of the interchange project is similar to CentrePort Canada Way and will be constructed along much the same timelines. -- Terry Zdan 126 Duncan Norrie Drive Wpg MB R3P 2J9 CANADA tjzdan50(a)gmail.com <tjzdan(a)gmasil.com>

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Active & Green: 6 guys & 1 van, It's Commuter Challenge time, Free transit
by Beth McKechnie 29 May '14

29 May '14

Check out our latest e-newsletter for all sorts of info and events on green commuting! (Click here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/active-green/> if you'd like to subscribe or see past issues.) Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.<http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&id=852acefb0a…> *Looking to improve commuter options at your workplace?* Request resources<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>employee commuting surveys, secure bicycle parking, Smart Trips, and more. Register for free Creative Commuting Ambassador Training<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>sessions. Book a presentation<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>on creating a commuter friendly workplace, greening the workplace, and more. Rent our bike-powered blender<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>for your next workplace event -- always a hit! Feeling inspired? Check out these other pedal-powered<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>machines. Melissa Gayle-Smith from the University of Manitoba's Sustainability Office gives the bike blender a whirl. ------------------------------ *Upcoming Events* Commuter Challenge Kickoff!<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> 11am, Thurs, May 29 South side of Disraeli AT Bridge (Rover Ave) The W.R.E.N.C.H. Workshops<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> Bike Part Art, Sat, May 31 3 Speed Hubs, Sat, May 31 Hubs, Sat, June 28 Headsets, Sat, July 26 Frame Bending, Sat, August 23 Commuter Challenge Week<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> June 1-7, 2014 *Clean Air Day on the Bridge*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> Wed, June 4, 2014, 7-9am NE corner Leg grounds near ped & bike signal on Osborne #busisbetter<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> The Downtown BIZ will be rewarding transit riders at different bus stop locations. Transit riders can help themselves to *FREE* Starbucks coffee and other coupons/vouchers from 15 different downtown restaurants and businesses. 7:30-9am, June 2-6 Mon: Main @ Broadway (Northbound) Tue: Portage @ Edmonton (Westbound) Wed: Graham @ Edmonton (Eastbound) Thu: Portage @ Donald (Eastbound) Fri: Graham @ Donald (Westbound) Bike Week Winnipeg<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> June 16-22, 2014 Includes 7th Annual Bike to Work Day on Fri, June 20 Bike Ride to Folk Festival<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> Wed, July 9, 2014 A Moveable Feast<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> June 19, September 27 ------------------------------ <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> *6 guys, 1 van, great carpool* Meet Cody, Guy, Darrel C., Rick, Justin and Darrel F. In 2010, they bought a van together and have been saving money on gas and repairs by vanpooling to work ever since. Read their story<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> and collect a few tips to start your own carpool. *Commuter Challenge is on!* Need a reason to participate in the 15th annual Commuter Challenge<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>? Here are my top 4 reasons to take part: 1. I can see the difference I'm making by walking to work when combined with the efforts of 7,000 other participants in Manitoba and 25,000 across Canada. 2. I can see the money I’m saving, GHG emissions I’m avoiding, and calories I burn every time I add another day's commute. 3. I can gloat that I helped Winnipeg to win the Commuter Challenge for the 11th year. 4. ... and have you seen the prizes<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> ?! Register today<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> and tell us why you’re taking the Challenge. Also, if you're hosting an event at your workplace the week of the Challenge, let us know and send us your pictures<jessie@greenactioncentre.ca?subject=Events%20and%20pictures%20from%20Commuter%20Challenge%20week> ! *Try transit - FREE pass* Work downtown and want to give transit a try? You're in luck as the Downtown BIZ is giving away 250 FREE 5-day passes as part of the Bus is Better<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> campaign. Just in time to use during Commuter Challenge! Head down to the Millennium Library Desk to pick up a pass while supplies last. You might also be one of the lucky transit riders who gets a free coffee and other giveaways at a downtown bus stop June 2-6 during Commuter Challenge. *Take your brain for a walk* If you need an excuse to go for a walk, research is on your side. Researchers from Santa Clara University have found that going for a walk increases your creative thoughts<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>both during and afterward. Just to be sure, they put their volunteers to the test – walking indoors on a treadmill, walking outside, sitting inside a lab with no windows, and sitting outside in the fresh air. Without question, those who were walking (indoors or out), “...had more thoughts, but they also had a higher density of creative thoughts than sitters”, says Marily Oppezzo, lead author of the study. So if you need to do some creative thinking today, take your brain for a walk! *RRC takes the bus* Red River College has offered downtown employees a 60% EcoPass discount on monthly bus passes since 2012. This works out to a cost of about $33 per month for a staff bus pass - a much more appealing option than paying for parking downtown. The result? 84% of RRC staff at Paterson Global Foods Institute take the bus! Find out more on Red River College's Red Goes Green<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>blog. *Clean Air Day on the Bridge* Join us on Wednesday, June 4th, between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. to celebrate active and green commuting on Clean Air Day. All part of the week-long Commuter Challenge June 1-7! Stop along your way to work for a tasty snack, enter to win a great draw prize, get a quick adjustment on your bike, chat with other active commuters, and even register on the spot for the Commuter Challenge. Find details here<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> . *Bikes, bikes and more bikes* After this winter, there's nothing better than being out on your bike enveloped in warm sunshine. 'Tis the season for all things bike-related and here are our top 5. First and foremost, take in Winnipeg's annual celebration of cycling with a full week of activities during Bike Week<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> (June 14-22). Second, discover which Winnipeg neighbourhood made a Top 10 Cycling Communities in Canada<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>list. Third, get ready to ride Winnipeg's first parking protected bike lane<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>. Fourth, ride your bike to Winnipeg Folk Festival<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. Finally, try out the 20km City Loop Trail<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> to get around Brandon. You are receiving this email because you are an Active & Green subscriber. Our mailing address is: Green Action Centre 3-303 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B4 Canada Add us to your address book<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/vcard?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f5…> Copyright (C) 2014 Green Action Centre All rights reserved. [image: Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp]<http://www.mailchimp.com/monkey-rewards/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm…>

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Walkability is good for business
by Jackie Avent (ASRTS) 28 May '14

28 May '14

Good blog post from Green Communities Canada... http://www.greencommunitiescanada.org/blog/ -- *Jackie Avent* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 *|* Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>

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