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WFP: Bike lanes, trails popular, poll says (Oct.29'12)
by Beth McKechnie 29 Oct '12

29 Oct '12

Bike lanes, trails popular, poll says Strong majority supports healthy initiatives By: Mia Rabson Winnipeggers may hate change, but thus far, the slew of new bike lanes and trails in the last two years have been met with a thumbs-up from most people. A Probe Research poll for the Free Press found 71 per cent of Winnipeggers see the new bike paths and trails as very or somewhat successful for cyclists, and 60 per cent said they were very or somewhat successful for motorists. Most people fell into the slightly happy crowd, with 50 per cent calling them somewhat successful for cyclists and 51 per cent calling them somewhat successful for motorists, compared to 21 per cent and nine per cent who said they were very successful for cyclists and motorists, respectively. "When all is said and done, people think they are starting to do what they're supposed to do," said Probe Research president Scott MacKay. MacKay said he "honestly didn't know what to expect" when the question was asked, so he wasn't surprised by the results. More than $20 million was spent to build or improve more than three dozen bicycle paths, including dedicated bike lanes on major streets and multi-use trails. Much of the money came via the federal government's economic-stimulus plans, but required contributions from provincial and municipal governments. The poll did not ask whether people are more likely to use bikes since the addition of the new trails and paths, but MacKay said this poll will be a good baseline for comparison in the future. Bike to the Future, an advocacy group for cycling in Winnipeg, estimates the number of cyclists in downtown Winnipeg has gone up 47 per cent since 2011, to about 13,000 people a day. Mark Cohoe, Bike to the Future's executive director, said the new paths and bike lanes have greatly contributed to that increase. He said he is not surprised people like the new paths because they have been a great addition to the city's cycling community. "There is a definite improvement in how motorists and cyclists interact," said Cohoe. He said while there is still animosity between cyclists and drivers, the trails have helped make everyone safer. Most of the bike paths were built in 2009 and 2010. MacKay said the poll question came about because there was a lot of chatter on radio call-in shows and even around the water cooler in the Probe offices, about cycling in Winnipeg. "There's always been this debate between car people and the bike people," he said. On a personal level, he's seen many more cyclists on his way to work each day, and he himself was sometimes confused by the new signs marking bike lanes. He wanted to know whether the new paths were working for cyclists, for motorists, or neither. Cohoe said there are still major gaps, such as Pembina Highway. However, once the second rapid-transit phase is completed, and the cycling upgrades as part of the Pembina Underpass project are finished, it will give cyclists a safe trail to connect them all the way to the University of Manitoba. He said another priority for cyclists right now is for the completion of the trail between Grant and Wilkes near Shaftesbury Boulevard. mia.rabson(a)freepress.mb.ca *Probe Research poll questions* *Overall, how successful would you say these bike lanes, trails and paths have been in making travel around the city better for Winnipeg cyclists?* Very successful: 21 per cent Somewhat successful: 50 per cent Somewhat unsuccessful: 15 per cent Very unsuccessful: six per cent *Overall, how successful would you say these bike lanes, trails and paths have been in making travel around the city better for Winnipeg motorists?* Very successful: nine per cent Somewhat successful: 51 per cent Somewhat unsuccessful: 20 per cent Very unsuccessful: 13 per cent The poll of 600 Winnipeg adults was conducted randomly by phone between Sept. 19 and Oct. 14. It is considered to be accurate within 4.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/bike-lanes-trails-popular-poll-says-…

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City's Active Transportation Advisory Committee - Seeking Citizens to Serve - or not
by Janice Lukes 26 Oct '12

26 Oct '12

I've notice on the City's website front page - the City is <http://www.winnipeg.ca/clerks/docs/boards/boards.stm> 'Seeking Citizens to Serve' on boards and commissions with a deadline to apply of November 16th, BUT - nowhere is there a listing for the City's Active Transportation Advisory Committee. This past May, the City chose to 'relieve' all representatives (both city representatives and volunteers) from their duties on the Active Transportation Advisory Committee. As a volunteer member at the time, we were told they would be 'reformatting' the committee and posting the opportunity to serve on the committee in the near future. As Mark Cohoe noted in a previous 'Charleswood Transportation Study' posting to this list serve- there were many AT omissions in the Charleswood Transportation plan that: ' . . . had the City maintained the AT Advisory Committee, these errors would have been spotted prior to the public information display.' An advisory committee is an invaluable asset - for both the citizens and the City. An advisory committee provides insight and guidance to the City's one Active Transportation Coordinator and Public Works Department - and assists in ensuring costly AT errors and omissions do not occur. I encourage you to email the Mayor and your city Councillor <http://winnipeg.ca/council/> and ask them where folks can apply to serve on the Active Transportation Advisory Committee - in light of the November 16th deadline. Janice Lukes

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New report - evaluating protected bike lanes, traffic calming, parklets, etc.
by Beth McKechnie 26 Oct '12

26 Oct '12

*Measuring the Street: New Metrics for 21st Century Streets* New York City’s streets are constantly called on to the meet new and varied needs of a growing, dynamic, 21st Century city – and to do this in a complex environment where there is little opportunity to expand the existing footprint. How do city leaders address these challenges and measure their success? This report discusses key approaches to street design projects, and how results can be measured against goals for safety, serving all users and creating great public spaces while also maintaining the flow of traffic. Using a cross-section of recent NYCDOT street design projects, this report details the metrics NYCDOT uses to evaluate street projects, and illustrates how measuring results can show progress toward safe, sustainable, livable and economically competitive streets. http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/2012-10-measuring-the-street.pdf

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INVITATION: Have your say on Manitoba Roads
by Janice Lukes 26 Oct '12

26 Oct '12

See invitation below This is the second public forum CAA and the Manitoba Heavy Construction industry are hosting on ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE issues. Some of you many recall the first forum – held during the last Provincial election – which led to key active transportation election commitments. These forums are super opportunities to gain perspective and have open dialogue with key folks. As we move tiny steps closer to a broader public understanding that roads are not solely for motorized vehicles, but to be shared – any insight brought forward from the active transportation community would be of significant value for sure; funding allocations / impact of users on roadways / etc. City Councillor and Chair of Finance – Scott Fielding will be in attendance Minister of Local Government AND Minister Responsible for Active Transportation - Ron Lemieux will be in attendance I am unable to attend - if you are interested in attending – please RSVP below. This event is open to the public. Janice Lukes Having problems viewing this email? CLICK HERE <http://www.elabs5.com/c.html?ufl=4&rtr=on&s=jazgg,i4je,yvv,j4dd,hf6t,60i2,1…> <http://www.caamanitoba.com/eblasts/roadforum/images/Infrastructure-forum_01…> <http://www.caamanitoba.com/eblasts/roadforum/images/Infrastructure-forum_02…> <http://www.caamanitoba.com/eblasts/roadforum/images/Infrastructure-forum_03…> <http://www.caamanitoba.com/eblasts/roadforum/images/Infrastructure-forum_04…> <http://www.caamanitoba.com/eblasts/roadforum/images/Infrastructure-forum_05…> <mailto:angelef@caamanitoba.com?subject=Manitoba%20Roads%20Public%20Forum> <http://www.caamanitoba.com/eblasts/roadforum/images/Infrastructure-forum_07…> <http://www.caamanitoba.com/eblasts/roadforum/images/Infrastructure-forum_08…> <http://www.caamanitoba.com/eblasts/roadforum/images/Infrastructure-forum_09…> <http://www.caamanitoba.com/eblasts/roadforum/images/Infrastructure-forum_10…> <http://www.elabs5.com/c.html?ufl=4&rtr=on&s=jazgg,i4je,yvv,huwq,i0q5,60i2,1…> <http://www.elabs5.com/c.html?ufl=4&rtr=on&s=jazgg,i4je,yvv,2u0t,5e0o,60i2,1…> <http://www.caamanitoba.com/eblasts/roadforum/images/Infrastructure-forum_13…> <http://www.caamanitoba.com/eblasts/roadforum/images/spacer.gif> <http://www.caamanitoba.com/eblasts/roadforum/images/spacer.gif> <http://www.caamanitoba.com/eblasts/roadforum/images/spacer.gif> <http://www.caamanitoba.com/eblasts/roadforum/images/spacer.gif> <http://www.caamanitoba.com/eblasts/roadforum/images/spacer.gif> <http://www.caamanitoba.com/eblasts/roadforum/images/spacer.gif> <http://www.elabs5.com/images/mlopen_post.html?rtr=on&siteid=32425216&mid=84…> To unsubscribe, click here <http://www.elabs5.com/functions/mailing_list.html?mid=845690&submitaction=2…> Confidentiality Notice: This email message, including attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient and may contain confidential or privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender by reply email, delete this transmission and any attachments immediately, and destroy all copies. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited.

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[At-network] AT Webinar: Green Lane Project, 2-3 pm, Wed, Oct. 31st, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 25 Oct '12

25 Oct '12

Green Action Centre and Bike to the Future invite you to join us for a local viewing of the upcoming APBP webinar at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) followed by group discussion.* * *The Green Lane Project* Wednesday, October 31st | 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CDT Learn about the scope and progress of the Green Lane Project, the Bikes Belong initiative aimed at building support and advancing best practices for separated, protected on-street bicycle facilities. The session includes detailed case studies of new protected bike lane installations in Chicago and San Francisco. RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth 925-3772* *

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UPDATE: Pembina Hwy Buffered Bike Lane CONSTRUCTION
by Janice Lukes 24 Oct '12

24 Oct '12

Lots of interesting cross Canada information out on Cycle tracks and Buffered Bike Lanes - Time for another update - lots occurring since the last Pembina update 9 days ago! See the detailed construction at the BUS STOPS on the east side of Pembina (northbound traffic) occurring in front of CanadInns. See detail prepping for concrete - and after concrete is poured. Bricks are to be inlaid into the concrete. I have put a blue line where I believe is to be the 'bike lane' and the route it maneuvers through the bus stops. The construction team has completed 2 of 4 bus stops on the east side of Pembina today. There are 4 bus stops that I see on the west side of Pembina - so, another 6 in total to be constructed / concrete and bricks laid before snow falls! Then the remaining asphalt on the east side - THEN the poly post installation on the road itself. Super exciting - Janice Lukes

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Cycle tracks planned for centre city in Calgary
by Beth McKechnie 24 Oct '12

24 Oct '12

Cycle Tracks Planned for Centre City http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=5abad95f7660abd589fb03174&id=619cd0be4b… On Wednesday, City Council's Standing Policy Committee on Transportation and Transit received an update on the Cycling Strategy<http://bikecalgary.org/node/3710>from Tom Thivener (and comments from Bike Calgary). The update included a plan for cycle tracks in the downtown core and the Beltline. Instead of previously-planned painted bike lanes along 6 and 7 Street, the Transportation Department has agreed to install innovative bike facilities that separate cyclists from both pedestrians and car traffic. There will be either two one-way cycle tracks along 6 and 7 St, or one two-way cycle track along 7 Street, as early as Spring 2013, connecting the 8 Avenue SW bike route to the Bow River pathway. In phase 2, 8 Avenue SW itself will get upgraded to a cycle track, and connected to the Beltline through the 5 Street SW underpass. The half-hearted attempt at a rush-hour only bike lane along 10 Avenue SW will be reviewed, and may be replaced either with a permanent bike lane or cycle tracks along 11 and/or 12 Avenues SW to provide connectivity through the Beltline. Phase 3 (2015) is yet to be determined. Bicycle facilities in the downtown core and the Beltline face opposition, especially from businesses concerned about hourly street parking. However, cycle track design options<http://nacto.org/cities-for-cycling/design-guide/cycle-tracks/>include using parked cars as the physical barrier to moving traffic, as in the most famous example of a two-way cycle track in North America, Prospect Park West in Brooklyn<http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/bicyclists/prospectparkwest.shtml>. Moreover, on-street parking spaces may be added at the same time in other places. Detractors often cite the notoriously high monthly parking rate in downtown Calgary in this connection, but forget to mention that in hourly on-street parking rates, Calgary's rates are in line with Vancouver's and Ottawa's<http://www.collierscanada.com/en/%7E/media/Files/Research/2012/2012%20Parki…>, and well behind Toronto's or Montreal's. At the same time, we can expect significant benefits from installing bike infrastructure: reductions in collisions, speeding, sidewalk riding, more people riding bicycles (especially those not comfortable riding with traffic), as well as increased acceptance by pedestrians and businesses. In installing cycle tracks in the downtown core, Calgary would follow the successful example of Montreal<http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/portal/page?_pageid=4577,84235570&_dad=portal&_…>, Ottawa<http://ottawa.ca/en/city_hall/planningprojectsreports/public_consult/bikela…>, and Vancouver<http://vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/separated-bicycle-lanes.aspx> .

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Comprehensive guide for implementing bike share programs
by Beth McKechnie 24 Oct '12

24 Oct '12

[Snipped from CenterLine <http://www.bikewalk.org/newsletter.php>s<http://www.bikewalk.org/newsletter.php>313 | BikePed News You Can Use] *COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE FOR IMPLEMENTING BIKE SHARE PROGRAMS* On Sept. 7th, "The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center and Toole Design Group released the results from their comprehensive national study of current bike sharing programs in the United States. "Bike Sharing in The United States: State of the Practice and Guide to Implementation<http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/promote/bikeshare.cfm?/bikeshare>" is designed to provide guidance on how to plan, implement and measure the success of bike share programs in communities of all sizes. "The 68-page Guide has been designed to serve as a resource for a broad audience, including transportation planning professionals, as well as public officials considering implementation of a bike share program... [It] is based on an exhaustive analysis of twelve existing and planned bike share programs from across the U.S., explores the evolution of bike sharing in the U.S., defines success factors, describes the step-by-step approach to implementing a bike share program, documents existing costs, examines the different models of provision and funding, and describes metrics for monitoring and evaluating program success."

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Reminder re: Creative Commuting Ambassador Training I and II
by Jessie Klassen 24 Oct '12

24 Oct '12

(Just a friendly reminder to sign up today if you are interested in attending either session 1 or 2!) ** > *Creative Commuting Ambassador Training I > * > You are invited to a FREE, half-day interactive workshop on becoming a > Creative Commuting Ambassador at your workplace! Get the tools and guidance > to help improve commuter options on-site and support your coworkers to get > the most out of their commutes. > > > *Hands-on training and resources you'll get at the workshop:* > > - Training in bike route planning > - Experience with all the latest Winnipeg Transit tools > > > - An evaluation of your workplace's existing commuter options > - A folder filled with tools and resources relevant to your workplace > - Ideas for a simple project to apply these tools and resources right > away > > *Workshop date:* Thursday, November 1st, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm > * > Workshop location*: EcoCentre boardroom (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) > Creative Commuting Ambassador Training II: Behaviour Change > > Do you want to sing the praises of creative commuting with your > co-workers, but no one seems to be listening? This FREE, interactive > half-day training session is for you! Explore the many facets of behaviour > change from a social marketing, transitions, and systems perspective. Walk > away with some strategies you can apply to create a more commuter friendly > and active workplace. > > *Hands-on training and resources you’ll get at the workshop:* > > - Tools and strategies to engage your co-workers more effectively > - Greater knowledge of behaviour change > - Local success stories > - Program and communication ideas you can begin to apply right away > > *Workshop date:* Thursday, November 8th, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm > > *Workshop location:* EcoCentre boardroom (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) > * > Register today by contacting Jessie Klassen at 925-3772 or > jessie(a)greenactioncentre.ca. * > > > > ** > > *Jessie Klassen* | Workplace Commuter Options > > <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca>| Find > us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> > > 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3772 > > > > 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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Just a little something for the list on this dark wet day
by Stacy Matwick 23 Oct '12

23 Oct '12

With nasty rainy dark days upon us I thought I'd share this with you all for a smile. Warning do not try this at home :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTLsAnxUwzQ via Laughing Squid http://laughingsquid.com Cheers Stacy Matwick

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