- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Fwd: [trans-action] Every Street Should be a Bicycle Route
by David Wieser 05 Nov '09

05 Nov '09

A good article to read. Perhaps someone can encourage Colville-Andersen to come to Winnipeg for a speaking engagement! David Wieser From: Richard Campbell <richard.campbell.lists(a)gmail.com> The bottom line is that every street should be a bicycle route. That includes busy commercial streets that have the shops and other destinations where people want to go. To really encourage people to cycle, it must be more convenient than driving. From: http://bikeportland.org/2009/10/30/want-to-be-like-copenhagen-think-about-v… In the 1980s, when Copenhagen was experiencing a boom in bicycling, city officials worried that too many people were riding on the busy main streets. “They thought, we’ve got to stop that, it’s not safe.” Their solution was to direct bike traffic to the backstreet by building high-quality cycle tracks through neighborhoods. The problem was that the neighborhood routes meant people had to ride 10-15 minutes out of their way to get from a to b. The result? No one used them. “It was a flop. So, the city shrugged and went, ‘fine, we’ll put them on the main streets’”. The lesson, says Colville-Andersen, is that planners should put bicycle infrastructure where people actually want to go, not where engineers think they should go. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ The trans-action list is for the discussion of transportation and land use issues. The list is not moderated or opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the list administrators. To post to this group, send email to trans-action(a)googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to trans-action-unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com To change to digest mode, view the list archive or otherwise manage your status on the list, visit this group at: http://groups.google.com/group/trans-action -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---

1 0

Bringing Health to the Planning Table: A Profile of Promising Practices in Canada and Abroad.
by Sandy Kostyniuk 03 Nov '09

03 Nov '09

Apologies for any crossing postings. Sent on behalf of the Healthy Living Issues Group: We are pleased to share with you the report, Bringing Health to the Planning Table: A Profile of Promising Practices in Canada and Abroad. This report was produced by the Healthy Living Issue Group of the Pan-Canadian Public Health Network. The report profiles case studies within 13 Canadian communities from across Canada where collaborative approaches to improve health outcomes have been a key consideration in planning decisions related to the built environment. This approach was chosen so that the successes (and lessons learned) of a variety of different projects could be shared with other communities. With one case study from each province and territory it provides a pan-Canadian perspective. Two international examples highlight similar work happening abroad. Please feel free to disseminate this report broadly. It can be found online at: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hl-vs-strat We would be interested to hear how the report is supporting your work and the work of your colleagues. Any feedback can be sent to: healthylivingE-bulletin(a)phac-aspc.gc.ca. _________________________________________________________________ C’est avec plaisir que nous vous présentons le rapport intitulé Amener la Santé à la Table de Planification : Un Profil des Pratiques Prometteuses du Canada et de l'Étranger. Ce rapport a été produit par le Groupe des modes de vie sains du Réseau pancanadien de santé publique. Ce rapport établit le profil d’études de cas au sein de 13 communautés de partout au Canada et où les efforts de collaboration visant à améliorer les résultats en matière de santé ont été un élément essentiel pour la planification des décisions liées au milieu créé. Cette approche a été choisie afin que les succès (et les leçons tirées) d’un éventail de projets puissent être communiqués à d’autres communautés. En présentant une étude de cas de chaque province et territoire, le rapport présente un point de vue pancanadien. Deux exemples à l’échelle internationale mettent en évidence le travail semblable qui est effectué à l’étranger. N’hésitez pas à diffuser ce rapport à grande échelle. Il est possible de le consulter en ligne à l’adresse suivante : http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hl-vs-strat/index-fra.php Nous aimerions savoir de quelle façon le rapport contribue à l’exécution de votre travail et à celui de vos collègues. Veuillez transmettre vos commentaires à l’adresse suivante : healthylivingE-bulletin(a)phac-aspc.gc.ca. Sandy Kostyniuk Program Consultant The Public Health Agency of Canada Street Address 7th Floor, 275 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba Mailing Address Manitoba and Saskatchewan Regional Office 1015 Arlington Street Winnipeg, MB Canada R3E 3R2 Phone: 1-204-789-7411 Fax: 1-204-789-7878 Email: sandy_kostyniuk(a)phac-aspc.gc.ca

1 0

Active Transportation - Canada: October 31, 2009
by Beth McKechnie 03 Nov '09

03 Nov '09

----- Original Message ----- From: Michael Haynes Sent: Saturday, October 31, 2009 11:22 AM Subject: Active Transportation - Canada: October 31, 2009 Active Transportation - Canada features a regular posting of news articles, studies, reports, and other items that have relevance in this field, with previous postings available in an archive. In addition, pictures of existing Active Transportation infrastructure from communities across Canada will be profiled each week. The following items have recently been posted to the Active Transportation - Canada Blog. To view in more detail, go to: http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.com **************************************************************************************************** AT Infrastructure Example: Lac des Seize Iles QC - Separated Bicycle Route 1.. Urban sprawl no fun for kids, reports say 2.. Reclaiming city streets for people 3.. Alberta Centre for Active Living - Physical Activity Information Round-Up 4.. US - Community Walkable Neighbourhoods Guide 5.. Boomer demand spikes sales of two-wheelers designed for older riders 6.. Ottawa's cycling issues finally gaining needed speed 7.. City plans to create seven areas that are vibrant, pedestrian friendly and transit supported 8.. Time to put the brakes on bicycling lanes 9.. Montrealers have no problem walking the walk 10.. Cyclists seeking safer routes and driver education 11.. Skateboard Path May Become Permanent 12.. FACE parents worry about new bike path 13.. Silver Birch Trail will not be paved 14.. National report praises city's bike lane 15.. Proposed trail on agenda for two public meetings 16.. New York's transformation sends us a message 17.. UK - Crap Cycle Lanes 18.. Swedish Piano Stairs 19.. Beijing’s Sustainable City Center 20.. Focusing on Neighborhood Traffic Safety - Lessons from Europe **************************************************************************************************** A reminder e-mail of new postings will be sent no more often than once per week. To continue to receive these updates, you need take no action. Should you not wish to receive updates, please return this e-mail with "Unsubscribe" in the Subject area. Interested in an AT workshop in your community? For more information, please contact: Michael Haynes Director TransActive Solutions activetransportation(a)rogers.com 613.424.2803

1 0

Edmonton tests employee bike-share program
by Beth McKechnie 27 Oct '09

27 Oct '09

City Tests Employee Bike-Share Program June 04, 2009 http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/news/2009/city-tests-employee-bike-s… Downtown City workers can now sign out a bike for lunchtime rides or short commutes to meetings thanks to an employee bike-sharing pilot starting in mid-June. The program is designed to create health options and reduce the carbon footprint of employees. As part of the launch, Councillors Don Iveson and Ben Henderson test-rode 2 of the 25 bikes now available to employees working out of City offices in the downtown core. "Edmontonians have made their city a leader on many environmental fronts by their actions," said Councillor Henderson. "This pilot will encourage City employees to lead by example, as residents and representatives of the City, by getting active while cutting their greenhouse gas emissions. Councillor Iveson also highlighted the fact that programs like this have been proven to increase productivity and reduce workplace injuries or absenteeism. "The pilot not only reflects the City's ongoing efforts to promote sustainable modes of transportation, it's another way we're building a healthy workplace for our employees," said Councillor Iveson. The pilot is designed for workers who do not cycle or cycle very little, and will assess what kinds of barriers need to be addressed to get these individuals on a bike. While the bikes are available to any employee working out of downtown City offices, pilot organizers have recruited a test group of employees to help establish benchmarks and provide ongoing feedback during the project. Dot Laing, Active Edmonton program coordinator, is managing the pilot. She wants to boost her test group's weekly physical activity by 10 per cent. If successful, the 12-week pilot could be extended in 2010. The City will share the results with other organizations interested in starting similar programs for their own employees. The launch coincides with Edmonton's Bike Month and Canadian Environment Week. Whenever using a City-owned bike, employees are required to wear a helmet and follow prescribed security measures to prevent the bikes from being stolen. The pilot is led by Active Edmonton, an initiative of the Community Services Department. For more information: Dot Laing Title Active Edmonton, Program Coordinator, Community Services Telephone 780-994-2348

1 0

Electric bikes allowed on ON roads (Oct.1'09)
by Beth McKechnie 27 Oct '09

27 Oct '09

Electric Bikes Allowed on Ontario Roads http://news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2009/10/electric-bikes-allowed-on-ontario-roa… October 1, 2009 1:00 PM McGuinty Government Announces New Safety Requirements E-bikes can share the road with cars, pedestrians and other traffic throughout Ontario -with new safety requirements. E-bikes reach a maximum speed of 32 kilometres per hour and offer another option for clean, green commuting and travel. Effective October 3, 2009, new requirements that will increase rider safety include: a.. Limiting the maximum weight of an e-bike to 120 kilograms a.. Requiring a maximum braking distance of nine metres a.. Prohibiting modifications of the e-bike's motor to enable power-assisted speeds greater than 32 kilometres per hour. All riders must be at least 16 years of age, wear approved bicycle or motorcycle helmets and follow the same traffic laws that apply to bicyclists such as keeping as close to the right edge of the road as possible. Municipalities can determine where e-bikes may be ridden on their streets, bike lanes and trails. QUICK FACTS a.. E-bikes will not be permitted on 400-series highways, the Queen Elizabeth Way, the Queensway in Ottawa, the Kitchener-Waterloo Expressway and other areas where bicycles are not permitted. b.. An e-bike can be pedaled like a regular bicycle or, with the assistance of an electric motor, can be ridden at a maximum speed of 32 kilometres per hour. c.. Riding an e-bike under the age of 16 or riding an e-bike without an approved helmet carries fines ranging from $60 to $500. For all other traffic offences, e-bike riders will be subject to the same penalties as cyclists. LEARN MORE a.. Read about Ontario's three-year e-bike pilot and its results, including new operating and equipment standards. b.. Find out what new and alternative vehicles are permitted on Ontario roads.

1 0

WFP: Future bike trails - Let's grab abandoned rail lines, Katz says (Oct.23'09)
by Beth McKechnie 23 Oct '09

23 Oct '09

Local News Future bike trails: Let's grab abandoned rail lines, Katz says By: Bartley Kives WINNIPEG should gobble up as many abandoned rail lines as possible to build more bike-and-pedestrian trails, Mayor Sam Katz says. The popularity of the Northeast Pioneers' Greenway -- a 6.7-kilometre commuter path built over the former CPR Marconi Line -- has led Katz to believe the city must work more closely with railways to purchase unused lines as soon as they become available. "If it's abandoned, the city should be grabbing it. They make ideal active-transportation routes," the mayor said Thursday in an interview. "Nothing is more obvious than what we did with the Northeast Pioneers' Greenway. If you go there you'll see it's used by all kinds of people for all kinds of reasons, on foot, on bikes (and on in-line) skates." Winnipeg acquired what's now the Northeast Pioneers' Greenway in 2006, when philanthropist John Buhler bought the Marconi Line from the Canadian Pacific Railway for $1.5 million, flipped it to the city at the same price and kicked in $150,000 to help pave the trail, which runs through East and North Kildonan. City documents show Buhler was able to whittle down the asking price from almost $4 million. Katz said the city could avoid tough negotiations in the future by working with railways to ensure the city always gets the first crack at abandoned lines. The city's failure to secure unused lines in River Heights that eventually fell into the hands of real estate developers was "a major, major blunder," Katz said. But the city has experienced rails-to-trails successes, most notably the community-led acquisition of Charleswood land that led to the creation of the Harte Trail, said Janice Lukes, executive director of the non-profit Winnipeg Trails Association. Land acquisition is the most difficult part of creating any new trail, so a concerted effort by the city to pursue railway property will go a long way toward future trail-building efforts, she added. "There are a lot of pieces we should be grabbing right now. There are little bits and pieces all over the city," said Lukes, who praised Katz for the unexpected policy statement. "That's fabulous. I'm practically having a heart attack." Katz declined to say which abandoned lines the city plans to purchase next, claiming the identification of specific properties might drive up prices. Winnipeg is in the midst of the most aggressive trail-building spree in the city's history. Over the past four years, the city has more than doubled the size of its network of multi-use pathways, bike lanes on streets and sharrows, adding 159.5 kilometres to an active-transportation network that now stands at 274 kilometres. bartley.kives(a)freepress.mb.ca

1 0

NYC DOT explains Bike Lanes in the Big Apple - Streetfilms
by David Wieser 21 Oct '09

21 Oct '09

Bicycling infrastructure explained: In New York City, they have 3 classes of bike routes Class 1 - Protected Path Class 2 - Standard 5 foot wide Bike Lane Class 3 - Shared Lane (ie Sharrows) http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/bike-lanes-in-the-big-apple/ David Wieser

1 0

Active Transportation - Canada: October 17, 2009
by Beth McKechnie 19 Oct '09

19 Oct '09

----- Original Message ----- From: Michael Haynes Sent: Saturday, October 17, 2009 2:02 PM Subject: Active Transportation - Canada: October 17, 2009 Active Transportation - Canada features a regular posting of news articles, studies, reports, and other items that have relevance in this field, with previous postings available in an archive. In addition, pictures of existing Active Transportation infrastructure from communities across Canada will be profiled each week. The following items have recently been posted to the Active Transportation - Canada Blog. To view in more detail, go to: http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.com **************************************************************************************************** AT Infrastructure Example: Lac des Seize Iles QC - Separated Bicycle Route 1.. Keeping children safe: rethinking how we design our surroundings 2.. The Top 10 Facts on Bicycling and Walking in the United States 3.. Health & Transport Action Plan - Grampian, Scotland 4.. Newsletter: The Centre for Sustainable Transportation 5.. Could this be the fittest generation? 6.. Fast lane to safer cycling 7.. Clarifying the Share the Road Project 8.. Newsletter: Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation 9.. Newsletter: Biking Toronto.com 10.. Completing Toronto's Streets 11.. Here's a novel idea: walking to school 12.. Walking to school better in every way for kids 13.. City’s Swedish study tour set to lift off 14.. Is it Safe to Let Your Kids Walk to School? 15.. Bikes and the bad-for-business rap 16.. Scots Government cycle tax idea abandoned 17.. Bike path to link coastline 18.. Dutch move into fast lane with 'bicycle highways' 19.. For the Danes, city planning is all about the bike 20.. Dubai building 6,000 bicycle parking spots **************************************************************************************************** A reminder e-mail of new postings will be sent no more often than once per week. To continue to receive these updates, you need take no action. Should you not wish to receive updates, please return this e-mail with "Unsubscribe" in the Subject area. Interested in an AT workshop in your community? For more information, please contact: Michael Haynes Director TransActive Solutions activetransportation(a)rogers.com 613.424.2803

1 0

Come on Google - Get more cycle-friendly
by Beth McKechnie 17 Oct '09

17 Oct '09

[Snipped from the Centerlines e-newsletter #216 published by the National Center for Bicycling and Walking] COME ON GOOGLE -- GET MORE CYCLE-FRIENDLY! According to the Nov. 27th Life Cycle UK newsletter, "A global campaign is underway to persuade the planet's favourite search engine to be more cycle-friendly. Many of us use the wonderful Google maps to find our way around. The maps show a street plan, or at the click of a button, an aerial photo to help you get a feel for the terrain. Another click and you can summon up live traffic info, and car drivers can get detailed directions from A to B. For the USA and some other countries Google has also added a mass transit directions option which tells you how to reach your destination by bus, tram or train. Now cyclists are asking for a Bike There feature. "The organisers of the campaign say: 'By implementing the "Public Transit" option, Google and the Google Maps team have shown themselves to be concerned and capable world citizens. A "Bike There" feature would be the ultimate statement in support of sustainable development, self-reliance, exercise and healthy living: that's bicycle directions.' "Campaigners envisage the "Bike There" feature showing cycle lanes, bike paths and other infrastructure, and giving cyclists the option of seeing either the most direct route or the quietist and safest. The feature would make cycling easier and more pleasant for millions of people around the world. It would empower world citizens to adapt their lifestyles to face the challenges of global climate change and it would help Google fulfill its mission of "organising the world's information and making it universally accessible and useful. More than 40,000 people have already signed the on-line petition. Add your voice to the campaign now!" To learn more, go to: http://www.petitiononline.com/bikether/petition.html

2 1

Globe & Mail: Where you live affects your chance of obesity (Oct.13'09)
by Beth McKechnie 15 Oct '09

15 Oct '09

Leslie Beck On Health Where you live affects your chance of obesity A new study finds that people in areas that support more physical activity are 38 per cent less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes... http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/where-you-live-affects-your-chan…

1 0