- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Cycling video to make you smile
by Beth McKechnie 17 Nov '13

17 Nov '13

Hope you enjoy this lighthearted (but revealing) 2-1/2 minute video on cycling in the Netherlands. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqkDiExIEiE cheers, Beth

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AT Webinar (2-3:15pm, Wed.Nov.20'13, EcoCentre) -- Is there safety in numbers for cyclists and pedestrians?
by Beth McKechnie 15 Nov '13

15 Nov '13

Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg invite you to join us for a local viewing of the following APBP webinar at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave). This will be followed by group discussion of local applications. Detailed description provided below. Please note this webinar is 75 minutes (rather than the usual one hour). *Wednesday, Nov.20th | 2:00-3:15 p.m.* RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth (204) 925-3772 ** * * * ** Is There Safety in Numbers for Cyclists and Pedestrians? *Wednesday, Nov.20th | 2:00-3:15 p.m.* Is there safety in numbers? At this webinar, learn if increasing the number of cyclists and pedestrians can lead to a better safety regimen. Our presenters review the research related to safety analysis and the relationship between volume of users and facilities, as well as the policy implications for practitioners who seek to increase cycling and walking. The webinar presenters will talk about these points related to the phenomenon of safety in numbers: - When do we observe "safety in numbers” and how can we explain it? - What factors affect cyclist safety, and can we build a framework to understand how these factors interact? - What approaches might a municipality take to analyze and understand cyclist safety? *Presenters*: - Simon Blenski, Bicycle and Pedestrian Planner, City of Minneapolis - Dr. Luis Miranda-Moreno, McGill University, Montreal - Dr. Krista Nordback, Research Associate, Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium (OTREC), Portland State University

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NB: TIME CHANGE! Join us Monday, November 18th; 2:00 - 2:45 pm! Upstream Thinking - Dr Ryan Meili in Winnipeg
by Jackie Avent (ASRTS) 14 Nov '13

14 Nov '13

*Apologies for the confusion. Please note the time change to 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm on Monday November 18th for this session!* Dr. Ryan Meili will be at the Eco-Centre on *Monday, November 18th* - 3rd Floor, 303 Portage Avenue *from 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm* for a discussion about the Winnipeg launch of *Upstream: Institute for a Healthy Society*. See this short animated film for an introduction! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qarQXqKbmLg Feel free to spread the word, and kindly RSVP to asrts(a)greenactioncentre.caso we know how many seats to arrange. As it's a short gathering, please ensure to be early or on time. Hope you can make it! Jackie *About Upstream* Upstream is a movement to create a healthy society through evidence-based, people-centred ideas. Upstream seeks to change the current conversation, reframing public discourse around the goal of true health and helping citizens understand the best ways to reach that goal. >From the emergency room, to homeless shelters, to the prison system, we see the consequences of downstream thinking all around us. Upstream thinking means investing wisely for future success rather than spending all of our time and resources responding to failure. If health for all is our goal, then upstream thinking is about addressing the things that have the greatest influence on our health, including income, employment, education, early childhood development, housing, nutrition and the wider environment. Upstream works with the growing body of evidence on these social determinants of health and use that knowledge to guide recommendations for change. By sharing stories through a variety of media, Upstream seeks to creatively engage citizens, sparking within them a personal stake in the social determinants of health and a demand for upstream alternatives to the status quo. Upstream uses this evidence and storytelling to foster a vibrant network of organizations and individuals who share this vision. By demonstrating that a better way is possible, we can help create the conditions for wiser decisions and a healthier Canada. Learn more at www.thinkupstream.net -- *Jackie Avent* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> -- *Jackie Avent* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>

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Fwd: News from Canada Walks
by Jackie Avent (ASRTS) 14 Nov '13

14 Nov '13

Some interesting things going on around walkability and cyclability across Canada! Jackie ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Jacky Kennedy <asrts(a)sympatico.ca> Date: 14 November 2013 12:23 Subject: News from Canada Walks To: stp(a)greenactioncentre.ca Walkolution News - November 2013 Please share this newsletter with a friend! [image: Walkolution banner]<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> Visit and "Like" Canada Walks<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…>, Walk Friendly Ontario<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…>& Sustainable Happiness<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…>Facebook pages! [image: Twitter] Follow us on Twitter at <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> @walkfriendlyON<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> and @CanadaWalks<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> *In This Issue* - WALK Friendly Communities Awards <#14257da7923b13a3_WFO> - International Walk to School Month 2013 <#14257da7923b13a3_IWALK> - Community Progress in Active School Travel <#14257da7923b13a3_AST> - Sustainable Urban Transportation Award <#14257da7923b13a3_TAC> - Canada's favourite Crossing Guard Contest<#14257da7923b13a3_CrossingGuard> - York Region ASRTS Campaign <#14257da7923b13a3_York> - Ottawa's Transportation Master Plan <#14257da7923b13a3_Ottawa> - Ontario's First Youth Bike Summit <#14257da7923b13a3_Summit> - Talking Walking, Ghost Pedestrians, WalkABle Alberta<#14257da7923b13a3_Talkingwalking> - UWALK, Car Less in Calgary, The Walkable City <#14257da7923b13a3_UWALK> - International Inspiration for Walking <#14257da7923b13a3_International> - Winter Walk Day 2014 <#14257da7923b13a3_WWD> - Canada walks can help you reach your walkability goals!<#14257da7923b13a3_Walkabilitygoals> [image: WFO][image: Walk Friendly ON] *Ontario's first WALK Friendly Community designations awarded at provincial healthy communities conference in Toronto* It is with great pride that we announce the first five Ontario municipalities to be awarded WALK Friendly designations: *Silver designation: City of Ottawa and City of Hamilton* *Bronze designation: Town of Richmond Hill, City of London and Town of Wasaga Beach* "We offer our congratulations to all of the communities that have achieved a designation and hope that the recognition they receive will inspire further action, and a little healthy competition, to create a culture of walking in cities and towns across the province," said WALK Friendly Ontario program manager Kate Hall. The designation application requires communities to report their progress on more than 200 key walkability indicators including sidewalk policies and networks of connected walking infrastructure, progressive design standards, street festivals, public art, staff training, and citizen engagement to name just a few of the criteria. All applications are reviewed and scored by Canada Walks' panel of experts. "Walkable communities contribute significantly to healthy and active lifestyles for Ontarians of all ages and abilities," said Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. "What's more, offering welcoming, walkable routes give residents and visitors alike unique ways to explore and experience communities all across the province." The awards were presented at HC Link's conference, Linking for Healthy Communities: Collaborating for Change<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…>, where more than 150 participants from across Ontario gathered to learn new strategies and strengthen networks that support healthy communities. We thank the Ontario government and the Metcalf Foundation who generously provided funds for this initiative. Applications will be accepted for the 2014 designations in February-March and in August-September. The Application Guide to help communities prepare is available at www.walkfriendly.ca<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> . [image: IWALK] *International Walk to School celebrations in Ontario* St. Marguerite d'Youville, Hamilton - We LOVE to Move! for IWALK St. Marguerite d'Youville put their heart in their IWALK event on Oct. 9 with more than 500 students and staff walking or wheeling to promote healthy and strong bodies. Follow the walk to school campaign on Twitter<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> ! Be part of the conversation - use hashtags #walktoschool and #biketoschool to share your IWALK experiences and post your stories on the Smart Commute<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> and Canada Walks<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> Facebook pages. Schools and active school travel practitioners can also support ParticipACTION's Park the Car, It's Not That Far<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> campaign, one of the actions resulting from the 2013 Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> where Canadian children and youth were assigned a D for Active Transportation. Use hashtag #parkthecar to participate in the conversation. See ParticipACTION's Facebook<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> page and Twitter<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> to follow the campaign and to participate. *London's Walk to School Program helping to create walkable neighbourhoods* London's Mayor Joe Fontana participated in a Walking School Bus (WSB) on IWALK Day: "This walk is exactly what the city needs," Fontana said. "We want a walkable city, we want walkable neighbourhoods, we want to promote active living and we want parents to feel their children are safe on their walk to school." This WSB is one of three at Lorne Avenue Public School, organized through London Block Parent® Walking School Bus Program and the London Active & Safe Routes to School initiative. Joining Mayor Fontana was School Trustee Matt Reid: "I love being able to support volunteers who are helping make sure our kids get to school safely and on time." Across town the Old South Community Association (OSCO), in partnership with ASRTS and the Middlesex-London Health Unit, organized a special IWALK event for neighbourhood schools in the Wortly neighbourhood GreenSPACE. Three local schools attended the event that featured games, snacks and local athletes to share their commitment to physical activity. The children presented skits on physical activity as a celebration of IWALK, and London's In Motion<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…>October challenge team was in attendance. OSCO is a strong supporter of walkable neighbourhoods and are planning a Winter Walk Day event with the local schools in February. *Toronto French School embraces active school travel* TFS - Canada's International School is a bilingual, coeducational and non-denominational independent school for students from age 2 to university entrance. TFS has a conscientious Eco-Council, comprised of parents, students, teachers and staff. Early 2013, TFS' Toronto campus successfully launched an *Active Transportation* campaign with a very chilly *Winter Walk Day*. Interest and awareness quickly increased and in the spring, *Walking Wednesdays* was introduced; scores of students either walked, cycled or scootered to school. This year, TFS' Eco-Council will include metrics behind their campaign and start to track how many students are using active transportation, which will, in turn, earn them 'house points' for their efforts. TFS Mascot Tuff welcoming walkers October 9, 2013, TFS hosted its first annual *International Walk to School Day.*Its success generated high participation and noticeably quieter parking lots and traffic. The TFS community is very aware of their carbon footprint. Having passed the Ontario EcoSchool certification and receiving Gold standing in the spring of 2013, it's no surprise their level of commitment. Two senior school students undertook a 9km walk; a Grade 2 class met at a local park and walked to school together and many families either biked or walked together for the first time. Welcome table highlighting international IWALK event TFS' Junior School principal, Mme Kay Scarlett, led an active transportation themed assembly that highlighted the benefits of personal health and the effects on the environment. She inspired her Grades 2 - 5 audiences, with a powerful message that included fascinating videos that underlined the day's international theme. Showcasing contrasting habits of North American families, who typically drive to school, with underdeveloped countries where eager school children must endure long and quite often, dangerous journeys - truly struck a chord with students and generated further discussion. Southwood Park's Walk and Wheel Wall *Southwood Park Public School **in Ajax* kicked off a year of ASRTS on IWALK Day. The initiative is supported by the Town of Ajax as part of their active transportation<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> strategy<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…>. Southwood Park students are looking forward to the next challenge in November when they will be creating active travel themed posters. During IWALK month we encouraged schools to track their active travel kilometres using the *ischooltravel calculator*. The calculator helps students understand the impact of their family's travel choices and determines how many calories they burned, the cost of fuel saved, as well as greenhouse gas emissions avoided. This tool is a great way to empower students to make a difference in their world. English calculator<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> French calculator<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> [image: AST] *Active School Travel Gets Important Boosts in Ottawa* Last month saw two important boosts for active school travel in the nation's capital: - On October 3 the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) along with the Ottawa-Carleton District and Ottawa Catholic school boards, signed a school active travel charter. It represents a first step in the creation of a new School Active Transportation Support Network<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…>, created to boost walking and cycling, in collaboration with the two school boards, OSTA, the City of Ottawa and Green Communities Canada (GCC). Great coverage in the Ottawa Citizen<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> . Students Jamie McWilliam (left) and Sasha Rogers share stories about why they like to walk to school during the signing ceremony for Ottawa's active school travel charter From left to right: Mark Mullan, Chair, Ottawa Catholic school board; Vicky Kyriaco, General Manager, Ottawa Student Transportation Authority; Jennifer McKenzie, Chair, Ottawa-Carleton Distribt school board; Walter Piovesan, Associate Director of Education, Ottawa-Carleton District school board. - Ottawa Public Health has unveiled its plans to introduce new school-based active transportation initiatives<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> at all 230 English and French-language schools across the city in 2014. *Vaughan Active Routes are the Way to Go! Program Engineering Initiatives * Prior to the opening of the new St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Elementary School in September 2012, staff at the City of Vaughan worked with various partners to develop a school travel planning pilot, called Active Routes are the Way to Go! As part of this pilot, staff developed an action plan consisting of various soft initiatives to encourage walking and cycling, including Walking Wednesdays. Engineering staff contributed to the pilot with funding for hard initiatives, including new road safety signs and pavement markings to encourage motorists to slow down and remind pedestrians to be more aware when crossing the road. Staff organized a colouring contest with the school children to design the sign. Students were asked to use messages such as: "WATCH FOR CHILDREN"; "PLEASE DRIVE SLOWLY"; or "GO SLOW". The winning entry was enlarged to create two 60cm x 75cm reflective signs. No regulatory signs were removed. To complement the new signs, engineering staff installed diagonal pavement markings and the words "SLOW DOWN" in front of the school. Traffic in the kiss and ride has already been reduced by 108 cars before the morning bell due to the soft school travel planning initiatives. Staff will also be monitoring traffic speeds following the installation of pavement markings to determine whether vehicular speeds have been reduced. New road safety sign (June 2013) New pavement markings and road safety sign (November 2013) New diagonal pavement markings (November 2013) * [image: TAC]* * Transportation Association of Canada's (TAC) **2013 Sustainable Urban Transportation Award *has been awarded to the Stepping It Up school travel planning project, a collaboration of Metrolinx, Green Communities, City of Hamilton, Region of Peel and the University of Toronto. Project Manager Jennifer Lay of Metrolinx attended the TAC conference to personally receive the award on behalf of the Stepping It Up team. The Stepping It Up school travel planning project<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…>, 2009-2011, worked with 30 schools, 3 school boards, and a host of community stakeholders. [image: CrossingGuard] Reminder: *Canada's Favourite Crossing Guard*: Do you know a crossing guard in your area who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to help children get to school safely? Enter him or her in "Canada's Favourite Crossing Guard Contest<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…>," run by Parachute, a national charity dedicated to preventing injury and saving lives, and FedEx Express Canada. The winning crossing guards will receive $500 and an engraved plaque and the school will receive $500. Applications accepted until *November 22, 2013*. [image: York] York Region's ASRTS launches a new campaign: *Heading to School? Walk Safe. Drive Safe. Be Safe*! Learn more by watching their video<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> and visiting their website<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> . *Ottawa's New Transportation Plan Endorses Complete Streets **[image: Ottawa]* The City of Ottawa has tabled a new draft Transportation Master Plan<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…>that, if approved in December, will see it join a growing list of Canadian municipalities that are adopting a Complete Streets policy for road design, operation and maintenance. It includes a commitment to revise road design guidelines and standards to incorporate Complete Streets principles. [image: Summit] Share the Road Cycling Coalition<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…>held Ontario's first Youth Bike Summit in Toronto, October 6-7. Attended by 80 high school students, teachers and transportation professionals from across the province, participants were treated to keynote addresses from Ontario Minister of Transportation Glen Murray, motivational speaker Kelly Lovell, and Toronto Youth Bike Summit Co-chairs Akehil Johnson and Justice Betty Councilor Mike Layton. They learned about Toronto's Central Commerce Collegiate's for-credit bike maintenance course, and experienced an interactive advocacy training workshop facilitated by Brown & Cohen Communications and Public Affairs Inc. The 'Youth Agenda for a Bicycle-Friendly Ontario' was released by the youth leaders at a reception held at Queen's Park and attended by 20 MPPs, Minister Murray and members of the Provincial Cycling Causus. Share the Road thanks the Heart & Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Automobile Association, the Co-operators, the City of Toronto, the Trillium Foundation, Mountain Equipment Co-op, JoyRide150, Cervelo and Les Domestiques for their generous support of the Youth Bike Summit<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> . Twitter @YouthCycleON and @STRCanada. If you missed our September 25 webinar *Bikeability for School Children*, you can listen to the archive<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> . You can access the projects presented: - Bikeability (UK) www.dft.gov.uk/bikeability<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> - Right to Bike (BC) http://bccc.bc.ca/projects/right-to-bike/<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> - Share the Road Cycling Coalition (ON) www.sharetheroad.ca<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> - The Guide to Ride Program www.phecanada.ca<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> [image: Talkingwalking] *Talking Walking *is celebrating its fifth anniversary; 45 interviews<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…>related to walking have been recorded and published to date. To celebrate its fifth year Talking Walking is asking walking advocates for their 5-year outlook for walking - listen to the podcasts here<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…>. Canada Walks' Jacky Kennedy recently recorded her forecast for walking/walkability in Canada. *Walk Ottawa launches 'ghost pedestrians'*: Similar to 'ghost bikes' that memorialize the death of cyclists, the 'walk' symbol is being used to mark locations where pedestrians<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…>have been killed. The Province of Alberta's'*Strategic Approach to Wellness*' was showcased at the close of the International Wellness for Life Conference held in Lake Louise, AB, Oct. 1-2. Alberta Health Services featured their '*WalkABle Alberta <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…>* ' program, resulting from the 2011 Walkability Roadshow developed in partnership with Canada Walks and Walk21. [image: UWALK] UWALK.ca<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> is an Alberta-wide initiative that aims to increase the physical activity of Albertans. Developed by the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation at the University of Alberta and funded by the Government of Alberta. UWALK.ca is fun, free and interactive! Documentary Car Less In Calgary premiered this fall - watch the trailer<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…>, rent or own here<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> . Check out Jeff Speck's Ted Talk<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…>; Jeff is the author of The Walkable City, detailing the health, economic, and environmental reasons to make our cities walkable. Dr. Michael Evans' video<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> on the dangers of 'sitting disease' and how to 'tweak the week' with life enhancing actions like walking. [image: International] *International inspiration for walking*: - Measuring walking is a challenge for municipalities but we must start to do a much better job - after all, if we don't measure something can we say it really exists? Australia's Victoria Walks has recently released a series of super documents as part of an online toolkit Smart Steps for Councils<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> . Measuring Walking: A Guide for Councils<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> provides straightforward advice on when to measure, how to measure, and how to use the measurements to increase walking as a transportation mode share. The document sits aside Developing a Walking Strategy: A Guide for Councils<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…>. We encourage Canadian municipal officials to check these out and adapt for your local needs. - Walk21 Munich 2013 conference presentations and photos are now online www.walk21munich.com<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> . [image: WWD] [image: WWD] *Winter Walk Day - February 5, 2014* Tips for keeping warm and being seen on colder and darker winter days: - Keep hands and head covered to prevent heat loss - On really cold days cover your face and mouth with a scarf, neck warmer or balaclava - Wear warm, waterproof boots - Wear a warm coat that deflects the wind or alternately layer clothes underneath a warm, windproof coat - Woolen or synthetic fleece clothing helps to retain the heat - Wear clothing or carry knapsacks with reflective material - it's important to be seen - If possible, change wet clothes at school - tuck an extra pair of socks and mitts into knapsacks - Below -25oC is considered too cold for walking so move your walk in-doors or select another day for outdoor activities or walking to school Posters and printable images are available here<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> . *Canada Walks can help you meet your walkability goals*! *[image: Walkabilitygoals]* We offer a full range of workshops and consulting services to help you: You can find out more information about our services here<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> or contact us <asrts(a)sympatico.ca> for details. [image: Ride] If you have story ideas or walking news you'd like to share please send to us at info(a)saferoutestoschool.ca. Be sure to include your contact details. [image: foot] Incentive items for active school travel initiatives can be ordered through M.P. Russo & Associates www.mprusso.com.<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> * Let them know you heard of them through us! * [image: Donate Now]<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U-eXhMxSZZFemWtBbOgbKRyqb9xuLxotzqvq8qUj0LKi…> Canada Walks Walkolution News profiles actions across Canada undertaken by Green Communities Canada and our many local partners to help create communities where walking is safe, easy, enjoyable, and inviting. By making a donation to the Green Communities Foundation you can provide vital support for this work. Just click on the Donate Now button and indicate in the comments section that you'd like your gift to go to the work of Canada Walks. *Our Partners* *Canada Walks* Tel: 416.488.7263 Toll free: 1.877.533.4098, ext. 411 Fax: 416.488.2296 Email: asrts(a)sympatico.ca Forward this email<http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?llr=a889zicab&m=1101954641760&ea=…> <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=001A4zklBfN4cVp2sRA8Zz8WQ%3D%3…> <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?pn=quidnovis&cc=TEM_News_117> This email was sent to stp(a)greenactioncentre.ca by asrts(a)sympatico.ca | Update Profile/Email Address<http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=oo&m=001A4zklBfN4cVp2sRA8Zz8WQ%3D%3…> | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe<http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=001A4zklBfN4cVp2sRA8Zz8WQ%3D%3…>™ | Privacy Policy <http://ui.constantcontact.com/roving/CCPrivacyPolicy.jsp>. | 416 Chambers St | Peterborough | K9H 3V1 | Canada -- *Jackie Avent* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>

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Join us Monday, November 18th; 2:30 - 3:15 pm! Upstream Thinking - Dr Ryan Meili in Winnipeg
by Jackie Avent (ASRTS) 14 Nov '13

14 Nov '13

Dr. Ryan Meili will be at the Eco-Centre on *Monday, November 18th* - 3rd Floor, 303 Portage Avenue *from 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm* for a discussion about the Winnipeg launch of *Upstream: Institute for a Healthy Society*. See this short animated film for an introduction! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qarQXqKbmLg Feel free to spread the word, and kindly RSVP to asrts(a)greenactioncentre.caso we know how many seats to arrange. As it's a short gathering, please ensure to be early or on time. Hope you can make it! Jackie *About Upstream* Upstream is a movement to create a healthy society through evidence-based, people-centred ideas. Upstream seeks to change the current conversation, reframing public discourse around the goal of true health and helping citizens understand the best ways to reach that goal. >From the emergency room, to homeless shelters, to the prison system, we see the consequences of downstream thinking all around us. Upstream thinking means investing wisely for future success rather than spending all of our time and resources responding to failure. If health for all is our goal, then upstream thinking is about addressing the things that have the greatest influence on our health, including income, employment, education, early childhood development, housing, nutrition and the wider environment. Upstream works with the growing body of evidence on these social determinants of health and use that knowledge to guide recommendations for change. By sharing stories through a variety of media, Upstream seeks to creatively engage citizens, sparking within them a personal stake in the social determinants of health and a demand for upstream alternatives to the status quo. Upstream uses this evidence and storytelling to foster a vibrant network of organizations and individuals who share this vision. By demonstrating that a better way is possible, we can help create the conditions for wiser decisions and a healthier Canada. Learn more at www.thinkupstream.net -- *Jackie Avent* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>

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WFP: Time to open up Portage and Main
by Beth McKechnie 13 Nov '13

13 Nov '13

Time to open up Portage and Main By: Jeffrey Thorsteinson http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/time-to-open-up-portage-a… In 2017, the agreement that closed the corner of Portage and Main to pedestrians ends. With this in mind, city council has directed staff to study re-opening the intersection to foot traffic. It's admirable the city is taking this step. The arguments that have been made in favour of turning Portage and Main into a more pedestrian-friendly urban space are all correct. But it's important to remember we've been here before, without results. Only eight years ago a large competition calling for a re-design of the site was held. The winning scheme, by local architecture firm Corbett Cibinel, viewed the corner as a pedestrian hub with plans to improve the subterranean realm below. The proposal opened the intersection to foot traffic for evenings and weekends or entirely. But progress halted when then-mayor Glen Murray stepped out of civic politics and into an ill-fated federal election campaign. The meantime hasn't been all bad. The words "Portage and Main" still have an evocative power. It's here that crowds gathered when the Jets' return was announced. It's here that you find local treasures by prominent international firms: McKim Mead and White's Beaux-Arts Bank of Montreal and Skidmore Owings & Merrill's Richardson Building. Recent gestures add life and point in the right direction: a Starbucks at the base of the RBC tower and Hy's Steakhouse anchoring the Richardson building. New art has also appeared, paid for by building owners. The potential is clear, but we're still left largely with emptiness and barricades. Why? There is, of course, the agreement. But this document's language and legality is unclear. It leaves room for surface-level pedestrian crossings of the intersection as long as they "tie-in to the concourse." And with the assent of the corner's property owners, it could certainly be scrapped. In 2007, six out of seven owners agreed to this plan. The seventh, Oxford Properties, has since been replaced by Crown Realty, whose opinion on the matter is unknown. What's missing is leadership. In his 2010 re-election campaign Mayor Sam Katz stated that "Evenings and weekends are a reasonable compromise," but nothing's changed. Unmotivated politicians are just part of the picture. The larger reason behind the current state of affairs is a widespread conviction the corner must remain closed to avoid traffic headaches. More than any other, it's this notion that motivates keeping the corner closed. And it's an idea that hasn't yet received the critique it's due. Happily, it's easily refutable. If you take the time to look at the city's traffic map, it's clear Portage and Main isn't even Winnipeg's busiest corner. Regent and Lagimodiere, which is open to pedestrians, has approximately 189,500 cars pass through on a typical day. In contrast, Portage and Main gets 154,000. If you add up the streets feeding into Confusion Corner, whose name indicates its difficulty to navigate, you'll see that it too gets more traffic than Portage and Main. And yet I've never heard it suggested these corners be shut down to foot traffic. In fact, it's obvious countless cities around the world allow pedestrians to cross intersections with far higher traffic volumes than Portage and Main and that problems do not arise. If these cities adopted our route, Manhattan and Paris would be dominated by shady underground malls. Sites such as New York's Times Square, Herald Square and Columbus Circle are all busier than Portage and Main and all are open to foot traffic. Recently, New York City has given more space to pedestrians and amenities and has found traffic delays have gone down. Portage and Main was not shut to pedestrians because of the difficulty of mixing foot traffic and cars. The concourse was sold to Winnipeggers by the city mostly on the notion that a climate-controlled connection would greatly enhance life downtown. This has not been the case. We don't need to live by the mistaken assumptions of the past. And, importantly, even if pedestrians are allowed to cross above, if you like the concourse, its warm halls will still be there for you. These, hopefully, are the type of findings the city report will come to. When the day the agreement's end arrives, let's open the corner up and invite people back to Winnipeg's central landmark site. Or, better yet: don't wait. Jeffrey Thorsteinson is a Winnipeg architectural historian and writer with an interest in urban planning. Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition November 13, 2013 A9

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Green Lane Project - Selling Biking series
by Beth McKechnie 08 Nov '13

08 Nov '13

Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser<http://us5.campaign-archive1.com/?u=64bd122c67bd28d620978f4a5&id=5cb3d62b9a…>. [image: Green Lane Project]<http://greenlaneproject.us5.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=64bd122c67bd28d6…> This week's Green Lane Project news Selling biking: Perceived safety, the barrier that still matters<http://greenlaneproject.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=64bd122c67bd28d62…> Nov 07, 2013 02:57 am *Second in a series about opinions held by the "swing voters" of bicycling <http://greenlaneproject.us5.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=64bd122c67bd28d6…>.* To people who ride bikes in many U.S. cities, Portland and San Francisco might feel like heaven. But for the thousands of people in those cities who own bikes but don't ride frequently, that's far from the case. Asked to rate the amount at which they were "concerned about safety when cycling in your city" on a scale of 1 to 5, three-quarters of such riders said read more<http://greenlaneproject.us5.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=64bd122c67bd28d6…> [image: Like Selling biking: Perceived safety, the barrier that still matters on Facebook]<http://greenlaneproject.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=64bd122c67bd28d62…> [image: Google Plus One Button]<http://greenlaneproject.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=64bd122c67bd28d62…> [image: share on Twitter]<http://greenlaneproject.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=64bd122c67bd28d62…> Selling biking: A new study on the ‘swing voters’ of the street<http://greenlaneproject.us5.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=64bd122c67bd28d6…> Nov 06, 2013 07:43 am *First in a series.* San Francisco and Portland are celebrated as two of the best U.S. cities for biking. In fact, one in every 25 American bike commuters lives in one of these two cities. But even in these cities' bike-friendly neighborhoods, hundreds of thousands of people — it's perhaps half the population — have ridden bikes before but rarely use them. What's stopping them? Even if they don't personally bike, what images make them read more<http://greenlaneproject.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=64bd122c67bd28d62…> [image: Like Selling biking: A new study on the ‘swing voters’ of the street on Facebook]<http://greenlaneproject.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=64bd122c67bd28d62…> [image: Google Plus One Button]<http://greenlaneproject.us5.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=64bd122c67bd28d6…> [image: share on Twitter]<http://greenlaneproject.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=64bd122c67bd28d62…>

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Fwd: Karen Lee Lectures, November 20th
by Beth McKechnie 08 Nov '13

08 Nov '13

Dean's Lecture Series *Karen Lee* The Key Roles of Community and Building Design in Protecting and Promoting Health *November 20, 2013* 12 PM | Room R160 Medical Rehabilitation Building Bannatyne Campus University of Manitoba and 6 PM | CENTRE SPACE John A. Russell Building Fort Garry Campus University of Manitoba Dr. Karen Lee lives in NYC. She teaches on the built environment and health at the Pratt Institute in New York, and is also Adjunct Professor at the Schools of Public Health at the University of Toronto and the University of Alberta (also a World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Non-Communicable Disease Policy) in Canada. She is also Senior Advisor on Built Environment & Healthy Housing at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Dr. Lee has been the lead for the NYC Health Dept in its work with 12 city agencies and non-government partners, in the development of the award-winning *Active Design Guidelines*, published in January 2010. She and her staff at the NYC Health Dept work with the American Institute Architects New York Chapter to organize the annual Fit City conferences since 2006. Since the publication of the *Active Design Guidelines*, Dr. Lee’s team has developed and implemented trainings on Active Design for architects and planners as well as community groups and residents, and has worked with city agencies and private sector partners on developing and implementing Active Design policies and practices in NYC and 15 other U.S. cities. Dr. Lee is also co-author on the recently released publications *Active Design Supplement: Promoting Safety, *and *Active Design: Affordable Designs for Affordable Housing* presenting low-cost and cost-neutral Active Design strategies to address the epidemics of obesity and related chronic diseases. Dr. Lee was also involved in the development and publication of the recent NYC Health Department publication *Active Design: Guide for Community Groups*. Dr. Lee also consults to and advises cities and organizations in Canada, Australia, Asia, Europe and Latin America as well as World Health Organization offices on issues related to the built environment and chronic diseases. Before coming to NYC, Dr. Lee was with the Epidemic Intelligence Service at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) where she worked in the Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity at the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

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Friendly reminder: 2nd International Winter Cycling Congress - Call for Speakers and Early-bird Registration
by Beth McKechnie 08 Nov '13

08 Nov '13

Just a friendly reminder that the deadline for abstract submissions is a week tomorrow. And don't be shy about registering now -- your attendance is important and your registration fees will be appreciated. Thanks and please share widely! thanks, Beth * * * * * *2nd International Winter Cycling Congress* *Call for Speakers and Early-bird Registration* The 2nd International Winter Cycling Congress will be held *February 12 & 13, 2014*, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Congress will provide a venue for delegates from around the world to share their expertise related to Winter Cycling. The *Call for Speakers*<http://wintercyclingcongresswinnipeg.org/program/call-for-speakers/>is open and the conference is accepting abstract submissions until *November 15, 2013*. Apply now and share your skills, research and wisdom related to planning, design, construction, maintenance, education, advocacy, data collection and management, culture building, and more. If there is snow on the ground, and you are working towards sustainable transportation, we want to hear from you. If you plan to attend as a delegate, *Early-bird Registration*<http://wintercyclingcongresswinnipeg.org/>is now open. Act soon – register before December 1st for a $100 discount. Discounts are also available for students and non-profits. Be sure to follow the conference on Twitter <https://twitter.com/wccwpg> or Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/Wintercyclingcongresswinnipeg> to connect with people around the world and to be updated on exciting keynote speaker announcements and other programming. Or subscribe<http://wintercyclingcongresswinnipeg.org/join-conference-newsletter-for-upd…>to the conference newsletter for email updates. If you are interested in sponsorship or a display booth, contact us<http://wintercyclingcongresswinnipeg.org/contact/>directly. For more information, please see Winter Cycling Congress 2014<http://wintercyclingcongresswinnipeg.org/> . [image: Inline image 1]

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Fwd: Upstream Thinking - Dr Ryan Meili in Winnipeg
by Jackie Avent (ASRTS) 07 Nov '13

07 Nov '13

Please consider attending this event at McNally Robinson and the lecture earlier that day at U of M Faculty of Medicine. In the mean time, check out this great short video <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qarQXqKbmLg>. I believe a lot of the work we do is already "thinking upstream", but how do we get the "mainstream" thinking in the same way? If you are interested in a Q&A or discussion with Ryan in the afternoon of November 18th (around 2:30), please let me know and we can arrange something in the downtown area. Cheers, Jackie On *Monday Nov.18th* please join Dr Ryan Meili for a discussion of his book, *A Healthy Society: how a focus on health can revive Canadian democracy* and the Winnipeg launch of *Upstream: Institute for a Healthy Society*. See this animated short for an introduction to Upstream: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qarQXqKbmLg Ryan will be speaking at McNally Robinson (Grant Park location) at 7:30pm in the Travel Alcove and will be signing books afterward. Feel free to use the Facebook event page to invite others: https://www.facebook.com/events/651899148177645/?fref=ts He will also be speaking at noon at the Faculty of Medicine on *Social Accountability in Medicine: Shaking the Foundation* in Theatre C, Basic Medical Sciences Building, University of Manitoba. Both events are free of charge and open to the public. *About Upstream* Upstream is a movement to create a healthy society through evidence-based, people-centred ideas. Upstream seeks to change the current conversation, reframing public discourse around the goal of true health and helping citizens understand the best ways to reach that goal. >From the emergency room, to homeless shelters, to the prison system, we see the consequences of downstream thinking all around us. Upstream thinking means investing wisely for future success rather than spending all of our time and resources responding to failure. If health for all is our goal, then upstream thinking is about addressing the things that have the greatest influence on our health, including income, employment, education, early childhood development, housing, nutrition and the wider environment. Upstream works with the growing body of evidence on these social determinants of health and use that knowledge to guide recommendations for change. By sharing stories through a variety of media, Upstream seeks to creatively engage citizens, sparking within them a personal stake in the social determinants of health and a demand for upstream alternatives to the status quo. Upstream uses this evidence and storytelling to foster a vibrant network of organizations and individuals who share this vision. By demonstrating that a better way is possible, we can help create the conditions for wiser decisions and a healthier Canada. Learn more at www.thinkupstream.net -- *Jackie Avent* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>

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The secrets of the world's happiest cit
by Dave Elmore 06 Nov '13

06 Nov '13

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/nov/01/secrets-worlds-happiest-citie s-commute-property-prices The secrets of the world's happiest cities What makes a city a great place to live your commute, property prices or good conversation? Two bodyguards trotted behind Enrique Peñalosa <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enrique_Pe%C3%B1alosa> , their pistols jostling in holsters. There was nothing remarkable about that, given his profession and his locale. Peñalosa was a politician on yet another campaign, and this was Bogotá, a city with a reputation for kidnapping and assassination. What was unusual was this: Peñalosa didn't climb into the armoured SUV. Instead, he hopped on a mountain bike. His bodyguards and I pedalled madly behind, like a throng of teenagers in the wake of a rock star. A few years earlier, this ride would have been a radical and in the opinion of many Bogotáns suicidal act. If you wanted to be assaulted, asphyxiated by exhaust fumes or run over, the city's streets were the place to be. But Peñalosa insisted that things had changed. "We're living an experiment," he yelled back at me. "We might not be able to fix the economy. But we can design the city to give people dignity, to make them feel rich. The city can make them happier." I first saw the Mayor of Happiness work his rhetorical magic back in the spring of 2006. The United Nations had just announced that some day in the following months, one more child would be born in an urban hospital or a migrant would stumble into a metropolitan shantytown, and from that moment on, more than half the world's people would be living in cities. By 2030, almost 5 billion of us will be urban. Peñalosa insisted that, like most cities, Bogotá had been left deeply wounded by the 20th century's dual urban legacy: first, the city had been gradually reoriented around cars. Second, public spaces and resources had largely been privatised. This reorganisation was both unfair only one in five families even owned a car and cruel: urban residents had been denied the opportunity to enjoy the city's simplest daily pleasures: walking on convivial streets, sitting around in public. And playing: children had largely disappeared from Bogotá's streets, not because of the fear of gunfire or abduction, but because the streets had been rendered dangerous by sheer speed. Peñalosa's first and most defining act as mayor was to declare war: not on crime or drugs or poverty, but on cars. He threw out the ambitious highway expansion plan and instead poured his budget into hundreds of miles of cycle paths; a vast new chain of parks and pedestrian plazas; and the city's first rapid transit system (the TransMilenio <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TransMilenio> ), using buses instead of trains. He banned drivers from commuting by car more than three times a week. This programme redesigned the experience of city living for millions of people, and it was an utter rejection of the philosophies that have guided city planners around the world for more than half a century. In the third year of his term, Peñalosa challenged Bogotáns to participate in an experiment. As of dawn on 24 February 2000, cars were banned from streets for the day. It was the first day in four years that nobody was killed in traffic. Hospital admissions fell by almost a third. The toxic haze over the city thinned. People told pollsters that they were more optimistic about city life than they had been in years. One memory from early in the journey has stuck with me, perhaps because it carries both the sweetness and the subjective slipperiness of the happiness we sometimes find in cities. Peñalosa, who was running for re-election, needed to be seen out on his bicycle that day. He hollered "Cómo le va?" ("How's it going?") at anyone who appeared to recognise him. But this did not explain his haste or his quickening pace as we traversed the north end of the city towards the Andean foothills. It was all I could do to keep up with him, block after block, until we arrived at a compound ringed by a high iron fence. Boys in crisp white shirts and matching uniforms poured through a gate. One of them, a bright-eyed 10-year-old, pushed a miniature version of Peñalosa's bicycle through the crowd. Suddenly I understood his haste. He had been rushing to pick up his son from school, like other parents were doing that very moment up and down the time zone. Here, in the heart of one of the meanest, poorest cities in the hemisphere, father and son would roll away from the school gate for a carefree ride across the metropolis. This was an unthinkable act in most modern cities. As the sun fell and the Andes caught fire, we arced our way along the wide-open avenues, then west along a highway built for bicycles. The kid raced ahead. At that point, I wasn't sure about Peñalosa's ideology. Who was to say that one way of moving was better than another? How could anyone know enough about the needs of the human soul to prescribe the ideal city for happiness? But for a moment I forgot my questions. I let go of my handlebars and raised my arms in the air of the cooling breeze, and I remembered my own childhood of country roads, after-school wanderings, lazy rides and pure freedom. I felt fine. The city was mine. The journey began. Is urban design really powerful enough to make or break happiness? The question deserves consideration, because the happy city message is taking root around the world. "The most dynamic economies of the 20th century produced the most miserable cities of all," Peñalosa told me over the roar of traffic. "I'm talking about the US Atlanta, Phoenix, Miami, cities totally dominated by cars." If one was to judge by sheer wealth, the last half-century should have been an ecstatically happy time for people in the US and other rich nations such as Canada, Japan and Great Britain. And yet the boom decades of the late 20th century were not accompanied by a boom in wellbeing. The British got richer by more than 40% between 1993 and 2012, but the rate of psychiatric disorders and neuroses grew. Just before the crash of 2008, a team of Italian economists, led by Stefano Bartolini, tried to account for that seemingly inexplicable gap between rising income and flatlining happiness in the US. The Italians tried removing various components of economic and social data from their models, and found that the only factor powerful enough to hold down people's self-reported happiness in the face of all that wealth was the country's declining social capital: the social networks and interactions that keep us connected with others. It was even more corrosive than the income gap between rich and poor. As much as we complain about other people, there is nothing worse for mental health than a social desert. The more connected we are to family and community, the less likely we are to experience heart attacks, strokes, cancer and depression. Connected people sleep better at night. They live longer. They consistently report being happier. There is a clear connection between social deficit and the shape of cities. A Swedish study <http://www.samfak.umu.se/english/about-the-faculty/news/newsdetailpage/long -distance-commuters-get-divorced-more-often.cid160978> found that people who endure more than a 45-minute commute were 40% more likely to divorce. People who live in monofunctional, cardependent neighbourhoods outside urban centres are much less trusting of other people than people who live in walkable neighbourhoods where housing is mixed with shops, services and places to work. A couple of University of Zurich economists, Bruno Frey and Alois Stutzer, compared German commuters' estimation of the time it took them to get to work with their answers to the standard wellbeing question, "How satisfied are you with your life, all things considered?" Their finding was seemingly straightforward: the longer the drive, the less happy people were. Before you dismiss this as numbingly obvious, keep in mind that they were testing not for drive satisfaction, but for life satisfaction. People were choosing commutes that made their entire lives worse. Stutzer and Frey <http://ideas.repec.org/p/zur/iewwpx/151.html> found that a person with a one-hour commute has to earn 40% more money to be as satisfied with life as someone who walks to the office. On the other hand, for a single person, exchanging a long commute for a short walk to work has the same effect on happiness as finding a new love. Daniel Gilbert <http://www.wjh.harvard.edu/%7Edtg/gilbert.htm> , Harvard psychologist and author of Stumbling On Happiness <http://www.guardianbookshop.co.uk/BerteShopWeb/viewProduct.do?ISBN=97800071 83135> , explained the commuting paradox this way: "Most good and bad things become less good and bad over time as we adapt to them. However, it is much easier to adapt to things that stay constant than to things that change. So we adapt quickly to the joy of a larger house, because the house is exactly the same size every time. But we find it difficult to adapt to commuting by car, because every day is a slightly new form of misery." The sad part is that the more we flock to highstatus cities for the good life money, opportunity, novelty the more crowded, expensive, polluted and congested those places become. The result? Surveys show that Londoners are among the least happy people in the UK <http://www.govtoday.co.uk/health/44-public-health/11410-london-least-happy- in-the-uk> , despite the city being the richest region in the UK. When we talk about cities, we usually end up talking about how various places look, and perhaps how it feels to be there. But to stop there misses half the story, because the way we experience most parts of cities is at velocity: we glide past on the way to somewhere else. City life is as much about moving through landscapes as it is about being in them. Robert Judge, a 48-year-old husband and father, once wrote to a Canadian radio show explaining how much he enjoyed going grocery shopping on his bicycle. Judge's confession would have been unremarkable if he did not happen to live in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where the average temperature in January hovers around -17C. The city stays frozen and snowy for almost half the year. Judge's pleasure in an experience that seems slower, more difficult and considerably more uncomfortable than the alternative might seem bizarre. He explained it by way of a story: sometimes, he said, he would pick up his three-year-old son from nursery and put him on the back seat of his tandem bike and they would pedal home along the South Saskatchewan river. The snow would muffle the noise of the city. Dusk would paint the sky in colours so exquisite that Judge could not begin to find names for them. The snow would reflect those hues. It would glow like the sky, and Judge would breathe in the cold air and hear his son breathing behind him, and he would feel as though together they had become part of winter itself. Drivers experience plenty of emotional dividends. They report feeling much more in charge of their lives than public transport users. An upmarket vehicle is loaded with symbolic value that offers a powerful, if temporary, boost in status. Yet despite these romantic feelings, half of commuters living in big cities and suburbs claim to dislike the heroic journey they must make every day. The urban system neutralises their power. Driving in traffic is harrowing for both brain and body. The blood of people who drive in cities is a stew of stress hormones. The worse the traffic, the more your system is flooded with adrenaline and cortisol, the fight-or-flight juices that, in the short-term, get your heart pumping faster, dilate your air passages and help sharpen your alertness, but in the long-term can make you ill. Researchers for Hewlett-Packard convinced volunteers in England to wear electrode caps during their commutes <http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2004/nov/30/research.transport> and found that whether they were driving or taking the train, peak-hour travellers suffered worse stress than fighter pilots or riot police facing mobs of angry protesters. But one group of commuters report enjoying themselves. These are people who travel under their own steam, like Robert Judge. They walk. They run. They ride bicycles. Why would travelling more slowly and using more effort offer more satisfaction than driving? Part of the answer exists in basic human physiology. We were born to move. Immobility is to the human body what rust is to the classic car. Stop moving long enough, and your muscles will atrophy. Bones will weaken. Blood will clot. You will find it harder to concentrate and solve problems. Immobility is not merely a state closer to death: it hastens it. Robert Thayer, a professor of psychology at California State University, fitted dozens of students with pedometers <http://www.csulb.edu/misc/inside/archives/vol_58_no_4/1.htm> , then sent them back to their regular lives. Over the course of 20 days, the volunteers answered survey questions about their moods, attitudes, diet and happiness. Within that volunteer group, people who walked more were happier. The same is true of cycling, although a bicycle has the added benefit of giving even a lazy rider the ability to travel three or four times faster than someone walking, while using less than a quarter of the energy. They may not all attain Judge's level of transcendence, but cyclists report feeling connected to the world around them in a way that is simply not possible in the sealed environment of a car, bus or train. Their journeys are both sensual and kinesthetic. In 1969, a consortium of European industrial interests charged a young American economist, Eric Britton <http://worldstreets.wordpress.com/author/worldstreets/> , with figuring out how people would move through cities in the future. Cities should strive to embrace complexity, not only in transportation systems but in human experience, says Britton, who is still working in that field and lives in Paris. He advises cities and corporations to abandon old mobility, a system rigidly organised entirely around one way of moving, and embrace new mobility, a future in which we would all be free to move in the greatest variety of ways. "We all know old mobility," Britton said. "It's you sitting in your car, stuck in traffic. It's you driving around for hours, searching for a parking spot. Old mobility is also the 55-year-old woman with a bad leg, waiting in the rain for a bus that she can't be certain will come. New mobility, on the other hand, is freedom distilled." To demonstrate how radically urban systems can build freedom in motion, Britton led me down from his office, out on to Rue Joseph Bara. We paused by a row of sturdy-looking bicycles. Britton swept his wallet above a metallic post and pulled one free from its berth. "Et voilà! Freedom!" he said, grinning. Since the Paris bike scheme, Vélib' <http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2007/aug/16/ethicalliving.france> , was introduced, it has utterly changed the face of mobility. Each bicycle in the Vélib' fleet gets used between three and nine times every day. That's as many as 200,000 trips a day. Dozens of cities have now dabbled in shared bike programmes, including Lyon, Montreal, Melbourne, New York. In 2010, London introduced a system, dubbed Boris Bikes for the city's bike-mad mayor, Boris Johnson. In Paris, and around the world, new systems of sharing are setting drivers free. As more people took to bicycles in Vélib's first year, the number of bike accidents rose, but the number of accidents per capita fell. This phenomenon seems to repeat wherever cities see a spike in cycling: the more people bike, the safer the streets become for cyclists, partly because drivers adopt more cautious habits when they expect cyclists on the road. There is safety in numbers. So if we really care about freedom for everyone, we need to design for everyone, not only the brave. Anyone who is really serious about building freedom in their cities eventually makes the pilgrimage to Copenhagen. I joined Copenhagen rush hour on a September morning with Lasse Lindholm, an employee of the city's traffic department. The sun was burning through the autumn haze as we made our way across Queen Louise's Bridge. Vapour rose from the lake, swans drifted and preened, and the bridge seethed with a rush-hour scene like none I have ever witnessed. With each light change, cyclists rolled toward us in their hundreds. They did not look the way cyclists are supposed to look. They did not wear helmets or reflective gear. Some of the men wore pinstriped suits. No one was breaking a sweat. Lindholm rolled off a list of statistics: more people that morning would travel by bicycle than by any other mode of transport (37%). If you didn't count the suburbs, the percentage of cyclists in Copenhagen would hit 55%. They aren't choosing to cycle because of any deep-seated altruism or commitment to the environment; they are motivated by self-interest. "They just want to get themselves from A to B," Lindholm said, "and it happens to be easier and quicker to do it on a bike." The Bogotá experiment may not have made up for all the city's grinding inequities, but it was a spectacular beginning and, to the surprise of many, it made life better for almost everyone. The TransMilenio moved so many people so efficiently that car drivers crossed the city faster as well: commuting times fell by a fifth. The streets were calmer. By the end of Peñalosa's term, people were crashing their cars less often and killing each other less frequently, too: the accident rate fell by nearly half, and so did the murder rate, even as the country as a whole got more violent. There was a massive improvement in air quality, too. Bogotáns got healthier. The city experienced a spike in feelings of optimism. People believed that life was good and getting better, a feeling they had not shared in decades. Bogotá's fortunes have since declined. The TransMilenio system is plagued by desperate crowding as its private operators fail to add more capacity yet more proof that robust public transport needs sustained public investment. Optimism has withered. But Bogotá's transformative years still offer an enduring lesson for rich cities. By spending resources and designing cities in a way that values everyone's experience, we can make cities that help us all get stronger, more resilient, more connected, more active and more free. We just have to decide who our cities are for. And we have to believe that they can change. This is an edited extract from Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design, by Charles Montgomery, published by Penguin at £16.99. Thanks Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X)

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The rise of the bicycle-friendly suburb (Atlantic Cities)
by Beth McKechnie 02 Nov '13

02 Nov '13

The Rise of the Bicycle-Friendly Suburb Sarah Goodyear <http://www.theatlanticcities.com/authors/sarah-goodyear/> | Oct 18, 2013 http://www.theatlanticcities.com/commute/2013/10/rise-bicycle-friendly-subu… Welcoming bicycles to the streets isn't just an urban thing anymore. Increasingly, according to the new rankings of "Bicycle Friendly Communities" released by the League of American Bicyclists<http://www.bikeleague.org/>this week, suburbs are getting in on the act. Places like Elmhurst, Illinois; Riverside, California; Montclair, New Jersey; and Dublin, Ohio; are among the 32 municipalities making LAB’s list for the first time this year. The list, which ranks towns and cities in a four-tier system from bronze up to platinum (the full list here, PDF<http://bikeleague.org/sites/lab.huang.radicaldesigns.org/files/BFC_Master_L…>), was inaugurated in 2003. It now includes 291 towns and cities in 48 states. *Riverside, California. Image courtesy of Flickr user James May <http://www.flickr.com/photos/52746562@N00/4410359617/in/photolist-7HJfg4-as…>.* In its early years, the list was dominated by larger cities like Seattle and Portland, along with college towns like Davis, California, and Fort Collins, Colorado. But it's growing fast, and a lot of the expansion is coming from conventional suburbs where biking – whether for transportation or recreation -- was a marginal activity just a few years ago. *A new bike rack purchased by the Worthington-Dublin Rotary Club. Image courtesy of Flickr user Don O'Brien <http://www.flickr.com/photos/51096110@N00/7599710714/in/photolist-czyve5>.* Communities submit applications for the League’s consideration on an annual basis, and are evaluated on things like safe bicycle infrastructure, a bike-friendly culture, education for riders, and enforcement of laws protecting people on bikes. Because LAB’s ability to do outreach is limited, municipal leaders are the ones taking the initiative to apply – an indicator in itself. The percentage of suburban communities applying has jumped significantly in the last couple of years, according to Bill Nesper, LAB’s vice president for programs. "It’s not just the usual suspects anymore," he says of the applicant pool. "These are places with longer trip distances and suburban land patterns. They are answering a demand. They are coming to us, and they are competing." Increasingly, Nesper says, suburban leaders are seeking out a "bicycle friendly" designation because they think it makes their communities more attractive to new businesses and residents. He cites Greenville, South Carolina, as another unexpected place that earned a bronze designation this year. Amenities like good bike infrastructure can help set a suburb or small city apart from its sprawling counterparts. "What’s happening is that bicycling is an indicator of a high quality of life," says Nesper. "It helps the community compete." <http://www.theatlanticcities.com/topics/suburbia/> Sarah Goodyear has written about cities for a variety of publications, including *Grist* and *Streetsblog*. She lives in Brooklyn.

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Webinar - New NACTO Urban Street Design Guide, Wed, Nov.6, 2-3pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 02 Nov '13

02 Nov '13

Green Action Centre invites you to join us for a local viewing of the following APBP and NACTO webinar at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave). This will be followed by group discussion of local applications. Detailed description provided below. *Wednesday, Nov. 6th | 2:00-3:00 p.m.* RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! (Please note that this is a free webinar, so if you prefer to watch from your office you can register here: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/796641226) cheers, Beth (204) 925-3772 ** * * * ** New NACTO Urban Street Design Guide *Wednesday, Nov. 6th | 2:00-3:00 p.m.* The leading experts in street design who contributed to the guide's development will address how this resource will change the face of our streets, the ways you can use it in your community, and how specific topics and elements in the document differ from conventional practice. The NACTO Urban Street Design Guide <http://nacto.org/usdg/> charts the principles and practices of the nation’s foremost engineers, planners and designers working in cities today. The Guide offers a blueprint for designing 21st century streets, and unveils the toolbox and the tactics cities use to make streets safer, more liveable, and more economically vibrant. In this webinar, participants will achieve a better understanding of how and why city streets demand a unique set of design tools specific to their distinct needs and characteristics; will learn how to implement different "interim" design strategies, including parklets, public plazas and temporary safety improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians; will clarify how to utilize the guide as a tool for local and state advocacy, including basic information on NACTO's endorsement campaign for the guide. Each webinar presenter is an expert in street design and a contributor to the guide: - Michael Flynn, Director of Capital Planning, NYC DOT; - Michael King, Principal, Nelson\Nygaard Associates; - Peter Koonce, Division Manager, Signals, Street Lighting & ITS, Portland Bureau of Transportation; and - David Vega-Barachowitz, Director, Designing Cities initiative, NACTO. *NACTO* - The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) is an association that represents large cities on transportation issues of local, regional and national significance. NACTO views the transportation departments of major cities as effective and necessary partners in regional and national transportation efforts, promoting their interests in federal decision-making. They facilitate the exchange of transportation ideas, insights and best practices among large cities, while fostering a cooperative approach to key issues facing cities and metropolitan areas. As a coalition of city transportation departments, NACTO is committed to raising the state of the practice for street design and transportation by building a common vision, sharing data, peer-to-peer exchange in workshops and conferences, and regular communication among member cities. For more information about the organization, visit www.natco.org<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?AssociationofPedestr/b5b8593e4e/4474d32d6e/5d5d1b72…> . *APBP *- The Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) provides expertise for sustainable transportation and is the only professional membership organization for the discipline of pedestrian and bicycle transportation. APBP members are employees of all levels of government, consulting firms and non-profits who work in the engineering, planning, landscape architecture, police, safety, health and promotion fields and specialize in improving conditions for bicycling and walking. For more information about the organization, visit www.apbp.org<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?AssociationofPedestr/b5b8593e4e/4474d32d6e/21f21a00…> .

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Presentations from 8th Nova Scotia Cycling Summit
by Beth McKechnie 02 Nov '13

02 Nov '13

(courtesy of Velo Cape Breton) In addition to their enforced 1m passing law, Nova Scotia is making great strides on several fronts thanks to a combination of political will and a growing network of interest groups such as Velo Cape Breton. See: Nova Scotia Cycling Summit Presentations<http://www.velocapebreton.ca/?q=node/429>

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Head injuries are among the most severe injuries sustained while bicycling
by Beth McKechnie 01 Nov '13

01 Nov '13

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Terry Zdan <tjzdan50(a)gmail.com> Date: Fri, 1 Nov 2013 09:01:44 -0500 Subject: Head injuries are among the most severe injuries sustained while bicycling http://www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/bike-helmets-to-reduce-risk-of-head… Principal author(s)Brent E Hagel, Natalie L Yanchar; Canadian Paediatric Society, Injury Prevention Committee<http://www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/bike-helmets-to-reduce-risk-of-head…> Paediatr Child Health 2013;18(9):475-80 Abstract Bicycling is a popular activity and a healthy, environmentally friendly form of transportation. However, it is also a leading cause of sport and recreational injury in children and adolescents. Head injuries are among the most severe injuries sustained while bicycling, justifying the implementation of bicycle helmet legislation by many provinces. There is evidence that bicycle helmet legislation increases helmet use and reduces head injury risk. Evidence for unintended consequences of helmet legislation, such as reduced bicycling and greater risk-taking, is weak and conflicting. Both research evidence to date and recognition of the substantial impact of traumatic brain injuries support the recommendation for all-ages bicycle helmet legislation. *Key Words:* *Bicycle helmet; Head injuries; Legislation* Recommendations Based on current evidence and the importance of preventing head injuries in children and youth, the CPS makes the following recommendations: - All jurisdictions in Canada should legislate and enforce bicycle helmet use for all ages. - Legislation should be rolled out using social marketing and education to raise awareness of bicycle helmet efficacy, accessibility and importance. - *Other strategies to prevent bicycling injuries, such as separating riders from motor traffic with bicycle lanes, pathways for commuting and recreational cycling, and community safety programs should be implemented concurrently.* - Physicians should counsel families about the importance of wearing bicycle helmets. Where all-ages legislation does not exist, parents should wear a bicycle helmet to model good behaviour and protect themselves. - Sales tax exemptions or rebates and federal tax credits to make the purchase of bicycle helmets less expensive should be adopted. Future research should explore both the intended and potential unintended effects of bicycle helmet legislation, with focus on: - Long-term follow-up to assess the effects of bicycle helmet legislation on compliance, prevalence and head injuries rates, with appropriate control for trends in other traffic safety initiatives. - How enforcement activities influence helmet compliance and prevalence. - The level of bicycling activity after implementation of helmet legislation, with appropriate control for independent and pre-existing trends in bicycling. Acknowledgements This position statement was reviewed by the Community Paediatrics, Adolescent Health, and Healthy Active Living and Sports Medicine Committees, and by the Emergency Paediatrics Section, of the Canadian Paediatric Society. -- Terry Zdan 126 Duncan Norrie Drive Wpg MB R3P 2J9 CANADA tjzdan50(a)gmail.com <tjzdan(a)gmasil.com>

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Denver tech companies: ‘The No. 1 thing they want is bike lanes’
by Mark Cohoe 01 Nov '13

01 Nov '13

In a world where city's must compete with one another for jobs, and employers have to work harder to hang on to their talent, both are coming to the realization that being bicycle friendly can make a world of difference. http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entry/denver-tech-companies-the-no.-1-th… Mark Denver tech companies: ‘The No. 1 thing they want is bike lanes’ October 31, 2013 /Michael Andersen, Green Lane Project staff writer/ /Bikeability: Denver's new economic development tool. Photo by Andrew Catellier (Flickr <http://www.flickr.com/photos/whltexbread/8193515101/sizes/z/in/photostream/>)./ The single biggest obstacle to recruiting tech workers to Denver is its lack of good bike lanes, the head of the city's downtown business association said this month. That's why her organization, the Downtown Denver Partnership, is taking the lead to create a "comprehensive protected bike lane plan" for the central city. Here's the passage from DDP President Tami Door's interview with the Denver Business Journal's Bill Husted <http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2013/10/18/tami-door-downtowns-dimin…> (emphases mine): *BH:* Who’s moving into downtown? *TD:* We are the number one destination for millennials in the country. Our staff met with a lot of tech companies in Denver and we asked them what we can do to make companies stay here and come here. You know what they said was the biggest obstacle on getting employees to Denver? *BH:* The 16th Street Mall? *TD:* No. *The number one thing they want is bike lanes.* Ten years ago we never would have thought that walkability or bike lanes would be economic development tools. *BH: *Do you like the B-Cycle program? *TD:* It’s great, but *more importantly we’re working on the creation of a comprehensive protected bike lane plan for downtown.* It’s great that we have the B-Cycle bikes and everyone can use them, but we would like to make bikes an integrated part of downtown. We want more people biking in the normal course of the day, not just because it’s a novelty, but that’s how they commute. Door (who in the same interview mentions that one of her favorite authors is Ayn Rand) is the latest person to make this discovery at the local level. We've previously heard it from the mayors of Seattle and Chicago <http://www.seattlebikeblog.com/2013/02/20/mayor-mcginn-to-rahm-emanuel-seat…>, CEOs in Portland <http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entry/good-bike-access-helps-score-great…> and a commercial office building manager in D.C <http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entry/data-confirms-it-dc-is-the-new-u.s…>. There also seems to be an amusing generational clash here between the 60ish Husted, a former newspaper columnist who seems certain that downtown Denver's biggest economic problem is its mile-long pedestrian mall <http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/10/us/denvers-downtown-mall-a-headache-and-d…>, and Door, 47, who sees a hunger for more human-friendly spaces, not fewer. In cities where digitally driven office work or the tech sector are important to driving job growth, more business leaders seem to agree that comfortable bike access is quickly advancing from "amenity" to "necessity." /*The Green Lane Project <http://peopleforbikes.org/green-lane-project>* writes about the ways cities are building better bike lanes. You can follow us on Twitter <http://twitter.com/GreenLaneProj> or Facebook <http://facebook.com/TheGreenLaneProject>, or sign up for weekly emails of our latest news here <http://www.peopleforbikes.org/green-lane-project>. Got a bike lane design story worth sharing? Write michael(a)peopleforbikes.org <mailto:michael@peopleforbikes.org>. / http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entry/denver-tech-companies-the-no.-1-th…

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Re: [At-network] Pedestrian realm: event today + Millenium library to get sidewalks
by Beth McKechnie 31 Oct '13

31 Oct '13

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Terry Zdan <tjzdan50(a)gmail.com> Date: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 11:14:52 -0500 Subject: Re: [At-network] Pedestrian realm: event today + Millenium library to get sidewalks Professional Reports: Capelle, D., Wiebe, A., and Sylvestre, G. (2011). *Development of a Winter Sidewalk * *Condition Bulletin: Report to Safe Communities Winnipeg*. Winnipeg, MB.: Institute of Urban Studies, University of Winnipeg. Cardona, K., Wiebe, A., and Sylvestre, G. (2010). *Strategies for Assisting Older Drivers: * *Recommendations for Community-driven Interventions*. Winnipeg, MB.: Institute of Urban Studies, University of Winnipeg. McNairnay, E., Kliewer, K. and Sylvestre, G. (2009). *Community Transportation Toolkit: Interpreting and Implementing the Mobility Disadvantaged Transportation Program Guidelines*. Winnipeg, MB.: Institute of Urban Studies, University of Winnipeg. Cardona Claros, K., Ladd, A. and Sylvestre, G. (2008). *Investigating the Social Capital and Capacity of Older Adults in Rural Manitoba*. Winnipeg, MB.: Institute of Urban Studies, University of Winnipeg. Sylvestre, G., Gaudry, L. and Christopher, G. (2007). *Mobility Options for the Aging Population of Manitoba: An Action Plan for Regional Solutions*. Winnipeg, MB.: Institute of Urban Studies, University of Winnipeg. On Wed, Oct 30, 2013 at 10:47 AM, Anders Swanson <andersswanson(a)gmail.com>wrote: > [Apologies for the late notice on the former - I just found out about it > myself. The latter is a big deal esp. if you are familiar with/live > downtown and/or know the long history of this. - Anders] > > Event Today! > > *Public Lecture* > > *The Political Drifts of Winter Pedestrianism: Exploring Walking Safety > in a Northern Climate**, *by Gina Sylvestre (Department of Geography, > University of Winnipeg) Lecture takes place on October 30, 2013, > 12:30-1:20 pm in 5L24 Lockhart Hall. Refreshments will be provided. > > > ---- > > > Millennium Library getting sidewalks > > Sidewalks are coming to the downtown Millennium Library. > > Public works staff said today that a sidewalk will be constructed on the > Donald Street side in 2014, with a sidewalk along the Smith Street side > likely in 2015. > > Pedestrians going south either cross the street or risk walking along the > road.There are no sidewalks on either side of the library building south to > the corner at St. Mary Avenue. > > src: > http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/Millennium-Library-getting-sidewalks… > > _______________________________________________ > AT-Network mailing list > AT-Network(a)lists.umanitoba.ca > http://lists.umanitoba.ca/mailman/listinfo/at-network > > -- Terry Zdan 126 Duncan Norrie Drive Wpg MB R3P 2J9 CANADA tjzdan50(a)gmail.com <tjzdan(a)gmasil.com> *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 non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/>

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Pedestrian realm: event today + Millenium library to get sidewalks
by Anders Swanson 30 Oct '13

30 Oct '13

[Apologies for the late notice on the former - I just found out about it myself. The latter is a big deal esp. if you are familiar with/live downtown and/or know the long history of this. - Anders] Event Today! *Public Lecture* *The Political Drifts of Winter Pedestrianism: Exploring Walking Safety in a Northern Climate**, *by Gina Sylvestre (Department of Geography, University of Winnipeg) Lecture takes place on October 30, 2013, 12:30-1:20 pm in 5L24 Lockhart Hall. Refreshments will be provided. ---- Millennium Library getting sidewalks Sidewalks are coming to the downtown Millennium Library. Public works staff said today that a sidewalk will be constructed on the Donald Street side in 2014, with a sidewalk along the Smith Street side likely in 2015. Pedestrians going south either cross the street or risk walking along the road.There are no sidewalks on either side of the library building south to the corner at St. Mary Avenue. src: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/Millennium-Library-getting-sidewalks…

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NEW: Rough Guide to Estimating Bike/Ped Facility Costs
by Anders Swanson 29 Oct '13

29 Oct '13

*[ This is brand new (released October 2013) and possibly very helpful. Figured I would pass it on,I have never seen anything quite like it: a candy jar of available tools with rough costs. Very readable and clear. Lays it all out. Note that it is an American publication (so for linear facilities, things are quoted per mile; divide costs by 0.62 to get a per km cost). Kudos to Susanne for sharing. - Anders ]* *Costs for Pedestrian and Bicyclist Infrastructure Improvements <http://www.walkinginfo.org/download/PedBikeCosts.pdf> * A Resource for Researchers, Engineers, Planners, and the General Public <http://www.walkinginfo.org/download/PedBikeCosts.pdf>

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Suspension Bridge for Cycling
by Daniel Gravenor 28 Oct '13

28 Oct '13

http://gizmodo.com/a-floating-suspension-bridge-that-lets-cyclists-sail-ov-… Oh, to be a cyclist in the Netherlands. This steel tensioned deck lets cyclists ride high above a busy multi-lane highway in Eindhoven—one of the most bike-friendly areas in the world.

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Four big reasons why people are giving up cars
by Jackie Avent (ASRTS) 22 Oct '13

22 Oct '13

http://www.forbes.com/sites/michelinemaynard/2013/10/08/4-big-reasons-why-p… -- *Jackie Avent* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>

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Bike Parking in Japan
by Dave Elmore 21 Oct '13

21 Oct '13

Click below <http://www.youtube.com/embed/pcZSU40RBrg> �ձ��_̤܇ͣ܇��

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TED Talk - Janette Sadik-Khan and New York City's streets
by Beth McKechnie 19 Oct '13

19 Oct '13

If you have 15 minutes to watch, this is an excellent talk by Janette Sadik-Khan, Department of Transportation (DOT) Commission for NYC. While the phrase complete street is not mentioned, it's exactly what she's talking about -- public space, convenient, attractive and safe space for all users, benefits to businesses, and how to use temporary materials to get things done quickly and in a less threatening way to reduce pushback. Plus she's really funny! cheers, Beth * * * * * Janette Sadik-Khan: New York's streets? Not so mean any more *Filmed* Sep 2013 • *Posted* Oct 2013 • TEDCity2.0 http://www.ted.com/talks/janette_sadik_khan_new_york_s_streets_not_so_mean_… In this funny and thought-provoking talk, Janette Sadik-Khan, transportation commissioner of New York City, shares projects that have reshaped street life in the 5 boroughs, including pedestrian zones in Times Square, high-performance buses and a 6,000-cycle-strong bike share. Her mantra: Do bold experiments that are cheap to try out. As commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation, Janette Sadik-Khan is responsible for the smooth running of a New York that hides in plain sight... the streets, highways, bridges, signs and lights that make up the bustling metropolis.

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Metro News: Councillor welcomes public consultation on Winnipeg's pedestrian and cycling strategy (Oct.18'13)
by Beth McKechnie 19 Oct '13

19 Oct '13

Councillor welcomes public consultation on Winnipeg’s pedestrian and cycling strategy By Bernice Pontanilla <http://metronews.ca/author/bernicepontanilla/> http://metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/828182/councillor-welcomes-public-consult… <http://metronews.ca/author/bernicepontanilla/> A city councillor is applauding the news that Winnipeggers will be given the chance to help shape the city’s pedestrian and cycling strategy. The City of Winnipeg announced on Friday that Urban Systems Ltd has been hired “to undertake the research and development of these strategies for the City.” The firm completed the first phase, which involved preparing demographic and neighbourhood profiles, travel patterns, creating an inventory of existing facilities and identifying best practices and lessons learned from other cities’ strategies. The next step is a public consultation to find out what are Winnipeggers’ short- and long-term expectations when it comes to walking and cycling facilities in the city. “It’s great news that it’s happening,” said Coun. Jenny Gerbasi (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry), adding this is a major study intended to cover the pedestrian and cycling needs of the entire city. “We spend huge amounts of dollars on one stretch of road, planning that, but this is a plan for the whole city of Winnipeg for cycling and pedestrians.” Earlier this year, Gerbasi led a successful campaign to bring back funding for this strategy after it was axed in the 2014 budget process. “It was poor judgment to just stop all the planning on cycling and walking infrastructure,” she told Metro. “This at a time when most cities are investing more in this, because it’s a good investment in transportation.” The public can visit the website walkbike.winnipeg.ca<http://www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/MajorProjects/ActiveTransportation/WalkB…>and participate in the online survey, email walkbike(a)winnipeg.ca, or attend an open house being planned. The city said a telephone survey will also be used to reach out to gauge people’s opinions on walking and cycling throughout the city.

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RE: Stoage space needed
by Dave Elmore 17 Oct '13

17 Oct '13

Bike Week Winnipeg is looking a few new organizing committee members. With the expansion of Bike to Work Day to a weeklong event we really need more volunteers to help us with planning and organizing the various events that will happen throughout the week. If you are interested in helping us make this new project as big a success as Bike the Work Day please let me know. Oh, and we are still looking for a space to store our bike powered concert system (see below). It doesn't take up much space. It is currently all stored on one pallet and could likely be further condensed if some items could be leaned against a wall. We are up against the wall here as we need to get it into a heated space soon. If you can, please help! Thanks Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X) From: Dave Elmore [mailto:delmore@mymts.net] Sent: October-07-13 7:23 PM To: at-network(a)lists.umanitoba.ca Subject: Stoage space needed Hi For those of you who participated in Bike to Work Day and were fortunate enough to enjoy Boon Burgers at our BBQ, you will know that Bike to Work Day (now Bike Week Winnipeg) is the proud owner of a bike powered concert system. Since the Bike to Work Day event this system has been stored at the Forks in an garage area that is really not suitable for storage of this equipment. What we are hoping is that a bike friendly group or organization would be willing to provide us with some storage space in a climate controlled area, hopefully somewhat centrally located. The equipment is not really all that much and all of it fits on one pallet. If you think you can help please let me know. Thanks Dave Elmore Project Manager Bike Week Winnipeg o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X)

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Please Assist with New Research: Short Survey about Driver Yielding in Different Communities
by Anders Swanson 17 Oct '13

17 Oct '13

*[Some research into a very interesting question about walking ... coming out of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, in which you may be interested in participating. See below - Anders]* Dear Community of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals: ** ** We invite you to participate in a 3- to 5-minute online survey about the prevalence of drivers yielding to pedestrians in different communities. The survey is accessible via the link below: ** ** * http://edu.surveygizmo.com/s3/1368188/Why-Do-Drivers-Yield-to-Pedestrians-M… * *The survey is designed specifically for professionals in the pedestrian and bicycle field, and we appreciate your time and expertise. We would be grateful if you forwarded the survey link to other professional colleagues and encouraged them to participate.* ** Please respond as soon as you have a chance; the survey will close on Thursday, October 31st. ** ** ** Many thanks,**** Bob Schneider and Rebecca Sanders**** ** ** Robert J. Schneider, PhD**** Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Planning University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI 53211**** Phone: +1 (414) 229-3849**** E-mail: rjschnei(a)uwm.edu Rebecca Sanders, PhD**** Postdoctoral Researcher, Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC) University of California, Berkeley**** 510.316.5940**** @rebeccalsanders**** my Berkeley blog: http://blogs.berkeley.edu/author/rlsanders/****

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AT Webinar (2-3pm, Wed. Oct 23'13, EcoCentre) -- Using photo-enforcement to improve pedestrian safety
by Beth McKechnie 15 Oct '13

15 Oct '13

Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg invite you to join us for a local viewing of the following APBP webinar at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave). This will be followed by group discussion of local applications.* *Detailed description provided below. Please note this is *one week later than initially scheduled.* *Wednesday, Oct. 23rd | 2:00-3:00 p.m.* RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth (204) 925-3772 * * * * * ** Using Photo-Enforcement to Improve Pedestrian Safety *Wednesday, Oct. 23rd | 2:00-3:00 p.m.* This webinar provides information on how cameras can help improve pedestrian safety by looking at interactions between cars and pedestrians. Photo enforcement of red lights and speed limits is common (and sometimes, controversial). Learn what some communities are doing to monitor compliance at crosswalks and stop signs to improve safety. The session includes an overview of the technology; a summary of the research that makes the case for using cameras; and information about the District of Columbia's plans to expand its current photo enforcement program. Presenters: - George Branyan, Pedestrian Program Coordinator, D.C. DOT - Jessica Cicchino, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety - Kate Coulson, American Traffic Solutions [image: Using Photo Enforcement to Improve Pedestrian Safety]

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Winter Cycling Congress Winnipeg 2014 - Call for Speakers Now Open!
by Winter Cycling Congress 2014 08 Oct '13

08 Oct '13

Exciting news. The Call for Speakers<http://wintercyclingcongresswinnipeg.org/program/call-for-speakers/>for the Winter Cycling Congress Winnipeg 2014 is now open. * * *If you have research/projects/best practices/stories to share, this is your chance! * *Pass it on.* Can't wait for the conference? ...follow our official Twitter account<https://twitter.com/wccwpg>. We are tapping into winter cycling news, research and ideas from around the world. Early-bird registration opens soon. Contact us directly if interested in conference sponsorship opportunities. Stay tuned on Twitter for plenty of exciting announcements. Winter is coming! Embrace it. Kind Regards, Anders Swanson on behalf of the ***Winter Cycling Congress Winnipeg 2014<http://wintercyclingcongresswinnipeg.org/> * *Feb 12-13, 2014* *Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada* [image: Inline image 1] mobile/cell: 1-204-797-1962* * email. info(a)wintercyclingcongresswinnipeg.org facebook. /Wintercyclingcongresswinnipeg<http://facebook.com/Wintercyclingcongresswinnipeg> twitter. @wccwpg <http://twitter.com/wccwpg>. #wccwpg #wintercycling

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Stoage space needed
by Dave Elmore 08 Oct '13

08 Oct '13

Hi For those of you who participated in Bike to Work Day and were fortunate enough to enjoy Boon Burgers at our BBQ, you will know that Bike to Work Day (now Bike Week Winnipeg) is the proud owner of a bike powered concert system. Since the Bike to Work Day event this system has been stored at the Forks in an garage area that is really not suitable for storage of this equipment. What we are hoping is that a bike friendly group or organization would be willing to provide us with some storage space in a climate controlled area, hopefully somewhat centrally located. The equipment is not really all that much and all of it fits on one pallet. If you think you can help please let me know. Thanks Dave Elmore Project Manager Bike Week Winnipeg o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X)

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Register now! Webinar: Pulling up our socks: Manitoba and the Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card
by Jackie Avent (ASRTS) 07 Oct '13

07 Oct '13

*Reminder re: October 9th Webinar - 10 am - 12 noon* Please join Green Action Centre and PACM on *Wednesday, October 9th 2013 from 10 am – 12 noon *for a webinar on the findings of the 2013 Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card <http://www.activehealthykids.ca/> and a snapshot of what is being done in Manitoba to “pull up our socks”. All our webinars are free and this invite may be shared widely. Details and registration instruction<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/walking-and-wheeling-webinar-series-2/>are below. *MANITOBA AND THE ACTIVE HEALTHY KIDS CANADA REPORT CARD: are we driving our kids to unhealthy habits?* *Wednesday October 9; **10 am – 12 noon CT* The goal of the webinar is to introduce participants to the Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card and give them information about what is ongoing in Manitoba towards achieving recommendations laid out in the report card. *Presentations include:* *Are we driving our kids to unhealthy habits? Results from the 2013 Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth: **Jennifer Cowie Bonne*, CEO, Active Healthy Kids Canada; *Joel Barnes,* Knowledge Manager, Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Lead Author of the 2013 Report Card *The 2013 Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card highlights the dramatic decline in active travel among children and the corresponding increased reliance on motorized transportation. Join Active Healthy Kids Canada CEO Jennifer Cowie Bonne and the 2013 Report Card Lead Writer, Joel Barnes, from the Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Institute at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario to learn more about and discuss this year’s results.* *Manitoba’s Active Transportation Action Plan**:* Vicky Reaney, Active Transportation Coordinator, Province of Manitoba *Healthy Winnipeg By Design / Healthy Canada By Design CLASP Initiative - Phase 2 **Shelagh Graham*, Healthy Built Environment Specialist, WRHA *Deanna Betteridge*, Physical Activity Promotion Manager, WRHA *Cycling and your Children: The top 7 things to consider when teaching kids to ride a bike **Dave Elmore*, Can-Bike Instructor *Active and Safe Routes to School in Manitoba and the Bike Walk Roll Fort Richmond Project* *Jackie Avent*, ASRTS Program Coordinator, Green Action Centre *To register for this webinar, please email Jackie Avent at asrts(a)greenactioncentre.ca. Further sign-in instructions will be sent closer to the webinar date.* * * *This is the first in a series of Walking and Wheeling webinars put on this season by the Active and Safe Routes to School Program. Visit our website<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/walking-and-wheeling-webinar-series-2/>for more information and to register! * * * -- *Jackie Avent* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>

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Media coverage of Disraeli AT Bridge opening
by Beth McKechnie 07 Oct '13

07 Oct '13

Here's a bit of a round-up of media coverage I could find online for the grand opening of the Disraeli AT Bridge last Thurs morning. There are likely others, so please share if you have links. *Metro Winnipeg *(includes cool photos from night display on bridge) - http://metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/815290/gallery-light-through-art-on-displ… * * * * *CanStar Weekly* - http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/herald/Disraeli-AT-bridge-… *CJOB* - http://www.cjob.com/2013/10/03/disraeli-active-transportation-bridge-offici… *Press releases*: - City - http://winnipeg.ca/cao/media/news/nr_2013/nr_20131003.stm - Province - http://www.gov.mb.ca/chc/press/top/2013/10/2013-10-03-104300-19110.html - Federal - http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/media/news-nouvelles/2013/20131003winnipeg-…

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Young people drive less, embrace other transportation
by Beth McKechnie 07 Oct '13

07 Oct '13

*Young people driving less, embrace other transportation * Larry Copeland, USA TODAY 10:37 p.m. EDT October 1, 2013 http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/10/01/social-media-driving-m… *Two new studies find that young Americans are changing the nation's transportation landscape. They drive less, want to stay connected as they travel, embrace car-sharing, bike-sharing, ride-sharing.*Young Americans, whose embrace of new technologies and social networking tools enable them to adopt new ways of getting around, are beginning to change the nation's transportation landscape. They don't drive nearly as much as young people once did: While all Americans are driving less since the recession, the average person ages 16-34 drove 23% less in 2009 than in 2001, the sharpest reduction for any age group. And some of the nation's youths -- those known as Millennials, born between 1982 and 2003 -- approach travel differently than their parents do. They are "multimodal," meaning they choose the best mode of transportation, such as driving, transit, biking or walking, based on the trip they are planning. They consider public transportation the best option for digital socializing and one of the most likely ways to connect with the communities they live in. They also say that transit allows them to work while they travel. These are among the findings of two reports released Tuesday at the American Public Transportation Association's meeting in Chicago. The first <http://washpirgfoundation.org/reports/waf/new-way-go> ( http://washpirgfoundation.org/reports/waf/new-way-go), from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, found that online and mobile technology have fundamentally changed the way Americans live and work over the past 15 years; during the same period, growth in vehicle travel slowed and then stopped. U.S. PIRG suggests that these two developments are connected. There has been "an extraordinary shift" in how people travel, said Phineas Baxandall, author of the PIRG report. "For eight years in a row, Americans have been driving less on a per-person basis than the year before," he said. At the same time, the PIRG report notes, there have been increases in the use of the Internet, cellphones and smartphones, with younger Americans more likely to own a smartphone. Over the same period, participation in tele-work and e-commerce increased sharply. The advances in Internet and mobile communications are fueling a wave of new transportation services enabled by technology, such as car-sharing, bike-sharing and ride-sharing, the PIRG report finds. Other researchers, including Robert Foss, director of the Center for the Study of Young Drivers at the University of North Carolina, argue that the drop in driving among young people is primarily a function of the economic downturn and is likely to rebound as the economy recovers. Michael Melaniphy, president and CEO of APTA, (second report = http://www.apta.com/resources/reportsandpublications/Documents/APTA-Millenn…) said the two studies highlight the need for the nation to enact transportation policies that address the needs of Millennials. "Now is the time to be proactive," he said. "Congress should authorize investment in a long-term transportation bill that includes strong investment in public transportation in a variety of modes." © 2013 USA TODAY under contract with YellowBrix. All rights reserved. * * * * * ** *New Study Finds Technology Enabling Americans to Drive Less * *Vehicle Sharing Services, Transit Apps and Wi-Fi Contribute to National Driving Decline; Policy Needs to Catch Up by Francisco Enriquez, U.S. PIRG* Oct. 02‚ 2013 * * http://www.beyondchron.org/articles/New_Study_Finds_Technology_Enabling_Ame… Boston, MA – In a first-of-its-kind study, U.S. PIRG compiled nation-wide evidence on transportation apps and vehicle sharing programs, and found that these advanced new tools have made it easier for Americans to drive less. Real-time apps and on-board wi-fi for public transit, as well as carsharing, bikesharing and ridesharing have spread rapidly in recent years while driving has declined. The report<http://uspirg.org/reports/usp/new-way-go>examines new evidence on how these practices are changing travel behavior. “Mobility used to be all about driving a personal car” said Phineas Baxandall at U.S. PIRG, which released the report. “For Baby Boomers, driving one’s car represented freedom and spontaneity. Today–especially for younger people–owning a car is likely to represent big expenses and parking hassles. Meanwhile, technology and vehicle-sharing are making it easier not to own a car or for households to drive less. Public transit systems, especially with on-board wi-fi and real-time apps, can be the backbone of this new mobility.” The report, “A New Way to Go: The Apps, Maps, and New Technologies that are Giving More Americans Freedom to Drive Less<http://uspirg.org/reports/usp/new-way-go>” sheds additional light on how Americans have been driving less per-person for eight years in a row and total miles remain below 2005 levels (Federal highway data<http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/travel_monitoring/13jultvt/figure…> ). Among the findings cited in the report: • *Public transit enhancements*—A majority of U.S. transit systems make scheduling publicly available for developers to produce smartphone apps to help riders navigate systems. Smartphone-based tools enable riders to find the best route and track the progress of trains and buses in real time. • *Bikesharing* – More than 30 cities now have programs where subscribers can access bikes by the minute or by subscription at kiosks located on city streets. Approximately 40 percent of bikeshare members report reducing their driving, according to a survey of members of four bikeshare services. • *Carsharing*– Roundtrip carsharing services, such as Zipcar as well as newer one-way services such as car2go enable subscribers to access cars located in their neighborhoods, providing the mobility benefits of access to a car without having to bear the burden of owning one. As of 2012, more than 800,000 Americans were members of carsharing services. Each carsharing vehicle replaces nine to 13 privately-owned vehicles. The average carsharing participant reduces his or her driving by 27 to 56 percent while increasing ridership on transit and biking. [Like Peg City Car Co-op<http://www.pegcitycarcoop.ca>here in Winnipeg!] • *Ridesharing* and taxi-like services—New peer-to-peer carsharing networks enable individuals to rent out their own unused vehicles to people looking for a car. Drivers with open seats in their cars can pair with other individuals who need a ride. Companies such as Lyft allow ordinary drivers to provide web-based taxi-like services during their spare time. • *Young Americans* have consistently been the first to adopt and test these new technologies and practices. As of September 2012, young adults were six times more likely to have a smartphone than their grandparents’ generation, and twice as likely as Americans 50 to 64 years of age. In a statement about the report from U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), “As more Americans are searching for ways reduce driving and incorporate physical activity into their lives, they need information on how to get out of their cars and onto the sidewalks, bike lanes, and rail tracks. This report outlines ways they can do that. I recommend that anybody across the country who’s making decisions about transportation read these recommendations and hop on board with those of us who already know that the cheapest gallon of gasoline is the one you don’t have to buy.” Findings from a separate report released today by the American Public Transit Association (APTA) reinforce those from U.S.PIRG. APTA’s study, called “Millennials & Mobility<http://www.apta.com/resources/statistics/Pages/Surveys.aspx>” revealed that 70 percent of adults under 35 use multiple alternatives instead of the car several times or more per week. Millennials view public transit as the superior mode for digital multitasking, and a majority view transit-based wi-fi and mobile broadband as well as real-time information about bus and train locations as important. “Now is the time to be pro-active in creating this multi-modal transportation system to address the Millennial generation’s demands and lifestyles. This generation wants the pragmatic benefits of having multiple ways to get around,” said Michael Melaniphy, President and CEO of the American Public Transit Association.” “In the past, people often saw little choice but to depend on personal automobiles. And once you’ve already paid for a car and insurance, then it’s harder to consider other choices,” said Baxandall. “The new tools make it easier not to own a car or to own fewer cars. New apps make it easy to catch a bus and ride unfamiliar routes. Bikeshare or rideshare can be the perfect complement when public transit doesn’t reach nearby your destination, when weather changes, or unexpected errands arise.” The report provides policy makers with a number of recommendations such as to install more wi-fi on public transit and to integrate bike and car sharing into traffic management plans and locate near transit stations. Highway expansion projects should be reconsidered and canceled if no longer justified. “These technological tools and practices are still in their infancy but spreading fast. Government leaders should focus less on expanding highway capacity and more on public transit, biking, walking and other alternatives to personal cars,” said Baxandall. Download “A New Way to Go: The Apps, Maps, and New Technologies that are Giving More Americans Freedom to Drive Less<http://uspirg.org/reports/usp/new-way-go> .” See other recent reports on state-by-state declines in driving, the Millennial generation’s leading role in this trend, and policy implications at: http://uspirg.org/topics/transportation

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Bike counts on Norwood Bridge, scramble corner at Portage & Main & transit smart cards
by Beth McKechnie 03 Oct '13

03 Oct '13

A few interesting items attached from yesterday's Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works meeting: 1) Bike counts on Norwood Bridge 2) Alternative Traffic Crossing Models (Portage & Main) 3) Transit Smart Card Implementation and Related Policies (way more details than what was reported in the news) Great to see the City is considering the applicability of a scramble corner and other innovative pedestrian crossings for Portage & Main. cheers, Beth

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WFP: Riding on federal coattails has to stop (Oct.2'13)
by Beth McKechnie 02 Oct '13

02 Oct '13

Riding on federal coattails has to stop By: Jeremy Hull www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/riding-on-federal-coattails-has-… Winnipeg cyclists, like Winnipeggers in general, can sometimes be too negative about their city. They feel Winnipeg is falling behind other parts of Canada, let alone other countries, in the worldwide movement to promote cycling and all forms of human-powered transportation. It turns out, however, we haven't been waiting for the perfect conditions or government programs to start changing, as I found out when I looked at recently released statistics. Surprisingly, Winnipeg is leading the Prairies in commuting by bicycle and is one of the leading cycling cities in Canada. Data from the National Household Survey reveal Winnipeg is among the leaders in Canada in the percentage who travel to work by bicycle. Among census metropolitan areas (CMAs) Winnipeg ranks third behind Victoria (5.9 per cent) and Ottawa (2.2 per cent), and is tied with Saskatoon at 2.0 per cent. More significant is the rate at which cycling is growing. The percentage of commuters cycling to work in Winnipeg has been increasing steadily since 2001, especially since 2006. In Winnipeg, the percentage of commuters who travel by bicycle went from 1.4 per cent in 2001, to 2.0 per cent in 2011. Among larger Prairie cities, only in Winnipeg has cycling been increasing. In Calgary, for example, the cycling percentage fell from 1.5 per cent in 2001 to 1.2 per cent in 2011 and in Saskatoon it fell from 2.5 per cent to 2.0 per cent. In fact, most cities across Canada have seen declines in the cycling percentage. Cycling rates have been increasing in Victoria, Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and Halifax, but not as quickly as in Winnipeg. Between 2006 and 2001, the rate of commuter cycling in Winnipeg increased by 19.6 per cent, faster than in any other metropolitan area in Canada. Why is cycling increasing so quickly in Winnipeg? The year 2006 marked a critical turning point in Winnipeg's awareness of the issues facing cyclists. A Critical Mass ride that year resulted in confrontations and arrests. Rather than this turning into ongoing confrontations, cyclists organized a forum dubbed "Bike to the Future," at which issues were aired and constructive solutions were sought. This led to the formation of a cycling advocacy organization, along with many other developments, ranging from lobbying city and provincial electoral candidates and the creation of Bike to Work Day, to the use of federal stimulus funding to build new bike paths. There have been many other developments, such as the emergence of volunteer-run bicycle repair shops, efforts by Bike Winnipeg and MPI to educate cyclists and drivers, celebration of cycling through events like Ciclovia, and the creation of Bicycle Valet Winnipeg, providing free bicycle parking at Bombers games and other events. These developments cannot be credited to a single organization or initiative -- that is their strength. As is typical of Winnipeg, many individuals and organizations have come together to improve our city. Cyclists continue to be frustrated by lack of bike lanes and continued dominance of a car-centric mindset. There has also been controversy about some of the new infrastructure designed for cyclists, but with time it has become clear many of these projects have won the support of cyclists, residents and others. The number of commuters cycling continues to grow. Bicycle counts done by Bike Winnipeg show a 28 per cent increase in commuter cyclists since 2007, and a 12 per cent since last year alone. "Winterpeg" is now a leader in the growth of cycling in Canada. In fact, because of the active cycling community and developments here, Winnipeg has been chosen to be the site of the second International Winter Cycling Conference next February. The excuse that "it's too cold to cycle in Winnipeg" is no longer valid. But what have the City of Winnipeg or the Province of Manitoba done to recognize and capitalize on this grassroots development? Given the benefits of cycling to our health, our infrastructure costs, tourism, retail businesses and our environment it is unfortunate the city and the province have not done more. Since 2010, when Winnipeg was able to take advantage of the federal infrastructure stimulus program, little has been done by local governments to improve and encourage cycling. While we can celebrate Winnipeg's community spirit in moving cycling forward, we would like government to be partners in this movement, rather than sitting on the sidelines. *Jeremy Hull is co-chair of Bike Winnipeg.* *Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition October 2, 2013 A11*

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Webinar: Pulling up our socks: Manitoba and the Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card
by Jackie Avent (ASRTS) 01 Oct '13

01 Oct '13

*kindly distribute to your networks* Please join Green Action Centre and PACM on *Wednesday, October 9th 2013 from 10 am – 12 noon *for a webinar on the findings of the 2013 Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card <http://www.activehealthykids.ca/> and a snapshot of what is being done in Manitoba to “pull up our socks”. All our webinars are free and this invite may be shared widely. Details and registration instruction<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/walking-and-wheeling-webinar-series-2/>are below. *MANITOBA AND THE ACTIVE HEALTHY KIDS CANADA REPORT CARD: are we driving our kids to unhealthy habits?* *Wednesday October 9; **10 am – 12 noon CT* The goal of the webinar is to introduce participants to the Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card and give them information about what is ongoing in Manitoba towards achieving recommendations laid out in the report card. *Presentations include:* *Are we driving our kids to unhealthy habits? Results from the 2013 Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth: **Jennifer Cowie Bonne*, CEO, Active Healthy Kids Canada; *Joel Barnes,* Knowledge Manager, Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Lead Author of the 2013 Report Card *The 2013 Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card highlights the dramatic decline in active travel among children and the corresponding increased reliance on motorized transportation. Join Active Healthy Kids Canada CEO Jennifer Cowie Bonne and the 2013 Report Card Lead Writer, Joel Barnes, from the Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Institute at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario to learn more about and discuss this year’s results.* *Manitoba’s Active Transportation Action Plan**:* Vicky Reaney, Active Transportation Coordinator, Province of Manitoba *Healthy Winnipeg By Design / Healthy Canada By Design CLASP Initiative - Phase 2 **Shelagh Graham*, Healthy Built Environment Specialist, WRHA *Deanna Betteridge*, Physical Activity Promotion Manager, WRHA *Cycling and your Children: The top 7 things to consider when teaching kids to ride a bike **Dave Elmore*, Can-Bike Instructor *Active and Safe Routes to School in Manitoba and the Bike Walk Roll Fort Richmond Project* *Jackie Avent*, ASRTS Program Coordinator, Green Action Centre *To register for this webinar, please email Jackie Avent at asrts(a)greenactioncentre.ca. Further sign-in instructions will be sent closer to the webinar date.* * * *This is the first in a series of Walking and Wheeling webinars put on this season by the Active and Safe Routes to School Program. Visit our website<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/walking-and-wheeling-webinar-series-2/>for more information and to register! * * * -- *Jackie Avent* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>

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INVITATION: New Disraeli Bike/Ped Bridge Grand Opening Celebration this Thursday. 10:30
by Anders Swanson 01 Oct '13

01 Oct '13

*[ Please pass along as appropriate. Bridges like this don't get built every day. There are a heck of a lot of people who deserve to go to this bridge opening, have a sip of champagne or something and ride triumphantly across the Red. i.e. The workers who built it, anyone who attended any number of myriad meetings back in the day, all of the NWCC, the people on the consultation committee who gave their afternoons to choose, all of Bike Winnipeg's members and directors, anybody who ever rode a bike over the old Disraeli, the local people who put up with the noise during construction, the WTA, RENN-TC, anyone who lives on either side of the Red, etc.. etc.. etc... You know who you are; you all have your reasons. Details below. - Anders ] * **** **** **** **** **** [image: Description: Government of Canada, Province of Manitoba and City of Winnipeg]**** **** *You are invited to the Grand Opening Celebration of the Disraeli Active Transportation Bridge***** *When: ***** Thursday, October 3, 2013 10:30 a.m.**** *Where: ***** Disraeli Active Transportation Bridge, access off Midwinter Avenue at the foot of the bridge *Map - Location and parking information* <https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zvUDXwELJs4k.kHNB94wxmioo>**** [image: Description: Disraeli Active Transportation Bridge]**** **** ****

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ASRTS needs your help!
by Jackie Avent (ASRTS) 30 Sep '13

30 Sep '13

Hello All! The Active and Safe Routes to School Program at Green Action Centre has applied for the AVIVA Community Fund. We can get up to $150,000 towards the development of our CounterPoint App, but would like to ask for 2 minutes of your days over the next two weeks! Basically, here's how it works - you go to https://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf17178 and register your e-mail or sign in through Facebook. Then you can vote once per day over the next 15 days. You get 15 votes and we would love if you'd give them all to us, but there are some awfully cute animals on there vying for attention too! We will be sending out some reminders throughout the campaign, but would appreciate if you could share, tweet and forward this message to help spread the word! Thanks so much! Jackie, Anders and Lea -- *Jackie Avent* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>

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Robin Williams talking about biking in NY
by Dave Elmore 27 Sep '13

27 Sep '13

Thought you might enjoy this. "Its wonderful, it's the greatest way to get around. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RL8cfShREuk <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RL8cfShREuk&feature=youtube_gdata> &feature=youtube_gdata

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WFP: Your kids may be physically illiterate (Sept.27'13)
by Beth McKechnie 27 Sep '13

27 Sep '13

Your kids may be physically illiterate By: Kristine Hayward http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/your-kids-may-be-physically-illitera… Running, skipping, jumping, throwing a ball; all these things should come naturally when you're a kid, right? Well, maybe not so much anymore. Children used to spend hours outside, playing leapfrog, rolling down hills, playing catch at the playground or skating at the local community club rink. By being active, they learned the basic skills that allowed them to participate in more complex sports and activities as they grew older. A kid who learns to catch a ball at age four or five will be able to play pick-up baseball when they are six or seven. A kid who learns how to skate when they are young can participate in a variety of sports and activities that involve skating. But times have changed. Today, fewer children possess the fundamental skills that kids used to develop naturally through active play. In other words, with the loss of free play opportunities, our kids are less physically literate. This poses a serious problem because if kids lack the fundamental physical skills, they are less likely to participate in sports and other physical activities as they grow up. And that means they will not be as active as they need to be to maintain good health. Dean Kriellaars, a professor at the University of Manitoba's School of Medical Rehabilitation, is an expert in the emerging field of physical literacy. He says parents need to be made aware of the growing problem of physical illiteracy, and what they can do to reverse the trend. "Physical activity is the key to good health. Unless parents take more of an interest in this issue, the generation growing up today are going to experience a lot of health problems that could be avoided simply by being more active," he says. The 2013 Active Healthy Kids Canada report serves as evidence of the problem. It cites a 2012 survey that found that although 58 per cent of Canadian parents walked to school when they were kids, only 28 per cent of their children walk to school today. In just one decade (2000 to 2010), the proportion of five- to 17-year-olds using only inactive modes of transportation (bus, train or car) to get to and from school has increased to 62 per cent from 51 per cent. The time spent driving to and from places, along with the time spent in front of the computer and playing video games, all add up to the fact only five per cent of Canadian kids meet the physical activity guidelines of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day. "Exploring the world in a physical way is critical to the process, from learning what does and does not work, to attempts at movement, to learning spatial awareness to confidence and creativity in movement," says Kriellaars, adding a life-long attitude toward fitness starts early, often between Grades 3 and 6. You're probably thinking your children are learning these skills in school, the same way they learn their ABCs. They are! But just like reading and writing, families and communities need to support the skills learned at school. This is done by providing opportunities to practise and master fundamental movement skills outside school hours. The good news is efforts are underway to make our kids more physically literate. Community programs are focusing more on skill development. And neighbourhoods are being redesigned to support better physical activity. Kriellaars is the first to admit there are no easy fixes to the problem. But if parents start learning more about the problem, they will be able to take steps to fix it. *Kristine Hayward is a physical activity promotion co-ordinator with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.* Activities that encourage physical literacy HERE are some ways you can help your child become more physically literate: - Speak to your child's physical education / health teacher to see where they are strong or need work, and what suggestions they have to support their development of these skills. - Encourage active, unstructured, outdoor play. - Practise tossing and catching items. Start with a softer, larger ball and move to smaller objects and balls that bounce. Use what you have... a rolled-up sock or a ball made out of crumpled newspaper. Try throwing with each hand -- overhand and underhand. Aim at a laundry basket or garbage can. Start catching with two hands and then with one. - Try activities in different environments like sliding or skating on ice and snow. Visit your local arena during public skating or sign up for skating lessons. - Practise moving in water. Visit your local pool or sign up for swimming lessons. - Jump through the air. Practise cartwheels and rolls. Join a gymnastics club. - Create an obstacle course in your yard or living room. Climb over a chair, under the table. Hop down the hallway and jump over a scarf. The options are endless. - Practise balance. Stand on one foot. Walk along a curb. - Play skipping or hopping games. Hopscotch and jumping rope can be fun and go a long way to developing a variety of skills. - Provide opportunities for games that involve striking, such as road hockey, tennis or baseball. Play a pickup game of hockey in the driveway. Head to a local park with a bat and ball to play a game of 500. *Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition September 27, 2013 A27*

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WFP: Staff to walk through options [Portage and Main] (Sept.26'13)
by Beth McKechnie 26 Sep '13

26 Sep '13

City Hall RoundupStaff to walk through options http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/fire-department-ot-for-print-2253073… A motion to have staff consider options for re-opening Portage and Main to pedestrians sailed through council without debate Wednesday. Coun. Jenny Gerbasi, who moved the motion, said she wasn't expecting any debate because all staff are being asked is to consider options to facilitate the movement of pedestrians through the intersection in 2017. Gerbasi said the agreement with the city that closed the intersection to pedestrians expires in 2017, adding the city should be ready if council wants to take that action. Mayor Sam Katz wasn't taking any position on the issue, adding it will be up to the council of the day to decide what to do with the intersection. Katz said he doesn't expect city staff to spend a lot of time on the subject, adding a competition on how best to open the intersection was held among planners when Glen Murray was mayor, adding those ideas are still on file. "The ideas are already there. You don't have to spend any more (money) on ideas, they exist," Katz told reporters following council. "You can dust them off and put them in place -- if that's the will of council." *Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition September 26, 2013 0 *

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FW: 2013 Ciclovia Survey
by Dave Elmore 25 Sep '13

25 Sep '13

If you attended Ciclovia the Downtown Biz would appreciate your feedback Thanks Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X) , Ciclovia was again a great success this year! Thanks to all of you for your continued support throughout the event! With your additions and feedback from our Ciclovia meetings, we have created the 2013 Ciclovia Survey to gain feedback from those that attended. We hope to gain their thoughts about Winnipeg's Ciclovia and have their say to help us make Ciclovia even more of a success in 2014! http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/L9P6RQ6 Best, Rose Dominguez Project Assistant I Downtown Winnipeg BIZ 426 Portage Avenue I Winnipeg, MB I R3C 0C9 Office: 204.958.4636 I Cell: 204.232.9489 I Fax: 204.958.4630 Email: rose(a)downtownwinnipegbiz.com <http://www.downtownwinnipegbiz.com/>

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Aging Road User, Bicyclist, and Pedestrian Safety: Human Factors Studies Phase 3, Effective Bicycling Signs and Preventing Left-turn Crashes
by Beth McKechnie 25 Sep '13

25 Sep '13

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Terry Zdan <tjzdan50(a)gmail.com> Date: Wed, 25 Sep 2013 09:21:15 -0500 *Aging Road User, Bicyclist, and Pedestrian Safety: Human Factors Studies Phase 3, Effective Bicycling Signs and Preventing Left-turn Crashes<https://odlinks.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=bWFpbGluZ2lkPTM2MDVrc…> * [image: http://apps.trb.org/images/enewsletter/blank.png]<https://odlinks.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=bWFpbGluZ2lkPTM2MDVrc…> **** The Florida Department of Transportation has released a report that assesses drivers’ knowledge of various warning signs and pavement markings as related to bicyclists. **** ** ** ** -- Terry Zdan 126 Duncan Norrie Drive Wpg MB R3P 2J9 CANADA tjzdan50(a)gmail.com <tjzdan(a)gmasil.com>

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Fwd: ASRTS Fall / Winter Webinar Series!
by Jackie Avent (ASRTS) 25 Sep '13

25 Sep '13

Hello AT Network! Check out the Fall/Winter Active and Safe Routes to School webinar series. The first webinar *Pulling Up Our Socks*: *Manitoba and the Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card* is on October 9th from 10 am - noon CST! Feel free to spread the word! Jackie ** Register now for our Fall/Winter Walking and Wheeling Webinar Series! View this email in your browser<http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&id=904f58d6e6…> <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> Share<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> Tweet<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> <http://us2.forward-to-friend.com/forward?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&id=904…> Forward to Friend<http://us2.forward-to-friend.com/forward?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&id=904…> Register now for our Fall/Winter Walking and Wheeling Webinar Series! <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> After the success of last winter's webinar series in in conjunction with the After The School Bell Rings<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>project, Active and Safe Routes to School in Manitoba is back again this fall and winter with new webinars<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>to help communities around Manitoba encourage youth to walk or cycle! To register visit our website<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>and select which webinars you'd like to participate in! *PULLING UP OUR SOCKS: MANITOBA AND THE ACTIVE HEALTHY KIDS CANADA REPORT CARD: ARE WE DRIVING OUR KIDS TO UNHEALTHY HABITS?* October 9th, 2013- 10:00am-12:00pm CST *Presenters:* Jennifer Cowie-Bonne – *Chair, Active Healthy Kids Canada* Vicky Reaney - *Active Transportation Coordinator, Province of Manitoba* Deanna Betteridge, *Winnipeg in motion* Dave Elmore, *Can-Bike Instructor* Jackie Avent – *Active and Safe Routes to School in Manitoba* The goal of the webinar is to introduce participants to the Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card and give them information about what is ongoing in Manitoba towards achieving some of the recommendations laid out in the report card. Production of this webinar is in partnership with the Physical Activity Coalition of Manitoba, the Province of Manitoba and Winnipeg *in motion*. ------------------------------ *EXPLORING THE AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVE TRAVEL RESOURCE GUIDE* October 31, 2013- 12:00pm-1:00pm CST *Presenter:* Lea Grzenda- *Green Action Centre* Encouraging walking and cycling programs can be a challenge at after school programs with limited time and resources. That’s why we have developed an Active Travel Resource Guide just for after school programs! This webinar session will take you through our guide step-by-step and focus on some basic things you can do to help build that walking and cycling culture in your program. A discussion will follow to hear ideas from participants. Green Action Centre’s Lea Grzenda will share our new guide with you! ------------------------------ *MAKING IT COUNT: INCLUDING SCIENCE AND MATH IN ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS* November 7th, 2013- 12:00pm-1:00pm CST *Presenter: *Adam Prokopanko- *Green Action Centre* Have a love for math or science? Don’t know how to include easy science experiments or math problems in your program without putting people to sleep? Green Action Centre’s Adam Prokopanko will guide you through creative and fun ideas to do with children to bring a little more math and science into your activities that they will actually love! This is definitely a presentation you won’t want to miss. ------------------------------ *YOU CHOOSE THE TOPIC!* November 21, 2013- 12:00pm-1:00pm CST Want to learn about a specific active travel topic but don’t see it here? Send us your ideas on what you would like to learn about surrounding active travel to active.events(a)greenactioncentre.ca<active.events@greenactioncentre.ca?subject=I%20have%20an%20idea%20for%20a%20walking-wheeling%20webinar!!!>and we will present it! ------------------------------ *GET OUTTA TOWN! RURAL AND NORTHERN ACTIVE TRAVEL AFTER SCHOOL* December 5, 2013- 12:00pm-1:00pm *Presenter:* *TBD* So your kids/students want to walk or ride their bike to school? Are you in a rural or northern community? We can help! We have put together some key tips for schools and after school programs outside of larger cities that face different challenges to active travel and how they can be solved. ------------------------------ *SHOW US A STORY: USING PHOTOVOICE FOR AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS* January/February 2014 *Presenter:* Lea Grzenda- *Green Action Centre* Have you ever tried to see your community from a different perspective? That is the goal of a Photovoice project, and we will be going into an after school program in the fall to see how kids see their community! They will share what they love about it and what they want to change and we will be sharing the results with you. To register for any of these webinars or to inquire about additional information, please contact Lea Grzenda or Jackie Avent at 204-925-3773 or visit our webinar website<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> ! *Copyright © *2013* *Green Action Centre*, All rights reserved.* *Our mailing address is:* 3rd Floor- 303 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2B4 This email was sent to stp(a)greenactioncentre.ca *why did I get this?*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/about?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f5…> unsubscribe from this list<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> update subscription preferences<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/profile?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3…> Green Action Centre · 3-303 Portage Ave. · Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B4 · Canada [image: Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp]<http://www.mailchimp.com/monkey-rewards/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm…> -- *Jackie Avent* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>

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How they respond to bicycle accidents in the Netherlands (video)
by Dave Elmore 23 Sep '13

23 Sep '13

http://bcove.me/9lre2g4d Thanks Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X)

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Fwd: [At-network] Disraeli Active Transportation Bridge now open - City
by Beth McKechnie 19 Sep '13

19 Sep '13

Couple more attached... On Thu, Sep 19, 2013 at 1:56 PM, Beth McKechnie <beth(a)greenactioncentre.ca>wrote: > Here are a few photos (no people, as this was before it opened)... > > [image: Inline image 1] > > > On Thu, Sep 19, 2013 at 12:39 PM, Daniel Gravenor <dgravenor(a)gmail.com>wrote: > >> The city has said the AT bridge is now open. Anyone have pictures? >> >> Disraeli Active Transportation Bridge now open >> >> Released: 11:08 a.m. >> >> *Winnipeg, MB* – The public is advised that the Disraeli Active >> Transportation Bridge over the Red River is now open. The cycling and >> pedestrian bridge is accessible from Rover Avenue on the south side of the >> river and Midwinter Avenue on the north side of the river. >> >> A grand opening celebration will be held in the near future. >> >> Related links: >> >> - Disraeli Bridges Project<http://winnipeg.ca/publicworks/MajorProjects/DisraeliBridges/> >> >> *Last update: 19.09.2013 * >> >> _______________________________________________ >> AT-Network mailing list >> AT-Network(a)lists.umanitoba.ca >> http://lists.umanitoba.ca/mailman/listinfo/at-network >> >> > > > -- > > *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 non-profit hub for greener living. > > Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> >

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Disraeli Active Transportation Bridge now open - City
by Daniel Gravenor 19 Sep '13

19 Sep '13

The city has said the AT bridge is now open. Anyone have pictures? Disraeli Active Transportation Bridge now open Released: 11:08 a.m. *Winnipeg, MB* – The public is advised that the Disraeli Active Transportation Bridge over the Red River is now open. The cycling and pedestrian bridge is accessible from Rover Avenue on the south side of the river and Midwinter Avenue on the north side of the river. A grand opening celebration will be held in the near future. Related links: - Disraeli Bridges Project<http://winnipeg.ca/publicworks/MajorProjects/DisraeliBridges/> *Last update: 19.09.2013 *

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CBC: Crosswalk lost in redesign of Pembina Highway and Plaza Drive (Sept.18'13)
by Beth McKechnie 19 Sep '13

19 Sep '13

I definitely share the concerns stated below -- coming off the cycle track on Pembina Hwy, we did a jug-handle turn (Copenhagen left<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRGTW06ZgO8>) at this intersection to cross Pembina at Plaza on our way to U of M. Seemed much simpler and safer than trying to move across three lanes of traffic to turn left from Pembina. We discovered the lights wouldn't turn green for us unless a motorist on our side was also going across. So on the next trip, we hit the pedestrian button on the north side of the intersection before turning into the vehicle lane and positioned ourselves to cross Pembina. That only resulted in triggering the pedestrian walk sign to light up on the north side of the intersection. Only then did we realize that there was no pedestrian crossing on the south side of the Pembina/Plaza intersection. This seems to force cyclists to cross on the north side of the intersection as a pedestrian, then cross again as a ped on the south side in order to turn left and continue cycling along Plaza. That seems unduly onerous, non-intuitive and confusing for people coming off the cycle track. Initially, I thought it was great that this buffered bike lane landed at an intersection with lights but unfortunately it turns out not to be convenient for either people on foot or on bikes. If I'm missing something here, please send me a note. Thanks! -Beth * * * * * Revamped Winnipeg intersection is dangerous, says woman Crosswalk lost in redesign of Pembina Highway and Plaza Drive intersection CBC News <http://www.cbc.ca/news/credit.html> Posted: Sep 18, 2013 6:10 PM CT http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/revamped-winnipeg-intersection-is-da… A south Winnipeg woman says the busy intersection near her home has become confusing and dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists since it was redesigned last year. Dorothy Peters says she's had to be a de facto crossing guard at the intersection of Pembina Highway and Plaza Drive lately, stopping people from crossing the street where a crosswalk used to be. "No crosswalk!" she shouts at someone about to walk across the street on Wednesday, while she waits for a transit bus at the stop on the other side. "They could be be hit and killed," she said. Peters said the intersection has been "basically chaos" since September 2012, when the city finished making changes to it. With the redesign, pedestrians lost one of two crosswalks on Pembina at Plaza. But Peters said people still try to walk in the non-existent crosswalk, putting themselves at risk of being struck by oncoming traffic. "I saw this light facing this way, so I thought I could cross this way," said Vivian Krywy, a pedestrian who was redirected by Peters. "It is very confusing, especially to older people," she added. Peters has also been talking to cyclists at the intersection, namely those who shift gears from the bike lane to the sidewalk. River Heights-Fort Garry Coun. John Orlikow says traffic engineers are looking into concerns related to the intersection. "We send it forward to the engineers to reassess it, if there's anything we can do to make it a little bit safer and a little more clear," Orlikow said.

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WFP: Revamp for bylaw amendment over cyclists, parade permits (Sept.18'13)
by Beth McKechnie 18 Sep '13

18 Sep '13

Revamp for bylaw amendment over cyclists, parade permits http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/revamp-for-bylaw-amendment-over-cycl… A proposed amendment to the traffic bylaw to allow cyclists to get a parade permit will be sent back to civic administration for review after concerns were raised the change would make it illegal for large groups of cyclists to train or ride on city streets. "The amendment needs a little wordsmithing," said Coun. Scott Fielding, chairman of the protection and community services committee, which endorsed the amendment last week. The committee was told last week Winnipeg police technically could not issue parade permits to cycling groups because the bylaw only recognizes pedestrians and motorized vehicles to participate in parades. The committee was told the amendment merely added cyclists to the list of those eligible to obtain a police-escorted parade permit. However, alarm bells were raised within the cycling community, who feared the wording of the amendment would make it illegal for groups of 10 or more cyclists to go on recreational or training rides without a parade permit. "The intent was never to stop people from enjoying the use of their bicycles," Fielding (St. James-Brooklands) said. Fielding credited the intervention of Couns. Jenny Gerbasi (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry) and Dan Vandal (St. Boniface) and the cycling community for alerting civic staff to the unintended implication of the proposed amendment. Gerbasi said senior WPS executives realized the amendment wording could be interpreted in a manner that was never intended, adding it was the police who recommended it be withdrawn and rewritten. Deputy police chief Art Stannard said last week the amendment had a humorous origin: A couple of years ago a group of naked cyclists wanted a police-escorted parade permit and that's when police discovered the shortcomings of the bylaw. *Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition September 18, 2013 B2*

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Fwd:The Human Scale Film at Cinematheque
by Cyndi Otfinowski 17 Sep '13

17 Sep '13

HI, I rarely send things, but I thought this film, The Human Scale at the Cinemathèque, might be interesting to some, especially the panel discussion afterwards on urban planning. Cheers, Cyndi Otfinowski Begin forwarded message: > From: "Winnipeg Film Group" <info(a)winnipegfilmgroup.com> > Date: September 17, 2013 11:28:26 AM MDT (CA) > To: "Cyndi & Rafael Otfinowski" <cotfinowski(a)gmail.com> > Subject: Now Playing at Cinematheque > > See Issue Online Cinematheque Website > > > Unsubscribe > > > Architecture+Film is an ongoing series which focus on architecture > and design, co-presented by the Winnipeg Architecture Foundation - a > charitable organization dedicated to advancing the awareness and > appreciation of Winnipeg's built environment through public > education. http://www.winnipegarchitecture.ca/ > > > > Advance tickets available online > > Thu Sep 19 at 9:00 PM > Fri Sep 20 at 7:00 PM > > DIR. ANDREAS DALSGAARD | 2012 | DENMARK | 77 MIN > (Danish with English subtitles) > > Jan Gehl, architect and urban visionary, believes that we know more > about creating good habitat for mountain gorillas than we do about > designing cities that function well for Homo sapiens. This > compelling film explores the work that Jan and his team have been > doing around the world. The many smart, sleepless, and frustrated > urban planners profiled in the film talk passionately about the ways > in which a human scaled city makes for richness, spontaneity, and > engagement within communities. > > Juxtaposed against the organic small-scale model is the spectre of > the coming giga-city. Bleak, sterile, composed of neon towers, > flyovers, and endless streams of traffic, this dystopian future is > funded by the World Bank and promoted by politicians and speculators > whose vision of modernity is a city entirely privatized and largely > designed for cars. > > Panel discussion following the Sept 20 screening featuring: > Christian Cassidy, writer and researcher for the West End Dumplings > blog This was Manitoba and Peg Downtown Places > Bob Somers, Landscape Architect at Scatliff+Miller+Murray > Steve Cohlmeyer, Architect and Urban Designer, Cohlmeyer Associates > Brent Bellamy, Senior Design Architect at Number Ten Architectural > Group as well as columnist for the Winnipeg Free Press > Robyn Robertson, architectural intern at aodbt architecture and a > founding member of Saskatchewan's Open: design collaborative > > The Human Scale is generously sponsored by Lafarge and the Winnipeg > Architecture Foundation. The film is being shown as part of the > Winnipeg Design Festival > > > > > Upcoming Films > > > > THE MANOR > Wed Sep 18 at 7:00 PM > Thu Sep 19 at 7:00 PM > Sat Sep 21 at 7:00 PM > Sun Sep 22 at 2:00 PM > Thu Sep 26 at 7:00 PM > An astonishingly intimate and rarely seen portrait of a family > facing the consequences of their livelihood running a strip club and > the demons that come along with it. > View details > > > > > > TINY FURNITURE > Fri Sep 20 at 9:00 PM > Sat Sep 21 at 9:00 PM > Sun Sep 22 at 7:00 PM > Thu Sep 26 at 9:00 PM > Lena Dunham's knockout second feature Tiny Furniture won a jury > prize at SXSW and wowed critics and audiences, which eventually lead > to her creation of the HBO series Girls. > View details > > > > > > Cinematheque News > > > > TOP 3 OF 2013 - voted by YOU! > Missed the chance to see a film we've already screened? Wishing that > we would bring in a particular film? Tell us what you'd like to see > and we will screen the top 3 film as voted by you in early December! > View details > > > > > > Cinematheque What's Playing Calendar Buy Tickets & Passes Find Us > Donate > > > > > This email newsletter was sent to you because your email is on the > Winnipeg Film Group's Cinematheque mailing list. If you no longer > want to receive these emails, you may unsubscribe. > > >

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Fwd: GREAT NEWS ON THE BICYCLE TRAFFIC BYLAW ISSUE!
by Beth McKechnie 17 Sep '13

17 Sep '13

Great news from Councillor Gerbasi... ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Gerbasi, Jenny <JGerbasi(a)winnipeg.ca> Date: Tue, Sep 17, 2013 at 11:46 AM Subject: GREAT NEWS ON THE BICYCLE TRAFFIC BYLAW ISSUE! Dear Friends, ** I just spoke with the Acting head of the Winnipeg Police service and he let me know that they will be pulling the Traffic Bylaw item off of the EPC agenda and sending it back for review to be part of a larger more detailed review that Public Works is doing of the traffic bylaw.**** ** ** In other words, the bylaw is not going ahead as planned and they will work to address the concerns raised about the wording of the bylaw. So groups of 10 or more cyclists do not have to worry about receiving fines..**** ** ** Cheers!!!**** ** ** Jenny**** ** ** ** ** ** ** Jenny Gerbasi Councillor, Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry Phone: (204)986 5878 Fax: (204) 986 5636 jgerbasi(a)winnipeg.ca **** If you wish to sign up for my e-newsletter and receive occasional updates of city hall happenings please go to my web site: www.jennygerbasi.ca . You can also follow me on twitter @JennyGerbasi or join my Councillor Jenny Gerbasi page on Facebook. **** Dear Friends,**** ** ** I am writing in follow-up to the concerned raised about the changes to the Traffic Bylaw that EPC is considering tomorrow.**** ** ** I am advocating strongly to get the traffic bylaw matter referred back to the Standing Policy Committee …and then to staff to be reconsidered and address the issue raised of fines for bikes in groups of 10 or more.**** ** ** It is my understanding that the intention of the bylaw change is to allow parade permits for large bike events for groups that wanted to have a police escort and that a change was made in the definition to include bikes in the bylaw. This was something some councilors and groups were advocating for. However…the change in definition which now includes cyclists in the traffic bylaw allows any group of cyclists of 10 or more to be a finable offence if they DON”T have a permit …which is not what was intended at all. This is a problem as numerous community activities could result in fines…things like family or group rides, Downtown BIZ cycling tours and much more.**** I expect that this problem is an unintentional side effect of the change in definition …It is better to take more time and do this right…than have it done speedily.**** So I will be advocating to have this referred back and have this addressed.* *** ** ** EPC meets on this tomorrow and hopefully they will be receptive to revisiting this. I will be contacting EPC members ahead of the meeting and I know a number of citizens are scheduled to attend. I am not able to be there tomorrow in person as am speaking at a community event…but will be following this issue closely.**** ** ** Most sincerely, Jenny**** ** ** Jenny Gerbasi ****

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WFP: Parade permits for cyclists around corner (Sept.17'13)
by Beth McKechnie 17 Sep '13

17 Sep '13

Pasted below this article is additional information from David Sanders and who to contact if you wish to speak to the amendment at tomorrow morning's EPC meeting. There appears to be a difference in interpretation between the Winnipeg Free Press's reporting below that this change would *allow* cyclists to obtain a parade permit if they so wished vs. the concern that it will be enforced by police as *required* by any group of 10 or more cyclists (i.e. organized or spontaneous group rides, even a gathering of friends travelling by bike from place to place). The wording of the amendment could more clearly stipulate that it is intended to allow cyclists who wish to apply for a parade permit to do so. (See suggested rewording in attached submission by David Sanders.) Note that there's a meeting tonight at 7 pm at Mondragon (91 Albert St) to discuss potential response strategies for those who are interested. * * * * * Parade permits for cyclists around corner http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/parade-permits-for-cyclists-around-c… THE City of Winnipeg is poised to change its traffic rules to allow cyclists to obtain a parade permit, but some cyclists are already up in arms. On Wednesday, council's executive policy committee is considering an amendment to the traffic bylaw that would allow 10 or more bike riders to obtain a parade permit. Right now, cyclists can't obtain parade permits because it's illegal to ride side-by-side. "A number of bicycle groups apply for parade permits each year with the intent of operating in a parade fashion with a police escort," reads the report to council. This amendment, however, has sparked fears police could use the amendment to crack down on groups of cyclists. Winnipeg lawyer David Sanders, who represented members of a Critical Mass ride, issued a statement Sunday warning of $1,000 fines to anyone who rides in a group of 10 or more. *Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition September 17, 2013 A2* ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: *David Sanders* <westhawk41(a)yahoo.ca> Date: Sun, Sep 15, 2013 at 3:10 PM Hi all: If any of the old email addresses work, hope you are all doing well. If you want to be able to cycle in *groups of 10 or more people* on Winnipeg streets without a parade permit issued by the Chief of Police 48 hours before, without facing *fines of up to $1,000 each*, you may want to check this out. On Wednesday, September 18, Executive Policy Committee will be asked to approve the recommendation of the Standing Policy Committee on Protection and Community Services, that the City of Winnipeg Traffic By-law 1573/77 be amended to restrict cyclists in that manner. Attached is a copy of the last minute submission I sent to the Committee last week, to no avail. And it appears the press didn't pick it up. You will find the EPC agenda and the Standing Policy Committee minutes on the City's Decision-Making System website, with the text of the amendment, the half-truth of the Administration's recommendation, and By-law 1573/77 itself, which describes the stringent requirements for holding a "parade" and provides for fines of up to $1,000 for violating those requirements. If you have trouble accessing the pdf's with Google, try Google Chrome or Moxilla Firefox. You may wish to notify others who might find this undesirable, and encourage them to contact Carlos Gameiro at cgameiro(a)winnipeg.ca if they wish to register to speak to the amendment at EPC on Wednesday morning. Regards, David Sanders

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WFP: Truckers slam bid to ban rigs [on Provencher] (Sept.13'13)
by Beth McKechnie 13 Sep '13

13 Sep '13

Great to see Councillor Vandal working to make Provencher more pedestrian and bike friendly! Truckers slam bid to ban rigsBarring trucks from Provencher costly, lacks vision: industry By: Kevin Rollason http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/truckers-slam-bid-to-ban-rigs-223585… <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> Truckers are grinding their gears over a move by the city to explore the possibility of banning trucks from Provencher Boulevard and Portage and Main. The Manitoba Trucking Association is upset the civic infrastructure renewal and public works committee wants the administration to study the pros and cons of a ban and report back in 90 days after Coun. Dan Vandal, the committee's chairman, asked for the report. Terry Shaw, the MTA's general manager, wants to hit the brakes on the issue because he says the problem for truckers is actually larger than the possibility of being banned on two major streets in Winnipeg. "The congestion and growth of Winnipeg is far outstripping the ability of the infrastructure -- we don't have a transportation vision 2013 let alone 2040," Shaw said. "Instead of piecemeal moves like banning trucks from Provencher and Portage and Main, let's step back and see what do we need for everyone and then put together the vision that captures it all. "You are not making the trucks go away -- you are just putting them elsewhere." Shaw said the road bed on Provencher was constructed to take into account it was a truck route. About 27,000 vehicles per day drive on Provencher. Shaw worries what could happen next if trucks were banned from those two areas. "Osborne, Corydon and Academy are all lovely areas and they are all truck routes. Trucks should always have access to the areas they need access to. "Six hundred trucks is only five per cent of the traffic on Provencher -- it is a small percentage of the traffic." Shaw said the association has already calculated that, based on the city's statistics of 600 trucks on Provencher during an average 11-hour period, it would cost Winnipeg industries $600,000 to ban trucks due to longer driving distances. But Vandal is not backing down on the issue. On Tuesday, Vandal said the issue was "a no-brainer." On Thursday, Vandal said "I am concerned about both Provencher and Portage and Main and The Forks in between. "I simply think we need to encourage a more pedestrian environment down the entire corridor... as we fast approach 2014, tractor-trailers and semi-trailers should not be at Portage and Main and Provencher Boulevard by extension." Matt Allard, president of the Old St. Boniface Residents' Association, said area residents have been pushing the issue for years. "We endorse the motion to ask the administration to ban truck traffic on Provencher," Allard said. "Generally this issue comes up at almost all of our residents' meetings. "It's not something we are doing on a whim." Allard said Provencher is changing with more coffee shops and outdoor cafes on the street and they want to encourage other traffic rather than trucks. "With the new pedestrian bridge and the new human rights museum, there's really a feeling we do want a Provencher more amenable to cyclists, pedestrians and coffee shops." Ahmed Shalaby, head of the University of Manitoba's department of civil engineering, said truck routes are built to a higher standard than residential streets, but not much different than other busy roads. Shalaby said the idea of banning trucks from areas of the city is not new because it has been done in other metropolitan areas in North America. "In the end, you have to provide access to goods and services and activity. You are moving trucks from one road to the next." kevin.rollason(a)freepress.mb.ca Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition September 13, 2013 B1

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PUB denies BW intervention on Road Safety
by feaver＠mymts.net 13 Sep '13

13 Sep '13

The Manitoba Public Utilities Board has refused Bike Winnipeg's application for joint intervention with the Manitoba Consumers' Association of Canada at the MPI hearing. Working with pro bono lawyer James Benson, a small group of BW volunteers put a lot of time into preparing for the MPI hearing, which the PUB had indicated would include a significant focus on promoting safety on Manitoba roads. We initially proposed participating as full interveners and introducing expert testimony on safe driving near cyclists and on communicating effectively with the driving public. MPI objected to allowing us to participate as full interveners, and the PUB rejected our application, suggesting we could collaborate with one of the other interveners. We worked with the Manitoba Consumers' Association of Canada (CAC MB) to be joint interveners with them, MPI objected again, and PUB released a decision yesterday denying our application. BW wanted our lawyer to represent us at the portion of the hearing which covered road safety programs, present our final argument after all the evidence has been heard, and be compensated for this work as are the other lawyers at the hearing. That is what has been denied. We can make public presentations at the start of the hearing, like we did last year, but that's all. We see this as a sign of the PUB backing off in its demands for more effective road safety programs. MPI argues that ""Road safety, as a general issue, has a marginal impact on the rates set by the Board..". We believe that is because their multi-million dollar road safety programs are ineffective. MPI says on the record that their ads are successful if they create the perception to the public that they are encouraging road safety. BW proposed to bring in expertise to show how effective advertisers use communications to successfully change behaviour, but that was deemed by the PUB to be "too narrow". Bottom line; Cyclists (and pedestrians) are getting killed and injured on our roads. BW has to find a different way to increase provincial agencies' accountability on road safety. - Source: <http://bikewinnipeg.ca/2013/09/13/mpi-pub-refuse-bw-intervention-road-safet y/#sthash.YmkDye2N.FvBbpZMj.dpuf> http://bikewinnipeg.ca/2013/09/13/mpi-pub-refuse-bw-intervention-road-safety /#sthash.YmkDye2N.FvBbpZMj.dpuf

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AT Webinar: Integrating Spatial Data to Develop Community Priorities, 2-3pm, Wed, Sept.18th, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 12 Sep '13

12 Sep '13

<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/>Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg invite you to join us for a local viewing of the following APBP webinar at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave). This will be followed by group discussion of local applications.* *Detailed description provided below. *Wednesday, Sept. 18th | 2:00-3:00 p.m.* RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth (204) 925-3772 * * * * * ** Integrating Spatial Data to Develop Community Priorities Learn how collaborative mapping can be a planning tool for regional networks. This webinar will feature examples of using map data to help multiple, adjacent jurisdictions create long-term plans for prioritizing improvements. One of the case study projects used map data to tell a story that brought the wider community into the planning process.

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TOD EVENT CANCELLATION
by Beth McKechnie 12 Sep '13

12 Sep '13

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Stephanie Voyce <stephanie(a)downtownwinnipegbiz.com> Date: Wed, Sep 11, 2013 at 7:57 PM Subject: TOD EVENT CANCELLATION Good evening, We regret to inform you that this week's conference - Ideas for Action on Transit Oriented Development, organized by Via Fara Transportation Policy and Planning Consulting, has been cancelled. The forum, scheduled for September 12 from 7pm-9pm at Portage Place, will also not be taking place. Our sincere apologies for the inconvenience this may cause. We hope to be able to engage you in the future with another forum on this topic. Please don't hesitate to be in contact with us if you have any questions or comments. Best regards, Stephanie Voyce Project Manager, Image & Transportation Downtown Winnipeg BIZ 204.958.4621 office 204.958.4630 fax Visit our website at www.downtownwinnipegbiz.com!

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Webinar: How to build a culture of walking in your community or province
by Jackie Avent (ASRTS) 11 Sep '13

11 Sep '13

Please see below for a webinar opportunity. Please pass on to your networks. ** ** ** ** Hi everyone!**** ** ** We are hosting a webinar on Sept. 19th and I was wondering if you could help us spread the word!**** ** ** Thanks so much,**** Christa**** ** ** ** ** ** ** *Want to know how to build a culture of walking in your community or province? * Join us on *Thursday,* *September 19th from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. EST* for *Part I* of our Walking series. **** Kate Hall from Green Communities Canada, Elaine Shelton from Heart and Stroke Foundation (Nova Scotia), Graham Matsalla from Alberta Health Services, and Dr. Ron Wilson from the BC Medical Association will provide an overview of the initiatives that are making walking more prominent in four different provinces across Canada.**** *Part II* of our series will take place on *Thursday, September 26th from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. EST* and will provide the opportunity to delve deeper and help you implement similar initiatives. This will also provide an opportunity to share the work that you are doing related to walking. Registration for Part II will be limited to 25 ParticipACTION Network participants to facilitate discussion and sharing.**** To register for the September webinar on walking, please email * forum(a)participACTION.com <%20forum(a)participACTION.com>* by September 17, 2013 to reserve your spot.**** ** ** [image: cid:image002.jpg@01CEAE43.C81F7630]**** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** *Christa Costas-Bradstreet* Relationship Manager/ Gestionnaire des relations**** * * *ParticipACTION***** Phone/ Téléphone: 416.913.1397**** Main Line/Ligne principale: 416.913-1511**** 77 Bloor St. W. Suite 1205/ *77*, rue Bloor ouest, bureau 1205 **** Toronto, On. M5S 1M2**** www.participACTION.com <http://www.participaction.com/>**** ** ** ** ** [image: SDIC bilingual signature 2013] <http://sportsday.cbc.ca/>**** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

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Ontario's Cycling Strategy
by Dave Elmore 11 Sep '13

11 Sep '13

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/cycling/index.shtml CycleON: Ontario's Cycling Strategy Ontario's Cycling Strategy looks ahead 20 years and outlines what needs to be done to promote cycling across the province as a viable mode of transportation. More and more people are choosing cycling as their preferred way to get around. Ontario's Cycling Strategy provides a route map to support and encourage this growth in cycling over the next 20 years. Increasing the number of cyclists in Ontario holds many potential long-term benefits. Ontario's Cycling Strategy supports Ontarians adopting healthier and active lifestyles, the tourism industry, as well as the achievement of environmental and economic <http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/cycling/index.shtml> objectives. The province will play a leadership role in striving to achieve our cycling vision, but we are asking municipalities, the public, road users, businesses and non-governmental organizations to partner with us to create <http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/cycling/index.shtml> a more cycling-friendly future for Ontario. #CycleON: Ontario's Cycling Strategy <http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/cycling-guide/pdfs/MTO-CycleON-EN.pdf > (PDF: 16.9 MB) <http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/cycling/pdfs/MTO-BicyclingStrategy-Pr int-EN.pdf> Download a printer-friendly version <http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/cycling-guide/pdfs/cycling-strategy-r eport-print.pdf> (PDF <http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/cycling/index.shtml> : 14 MB) Thanks Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X)

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IMPORTANT: City's plan for active transport revived
by Anders Swanson 07 Sep '13

07 Sep '13

[This is relevant to anyone who may have been planning to speak on Tuesday as per the reminder sent out last week. I for one am going to celebrate instead. - Anders ] http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/citys-plan-for-active-transport-revi… THE City of Winnipeg has revived a bike-and-pedestrian strategy the cancellation of which earlier this summer sparked an outcry from cycling activists. In July, Winnipeg's public works department nixed a plan to spend $400,000 on an active-transportation master plan that would have been prepared by Vancouver consulting firm Urban Systems. The plan, initiated in the wake of a messily executed 2010 bike-and-pedestrian upgrade, was intended to help the city choose future active-transportation routes, ensure the city had the capacity to build them and align the funding priorities with those of two other levels of government. But the plan was cancelled when the city official in charge of the project wound up busy with a road-twinning project, public works director Brad Sacher said. Several members of council, including public works chairman Dan Vandal (St. Boniface), were concerned the $400,000 price tag was too high for a planning framework. But in the wake of complaints from the public and others members of council, Sacher renegotiated the scope of the consulting contract, which has been scaled back. The revived master plan may be completed by the end of January, Sacher said Friday. "There's a lot of work to do and not enough resources to get everything done. But after (this plan) was cancelled, it became really apparent it's a really important project to a lot of Winnipeggers," Sacher said. City staff will now oversee the implementation of the plan, which could be completed in time to inform decisions about routes to build in 2014, he added. "It will help us for the budget and for capital-planning projects going forward. It's an important study and something we really needed to complete." As a result of the change, the project fee was reduced by $70,000 to $330,000, Vandal said. "Nobody was ever against a master plan. We just felt the price was crazy," he said. Mark Cohoe, executive director of commuter-cycling lobby group Bike Winnipeg, said he is thrilled the city has salvaged the plan. "It's good to see the city is listening and reacting," Cohoe said after hearing the news. "It's going to bring a lot of outside expertise to Winnipeg -- a fresh set of eyes with a worldly perspective that will give us a bit of focus. "It will get us in line with what other cities are doing."

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WFP: City's plan for active transport revived (Sept.7'13)
by Beth McKechnie 07 Sep '13

07 Sep '13

City's plan for active transport revived By: Bartley Kives http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/citys-plan-for-active-transport-revi… THE City of Winnipeg has revived a bike-and-pedestrian strategy the cancellation of which earlier this summer sparked an outcry from cycling activists. In July, Winnipeg's public works department nixed a plan to spend $400,000 on an active-transportation master plan that would have been prepared by Vancouver consulting firm Urban Systems. The plan, initiated in the wake of a messily executed 2010 bike-and-pedestrian upgrade, was intended to help the city choose future active-transportation routes, ensure the city had the capacity to build them and align the funding priorities with those of two other levels of government. But the plan was cancelled when the city official in charge of the project wound up busy with a road-twinning project, public works director Brad Sacher said. Several members of council, including public works chairman Dan Vandal (St. Boniface), were concerned the $400,000 price tag was too high for a planning framework. But in the wake of complaints from the public and others members of council, Sacher renegotiated the scope of the consulting contract, which has been scaled back. The revived master plan may be completed by the end of January, Sacher said Friday. "There's a lot of work to do and not enough resources to get everything done. But after (this plan) was cancelled, it became really apparent it's a really important project to a lot of Winnipeggers," Sacher said. City staff will now oversee the implementation of the plan, which could be completed in time to inform decisions about routes to build in 2014, he added. "It will help us for the budget and for capital-planning projects going forward. It's an important study and something we really needed to complete." As a result of the change, the project fee was reduced by $70,000 to $330,000, Vandal said. "Nobody was ever against a master plan. We just felt the price was crazy," he said. Mark Cohoe, executive director of commuter-cycling lobby group Bike Winnipeg, said he is thrilled the city has salvaged the plan. "It's good to see the city is listening and reacting," Cohoe said after hearing the news. "It's going to bring a lot of outside expertise to Winnipeg -- a fresh set of eyes with a worldly perspective that will give us a bit of focus. "It will get us in line with what other cities are doing." *bartley.kives(a)freepress.mb.ca* *Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition September 7, 2013 A4 *

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Saturday Night: Second Annual Neon Bike Decorating Extravaganza and Parade Down Broadway
by Anders Swanson 06 Sep '13

06 Sep '13

*[ Hoo boy. No stats or best practices or anything. Just something fun for kids of all ages on Saturday. All you need is a bike and an imagination. Go light stuff up for no good reason...and then come back for Ciclovia on Sunday. -Anders] * On Saturday, September 7, help kick off "Ciclovia-Eve" by decorating your bike and riding down to Lights on Broadway. There are bike decorating station stations in the following areas: - Sherbrook St - Coronation Park - Omand's Park - Memorial Park Things to note: *-All decorating (free lights and other free fun things) at the four stations happens from 5:30pm-7:30pm**.* - Group rides leave from the stations for Broadway's Parade of Lights at approx 7:30pm. - Manyfest is hosting the Memorial and Omand Park stations. - The West End BIZ is hosting the Sherbrook Street Festival Station and the Norwood Grove BIZ is hosting the Coronation Park station. - Prizes will be awarded at the Parade of Light for the Best Lit Bikes. Photo of some of the winners from last year: [image: Inline image 1] *[ If you're an adult, I expect more**. Something like this...work your magic. - Anders]* [image: Inline image 1]

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Active & Green: Ciclovia, Bike Friendly Businesses, Dance Walk Guru, and Getting Bendy
by Beth McKechnie 06 Sep '13

06 Sep '13

Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.<http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&id=b0258587eb…> *Looking to improve commuter options at your workplace?* Request resources<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>on cycling, carpooling, commuting surveys and tracking progress, among others. Book a presentation<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>on the various commuting options, as well as fuel-efficient driving, creating a commuter friendly workplace, and greening the workplace. Talk to us about implementing a Smart Trips<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>program at your workplace. ------------------------------ Upcoming Events Ciclovia<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> - Winnipeg Sunday, Sept. 8 Open Street Sunday<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>- Thompson Sunday, Sept. 8 PARK(ing) Day<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> Friday, Sept. 20 Culture Days<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> September 27-29 Walk to School Week / Month<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> Oct. 7-11 / October Pedaling for the People<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> Bike Winnipeg Fundraiser Wednesday, Oct. 9 Waste Reduction Week<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> October 21-27 ------------------------------ *Reviving Winnipeg's Ped/Bike Strategies* On Tues, Sept. 10, the Standing Policy Committee for Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works will be revisiting the decision to cancel the contract to develop pedestrian and cycling strategies for Winnipeg. Find more details from Bike Winnipeg and how you can get involved here<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> . ------------------------------ Bus & Bike to the Bombers Turns out that taking the bus or riding a bike to Bomber games is way more popular than expected. While organizers thought perhaps 15% of fans would attend by means other than a car, the percentage has ranged from 30-39%! If you'd like to try biking to a game, check out Anders Swanson's video of his ride biking to the new stadium<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>from downtown. ------------------------------ Like what you see? *Make Green Action Centre Your Charity of Choice* Every year, thousands of Manitoba employees participate in workplace giving programs, such as the provincial government’s All-Charities <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>campaign. By giving just a few dollars from your paycheque each month you can make a big difference protecting the environment and promoting environmental education. *Please choose Green Action Centre as your charity this year*. Ciclovia - Sunday, Sept. 8th The annual celebration<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> of active transportation and healthy living happens this Sunday from 11am to 6pm. Cycle on a car-free lane from Assiniboine Park all the way to The Forks. Meander down Broadway from Osborne to Main and take in the street festival. From the bike zone to the eco zone to the Tweed ride (and the Food Trucks), it's a great time! Bike Friendly Businesses This Sunday, the Downtown BIZ and Exchange District BIZ will be launching a Bike Friendly Business Network<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> at Ciclovia. Look for this decal in the window of participating businesses! It ensures quality bike parking along with a bike pump, bike maps and loaner locks for customer use. Some businesses may offer additional services, such as a discount, free water refill or other tools to use. And, of course, you can always check this map<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> [pdf] to find bike racks and secure bike parking locations in downtown Winnipeg. And in case you're travelling, check out these top 10 great places to park your bike<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>around the world. Get ready for bendy Remember hearing last year about the 20 articulated buses purchased by Winnipeg Transit? Well, we'll soon be able to get all bendy with it. The extra-long buses are scheduled to be mixed into Transit's fleet later this fall. *Meet the Dance Walk guru* Why walk when you can dance? That's the life philosophy of the "Dance Walk guru maste<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>r" [video]. Made famous by Ben Aaron of NBC New York, this happy fellow has inspired thousands of others to choose to dance down the sidewalk. While we haven't spotted any dance walkers in Winnipeg just yet, perhaps they're waiting to reveal themselves. And if you prefer to walk, there's a new study<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>that found people who walk to work are 40 percent less likely to develop diabetes and 17 percent less likely to develop high blood pressure than those who drive. Almost enough to make you dance! *Active Living Research* Check out the interesting statistics on the role of transportation in encouraging physical activity from Active Living Research<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> (US). *Set up your own rideshare* With the high price of gas (and likely to rise further) plus increasing costs for parking, you might be looking to share your ride. If your workplace doesn't subscribe to a formal rideshare program, try a self-serve bulletin board or map with pins or dots marking home locations. Once you've found suitable partners, here are some helpful tips<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> [pdf] to set up your own carpool. Our mailing address is: Green Action Centre 3-303 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B4 Canada Copyright (C) 2013 Green Action Centre All rights reserved. Forward<http://us2.forward-to-friend1.com/forward?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&id=b0…>this email to a friend [image: Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp]<http://www.mailchimp.com/monkey-rewards/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm…>

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Fwd: Sustainable Transportation Recordings
by Beth McKechnie 05 Sep '13

05 Sep '13

Clipped from the latest update on Tools of Change webinars from Cullbridge Marketing and Communications... ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Terry Zdan <tjzdan50(a)gmail.com> Date: Wed, Sep 4, 2013 at 11:26 AM *Transportation / Active Living Recordings* The following recent webinar video-recordings are now publicly accessible at no charge. All five were designated as Landmark case studies through our peer-selection process that recognizes behavior change programs and approaches considered to be among the most successful, innovative, replicable and adaptable in the world. - BIXI Bike Sharing System - Calgary's Workshift - Portland's Smart Trips Welcome - Haliburton Communities in Action - Stepping it Up: Reversing the Trend in Active Transportation *Sustainable Transportation Recordings <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Ou0ItGy3VntOb3ZS593euAKNm-__IczSvIhmwo1K1VZV…> * * * -- Terry Zdan 126 Duncan Norrie Drive Wpg MB R3P 2J9 CANADA tjzdan50(a)gmail.com <tjzdan(a)gmasil.com>

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Let your voice be heard!
by Jackie Avent (ASRTS) 04 Sep '13

04 Sep '13

Hi AT Network, This is a reminder about the upcoming Standing Policy Committee for Infrastructure and Public Works meeting scheduled for September 10, 2013 at 9 am where they will be reviewing the decision to cancel the development of a pedestrian and cycling strategy for the City of Winnipeg. With the city threatening to delay this project for another year and half, this may be the one and only opportunity to let the city know they need to continue with this long term plan. A few select points: the city is obligated to complete the pedestrian and cycling strategy. Major plans and guiding city policy states this plan is needed; Our Winnipeg, Complete Communities Direction Strategy and the Transportation Master Plan all identify the need for a Pedestrian and Cycling Strategy. The comments by council that a plan is not needed and implementation can proceed with out it is ludicrous. In order to have a comprehensive plan for growth and development and in order to live up to the City's Sustainable Transportation Direction Strategy, the City can not delay or cancel this plan. It is unheard of for a city without a long-term active transportation plan to delay the process and engage in meaningful consultation with the public. Please circulate this to other concerned groups in your networks, namely the Older Adult networks/orgs, all trails orgs/assoc, Rivers West, WTA, Bike Winnipeg, youth and student groups and neighbourhood associations. You might also consider calling or emailing your City Councillor asking them to restart the development of these strategies for Winnipeg. Thanks again!

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Fwd: Bigger than Denmark: Economic benefits of cycling in the EU-27
by Anders Swanson 04 Sep '13

04 Sep '13

*[Please find a nice new article from the European Cyclists' Federation regarding the economic benefits of cycling below. * * * *Some helpful notes to go along with all the numbers: * * * *1. The "Eu-27" represents all of the countries in the European Union prior to July 2013 (when Croatia became its newest member.) Here is a list<http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/statistics_explained/index.php/Glossary:EU…>. This is important because it means the overall calculations include member countries like Portugal, Spain, Italy or even Austria - all of which provide a considerable counterweight to places like Denmark or Holland in terms of numbers of people actually cycling. Despite progress in places like Sevilla, Torino, Vienna, or Porto, it is very true that not everyone cycles in Europe...some countries (and/or local pockets within countries) are much much more adept at providing cycling facilities than others. And the number of people this represents is considerable: Spain-Portugal-Italy, for example, have 3X the population of Canada, have 5X the population of both Holland and Denmark combined. * *2. One Euro is worth approximately 1.4 Canadian Dollars. The effective annual economic benefit calculation would, in Canadian terms, be $560CAD/yr. per person, $560Million province-wide/yr. or $19.3B country-wide/yr. Accounting for the mode share discrepency between Canada and Europe would able you to come up with a more accurate translation, but even at 10%, which off the top of my head is probably reasonable, the numbers are staggering. Accounting for health-care cost equivalents, etc.. would take even more research, but you get the idea.)* * * *Kind Regards,* *anders]* ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: European Cyclists' Federation <noreply(a)ecf.com> Date: Wed, Sep 4, 2013 at 10:53 AM Subject: Bigger than Denmark: Economic benefits of cycling in the EU-27 To: andersswanson(a)gmail.com ** Economic benefits of cycling are worth more than €200 billion Europe wideaccording to a new ECF study. Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser<http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=d647f93791…>. [image: European Cyclists' Federation]<http://ecf.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=1…> Bigger than Denmark: Economic benefits of cycling in the EU-27 For immediate release Brussels, 4 September 2013 German Chancellor Angela Merkel opened Europe’s biggest bike trade fair Eurobike last Wednesday, signaling a huge step forward for the cycling advocacy movement. At the same time ECF released its analysis of the “Economic benefits of cycling in the EU-27” making it clear that such high level interest in cycling is set to continue. Senior politicians are beginning to realize that daily cycling not only changes the face of our cities for the better, it also makes much sense in economic terms. Calculating all internal and external benefits of cycling together and adding the turnover of related industries, ECF estimates the number to be *well above € 200 bn annually*, or *more than € 400 for every person that lives in the EU*. By far the biggest single chunk is on the health side, with over € 110 bn annually. ECF calculated this figure by using the Health Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT) for Cycling<http://ecf.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=3…>, developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Despite the excellent work done by the WHO, there is still a long way to go within the health sector in promoting active mobility. ECF therefore has the following 3 key messages to the political world in general and to the health sector in particular: n Cycling policy needs continuous political leadership and coordination from the very top down. Cycling has links to many different policy departments[i] <#140e9c9d2c1ca1c9_140e9aebe6c2593b__edn1>. This fragmentation needs to be overcome. ECF therefore encourages government at all levels[ii] <#140e9c9d2c1ca1c9_140e9aebe6c2593b__edn2> to develop and implement *cross-departmental cycling action plans*. n As the main socioeconomic benefit of cycling is on the health side, the ECF calls in particular upon the health sector to live up to its responsibility. Health departments should actively reach out to other departments for fully inclusive cycling policies. This also relates to the concept of ‘health in all policies’. Health departments and health insurance programmes are also invited to financially *support cycling projects*, e.g. cycling infrastructure investments and promotion campaigns. Another tool is to offer regular active commuters health insurance discounts. n The “polluter pays” principle is finding more and more political support. The European Commission stated in its White Paper on Transport (2011[iii] <#140e9c9d2c1ca1c9_140e9aebe6c2593b__edn3>) the ambition to “Proceed to the full and mandatory internalization of external costs (including noise, local pollution and congestion)”. ECF welcomes the progress being made here but thinks that the *external* *health benefits of cycling should be included in this policy framework*. For reading ECF’s political messages in further detail please here. ECF detailed calculations on the numbers can be found here: ECF would like to point out that these calculations can be replicated to a large extent at every local, regional and national level and we encourage cycling advocates to do so when speaking to their politicians. The WHO currently organizes a number of training webinars<http://ecf.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=9…>in English and German language on how to use the HEAT tool. *ends* NOTES TO THE EDITOR: *The figures:* - Annual economic benefits in the EU-27[iv]<#140e9c9d2c1ca1c9_140e9aebe6c2593b__edn4> are estimated at about € 205.2 – 217.3 bn (in 2010), based on internal and external benefits[v] <#140e9c9d2c1ca1c9_140e9aebe6c2593b__edn5> of cycling as well as turnover in relevant industries; - Cycling in the EU therefore has an annual economic benefit of about € 410 – 434 per capita; - With about 80 %, the health benefits of cycling are by far the largest single category among the direct internal and external benefits: using WHO’s HEAT for cycling<http://ecf.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=2…>, ECF calculated € 114 – 121 bn at current levels of cycling. At this moment, HEAT only takes reduced mortality into account, and not reduced morbidity. The numbers presented here are therefore of a conservative nature; - By comparison, investments in bicycle infrastructure and promotion are much lower: In the Netherlands, the leading European cycling country with a 27 % cycling mode share, about € 25 are invested annually per capita; in the UK, the figure estimated by ECF member CTC, the UK’s national cycling charity, is as low as about £ 2 per capita (€ 2.35), while it is about 3 € Euro in Hungary; On European average, ECF estimates that € 5-6 per capita are invested annually in cycling infrastructure and promotion. *Type of benefit* *In **€ for 2010 in EU-27* 1 Health benefits: reduced mortality € 114 – 121 bn 2 Congestion-easing € 24.2 bn 3 Fuel savings at US$ 100/ barrel € 2.7 – 5.8 bn 4 Reduced CO2 emission € 1.4 – 3.0 bn 5 Reduced air pollution € 0.9 bn 6 Reduced noise pollution € 0.3 bn 7 Tourism industry € 44 bn 8 Bicycle industry € 18 bn Total € 205 – 217.3 bn *About the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF)* With over 70 members across nearly 40 countries, the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) unites cyclist’ associations from across the globe, giving them a voice on the international level. Our aim is to get more people cycling more often by influencing policy in favour of cycling. ECF’s members are complemented by networks Scientists for Cycling, Cities for Cycling and the ECF Cycling Industry Club. More at www.ecf.com *Images* Copyright free images including infographics can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eucyclistsfed/sets/72157635377955064/ <http://ecf.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=a…> *Media Contacts* ECF Senior Policy Officer: Fabian Küster f.kuester(a)ecf.com +32 2 880 92 77 ECF Communications Officer: Chloé Mispelon c.mispelon(a)ecf.com +32 2 880 92 81 ------------------------------ [i] <#140e9c9d2c1ca1c9_140e9aebe6c2593b__ednref1> Transport, environment and energy, public health, urban affairs/ city planning, education, tourism, finances, etc. [ii] <#140e9c9d2c1ca1c9_140e9aebe6c2593b__ednref2> Local, regional, national, European. [iii] <#140e9c9d2c1ca1c9_140e9aebe6c2593b__ednref3> European Commission, White Paper Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area – Towards a competitive and resource efficient transport system, COM(2011) 144 final [iv] <#140e9c9d2c1ca1c9_140e9aebe6c2593b__ednref4> Croatia who joined the EU as 28th member state on July 1, 2013 could not be included in this study. [v] <#140e9c9d2c1ca1c9_140e9aebe6c2593b__ednref5> Direct internal and external benefits are estimated at € 143.2 – 155.3 bn (Health benefits of cycling; Congestion-easing due to cycle use; Fuel savings due to cycle use; Reduced CO2 emissions due to cycle use; Reduced air pollution due to cycle use; Reduced noise pollution due to cycle use); industry turnover estimated at € 62 bn, thereof the tourism industry (€ 44 bn) and the bicycle industry (€ 18 bn). follow on Twitter <https://www.twitter.com/EuCyclistsFed/> | friend on Facebook <#140e9c9d2c1ca1c9_140e9aebe6c2593b_> | forward to a friend<http://us2.forward-to-friend1.com/forward?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=d6…> *Copyright © 2013 European Cyclists' Federation, All rights reserved.* You receive this email because you are part of our mailing list "ECF Website Sign up" *Our mailing address is:* European Cyclists' Federation Rue Franklin 28 Brussels 1000 Belgium Add us to your address book<http://ecf.us2.list-manage.com/vcard?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=c6a2e6c…> unsubscribe from this list<http://ecf.us2.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=c…>| update subscription preferences<http://ecf.us2.list-manage.com/profile?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=c6a2e…>

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10 great ways to park your bike
by Shoni Litinsky 04 Sep '13

04 Sep '13

Had to share this, some really neat examples of bike parking ideas from around the world! http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/540168/10-great-ways-to-park-you… -- *Shoni Litinsky* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>

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WFP: Let Portage and Main breathe - Removing barriers good for entire core (Sept.3'13)
by Beth McKechnie 04 Sep '13

04 Sep '13

Let Portage and Main breathe Removing barriers good for entire core By: Brent Bellamy http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/let-portage-and-main-breathe-2221… At 10 o'clock this morning, there will be precisely 2,000 days left until the intersection of Portage and Main, Winnipeg's famous windy corner, can legally be opened once again to pedestrians. Whether it will open or not remains to be seen. The story is well-known by now. With the construction of the Trizec building in the late 1970s, an underground connection was made to each of the intersection's four corners. In an effort to force people into the shops that lined the concourse, a 40-year agreement was signed with the six adjacent property owners that read, "The city agrees that it will not consent to any construction of a pedestrian crossing over or under any street" (at Portage and Main). Concrete barricades adorned with colourful flowers were installed and the intersection was sealed off to a generation of people. Last month, the Canadian Institute of Planners nominated Winnipeg's windswept corner one of the "Great Places in Canada." The improbable announcement touched off a public discussion about the future of the intersection, with bloggers, television, radio and newspaper outlets all debating the subject. Those who favoured the barricades argued pedestrians would be unsafe crossing with the high number of cars that pass through the intersection, yet traffic volumes are similar at Broadway and Main or Portage and Memorial, and pedestrians cross those intersections without incident every day. The argument heard most often was adding pedestrians would significantly delay vehicular traffic, but with 11 stop lights and pedestrian crossings already in place along the one-kilometre length of Portage Avenue in downtown, it is unclear by how much. To alleviate these safety and congestion concerns, cities around the world have implemented so-called scramble corners at similar intersections. Using this strategy, vehicles cycle through without pedestrians, then with all vehicles stopped, pedestrians are allowed to cross in every direction, including diagonally. This sequence eliminates the typical interaction between cars and pedestrians and only adds one minute to each traffic cycle. Despite a fear of change, opening Portage and Main to pedestrians as part of a greater strategy to make Winnipeg's downtown a more walkable neighbourhood would have a significant positive impact on the city in many ways. The number of people who spend each day working at Portage and Main is nearly equivalent to the population of Steinbach. If the intersection were a city, it would be one of the five largest in the province, yet few street-level amenities exist to support that market. Enticing even a portion of these people back onto the sidewalks might increase foot traffic to a level where the first three blocks of Portage Avenue no longer have more empty storefronts than the rest of its 14-kilometre length combined. Albert Street, an adjacent toothless grin of vacant lots, derelict buildings and empty retail units, might finally fulfil its potential as a trendy urban strip and connection point to the burgeoning Exchange District. A closed Portage and Main currently acts as a physical and intellectual barrier in the downtown. The Forks, the East Exchange, Waterfront Drive, Stephen Juba Park and the river are all disengaged from the rest of the city because of this divide. As the Canadian Museum for Human Rights opens and the mixed-use residential development is constructed across from it, establishing pedestrian connections will become a significant opportunity to finally engage The Forks as part of downtown. Breaking down this barrier and establishing these neighbourhood relationships would make the ocean of surface parking lots along the rail line attractive to development as they become a bridge between these two areas. Safety is always highlighted as a key impediment to our city's urban growth. Despite statistics that indicate downtown crime levels are no different than in other cities, the lack of people on Winnipeg's sidewalks creates an impression of insecurity, heightening the perception of crime. It is uncomfortable to be near Portage and Main in the evening because of the feeling of isolation the concrete barriers and empty sidewalks create. Opening the corner up would repopulate the area, providing strength in numbers and putting more eyes on the street to establish a greater feeling of safety and security for pedestrians. Improved safety and enhanced walkability are vital ingredients in establishing a desirable urban neighbourhood that attracts residential development, widely accepted as the key to downtown revitalization. Governments currently offer incentives to entice this growth, but in the long term, the residential market must be self-sustaining. Opening Portage and Main as part of an overall scheme to increase walkability and improve the pedestrian experience is an important part of creating the desirable conditions that attract buyers to urban living and establish a competitive downtown residential market without subsidies. The Canadian Institute of Planners' recognition of Portage and Main, even in its current condition, shows it is a place the story of which still resonates in the imagination of Canadians. With no other Winnipeg location holding that level of prominence, its current utilitarian function is a lost opportunity in a city that cannot afford to squander its few noteworthy attributes. Surrounded by many of the finest historic buildings in North America and most beautiful public art in the country, inviting people back to experience our most important public place would be a source of pride for tourists and Winnipeggers alike. Reanimating Portage and Main with a pedestrian vibrancy would not only physically transform the heart of our city but it would hold great symbolic value, signalling to the world Winnipeg is a progressive community that has shifted its urban-design focus to people and neighbourhoods. Establishing a sense of place at the historic crossroads of Western Canada would be an expression of a modern, forward-thinking Winnipeg and with reverence to where Bobby Hull was once signed, a place to celebrate the Jets' first Stanley Cup victory. *Brent Bellamy is senior design architect for Number Ten Architectural Group.* bbellamy(a)numberten.com *Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition September 3, 2013 B6 *

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Ontario Government Committed to Safe, Sustainable Transportation
by Dave Elmore 03 Sep '13

03 Sep '13

http://news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2013/08/province-releases-new-cycling-strategy .html?utm_source=ondemand <http://news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2013/08/province-releases-new-cycling-strateg y.html?utm_source=ondemand&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=p> &utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=p Check out who the Minister is (in case you weren't aware of it already) Province Releases New Cycling Strategy Ontario Government Committed to Safe, Sustainable Transportation August 30, 2013 2:30 p.m. Ministry of Transportation Ontario has released a new cycling strategy to promote safe cycling and encourage more people to ride their bikes to work, school <http://news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2013/08/province-releases-new-cycling-strateg y.html?utm_source=ondemand&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=p> and recreation destinations. The strategy presents a 20-year vision that supports cycling by encouraging and promoting: * Healthy, active and prosperous communities * Improvements to cycling infrastructure * Safer highways and streets * Improved cycling awareness * Tourism opportunities The strategy reflects input from the public and expert advice from cycling stakeholders such as Share the Road Cycling Coalition, the Canadian Automobile Association <http://news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2013/08/province-releases-new-cycling-strateg y.html?utm_source=ondemand&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=p> and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. The government will release next steps to implement the strategy by spring 2014. Supporting safe cycling and encouraging sustainable transit is part of the Ontario government's plan to help reduce congestion and strengthen communities and the economy. Quick Facts * A draft of the cycling strategy was posted online for public feedback from Nov. 30, 2012, until Jan. 29, 2013. * In 2010, two million Canadian visitors spent $391 million while cycling in Ontario - an 18 per cent increase over the previous year. * According to the Canadian Medical Association, a 10 per cent increase <http://policybase.cma.ca/dbtw-wpd/Policypdf/PD09-04.pdf> in physical activity could reduce direct health care expenditures by $150 million a year. * Ontario has the second-lowest cycling injury rate of all Canadian provinces. Quotes Glen R Murray CycleON is a strong and integrated, made-in-Ontario strategy. It has been developed with input from the public, cyclists and advocates. Our goal is to make Ontario the premier cycling province in Canada - a place that promotes safe and healthy travel alternatives connecting people to their jobs, schools, parks and places of interest right across the province." Glen Murray <http://news.ontario.ca/ministers/en/glen_r-murray> Minister of Transportation, Minister of Infrastructure Thanks Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X)

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Forbes: Who's Out There On The Roads? The 4 Types Of Cyclists
by Shoni Litinsky 29 Aug '13

29 Aug '13

Interesting article shared by a friend....McGill study on 4 types of cyclists. Which kind are you? I definitely have multiple-cyclist personalities depending on the day :) Shoni Who's Out There On The Roads? The 4 Types Of Cyclists<http://www.forbes.com/sites/michelinemaynard/2013/08/27/whos-out-there-on-t…> Micheline Maynard <http://www.forbes.com/sites/michelinemaynard/>, Contributor People who prefer to get behind the wheel of a car for every trip often wonder what motivates someone to cycle everywhere. Now, researchers at McGill University in Montreal have come up with some answers. Their new study divides cyclists into four types: dedicated cyclists, path-using cyclists, fairweather utilitarians, and leisure cyclists. The Montreal researchers — associate professor Ahmed El-Geneidy, research fellow Michael Grimsrud and graduate research assistant Gabriel Damant-Sirois — believe the findings will help guide urban planners, transportation engineers and policy makers as they remake cities to respond to new transit demands. “Cycling as a means of transportation has increased in many European and American cities,” the researchers write. “From what was seen by many as a recreational or physical activity, cycling also has become a mode to commute in urban areas.” Montreal, like a growing number of U.S. cities, is embracing a broad view of transportation that includes Bixi bike sharing and bike paths, a subway system, along with vehicle and pedestrian traffic. This week, the San Francisco area will kick off Bay Area Bike Share<http://bayareabikeshare.com/>, which spans the region from Oakland to San Jose, and promises to be one of the most ambitious systems in North America. Canada’s second largest city is its highest in terms of biking, walking and public transit use, according to the researchers. Montreal also ranks first in North America among bike-friendly cities, and 11th in the world, according to the Copenhagenize index. <http://copenhagenize.eu/index/> The study included 2,000 cyclists, who participated in an online, bilingual survey. The researchers divided up the respondents this way. *Path-using cyclists* (36 percent) are motivated by the fun of riding, its convenience, and the identity that cycling gives them. They’d rather use a continuous route, rather than dodge cars. They were actively encouraged by their parents to ride for fitness and to get places. *Dedicated cyclists* (24 percent) are motivated by speed, predictability and flexibility that bike trips offer. These cyclists are the least likely to be deterred by the weather. They aren’t as interested in bike paths, and actually enjoy riding in traffic. The researchers say these cyclists consider riding to be an important part of their identity. *Fairweather utilitarians* (23 percent) are just that. They like to ride in good weather, and they’ll take another form of transportation in rain or snow. These are also bike path users, and they don’t necessarily see themselves as cyclists. *Leisure cyclists* (17 percent) ride because it is fun, and not as much for commuting. They prefer bike paths, don’t like to deal with traffic, and want to feel safe, especially when riding with family members. The study found that cycling demographics are changing rapidly. In a 2008 Montreal study, conducted before Bixi and the growth of bike paths, 65 percent were men and 35 percent women. But in 2013, the study included 60 percent men and 40 percent women. The age of cyclists also is dropping. The average age of the 2013 cyclists was 37.3 years old, compared with 42 years old in a 2008 study. But the study also showed cyclists’ income skews high. In 2008, 13 percent of cyclists had a household income of $100,000 or more. In the 2013, one-quarter of the respondents’ household income was above $100,000. Based on the results, the researchers said a one-size-fits-all approach might not be the right way to encourage more cycling. Emphasizing health benefits, for instance, works best with first-time and returning cyclists, but doesn’t affect the most committed cyclists who ride for different reasons. Likewise, dedicated cyclists aren’t as interested in bike paths, although other groups see them as important. “Building a network adapted to the cyclist population, and emphasizing its convenience, flexibility and speed would be an effective strategy to increase cycling frequency,” the McGill researchers said. -- *Shoni Litinsky* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>

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Fwd: "Ciclovia in Thompson" - Open Street Sunday - Sept 8th
by Shoni Litinsky 27 Aug '13

27 Aug '13

Very exciting news to share - Thompson, Manitoba's first Ciclovia! Open street Sunday. Also great to see their volunteer-run Fork in the Road bike shop<http://m.thompsoncitizen.net/article/20130703/THOMPSON0201/130709999/commun…>is up and running for community members now :) Great work Bruce Krentz and many others in organizing this event. Please share with everyone you know up there! S ** ** **** ** ** *Open Street Sunday – September 8th, 2013* On Sunday September 8th cyclists will take over one lane of our core streets. A loop will be created using Cree Road and the West side of Thompson Drive. The inner most lanes on those streets will be blocked off to vehicle traffic and open to cyclists. **** ** ** Everyone in the community is invited to “loop the loop” and do a lap or two. The loop will be closed to vehicles from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.**** ** ** Event headquarters will be the Fork in the Road Bike Shop, located on the Boys and Girls Club property. Fork in the Road will not only be open for repairs but they will also have refreshments, a bike skill’s rodeo and will be giving away bikes and helmets. The Fork in the road will be open from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. **** ** ** Open Street Sunday is a partnership between the Northern Health Region, The City of Thompson and the Fork in the Road Bike Shop. The event is a great way to get out and get some exercise. It is also a sneak preview of what it would feel like to have dedicated cycling paths in our community.**** ** ** For more information on Open Street Sunday and a map, visit the City of Thompson website, facebook page or contact; Bruce Krentz at (204) 677-1742, bkrentz(a)brha.mb.ca or Cory Sparks (204)677-7952 , facility(a)thompson.ca**** ** ** Bring your friends and family to Open Street Sunday on September 8th, 2013 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.**** ** ** -- *Shoni Litinsky* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>

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Updated: Sharing a New Film and a word about Bike Friendly Underpasses from Finland to California
by Anders Swanson 27 Aug '13

27 Aug '13

Since a couple of you, upon reviewing the maps that were include as a companion to the video, have kindly taken the time pointed out a few "missing" underpasses in Winnipeg, I wanted to provide a clarification: The maps purposely avoid counting any grade-separated crossings where bicycle facilities were included in a road project - ones that had to be built to get the road across a railway, river or another road. These are common. I tried to avid counting those in Oulu and Davis as well. The reason being that, while these are indeed useful, the application of these facilities to locations where bike paths meet collectors/arterials is fairly unique. What struck me about Oulu and Davis was threefold: a. their similarity in urban/residential structure to Winnipeg b. the similarity in terms of weather extremes and topography to Winnipeg *c. the usage of bicycle underpasses built specifically for AT that were intended only to avoid crossing collector/arterial streets or railways at grade. * To me, what this represents is an acknowledgement by the designers/planners/engineers that, to a bicycle rider, even a collector street is akin to a river (or freeway or railway track) if it has to be crossed at grade. There is value in sending them underground instead. Note that the relative traffic volumes of the roads being avoided is also interesting. Even roadways with the equivalent amount of traffic as say, McLeod or DesMeurons, seem to be candidates for an underpass in both Oulu and Davis. Note that I avoid discussion of bridges. They have their benefits, especially with high groundwater, but bridges have the drawback of being exposed to the wind and usually require steeper approaches (to clear large vehicles or containers, for example). Lastly, with regards to mode share, from what I remember, Davis had an overall 15% share of commuter traffic in 2010. For Oulu, it was a 12% bicycle mode share in winter, and around 32% in summer. Winnipeg, of course, sadly still hovers at around 2.6% overall (at least 5X less than Davis and 12X less than Oulu in the summer). Another reason the correlation stuck with me. Kind regards, Anders >

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Sharing a New Film and a word about Bike Friendly Underpasses from Finland to California
by Anders Swanson 27 Aug '13

27 Aug '13

Hello at-network, We know that not every best practice around the world works for Winnipeg, but occasionally something comes along that you can't ignore. I would feel amiss if I were to not report back about something important I saw while in California recently. Maybe it was the similar endless-suburban landscape in some places, maybe it was the flat topography, maybe it came from being in a flood plain or maybe it was the similarly hot weather, but I think it could work here. Certainly Davis, California offers some unique and valuable lessons. Bike underpasses is one of them. See for yourself. [video] Built For Bikes: The Tunnels and Paths of Davis, California<http://vimeo.com/activetransportation/bike-tunnel-davis-california> *Background and Reference Maps* I was in Sacramento to share a project at the US Safe Routes to School conference. I luckily signed myself up for a guided bike infrastructure tour of nearby Davis. I turned my camera on. While biking around, it occurred to me that the *humble little bicycle underpasses* made a really really really big difference. More importantly, I had seen the same arrangement in Oulu, Finland in the snow. Oulu is known as the bike capital of Finland. Davis is known as the bike capital of the US. Both a replete with these tunnels. Coincidence? The mode share numbers suggest that there is something going on anyway. It could happen here. Use your imagination. The clay and the drainage issue is something we can handle if we want to. There are lots of candidate locations. Think *Maple Street*. Think Bishop. Think Northeast Pioneers Greenway. Think all the crossing that currently say "dismount" and just about everything we build new from now on (at least until cars disappear). To help you remember the parallel, see this little set of 3 photos<http://imgur.com/a/yBVYH> for comparison. To give an idea of just how many of these there are and where they are located, I subsequently put together a map of each of the above-mentioned places highlighting the bike underpasses in red: Oulu<https://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?msid=215874840102932743143.0004e4ef9fce4291b…> Davis<https://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?msid=215874840102932743143.0004e4f035992af96…> Winnipeg<https://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?msid=215874840102932743143.0004e4f0c605a28d6…> I found more than 140 of them in Oulu (pop.c.200,000). There are likely more. I couldn't look at the map any more. You can see how they create a critical porosity in the bike network. Apparently, there are more than a dozen <http://daviswiki.org/bike_tunnels> in Davis (pop.65,000), although I gave up on mapping them all. You can see clearly how useful they are. In Winnipeg, there are only 2 that I am aware of that come close to qualifying. Note that neither of them are really wide, airy or bright enough to meet best practices, but I mapped them for comparison's sake anyway. In all cases, I tried to map only the ones that are AT-specific. For comparison's sake, I tried not to count the ones that simply run alongside a road with a bridge over both. Conclusion: Winnipeg + more bike underpasses = bike capital of Canada . . . . ??? Kind regards, Anders Swanson

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Women on a Roll: Benchmarking Women’s Bicycling in the United State and Five Keys to Get More Women on Wheels
by Beth McKechnie 27 Aug '13

27 Aug '13

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Terry Zdan <tjzdan50(a)gmail.com> Date: Tue, 27 Aug 2013 09:34:53 -0500 *Women on a Roll: Benchmarking Women’s Bicycling in the United State and Five Keys to Get More Women on Wheels<https://odlinks.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=bWFpbGluZ2lkPWprZnNrY…> * <https://odlinks.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=bWFpbGluZ2lkPWprZnNrY…> The League of American Bicyclists has released a report that discusses the health benefits of bicycling and ways to increase women’s participation in the sport. -- Terry Zdan 126 Duncan Norrie Drive Wpg MB R3P 2J9 CANADA tjzdan50(a)gmail.com <tjzdan(a)gmasil.com>

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BIZ FORUM: Downtown Transportation
by Beth McKechnie 26 Aug '13

26 Aug '13

*SAVE THE DATE!* SPECIAL FORUM | FREE ADMISSION Viafara Consulting Presents *IDEAS FOR ACTION ON TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT* A Conference on Transit Malls and Mobility Opportunities for a Thriving Downtown You’re invited to a special forum made possible by the Downtown BIZ’s sponsorship – exclusively for you, our members and the general public. *September 12, 2013 | *7-9PM Portage Place Edmonton Court Light food & refreshments served *FEATURING* *Dr. Reid H. Ewing, Director of the Metropolitan Research Centre (University of Utah) | *Planning for Supportive Transit, Transformative Investment Strategies: The Pedestrian and Transit-Oriented Design * * *Mr. Michael Lander, Lander Urban Development Group (Minneapolis, MN)* | Developing Around Transit, How central city areas benefit from modern transit infrastructure *Moderated by Dr. Richard Milgrom, Head Department of City Planning, University of Manitoba* *RSVP:* info(a)downtownwinnipegbiz.com

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PBIC News: Free Ped/Bike Lessons for Course Instructors
by Beth McKechnie 26 Aug '13

26 Aug '13

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: PBIC News <PBIC_News(a)mail.vresp.com> Date: Mon, Aug 26, 2013 at 9:44 AM Subject: PBIC News: Free Ped/Bike Lessons for Course Instructors To: beth(a)greenactioncentre.ca <http://cts.vresp.com/fbl?33017d6d02/a153a5784b/http%3A%2F%2Fhosted-p0.vresp…> <http://cts.vresp.com/ts?33017d6d02/a153a5784b/http%3A%2F%2Fapi.addthis.com%…> <http://cts.vresp.com/ls?33017d6d02/a153a5784b/http%3A%2F%2Fapi.addthis.com%…> ** [image: PBIC News Brief -- News from the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center] *August 26, 2013* *New ped/bike planning and design lessons available for course instructors** * CHAPEL HILL, NC — The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center is pleased to announce the release of new bicycle and pedestrian planning teaching modules for undergraduate students. The Pedestrian and Bicycle Transportation Short Series is designed to augment undergraduate courses in basic civil engineering and/or transportation planning. The series consists of three lessons covering Planning for Pedestrians and Bicycles, Pedestrian and Bicycle Facility Design, and Pedestrian and Bicycle Data and Performance. The modules are ideally suited to be integrated into an existing course, such as the first or introductory course in transportation engineering. Each of the educational modules contains presentation slides for a 50-minute lecture, speaker notes for instructors, references, and recommended additional readings. The program also includes one supplemental assignment. The modules can be used individually or sequentially. "Interest in bicycling and walking is growing nationally. Introducing undergraduate students to pedestrian and bicycle planning and design basics will create more well-rounded transportation professionals capable of addressing the complex transportation challenges of the future,” said Carl Sundstrom, PBIC staff member and co-author of the new curriculum. The teaching modules were developed, pilot tested and evaluated by an interdisciplinary team from the UNC-Chapel Hill Department of City and Regional Planning, the UNC Highway Safety Research Center (which houses the PBIC), and Auburn University’s Department of Civil Engineering. The effort was funded by the Southeastern Transportation Research, Innovation, Development and Education Center and the PBIC. This is a first of its kind supplemental curricula designed to fit within existing university courses. PBIC currently offers several semester-long courses for graduate and undergraduate students studying civil engineering and planning. All PBIC course materials can be found online at http://www.walkinginfo.org/training/university-courses/Short-Series.cfm<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?UNCHighwaySafetyRese/33017d6d02/a153a5784b/afcecaa6…>. Access to the instructional materials is limited to instructors. ------------------------------ Since its inception in 1999, PBIC's mission has been to improve the quality of life in communities through the increase of safe walking and bicycling as a viable means of transportation and physical activity. The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center is maintained by the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center with funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. ------------------------------ *Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center* 730 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Campus Box 3430 Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3430 Phone: 1.888.823.3977 Fax: 919.962.8710 www.walkinginfo.org<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?UNCHighwaySafetyRese/33017d6d02/a153a5784b/3d5d26fe…> www.bicyclinginfo.org<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?UNCHighwaySafetyRese/33017d6d02/a153a5784b/55c6c716…> ------------------------------ Click to view this email in a browser<http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/871151/33017d6d02/1497217639/a153a5784b/> If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please reply to this message with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line or simply click on the following link: Unsubscribe <http://cts.vresp.com/u?33017d6d02/a153a5784b/mlpftw> ------------------------------ Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center 730 MLK, Jr. Blvd. CB 3430 Chapel Hill, NC 27599 US Read <http://www.verticalresponse.com/content/pm_policy.html> the VerticalResponse marketing policy. [image: Non-Profits Email Free with VerticalResponse!] <http://www.verticalresponse.com/landing/ef/?np/33017d6d02&utm_campaign=foot…>

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Oregon: Crater Lake National Park Announces Inaugural Vehicle-Free Weekend
by Beth McKechnie 21 Aug '13

21 Aug '13

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Terry Zdan <tjzdan50(a)gmail.com> Date: Wed, 21 Aug 2013 10:43:10 -0500 Travel Oregon**** [image: Travel Oregon Breaking News]**** **** **** ** ** *August 20, 2013***** ** ** *Crater Lake National Park Announces Inaugural * *Vehicle-Free Weekend on September 21-22* Crater Lake National Park Superintendent Craig Ackerman announced today the inaugural Vehicle-Free Weekend at Crater Lake to be held this year Sept. 21-22. The park plans to preserve every third weekend in September as an annual opportunity to highlight non-motorized use of the park. **** “In June, Crater Lake National Park, Travel Oregon and Cycle Oregon collaborated to open Crater Lake’s East Rim Drive to non-motorized traffic for a first-time trial,” said Ackerman. “After an outpouring of positive feedback from the many people who participated in this rare opportunity, we decided to make it an annual occurrence.” **** Whether hiking, biking, walking or running, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy stunning views of Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States, from various points around the rim with no vehicle traffic. **** "Crater Lake and scenic cycling opportunities are state treasures that Oregon proudly claims,” said Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon. “Creating world-class recreation opportunities within Oregon’s unique landscapes is what we do best. I commend Craig and his team for giving Oregonians and visitors yet another opportunity to experience Crater Lake in such a remarkable way.” **** Under the plan, East Rim Drive will be open to non-motorized vehicles only (except for administrative and emergency vehicles) from North Junction around the East Rim of Crater Lake all the way to the intersection at Crater Lake National Park Headquarters and the Steel Visitors Center. Hwy 62 through the south end of the park, West Rim Drive and the North Entrance Road will be open to vehicles. Regular parking areas will be open, but generally fill up quickly. Normal park entrance fees apply. **** Visit the National Park Service’s website<http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/pfsudb>for details on parking, entrance fees and Crater Lake resources. **** *Photo credit: RideCyclingTours.com***** *Upcoming Events* *September 8, 2013* Bounty of the County <http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/l0tudb>**** *September 12-15, 2013 * Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)<http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/1suudb> <http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/hlvudb> *September 19-22, 2013* Feast Portland <http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/xdwudb>**** *September 30, 2013* Travel Oregon 101 <http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/d6wudb> **** *October 1, 2013* Oregon <http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/9qyudb>Tourism Commission Meeting<http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/pjzudb> **** *October 2, 2013 * Travel Oregon 101 <http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/5b0udb> <http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/1w1udb> *October 2-4, 2013 * Oregon Main Street Conference <http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/hp2udb> *Oct. 8, 2013-Jan. 28, 2014* Wild Rivers Coast <http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/xh3udb> <http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/da4udb>Rural Tourism Studio<http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/t24udb> **** ** ** *Important Deadlines* *August 30, 2013* Deadline to submit OTPF Project Beneficiary Form<http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/9u5udb>to Jeremys(a)SustainableTravel.org **** *October 7, 2013* Register for October <http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/pn6udb> <http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/5f7udb>Wild Rivers Coast <http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/l87udb> <http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/108udb>Rural Tourism Studio<http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/ht9udb> **** ** ** *Resources* Industry.TravelOregon.com<http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/xlavdb> **** Oregon Travel Barometer <http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/debvdb>**** ** ** *Contact Us <Industry(a)TravelOregon.com?subject=null>* ** ** *TravelOregon.com <http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/t6bvdb>* ** ** *Sign up for our Consumer eNewsletters* Subscribe to our General, Culinary and Outdoors eNewsletters <http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/prdvdb> **** **** **** **** *Share this email with a friend <http://e2.ma/share/outbound/e/p3uod/l87a2c> * The Oregon Tourism Commission aims to improve Oregonians' quality of life by strengthening economic impacts of the state's $9.2 billion tourism industry. Industry.TravelOregon.com <http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/5jevdb> **** **** Become a fan <http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/lcfvdb>**** <http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/14fvdb>**** Follow us <http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/hxgvdb>**** <http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/xphvdb>**** Be LinkedIn <http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/diivdb>**** <http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/tajvdb>**** **** If you're having trouble viewing this email, you may see it online<http://e2.ma/message/p3uod/l87a2c>. **** *Share this:* <http://e2.ma/share/outbound/e/p3uod/l87a2c><http://e2.ma/share/outbound/t/p3uod/l87a2c><http://e2.ma/share/outbound/f/p3uod/l87a2c><http://e2.ma/share/outbound/l/p3uod/l87a2c> **** powered by**** [image: emma] <http://e2.ma/click/p3uod/l87a2c/92jvdb>**** **** -- Terry Zdan 126 Duncan Norrie Drive Wpg MB R3P 2J9 CANADA tjzdan50(a)gmail.com <tjzdan(a)gmasil.com>

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Briefing on the British Government's Ambition for Cycling
by Beth McKechnie 20 Aug '13

20 Aug '13

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Terry Zdan <tjzdan50(a)gmail.com> Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2013 09:34:51 -0500 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/2… long live the queen -- Terry Zdan 126 Duncan Norrie Drive Wpg MB R3P 2J9 CANADA tjzdan50(a)gmail.com <tjzdan(a)gmasil.com>

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Thunder Bay: Stats show bike lanes make streets safer, city says
by Beth McKechnie 20 Aug '13

20 Aug '13

Stats show bike lanes make streets safer, city says Police collision reports show decreases in crashes every time a bike lane is put in, city says CBC News | Posted: Aug 15, 2013 3:46 PM ET http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/story/2013/08/15/tby-thunder-bay-… The man in charge of planning bicycle lanes in Thunder Bay says they've resulted in a big drop in cycling collisions. The city’s active transportation coordinator, Adam Krupper, said studies prove the value of bike lanes in Thunder Bay. “The city of Thunder Bay has been using police collision reports to measure changes in collisions before and after bike lanes have been implemented,” he said. ** “What engineering has found is that there has been a 70 per cent decrease in collisions every time a bike lane is put in. These are really important numbers to keep in mind in terms of [questions like] 'Do bike lanes make the roads safer?' Every time a bike lane is put in the road becomes safer." 'A real surprise' Krupper said there's also been a decrease in motorist collisions on streets where bike lanes are installed. The same study found a 22 per cent drop in car accidents. "That's something that was a real surprise to us,” Krupper said. “Engineering didn't expect to see changes in motor vehicle collisions. But it's a very nice surprise to see there's actually been a decrease." Krupper said the decrease is likely because the more narrow car lane makes motorists more cautious. “They're paying a bit more attention,” he said. “We've found that traffic volumes haven't changed when a bike lane is put in. The same number of people are driving, but we believe that those people who are driving are being more cautious." This week the city is painting new lane markings and putting up signs for the newest additions to the network. The streets will include Adelaide, Arundel, High, Keith and Theresa, as well as Leslie Avenue. Beverly Street will be next, after reconstruction of the road has been completed.

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WFP: Bike-boom backlash - European cities getting the gears over too many cyclists (Aug.17'13)
by Beth McKechnie 18 Aug '13

18 Aug '13

[Note: This article from Der Spiegel was published on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013, in the Winnipeg Free Press but is not yet available on their website. Here it is from the original source -- the content appears the same though unfortunately the final two paragraphs were dropped in the Free Press presumably for space. The Der Spiegel headline was also more positive, "Bike boom: Popularity of Cycling Leads to Overcrowding". Ah, for such problems!] Too Many Bikes? Challenges in Europe's Cycling Boom By Holger Dambeck <http://www.spiegel.de/extra/0,1518,632103,00.html> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/bike-boom-popularity-of-cycli… More bicycles were supposed to make Europe's cities more livable. Instead, the popularity of two-wheeled travel is causing problems in some cities in Holland and Denmark, where traffic jams and parking shortages are common. Still, planners remain optimistic.* * The bike path is completely full -- in pairs or three abreast the cyclists roll past the stoplight at a snail's pace. They pass by biker-to-biker for a good 80 seconds before the gaps between them finally start to widen. The scene at a Copenhagen intersection is captured in a YouTube video<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYajXN4pPHI>, which shows what can happen when a third of a city's population travels every day by bike. Urban planners in Denmark and Holland are well acquainted with problems like these. Cycling has been heavily promoted, and more and more people are taking to the pedal -- but eventually cycling paths, bike racks and other parking areas have begun to run out of space. The bike boom -- long seen as the universal solution to roads jammed with parked cars, dead inner cities and other urban maladies like noise, smog and lack of exercise -- threatens to choke on its own success. Take the example of Groningen, a city in the northern Netherlands. Out of a population of just under 200,000, there are 375,000 bicycles, and 50 percent of all trips are made by bike. "We are very proud of our high share of bicycles, but the success has also caused problems," Jaap Valkema, the city's bicycle commissioner, recently said in a panel discussion at the Velo-City urban cycling conference in Vienna. One must keep in mind, cautioned Valkema, that public opinion can always flip. "We have to take action," he said. *Groningen* * Wants 65 Percent Bike Traffic* Urban planners in Groningen flipped the switch some 35 years ago. That's when they cut off all automotive traffic through the city center. Cycling became the most flexible and popular means of transport. But even if a bike takes up less space than a car, it became difficult to find space to cycle in Groningen's center. To get the chaotic bike parking situation under control, the city has laid out red carpets where bike parking is not permitted. Parking areas are then demarcated in turn. Ten years ago, there were 3,000 bicycles parked in front of the main train station," said Valkema. Today there are 10,000, he added, primarily because of the rising number of students in Groningen. Soon that number could be as high as 15,000 or 17,000. A parking garage has been built at the station to accommodate this flood of bikes. "It may be that we have to start charging for parking," said Valkema, "at least for more than a day." The city wants to increase the share of cycling traffic -- the so-called Modal Split -- to 65 percent by 2030. To achieve this, the city has planned a new parking garage with spaces for 1,200 bikes. In addition, traffic planners want to route car and bike transportation more consistently. Instead of broadening bike paths, they will soon reclassify entire streets as cycling roads. *Cycling Infrastructure Pays Out* Copenhagen is grappling with similar problems. The most heavily frequented bike paths headed to the city center are, at the most, 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) wide. As long as the light is green, a steady stream of cyclists flows by at around 20 kilometers per hour (12 mph). But at some point the light turns red -- and then patience is called for. "Sometimes the bike path is so full that I need two, three traffic light phases before I'm able to cross the intersection," says Niels Torslov, the Danish capital's chief traffic planner. This year alone, the city has invested €22 million ($30 million) to adapt and expand the current infrastructure. "We are focussing on the areas of the cycling network where there are often traffic jams and that are unsafe," says Ayfer Baykal, Copenhagen's deputy mayor for environmental issues and technology. She considers those millions a good investment. "Of course cycling infrastructure costs money, but it is a very effective and affordable way to improve mobility in Copenhagen," she adds. The bicycle boom is causing problems in the German capital<http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/the-battle-for-germany-s-roads-…>, as well. "There is a lack of space on the roads," says Burkhard Horn, a Berlin traffic planner. "The bike paths are too narrow. Sometimes 30, 40 people will be waiting at a traffic light." There have also been conflicts between fast and slow cyclists, because many bike paths -- especially older ones -- don't offer space for overtaking other bikers. *Anger on the Sidewalk* Horn also worries about increasing conflicts with pedestrians. These also go back to poor planning. Years ago, bike paths were often built into sidewalks -- inevitably bringing pedestrians and cyclists into uncomfortably close vicinity. And on some streets without bike paths, some cyclists prefer riding on the sidewalk rather than the street, because they feel safer there or because the pavement is smoother to ride on. In the bicycle metropolis of Copenhagen, cycling on the sidewalk is, incidentally, absolutely taboo. *[As noted above, these final two paragraphs were not included in the WFP.]* In Berlin, the problem is slowly being resolved: The city is adding cycle lanes to existing road surfaces. But because money is scarce, there won't be a physical separation, such as a curb, as is customary in Denmark and Holland. The price for this is that cars continue to misuse bike lines as parking spaces. But where this journey is headed is well known to Horn, the traffic planner: "We need to reallocate space for bicycles. That is inevitable. The space will be taken from cars."

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WFP column: Vancouver cycles, Winnipeg recycles (Aug.3'13)
by Beth McKechnie 18 Aug '13

18 Aug '13

Vancouver cycles, Winnipeg recycles By: Catherine Mitchell <catherine.mitchell(a)freepress.mb.ca> http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/vancouver-cycles-winnip… The acrimony in Vancouver over the development of a new cycling route shows just how much people hate change. Not in Vancouver, in Winnipeg. Vancouverites have just weathered a blistering debate about the value of encouraging commuters to get out of their cars and onto bicycles. The redevelopment of Point Grey Road, from Jericho Park to Hadden Park at the Burrard St. Bridge, will construct separated bike lanes, but also dump cars entirely off a one-kilometre stretch of the route. If you've driven in rush hour in that city, you understand the hard feelings. Closing that one-kilometre chunk of Point Grey will push 10,000 motorists onto other routes. Nevertheless, the project passed city council 7-2 last week. I say good on them. No, inertia is Winnipeg's problem. Compare Vancouver's bold plans to what has happened here, what unfolded in 2010 when city council painted miserly bike lanes along residential roads and plopped in some sorry excuses for traffic circles. The customary high-pitched whine turned into all-out revolt. Lawsuits, even. Living on Grosvenor Avenue, I can tell you the bitterness festers -- I hear the honking horns, and chronic complaints and witness a stubborn refusal to heed the rules of the roundabouts, which remain eyesores on the leafy street. When was the landscaping supposed to be done? Little wonder, then, city council got away with pulling the fast one on the active-transportation strategy -- the $400,000 for a study that was supposed to devise a plan to pull together all the fractured pieces of various bike routes, lanes, paths, trails and boulevards: quietly cancelled by public works. Coun. Jenny Gerbasi stumbled onto the public works decision by chance. Mayor Sam's can-do campaign that got him first elected in 2004 made some of us feel he would bring the spirit that built a ballpark to the grinding gears of a city bureaucracy, pave the potholes and bring Winnipeg into the 21st century for urban design. Meanwhile, Winnipeg's 3.6-kilometre rapid-transit splurge remains a stub of an idea to move bus riders speedily through congested streets. And the $20-million shot in the arm 2011's expansion gave to the active-transportation plan did not, as was hoped, spark real progress toward a safe, dedicated cycling network. I know cyclists who still ride on sidewalks, even where the city has reserved a metre or so of curbside space for them. Painting the blacktop with white bicycle graphics that rapidly wash out doesn't engender a load more goodwill from motorists. The difference, I think, is culture. The automobile has reigned supreme for so long in this city, and too few councillors are up to the heat that will come in challenging inertia. The equivalent here of Vancouver's plan for Grey Point Road would turn one side of Wellington Crescent exclusively over to bicycles, squeezing two-way vehicular traffic to the other side of the boulevard. Imagine the congestion that would erupt on Academy, or Corydon. That would elicit howls of indignation from many that such a plan favoured the well-heeled residents of the crescent and a small percentage of commuters at the expense of ordinary shmucks just trying to get to the office. (That's what they said in Vancouver, too). Maybe a few of those motorists would leave the keys at home, though. A dedicated road is a safer, more efficient ride, and security is pivotal to convincing people to commute by bike. I biked to work once. I can still feel the hair on the back of my neck rising as I picked my way along on Arlington, north of Portage, and up McPhillips. Others with greater dedication to clean living do it, daily (well, OK, maybe not every day of the year). But they are part of a small, tenacious group of warriors. That hardy club isn't going to grow much, I think, until we link a series of routes where bikes are separated from cars, which is probably what the active-transportation strategy would have advised. There are a lot of reasons to envy Vancouverites, but rush-hour traffic isn't one of them. It's congested. You can idle in frustration for a long time, burning gas that costs $1.50 a litre. That, too, is part of the strategy. catherine.mitchell(a)freepress.mb.ca *Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition August 3, 2013 A15*

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Edmonton using unique method to promote bicycle safety
by Dave Elmore 17 Aug '13

17 Aug '13

In an effort to make Edmonton more bike-friendly, the City is getting creative. As part of an education campaign called "Let's Get There Together," three new videos have been unveiled, starring mini Lego figurines. The short videos cover common issues that may arise when cyclists and motorists share the road. Check out this link: http://globalnews.ca/news/783642/city-using-unique-method-to-promote-bicycle -safety-on-edmonton-roads/ Thanks Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X)

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Risks of cycling, walking and driving put in context
by Beth McKechnie 16 Aug '13

16 Aug '13

At the risk of overloading everyone on a sunny Friday afternoon (!), I also found this Vancouver Sun piece by Kay Teschke -- lead research investigator on the BICE study<http://cyclingincities.spph.ubc.ca/injuries/the-bice-study/>-- a real eye-opener. happy weekend, Beth * * * * * Risks of cycling, walking and driving put in context Opinion: Constructive discussion needed By Kay Teschke and John Carsley, Special to The Vancouver Sun | July 8, 2013 http://www.vancouversun.com/opinion/op-ed/Risks+cycling+walking+driving+con… We read with interest The Vancouver Sun article “It may be time to start talking about licensing bikes” and the subsequent letters to the editor. We agree that an open and constructive discussion of cycling issues is needed. We are writing to provide a more complete public health context, since there may be misconceptions. We address three issues related to modes of transport: the burden (or number) of injuries; the risk (or rate) of injuries; and other potential risks and benefits of various modes. The burden of deaths and head injuries The editorial suggests that “cycling remains the biggest cause of traumatic brain injury for all other forms of recreational activity among young people.” By this, we presume the authors meant the single most important recreational cause of traumatic head injuries. In Canada, cycling accounts for 10 per cent of head injury hospitalizations in kids. Of course, this includes mountain biking, the most risky cycling activity. We think that cycling as discussed in the article is better compared with other modes of transportation. The most recent B.C. Traffic Accident Reports (2005 to 2007) indicate that, on average each year, there were 31 children (up to age 19) who had head injuries when cycling, 60 when walking, and 703 when in a car, SUV, van or truck. Unfortunately, this data only include crashes with motor vehicles, so it does miss some cycling and walking injuries. Deaths are often considered a better comparison measure, since they almost always involve crashes with motor vehicles, are reliably recorded, and are the most devastating type of injury. So how do deaths compare between modes? British Columbia Motor Vehicle Branch data for the same years indicate there were 10 deaths a year on average (all age groups) when cycling, 70 when walking, and 300 when driving. Thus, bicycling had the lowest “burden” of deaths and head injuries of the three transportation modes. The numbers of deaths and head injuries indicate that all modes of transportation deserve public health attention. Death rates shows cyclists, pedestrians more vulnerable The burden of death and injury reported above does not tell us whether one mode of transportation is safer or riskier than another. For example, more trips are taken by car and more distance travelled. So when deciding what mode of transportation to use, it is important to consider the death rate, not just the raw numbers. A recent analysis compared the fatality rate by mode of travel in B.C. There were 14 deaths per 100 million trips for bicycling, 15 for walking and 10 for driving – remarkably similar. Per 100 million kilometres travelled, there were three deaths for bicycling, seven for walking and one for driving. Using distance rather than trips shows that cyclists and pedestrians are more vulnerable road users. Are these risks high? One way to think about this is the number of trips for one death to happen: one car occupant dies every 10 million trips and one pedestrian or cyclist dies every seven million trips. Other risks and benefitsof transportation modes In addition to injuries, transportation contributes in other ways to the risk of death. These are also vital to consider when choosing a mode of transportation. Motor vehicle travel increases time spent sitting and produces air pollution, and these are associated with increased mortality from chronic diseases. Both walking and bicycling are active modes of travel. The physical activity they entail reduces the risk of developing many chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and dementia. Many studies have compared these benefits to the injury risks. All have found that the benefits greatly outweigh the risks. The benefits of walking and cycling (lower risk of death from chronic diseases) are 10 to 100 times higher than the risk of death from injuries. This wonderful health benefit of active modes of travel is the reason public health experts around the world and in B.C. want to make it easy for as many people as possible to choose walking or cycling for at least some of their daily trips. A multi-faceted approach modelled on countries that have achieved higher rates of active travel would include, first and foremost, reduced vehicular speed (to lower injuries for all travel modes), protected bicycling infrastructure that makes cycling feel as comfortable as walking on a sidewalk, and education programs in schools to teach cycling and road skills at an early age. An emphasis on encouragement, rather than punishment, seems most appropriate for travel modes that have such large net health benefits. *Dr. Kay Teschke is a professor of the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia; Dr. John Carsley is the medical health officer for Vancouver Coastal Health Authority.* © Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

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What if bike comfort is more important than bike safety?
by Beth McKechnie 16 Aug '13

16 Aug '13

Thanks, Erik, very interesting and apropos to a study I was looking at this morning comparing route safety to route preferences. UBC's BICE study<http://cyclingincities.spph.ubc.ca/injuries/the-bice-study/>by Kay Teschke, Meghan Winters and Mike Brauer "examined the association between *bicyclists’ injuries and the cycling environment *(e.g., route types, intersection types)" in Toronto and Vancouver, and then compared the results with those of an earlier study<http://cyclingincities.spph.ubc.ca/opinion-survey/>of route types that motivate and deter cycling. Here's a snippet of the results: "We found that route infrastructure does affect the risk of cycling injuries. The following features were the *safest*: - cycle tracks (also known as “separated” or “protected” bike lanes) alongside major streets - residential street bike routes with traffic diversion - bike lanes on major streets where there were no parked cars - off-street bike paths - intersections with motor vehicle speeds below 30 km/h - residential street intersections The following infrastructure features had *increased risk*: - streetcar or train tracks - downhill grades - construction - sharrows (shared car / bike lanes) - traffic circles at residential street intersections - arriving at an intersection in the direction opposite to traffic *are safe routes preferred routes?* In our earlier study <http://cyclingincities.spph.ubc.ca/opinion-survey/>of route types that motivate and deter cycling, we found that people preferred to ride on bike-only paths, multi-use paths, residential street bike routes, and cycle tracks. They preferred NOT to ride on major streets. The graph below compares our injury study results on route safety to the results on route preferences. Preferences and safety largely agree. Major streets are less safe and not preferred. Bike-specific routes are safer and preferred. The main disagreement was that multi-use paths are preferred, but were not particularly safe. They could be made safer by making them straighter so sight lines are better and by removing obstacles like bollards." cheers, Beth On Fri, Aug 16, 2013 at 12:29 PM, Erik Dickson <edickson(a)scatliff.ca> wrote: > A very interesting article from this weeks’ Green Lane Project News ( > http://greenlaneproject.org/blog/view/what-if-bike-comfort-is-more-importan…). > For anyone who has ever debated “vehicular cycling” there are several good > points regarding whether the debate over what is safer is really the most > important debate or if we should instead being asking ourselves what is > more comfortable and likely to attract new riders. An interesting further > discussion may be should we always seek the most efficient routes for bike > infrastructure even though longer, parallel routes may have the potential > to be more comfortable. - Erik > > > *What if bike comfort is more important than bike safety?* *By Michael > Andersen, Green Lane Project staff writer* *August 14, 2013* > > <http://www.flickr.com/photos/bikeportland/8884323350/> > > When I'm standing near the edge of a high ledge or cliff, I know, > rationally, that I'm unlikely to fall. I've spent most of my life without > spontaneously tumbling sideways, and standing on the edge of a cliff > doesn't change that. > > I know, statistically speaking, that I am almost completely safe. > > But that doesn't mean I like to stand near the edge of a cliff. > > When I'm in the front seat of a roller coaster, I know, rationally, that > my body is extremely safe. Tens of thousands of thrill-seekers have raised > their hands in the air without being harmed. > > But that doesn't stop me from being scared of raising my hands in the air > in the front seat of a roller coaster. > > <http://www.flickr.com/photos/rk_photos/9331712551/> > > When I'm riding my bike along a five-lane arterial road, I know, > rationally, that the professional truck driver next to me is statistically > unlikely to suddenly swerve to his right, crushing and killing me. > > But that doesn't mean I like to bike on a street like this: > > Last week, I interviewed<http://greenlaneproject.org/blog/view/at-last-feds-move-toward-a-green-ligh…>a man whose main ideas have been rejected by mainstream bike advocates in > the United States: John Forester, founder of the "vehicular cycling" > concept. Because cars and bikes rarely collide when they can see each > other, Forester and his allies argue, people should ride bicycles where > they are most visible: right down the middle of standard traffic lanes. > Protected bike lanes modeled on those in Northern Europe, they argue, move > people on bikes to the side of the roadway where they're harder for people > in cars to see. > > There's something to this argument. If there weren't, it wouldn't have > been nearly so successful in the 1970s and 1980s. To Forester and his > successors, such as Bicycle Quarterly's Jan Heine, peoples' desire to use > protected bike lanes is irrational and therefore unjustifiable<http://janheine.wordpress.com/2013/05/21/separated-cycle-paths-a-summary/> > . > > "Most Americans suffer from bicyclist inferiority complex," Forester told > me. "Most of the things that they like appeal to their phobias." > > There's a standard response to Forester, Heine and others who make this > case against protected bike lanes: that although no intersection is perfect > and a given protected lane might slightly increase the short-term risk of > collision at a given intersection, a city that offers a robust network of > protected lanes will actually become safer in the long run, because more > people will ride bikes<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safety_in_numbers#Examples_of_substantial_incr…> > . > > This is a pretty strong argument. > > But is it the best one? > > What if Forester, Heine and others are using the wrong metric to measure > the success of a bike lane? What if "safety," as calculated by government > statisticians who sit far away from speeding semi trailers, isn't actually > a bike lane's most precious characteristic? > > What if bike designers, instead of arguing about safety – an argument > that, to be clear, I think protected bike lanes would win – decided that*the most important measure of a good bikeway is whether people tend to like > it?* > > I'm not arguing that safety is unimportant. Obviously nonprofessionals are > imperfect judges of whether a particular lane or intersection is safe, and > cities must work carefully to design good, safe intersections with few > bike-car conflicts. > > But when professionals make safety their only absolute value, they presume > that physical safety is the most important value in people's lives. And > that assumption is demonstrably false. Of course people want safety. But > they want other things, too. > > *A restaurant doesn't measure its success by the percentage of people who > dine there without getting sick.* It measures success by the number of > people who come in the door, how much they pay and how often they return. A > public transit line isn't funded by the federal government based on its > anticipated vehicle failure rate. It's funded based on the number of people > who are expected to use it. > > And as for bike infrastructure, here's the thing: as one study<http://otrec.us/project/33>after another > <http://otrec.us/project/33>has found, people go out of their way to use > bike lanes, especially protected bike lanes<http://dc.streetsblog.org/2013/08/07/study-cyclists-gravitate-toward-street…> > . > > *Bluebonnet Lane in Austin.* > > Surprise! It turns out that, rationally or not, people dislike biking on a > street that constantly reminds them of their own possible demise. > > Even if, rationally, they know they're almost completely safe. > > Here's what a more human-centric way of thinking about bike design would > involve: > > - In every city, making the number of anticipated users the primary > metric for designing a desired bike project. > - In every city, actually taking efforts to measure the usage of > important bike projects. > - Using the phrase "safety and comfort" as a pair of core values in > street design, but not as a pair of synonyms. > > This line of thinking is why, at the Green Lane Project, we use the phrase > "low-stress" to describe the bike networks we value most. We don't talk > about building "safer bike lanes," though ultimately a network of good ones > is safer. > > We simply talk about building "better bike lanes." > > People aren't robots, and they don't change their behavior based on > mathematics. They change their behavior based on feelings. Until bike > advocates and street designers alike understand this, bikes will never > successfully belong. > > *Green lane idea of the day: **Street designers should consider making > short-term safety a baseline requirement of better bike facilities, but not > the sole measure of bike projects' value.** * > > *Cycle track photo from Copenhagen by J.Maus/BikePortland; used with > permission. Cliff photo by Adam Baker. Roller coaster photo by raghavvidya. > * > > Regards, > Erik Dickson > > Suite 1120 – 201 Portage Avenue > > Winnipeg, MB R3B 3K6 > > ph: (204) 927-3444 ext. 242 > fax: (204) 927-3443 > web: www.scatliff.ca > > blog: http://scatliff.tumblr.com > > Please consider our environment before printing this message. > > > > _______________________________________________ > AT-Network mailing list > AT-Network(a)lists.umanitoba.ca > http://lists.umanitoba.ca/mailman/listinfo/at-network > >

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What if bike comfort is more important than bike safety?
by Erik Dickson 16 Aug '13

16 Aug '13

A very interesting article from this weeks' Green Lane Project News (http://greenlaneproject.org/blog/view/what-if-bike-comfort-is-more-importan t-than-bike-safety). For anyone who has ever debated "vehicular cycling" there are several good points regarding whether the debate over what is safer is really the most important debate or if we should instead being asking ourselves what is more comfortable and likely to attract new riders. An interesting further discussion may be should we always seek the most efficient routes for bike infrastructure even though longer, parallel routes may have the potential to be more comfortable. - Erik What if bike comfort is more important than bike safety? By Michael Andersen, Green Lane Project staff writer August 14, 2013 <http://www.flickr.com/photos/bikeportland/8884323350/> When I'm standing near the edge of a high ledge or cliff, I know, rationally, that I'm unlikely to fall. I've spent most of my life without spontaneously tumbling sideways, and standing on the edge of a cliff doesn't change that. I know, statistically speaking, that I am almost completely safe. But that doesn't mean I like to stand near the edge of a cliff. When I'm in the front seat of a roller coaster, I know, rationally, that my body is extremely safe. Tens of thousands of thrill-seekers have raised their hands in the air without being harmed. But that doesn't stop me from being scared of raising my hands in the air in the front seat of a roller coaster. <http://www.flickr.com/photos/rk_photos/9331712551/> When I'm riding my bike along a five-lane arterial road, I know, rationally, that the professional truck driver next to me is statistically unlikely to suddenly swerve to his right, crushing and killing me. But that doesn't mean I like to bike on a street like this: Last week, I interviewed <http://greenlaneproject.org/blog/view/at-last-feds-move-toward-a-green-ligh t-for-separated-bike-lanes> a man whose main ideas have been rejected by mainstream bike advocates in the United States: John Forester, founder of the "vehicular cycling" concept. Because cars and bikes rarely collide when they can see each other, Forester and his allies argue, people should ride bicycles where they are most visible: right down the middle of standard traffic lanes. Protected bike lanes modeled on those in Northern Europe, they argue, move people on bikes to the side of the roadway where they're harder for people in cars to see. There's something to this argument. If there weren't, it wouldn't have been nearly so successful in the 1970s and 1980s. To Forester and his successors, such as Bicycle Quarterly's Jan Heine, peoples' <http://janheine.wordpress.com/2013/05/21/separated-cycle-paths-a-summary/> desire to use protected bike lanes is irrational and therefore unjustifiable. "Most Americans suffer from bicyclist inferiority complex," Forester told me. "Most of the things that they like appeal to their phobias." There's a standard response to Forester, Heine and others who make this case against protected bike lanes: that although no intersection is perfect and a given protected lane might slightly increase the short-term risk of collision at a given intersection, a city that offers a robust network of protected lanes will actually become <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safety_in_numbers#Examples_of_substantial_incr eases_in_cycling_associated_with_reduction_in_danger> safer in the long run, because more people will ride bikes. This is a pretty strong argument. But is it the best one? What if Forester, Heine and others are using the wrong metric to measure the success of a bike lane? What if "safety," as calculated by government statisticians who sit far away from speeding semi trailers, isn't actually a bike lane's most precious characteristic? What if bike designers, instead of arguing about safety - an argument that, to be clear, I think protected bike lanes would win - decided that the most important measure of a good bikeway is whether people tend to like it? I'm not arguing that safety is unimportant. Obviously nonprofessionals are imperfect judges of whether a particular lane or intersection is safe, and cities must work carefully to design good, safe intersections with few bike-car conflicts. But when professionals make safety their only absolute value, they presume that physical safety is the most important value in people's lives. And that assumption is demonstrably false. Of course people want safety. But they want other things, too. A restaurant doesn't measure its success by the percentage of people who dine there without getting sick. It measures success by the number of people who come in the door, how much they pay and how often they return. A public transit line isn't funded by the federal government based on its anticipated vehicle failure rate. It's funded based on the number of people who are expected to use it. And as for bike infrastructure, here's the thing: as one study <http://otrec.us/project/33> after another <http://otrec.us/project/33> has found, people <http://dc.streetsblog.org/2013/08/07/study-cyclists-gravitate-toward-street s-with-protected-bike-lanes/> go out of their way to use bike lanes, especially protected bike lanes. Bluebonnet Lane in Austin. Surprise! It turns out that, rationally or not, people dislike biking on a street that constantly reminds them of their own possible demise. Even if, rationally, they know they're almost completely safe. Here's what a more human-centric way of thinking about bike design would involve: * In every city, making the number of anticipated users the primary metric for designing a desired bike project. * In every city, actually taking efforts to measure the usage of important bike projects. * Using the phrase "safety and comfort" as a pair of core values in street design, but not as a pair of synonyms. This line of thinking is why, at the Green Lane Project, we use the phrase "low-stress" to describe the bike networks we value most. We don't talk about building "safer bike lanes," though ultimately a network of good ones is safer. We simply talk about building "better bike lanes." People aren't robots, and they don't change their behavior based on mathematics. They change their behavior based on feelings. Until bike advocates and street designers alike understand this, bikes will never successfully belong. Green lane idea of the day: Street designers should consider making short-term safety a baseline requirement of better bike facilities, but not the sole measure of bike projects' value. Cycle track photo from Copenhagen by J.Maus/BikePortland; used with permission. Cliff photo by Adam Baker. Roller coaster photo by raghavvidya. Regards, Erik Dickson Suite 1120 - 201 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3B 3K6 ph: (204) 927-3444 ext. 242 fax: (204) 927-3443 web: www.scatliff.ca blog: http://scatliff.tumblr.com Please consider our environment before printing this message.

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3 part series on cycling in Denmark
by Dave Elmore 16 Aug '13

16 Aug '13

A bit of a long read but interesting none the less. http://grist.org/cities/an-american-in-denmark-close-encounters-with-europea n-bicycle-culture/ An American in Denmark: Close encounters with European bicycle culture The first thing that struck me, climbing the steps from the train station into the city of Copenhagen on a recent Wednesday morning, was the great abundance of bicycles. The street outside the train station had been converted into a chaotic, open-air bicycle parking lot, with bikes stacked on double-decker racks. Bikes lined every sidewalk, stood two- and three-deep against the old stucco and brick facades, and leaned against every lamp and signpost. The second thing that very nearly struck me was someone riding a bike. I was crossing a square en route to my hotel, lugging my bags, when I heard, behind me, the jolly "jing, jing!" of a bike bell. Back home in Seattle, bike bells are quaint - a pleasant way to give fellow bikers and pedestrians a gentle "heads up - coming through." Not so much in Copenhagen. As the cyclist swerved around me he muttered something about a "bike track." A second bell rang behind me and I realized, suddenly, that I was walking in a bike path that cut through the square. I shuffled as quickly as I could out of the way, realizing that here, a bike bell should be taken as seriously as a car horn. Such was my introduction to Danish bike culture. I was in Copenhagen for four days with a group of travel bloggers, the trip paid for by Denmark's tourism bureau <http://www.visitdenmark.com/denmark/tourist-frontpage> , which is trying to promote Copenhagen as a destination for bike tourism. (I generally avoid such junkets. They make me feel dirty. But this one seemed too good to pass up, and with a little arm-twisting, my editor consented to let me go.) I wasn't the first bleary-eyed American to nearly get mowed down by a bicyclist upon arriving in one of Europe's bike capitals. Pete Jordan describes a similar experience in the opening chapter of his book, In the City of Bikes: The Story of the Amsterdam Cyclist <http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9780061995200-5?&PID=25450> . Nor was I the first American to be blown away, befuddled, or generally wowed by the number of people who ride bikes in these cities. Jordan (you may know him as Dishwasher Pete <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dishwasher_Pete> ) reveals that we Yanks have been ogling European bike culture (and the toned legs of European bicyclists) for 100 years or more. But there's no shame in that. The ogling is good here! In a jetlag-induced haze, I spent my first day in Copenhagen wandering the streets, swilling espresso at sidewalk cafes, and checking out the bikes and the people who rode them. I learned a few things in the process. For starters, the bikes: When I think of European bikes, my mind immediately leaps to the Tour de France, which happened to be in progress when I was in Copenhagen - think $10,000 carbon fiber, pedal-powered crotch rockets. But there were no racing bikes here. Instead, the urban peloton lolled along on (mostly) black cruiser bikes decked out with wind-catching fenders over the wheels, plus jaunty wicker or metal baskets up front, utilitarian racks in the back. And while the streets were remarkably free of car traffic (turns out that most of Denmark was on holiday at the time) there was the constant, tinny squeak of a thousand rusty bike chains. I'm not talking about a little russet stain on just a few chains; almost without exception, these chains were absolutely encrusted with rust. Later in the week, when I pointed this out to Mikael Colville-Andersen, the man behind the Copenhagenize <http://www.copenhagenize.com/> and Cycle Chic <http://www.copenhagencyclechic.com/> blogs, he just laughed. "It's a vacuum cleaner," he said of a bike. The implication: A bike is a tool, something that does the job of getting you from one place to the next - not something to pamper and obsess over. Of course, there's another reason that locals allow their bikes to fall into such disrepair: Copenhageners are a trustworthy lot, the guidebooks will tell you - except when it comes to bikes. A shiny, well-tuned ride is apt to become a target for thieves. And if your bike is likely to be ripped off at some point anyway, there's no sense in babying it. (Dishwasher Pete describes Amsterdam's stolen bike economy in great detail in his book, which, if you care at all about bikes, or just want a unique window into European history, is well worth the read.) A wild menagerie of utility bikes also thread through this old city. The most common variation is a three-wheeled cycle with a large box up front - Copenhageners call them Christiania bikes, as many of them are made in Christiania, the city's hippie quarter, where squatters took over an old army barracks in 1971 and never left. These bikes are used to haul all manner of cargo, from flowers to dogs to people. A Christania bike can accommodate a couple of kids - I saw four of them packed into one - and it isn't uncommon to see an adult folded into the bucket, enjoying a ride across town. There are a few high-tech variations on the cargo bike. Colville-Andersen let me take his Danish-designed Bullitt for a test drive later in the week. He also gave me a ride across town in the bucket. But for the most part, when it comes to bikes in Copenhagen, it's function over fashion. (For those of you who love a little bike porn, though, we've put together a slideshow <http://grist.org/slideshow/precious-cargo-these-bikes-carry-just-about-anyt hing-pianos-included/> of images from Colville-Andersen's latest book, Cargo Bike Nation.) Which brings me to the bicyclists - and back to the ogling. Copenhagen's bike riders range from toddlers just finding their legs (wheels?) on pedal-less starter bikes (I didn't see a single tricycle or set of training wheels) to elderly men and women who navigate the city center right along with the city's youthful masses. A great many of the bikers on these streets, though, are tall, blond, and beautiful. I found the homogeneity to be a little disconcerting - since, in my mind, a city's health is measured in large part by its racial diversity. But if there's one place one would expect to find an overwhelming preponderance of Northern Europeans, it's in, well, right ... (Of course, lest you think that race and general tolerance of others is not an issue here, I would call your attention to a certain cartoonist <http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F04E3D6153EF931A25751C0A960 9C8B63> .) Almost none of the people riding bicycles in Copenhagen had gone out of their way to "dress for biking." Few wore helmets (more on that later), and of the thousands of cyclists I saw in the city, I could count on one hand those who were wearing Spandex. (Ten bucks says they were Americans.) The men rocked jeans or business attire, and many of the women wore skirts - long, short, and almost non-existent. When my wife wondered, via email, what the secret was to riding in a skirt without revealing your delicates to all the world, I put the question to our tour guide, a young Copenhagener named Christina who now lives in New York City. Again, I got laughed at. "Remember," she said, "we're Scandinavian." Translation: Just hike up your skirt and ride, girl! Just as remarkable as the people riding the bikes were the things they did while riding: They talked on cellphones, smoked cigarettes (Copenhageners smoke like chimneys - "but we still live until we're 85, because the biking cancels it out," one local told me), sang, held hands, gesticulated with both hands while cruising along, top speed, talking to a friend on a neighboring bike. And I didn't see a single one of them wipe out. As Colville-Andersen suggested, bicycles sit at the heart of urban living in Copenhagen. These people were as comfortable on their bikes as we are in our cars in the states. But, as I learned later, it hasn't always been that way. As an American on my first visit to Copenhagen a few weeks back, I was whopperjawed <http://grist.org/cities/an-american-in-denmark-close-encounters-with-europe an-bicycle-culture/> by the bicycle traffic on the "bike tracks" that swallow up a lane on each side of many city streets there. Particularly mind-blowing was the cavalcade of bicyclists that charged across a certain bridge just a few hundred feet from my hotel - a bridge that, I later learned from city officials, probably sees more bike traffic than any other in the world. Queen Louise's Bridge (Dronning Louises Bro to the Danes) carries over 40,000 bicycles each day. For perspective, that's more than twice as many people as bike to school or work each day in the entire city of Portland, Ore., which is roughly the same size as Copenhagen. Standing on Queen Louise's Bridge at rush hour, you watch the crush of bike-riding humanity riding past. The riders queue up at the stoplights at either end of the bridge, and woe be to the pedestrian (or driver, for that matter) who gets in their way when that thing turns green. It's such a spectacle that, since the city widened the bike tracks and sidewalks about five years ago, the bridge has become a popular hangout and people-watching spot for young Copenhageners. Some have taken to calling it the "hipster bridge." More than a third of the residents of the Copenhagen metro area - 36 percent, by the city's count - bike to school or work each day. That blows away any city in the U.S.: In Portland, top among U.S. cities, only 6 percent of commuters go by bike. And a whopping 75 percent of Copenhagen cyclists ride year-round, despite the fact that the weather in this city, which is at roughly the same latitude as Juneau, Alaska, was described by almost every local I spoke to as flat-out "shitty" (imagine Seattle, only darker in winter). Copenhageners are proud of their biking habits. "It's like brushing your teeth - it's something everyone does," says Marie Brøndom Bay, a representative of the city's bicycling division. But those numbers have been hard-won. And to Brøndom Bay and other city officials charged with minimizing car traffic and air pollution, and promoting public health, even a third of the populace on bikes is not nearly enough. As in most European cities, cycling was bigger in Copenhagen 100 years ago. The Danish capital hosted the first world road racing championship in 1921. And bikes flourished here during the first and second world wars. But like in other cities on the continent, car culture revved up in the 1960s and swept aside bike usage. By 1970, only about 10 percent of road users were bicyclists. Bikes saw something of a resurgence during oil shortages in the 1970s, when Copenhagen instigated car-free Sundays (Hello Ciclovía <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciclovia> !), and riding rose through the 1980, '90s, and early aughts. But the numbers of bikers never returned to anything close to pre-1960s levels. FietsberaadThe number of cyclists riding into Copenhagen during morning peak rush hour, 1950-2005. In recent years, city officials have fought hard just to hold ridership levels steady, and of late, they've had a hard time convincing more residents to ride. One local transportation policy wonk wonders if Copenhagen has hit a "glass ceiling" with cycling. It's a problem: The city council has pledged to make the city CO2 neutral by 2025, and that will require more people to bike. City planners have set out to get fully half of the citizenry to cycle by 2015 - a goal that will require an additional 55,000 people to ride rather than drive. (Encouraging cycling is also a part of official Danish health policy: The city estimates that biking already saves about $300 million annually in health costs.) But numbers have been slow to tick up, despite some remarkably innovative programs designed to boost bicycling - programs that one transportation official describes as "the carrot, the whip, and the tambourine." When officials talk about the carrot, they mainly mean better bike infrastructure. The most obvious part of this is the ubiquitous cycle tracks. Unlike most of the bike lanes in the states, Copenhagen's bike tracks are separated from car traffic by at least a curb, and in many places by a row of parked cars. The city boasts more than 225 miles of cycle tracks, and in recent years has spent considerable resources maintaining and upgrading them. In my experience, cycle tracks were often in better shape than the streets. To encourage more people on the outskirts of the city proper to ride, Copenhagen began construction on a web of "cycle superhighways" connecting outlying areas to the city center. The first one was completed last summer <http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/18/world/europe/in-denmark-pedaling-to-work- on-a-superhighway.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0> , and connects the city with the suburb of Albertslund. I took a dreamy ride on it one afternoon: Lined with greenery and wide enough for four cyclists riding abreast, it wound through a local university campus and over bike-only bridges spanning busy roads. Where it paralleled roads with cars, it was separated from the traffic by both a curb and a line of parking spaces. Biking here was stress-free - quite a contrast to my route to work in Seattle, which one international bike expert recently called "death-defying <http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2021268792_bicyclingpucherxml.html> ." Other carrots include what transportation planners call the "green wave" - traffic lights timed to match the speed of cyclists and thus minimizing waits at red lights. The city also offers tax incentives for residents who commute by bike, and for employers who provide services such as bike parking and showers. There are phone apps for route-finding and reporting trouble spots. And it's easy to mix and match biking with other modes of transport: You can bring your bike on the train at no charge, and taxis are required to have bike racks. The biggest whip that drives people away from cars and onto bikes is probably the sky-high cost of gasoline - a gallon of gas cost about $8.50 when I visited in July. Of course, the 180-percent tax <http://www.copenhagenize.com/2012/10/danish-180-tax-on-cars-is-rather.html> that the Danish government levies on car purchases hurts plenty, too. (Denmark has pledged to wean itself from fossil fuels <http://denmark.dk/en/green-living/strategies-and-policies/independent-from- fossil-fuels-by-2050/> completely by 2050.) But the city has its own whips, first among them being the steady whittling away of car parking in the city center, combined with an increase in the cost of remaining parking spots. Narrowing or eliminating car lanes to make room for more bike tracks - a trend that seems to make Brøndom Bay especially proud - adds further disincentive for drivers. So does turning streets into bike parking lots outside of train stations. And the tambourines? On Queen Louise's Bridge, the city has installed a bike counter that ticks off the number of cyclists that have passed each day, giving riders a sense that they're part of a movement, not just lost in the crowd. At many intersections, the city has installed footrests for cyclists waiting at red lights emblazoned with friendly messages <http://www.copenhagenize.com/2010/01/holding-on-to-cyclists-in-copenhagen.h tml> like, "Hi, cyclist! Rest your foot here ... and thank you for cycling in the city." But the most innovative of all is the "bike butler" program: brightly clad city workers who tidy up the bike parking areas, and will even do minor repairs while the owners of said bikes are away. It's a remarkable collection of policies and incentives - but it's unlikely to be enough to get 50 percent of residents cycle commuting by 2015. Officials are already downplaying those numbers, in fact. The goal, you see, was predicated on another big whip: The government planned to put a "congestion ring <http://cphpost.dk/news/local/congestion-charge-%E2%80%9Cnot-perfect%E2%80%9 D-%E2%80%93-its-coming-anyway> " around the city center, like London's <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_congestion_charge> , and charge drivers to bring cars into the city. But that was scrapped <http://cphpost.dk/news/politics/congestion-charge-proposal-ends-rubbish-bin > last year in the face of opposition from suburban mayors and residents who learned that they would likely not get the major reductions in train and bus fares into the city that they'd been promised. Still, city officials hold to the official goal, even if it looks increasingly unrealistic. Ultimately, Brøndom Bay explains, the challenge is one of building a bike culture that gets people to change their habits without sacrificing their current lifestyle. For the über-stylish Danes, that might require a reordering of morning priorities: "You need good, close bike infrastructure - and you also need to bring your mascara to work." During my short trip to Denmark last month, I spent a good amount of time on a heavy, black cruiser bike rented from my hotel, exploring the city of Copenhagen and surrounds in search of lessons in bike culture, infrastructure, and policy that I could bring back home to the states. Some of my most productive time, however, was spent out of the saddle sitting at sidewalk cafés, talking to designers, planners, and policy wonks. Also, I spent loads of time drinking copious amounts of beer and/or coffee, and watching the beautiful people pedal by - most of them on "granny bikes" like mine. I spent an entire afternoon at one café with Mikael Colville-Andersen, the CEO of Copenhagenize Design Co <http://www.copenhagenize.com/> . Colville-Andersen makes a living as a provocateur and a preacher, spreading the gospel of biking to cities around the world. He makes a strong case that we should take our streets back from the traffic engineers, and instead design them with people in mind <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pX8zZdLw7cs> . He also says Americans need to take bicycling back from the bike tribes - the hipsters, speedsters, and bike messengers - and make them as ordinary as the black granny bikes on Copenhagen's streets. "Subcultures are actually a hindrance to building cycling," Colville-Andersen said. "From an American perspective, I think you need to get the subcultures to shut up." I spent an hour on another afternoon drinking gypsy-brewed beer with Kasey Klimes, an urban data specialist with Gehl Architects <http://www.gehlarchitects.com/> , the firm that New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg hired to help make his city more bike friendly. Klimes did a study on Queen Louise's Bridge, one of Copenhagen's main bike thoroughfares. After the city doubled the width of the bike tracks on the bridge and made other improvements, bike traffic increased by a third. Car traffic, meanwhile, dropped by half. Forty percent of those drivers found other routes, Klimes found, but 10 percent "just disappeared." Apparently they decided that riding the bus or biking was a better option. And in fact, when asked why they bike rather than drive, the great majority of Copenhageners respond that it's simply the quickest, most convenient way to get around. Health and economic concerns are factors, too. Protecting the environment? Hardly a blip on their radar: (Copenhagen city officials have worked hard to make biking easy. For details on their methods, which one planner described as "the carrot, the whip, and the tambourine," check out part 2 <http://grist.org/cities/spin-cycle-copenhagens-rise-fall-and-rise-again-to- cycling-supremacy/> in this series.) On my last day in Copenhagen, I spent a few hours at yet another sidewalk café, talking with two fellow Americans who are working to get more people riding bicycles back home - and have some significant cash to throw at the problem, thanks to the enlightened self-interest of companies that make and sell bikes. Zach Vanderkooy is the international programs officer for Bikes Belong <http://www.bikesbelong.org/> , a Boulder, Colo.-based nonprofit that gets its funding from U.S. bicycle manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Randy Neufeld is director of the SRAM Cycling Fund <http://www.sramcyclingfund.org/index.html> , a philanthropic arm of the company that makes Rock Shox and other bike components. Their main focus these days? Make American streets look more like the ones in Copenhagen. Vanderkooy and Neufeld believe that there's a large chunk of the American public that is poised and ready to bike. They cited work by Roger Geller, the bicycle coordinator for the city of Portland, Ore., who argues that fully 60 percent of the city's population is curious about biking, but they don't do it. Why? "It's dangerous." Here's a chart breaking breaking Portland's populace into the bikers, the non-bikers, and the yet-to-be convinced. If you want the thinking behind all this, Geller has written a whole report on the subject <http://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/44597?a=237507> [PDF]. The key to moving people from the yellow "interested but concerned" zone to the green "enthused & confident" zone? Get rid of the fear factor, Vanderkooy and Neufeld said. That is, create a cityscape where they feel safe riding a bike. Traffic calming devices, neighborhood greenways, and bike trails all help, Neufeld said. "But the missing tool in the U.S. is protected bike lanes." By "protected," he meant bike lanes that are separated from car traffic by more than a flimsy white line. Here's how they do it in Copenhagen: They've put a line of car parking spaces - and an occasional tree - between the cyclists and the cars. It may seem like a small thing, but it makes an incredible difference. Rather than riding in constant fear of being clipped or flattened by a passing motorist, you're free to tootle along, cigarette in one hand, cellphone in the other. (OK, don't do that - but the Danes do.) Cities from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., have installed protected or separated bike lanes in the past few years. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has vowed to install 100 miles of them during his four-year term. And Vanderkooy and Neufeld are hoping to make it spread further. Vanderkooy's group, with funding from the SHRAM Cycling Fund, is sponsoring the Green Lane Project <http://greenlaneproject.org/> , a campaign that works with a half-dozen U.S. cities at a time to create protected bike lanes. This is all fine and good, but I had to ask: Is biking in U.S. cities just a fad, fueled by a young generation that can't afford cars? Neufeld, a veteran bicycle activist who founded Chicago's Active Transportation Alliance, doesn't think so. He pointed to "megatrends" like a disinterest in driving among millennials <http://grist.org/transportation/2011-12-27-driving-has-lost-its-cool-for-yo ung-americans/> , the decline in overall driving miles even as the recession has lifted <http://grist.org/news/youngs-kill-car-culture/> , and the rising price of gasoline. Those trends are unlikely to turn around any time soon, he said. "None of this smacks as 'fad' to me." Instead, Neufeld thinks that we're seeing an unprecedented opportunity to change American transportation culture for the better. "This is the big one," he said. "There's never been change at this pace. Bicycling has never been this popular." And for U.S. cities that have embraced bicycling in recent years, it's not really about bikes, Vanderkooy said. "It's about attracting young people and talent to your city. It's about better economic performance, economic health, and public safety. Mayors have begun to embrace biking as purely a rational act, to make their cities competitive." With that, Neufeld looked at his watch, his eyes lighting up like a kid who woke up on Christmas morning and found a shiny new bike under the tree: "You guys want to go watch rush hour on the bridge?" He was talking about Queen Louise's Bridge, of course, that shining, squeaking emblem of Copenhagen's rebirth as a bicycling city. And watch we did, joining the throngs of locals lining the railings. I woke up at 3:30 the next morning, still discombobulated by the time change, and decided to go for a run. The sky was starting to get light as I ran past Queen Louise's Bridge, and the crazy Copenhageners were still at it. Clusters of young people lined the sidewalks, cheering bicyclists as they pedaled past. One group had a portable sound system - in the front of a cargo bike, of course - and was throwing an impromptu dance party. Couples sat on the railing, looking east, waiting for the sunrise. As the sun crested the skyline, a cheer went up, and the people on the bridge slowly collected their things, mounted their bikes, and started home. And so did I - I had an airplane to catch.

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AT Webinar: Getting Better Data for Better Decisions, Wed, Aug 21, 2-3 pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 15 Aug '13

15 Aug '13

Green Action Centre and Bike to the Future invite you to join us for a local viewing of the following APBP webinar at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave). This will be followed by group discussion of local applications.* *Detailed description provided below. *Wed, August 21st | 2:00-3:00 p.m.* RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth (204) 925-3772 * * * * * ** Getting Better Data for Better Decisions: Improving Data Collections and Outcomes Collecting data is of critical importance, but what we do with data is often the key to making a difference. This webinar explores the current state of the practice of bicycle and pedestrian data collection, delivers an overview of research on automated counting technologies, and provides examples of using data to reveal unexpected patterns and connections in facility use. The session includes a preview of the findings of NCHRP 07-19, "Methods and Technologies for Collecting Pedestrian and Bicycle Volume Data,” and thought-provoking case studies from Arlington County, Virginia (a leader in the national effort to develop better methods for collecting and using bicycle and pedestrian counts to understand travel behavior) that highlight the use of data to calculate exposure data for safety projects, argue for speed reduction, negotiate for pedestrian-friendly development, and more. Gather colleagues, clients and decision makers to view this webinar and begin planning your new data collection program. *Presenters*: - Tony Hull, Toole Design Group - David Patton, Arlington County, Virginia - Frank Proulx, SafeTREC, Berkeley

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WFP: Winnipeg's soul got buried - Pedestrian-free iconic intersection cold, uninviting (Aug.14'13)
by Beth McKechnie 15 Aug '13

15 Aug '13

Winnipeg's soul got buried Pedestrian-free iconic intersection cold, uninviting By: Bartley Kives http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/winnipegs-soul-got-buried-219526071.… An eight-lane intersection, barred to the public by barricades under a 37-year deal to push pedestrians underground, cannot be considered a "great place" by anyone who loves cities. Great urban spaces are places where human beings congregate. Remove people from the streetscape and all you're left with is concrete and asphalt. That's why there's no shortage of subversive genius behind a bid to designate Portage and Main -- off limits to humans for decades -- the greatest street in the nation, as part of a Great Places in Canada contest run by the Canadian Institute of Planners. Back in the early days of the Bill Norrie administration, Portage and Main was barricaded as part of the deal to build the skyscraper now known as the Commodity Exchange Tower as well as Winnipeg Square, the underground pedestrian mall. Whoever nominated Portage and Main as a 'great place' must have a fantastic sense of humour -- or a knack for inspiring outrage It was 1979, and Winnipeg was starting to suffer severely from a peculiar form of urban psychosis -- a belief in the revitalizing powers of downtown megaprojects. A decade earlier, entire blocks of northeastern downtown were razed to make room for the Manitoba Centennial Centre and the Civic Centre complex. This upgraded Winnipeg's institutional infrastructure, but whittled away at downtown's pedestrian streetscape, as small-scale buildings were replaced by concrete plazas. Unconvinced this was a bad idea, Winnipeg grew addicted to the magical powers of the megaproject. So down went an entire block bounded by Main Street, Portage Avenue, Fort Street and Graham Avenue. In its place, we received a nice skyscraper, a weird underground mall and the roots of a weather-protected walkway system designed to vacuum away what remained of Portage and Main's remaining pedestrians. It's now been 34 years since the barricades went up. Entire generations have been raised knowing that getting across that intersection without heading underground involves defying the edict of Gandalf: "Thou Shalt Not Pass." Portage and Main is no longer a streetscape, at least in the conventional sense. It's simply a multi-lane intersection where traffic signals maximize the movement of motor-vehicle traffic. Sure, there remains an idea of "Portage and Main" as the theoretical centre of the city. But that's a purely abstract sort of place name, used in the same manner international reporters use the term "Moscow" to describe the political machine at the heart of Russia. The real Portage and Main is a cold and uninviting place. At the southwest corner, you face a wall of the Commodity Exchange Tower complex -- Scotiabank windowglass frosted over with a Winnipeg Jets banner. At the southeast corner stands the stately, 100-year-old Bank of Montreal building, whose front entrance is seldom used. At the northeast corner stands the Richardson Building, whose wide and slightly more inviting plaza is adorned with Tree Children, a sculpture by Leo Mol. The office tower now known as 201 Portage Ave. graces the northwest corner, offering only a glass facade toward the actual intersection. On a sunny Tuesday morning in August, only one person stood, sat or walked at any of these four corners. Whoever nominated Portage and Main as a "great place" must have a fantastic sense of humour -- or a knack for inspiring outrage. Shortly before departing office in 2004, former mayor Glen Murray launched a design contest in the hopes of reopening the intersection in some way. A resulting scheme received the nominal support of six out of seven Portage and Main property owners, but died on the vine in 2006. That's when current Mayor Sam Katz declined to endorse a plan to replace the barricades with movable bollards, which would have been opened on evenings and weekends. Under the terms of the original agreement, the intersection is slated to remain closed until 2016. Even if it reopens in 2017, pedestrians trained to treat it like a minefield will not suddenly find themselves attracted to the intersection. Genuine public spaces draw people to them. Portage and Main keeps them away. It would be lovely to live in Winnipeg where "Portage and Main" is an actual place along with an idea. Instead, the streetlights change like clockwork, ushering cars through a city centre that is quite literally without a soul. bartley.kives(a)freepress.mb.ca *Is it time for Winnipeggers to come up into the sunlight? Should Portage and Main be open to pedestrians? Join the conversation in the comments below. [ http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/winnipegs-soul-got-buried-219526071.… ] * *Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition August 14, 2013 B1*

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Vote now to reopen Portage & Main to pedestrians!
by Beth McKechnie 14 Aug '13

14 Aug '13

http://globalnews.ca/news/778573/pressure-building-to-reopen-portage-and-ma… Pressure building to reopen Portage and Main to pedestrians [image: Lorraine_personalities 220x260px]<http://globalnews.ca/author/lorraine-nickel/> By Lorraine Nickel <http://globalnews.ca/author/lorraine-nickel/> Reporter/Anchor WINNIPEG — Portage and Main is famous as Canada’s windiest corner and the heart of downtown Winnipeg but for 34 years, something’s been missing. “Portage and Main which was, it still probably is, the symbolic heart of the city has become a place for cars, not a place for people,” said Prof. Richard Milgrom, the head of the department of city planning at the University of Manitoba. For decades, people crossed Portage Avenue and Main Street freely. Then in 1979, the city signed a contract with area businesses that closed the intersection to pedestrians for 40 years and built the underground concourse. The contract expires in six years and key players are talking about plans to reopen the famous intersection to pedestrians. “85 per cent of our BIZ members would like to see Portage and Main reopened. Part of what makes downtown vibrant and excited is the ability for people just to walk around,” said Stefano Grande of the Downtown BIZ. Some city councillors are on board but say discussions haven’t started at city hall yet. “I like the idea of putting people on Portage and Main. You could do it on a gradual basis, like starting at six or on weekends,” said St. Boniface Coun. Dan Vandal. “I would love to have that happen somehow,” said River Heights Coun. John Orlikow. “I know there’s issues down below with some of the shopkeepers.” To take down the barricades, all the property owners on the famous corner must first agree. The Bank of Montreal and Creswin Properties (owners of the office tower at 201 Portage Ave.) want it opened. But the Richardson Centre “wants things to stay the same” and Artis REIT, the owner of the underground shops of Winnipeg Square, said “it’s premature to discuss the idea.” A lot has changed downtown since the 1970s, with the MTS Centre being built, several new condo and apartment developments going up and the Human Rights Museum slated to open next year. “The downtown in the last seven years has become a much more vibrant place,” said Jino Distasio, urban studies professor at the University of Winnipeg. But it’s not that simple, he admits. “There will be some growing pains. It’ll be some frustrated drivers who are going to have to wait on a corner that they’ve been able to speed through.” Former Mayor Glen Murray tried to open the intersection in 2002, asking architects to design a safe pedestrian crossing, but the 40-year agreement derailed those plans. “I’m disappointed it didn’t happen because I think it was critical for the city,” said Murray. “You can’t find a major city in the world anymore that has blocked off a street, never mind its main corner.” So will seeing people crossing Portage and Main remain a distant memory, or is there a new future for this famous intersection? “I think it has to happen if our downtown is going to become a vibrant place, an exciting place,” said Grande. http://globalnews.ca/news/778573/pressure-building-to-reopen-portage-and-ma…

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Bike theft deterrents
by Dave Elmore 14 Aug '13

14 Aug '13

http://www.thestarphoenix.com/news/Slamming+brakes+stolen+bikes/8781652/stor y.html Slamming the brakes on stolen bikes Some cities, and even the University of Saskatchewan's Campus Safety, have experimented with bait bikes, equipped with GPS to track down thieves. (AP file Photo) As bike thefts in Saskatoon skyrocket this summer, some cities across the world are taking a more creative approach to deter cycle thieves. According to Saskatoon police, reports of stolen bicycles jumped 80 per cent this year between June 1 and July 31, compared to the same time frame last year - to 149 from 83. Reported bike thefts during the same two-month period on the University of Saskatchewan campus also doubled - to 10 from five. City police are repeating the usual message, warning bicyclists to always lock up their bikes and make note of their ride's serial number. Fenced areas devoted solely to private bicycle parking can be found scattered throughout the city. Bike lockers can also be rented on the University of Saskatchewan grounds, and Campus Safety has experimented with bait bikes - rides equipped with GPS to track thefts - in the past. Cities around the world have used these same methods to deter bike thieves, but some aren't satisfied with the same old tricks. Researchers at Newcastle University in the U.K. recently targeted thief psychology with a simple poster, staring down potential stealers. The posters, each featuring a pair of watchful eyes and equipped with the warning, 'Cycle Thieves: We are watching you,' were placed around campus, and led to a 62 per cent reduction in bike thefts over two years in areas where posters could be found. "It's amazing that just a picture would have a bigger effect than a camera recording people," Melissa Bateson, an ethology professor at Newcastle University and one of the study's authors, told the Toronto Star in April. Police in Cambridge, Mass. instituted a similar strategy in one of the city's most frequently cycled areas. Two cardboard cut-outs of a Massachusetts transit police officer were placed in the bicycle cages at the Alewife Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority subway and bus station, where hundreds of people use the racks daily and bikes are frequently stolen. Police only saw one reported bike theft between July 5, when the cut-outs were placed in the cages, and Aug. 4, according to Deputy Chief Robert Lenehan. Last year, six bikes were stolen from the area over the same time period. "All you see is this imposing figure of a police officer," Lenehan told the StarPhoenix. He said the number of reported bike thefts also decreased by 56 per cent in the Alewife station over a oneyear period from July 2012 to July 2013 with the introduction of more patrol officers. He said there is no single best method to reduce bike thefts. "You can never arrest yourself out of a crime problem," Lenehan said. "There is no one magical way out of it. If the cut-out is deterring two or three bike thefts a month, or even two or three bike thefts each quarter, it's still part of the overall approach to try to drive down the crime." MBTA transit police were even able to stop a Craigslist bike thief a few years ago by following him online. The thief was snapping photos of bicycles locked up on the street and posting the photos to Craigslist, a popular classifieds website. When users on the site wanted to buy a bike, the man stole it. "You have to be aware. Every time you think you've locked the doors, you find out there is a window open somewhere," Lenehan said. Thanks Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X)

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Flin Flon Reminder - Why not leave the car at home?
by Beth McKechnie 13 Aug '13

13 Aug '13

*From:* Reaney, Vicky (MLG) *Sent:* Tuesday, August 13, 2013 5:06 PM ** ****

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Active Commuting Cuts Risk of Diabetes, High Blood Pressure
by Beth McKechnie 09 Aug '13

09 Aug '13

Ditch the Car: Active Commuting Cuts Risk of Diabetes, High Blood Pressure By Tamarra Kemsley<http://www.natureworldnews.com/reporters/tamarra-kemsley> http://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/3387/20130808/ditch-car-active-comm… By forgoing the car and opting for a more active commute, a person can cut their risk of developing diabetes by as much as 40 percent, a new study [ http://www.ajpmonline.org/webfiles/images/journals/amepre/AMEPRE_3837-stamp…] published in the *American Journal of Preventative Medicine* shows. Led by researchers at Imperial College London and University College London, the report examines how 20,000 people throughout the UK traveled to work and compared this to a number of health indicators, many of which put a person at greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes. In doing so, they found that cycling, walking and using public transport were all associated with a lower risk of being overweight than driving or taking a taxi. Specifically, the data showed that 19 percent of working age adults who used private transportation -- such as cars, motorcycles or taxis -- to get to work were obese, compared to 15 percent of those who walked and 13 percent of those who cycled to work. Meanwhile, people who walked to work were also 17 percent less likely than people who drive to have high blood pressure. All told, cyclists were around half as likely to have diabetes as drivers. Based on these findings, the researchers argue that people can reduce their risk of serious health problems such as heart attacks as well as diabetes by simply avoiding the use of a car. "This study highlights that building physical activity into the daily routine by walking, cycling or using public transport to get to work is good for personal health," said Anthony Laverty, from the School of Public Health at Imperial College London. Though, the researchers note, not everyone has the option to pursue these more active forms of commuting. Public transportation, they found, was used most in London, at 52 percent, compared with just 5 percent in Northern Ireland. "The variations between regions suggest that infrastructure and investment in public transport, walking and cycling can play a large role in encouraging healthy lives, and that encouraging people out of the car can be good for them as well as the environment," Laverty concluded.

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Summer Photo Contest (Please distribute widely)
by Shoni Litinsky 06 Aug '13

06 Aug '13

[image: Inline images 3] Summer is here and with it comes the fun of commuting outdoors! Peg City Car Co-op wants to see photos of your summer commute featuring themes of biking, walking, and busing. It's easy. Check out our Facebook page here <http://a.pgtb.me/7q2dNs> to enter the contest. Enter your photo and get your friends to vote for it. Photos with the most votes will win a MEC gift certificate each week! Enter as many photos as you like to win multiple prizes! Our grand prizes will be awarded to three lucky finalists including: 1. One years worth of Driving Credit with Peg City Car Co-op 2. One $500 Custom Bike from Natural Cycle 3. One Winnipeg Transit Half-Year Bus Pass Grand Prize winners will be chosen by our stellar Jury Panel that boast local artists, Josh Ruth (Art City), Natalie Baird, Lucas Pauls (The Distillery), and Shawna Dempsey. We can't wait to see your snapshots! Peg City Car Co-op -- Emma Bonnemaison *Marketing Coordinator * emma(a)pegcitycarcoop.ca +1.778.891.0337 <http://pegcitycarcoop.ca/> -- *Shoni Litinsky* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>

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G&M: Vancouver's bike lanes have made it a city to watch (Aug2'13)
by Beth McKechnie 05 Aug '13

05 Aug '13

Vancouver’s bike lanes have made it a city to watch FRANCES BULA VANCOUVER — Special to The Globe and Mail Published Friday, Aug. 02 2013 http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/why-vancouvers-bike-la… To many cities, building bike lanes isn’t about serving a small slice of the hipster set. It’s about showing that the city is planning for a different, more sustainable transportation future and serving an increasingly important demographic. City cycling is no fad, say municipal officials and cycling experts around the continent: It’s here to stay and should be embraced. “All of us, in every city around North America, because of demographic forces, are really seeing an increase in cycling,” says Andrew Stober, chief of staff for the mayor’s office on transportation in Philadelphia. “This is not a case of ‘Build it and they will come.’ We are seeing that we need to build something because they’re already here.’” As cities get more dense, more people are coming to the conclusion that a bicycle is often the most efficient and cheapest way to travel within the five-kilometre radius where they increasingly spend most of their time. And businesses, looking around the globe at where to locate, factor in the effort that cities are making to provide for their potential bike-riding employees. Philadelphia recently got shortlisted as a new location for a major brewery’s East Coast base because of its robust bike-route network. As a result, Mr. Stober and many other city officials say they are constantly scanning the horizon to see what other cities are doing. One of the places they always look: Vancouver. Vancouver doesn’t have the biggest cycling network. Montreal has far more concrete barrier-protected lanes; New York has more miles of bike routes overall. It doesn’t have the highest percentage of cycle trips (as opposed to walking, driving and taking transit). Copenhagen, with 40 per cent, and even Berlin, with 15 per cent of trips by bicycle, far outstrip Vancouver, which is currently closing in on 5 per cent. It doesn’t have a bike-share program yet, like other cities aggressively pushing cycling. But Vancouver was one of the first cities in North America to create a low-cost, low-impact network by creating bikeways along residential streets with relatively light traffic volumes – a system that Portland, Ore., copied. That system has helped push cycling trips in some parts of the city – Commercial Drive, Kitsilano – to the 12- to 15-per-cent range. “It really has led the way in North American in local-street bikeways,” says John Pucher, a Rutgers University urban planning professor and author of *City Cycling*. But in the last five years, the city has moved into a tougher phase: increasing barrier-separated lanes and other route improvements that visibly take space away from cars. It’s the kind of cycling infrastructure that Mr. Pucher and other researchers say is the safest and the type most likely to encourage regular people, especially women, to try cycling. Vancouver’s efforts have meant fights with residents, downtown businesses, and political opponents who accuse Mayor Gregor Robertson and his Vision Vancouver councillors of catering to the city’s tiny minority of cyclists. This week, city council’s decision to approve a new section of bikeway alongside some of the city’s most expensive properties – and some of its most vehemently opposed residents – was watched carefully across the continent. “They’re one of the leaders,” says Laura Spanjian, sustainability director for the City of Houston, which has built 300 miles of bikeways recently and introduced a small but enthusiastically welcomed bike-share program this spring. “That huge controversy they had … it’s kind of fantastic for the country. It shows that even when there’s opposition, if you have strong leadership, you can move ahead and show the success later. It helps other cities when you have wins like this.” Vancouver is one of the models for smaller or more car-oriented cities that have decided unilaterally to create a cycling culture. Amsterdam and Copenhagen, the current superstars among cycling cities, are admired, but not always seen as examples that can be emulated. Amsterdam, where 57 per cent of all trips are done by bicycle, has had a strong cycling culture since the bicycle was invented. Its city governments over the years have mostly strengthened that. Copenhagen, which has reached the 40-per-cent mark for cycling trips, made more of a leap, but it had a long history of building separated bike lanes – called “cycle tracks” by the experts – in its central city. As well, like many European cities, its public spaces were never taken over by the car to the extent that North America’s were when cars began fighting for and winning dominance on the roads over pedestrians and streetcars in the 1920s and ’30s. But Vancouver, and other cities like New York, Chicago, Berlin, Seville, Barcelona, Montreal, and Portland that have had to fight to create a cycling culture, are the ones showing the way to cities anxious to transform transportation in their metropolises. Paris and London mayors may have embraced the bicycle, but they didn’t have the problems of New York – taxi drivers, truckers and rich people who fought against bike lanes. With the fierce Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan leading the way since 2007, New York has added nearly 350 miles of on-street bike lanes to its city, including 25 miles of protected lanes, for a total of about 850 miles. It has shut down some streets entirely for car-free days on occasion. But not without some serious skirmishing. Wealthy residents in the Park Slope area of Brooklyn sued over one section of proposed bike lane – a case the city won. Complaints were also in full flood for the bike-share system, introduced this spring, from worries that the docking stations were taking up too much sidewalk space to griping about the technical problems with the stations. But something is working. Statistics show the number of bike riders crossing into Manhattan during a average 12-hour period doubled from 16,000 to 32,000 between 2005 and 2012, a number that is likely to be up again once the 2013 numbers are counted. “New York City’s streets are now the safest they’ve been, with the last five years recording the fewest traffic fatalities since records were first kept in 1910,” adds Department of Transportation spokesman Scott Gastel. As Vancouverites were lining up pro and con to argue about the city’s new Seaside Greenway last week, a University of B.C. researcher pointed out that Vancouver – contrary to public opinion – has been rather timid in its push for separated bike lanes. “Since 2009, Vancouver has added six kilometres of separated bike lanes,” Kay Teschk says. “Seville has built 120 kilometres of separated bike lanes in the same five-year period.” Mr. Pucher, of Rutgers University, calls Seville the most dramatic example of a complete turnaround: Before the city started its cycling improvements, only about 0.5 per cent of all trips were made by bicycle. Now, about 6.5 per cent of trips are bike trips, about 85,000 a day. “Seville is the most interesting because it started with zero tradition of daily, utilitarian cycling,” Mr. Pucher says. That was in keeping with elsewhere in Spain, especially cities like Madrid, where a cyclist on a regular street is a rare sight. Some German cities, like Hamburg and Munich, have been good cycling cities for decades. Hamburg had separated bike lanes, complete with little traffic lights that showed green and red bicycles, back in the 1970s. Not Berlin. “Berlin has turned to it partially because of financial issues,” says Ralph Buehler, an urban affairs professor at Virginia Tech and co-author of *City Cycling*. The city was struggling economically after re-unification. “It found out that building bike infrastructure is much cheaper than highway interchanges or even subways.” Mr. Buehler says. Between 1990 and 2008, the number of cycling trips doubled, accounting by the end of that period for 13 per cent of all trips. The figure is now up to 15 per cent (and as high as 25 in some neighbourhoods), as cyclists now have access to about 620 kilometres of bike lanes. Cycling experts gripe about some aspects of the Berlin system – that it’s inconsistent, with riders sometimes in protected bike lanes, sometimes on the sidewalk, and sometimes on roads with arrows. The group Copenhagenize Design, which rates cities on the cycling facilities, also notes that Berlin is still doing contradictory things, like pouring money into projects for cars. *Related stories*: Bike route approved for Vancouver’s western beaches following passionate debate <http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/vancouver-to-get-bikew…> Vancouver’s bike lanes: Gordon Price on when to ignore the opposition <http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/vancouvers-bike-lanes-…>

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WFP: A little love at the landfill - WRENCH sets out to salvage 900 discarded bikes (Aug.4'13)
by Beth McKechnie 04 Aug '13

04 Aug '13

A little love AT THE LANDFILL WRENCH sets out to salvage 900 discarded bikes By: Bill Redekop http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/a-little-love-at-the-landfill-218259… Pat Krawec once found a $5,000 Italian, handmade bicycle at the Brady Road Landfill, but that's not what drives his passion for repairing and salvaging discarded bikes. "It's just such a waste" said Krawec, executive director of the WRENCH (Winnipeg Repair, Education and Cycling Hub), a local group that is to bicycles what Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was to the 1970s. "We're Winnipeggers. We're thrifty. It's a moral outrage. There's still lots of life left in these bikes," said Krawec. WRENCH held its annual version of the push, pull and drag sale on Saturday but at no charge. Volunteers from Winnipeg's half-dozen community bike shops came by to save and strip parts from bicycles that wound up in the Brady Road Landfill. About 900 bikes were being picked over Saturday, including tricycles, kids bikes, 10-speeds, mountain bikes, trick bikes and even exercise bikes. "The amount of used bikes being thrown away is crazy, and it shows no sign of slowing down," said Krawec. The organization puts a positive spin into the old saying "throw a wrench" into something, which usually means bungling things up. Here, WRENCH fixes the situation. But WRENCH has a larger mission than to just repair bikes. It's more like bicycle maintenance as a "solution" to many of society's ills. Bikes are exercise, fresh air, environmentally friendly, and bicycling helps clear your head. Repairing bikes makes for sustainable cycling. The main component to the non-profit WRENCH is to educate the public to do its own bicycle maintenance. It runs programs for everyone from prison inmates to special-needs people to inner-city kids. WRENCH also runs Build-a-Bike programs for schools and community centres. "One reason the programs work so well is that by working on bicycles, you can get outside yourself. People learn to actually fix stuff," said Krawec. It receives donations from some heavy hitters including the Richardson Foundation and Winnipeg Foundation, and government grants from the Neighbourhoods Alive and waste-reduction programs. Volunteer-run community bike shops that WRENCH assists include The Big Dump, The Bike Dungeon and Bike Lab. "Most of these bikes just need a little love," said Robin Ellis, volunteer co-ordinator for WRENCH, surveying the tangle of bikes at the Brady Road Landfill. Bike culture is growing, said Ellis. For example, she plays in a bike polo league. "It's like hockey on bikes with mallets." It's played on indoor rinks, with a street hockey ball and mallets that are typically ski poles with PVC piping taped to the end. If a player puts a foot down, they have to retreat to an area and touch the boards. One might have predicted everyone at WRENCH pedals to work, as staff don't even own cars. "A lot of people who come to our shops depend on bikes for their transportation," Ellis said. More information is at wrench.ca. bill.redekop(a)freepress.mb.ca *Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition August 4, 2013 A4*

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Fwd: Help divert bikes from the landfill at Empty the Fill - THIS SATURDAY!
by Mark Cohoe 31 Jul '13

31 Jul '13

Help divert bikes from our land fills to our community bike shops by volunteering with the WRENCH this weekend! Mark -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Help divert bikes from the landfill at Empty the Fill - THIS SATURDAY! Date: Wed, 31 Jul 2013 15:10:56 -0500 From: Robin Ellis <volunteer(a)thewrench.ca> To: Robin Ellis <wrenchvolunteer(a)gmail.com> Inline image 1 Hey Folks! This Saturday (August 3rd) is the annual massive landfill diversion blitz: EMPTY THE FILL! We will be heading out to the Brady Road Landfill bicycle compound to STRIP, SORT, STACK and SCRAP bikes to fill the racks and shelves of community bike shops in Winnipeg. Come see what's in our waste stream as we turn garbage into the stuff of dreams! We can use as many volunteers as possible, and no prior bicycle knowledge is necessary! It would also be great to get some more folks with vehicles to transport people, parts or bikes. The WRENCH will be providing bike stands and tools, food, water, and shade for everyone who comes to help out. Be sure to sport sturdy closed toed footwear, a hat, sunscreen, rugged clothing, and a water bottle. Rides will be meeting at the bike dump at 10 am on Saturday morning. Feel free to email/call for more info, and please RSVP via email or phone so we know how many people to expect. Thanks! See you then! -- *Robin Ellis*, Volunteer Coordinator The Winnipeg Repair Education and Cycling Hub 1057 Logan Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3E 3N8 www.thewrench.ca <http://www.thewrench.ca/> 204.296.3389

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Fwd: Cognitive performance is better in girls whose walk to school lasts more than 15 minutes
by Jackie Avent (ASRTS) 31 Jul '13

31 Jul '13

Cognitive Performance Is Better in Girls Whose Walk to School Lasts More Than 15 Minutes Published: July 24, 2013 By University of Granada<http://www.sciencenewsline.com/source/University+of+Granada> http://www.sciencenewsline.com/articles/2013072415030021.html *Cognitive performance of adolescent girls who walk to school is better than that of girls who travel by bus or car. Moreover, cognitive performance is also better in girls who take more than 15 minutes than in those who live closer and have a shorter walk to school.* These are some of the conclusions of a study published in *Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine*. The results come from findings of the nationwide AVENA (Food and Assessment of the NutritionalStatus of Spanish Adolescents) study, in which the University of Granada has participated together with the Autonomous University of Madrid, University of Zaragoza and the Spanish National Research Council in Madrid. They constitute the first international study that associates mode of commuting to school and cognitive performance. The authors analysed a sample of 1700 boys and girls aged between 13 and 18 years (808 boys and 892 girls) in five Spanish cities (Granada, Madrid, Murcia, Santander and Zaragoza). They studied variables of mode of commuting to school, cognitive performance, anthropometrics—like body mass index and percentage of overweight and obesity—and participants' extracurricular physical activity. They also gathered data on their families' socio-economic status using the mother's level of educational achievement (primary school, secondary school or university) and the type of school (state-funded or private) that participants attended. Information on mode of commuting to school came from a question asking participants how they usually travelled to school and giving the following response options: on foot, by bicycle, car, bus or subway, motorcycle, and others. They were also asked how long the journey to school took them. Cognitive performance was measured by applying the Spanish version of an educational ability test. Participants completed this standardized test that measures intelligence and the individual's basic ability for learning. The test assesses command of language, speed in performing mathematical operations, and reasoning. In adolescence, the plasticity of the brain is greatest. The researchers affirm that, during adolescence, "the plasticity of the brain is greater than at any other time of life, which makes it the opportune period to stimulate cognitive function". However, paradoxically, adolescence is the time of life that sees the greatest decline in physical activity, and this is greater in girls. Therefore, the authors of the study think that "inactive adolescents could be missing out on a very important stimulus to improve their learning and cognitive performance". "Commuting to school on foot is a healthy daily habit, which contributes to keeping the adolescent active during the rest of the day and encourages them to participate in physical and sports activities. This boosts the expenditure of energy and, all in all, leads to a better state of health", say Palma Chillón, researcher in the Department of Physical and Sports Education of the University of Granada, and David Martínez-Gómez, of the Department of Physical and Sports Education and Human Movement (Faculty of Teacher Training and Education) of the Autonomous University of Madrid, who have both participated in the study.

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Fwd: PACM Contract position
by Jackie Avent (ASRTS) 31 Jul '13

31 Jul '13

Forwarded on behalf of PACM: Enclosed is the PACM contract position information. Please circulate to candidates who you feel may be suitable. ** ** ** ** ** Casie Nishi**** Executive Director**** Wellness Institute at Seven Oaks General Hospital **** 1075 Leila Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2P 2W7**** Phone: (204) 632-3901 Fax: (204) 697-2412**** Email: cnishi(a)sogh.mb.ca**** www.wellnessinstitute.ca**** ** ** ** ** ** ** This email and/or any documents in this transmission is intended for the addressee(s) only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and return the original. Ce courriel et tout document dans cette transmission est destiné à la personne ou aux personnes à qui il est adressé. Il peut contenir des informations privilégiées ou confidentielles. Toute utilisation, divulgation, distribution, copie, ou diffusion non autorisée est strictement défendue. Si vous n'êtes pas le destinataire de ce message, veuillez en informer l'expéditeur immédiatement et lui remettre l'original.

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News flash for drivers: Cyclists are helping subsidize your ride
by Beth McKechnie 31 Jul '13

31 Jul '13

News flash for drivers: Cyclists are helping subsidize your ride *Local roads and bike lanes are almost exclusively paid for by local property taxes, not fuel taxes* By Peter Ladner Tue Jul 30, 2013 12:01am PST http://www.biv.com/article/20130730/BIV0319/307309939/-1/BIV/news-flash-for… As the “war on bikes” continues in my little corner of our sun-drenched paradise, I’ve been trying to understand the road rage that’s generated every time space for cars is shifted to other uses. Some of it is fear borne out of fertile imaginings of disasters unforeseen by professional traffic engineers. It’s true, the engineers have been wrong before. They initially predicted massive lineups from the east and west to get onto the south end of the Burrard Bridge if a bike lane was put in on the bridge. Those turned out to be only minor delays in one direction at peak travel times. Business organizations recoil at the uncertainties by assuming harm for businesses if a bike lane is put in. Yet in New York City, retail sales along new bike routes jumped by 49% compared with 3% overall. On the Hornby bike route, retail vacancies went down from 10% to 2% after the bike lane was installed. So, yes, businesses along Cornwall should be concerned about a new bike route along York Street – they’ll lose bicycle-riding customers who no longer go by their premises. In a week when the Transport for London reported that 24% of all vehicles in the morning rush in London are now bicycles, many people refuse to believe that cycling is a viable alternative to the automobile, because it wouldn’t work for them. Fine, it doesn’t have to, but it does work for a lot of people – and will work for a lot more when they can do it safely in a protected lane. But the biggest gagging point for many motorists is that they think cyclists are getting a free ride on someone else’s dime. The rude, arrogant and law-breaking attitude of some cyclists only adds to this resentment. Oddly, drivers who endanger lives by breaking the speed limit rarely provoke the same reaction. In fact, the opposite is true. Cyclists subsidize car drivers. Local roads and bike lanes are almost exclusively paid for by local property taxes, not fuel taxes. Yes, some city hall revenue comes from parking fees, but those fees don’t begin to cover the opportunity and maintenance costs of the 30% of the city’s land base that is used for cars, especially for “free” on-street parking. The amount of roadway in Vancouver dedicated to cars is 10 times that dedicated to bicycles, which usually park off-road. Property taxes are paid by everyone who lives in the city, whether they rent or own. Cyclists are more likely to live in the city, since they stay closer to home than motorists who come into Vancouver from all over the region. Cyclists also subsidize motorists when they live in buildings or buy groceries that cost more because of legislated off-street parking spaces they don’t use. City police costs to patrol traffic, enforce drunk driving laws and attend to accidents are paid by cyclists and car drivers alike, even though car drivers use up vastly more of those resources than cyclists. Then there are health-care costs, which everyone pays through provincial income taxes and medical service premiums. Cars are huge health hazards, plain and simple. Pollution from cars generates huge health-care costs – especially diesel cars like my Passat TDI. Accidents and ambulances are an obvious source of those costs, but they only account for 10% of the casualties due to traffic. Three times as many people die from the effects of emissions, and twice as many again die prematurely from lack of exercise and obesity-driven diseases related to time spent driving. Protected green lanes reduce non-fatal cyclist road injuries by 90%, so the return on investment from bike lanes is possibly covered by that health care saving alone. Drivers concerned about unfair tax burdens should welcome more bicycle lanes – especially in pricy waterfront neighbourhoods where the increased property values will lighten the property tax load for everyone else.

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Webinar recording now available: The Latest Spin on University Bike Share Programs
by Beth McKechnie 29 Jul '13

29 Jul '13

In case you missed last week's webinar on University Bike Share Programs, here's a link to the recording along with pdfs of the slides: http://www.bestworkplaces.org/events/best-workplaces-for-commuters-web-conf… I found it particularly interesting that there appears to be a shift in the approach to bike sharing on campuses vs municipal bike share programs. The key difference being that the technology is stored on the bike's rear rack, which means that regular bike racks can be used rather than specialized docking systems. cheers, Beth

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WFP: Long-term planning crucial - Strategic thinking needed with Winnipeg seeing growth (July22'13)
by Beth McKechnie 25 Jul '13

25 Jul '13

Long-term planning crucial Strategic thinking needed with Winnipeg seeing growth ON ARCHITECTUREBy: Brent Bellamy http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/long-term-planning-crucial-216396… Winnipeg's population is nearing 800,000 and is growing by more than 10,000 per year. Property values are rising, construction is happening and the economy is prospering. We have an IKEA, a professional hockey team and a half-dozen new towers rising in our skyline. Winnipeg is without question a progressing city -- but is it a progressive one? After decades of stagnation, Winnipeg is beginning to face the challenges that come with more rapid urban growth. The suburbs are sprawling in every direction, traffic levels are increasing and established neighbourhoods are being redeveloped. The city is evolving and we are at the point of having to ask ourselves: What kind of community do we want Winnipeg to become? Old Winnipeg was a special place, filled with dense, tree-lined, walkable neighbourhoods of grid-pattern streets, community clubs and corner stores. Will new Winnipeg have the same character and soul, or will we look back on this growth period as a lost opportunity to progressively shape our future city? Will we have the same pride and foresight as those who planted our characteristic tree canopy a century ago, or will we leave a legacy of ubiquitous suburbs, unmanageable civic finances and crumbling infrastructure? In 2011, city council voted to accept the Our Winnipeg plan and the Complete Communities Direction Strategy into official civic policy as a response to these very questions. These comprehensive planning guidelines are intended to provide a progressive blueprint for the city's economic, social and physical growth over the next 25 years. Our Winnipeg emphasizes creative ways to guide new neighbourhood design and transform existing areas into "complete communities." It focuses on developing mixed-use, mixed-income and mixed-density neighbourhoods that are walkable, safe, beautiful and vibrant. Perhaps, most importantly, it outlines ways to make the city more economically sustainable by curbing the prevailing model of low-density, expansive growth that has already stressed civic budgets to a point where taxes are rising and public services are declining. Our Winnipeg is a long-term plan, but it is not a law. Without aligning its strategies with current zoning bylaws, the document becomes a fanciful vision without any real method of implementation. Earlier this month, city council chose to defer their vote on a series of recommendations from the planning, property and development department that would align several features of Our Winnipeg with zoning bylaws. The recommendations focused on reducing red tape and streamlining the approval process for desirable development. Densification of existing neighbourhoods is seen as a key strategy for making the city more economically sustainable in the long term, but the provision of parking to meet current bylaw standards can be a barrier to infill development on smaller urban sites. The recommendations addressed this issue by reducing minimum parking levels in mature communities, permitting some on-street parking for multi-family developments and allowing car-share and bike programs to offset parking requirements. To promote the subdivision of larger properties, it was recommended that the minimum required lot areas be reduced while allowing properties to be subdivided as long as newly created lots are no smaller than existing ones located within 60 metres on the same street. These modest changes met with apprehension from council, which cited fears of increased street parking and smaller residential properties that might be considered unappealing to community residents. It is human nature to fear change, but councillors who struggle every year to balance civic budgets likely understand our current urban-development model is not economically sustainable. As Winnipeg grows, promoting density is the only way to ensure a healthy and competitive city in the future. To prosper, we will have to embrace the long-term goals outlined in the Our Winnipeg plan by empowering it with a legal backbone. This resistance to long-term planning as a method of guiding change seems to have recently become a trend in Winnipeg. Last year, the Corydon-Osborne Neighbourhood Plan was stopped in its tracks despite the pressing need to address significant changes happening in the area. Promises to restart the process have gone unfulfilled for almost a year. Recently, the City of Winnipeg cancelled its active-transportation study, indicating its $400,000 cost would be better spent on construction. The complex web of bike and pedestrian paths, intertwined with transit and vehicular networks across the city, will now be implemented without a strategic plan to ensure its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The argument appears to fall flat considering other studies continue, including a $1.2-million plan for the development of the Waverley Street underpass. The lessons of proceeding without planning and public consultation might have been learned when a hotel and water park near The Forks were abruptly proposed, resulting in significant community opposition and the eventual failure of the project. The value of an effective urban plan can be seen as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers implement costly reactive solutions to traffic issues at their new stadium. Winnipeg is at a critical moment in its history. Just as development from the pre-war boom era a century ago continues to inform our city's urban character today, the decisions we make in this growth period will define what kind of city we pass on to future generations. To be a truly progressive city, we must establish long-term goals through comprehensive planning and without fear of change, implement public policy that adheres to plans such as Our Winnipeg and promotes development that effectively realizes the goals they strive to achieve. *Brent Bellamy is senior design architect for Number Ten Architectural Group.* bbellamy(a)numberten.com Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition July 22, 2013 0

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Webinar: The Latest Spin on University Bike Share Programs, Thurs, July 25, 2-3:15
by Beth McKechnie 25 Jul '13

25 Jul '13

Friendly reminder regarding today's FREE webinar on University Bike Share Programs. *PLEASE NOTE the correct local time for the webinar is 2:00-3:15 pm today! * If you like, come join us in the EcoCentre boardroom (303 Portage Ave, third floor) for a group viewing or simply watch from your own desk (no registration required). cheers, Beth ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Bond, Julie <bond(a)cutr.usf.edu> Date: Thu, Jul 18, 2013 at 8:15 AM Join us for an intriguing look at three University Bike Share programs during a FREE Best Workplaces for Commuters (BWC) webinar. **** ** ** *Date*: Thursday, July 25, 2013**** *Time: *2:00 - 3:15 pm (Central / local)** ** ** *Join the Session: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/cutr/join?id=bwcbikeshare&role=attend&pw=web… * * * *Add to your Outlook calendar: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/cutr/meetingICS?id=bwcbikeshare&role=attend&… * * * *Speakers:* * * *Holly Parker, Director ***** *Sustainable Transportation Systems***** *Yale University***** Still unsatisfied with the existing bikeshare models available at the time, Yale started “Y-Bike,” a departmental bikeshare program in 2008—in which a bicycle was provided to a Yale department for anyone in the department (a small, controlled environment) to use. The expense of the kiosk-based bikeshare system was prohibitive, and it was felt that getting staff members—some of whom hadn’t been on bikes since childhood—to use bikes for travel between campus locations would be a good way to build bike culture. In addition to the over 40 Y-Bikes on campus (and 8,000 collective miles pedaled later), Yale now provides 50 shared-use bicycles to anyone who registers with a valid Yale email address. Listen to how Yale designed this 6-month pilot and how they plan on evaluating it. **** **** *Jim Simon, Sustainability Engagement Coordinator***** *University at Buffalo***** When the community bicycle sharing program closed, a search began for alternatives that would meet the needs of the campus in light of their goal of becoming climate neutral by 2030. Counseled by a report prepared by an undergraduate planning class and examined options that would promote synergy in the community with partners working on providing bike share in their city and region, they engaged in a partnership with a start-up company that offers a GPS-enabled bike that can be located and borrowed using your mobile phone. The technology meets students where they are—on their mobile phones and computers—and is accessible at any time. By becoming the first college or university to partner with this company, they have learned and applied several important lessons about innovation, partnership, and the development of learning opportunities for our students. Participants will learn how being on the leading edge of innovation through embracing new technology can benefit the research, teaching, and public service mission of your university. Additionally, participants will learn how to involve students in campus decision making through classroom learning opportunities and how the immediate risk of working with a start-up organization can lead to rewarding opportunities for collaboration with students, the community, and the campus. **** **** *Joshua Cantor, Director* *Parking and Transportation* *George Mason University* George Mason University’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact and fostering a bicycling community on campus has led to a series of new projects, including a bike path that would stretch from the Fairfax campus to the Vienna-Fairfax-GMU Metro Station and Patriot Bike Share, a bike-sharing program on campus. George Mason’s Office of Sustainability has joined with the local bicycling community to create a series of new initiatives to achieve carbon neutrality by 2015. Chief among them is the Patriot Bike Share program on campus, which allows students to rent bicycles for two hours and return them at one of four locations across campus. The program was started by Tyler Orton, bike program manager for the Office of Sustainability, who brought his idea to the Office of Sustainability and was given $36,000 to invest in the project as part of the office’s new “Patriot Green Fund”. Listen to the challenges and opportunities that existed for this customized bike share solution.**** **** *Moderator:* Julie Bond, Program Manager, Best Workplaces for Commuters**** National Center for Transit Research, University of South Florida**** ** ** A Q and A session will follow the presentations. Visit www.bestworkplaces.org for further information, and learn how you can become a member.**** ** ** If you have questions, please email bond(a)cutr.usf.edu.**** ** ** Best regards,**** ** ** ** ** Julie Bond**** Program Manager, Best Workplaces for Commuters**** National Center for Transit Research**** Center for Urban Transportation Research**** University of South Florida**** 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, CUT100**** Tampa, FL 33620**** Direct Line: 813.974.9799**** [image: cid:image002.png@01CE0EB7.27D18690]**** ** ** ------------------------------

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