- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Pedestrian and Bicycle Council Summer Newsletter
by Beth McKechnie 12 Jul '12

12 Jul '12

Thanks to Bob Kurylko at Stantec for sharing the latest issue of the ITE newsletter. I found the item below on sharrows and the before/after photos in the London's Bicycle Superhighways article of particular interest. *Want to Increase Cycling? Sharrows Won't Cut It* streetsblog.net/2012/06/12/want-to-increase-cycling-sharrows-wont-cut-it/<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001rrI-K6HknDizCDf7JehvjXGR2Ky8SIlXUpKu_PJzSQ1Q…> cheers, Beth ** ** *From:* Institute of Transportation Engineers [mailto:info@ite.ccsend.com] *On Behalf Of *Institute of Transportation Engineers *Sent:* Friday, June 22, 2012 9:11 AM *To:* Kurylko, Robert *Subject:* Pedestrian and Bicycle Council Summer Newsletter**** ** ** Having trouble viewing this email? Click here <http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=umc9fycab&v=001Z75pTKZtb…> **** ** ** [image: Banner]**** **** *Summer E-Newsletter***** **** *Summer 2012***** *In This Issue* **** *Announcements from ITE <#138149f770ea8002_LETTER.BLOCK6>* **** *News Bits, Bites, and Links <#138149f770ea8002_LETTER.BLOCK10>* **** *Pedestrian and Bicycle Education News <#138149f770ea8002_LETTER.BLOCK13>* * *** *London's Bicycle Superhighways <#138149f770ea8002_LETTER.BLOCK14>* **** *Evaluation Of Shared Lane Markings Miami Beach, Florida<#138149f770ea8002_LETTER.BLOCK15> * **** *Bicycling In Spain: An Anecdotal Assessment<#138149f770ea8002_LETTER.BLOCK16> * **** *Message from the Chair ***** ** ** Hello, ITE Pedestrian and Bicycle Council members!**** **** Clearly federal transportation reauthorization is the most pressing issue facing our profession today. I hesitate to write about a quickly changing landscape when this newsletter is still three weeks away from publication, but as I write this the second week of June, a conference committee is piecing together elements of a reauthorization bill. Active transportation continues to be under fire as an unnecessary frill - a mere fringe on the edge of the "real" transportation system.**** **** Perhaps Congress should listen to the American people. An America Bikes research report issued this spring shows broad-based support for walking and biking. According to the report, available on the America Bikes website at www.americabikes.org/2012survey<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001rrI-K6HknDg4xIXuVL5_C8oy5FCSr89TO-Ra0DGDzooG…>, 83 percent of Americans want to maintain or increase funding for pedestrian and bicycle facilities. And that's not just a partisan or urban agenda. It's true among both Republicans and Democrats. Throughout regions of the United States. In urban, suburban, and rural areas. Among all age groups. It turns out that active transportation is one of those rare topics that actually enjoys broad-based support.**** **** As professionals who see the benefits of walking and biking in the communities we serve, we need to spread the message to others. Reach out to your elected officials to ask them support investments in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. They create jobs and make our communities better. **** **** Leaving my soap box, I return you to ITE business. Please come to the Annual Meeting in Atlanta, August 12-15. You will not be disappointed! The Pedestrian and Bicycle Council is sponsoring more sessions than ever before, including:**** - Innovative Intersection Design**** - Complete Streets**** - Midblock Crossings at Transit Stops**** - Public Health Benefits of Active Transportation**** - Innovative Bicycle Treatments**** - Separated Bikeways**** - Revitalizing Downtowns with Multimodal Solutions**** - New Guidelines for Non-Motorized Travel**** - Modeling Pedestrian and Bicycle Demand**** I hope to see you there!**** **** Jeff Riegner Chair, Pedestrian and Bicycle Council Whitman, Requardt & Associates 302.571.9001 jriegner(a)wrallp.com**** Announcements from ITE **** *<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001rrI-K6HknDgOOKn3rxGcb61MSI452-owMbTIK0oeI0Se…> ***[image: ITE 2012 Annual Meeting and Exhibit]<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001rrI-K6HknDgOOKn3rxGcb61MSI452-owMbTIK0oeI0Se…> ***<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001rrI-K6HknDgOOKn3rxGcb61MSI452-owMbTIK0oeI0Se…> **ITE Annual Meeting ** Atlanta, GA***** *August 12-15, 2012** *www.ite.org/annualmeeting<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001rrI-K6HknDgOOKn3rxGcb61MSI452-owMbTIK0oeI0Se…> **** * *Join your peers August 12-15 in Atlanta, GA for the ITE 2012 Annual Meeting and Exhibit. The conference is designed to share knowledge, expertise and ideas on multifaceted approaches to addressing transportation issues and to exploring emerging trends in the industry. The meeting content will include sessions in a mix of presentation and training formats focused on state-of-the practice, advancement of the profession and emerging issues designed to benefit transportation professionals in the public and private sector and students.**** ** ** News Bits, Bites, and Links **** **** *<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001rrI-K6HknDh-SRUXEKs7E6Ahx26Am8EejkyDgZJCAH-j…> ***[image: Green Lane Project]<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001rrI-K6HknDh-SRUXEKs7E6Ahx26Am8EejkyDgZJCAH-j…> ***<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001rrI-K6HknDh-SRUXEKs7E6Ahx26Am8EejkyDgZJCAH-j…> **Bikes Belong launches Green Lane Project* Six U.S cities will be receiving support to add or expand protected bikeways (Austin, Chicago, Memphis, Portland, Ore., San Francisco and Washington, D.C.) "The goal of the Green Lane Project is to support the selected cities in their efforts to develop and install these kinds of facilities." **** *The Scooter - The Unsung Mobility Option* www.copenhagenize.com/2012/05/scooter-unsung-mobility-option.html<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001rrI-K6HknDjajUP7Ng_oySqm6lw3RbQNmh-MgAcgyKwz…> **** *House Attack on Safe Streets Makes Transpo Bill Ever More Elusive* dc.streetsblog.org/2012/06/11/house-attack-on-safe-streets-makes-transpo-bi…<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001rrI-K6HknDiK99cnZLTyc3JDidvc7fxJKf0imJUQlzRF…> **** *Want to Increase Cycling? Sharrows Won't Cut It* streetsblog.net/2012/06/12/want-to-increase-cycling-sharrows-wont-cut-it/<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001rrI-K6HknDizCDf7JehvjXGR2Ky8SIlXUpKu_PJzSQ1Q…> **** While Sharrows may increase the safety of current cyclists as the below articles outlines, they may do little to induce new cyclists to the roadways.**** ** ** Pedestrian and Bicycle Education News **** **** *Roundabout Design And Construction: Key Issues And Solution Series***** www.ite.org/education/webinars_RDC.asp<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001rrI-K6HknDhAY41DKHDnSqwesqp1-QSUuZ6zEk7QmQar…> **** ** ** London's Bicycle Superhighways **** **** *Submitted by Andy Blanchard***** **** *Background:* When Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, was running for office, he sold himself to the voters as a champion for cyclists. Following his election to the position of Mayor, he charged Transport for London with putting into action a policy that he calls a "Cycle Revolution for London". This policy is comprised of three parts: one is the Cycle Superhighways, with the others being a bicycle share scheme and Biking Boroughs (a program of improvements in outer London aimed at increasing bicycle mode share).**** **** *Transport for London (TfL) is the local government agency responsible for key aspects of the regional transport system in Greater London. Its role is to implement the transport strategy of the Mayor and to manage transport services across London.***** **** The overall goal of the Cycle Superhighways project was to increase the number of commuters traveling by bicycle between inner and central London. The principal element of the project was physical improvements to 12 corridors, modeled on the spokes of a bicycle wheel, radiating from central London. In addition to the physical measures, other actions were taken to encourage greater numbers of commuters to cycle - including promotion, training, activities, grants to fund bicycle parking and showers at schools and places of employment along and near the route. One of the early routes was Route 8, a five-mile stretch between Wandsworth Town Center (a regional hub in southwest London) and the legislative heart of the United Kingdom at the Houses of Parliament beside the River Thames. The principal alignment was pre-selected by officials at TfL and supported by a research study into the potential for new cyclists along alternative alignments.**** **** *Preliminary Engineering:* The initial design task undertaken was the Cycle Highway Implementation Plan, or CHIP for short. This plan involved conducting a desk based review of all available data on the route, followed by an extensive group site visit with stakeholders. This group consisted of representatives of those local entities responsible for the operation and maintenance of the roadways along the route alignment and cycling advocacy groups. Through these two tasks, barriers to the safe and efficient movement of bicycles along the route were identified and potential solutions to overcome these barriers were generated, together with an outline cost estimate of the recommended measures.**** **** *Typical measures identified for implementation along Route 8 included:***** - *Replacement of traffic lanes with bicycle lanes in both directions along a 1.5 mile section***** - *Replacement of a traffic lane with an off-street bicycle path around a busy gyratory***** - *Striping of five miles of new 5ft wide cycle lanes and widening of one mile of existing cycle lanes to 5ft***** - *Application of blue surfacing and a series of wayfinding signs and totem structures to brand the route and ensure that it is easy to follow ***** - *Cycle-only phase at existing traffic signals ***** Consultation with the emergency services and other users of the road network, such as London Buses (a subsidiary of TfL that manages bus services within Greater London) was also completed at this stage, enabling these stakeholders to be made aware of the Cycle Superhighways proposals and allow them to give input to the designs at an early stage. Synergies with other projects were identified early on and allowed additional improvements to be made to the route at no cost to the project, including reprogramming of planned pavement resurfacing and incorporation of safety improvements.**** **** *Risks:* The largest risks to the implementation of Route 8 were identified in advance and addressed through early and extensive engagement with the relevant staff and by fast-tracking the design of the most controversial and complex sections of the route. The major risks included:**** - Compatibility of proposed road layouts with those planned as part of the Olympic Road Network (critical routes for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London)**** - Long delivery times for changes to traffic signals along the route (conflict with existing signal modernization programs and the Olympic Games signal works)**** - Review and approval of the proposals from the department charged with maintaining the efficient operation of the road network (Forward Planning) **** *Detailed Design:* The route was split into 20 sections to enable detailed design work to be progressed simultaneously by a team of seven designers. Additionally, it allowed work on some sections, while other sections were delayed by traffic signal modeling or gaining agreements from local agencies. Construction delivery packs were prepared for each of the 20 sections, and these incorporated a set of detailed plans, utility plans, a sign schedule, a list of quantities, a Designer's hazard register, a Road Safety Audit and a Response Report, as well as traffic control plans (see below). A Road Safety Audit was also carried out at the preliminary design stage and on completion of construction for each of the sections.**** **** *Temporary Traffic Control:* Agreement on traffic control layouts proved more contentious than originally estimated. The alignment of Route 8 passed through areas controlled by three different local agencies, so proposed traffic control layouts had to be approved by these agencies, the Metropolitan Police and the body controlling buses in London, along with the strategic oversight of Forward Planning. As a result of consultation with these bodies, the methodology for constructing the different sections was modified on a number of occasions to limit the impact on traffic, and traffic modeling was undertaken to forecast the influence of the construction tasks.**** **** *Construction:* The consultancy team also provided site oversight services of the contractor for the client during overnight construction. Although most of the physical construction (e.g. roadway widening, extension of sidewalks and new medians) was undertaken during the off-peak daytime hours (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.), the majority of the surfacing and striping work was completed overnight (9 p.m. - 5 a.m.). The involvement of some of the design team in this oversight role was beneficial as it allowed the contractor to gain a greater understanding of the design and immediate feedback on suggested changes to the design.**** **** *Timescale:* Delivery of the design from concept to detailed construction packages was completed in 16 months, with the end of the design process overlapping the start of the construction phase, in order to meet the July 2011 opening date. The contractor was appointed 10 months after the design was started, and this allowed some contractor involvement in the design process. Construction was completed in eight months.**** **** *Figure 1: Before and after photos***** **** Wandsworth Bridge Roundabout**** **** **** York Road junction with Plough Road**** **** **** York Road approaching Lombard Road**** **** **** Grosvenor Road**** **** **** Grosvenor Road junction with Vauxhall Bridge**** **** **** **** * ***** *About the author:* Currently working at Atkins (an engineering and design consultancy firm), in their Henderson, Nevada office, Andy moved to the Las Vegas area from the U.K. at the end of 2011. Prior to arriving in the U.S., he worked for the engineering consultancy firm AECOM for more than eight years, and one of the projects he managed during this time was delivery of the design of Cycle Superhighways Route 8.**** **** ** ** Evaluation Of Shared Lane Markings Miami Beach, Florida **** **** *Submitted by Xavier Falconi<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001rrI-K6HknDhvQSskqsMszWN-QdyD7y6v5qe_YINt-Vp7…>, PE City of Miami PLANNING DEPARTMENT***** **** *Background* **** The City of Miami Beach requested and received permission from the Federal Highway Administration to conduct a pilot study on Washington Avenue to evaluate shared lane markings<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001rrI-K6HknDgbpH9ZOOYda4lpA7uqEcP6Z7uqQIGQ3Ww9…>(sharrows). The University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center (HSRC) was selected to conduct the evaluation through a contract with the Florida Department of Transportation. The entire length of the Washington Avenue evaluation area, from South Pointe Drive to Dade Boulevard, is about two miles long. This summary is based on the report provided by the University of North Carolina HSRC. **** **** The application of sharrows was initiated as a possible solution to mitigate "dooring" crashes. A "dooring" crash is one that occurs when the door of a parked car opens suddenly into the path of a bicyclist riding in close proximity to the on-street parking lane. The bicyclist can be injured by striking the door or by swerving further into the travel lane and being struck by a passing vehicle. Between 2000 and 2009 (latest data available from the Miami-Dade MPO), 52 bicycle crashes were reported along Washington Avenue between 12th Street and Dade Boulevard (approximately one mile). Of those, at least 11 (21 percent) involved a bicyclist striking the open car door of a parked vehicle.**** **** Washington Avenue is located near the beach on the east side of the City and contains popular tourist destinations, including night clubs, restaurants and shops, attracting a large amount of traffic. The street has a posted speed of 30 mph, with a typical cross-section consisting of an 8-foot parking lane, two 11-foot travel lanes, an 11-foot landscape median, two 11-foot travel lanes, and an 8-foot parking lane. Left turn refuges and traffic signals are provided at various street intersections, with sidewalks, curbs and gutters also included on both sides of Washington Avenue. **** **** The section north of 5th Street to Dade Boulevard is mostly commercial with average daily traffic (ADT) varying between 9,000 and 18,000. The area south of 5th Street to South Pointe Drive is mostly residential with approximately 5,000 ADT. **** **** *Study Area ***** Many taxis operate on the street, and double parking and parked vehicle turnover is frequent. The situation can be challenging for bicyclists when traffic is heavy, and bicyclists frequently ride between vehicles in the travel lane and parked vehicles. There are bicyclist interactions with pedestrians crossing the street at mid-block and intersections. The mix of bicyclists is extremely variable and includes a considerable number of tourists. The cyclist skill level is also variable with a vast majority being recreational bicyclists. **** **** The City decided that the most appropriate placement for the shared lane markings (bike and chevron) was in the middle of the lane near parked vehicles, which would place the center of the marking approximately 13.5 feet from the curb. The City felt that normal spacing of 11 feet from curb next to parked vehicles would not allow enough room for motor vehicles to pass bicycles in the lane next to parking. Middle-of-the-lane placement would allow bicyclists tracking over the markings to be out of the door zone and also to take control of the lane. The block lengths were such that shared lane markings were typically placed near an intersection crosswalk, at mid-block, and near the end of the block. Spacing was approximately 200-250 feet in such a situation. The decision was made to use thermoplastic for the markings. **** **** *Summary and Conclusion ***** The installation of the shared lane markings on Washington Avenue was associated with a variety of results. The chaotic nature of the street in times of busy traffic and the speed of some of the motor vehicles are likely to be factors in producing these results. **** **** Following are some of the evaluation findings:**** 1. The definition of yielding, where a party had to give way to the other, was rather robust. Bicyclist yielding (i.e., changed direction or speed to give way to a motor vehicle) decreased from 8.5 percent in the before period to 2 percent in the after period. Motorist yielding (i.e., changed direction or speed to give way to a bicycle) increased from 4 percent in the before period to 5 percent in the after period. The statistically significant differences were mostly attributable to less bicyclists yielding in the after period. **** 2. Motorists following bicyclists increased from 16.5 percent before to 22 percent after, while motorists passing bicyclists decreased from 34 percent before to 28 percent after. This could indicate a more smoothly flowing traffic stream.**** 3. The percentage of bicycles using the sidewalk decreased from about 55 to 45 percent, and this reduction was statistically significant. **** 4. In examining the motorist responses when there was an interaction with a bicyclist, slowing by motorists increased from 19 percent before to 39 percent after. Moving partway into the adjacent lane decreased from 34 percent before to 30 percent after. Changing lanes decreased from 24 percent before to 17 percent after. Braking decreased from 12 percent before to 4 percent after. Full stops or major direction changes also decreased, but the frequencies were small. Taken together, these changes would represent a safer traffic stream. **** There were safety effects associated with the placement of the shared lane markings. Of most importance would be the increase in the percentage of bicyclists riding near the center of the lane and the increase in spacing between bicycles and parked motor vehicles. It is worth mentioning that with this pilot study, the City of Miami Beach pioneered the use of sharrows in South Florida. After the installation on Washington Avenue, other cities in the region have been using them as a tool to expand on their bicycle transportation system. **** **** As a result of a partnership between the City and DecoBike, the very successful Miami Beach Bike Share Program started operating in March 2011. DecoBike users add to mix of riders on Washington Avenue. The program currently provides about 1,000 bikes spread out in approximately 100 stations throughout the City. **** ** ** Bicycling In Spain: An Anecdotal Assessment **** **** *Submitted by Stan Clauson<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001rrI-K6HknDgcpoIe543kG6iZDWwc7BuHOdmgSxzpuc3J…> ***** **** *I. Introduction* Living in Aspen, Colorado, cycling has become a part of our lifestyle. Whether its mountain or road biking, trails and facilities exist to encourage even the most timid to try this healthy recreation option. In town, year-round cyclists, some with studded snow tires, regularly use cycling to get to work and run errands. So, it seemed natural in planning a trip to Spain to see what is happening with respect to cycling in a country where the famed Vuelta de España race ranks among the top three cycling events worldwide. Our trip included a week of cycling through Andalucia as well as visits to Madrid and Seville, two cities that have stridently developed car-free pedestrian zones. But how well do they accommodate cycling as an alternative mode of transportation and means of recreation? It turns out that these cities could not be more different in this respect, something that no doubt reflects the divergence among U.S. cities as well. In the countryside, some significant efforts are made for cycling safety on rural roads, rails-to-trails is part of the program. **** **** *II. A Tale of Two Cities: Madrid and Seville* Madrid has gone a long way toward providing car-free pedestrian zones and pedestrian connectivity. In the city center, most significant plazas are car free, but equally important, linkages between the plazas are car-free as well. Many of the smaller linking streets in the old town do not permit cars, are planted with trees, and have amenities such as benches and outdoor art. Because of the need for delivery access, these streets may see an occasional vehicle, but generally vehicle access appears to be self-policed and quite minimal. **** **** **** *A typical walking street in Madrid***** **** The next level of street is a mixed activity zone. In this case, curbs have been removed and replaced with rows of bollards, spaced one to two meters (three to six feet) apart. Without curbs, there is an easy flow of pedestrians from one side of the street to another. And often groups simply walk down the center, in the vehicle area. There is moderate traffic on these streets, but speeds are generally minimal and vehicles proceed with caution. The narrow path created by the rows of bollards appears quite effective at maintaining a driver perception that speeds should be slow.**** Then there are the standard city streets, which carry a substantial amount of traffic, are generally congested, and have numerous roundabouts at major intersections. While these are not bicycle friendly, it is interesting to note that neither are the pedestrian or mixed activity zones. In fact, it was rare to see a bicycle commuter, delivery person, or recreational rider in downtown Madrid. We did take a group bicycle tour of some of the inner city sightseeing venues. This was essentially a group of intrepid inner-city Dutch cyclists, and was led by a tour operator with a flagger front and rear. At one point, one of the tour leaders got into a heated discussion with a pedestrian who felt that bicycles should not be permitted on the walking streets. It was fun, but clearly not part of the inner city culture to be on a bike.**** **** **** *A bike tour group in Madrid's Plaza Santa Ana; safety in numbers***** **** So where do cyclists go in Madrid? Typically, they cycle on the periphery, where 64 kilometers of continuously linked trails have been established through greenbelts and on abandoned rail lines. But our tour guide advised against riding from town to reach these venues, suggesting instead that we put our bikes on the metro or rail lines for the trip out of town. By the way, there were no bike parking facilities or bike sharing racks in the core areas. So, for Madrid, pedestrianization is a priority, cycling is not. **** **** Seville could not have been more different. This city was rife with bike lanes on every major thoroughfare, which were well used. Perhaps this stems from the fact that Seville has a large university population in the city center, but we saw bicyclists of all ages. The bike lanes are more than painted striping. Typically, they consist of an asphalt lane, adjacent but separated from the main roadway by curbing and bollards, sometimes separated by a green parkway. In some cases these bikeways are bidirectional; often they are provided on both sides of the vehicle travel lanes. Crosswalks are a major design issue with this configuration. Cyclists co-mingle with pedestrians at stoplights. Pedestrians are expected to keep clear of the cycling path while waiting at traffic signals, but we observed frequent pedestrian-cyclist conflicts. To cross a street, cyclists are provided with their own signals, separate from the pedestrian signals, and frequently have a tinted asphalt pathway to denote their lane. Bicycle lanes are sometimes routed circuitously through the pedestrian areas within the curb radius, making for a visually complicated zone at each of the four corners of an intersection.**** **** **** **** *Dedicated bike lane examples in Seville***** **** Incidentally, there was one traffic signal innovation that we found interesting. Along with the numerical crossing countdown indicators, which we found at most intersections, some intersections had countdowns to the beginning of the pedestrian phase. So you knew exactly how long you needed to wait before crossing was permitted. And best of all was an animated "walk" icon, which sped up in animation as the pedestrian phase was ending. **** There were frequent bikeshare stations and clearly a great effort to accommodate cyclists in the otherwise busy traffic flow. However, in Seville, the pedestrians got short shrift. While most of the important plazas were car-free, the linkages consisting of narrow streets were not. These streets have more traditional curbed walkways, which sometimes narrowed to nothing as building encroachments changed, forcing the pedestrian into the street or a refuge on the opposite side. Lingering in the plazas was pleasant; moving from venue to venue was a challenge. The absence of bollards, and presence of traditional curb and sidewalk configurations, appeared to empower motorists to higher speeds and less apparent concern for pedestrians. **** **** **** *Bikes share a transitway in Seville***** **** *III. Cycling for Sport and Recreation in Rural Areas* In Andalucía, we encountered wonderful side roads, motorists (including trucks) who were very cautious and careful in passing cyclists, and a warning sign to make it clear that cyclists were welcome on the infrastructure. Instead of the standard warning sign in the U.S. with the yellow diamond bicycle icon and diminutive "Share the Road" legend, this is an example of the sign at rural routes that are likely to have cyclists present. **** **** **** *Warning signs for cyclists are big and bold***** **** We also found that rails-to-trails initiatives were attractive to significant numbers of recreational cyclists, although the pavement was more supportive of mountain than road biking. We cycled a 40-km stretch of an even longer converted railway, linking several towns with good signage and amenities along the way. Rural stations along the route had been converted into restaurants and toilet facilities, and wayfinding signage was excellent. This type of cycling appears to be very attractive to families, as it is in the U.S., who appreciated being able to take the children on a cycling experience without any traffic hazards. **** **** **** *The "Vía Verde," a converted rail line for cyclists and pedestrians* **** **** **** *Wayfinding Sign along the "Vía Verde"***** **** *IV. Conclusion* As with North American cities, and elsewhere in Europe, civic strategies for accommodating pedestrians and cyclists varied significantly with jurisdiction. However, it was clear that Spain had made a significant effort to include cycling among its recreational and tourism opportunities. And in one city, we found that significant efforts had been expended on promoting cycling as a means of urban transportation. While neither of the two urban areas discussed here presented a full complement of what might be called a "Complete Streets" approach in North America, each had made important strides in achieving a balance between vehicular and alternative modes. In the countryside, cycling appeared to be welcomed in ways we have yet to achieve in North America.**** **** *About the author: Stan Clauson is a landscape architect and planner with a private practice in Aspen, Colorado. Former planning director for the cities of Montpelier Vermont and Aspen, he is a member of ITE, and frequently works on projects promoting recreational trails and pedestrian zones. With thanks to Bike Spain www.bikespain.info<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001rrI-K6HknDjZEBDOQsw6JS0ATOx5XAhXqQZ27_uSFIaI…> ***** ** ** *Forward email<http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?llr=umc9fycab&m=1102470515092&ea=…> * <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&mse=001kkqO0FxDKZT4vX7yz6nMv4DYC…> **** <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?pn=buynow&cc=news04>**** This email was sent to robert.kurylko(a)stantec.com by info(a)ite.org | **** Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe<http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&mse=001kkqO0FxDKZT4vX7yz6nMv4DYC…>™ | Privacy Policy <http://ui.constantcontact.com/roving/CCPrivacyPolicy.jsp>. **** Institute of Transportation Engineers | 1627 Eye Street NW | Suite 600 | Washington | DC | 20006**** ****

1 0

Webinar Wed, July 18, 2-3 pm, Ecocentre - Reducing Pavement Footprints
by Beth McKechnie 12 Jul '12

12 Jul '12

Green Action Centre and Bike to the Future invite you to join us for a local viewing of the upcoming APBP webinar at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) followed by group discussion.* *Detailed description provided below.* **The Greener Side of Green Streets: Reducing Pavement Footprints* *Wednesday, July 18 | 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CST* RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth 925-3772 * * * * * Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) presents: *The Greener Side of Green Streets: Reducing Pavement Footprints* *Wednesday, July 18 | 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CST* This webinar will explore how some cities are working to reduce the environmental footprint of their streets while also adding value for bicyclists and pedestrians. Attendees will learn about Portland's Green Street Projects which target improvements to both storm water management and traffic calming through the use of semi-diverters, curb extensions, offset intersections and pervious pavements as components of neighborhood greenways and pocket parks. The session also includes a presentation about Chicago's exciting Sustainable Streets demonstration projects, which use recycled materials, pervious surfaces, reflective pavement coatings, street trees and other treatments to create sustainable streetscapes. Presenters: Mark Lear, Traffic Safety Program Manager, Portland (Oregon) Bureau of Transportation; Janet Attarian, Project Director, Streetscape and Sustainable Design Program, City of Chicago.

1 0

*NEW* Funding opportunity: Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund
by Anders Swanson 11 Jul '12

11 Jul '12

[Hi, see below. I have pasted the FAQ and highlighted some relevant info about how this could be geared to active transportation. - Anders] Go here for more info here: http://www.wd.gc.ca/eng/13771.asp 1. What is the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF)? CIIF is a two-year, $150 million national program to rehabilitate and improve existing community infrastructure. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) will deliver this federal program in Western Canada, investing over $46 million – the western portion of the federal contribution – to modernize community infrastructure in western Canadian communities. 2. Who can apply for CIIF funding? Organizations eligible to apply for CIIF funding include: - local or regional governments or related agencies; - provincial entities that provide municipal-type services to communities; - non-profit organizations; and - First Nation governments, including Band or Tribal Councils or their legally-designated representatives. 3. What type of community infrastructure can be supported under CIIF? CIIF can support the rehabilitation and improvement of existing community infrastructure that is non-commercial and open to the public (i.e. CIIF funding is not available for facilities owned by a for-profit entity or used primarily for commercial purposes or generating a profit, or limited to a private membership). Examples of community infrastructure eligible under CIIF include: - community centres; - cultural centres; - parks, recreational trails; - libraries; - recreational facilities (e.g. local arenas, swimming pools, sports fields, and other types of recreational facilities); - tourism facilities having a local impact; and - other existing community infrastructure assets which have a local community impact such as connectivity and broadband and local airports. 4. How much funding is available? Applicants seeking less than $250,000 in CIIF funding will receive priority. Total federal funding for a project will not exceed 50% of total eligible project costs. The remaining project costs need to be leveraged from sources other than the federal government. 5. When can I apply for CIIF funding? The first round of applications for CIIF are being accepted between July 5 and August 2, 2012. This will be followed by a second application intake in November. Find out more for more about the application process<http://www.wd.gc.ca/eng/13772.asp> . 6. Can CIIF support new construction? The construction of new infrastructure and the significant expansion of existing infrastructure are *not* supported by CIIF. The program is focused on rehabilitating and improving *existing* community infrastructure. There are opportunities for *minor*expansions to existing community infrastructure (i.e. extend a bike path or add a ramp to improve accessibility).

1 0

Complete Streets case studies - Calgary and Waterloo
by Beth McKechnie 11 Jul '12

11 Jul '12

As follow-up to the message below, note that Calgary was the first in Canada to officially adopt a Complete Streets policy in their Municipal Development Plan and Transportation Master Plan in 2009. Check out their Interim Complete Streets Design Guide (2011)<http://www.calgary.ca/Transportation/TP/Pages/Planning/Calgary-Transportati…>. TCAT has prepared case studies on Calgary<http://completestreetsforcanada.ca/case_study/city-calgary>'s experience to date as well as Waterloo<http://completestreetsforcanada.ca/case_study/city-waterloo>, ON, which was the second Canadian city to adopt a Complete Streets policy in 2011/12. cheers, Beth ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Ryan Whitney <ryan.whitney(a)tcat.ca> > Date: Thu, Jul 5, 2012 at 4:09 PM > Subject: TCAT launches Complete Streets for Canada Policy and Design Hub > > > [image: Inline image 1] > > *For Immediate Release > July 5, 2012* > > *TCAT launches Complete Streets for Canada Policy and Design Hub* > The Toronto Centre for Active Transportation (TCAT) is pleased to announce > the launch of the Complete Streets for Canada Policy and Design Hub<http://completestreetsforcanada.ca/>made possible by generous funding from the Ontario > Trillium Foundation <http://www.trilliumfoundation.org/>. A Complete > Streets policy ensures that transportation planners and engineers > consistently design and operate the entire street network for road users of > all ages and abilities, including pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and > drivers. > > The Complete Streets for Canada Policy and Design Hub will act as the 'go > to' for information on the growing Complete Streets movement in Canada, > with a particular initial focus on Ontario communities. The website > provides case studies, policy expertise, news, and the latest research, > including TCAT's recently completed Complete Streets Gap Analysis<http://tcat.ca/sites/all/files/Complete_Streets_Gap_Analysis.pdf>report and Complete > Streets by Design<http://www.tcat.ca/sites/all/files/CSxD_WebSpreadsMay2012.pdf>resource. The goal of the website is to facilitate implementation of > Complete Streets and increase awareness, knowledge, and community > involvement in building Complete Streets across Canada. > > To build and grow this dynamic resource, TCAT encourages professionals, > decision-makers and community members from across Canada to contact Ryan > Anders Whitney <ryan.whitney(a)tcat.ca>, TCAT's Complete Streets Researcher > and Project Manager, to share Complete Streets news from your community. > > *About TCAT* > The Toronto Centre for Active Transportation (TCAT) <http://www.tcat.ca/>has been working to create a better cycling and walking environment in > Toronto since 2006. At TCAT, everything we do is motivated by our vision of > cities that are safe, convenient, and enjoyable communities to walk and > bike. > > *About CAP* > Clean Air Partnership (CAP) <http://www.cleanairpartnership.org/> is a > registered charity established in 2000 with an accomplished track record in > working with partners to achieve clean and sustainable urban environments, > facilitate the exchange of ideas, and advance environmental initiatives. > TCAT became a project of CAP in 2008. > > *Contact* > Ryan Anders Whitney, Complete Streets Researcher and Project Manager > Toronto Centre for Active Transportation (TCAT) / Clean Air Partnership > (CAP) > Phone: 416-392-0260 > Email: ryan.whitney(a)tcat.ca > Websites: completestreetsforcanada.ca | tcat.ca | cleanairpartnership.org<http://www.cleanairpartnership.org> > > >

1 0

TCAT launches Complete Streets for Canada Policy and Design Hub
by Beth McKechnie 11 Jul '12

11 Jul '12

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Ryan Whitney <ryan.whitney(a)tcat.ca> Date: Thu, Jul 5, 2012 at 4:09 PM Subject: TCAT launches Complete Streets for Canada Policy and Design Hub [image: Inline image 1] *For Immediate Release July 5, 2012* *TCAT launches Complete Streets for Canada Policy and Design Hub* The Toronto Centre for Active Transportation (TCAT) is pleased to announce the launch of the Complete Streets for Canada Policy and Design Hub<http://completestreetsforcanada.ca/>made possible by generous funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation <http://www.trilliumfoundation.org/>. A Complete Streets policy ensures that transportation planners and engineers consistently design and operate the entire street network for road users of all ages and abilities, including pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and drivers. The Complete Streets for Canada Policy and Design Hub will act as the 'go to' for information on the growing Complete Streets movement in Canada, with a particular initial focus on Ontario communities. The website provides case studies, policy expertise, news, and the latest research, including TCAT's recently completed Complete Streets Gap Analysis<http://tcat.ca/sites/all/files/Complete_Streets_Gap_Analysis.pdf>report and Complete Streets by Design<http://www.tcat.ca/sites/all/files/CSxD_WebSpreadsMay2012.pdf>resource. The goal of the website is to facilitate implementation of Complete Streets and increase awareness, knowledge, and community involvement in building Complete Streets across Canada. To build and grow this dynamic resource, TCAT encourages professionals, decision-makers and community members from across Canada to contact Ryan Anders Whitney <ryan.whitney(a)tcat.ca>, TCAT's Complete Streets Researcher and Project Manager, to share Complete Streets news from your community. *About TCAT* The Toronto Centre for Active Transportation (TCAT) <http://www.tcat.ca/>has been working to create a better cycling and walking environment in Toronto since 2006. At TCAT, everything we do is motivated by our vision of cities that are safe, convenient, and enjoyable communities to walk and bike. *About CAP* Clean Air Partnership (CAP) <http://www.cleanairpartnership.org/> is a registered charity established in 2000 with an accomplished track record in working with partners to achieve clean and sustainable urban environments, facilitate the exchange of ideas, and advance environmental initiatives. TCAT became a project of CAP in 2008. *Contact* Ryan Anders Whitney, Complete Streets Researcher and Project Manager Toronto Centre for Active Transportation (TCAT) / Clean Air Partnership (CAP) Phone: 416-392-0260 Email: ryan.whitney(a)tcat.ca Websites: completestreetsforcanada.ca | tcat.ca | cleanairpartnership.org<http://www.cleanairpartnership.org>

1 0

Charter of Vancouver - Children have the right to cycle
by Beth McKechnie 10 Jul '12

10 Jul '12

Charter of Vancouver – Children have the right to cycleThe Charter of Vancouver focuses on the future of children, worldwide. A part of culture and daily habits, education and health, and environmental sustainability, cycling produces undeniable positive effects on our lives. The right of children to cycle should be universal and ever present; because children who make jumping on a bike a regular part of their lives today can grow up to be healthy, happy and environmentally conscious adults. The Charter of Vancouver was launched during the Velo-city Global 2012 conference as a step towards reaching the goal of a sustainable future, by focusing on cycling and children today. Show your support for children's right to cycle by signing the Charter. http://www.ecf.com/children-have-the-right-to-cycle/

1 0

Resources for transportation professionals
by Beth McKechnie 10 Jul '12

10 Jul '12

Hi everyone, Just in case you're not aware of this site, it's a handy summary of publications from Transport Canada on TDM (Transportation Demand Management) such as bike parking, social marketing to change travel behaviour, emission estimation tools, etc. http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/programs/environment-urban-menu-eng-1658.htm cheers, Beth

1 0

Crossing Bridges: Transport, Planning and Health
by Mike Tutthill 09 Jul '12

09 Jul '12

*EUR - Three new Crossing Bridges reports on collaborations across sectors for health and wellbeing<http://politiquespubliques.inspq.qc.ca/url.php?i=2801&f=News&l=En> * As part of the EU funded Crossing Bridges project, three new reports have been published that describe intersectoral practices in which health impacts and outcomes are taken into account in ‘non-health’ policy areas. Examples of such approaches were sought in the areas of health and education, and health and transport/planning. A third exercise explored the process of collaborations between health, agriculture and education in the context of the EU School Fruit Scheme. The reports describe common features and potential keys to success for collaborations across sectors. Transport, Planning and Health document: http://www.equitychannel.net/uploads/Crossing_Bridges_Tran_Plan_Health.pdf -- Mike Tutthill Planning & Community Engagement Consultant HEALTH in COMMON 200 - 141 Bannatyne Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3B 0R3 tel: 204.946.1888 ext. 4 1.800.731.1792 fax: 204.284.2404 email: mtutthill(a)healthincommon.ca web: www.healthincommon.ca +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ *Health in Common on Facebook*< http://www.facebook.com/pages/Health-in-Common/120069149875> ü Please consider the environment before printing this email.

1 0

It’s healthy to walk to school
by Mike Tutthill 09 Jul '12

09 Jul '12

July 8, 2012 It’s healthy to walk to school By Ben KnightMetro World Walking to school is simple, healthy and fun. And a large number of Canadian kids never do it. “Unlike other countries, Canada hasn’t paid much attention to the issues that people have when they travel on foot,” says Jacky Kennedy, director of Canada Walks. “At some point in our day, everybody does it, but it’s the most under-represented, ignored mode of transportation.” Canada Walks — part of the umbrella organization Green Communities Canada — is trying to raise awareness of the benefits of active transportation — walking, cycling and rollerblading. They’re trying to reach the parents of the 41 per cent of children who are routinely driven to school. “Pretty much what our society has done, over the last 30 years, is we’ve engineered physical activity out of our children’s lives,” Kennedy explains. “Our program targets the 68 per cent of Canadian children who live within a reasonable walking distance of their schools — about one-and-a-half kilometres. Only about 30 per cent of those currently use active travel to get to and from school.” There are a lot of reasons why this is. Parents worry about the safety of their kids, and there’s a compelling level of convenience to just dropping your children off at school, and driving on to the rest of your day. Kennedy counters that this caution and ease has its consequences. “Children need a minimum of 90 minutes of physical activity a day, and we know that many children aren’t getting that. If they walk to school, there isn’t a problem with burning off their excess energy.” Canada Walks does detailed assessments of the community surrounding a school. Are the walking and biking routes safe? If so, they organize programs like the Walking School Bus, where groups of children walk home together, accompanied by adults. Another program is Walk on Wednesday, where as many children as possible are asked to walk to school on the same day. With repetition, parents begin to see the health benefits — and it’s hard not to notice a substantial drop in car traffic around their school. “Parents and kids who are using active transportation some of the time are happier, they’re less stressed, they feel healthier and the kids are doing better in school,” Kennedy notes. For more info, visit saferoutestoschool.ca. http://metronews.ca/health/290147/its-healthy-to-walk-to-school/ -- Mike Tutthill Planning & Community Engagement Consultant HEALTH in COMMON 200 - 141 Bannatyne Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3B 0R3 tel: 204.946.1888 ext. 4 1.800.731.1792 fax: 204.284.2404 email: mtutthill(a)healthincommon.ca web: www.healthincommon.ca +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ *Health in Common on Facebook*< http://www.facebook.com/pages/Health-in-Common/120069149875> ü Please consider the environment before printing this email.

1 0

Lordy, lordy, let’s drop it to 40
by Mike Tutthill 09 Jul '12

09 Jul '12

>From the Metro: July 8, 2012 By Colin Fast <http://metronews.ca/author/cfast/>Metro Winnipeg This month, city council is discussing lowering school zone speed limits to 30 km/h. If approved, it would take about five years and $1 million to install hundreds of new speed limit signs throughout the city. While the goal of the plan is definitely worthwhile — improving road safety for children — there’s a couple of problems with the suggested approach. First, it’s unnecessarily confusing. The lower limits would only be in effect from September to June, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. No word yet on what happens during holidays or in-service days, so you’d be advised to keep a copy of the local school calendar pinned to your dashboard. Second, while there’s a concentration of kids around schools, they’re not the only places where children deal with traffic. Just getting to school usually involves walking or biking outside the school zone boundaries. Kids also use school playgrounds and gyms in the evening, they play at neighbourhood parks, and they run around in front of their own houses. All of which has me wondering if there’s an alternative that could be a lot simpler, safer, and much quicker to implement. What if we just lowered the residential speed limit in general? Now I can already hear howls from drivers if I suggested a 30 km/h limit across the city, so 40 km/h might be a good compromise. And offset that by actually increasing speeds on some regional streets that are currently posted artificially low (Grant Avenue and Kenaston Boulevard, I’m looking at you). Given the condition of many of our residential streets, 40 km/h is probably the limit for a car’s suspension anyway, but it also significantly increases safety. According to transportation experts, a pedestrian or cyclist hit at 50 km/h is two to three times more likely to die as one hit at 40 km/h. One could logically assume that injuries and property damage are also greatly reduced at the lower speed. Edmonton recently experimented with 40 km/h speed limits in several residential neighbourhoods, and saw a 25 per cent drop in severe collisions. Councillors in Ottawa are now talking about a 40 km/h limit, several cities in Australia have adopted them, and in the U.K. there’s a thriving campaign based around the idea of lowering residential limits to 20 mph (about 32 km/h). By lowering the residential limit to 40 km/h, we’d not only make our streets safer for kids, but for every pedestrian, cyclist and driver for that matter. We’d reduce collisions, save money on insurance premiums, and cut back on gas consumption. We’d prevent driver confusion from having a patchwork of different speed limits, and avoid the visual pollution of adding hundreds of new signs to the streets. And at what cost? It might take the average driver one or two more minutes to get where they’re going. That’s a trade-off I’d be more than willing to make. -- Mike Tutthill Planning & Community Engagement Consultant HEALTH in COMMON 200 - 141 Bannatyne Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3B 0R3 tel: 204.946.1888 ext. 4 1.800.731.1792 fax: 204.284.2404 email: mtutthill(a)healthincommon.ca web: www.healthincommon.ca +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ *Health in Common on Facebook*< http://www.facebook.com/pages/Health-in-Common/120069149875> ü Please consider the environment before printing this email.

1 0

MPI launches new bicycle safety campaign
by Anders Swanson 08 Jul '12

08 Jul '12

[read this in the Metro, text pasted below - Anders] Manitoba Public Insurance is launching a new program to educate motorists and cyclists about road safety and the obligation to share the road safely. Active Transportation (AT) Plan is a three-year program focused on safety for cyclists and pedestrians and raises cycling awareness for drivers. The ‘Cycling Champion’ program, under the AT Plan, aims to enhance cycling safety programs geared towards children and adults. All materials to do a presentation are provided at no charge by MPI. For more information or to register for a workshop, people can call Manitoba Public Insurance Road Safety at 204-985-8737. link to the original article: http://metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/288905/mpi-launches-new-bicycle-safety-ca…

1 0

Fwd: 4 Publications - Traffic Calming and Road Safety, Air Quality, Noise and Active Transportation (Summary)
by Mike Tutthill 04 Jul '12

04 Jul '12

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: NCCHPP <marianne.jacques(a)inspq.qc.ca> Date: Wed, Jul 4, 2012 at 3:07 PM Subject: 4 Publications - Traffic Calming and Road Safety, Air Quality, Noise and Active Transportation (Summary) To: "mtutthill(a)healthincommon.ca" <mtutthill(a)healthincommon.ca> ** *Our apologies for cross-posting.* Hello, The National Collaborating Centre for Healthy Public Policy (NCCHPP) has published four summaries based on *Urban Traffic Calming and Health: A Literature Review.* These documents briefly present the effects of traffic-calming measures on road safety, air quality, environmental noise and active transportation. Each of these documents presents the mechanisms of action underlying traffic-calming strategies, the results of evaluative studies and their implications for public health actors. They are available in English and in French at: *-Urban Traffic Calming and Road Safety: Effects and Implications for Practice *http://www.ncchpp.ca/175/publications.ccnpps?id_article=719<http://netmail.ccnpps.ca/redirect.aspx?id=984433&idcampagne=2399&url=http%3…> ** *-Urban Traffic Calming and Air Quality: Effects and Implications for Practice *http://www.ncchpp.ca/175/Publications.ccnpps?id_article=751<http://netmail.ccnpps.ca/redirect.aspx?id=984433&idcampagne=2399&url=http%3…> *-Urban Traffic Calming and Environmental Noise: Effects and Implications for Practice* http://www.ncchpp.ca/175/Publications.ccnpps?id_article=753<http://netmail.ccnpps.ca/redirect.aspx?id=984433&idcampagne=2399&url=http%3…> *-Urban Traffic Calming and Active Transportation: Effects and Implications for Practice *http://www.ncchpp.ca/175/Publications.ccnpps?id_article=794<http://netmail.ccnpps.ca/redirect.aspx?id=984433&idcampagne=2399&url=http%3…> The literature review is also available in English and in French at: http://www.ncchpp.ca/175/Publications.ccnpps?id_article=686<http://netmail.ccnpps.ca/redirect.aspx?id=984433&idcampagne=2399&url=http%3…> You can also find other traffic calming resources at: http://www.ncchpp.ca/174/news.ccnpps<http://netmail.ccnpps.ca/redirect.aspx?id=984433&idcampagne=2399&url=http%3…> If you have questions or feedback, please contact Olivier Bellefleur at: olivier.bellefleur(a)inspq.qc.ca<http://netmail.ccnpps.ca/redirect.aspx?id=984433&idcampagne=2399&url=mailto…> . Best regards, Marianne Jacques Network Development Officer National Collaborating Centre for Healthy Public Policy Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) 190 Crémazie Est, Montréal, Québec Phone : 514-864-1600, ext. 3613 Email : marianne.jacques(a)inspq.qc.ca Click here if you want to be removed from this list. <http://netmail.ccnpps.ca/unsubscribe.aspx?email=mtutthill@healthincommon.ca…> -- Mike Tutthill Planning & Community Engagement Consultant HEALTH in COMMON 200 - 141 Bannatyne Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3B 0R3 tel: 204.946.1888 ext. 4 1.800.731.1792 fax: 204.284.2404 email: mtutthill(a)healthincommon.ca web: www.healthincommon.ca +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ *Health in Common on Facebook*< http://www.facebook.com/pages/Health-in-Common/120069149875> ü Please consider the environment before printing this email.

1 0

4 Publications - Traffic Calming and Road Safety, Air Quality, Noise and Active Transportation (Summary)
by Marianne.Jacques＠inspq.qc.ca 04 Jul '12

04 Jul '12

Our apologies for cross-posting. The National Collaborating Centre for Healthy Public Policy (NCCHPP) has published four summaries based on Urban Traffic Calming and Health: A Literature Review. These documents briefly present the effects of traffic-calming measures on road safety, air quality, environmental noise and active transportation. Each of these documents presents the mechanisms of action underlying traffic-calming strategies, the results of evaluative studies and their implications for public health actors. They are available in English and in French at: -Urban Traffic Calming and Road Safety: Effects and Implications for Practice. http://www.ncchpp.ca/175/publications.ccnpps?id_article=719 -Urban Traffic Calming and Air Quality: Effects and Implications for Practice http://www.ncchpp.ca/175/Publications.ccnpps?id_article=751 -Urban Traffic Calming and Environmental Noise: Effects and Implications for Practice http://www.ncchpp.ca/175/Publications.ccnpps?id_article=753 -Urban Traffic Calming and Active Transportation: Effects and Implications for Practice http://www.ncchpp.ca/175/Publications.ccnpps?id_article=794 The literature review is also available in English and in French at: http://www.ncchpp.ca/175/Publications.ccnpps?id_article=686 You can also find other traffic calming resources at: http://www.ncchpp.ca/174/news.ccnpps If you have questions or feedback, please contact Olivier Bellefleur at: olivier.bellefleur(a)inspq.qc.ca. Best regards, Marianne Jacques Network Development Officer National Collaborating Centre for Healthy Public Policy Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) 190 Crémazie Est, Montréal, Québec Phone : 514-864-1600, ext. 3613 Email : marianne.jacques(a)inspq.qc.ca

1 0

Floodway Trail Announcement - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 1:15 pm
by Janice Lukes 02 Jul '12

02 Jul '12

It brings me huge joy to be able to send this - please share with others who may be interested. WHAT: Official Opening of the new Red River Floodway trail and PTH 59 Pedestrian Overpass Bridge WHEN: 1:15 pm July 3, 2012 DETAILS : See attachment Some of us have worked on this since 2004 - pre 'Bike to the Future' - pre my involvement with 'Winnipeg Trails Association' The newsletters reveal an interesting overview of this project since inception - never the 'full story' but a good one none the less: http://www.floodwayauthority.mb.ca/newsletter.html This was the most recent posting on the floodway trail: Pg 3: http://www.floodwayauthority.mb.ca/pdf/floodway_nwsltr_eng_2011.pdf When the Manitoba Floodway Authority announced they would be overseeing the 'floodway expansion' - Robert (Bob) Roehle - founder of the Farmers' Market in St. Norbert, Lorna Hendrickson - Executive Director of Rivers West at the time, and I met to discuss what we could do related to GREENWAYS / TRAILS / the floodway and St. Norbert back in 2004 - Rivers West aligned to focus on this legacy project - from workshops, to tons of meetings of MLA's / MP's / etc - to taking a bus load of politicians / mayors / reeves to see the 'recreation' on Grand Fork's floodway protection system - the process / pathway to ensuring recreation was incorporated into the floodway expansion has been like no other. There have been various media stories over the years - but tomorrow is the 'official announcement' - opening. Maybe you can attend! The Premier will be speaking - reps from Conservation / MIT / Wolseley / Ft. Rouge / St. Norbert & Rossmere have been invited by the Manitoba Floodway Authority. WOW - Janice Lukes Past Co-Chair, Red River Floodway Trails Coalition

1 0

ICBC backs plan for province wide bike training
by Cara Fisher 29 Jun '12

29 Jun '12

http://www.vancouversun.com/ICBC+backs+plan+provincewide+bike+training+stan… The Insurance Corp. of B.C. is investing $24,000 in a BC Cycling Coalition initiative to develop a provincewide standard for bicycle training. "While new bike lanes continue to hit the head-lines, there has been no attention on the need to provide willing cyclists with the skills they might need to start riding," states the BCCC release. "Voluntary and commercial organizations have offered a variety of cycling courses across B.C. for years but there is no coordination or consistency on what is taught." A standardized cycling training program will lead to more knowledgeable and safer cyclists, said ICBC community involvement manager Jared Huber. The initiative, Right to Bike, will develop courses that incorporate various levels of cycling ability. It will also focus, at least initially, on bicycle instruction in schools. Vancouver-based HUB - formerly the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition - is a not-for-profit society that offers cycling training courses. It is also backing BCCC's initiative. "Cyclists should have access to education," said executive director Erin O'Melinn, adding "the best way to do that is to go through schools and teach children how to ride [as well as] the rules of the road." However, O'Melinn said cyclist-related training for drivers is equally important and that B.C.'s driver-training regime is inadequate, especially when compared to places like Europe. The City of Vancouver wants to make cycle safety awareness a key component of all B.C. driver training courses and examinations, according to its Transportation 2040 plan. "The driving environment has changed," city transportation director Jerry Dobrovolny said in a telephone interview. "We've got bike lanes now and bike boxes and [a lane] that denotes bikes and cars have to share.... A lot has changed in 30 years." The city plans to discuss this new infrastructure with ICBC, which conducts driver training courses and over-sees licence examinations. The discussions will also include feedback the city received on cycling issues during its transportation plan consultation process. Drivers may endorse the city's initiative, according to a Harris/Decima poll conducted recently for the Canadian Automobile Association. Ninety-two per cent of respondents said they either strongly or somewhat support including more information on cyclists in young driver programs. When ICBC was asked whether it would support the city's initiative, spokesman Adam Grossman replied in an email that the insurer already incorporates a great deal into its training and testing regimes regarding sharing the road with cyclists. Three pages in its Learn to Drive Smart guide deal specifically with cyclists. Topics include maintaining a wide margin when passing bicycles and hand signal explanations. ICBC-approved training courses teach drivers how to interact with cyclists as well, including indirectly through lessons on hazard identification. The learners' licence written examination may include up to 13 questions on cyclists, Grossman said. The 50 questions on the exam are randomly selected from a database of 150-200. The road examination also tests awareness of cyclists, Grossman added, by emphasizing skills such as checking over your shoulder. Grossman noted cyclist-related crashes in B.C. make up less than 0.5 per cent of all collisions. On average, there are 1,300 cyclist-related crashes per year out of a total of 270,000. The city's transportation plan is open to public feed-back until July 13 and will go before council in the fall. TOP CONTRIBUTING FACTORS ASSIGNED BY POLICE TO CYCLISTS in crashes involving cyclists are: Cyclist inattentive/distracted Driving on wrong side of road Failing to yield right-of-way Cyclist error/confusion Ignoring traffic control device TOP CONTRIBUTING FACTORS ASSIGNED BY POLICE TO VEHICLE DRIVERS in crashes involving cyclists are: Driver inattention/distraction Failing to yield right-of-way Driver error/confusion Improper turning

1 0

School Travel Planning makes active travel a safer option for students in Steinbach
by Shoni Litinsky 27 Jun '12

27 Jun '12

I just wanted to share this article<http://www.mysteinbach.ca/newsblog/16156.html>from the community of Steinbach. We have worked with the Hanover School Division over the past two years with our School Travel Planning approach<http://greenactioncentre.ca/program/asrts/school-travel-planning/>to increase active transportation to and from school and to improve the safety around the school sites. School Travel Planning gets more families walking and wheeling to/from school by bringing the community stakeholders together to identify the barriers to active transportation for each school and develop a written action plan to address those issues. The community based approach was so successful for them that the division is now working on School Travel Plans with 7 schools in three municipalities (Steinbach, Niverville, and Landmark). I am so proud of the work they have all done. If anyone is interested in learning more about how School Travel Planning can help improve a school near you, please get in touch with me to learn more about our program. _________________ National program gets Manitoba children walking to school Posted on 06/27/2012, 9:37 am, by mySteinbach.ca *Pilot results show increase in active travel, decrease in traffic congestion around schools* Students around Manitoba, including Steinbach, are walking and biking more, thanks to their participation in the School Travel Planning project, which sought to reduce numbers of children being driven to and from school. Prior to starting the national pilot, it’s estimated 41 per cent of children across Canada were driven to school, based on new data from Canada Walks. Green Action Centre’s Active and Safe Routes to School (ASRTS) piloted School Travel Planning (STP) in 4 municipalities (Winnipeg, Thompson, Fisher River Cree Nation, and Steinbach) totaling twelve schools. Honoured with a Manitoba Planning Excellence Award earlier this year, School Travel Planning aims to get more families walking and wheeling to/from school by bringing together community stakeholders to identify barriers to active transportation for each school and develop a written action plan. STP projects worked to improve street infrastructure, increase awareness of the benefits of active travel and establish walking and cycling groups. This translated into a 4-6 per cent increase in children walking to and from school provincially. As more improvements are made, numbers are expected to increase. Manitoba data also revealed 19 per cent of surveyed families reduced driving for the school trip, and parents noticed a corresponding decrease in traffic congestion by 19% around participating schools. Randy Dueck, Assistant Superintendent for Hanover School Division likes what School Travel Planning has done for the children of Steinbach’s Woodlawn School saying “School Travel Planning is a process that has helped us to take a comprehensive look at improving the safety of our students as they travel to and from our schools. We have already responded with some specific improvements that include infrastructure improvements made by the city. Without the data from School Travel Planning we would have experienced greater difficulty in achieving these improvements.” Hanover School Division saw such value in School Travel Planning that it was expanded to the communities of Niverville and Landmark also,”I am convinced the students in all three communities that have participated in this process are safer today than they were prior to School Travel Planning. School Travel Planning has already proven its value in helping us to resolve some of the student traffic challenges we face.” “We celebrate every family who chooses to walk, even if they can’t do it all the time” says Shoni Litinsky, ASRTS for Green Action Centre. “Breaking up sedentary time for children is key to bringing down rates of obesity, chronic illness and some cancers and when we leave the cars at home our communities become more connected and we have cleaner air. ASRTS in Manitoba believes so strongly in School Travel Planning we’re leading the nation in building capacity by delivering training workshops and building an iPad app that will expand data collection capability.” -- *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/>

1 0

Helmets not the only answer
by Beth McKechnie 27 Jun '12

27 Jun '12

[Editorial from The Record newspaper in Waterloo Region re the recently circulated report on bicycling deaths in Ontario. Note that I have put a couple of links in below that were not in the original article. -cheers, Beth] Helmets not the only answer Editorial | Fri Jun 22 2012 | Waterloo Region: The Record http://www.therecord.com/opinion/editorial/article/747763--helmets-not-the-… Humans naturally crave quick and easy fixes for tough problems, and this holds true whether the human is pedalling a bicycle or driving a car. No surprise, then, that this week’s release of a report<http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/stellent/groups/public/@mcscs/@www/@com/docu…>on bicycling deaths by the office of Ontario’s chief coroner sparked heated demands for a new law forcing every cyclist in the province — regardless of age — to wear a helmet. The coroner’s report recommends precisely this change and a public debate on such legislation would surely be timely. Yet the report’s call to action includes so much more than just a mandatory helmet law that it would be wrong, in fact needlessly distracting, to focus on this issue alone. Too many people are doing this. The public deludes itself if it thinks a tough new helmet law will suddenly end all the dangers cyclists face on the road or that the passage of such a new rule will free us to move onto other matters, confident our roads are safer. Not so. It might be quick and easy. But it would hardly confer the armour of invincibility on those who mount a bicycle for fun, recreation or a commute. In fact, to read the Cycling Death Review of 129 fatal accidents involving cyclists in Ontario over a five-year period ending in 2010 is to reach a far different conclusion. Major changes, extensive changes, very expensive changes are needed in how this province builds its transportation networks. That’s the real point the coroner’s report: There are no simple fixes. We need what the report calls a “complete streets<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/complete-streets/>” approach that focuses on “the safety of all road users.” And this would lead to a profoundly new way of redeveloping existing communities and designing new ones. Why can’t we seriously consider putting in segregated cycling lanes whenever we rebuild major municipal roadways or construct new arteries? And why can’t we make it a priority to pave shoulders on provincial highways for the specific use of cyclists? Of course, this would cost us big-time. It’s so much easier to enter a predictable and somewhat tedious debate about bike helmets, with one side insisting they must be mandated and the other arguing that such a move would unreasonably infringe on personal liberties. Let’s resist that temptation. It won’t solve the problem. In its analysis of specific fatalities, the report itself is often ambiguous about the effectiveness of helmets in protecting riders. In some cases we know that riders who died weren’t wearing helmets — but the report refuses to speculate on whether a helmet would have made a difference. Similarly, there are other cases where riders wearing helmets were struck and killed by vehicles. No wonder some of the people who wrote this report urged careful study of the pros and cons of a helmet law before bringing one into force. One of the most stark and disturbing findings of this report is the fact that 71 per cent of the cycling deaths over five years — that’s 91 fatalities — occurred at least partly because of an avoidable cyclist error. Failing to yield the right of way, ignoring traffic signals, travelling against traffic and improperly using road lanes were all fatal errors. Amazingly, in 23 per cent of the cycling deaths that were studied — 30 lost lives in all — the cyclist was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the collision. All this explains, and supports, one of the report’s other major conclusions. We have to do a better job educating cyclists and some of this could be done in our publicly funded schools. Better instruction on the responsibilities of drivers for those seeking a motor vehicle licence is also in order. This is an important report, one that should not collect dust on the shelf of some provincial bureaucrat’s office. But if Ontarians agree with its authors that the lives of cyclists should be a higher priority, they will also realize they must commit themselves and their tax dollars to prove it.

1 0

Cycling study in [Waterloo] busts myths
by Daniel Gravenor 26 Jun '12

26 Jun '12

Adding to this: When I managed the OttoCYCLE GPS bicycle study here in Winnipeg, we had over 700 people participate and found similar results. Some perspective is required in looking at the results too - most people volunteered for the Winnipeg study which would depend on who heard of it, and might have limited participation from lower income groups, etc. ======================================= Cycling study in region busts myths http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/750633--cycling-study-in-region… VANCOUVER — Some myths about cyclists were busted by a study done by the University of Waterloo and the Region of Waterloo, presented Tuesday among the opening sessions of Velo-city Global 2012 in Vancouver. Velo-city Global, the international conference sponsored by the European Cycling Federation, is being held outside of Europe for only the third time, drawing 800 delegates from 41 countries to Vancouver, to discuss cycling infrastructure, planning, technology and advocacy. Among the reps from Australia, Uganda, the U.K., Germany and Korea are dozens of presenters and participants from Ontario universities and municipal governments. Kyrylo Cyril Rewa, a master’s student at UW, presented the joint UW-Region of Waterloo GPS study of cyclists, done between March 2010 and January 2011. Some 400 cyclists kept diaries, filled out surveys and carried GPS devices, tracking the best and worst that the area’s roads have to offer cyclists. Rewa told the audience that the research group was surprised to find that the study seemed to undermine the preconception that cyclists choose bicycles because they may not have the money for a car. In fact, the participants tended to have higher average incomes than the regional norm, and may have in fact have owned a car in their household, but chose to ride a bicycle. Another preconception, said Rewa, is that cyclists ride for leisure, recreation or exercise, but the GPS survey showed that the highest bicycle use occurred during the peak travel times for commuters. Essentially, the participants were riding to and from work. Rewa said this demonstrated the potential for reducing rush-hour congestion by encouraging more cycling among commuters. To reach that potential will require overcoming some obstacles, Rewa said. Among them: the feeling of many non-cyclists that cycling is unsafe. That the concern about high traffic on area roads and the perception that many motorists demonstrate poor behaviour to cyclists, were the main barriers to increased cycling. During the GPS study, cyclists identified several areas of concern in Waterloo Region, and Rewa drew laughter from the audience of 60 delegates when he showed an image of the intersection of Erb and Caroline streets in Waterloo, with red lines indicating the dangerous routes that cyclists have to take to proceed through the intersection. The database developed by the survey is being used to develop a “generalized cost” for cycling, to give regional planners a baseline for budgeting for future cycling infrastructure. Rewa told the group that the methodology developed by the Region and UW has attracted attention from outside the area, and a revised version of the project is being launched in Peel Region, tracking cycle use in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon.

1 0

FW: Put onus on drivers, says cycling world champion Mark Cavendish | The Times
by Charles Feaver 26 Jun '12

26 Jun '12

A good article on British & EU rules on liability of drivers who hit cyclists: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/cyclesafety/article3451896.ece#.T-n0JS… Charles Feaver Sent from my mobile

1 0

WFP: Winnipeg counts down to countdown crosswalks (Jun26'12)
by Beth McKechnie 26 Jun '12

26 Jun '12

[Print from today's Freep of the article Anders circulated yesterday] Winnipeg counts down to countdown crosswalks PEDESTRIANS will get a heads-up about how much time they have to cross Portage Avenue and Donald Street. This Wednesday, the City of Winnipeg will install a pedestrian countdown signal at all four points in the downtown intersection to indicate the number of seconds remaining to cross the street. It's Winnipeg's first countdown signal and is part of a pilot project to test the devices. Traffic-signals engineer Michael Cantor said the devices are mandatory at some intersections in the United States, and other Canadian cities have also installed them. He said Winnipeg traffic officials decided the downtown intersection would be a good place to test the device, since there is a high volume of foot traffic and it is close to the MTS Centre. "If you decide to start (crossing) later, at least you know how many seconds you have," Cantor said. It costs up to $10,000 to install the devices at an intersection. Cantor said the city plans to review feedback from a survey at the downtown site and consider whether the devices can be installed at other locations. He said there are some technical challenges involved in making the device a permanent fixture on city streets since the new software in Winnipeg traffic-control signals doesn't support the countdown system. Cantor said the city will work to address this challenge. http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/winnipeg-counts-down-to-countdown-cr…

1 0

City's first pedestrian countdown signal slated for Portage Avenue
by Anders Swanson 25 Jun '12

25 Jun '12

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/Citys-first-pedestrial-countdown-sig…

1 0

Provincial AT Plan and Coordinator announced
by Beth McKechnie 23 Jun '12

23 Jun '12

*Provincial press release:* http://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?archive=2012-06-01&item=14672 * Provincial AT page & coordinator contact info:* http://www.gov.mb.ca/ia/programs/bldgcomm/at_general.html *Greater Strides:* http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/pdf/atag_report6.pdf * * * * * Winnipeg Free Press Active transport plan unveiledBy: Larry Kusch There was more tolerance and respect on city streets Friday between motorists and cyclists -- and the province's local government minister would like to see that happen more than one day a year. The well-publicized Bike to Work Day saw thousands of Winnipeggers don helmets and pedal to their jobs. By all accounts, riders and drivers got along on the way to work, despite all the extra two-wheeled traffic. Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux chose the day to unveil a three-year active transportation action plan he hopes will help lead to a permanent increase in cycling. It includes pledges of funding and technical support to municipalities to develop active transportation infrastructure and efforts to promote more understanding between cyclists and drivers. "I'm personally very concerned with improving awareness of motorists so that the tragic collisions we've seen recently can be avoided," Lemieux said at a press conference. "We need to find better ways of balancing the needs and rights of all users of roadways (so they) get to their destinations safely and feel secure while they're doing so." Lemieux, who lives outside the city, said he was impressed with the consideration he witnessed between motorists and cyclists as he drove in to work on Friday. He said the government is working on ways to ease tensions between the two groups since "active transportation is only going to increase." The program he announced Friday was lean on specifics and lacked a dollar figure. Lemieux said initiatives will be rolled out in the coming weeks and months as the province consults further with stakeholders. He also said the province would press hard for the funding of active transportation improvements under a new Building Canada capital projects fund (involving all three levels of government), which is expected to be unveiled in a couple of years. In the spring sitting of the legislature, the Selinger government passed legislation giving municipalities more authority to set rules governing bicycle traffic within their boundaries. That is expected to set the stage for future active transportation improvements. Doug Dobrowolski, president of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, said his group supported the legislation and hopes future active transportation infrastructure spending will help promote local tourism. "Each community has something unique they want to showcase. So this gives another opportunity for people to come to these communities and see what's outside the city of Winnipeg," he said Friday. Janice Lukes, who chairs the province's Active Transportation Advisory Group, called Lemieux's announcement a good start. She applauded the fact the province has appointed an active transportation co-ordinator -- Vicky Reaney. But Lukes would have liked to have seen a funding commitment. "I'm still challenged by the fact that there's over $500 million spent on roadways this year and we haven't heard a dedicated amount... put into active transportation," she said. Meanwhile, Anika Terton, who bikes to work between April and October, said Friday the key to improved cycling safety is simply getting more people out riding bikes, whether they use them to get to work or not. "I felt safer today because there were more cyclists on the road, and I felt there was more respect because there were more cyclists on the road," she said. "I think if you cycle and drive your car, you respect cyclists more when you're in your car." larry.kusch(a)freepress.mb.ca * Manitoba's active transportation plan* -- Develop design guidelines for active transportation infrastructure. -- Provide new funding and technical support to help municipalities integrate AT planning with other land use and transportation planning and development. -- Launch a new online portal with AT resources and an inventory of cycling routes across the province. -- Work to complete the Borders to Beaches section of the Trans Canada Trail (from the Ontario border to Grand Beach). -- Construct a new AT overpass at the north Perimeter Highway to extend the popular Northeast Pioneers Greenway, which runs along Gateway Road. -- Work with Manitoba Public Insurance to raise awareness of safety issues concerning cyclists and pedestrians. http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/active-transport-plan--unveiled-1601… *Additional coverage:* http://www.cjob.com/News/Local/Story.aspx?ID=1726507 http://metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/273618/manitoba-rolls-out-action-plan-on-…

1 0

Bike to Work Day - WTA_AlterEgo_CanadInns Pit Stop - Leg announcement
by Janice Lukes 22 Jun '12

22 Jun '12

Bike to Work Day 2012 Pembina and Plaza Pit Stop Leg Announcement - 3 year AT Action Plan with list if actions / Vicki Reaney as dedicated person / coordinator BEST t-shirts every - and was one of the first 300 to register - but never made it to Natural Cycle - And am looking for a left over ! Wow! Janice Lukes

1 0

Webinar Evalluation
by Mark Cohoe 22 Jun '12

22 Jun '12

Hi, Thank you to all who attended Wednesday's APBP webinar "Resolving Conflicts at Complex Intersections". I hope the session was helpful to you. If you haven't already evaluated this webinar, please take a minute and fill out the webinar evaluation <http://www.apbp.org/surveys/default.asp?id=Eval_Jun-12>. Cheers, Mark

1 0

ON Planners issue *Call to Action on Active Transportation"
by Beth McKechnie 21 Jun '12

21 Jun '12

The Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) calls upon planners, the provincial government, municipalities and the public to make non-motorized forms of travel a mainstay of daily life throughout Ontario communities. OPPI prepared this Call to Action to raise awareness and to highlight key issues so that Ontario’s planners and communities can address the challenges associated with planning for active transportation. Read more: http://www.ontarioplanners.on.ca/pdf/Call-to-Action-on-Active-Transportatio…

1 0

Friday is Bike to Work Day! 24 degrees and SUNNY.
by Beth McKechnie 21 Jun '12

21 Jun '12

*Count Yourself In. Make Cycling Count. * So far *2522 people* have registered to Bike to Work this Friday, June 22nd. That's $1261 that Manitoba Pubic Insurance will dedicate to The WRENCH<http://thewrench.ca/>, and a massive group of cyclists to take to the streets and stand up for cycling in Winnipeg. * BRING A FRIEND.* If everyone can encourage one other coworker, friend, or stranger to register and ride we could see over 4000 cyclists on Friday and maximize our donation to the WRENCH. It's free for you! * * *If you haven't yet, REGISTER TODAY<http://biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org/register><http://t.ymlp226.net/eyybaxajjqbadausqaxahyse/click.php>at biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org/register <http://t.ymlp226.net/eyyhanajjqbavausqaxahyse/click.php> * OR *Pedal by a pit stop to register on your way to work on Friday between 6:30-9:00 a.m.* There are 38 around the city! Plus one at the Forks opening at 9:00 and closing at 3:30 when our BBQ party begins. Find one along your route on the pit stop map at: http://biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org/pitstops<http://t.ymlp226.net/eyywacajjqbarausqacahyse/click.php> BBQ party at The Forks! *****Mogley and the Woodland Creatures* and *Flat City Folk* will entertain us at the BBQ while we enjoy* Half Pints' Pedal Pusher Ale* and draw for our grand prizes: a new *Schwinn bike, bike trailers, a stay at Falcon Trails Resort *and an enormous amount of prizes from Fort Whyte Alive, Assiniboine Credit Union, and all of the incredible Winnipeg Bike Shops. *Count Yourself In. Make Cycling Count. * See you in the sunshine on Friday! Andraea Sartison Event Coordinator Bike to Work Day 2012 www.biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org<http://t.ymlp226.net/eyyqaiajjqbatausqapahyse/click.php> LOVE US ON THE FACEBOOK<http://t.ymlp226.net/eyyyaaajjqbaxausqaaahyse/click.php>

1 0

Active Transportation - You and Your Community
by Derrett, Jaymi (HLYS) 20 Jun '12

20 Jun '12

Active Transportation - You and Your Community Rosanne Prinsen, MSc, Resource Coordinator, Alberta Centre for Active Living Active transportation means using human-powered transportation (rather than cars or other motorized vehicles) to get to and from local destinations, such as work, school, businesses, facilities, events and much more. This article offers a variety of tips and insights to help you and your community works towards your active transportation goals. http://www.centre4activeliving.ca/publications/wellspring/2012/jun-active-t… Jaymi Derrett Consultant Recreation and Regional Services Children and Youth Opportunities 310- 800 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3G 0N4 Phone: (204) 945-4401 Fax: (204) 948-4042

1 0

Webinar Handouts
by Mark Cohoe 19 Jun '12

19 Jun '12

Hi, For those coming to tomorrows webinar, Resolving Conflicts at Complex Intersections, handouts can viewed here <http://www.apbp.org/?page=Webinar_Downloads>. Green Action Centre and Bike to the Future invite you to join us for a local viewing of the upcoming APBP webinar at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) followed by group discussion.**Detailed description provided below.* * Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) presents: Resolving Conflicts at Complex Intersections *Wednesday, June 20 | 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CST* The webinar will focus on mitigating bad geometry at awkward intersections, including how to address skews, multi-legs, unusual bicycle and pedestrian movements, and interchanges. imageThrough an overview of engineering tools and many examples, partipants will learn how to realign skewed intersections, get rid of extra legs, place crosswalks, design corner radii to reduce speed while accommodating turning trucks, and use islands and medians to make a complex intersection safer and more pedestrian friendly. Several signal phasing topics will also be covered, including exclusive pedestrian phases, leading pedestrian intervals, banning RTOR, and bicycle signals. Presenter: Michael Moule, PE, TE, PTOE, has over 18 years of progressive traffic and transportation engineering experience, including traffic calming, conceptual design for Complete Streets, and the planning of improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities. His projects accommodate all modes of transportation in order to help cities and states meet their mobility, economic development, safety, and quality of life goals. He has significant innovative design experience and specializes in improving conditions for non-motorized users without degrading motor vehicle capacity. Michael routinely leads community planning processes and training sessions to give citizens the basic skills they need to develop and review street design solutions. -- Cheers, Mark

1 0

Webinar reminder: Resolving Conflicts at Complex Intersections: Wed, June 20th, 2-3 pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 19 Jun '12

19 Jun '12

*Friendly reminder about tomorrow's webinar (thanks to those who have already RSVP'ed)...* Green Action Centre and Bike to the Future invite you to join us for a local viewing of the upcoming APBP webinar at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) followed by group discussion.* *Detailed description provided below.* *Resolving Conflicts at Complex Intersections *Wednesday, June 20 | 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CST* RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth 925-3772 * * * * * Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) presents: Resolving Conflicts at Complex Intersections *Wednesday, June 20 | 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CST* The webinar will focus on mitigating bad geometry at awkward intersections, including how to address skews, multi-legs, unusual bicycle and pedestrian movements, and interchanges. [image: image]Through an overview of engineering tools and many examples, partipants will learn how to realign skewed intersections, get rid of extra legs, place crosswalks, design corner radii to reduce speed while accommodating turning trucks, and use islands and medians to make a complex intersection safer and more pedestrian friendly. Several signal phasing topics will also be covered, including exclusive pedestrian phases, leading pedestrian intervals, banning RTOR, and bicycle signals. Presenter: Michael Moule, PE, TE, PTOE, has over 18 years of progressive traffic and transportation engineering experience, including traffic calming, conceptual design for Complete Streets, and the planning of improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities. His projects accommodate all modes of transportation in order to help cities and states meet their mobility, economic development, safety, and quality of life goals. He has significant innovative design experience and specializes in improving conditions for non-motorized users without degrading motor vehicle capacity. Michael routinely leads community planning processes and training sessions to give citizens the basic skills they need to develop and review street design solutions. -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> 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/>

1 0

A review of all accidental cycling deaths in ON from 2006-2010
by Beth McKechnie 19 Jun '12

19 Jun '12

*Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario* *Cycling Death Review: A Review of All Accidental Cycling Deaths in Ontario from January 1st, 2006 to December 31st, 2010* Road safety is a global public health issue. In the 2004 World Report on Road Traffic Injury Prevention co-authored by the World Health Organization and the World Bank, it is estimated that by the year 2020, road traffic injuries will become the third greatest contributor to the global burden of disease and injury. In terms of mortality, cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users worldwide...One of the hypotheses of the Cycling Death Review was that all cycling fatalities are preventable. This hypothesis held true in each and every death we reviewed. Read the report here<http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/stellent/groups/public/@mcscs/@www/@com/docu…> .

1 0

Velo-City Pre-Conference Workshop: Velo-Talk Bicycle Advocacy Workshop
by Shoni Litinsky 18 Jun '12

18 Jun '12

For anyone who is attending Velo-City this year or know of anyone attending please considering registering or passing along this message about a fantastic pre-conference workshop *Velo-Talk Bicycle Advocacy Workshop*, held on *June 25th, 2012 from 12:30-5pm.* *Workshop Details* *Do you want to share ideas about how to get even more cycling happening? Please join HUB at Velo Talk, a satellite event of the Velo-city Global cycling conference in Vancouver. Join in Vancouver's cycling excitement in this afternoon advocacy workshop the day before Velo-city starts (June 25th) with an optional morning bike ride and evening social. See http://bikehub.ca/civicrm/event/register?id=48&reset=1 and the attached flyer. This event has limited registration, so please sign up soon.* Please contact Kerry Hamilton if you would like more information: kerry(a)hastebc.org -- *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/>

1 0

WFP: Stolen bikes not on police radar (Jun16'12)
by Beth McKechnie 16 Jun '12

16 Jun '12

Stolen bikes not on police radar Another opportunity lost to catch a bicycle thief in city By: Gordon Sinclair Jr. <gordon.sinclair(a)freepress.mb.ca> Some questions have been raised this week as a result of something that happened to one of the thousands of people who have their bikes stolen each year in this city. The questions are these: How much does the Winnipeg Police Service really care about finding bike thieves? And how much does it really care about finding and returning your bike? The questions were raised -- to a level just shy of a scream -- after Rejean Robert, a 33-year-old Fort Rouge resident contacted the Free Press about the theft of two bikes last Saturday afternoon; a $700 mountain bike he rode to work and a $600 model belonging to his fiancée. Initially, the police response appeared positive. Within a few hours, two patrol officers took a statement from a witness. Actually, the witness had done more than just watch, he took photos, and then followed the thieves for six blocks to a walk-up apartment block on Corydon Avenue near Confusion Corner, where he saw them take the bikes. Rejean thought, given that kind of lead, police would follow it. And fast. But they didn't. So the next day, Rejean and his fiancée, Brenda, decided to follow the lead themselves, right to that apartment block on Corydon. With the help of the caretaker, they not only found Brenda's bike, but a large stash of other bikes and bike parts in a basement locker and second-floor apartment. All of which suggested they had stumbled on a stolen-bike ring that was operating a chop shop out of the building. I wrote about all of this on Tuesday. By Wednesday, police, who had assigned detectives to the case on Monday, had executed a search warrant at the apartment block. By that time, the bikes were gone. But police arrested one suspect there and another the next day downtown, both of whom were charged with possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000. They're still looking for a third suspect. The arrests make police -- or at least these officers -- look better. Except the police service had known for weeks that a bike ring was at work in the area, and according to what the caretaker told Rejean, they had been alerted more than once about the suspicious goings-on at the Corydon apartment. But police hadn't responded. What's even more disturbing is this doesn't appear to be an isolated case. Ruth Smith owns a 16-suite apartment block on St. Mary's Road, and when she read about Rejean's experience, she sent me an email. Late last month, Ruth said she discovered 12 bikes and assorted bike parts stashed under a basement stairwell in her building. So she took it upon herself to investigate, much like the witness did in last weekend's case. "I proceeded to phone and talk directly to every tenant in the 16-suite block," Ruth wrote. Fifteen of the tenants told her none of the bikes belonged to them. But when Tenant 16 didn't get back to her, Ruth decided to record all the bike serial numbers and call police. But when she called police, they brushed her off. "They said they wouldn't come to check as there was no proof of illegal activity." There's more. "When I offered to record the serial numbers, they said I could but someone could just say they found them. Basically, they said, never mind." The next day, Tenant 16 was spotted removing the 12 bikes and bike parts from the basement. Later, he would tell Ruth he took the bikes to his brother's place. On hearing that, Ruth called police again, and again got the brush-off. He could be repairing friends' bikes or buying and selling bikes, police told her. "And they had no reason to investigate." We all know there are lot of good cops doing a lot of good work, and there's a never-ending load of work to do. I also know it's not uncommon for general-patrol officers to find bikes, run their serial numbers and then stuff them in their trunks and return them to their owners. But then there's what appears to be institutional apathy about bike theft, as if it doesn't matter. Police don't even track stolen bikes as a separate theft category, leaving the city to estimate reported cases at 3,000 annually, which means there are probably another 3,000 stolen that go unreported. On a national scale, the number is more like 200,000, which amounts to losses in the tens of millions of dollars. Of this much I can assure you: If it were a bank being robbed at that rate, police wouldn't be telling citizens such as Ruth Smith that their tip didn't matter. But we're not talking about banks, we're talking about bikes. Big wheels, versus little ones. And that's just the way the world goes around. gordon.sinclair(a)freepress.mb.ca http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/stolen-bikes-not-on-police-radar-159…

1 0

WFP: Why police didn't bust bike thieves (Jun14'12)
by Beth McKechnie 14 Jun '12

14 Jun '12

Why police didn't bust bike thieves By: Gordon Sinclair Jr. <gordon.sinclair(a)freepress.mb.ca> Everyone can relax now. Well, maybe not everyone. Winnipeg police want you to know they are hot on the trail of what appears to be a ring of bike thieves. Although they didn't appreciate my writing about the case Tuesday, the suggestion being that by alerting the thieves, I've made finding them more difficult. More difficult? Let's just do a little backtracking here. Back to around noon last Saturday when four locked bikes were stolen from under an apartment fire escape in Fort Rouge. As it turns out, there are a lot more than four bikes involved in this investigation. And a lot more at stake for police. That's because of what happened after the four bikes were stolen and what a couple of patrol officers did -- and didn't do -- about it. What they did was respond promptly later that Saturday afternoon to the apartment of Rejean Robert and Brenda Harder, who were without their two bikes. Police responded because a witness had reported what he'd seen. The witness, a 32-year-old neighbour, not only saw what happened, he took photographs of the thieves in action and then followed two members of what appears to be a stolen-bike ring and chop-shop operation. The witness not only tracked the thieves to a walk-up apartment on Corydon Avenue near Confusion Corner, he recovered one of the four bikes and prevented another bike from being stolen by interrupting the theft in progress. Pretty impressive. But it was tracking them to the apartment that would turn out to be the big score. Because, the next day, using a lead provided by his good neighbour the witness, Robert went to the apartment block and recovered his fiancée's bike. By that time, his bike -- the one he used to get to work -- was long gone. It was the block's caretaker who first led Robert to a basement locker full of bikes and bike parts and then took him upstairs where the caretaker knocked on a door behind which were more bikes and bike parts. Why would Robert put himself at risk like that? Because of what the two patrol officers didn't do after they responded to his home to take a report on Saturday. The officers didn't go to the apartment block on Corydon where the witness saw the thieves take their stolen bikes, one worth $700 and the other about $600. It was the patrol officer not following the lead to the apartment block on Corydon that outraged Robert and prompted him to contact the Free Press. "I told them I had the address," Robert recalled Wednesday when we spoke again. "And what they told me was they can't go knocking on doors." No? That's also what Winnipeg Police Service public information officer Const. Jason Michalyshen suggested to me when we spoke earlier this week, although he put it slightly differently. He said police can't go kicking in doors, at least not without a search warrant. "There's a process we have to follow." He said he understands the victim's frustration, but sometimes police can't act as quickly as they'd like to. "We can't snap our fingers," is how Michalyshen put it. All true, but not totally true. When I spoke to a former senior Winnipeg police officer, he said if the patrol officers had driven the six blocks from the scene of the theft to the Corydon apartment, they could have secured the scene and sought a search warrant. So, why didn't they go? Michalyshen said he didn't know. I asked him something else. According to Robert, the caretaker said he had reported suspicious activity at the apartment to police more than once, prior to last weekend. But police hadn't responded. I asked Michalyshen if he could verify that. He said he couldn't. What he could tell me, though, was that prior to last weekend, police in District 6 had been aware there had been a rash of stolen bikes in the Fort Rouge area. And beyond. Last month, Gord's Ski & Bike on Donald Street had been hit by professional thieves three times for a total of eight bikes, including a couple worth $8,000 each. And by Tuesday, when the column appeared, Robert quickly learned he wasn't alone because of Facebook messages from others in the neighbourhood who'd had bikes stolen. Were the two patrol officers aware there had been a rash of stolen bikes in the area? Michalyshen said he didn't know. What the WPS spokesman could tell me about how police handled the case was this: The officers in charge of the patrol officers who took Robert's report on Saturday are "very pleased" with the thoroughness of their work. And, police made no mistakes. But then, when do they ever? Or at least, ever admit they did? But we should give the last words to the victim. Words that cut through all the police we-don't-knows, to what Rejean Robert knows: "We had a witness, pictures, an address... what more do they need to help protect the property of citizens?" gordon.sinclair(a)freepress.mb.ca *STOLEN BIKES BY THE NUMBERS* 3,000 -- estimated number of bikes reported stolen annually in Winnipeg. 1,500 -- estimated number of bikes recovered annually. 10-12 -- percentage of recovered bikes returned to owners in Winnipeg. 100,000 -- estimated number of stolen bikes reported stolen annually in Canada. 200,000 -- estimated total number of bikes stolen annually across Canada. Sources: City of Winnipeg, TD Insurance http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/why-police-didnt-bust-bike-thieves-1…

1 0

City of Winnipeg News Release - OurWinnipeg - The Conversation Continues
by DeweyPovoledo, Susanne 14 Jun '12

14 Jun '12

[Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: cid:image001.png@01CC88E0.FA0A1B80] For Immediate Release Wednesday, June 13, 2012 OurWinnipeg - The Conversation Continues Winnipeg, MB - Today, the City released the first "OurWinnipeg: Report to the Community" which tracks progress in implementing its long-term development plan. The planning document, OurWinnipeg, came into effect nearly one year ago, following a multi-faceted public engagement initiative known as SpeakUpWinnipeg and has won several awards as well as broad community support. Highlighting progress to date, the City will use the successful SpeakUpWinnipeg platform to continue engaging the public in dialogue about OurWinnipeg and efforts towards its implementation. OurWinnipeg is the City's blueprint for the future in all key policy areas, particularly land use and development. The plan was developed through SpeakUpWinnipeg, a massive, multi-faceted public engagement initiative through which city planners reached out to citizens and stakeholders - over 42,000 of them - to determine their vision of what Winnipeg might look like in the future. Having officially come into effect in August 2011, the City has already made substantial progress towards bringing various public initiatives, policy directions and departmental operations in line with the plan's vision and moving it forward. The City will be promoting the report at various locations throughout Winnipeg with staff on-hand to answer questions and talk about how the plan is being moved forward in key areas. These "SpeakUpWinnipeg On the Spot" engagements will take place until Wednesday, June 20, culminating with an Open House at the Millennium Public Library on Thursday, June 21. The report, together with various engagement opportunities are available to the public online at SpeakUpWinnipeg.com -30- Media inquiries should be directed to the City of Winnipeg Media Inquiry Line at 204-986-6000 or via email at MediaInquiry(a)winnipeg.ca<mailto:MediaInquiry@winnipeg.ca> Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/cityofwinnipeg<http://www.facebook.com/cityofwinnipeg> Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/cityofwinnipeg<http://www.twitter.com/cityofwinnipeg>

1 0

WFP: Chop shop but no cop - Bike thieves' pictures and address seem insufficient for police (Jun12'12)
by Beth McKechnie 13 Jun '12

13 Jun '12

Chop shop but no cop Bike thieves' pictures and address seem insufficient for police By: Gordon Sinclair Jr. <gordon.sinclair(a)freepress.mb.ca> What would you do? I mean, what would you do if someone stole your $700 mountain bike -- and your fiancée's $600 model -- and you called police with the kind of lead you didn't have to be Sherlock Holmes to follow. But then you got the feeling police weren't interested in following it. Well, I'll tell you what 33-year-old Rejean Robert did. It was Saturday, just after the lunch hour, when Rejean's soon-to-be wife Brenda Harder saw the note posted on the front door of their Fort Rouge apartment block. The note had been left by a neighbour who, about an hour earlier, had seen two thieves make off with four bikes that had been locked under an apartment fire escape. The witness, who could be the poster boy for Neighbourhood Watch, contacted police and took photographs of the thieves pulling off one of the most common and frustrating Winnipeg crimes. Not only that, but he made like a cop and trailed them in his vehicle and watched as they hauled the bikes to a walk-up apartment on Corydon. Minus one of the bikes, which he found stashed in the bush and returned to the owner. But that's only part of the story. While patrol officers responded that same afternoon, Rejean and Brenda were taken aback by what one of the officers told them. "They said it was very unlikely they were going to recover our bikes," Rejean recalled Monday morning. Police had a witness who had given them a statement. Plus photographs of the crime in progress. And the nearby address where the bikes had been taken. But that didn't seem to be enough to track down their bikes the same day. "That basically told me they weren't going to go and look," Rejean said. "I didn't know what to do at that point." By late Sunday afternoon, a day later, he'd had enough of waiting for the police to do nothing. So he and Brenda paid a visit to the apartment block on Corydon where their bikes had last been seen. As luck would have it, the apartment caretaker was working outside. Rejean told the caretaker why they were there and showed him the photos their neighbour had taken of the theft. The caretaker recognized the people in the photographs right away. Rejean said the caretaker told them there was what amounts to a bicycle chop shop being run out of the one of the apartments in the block he looks after, and he had reported it to police more than once. But they didn't respond. Rejean asked the caretaker if police had stopped by that weekend to investigate their complaint. "He said they never came by." Then the caretaker invited them into the block to see what he would have shown police if they had contacted him. It was a basement storage locker packed with bikes and bike parts. The caretaker asked Rejean if he wanted to see if their bikes were there. Rejean said yes. Brenda said no. "She was too scared to go up." Rejean was nervous, too. He didn't know if they had a gun or a knife, or what would happen. But since the caretaker was with him, Rejean climbed the stairs. There, propped up in the hall, Rejean spotted what he recognized right away as Brenda's bike. The caretaker knocked on the door. And when a young man opened the door, there were more bike parts and more bikes, but nothing that resembled his. The young man in the apartment said he had paid $50 for it, so it was his. By that time, hearing the dispute in progress, Brenda had joined them. The guy in the apartment was demanding to see their purchase receipt for the bike he'd just bought. Rejean and Brenda said they wanted to see his. And then Rejean and Brenda called his bluff. They suggested they call police and the cops could resolve it. At which point the dispute over the bike was resolved, because the guy with all the bikes and bike parts wanted nothing to do with police. What he didn't know, though, is apparently the police didn't want anything to do with the guy in the apartment, either. Police didn't return repeated requests for comment on Monday. But late Monday afternoon, Rejean called to say he had just received a text from the neighbour who witnessed the crime in progress, took the photos and followed the thieves. He had been contacted by police, and a detective was coming to see him. To take notes, no doubt. Which is what I did when I finally reached the poster boy for Neighbourhood Watch Monday. And he said this: "I did what I hope any neighbour would do." gordon.sinclair(a)freepress.mb.ca http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/chop-shop-but-no-cop-158535455.html

1 0

Metro daily: Closing gaps in Winnipeg's bike network (Jun11'12)
by Beth McKechnie 12 Jun '12

12 Jun '12

Closing gaps in Winnipeg’s bike network by Colin Fast Winnipeg has made a lot of progress as a cycling city in recent years. New multi-use trails have been built, on-street bike lanes have been painted, more bike parking has been added, and bike routes are even plowed in the winter. It’s no surprise that making it easier to get around town has boosted interest in cycling. While the two-wheel crowd is enjoying the new infrastructure, there are still several holes in the system that can make it confusing and dangerous to get from one pathway to another. Take the example of a group of cyclists trying to make their way from River Heights to the new rapid-transit line. They head east on the pathway along Taylor Avenue, make a right on to Harrow, and then … “OHMYGOD! That’s Pembina! We’re all going to die!“ You see, to your average cyclist, Pembina Highway is like Kryptonite: You avoid it at all costs, because eventually it will kill you. At this particular juncture, our cyclists have two choices: White-knuckle it under the rail bridge and the Jubilee overpass, or ride up the embankment of the rail bridge, jump over the tracks, then scramble across traffic onto the overpass. Obviously, neither option is particularly safe. This is why local cycling advocates call this “the Pembina Gap,” and have identified it as one of the critical missing links in Winnipeg’s cycling network. Yet when the city released concepts for an overhaul of the Pembina underpass recently, only one of three designs included a safe, direct way for cyclists or pedestrians to get across the street. It’s this gap in transportation planning that disappoints Janice Lukes of the Winnipeg Trails Association, who has been pushing the city to improve connections between different pathways. “We’ve built a lot of multi-use trails and on-street infrastructure in the past few years, and there’s more and more people wanting to use them,” she says. “So we need to fill the gaps now, purely from a safety perspective.” In addition to the Pembina Gap, Lukes points to other problem areas along Osborne Street, St. Mary’s Road and throughout northwest Winnipeg. She says bridges are bad chokepoints for bike traffic, and wonders why the Osborne Bridge rehabilitation didn’t include a separated bike lane. However, there are some encouraging signs. New pedestrian/cycling bridges over the Red River and the Perimeter will allow people to ride all the way from The Forks to Birds Hill Park on dedicated trails within five years. And the city begins construction next month on what Lukes calls “the Holy Grail of bike infrastructure” in Winnipeg: A bike lane that separates cyclists from traffic by using bollards along several blocks of Pembina Highway. “This is by far the most important piece of the puzzle,” says Lukes, who hopes the new bike lane can be a model for other high-traffic roadways, like Portage Avenue. “The safety it’s going to provide for users is incredible, and we know that improving safety is essential to getting more cyclists on the road.” http://metronews.ca/voices/urban-compass-winnipeg/258040/closing-gaps-in-wi…

1 0

MPI Launches Cycling Champion Program
by Mark Cohoe 10 Jun '12

10 Jun '12

Hi, Manitoba Public I launching a new program aimed at creating Cycling Champions in Manitoba workplaces. See below for a summary of the program, or click here <http://www.mpi.mb.ca/english/rd_safety/BikeSafe/Champions.html> for full details. *Cycling Champion * Cycling Champion is a free, full-day workshop that provides you the information to cycle safely and the tools to share this knowledge with others. Workshops are led by CAN-BIKE <http://canbike.net/cca_pages/index.htm> certified trainers. You will spend four hours in the classroom and four hours gaining hands-on riding experience. During the session, you will learn: * The proper size and fit of bike. * Use of safety equipment such as helmets. * Skills to recognize and avoid road hazards and dangerous situations. * Strategies on how to safely ride in traffic. * Safe use of bike lanes and other cycling infrastructure. *Share the skills you learn* This full-day workshop is intended for those who are committed to passing their safety knowledge on to others by hosting cycling presentations. With the help of a ready-made presentation kit, you can promote active transportation and recreation by sharing your safety knowledge with others at work, at school or in your community. All the materials required to deliver a cycling presentation are provided at no charge. Your kit contains a facilitator's guide, including speaking notes and two PowerPoint presentations, to help you teach cycling safety to others. *Schedule* Workshops are available throughout the summer. Participants must register in advance and commit to delivering cycling presentations in their workplace, school or community. Upcoming workshops include: *Date * *Time* *Location* ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Saturday, June 16 8:30 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m. Main Street Service Centre, 1284 Main Street, Winnipeg ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Saturday, June 23 8:30 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m. Main Street Service Centre, 1284 Main Street, Winnipeg Cheers, Mark

1 0

Wheely Fun Bike Ride - Sunday June 10th
by Cara Fisher 06 Jun '12

06 Jun '12

The W.R.E.N.C.H and Bike to the Future are hosting a community bike ride on *Sunday June 10th* and you are invited! The satellite (or longer rides) are intended as a way for you to explore a new area of the city and enjoy the Sunday car-free bike routes with other cyclists. Chose a corner of the city and ride with a group to the Forks where you will meet other riders and proceed on a short family orientated ride to the Legislature for a celebration. * Satellite Rides – 11:30 AM meet up, 12:00 PM depart* Each satellite ride will have two ride leaders to guide the group to the Forks. The rides starting at: - Kildonan Park – meet at the Pavilion - Omand Park/Creek – meet at the corner of Raglan Rd and Woseley Ave - St. Boniface/St. Vital – meet at the entrance to Windsor Park Golf Course on Des Meurons ending at: Oodena Celebration Circle, the Forks Market *All Ages Family Ride – 12:00 PM* 12-1 pm : Bike decorating with Art City and bike repair stations. Meet up at the Oodena Celebration Circle, the Forks Market 1 pm : All ages ride along the Assiniboine Cycle Track to the Manitoba Legislature 2pm : Celebration and gathering at the Legislature. Food, music, games and more! Feel free to bring a picnic blanket, music or a game to play. There will be Bike Valet at the Legislature during our celebration. Other information Parking at the Forks Market – There is parking at the Forks. Kidsfest will be happening at the Forks all weekend so double up and go to the festival and join our ride. Volunteers needed and extra trailers. Contact us at: info(a)thewrench.ca or call 296-3389

1 0

Resolving Conflicts at Complex Intersections webinar: Wed, June 20th, 2-3 pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 06 Jun '12

06 Jun '12

Green Action Centre and Bike to the Future invite you to join us for a local viewing of the upcoming APBP webinar at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) followed by group discussion.* *Detailed description provided below.* *Resolving Conflicts at Complex Intersections *Wednesday, June 20 | 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CST* RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth 925-3772 * * * * * Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) presents: Resolving Conflicts at Complex Intersections *Wednesday, June 20 | 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CST* <http://cts.vresp.com/c/?AssociationofPedestr/f83ac6adb9/4474d32d6e/3501cdda…> The webinar will focus on mitigating bad geometry at awkward intersections, including how to address skews, multi-legs, unusual bicycle and pedestrian movements, and interchanges. [image: image]Through an overview of engineering tools and many examples, partipants will learn how to realign skewed intersections, get rid of extra legs, place crosswalks, design corner radii to reduce speed while accommodating turning trucks, and use islands and medians to make a complex intersection safer and more pedestrian friendly. Several signal phasing topics will also be covered, including exclusive pedestrian phases, leading pedestrian intervals, banning RTOR, and bicycle signals. Presenter: Michael Moule, PE, TE, PTOE, has over 18 years of progressive traffic and transportation engineering experience, including traffic calming, conceptual design for Complete Streets, and the planning of improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities. His projects accommodate all modes of transportation in order to help cities and states meet their mobility, economic development, safety, and quality of life goals. He has significant innovative design experience and specializes in improving conditions for non-motorized users without degrading motor vehicle capacity. Michael routinely leads community planning processes and training sessions to give citizens the basic skills they need to develop and review street design solutions. -- *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/>

1 0

Sweet treats for green commuters - Bonnycastle Park 7-9 a.m. Wed June 6th
by Beth McKechnie 04 Jun '12

04 Jun '12

*Celebrating Active Commuters on Clean Air Day (Wed, June 6th)* Green Action Centre is rewarding active commuters with some sweet treats. It’s our way of saying “Good on ya!” for walking, cycling, inline skating, running or canoeing to work on Clean Air Day and during the Commuter Challenge. When: *7:00 to 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 6th* * *Where:* **Bonnycastle Park at the corner of Assiniboine Ave and Main St * * *What: *Bring your travel mug and fill up with fair trade, locally roasted coffee provided by Green Bean<http://www.greenbeancoffeeimports.com/en/home/> **or some organic juice **to enjoy with a muffin or cinnamon bun.* Find all the details and a map here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/celebrating-active-commuters-on-clean-a…> . See you at Bonnycastle Park!

1 0

WFP online: Local NDP members want increased funding for bike lanes and trails (Jun3'12)
by Beth McKechnie 04 Jun '12

04 Jun '12

Local NDP members want increased funding for bike lanes and trails By: Larry Kusch http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Local-NDP-members-want-increa… Manitoba New Democrats want the province to step up funding for bicycle lanes and trails to promote a healthier population and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As their three-day convention wound up on Sunday, party members passed a comprehensive active transportation policy that would assure long-term funding to municipalities. The policy would also ensure that a dedicated percentage of future road building costs be earmarked for active transportation. Mark Cohoe, a delegate from Fort Garry-Riverview constituency, noted that while the government is spending $586 million on roads this year, it’s devoting less money to active transportation than it did last year because of the expiration of some programs that have not been renewed. Cohoe, who sat on a provincial active transportation advisory group last year that produced more than 20 recommendations, said more people would ride their bikes if they felt they could do it safely hence the need for a greater investment in bike lanes. He noted that traffic counts at Winnipeg’s Maryland Bridge, which has relatively generous bike lanes, show an 11 per cent year-over-year increase in cycling traffic. "If you build it, they do come," he told delegates. The party policy adopted today encourages the government to work with school divisions to introduce a comprehensive multi-year cycling skills curriculum for school-aged children. The policy also calls for the establishment of a provincial director or commissioner of active transportation. The motion, which is not binding on the government, is one of dozens passed at the NDP’s three-day convention, which featured an address Saturday by federal leader Thomas Mulcair. A highly anticipated resolution recommending that the provincial sales tax be raised by one percentage point and the proceeds used to repair municipal infrastructure was deferred. larry.kusch(a)freepress.mb.ca

1 0

New reports & book - Right to use public roadways, AT in small towns and rural America, City Cycling
by Beth McKechnie 01 Jun '12

01 Jun '12

>From the Victoria Transport Policy Institute newsletter: *"Whose Roads? Evaluating Bicyclists’ and Pedestrians’ Right to Use Public Roadways" * http://www.vtpi.org/whoserd.pdf Many people believe that non-motorized modes (walking, cycling, and their variants) have less right to use public roads than motorists, based on assumptions that motor vehicle travel is more important than non-motorized travel and motor vehicle user fees finance roads. This report investigates these assumptions. It finds that non-motorized modes have clear legal rights to use public roads, that non-motorized travel is important for an efficient transport system and provides significant benefits to users and society, that less than half of roadway expenses are financed by motor vehicle user fees, and pedestrians and cyclists pay more than their share of roadway costs. Since bicycling and walking impose lower roadway costs than motorized modes, people who rely on non-motorized modes tend to overpay their fair share of roadway costs and subsidize motorists. *"Active Transportation Beyond Urban Centers: Walking and Bicycling in Small Towns and Rural America" * http://www.railstotrails.org/resources/documents/ourWork/reports/BeyondUrba… This attractive report by the Rails To Trails Conservancy and Bikes Belong describes why and how to support walking and cycling in small towns and rural areas. *"City Cycling" **edited by John Pucher and Ralph Buehler, forthcoming (October 2012)* http://www.amazon.ca/City-Cycling-John-Pucher/dp/0262517817/ref=sr_1_1?ie=U… Bicycling in cities is booming, for many reasons: health and environmental benefits, time and cost savings, more and better bike lanes and paths, innovative bike sharing programs, and the sheer fun of riding. *City Cycling * offers a guide to this urban cycling renaissance, with the goal of promoting cycling as sustainable urban transportation available to everyone. It reports on cycling trends and policies in cities in North America, Europe, and Australia, and offers information on such topics as cycling safety, cycling infrastructure provisions including bikeways and bike parking, the wide range of bike designs and bike equipment, integration of cycling with public transportation, and promoting cycling for women and children. *City Cycling* emphasizes that bicycling should not be limited to those who are highly trained, extremely fit, and daring enough to battle traffic on busy roads. The chapters describe ways to make city cycling feasible, convenient, and safe for commutes to work and school, shopping trips, visits, and other daily transportation needs. The book also offers detailed examinations and illustrations of cycling conditions in different urban environments: small cities (including Davis, California, and Delft, the Netherlands), large cities (including Sydney, Chicago, Toronto and Berlin), and "megacities" (London, New York, Paris, and Tokyo). These chapters offer a closer look at how cities both with and without historical cycling cultures have developed cycling programs over time. The book makes clear that successful promotion of city cycling depends on coordinating infrastructure, programs, and government policies.

1 0

Wheely Fun Bike Ride! June 10
by Jessie Klassen 31 May '12

31 May '12

The W.R.E.N.C.H and Bike to the Future are hosting a community bike ride and you are invited! The satellite (or longer rides) are intended as a way for you to explore a new area of the city and enjoy the Sunday car-free bike routes with other cyclists. Chose a corner of the city and ride with a group to the Forks where you will meet other riders and proceed on a short family orientated ride to the Legislature for a celebration. *Satellite Rides – 11:30 AM meet up, 12:00 PM depart* Each satellite ride will have two ride leaders to guide the group to the Forks. The rides starting at: 1. *Kildonan Park – *meet at the Pavilion 2. *Omand Park/Creek – *meet at the corner of Raglan Rd and Woseley Ave 3. *St. Boniface/St. Vital – *meet at the entrance to Windsor Park Golf Course on Des Meurons ending at: Oodena Celebration Circle, the Forks Market *All Ages Family Ride – 12:00 PM* 12-1 pm : Bike decorating with Art City and bike repair stations. Meet up at the Oodena Celebration Circle, the Forks Market 1 pm : All ages ride along the Assiniboine Cycle Track to the Manitoba Legislature 2pm : *Celebration* and gathering at the Legislature. Food, music, games and more! Feel free to bring a picnic blanket, music or a game to play. There will be *Bike Valet <http://www.bicyclevaletwinnipeg.ca/>* at the Legislature during our celebration. Other information *Parking at the Forks Market – *There is parking at the Forks. You can take a look at this map<http://www.theforks.com/attractions/at-the-forks/the-forks-market> to find out more. *Kidsfest <http://kidsfest.ca/>* will be happening at the Forks all weekend so double up and go to the festival and join our ride. *Volunteers needed and extra trailers.* Contact us at: info(a)thewrench.ca or call 296-3389 **

1 0

Active & Green Special Issue: Women and Families
by Jessie Klassen 31 May '12

31 May '12

Check out our special issue of Active & Green e-newsletter: Women & Families! I hope you enjoy! Please share it with coworkers and friends. Jessie Klassen Green Action Centre Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.<http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&id=9c86e2306a…> *Looking to improve commuter options at your workplace?* Request resources<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/request-information-presentation-or-mee…>on cycling, carpooling, commuting surveys and tracking progress, among others. Book a presentation<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/request-information-presentation-or-mee…>on the various commuting options, creating a commuter friendly workplace, or greening the workplace. Attend a free Creative Commuting Ambassador<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/creative-commuting-ambassador-training/>workshop. Talk to us about implementing a Smart Trips<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/smart-trips/>program at your workplace. ------------------------------ Upcoming Events International Trails Day<http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/2012/05/04/celebrate-trail-day-%E2%80%94-satur…> Saturday, June 2 Commuter Challenge<http://greenactioncentre.ca/event/commuter-challenge-2012/> Week of June 3-9 Register now as an individual or workplace to win great prizes<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/commuter-challenge-prizes/>like VIA Rail's $500 voucher! Wine, Wenches & Wrenches<http://greenactioncentre.ca/event/wine-wenches-wrenches/> Riding on the Road Sun, June 3, 7:00-9:00 pm Clean Air Day on the Bridge<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/celebrating-active-commuters-on-clean-a…> Wed, June 6, 7:00-9:00 a.m. Bonnycastle Park Clean Air Day (schools) <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/clean-air-day/> Wednesday, June 6 <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/bougeons-en-hiver/>Wheely Fun Bike Ride <http://greenactioncentre.ca/event/wheely-fun-bike-ride-on-june-10/> Sun, June 10, 11:30-2:00 p.m. Sun Trek <http://www.winnipeginmotion.ca/news/special/?id=2820> Sun, June 10, 1:00-4:00 p.m. MEC BikeFest <http://blog.mec.ca/events/mec-bikefest/mec-bikefest-winnipeg/> Saturday, June 16 Bike to Work Day <http://biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org/> Friday, June 22 Bike to the Folk Festival<http://www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca/festival/plan-your-visit/ways-to-go-gree…> Wed, July 4, 5:45 a.m. ------------------------------ *Membership* Green Action Centre promotes membership as a way to expand and extend our outreach into the community. *Membership is FREE *and requires no specific commitment. Through our bi-weekly e-bulletins, we work to keep our members informed on timely and important environmental issues in Manitoba. If you are not already a member, please take the time to join us<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. Please also pass this along to your friends and family. *Help us grow our membership and outreach. * SPECIAL ISSUE! *Women & Families* Commute with your kids The morning commute can be a hectic time for families. Commuting together<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/commute-with-your-kids/>by bus, bike or on foot one day a week can add adventure, physical activity, and quality family time to this busy time of day. Getting to school Want to bike or take the bus to work, but also need to drop your kids off at school? Green Action Centre’s Active and Safe Routes to School<http://greenactioncentre.ca/2012/and-the-winner-is/>program offers a number of innovative solutions to improve morning and afternoon drop-off and pick-up at your children’s school. Their School Travel Planning program recently won a Manitoba Planning Excellence Award<http://greenactioncentre.ca/2012/and-the-winner-is/> . Bike with your family [image: Nathan Wild and son Graham]Having a hard time finding information on biking with your family? We’ve compiled a list of great resources on biking <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/bike-with-your-family/> while pregnant, cycling with babies and toddlers, planning your route, teaching kids the rules of the road, and much more. Women as "canaries" >From "Moon Cycle" bike maintenance classes to "Wine, Wenches and Wrenches" events for learning to ride with safety and confidence (while avoiding helmet hair!), more women-focused courses are being offered. Why is it important to get more women cycling for transportation?<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/women-and-cycling/> Cycling fashion sense Just because you’re on a bike doesn’t mean you have to look like a Tour de France rider. Step away from the spandex and embrace your flair for fashion. Check out our quickie style guide<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/cycling-fashion-sense/>on everything from funky helmets and bike seats to baskets and skirt garters, and lots in between like dressy shoes and colourful bike bells. Cycling infrastructure Don't know the difference between a cycle track and bike boulevard or a bike lane versus a sharrow? Join the club! But our handy photo guide<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/winnipeg-cycling-infrastructure-deciphe…>will help you decipher Winnipeg's cycling infrastructure and find a route that suits your comfort level. You are receiving this email because you are an Active & Green subscriber. Unsubscribe<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> jessie(a)greenactioncentre.ca from this list. Our mailing address is: Green Action Centre 3-303 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B4 Canada Add us to your address book<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/vcard?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f5…> Copyright (C) 2012 Green Action Centre All rights reserved. Forward<http://us2.forward-to-friend.com/forward?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&id=9c8…>this email to a friend Update your profile<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/profile?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3…> [image: Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp]<http://www.mailchimp.com/monkey-rewards/?aid=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&afl=1>

1 0

The surprising rise of Minneapolis as a top bike town
by Beth McKechnie 30 May '12

30 May '12

The surprising rise of Minneapolis as a top bike town By Jay Walljasper, photos by Zach Vanderkooy, Thu, 04/05/2012 People across the country were surprised last year when Bicycling Magazine named Minneapolis America’s “#1 Bike City,” beating out Portland, Oregon, which had claimed the honor for many years. Shock that a place in the heartland could outperform cities on the coasts was matched by widespread disbelief that cycling was even possible in a state famous for its ferocious winters. But this skepticism fades with a closer look at the facts. Nearly four percent of Minneapolis residents bike to work according to census data. That’s an increase of 33 percent since 2007, and 500 percent since 1980. At least one-third of those commuters ride some days during the winter, according to federally funded research conducted by Bike Walk Twin Cities. Even on the coldest days about one-fifth of them are out on their bikes. *Read the full article here<http://www.bicycletimesmag.com/content/surprising-rise-minneapolis-top-bike…> *.

2 1

Please join us tomorrow for the Commuter Challenge Media Launch!
by Shoni Litinsky 28 May '12

28 May '12

Join us tomorrow for the Commuter Challenge Media Launch<http://greenactioncentre.ca/event/commuter-challenge-media-launch/>! The event is taking place at 11:00 am at the Fort Rouge Rapid Transit Station. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please arrive by bike, on foot or Rapid Transit in true Commuter Challenge fashion! *Cyclists:* We will be forming a bike brigade to ride to the launch from Bonnycastle Park (Southwest corner of Main and Assiniboine) to the Launch. Riders will meet at 10:20 am and be departing at 10:30am sharp. The Honourable Jim Rondeau, Minister of Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors, will be joining us for the ride. If you have not yet registered for the Commuter Challenge please do so here: http://greenactioncentre.ca/program/commuterchallenge/ -- *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/>

1 0

WFP: My life as a cyclist (May27'12)
by Beth McKechnie 27 May '12

27 May '12

My life as a cyclist I expected conservative attitudes when I returned to Winnipeg, but driver disdain was a shocker By: Amanda San Filippo I recently came home to Winnipeg after a five-year hiatus. I knew moving back to this city I'd be dealing with typical Winnipeg conservatism. We've always been slow to evolve. Coupled with the fact the typical North American city has been designed around the automobile, I was prepared for a slight regression in cycling culture and, consequently, less tolerant drivers. What I was not prepared for was the actual disdain so many drivers seem to have for cyclists, to the point where my life has intentionally been put at risk. For these reasons, I often pick and choose when to follow the rules. Let me explain: I arrive at a stop sign. I slow down, but don't come to a complete stop, because I'll hold traffic up too much. A driver yells at me: "It's called a stop sign for a reason!" as he gently rolls through the stop sign himself. Wanting to avoid another outburst, I decide to come to a complete stop at the next intersection. The driver behind me grows impatient and decides to pull up beside me. I arrived at the intersection before the car approaching the intersection to my left, but the car that pulled up beside me arrived after. Since it is my turn to go, I proceed cautiously, only to have the driver to my left flip me off, because he had to stop in the middle of the intersection to let me go. This doubling-up (bike and car in the same lane) is especially common when making left turns. I can't clear an intersection as quickly as a car. If I am not commanding my lane, drivers will often drive up beside me to try to clear the intersection before me. This can be dangerous because I have to get from the left curb on one side of the intersection to the right curb on the other. If the car doubles up, and there are other cars behind it, I become sandwiched between the vehicles that should have been behind me and the oncoming traffic. But when I do try to command my lane, I am often met with anger. I am reminded of one incident when a young woman in an SUV started yelling. Rarely can I make out a person's words when they are in their car. Naturally, I turned to make sure I was not in any danger. Her turn signal appeared just as I looked behind me. I didn't notice it right away. This infuriated her even more, at which point she stepped on the gas and squealed her tires, nearly knocking me off my bike. I wish I could say these were isolated incidents. They are not. I am met with this type of impatience, belligerence and often danger, every day. I'll often cycle on the sidewalks, risking a heftier fine than the average speeding ticket. I'm left wondering if this city really does care more about the almighty dollar than the safety of its citizens. It's not all bad, though. If cycling were really so bad, I wouldn't do it. I've designed some coping mechanisms. For one, I couple an obnoxiously large helmet with an airheaded smile. People seem less inclined to yell at you if they think you're missing a few screws. I am also overly courteous to drivers who are respectful of me, even when they are visibly irritated. I often wave and thank them for their patience. Generally, they smile back. You'd be surprised how much a smile from a stranger can make a person forget their annoyance. I try to de-escalate where I can. Last month, I was biking down River Avenue. The parked cars were lined up leading up to Osborne Street. If I stayed in the curb lane, I risked having someone open their door in my face. This happens more often than one would think. So, I biked in the next lane. On this particular day, a car started honking while approaching me from behind. This is particularly dangerous, as the sudden sound of a horn startles a cyclist, causing them to lose balance or instinctively swerve into another lane. My partner, who was cycling in front of me, approached the driver at a red light, and asked why he had honked at me. The driver quickly became defensive and told us to meet him in the parking lot up ahead. He came out of his car, fists clenched, threw his hat to the ground and said: "What's your problem? You looked pretty far out in your lane there. You wanna fight, buddy?" This isn't the first time a driver has threatened to fight us, simply for asking them why they were yelling. My partner informed him we weren't looking to fight. We explained to him we were simply trying to avoid opening car doors. He looked at us begrudgingly, fists still clenched, and huffed: "I'm just really having a bad day. I'm sorry I took it out on you," and stomped off. I thought, "Well, it's a start." *Amanda San Filippo is the co-ordinator for Bicycle Valet Winnipeg, and is such an avid cyclist, she decided to sell her car.*

1 0

WFP View From the West: Confessions of a Winnipeg sidewalk cyclist (May26'12)
by Beth McKechnie 26 May '12

26 May '12

Confessions of a Winnipeg sidewalk cyclist By: Sarah Whiteford I am a criminal, and the offence of cycling on the sidewalk in Winnipeg could land me a fine of $110. But the alternative of cycling along the very busy and far-too-narrow thoroughfare of St. Mary's Road during my daily commute seems far more risky. Most of the 12-kilometre route lacks any form of cycling-friendly infrastructure, with no dedicated paths or bike lanes and only a few short sections of diamond lanes. Several times I have attempted cycling on the road, jostling for position among the multitude of cars during the morning and evening rush hours. While the aggressive and belligerent drivers are no picnic, much more frightening are those drivers who fail to notice you are there. Manitoba Healthy Living states on its website that, on average, 150 cyclists are hospitalized or killed every year in the province. This week in Winnipeg, cyclist Violet Nelson fell victim to that statistic when her bicycle collided with a vehicle, throwing her into the path of a semi-trailer. While the details of that accident are not known, what has been demonstrated by research is cycling safety is correlated with having the transportation infrastructure for cycling. Anne Harris, an epidemiologist and investigator with the Bicyclists' Injuries and the Cycling Environment Study at the University of British Columbia, states "More and more, we're seeing evidence that dedicated cycling infrastructure on roads, separated from motor vehicles, protects cyclists from injuries." In contrast to dedicated cycling lanes or tracks, cycling on the sidewalk does pose a high risk for injury. Vehicles at intersections frequently do not look for fast-moving traffic on sidewalks. Sidewalks are multi-purpose trails and may be used by a variety of persons, including pedestrians, in-line skaters and those using motorized scooters. In order to minimize the risk to others and myself during my commute, I leave very early in the morning when the sidewalks are relatively free from traffic. My bicycle is outfitted with many forms of safety equipment, including a bell, front and rear lights and additional reflective tape. I generally go much slower on the sidewalks, moving onto the grass when passing pedestrians and reducing my speed as I approach each intersection. While occasionally a pedestrian will object to my presence on the sidewalk, most give me a wave or wish me a good day as I swerve past. But when I do come across one of my fellow cyclists who is braving the morning commute on the road, I hang my head in shame, feeling as though I am somehow letting down the side. The City of Winnipeg has announced that in July it will begin construction of a dedicated cycling lane along Pembina Highway. And while the city also has many existing cycling paths along major arteries, such as Bishop Grandin Boulevard, the infrastructure for the many cyclists who commute downtown each day is still woefully lacking. So, until this infrastructure improves, I am afraid I will likely continue my life of crime by cycling on the sidewalk. *Sarah Whiteford is a policy manager for the provincial government.*

1 0

Sun Trek - June 10
by Kristine Hayward 25 May '12

25 May '12

Hi - please help us spread the word on the Sun Trek event by forwarding it onto your networks, adding it to your calendar of events or e-newsletters! Thanks! K Join Winnipeg in motion and our many community partners for the 1st annual Sun Trek Event - Free summer fun for all ages! Pick up your passport and take part in any of the following activities: * Geocaching * Golf * Floor Shuffleboard * Horse Shoes * Lawn Bowling * Sand Volleyball * Slack Lining * Tennis * Urban Poling * Children's Games and much more! Sunday, June 10, 2012 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Harbour View Golf and Recreation Complex - 1867 Springfield Road For additional information - visit www.winnipeginmotion.ca <http://www.winnipeginmotion.ca/> or call 204-940-1676 Thanks! Kristine Hayward in motion Coordinator 2nd floor - 490 Hargrave Street Winnipeg, MB R3A 0X7 Telephone 204 940-1676 Cell 204 232-7546 Fax 204-940-2690 khayward(a)wrha.mb.ca <mailto:khayward@wrha.mb.ca> Sign up to receive updates from Winnipeg in motion @ http://www.winnipeginmotion.ca/signup/ <http://www.winnipeginmotion.ca/signup/> PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVE RECENTLY MOVED (MAY 5, 2012) - our mailing address and fax number has changed. 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.

1 0

Pembina Highway to get dedicated cycling lanes (CBC)
by Beth McKechnie 25 May '12

25 May '12

[From Bike to the Future's cycling news page at http://biketothefuture.org/cycling-news] May 24, 2012 cbc.ca<http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/story/2012/05/24/mb-pembina-highway-…> *Construction set to begin in July* One of Winnipeg's busiest streets, Pembina Highway, is about to get a bicycle-friendly makeover. The City of Winnipeg will begin construction in July of dedicated cycling lanes northbound and southbound on Pembina between Chevrier Boulevard and Plaza Drive. "They're going to narrow the median, move the vehicles over, and so we'll have the sidewalk, we'll have a bike lane, and then we'll have the same number of lanes for traffic," Janice Lukes of the Winnipeg Trails Association told CBC News Thursday. "There won't be any reduction in traffic, no reduction in parking," she added. Lukes said she's not sure when construction of the lanes will be completed, but she said it's a priority given the new Winnipeg Blue Bombers stadium that is currently being built at the University of Manitoba. The city is also looking at ways to expand the Pembina Highway underpass to accommodate cyclists as well as add an extra lane of vehicular traffic. Audio interview of Janice Lukes by CBC Radio One's Larry Updike on *Up To Speed* -- 5:14<http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/story/2012/05/24/mb-pembina-highway-…>

1 0

WFP: Cyclist killed on Higgins Ave was passionate mentor, volunteer (May25'12)
by Beth McKechnie 25 May '12

25 May '12

Cyclist killed on Higgins Avenue was passionate mentor, volunteer By: Mary Agnes Welch A longtime North End volunteer who died Wednesday in a bike accident was an expert cyclist who always followed safety rules. Violet Nelson taught dozens of neighbourhood girls proper road safety and organized a 15-kilometre bike-a-thon when she ran the North End's aboriginal Girl Guides program. "She biked for transportation. She didn't like the idea of driving a vehicle," said her mother, also named Violet Nelson. "She didn't like the pollution." At the time of the accident, the mother of two was cycling the few blocks from her work as the finance manager of a cutting-edge art gallery to the Native Women's Transition Centre, where she planned to join two of the province's most powerful politicians for a news conference. Nelson, who chaired the NWTC's volunteer board, worked for years on a new halfway house for former female inmates. Premier Greg Selinger and St. Boniface MP Shelly Glover were on hand Wednesday to open the 15-unit lodge meant to help offenders get back on their feet and reunite with their children. "She was always late," her mom said with a small laugh. "But I knew something was wrong when she didn't show up. That was a very important project to her." In a short interview, Lucille Bruce, executive director of the NWTC, said staff was in shock over Nelson's death. Nelson was cycling westbound on Higgins, just past Main Street, when she was in collision with a westbound vehicle in the curb lane. The collision threw her under the wheels of a semi-trailer, also travelling westbound, in the median lane. The driver of the semi wasn’t aware that he had run over Nelson and continued on. He was later contacted by police. Nelson, known as Vie to all her friends, leaves behind two young children -- an 11-year-old daughter and a five-year-old son. "Her life revolved around them," her mother said. She was very fit and sporty and had a wall full of trophies, her mom added. She suffered from dyslexia and dropped out of school a few credits into her Grade 9 year. But she was a whiz with numbers and later taught herself all kinds of administrative skills. Most recently, she was the finance manager at the Graffiti Gallery on Higgins Avenue. Nelson was an avid volunteer from the time she was in grade school at Faraday School in the North End, where she also routinely stuck up for her brother when he got picked on. As a teen, she spent nine months as a Katimavik youth volunteer in Quebec. Later, when she was on staff at the Indian and Metis Friendship Centre, she founded the aboriginal Girl Guides, recruiting and training the leaders and designing the curriculum for a program that quickly spread into several low-income neighbourhoods. It was through the Guides that she offered bike riding and safety lessons, and organized the bike-a-thon. "She was a very passionate woman. She'd come into the room and she'd light up the room," her mom said. "She knew how to get people doing things." A wake is planned for Wednesday at Thunderbird House, likely beginning at 6 p.m. A formal service will follow Thursday at 11 a.m. at Thunderbird House. maryagnes.welch(a)freepress.mb.ca http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/inspiration-to-aboriginal-girls-1539…

1 0

WFP: NDP introduces law making bike helmets mandatory for those under 18 (May24'12)
by Beth McKechnie 24 May '12

24 May '12

Wear those bike helmets, kids NDP introduces law making headgear mandatory for those under 18 By: Larry Kusch After refusing for years to mandate the use of bicycle helmets, the Manitoba NDP relented with legislation that will require cyclists under the age of 18 to don protective headgear. Healthy Living Minister Jim Rondeau, who introduced the legislation on Wednesday, said the government's approach was to rely first on public education and programs that provided free or inexpensive helmets to preschool and school-age children. Those programs saw 80,000 helmets distributed to kids over the past half-dozen years, he said. Introducing a bike-helmet law was "the next logical step," Rondeau said Wednesday. "The amendments introduced today are a critical step forward in protecting our children and young cyclists and preventing serious injuries and fatalities," Rondeau said. Anke Sinclair, a mother of two boys, Mehru, 9, and Yannick, 3, said her children use helmets. "I think it's a safety issue. I think if they do fall -- whatever the cause -- I think it will protect their heads," she said. Sinclair said she thinks there needs to be more education for motorists around cyclists. "Me, as a cyclist, I see that some motorists don't really know what to do with me," said Sinclair. She said she's spoken to other people who want to ride their bikes more, but "do not feel safe." Sinclair also said it's very important to improve bike lanes in the city. Rondeau told reporters he doesn't expect police will be handing out many tickets once the bill is passed and proclaimed. He did not indicate when the new law would take effect. "We're not going to have a lot of cops chasing kids -- ever," Rondeau said, noting that in jurisdictions with similar legislation "very, very few tickets are given out." What the government is counting on, he said, is once a law is in effect, folks will understand it and obey it. "The major goal is to get people to know the law." Manitoba is one of only four provinces without some kind of bicycle-helmet law. Several jurisdictions, such as Alberta and Ontario, have had laws in place for a decade or more, while four provinces require all cyclists wear helmets. In provinces where child bicycle-helmet use is mandatory, compliance rates are 80 per cent or more. The usage rate in Manitoba sits at 42 per cent among children. The Manitoba Liberals have beat the drum for a bike-helmet law since 2006, but every time one of its members introduced a private member's bill touting a bike law, it was shot down by the ruling NDP. Liberal Leader Jon Gerrard said he was "very pleased that the government at last has listened" to his party and introduced the legislation. But he said it should have applied to adults as well as children. A Winnipeg pediatric neurosurgeon agreed. "There's nothing more protective about an adult's skull and brain versus a 17-year-old's. When your head hits the concrete... the impact is the same," Dr. Patrick McDonald told The Canadian Press. Rondeau didn't rule out expanding the helmet law to cover adults, but he said for now the government was content to apply it only to kids. He said children are less-experienced riders and prone to "the most risky behaviours" on a bicycle. "We'll monitor (the legislation) to see if we have to go further in the next little while." Charles Weaver, a spokesman for the Winnipeg cycling group Bike to the Future, said he is disappointed the government isn't doing more to protect cyclists. He noted his organization is split on whether bike-helmet use should be legislated. The province should be doing more to promote cycling as a healthy form of transportation and to educate motorists and cyclists on road safety, he said. Right now, many people are discouraged from riding their bikes because of safety fears. "We'd much rather they (the government) spent an effort on making cycling safer rather than protecting us from our own crashes," Weaver said. In some countries, such as Holland and Denmark, bike usage is much higher and injury rates are lower because of better laws, bike infrastructure and education, he said. "In this legislation, government is telling Manitobans: 'Our roads are dangerous for cyclists, so wear a helmet to protect yourself.' This is a Band-Aid solution," Weaver said. Will Belford, a mechanic/owner at Natural Cycle on Albert Street, said there are "many different aspects" of safety on the road. "As it stands right now, for Winnipeggers, it is still dangerous," he said. "Given the complexity of the situation, helmets for minors... would not be a mistake in my mind. Children are certainly at most risk because they have the least experience riding on roads, and that's really where most of the accidents happen." -- with files from Gabrielle Giroday larry.kusch(a)freepress.mb.ca *Cycling injuries (2005-2009)* An average of 165 cycling-related injuries requiring hospitalization occurred each year in Manitoba between 2005 and 2009, the most recent period for which statistics are available. Forty-five per cent of these injuries involved children. An average of 22 people per year were hospitalized for cycling-related head injuries during that time. About half were children. 13 people, including one child, died as a result of cycling mishaps between 2005 and 2009. -- source: Province of Manitoba *What's proposed:* All Manitobans under 18 years of age would be required to wear a proper helmet when riding a bicycle. Exemptions would be made on religious grounds. Kids riding on private property would also be exempt. Children under age 14 would not be prosecuted for failing to wear a helmet, but their parents would face fines of up to $50. Provision would be made for alternatives to fines for a first offence; those alternative penalties are still to be decided. Kids riding as passengers on a bike or being towed by a bicycle would also be required to wear a helmet. *Helmet safety tips* Buy a helmet that is approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) for use while riding a bicycle. Replace a helmet that's got a crack in it, since it might not offer maximum protection. Ensure the helmet fits properly and is adjusted regularly. -- source: Safety Services Manitoba (formerly Manitoba Safety Council)

1 0

Posting to the AT Network
by Beth McKechnie 17 May '12

17 May '12

Hello AT Network subscribers! Just a friendly reminder that everyone subscribed to this list can post messages – new research, events, programs, opportunities to collaborate, requests for information, etc. All you have to do is address the message to: AT-Network(a)lists.umanitoba.ca cheers, Beth

1 0

Evaluation for In-street Bicycle Parking Webinar
by Mark Cohoe 17 May '12

17 May '12

Hi, For those who attended yesterday's webinar, " In Street Bicycle Parking: What, When, Where and How Much?", we hope you enjoyed the webinar and found it valuable. Please take a few minutes to complete a short online evaluation <http://www.apbp.org/surveys/?id=Evaluation_May-12>to help improve future webinars provided by APBP. We look forward to seeing everyone at the next APBP webinar, "Resolving Conflicts at Complex Intersections". Join us Wednesday June 20th from 2pm to 3pm in the Eco Centre Boardroom. Cheers, Mark *//*

1 0

WFP: Changes favour pedal-pushers - Bill loosens law for bikes on roads (May17'12)
by Beth McKechnie 17 May '12

17 May '12

Changes favour pedal-pushers Bill loosens law for bikes on roads By: Larry Kusch THE province plans to make it easier for municipalities to create designated bike lanes for cyclists. On Wednesday, the Selinger government proposed several changes to the Highway Traffic Act, amending the law's definition of traffic to include bicycles. Bicyclists have always been allowed to use roadways and will still have that right under the proposed amendments. But under the current act, municipalities can only create shared bike lanes on roads where bikes share the roadway with buses. Under the proposed legislation, municipalities would be able to create bike lanes on roadways even if buses don't travel that route. Also under the current act, bicycles are not allowed to use the shoulders of highways even if they are paved. A proposed change would permit bikes on highway shoulders. "Municipalities are asking for a way to address cycle traffic and bike lanes and so on within their municipal boundaries," Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux told reporters. "This will give them the bylaw-making authority to do that." Lemieux said the changes were developed in response to the growing number of Manitobans who choose bicycles as transportation over gas-powered vehicles. He said the proposed legislation would not give municipalities power to set new rules for cyclists or impose or adjust fines. That would remain under provincial authority. One proposed change would specify cyclists must ride single file on highways unless passing another bike. Winnipeg's cycling community responded positively to the proposals. Tim Woodcock, owner of Woodcock Cycle Works, said the changes would make it considerably safer for cyclists to get around. "There are a lot of cyclists who would love to ride more, but they're not comfortable riding on the roads the way they're designed and with the cars being so close," he said. Don Ellison, who commutes 40 kilometres every day on his bike, said the changes would raise awareness among motorists that cyclists have the right to use the road. Commuting cyclists seek routes that include a maximum of bike paths and a minimum of roadways, Ellison said. "We need bicycle routes that cut right through the city and come from all the different boroughs. That's how you get people riding for transportation, by getting them off the main drags." -- with files from Geoff Kirbyson larry.kusch(a)freepress.mb.ca http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/changes-favour-pedal-pushers-1518409…

1 0

Manitoba News Release: Proposed Amendments to Highway Traffic Act Would Support More Active Transportation: Lemieux
by Anders Swanson 16 May '12

16 May '12

FYI May 16, 2012 PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO HIGHWAY TRAFFIC ACT WOULD SUPPORT MORE ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION: LEMIEUX - - - Municipalities Could Set Bylaws On How Cyclists Use Roadways Proposed amendments would expand the Highway Traffic Act to boost forms of active transportation and help create designated bicycle pathways on existing roads, said Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux after introducing the legislation. "The proposals will amend the act's definition of traffic to include bicycles," said Lemieux. "It means municipalities would have the power to make bylaws that regulate bicycle traffic and adapt the bylaws to the specific needs of their communities, and that will mean more routes for cyclists." Commuter cycling is largely an urban activity and the proposed changes would give municipalities a larger role in managing the flow of traffic on their streets and in their neighbourhoods, Lemieux said. Municipal governments are often best positioned to assess routes and areas where integrating bicycles with motor vehicles is appropriate, he added. The minister said the proposed amendments are part of the Manitoba government's ongoing commitment to support healthy living and a cleaner environment. The proposed changes have been developed in response to the growing number of Manitobans who are choosing bicycles over gas-powered vehicles. "The environmental benefits of this trend are enormous and we want to support and encourage the use of bicycles across the province," Lemieux said. "We think this proposed legislation will open an important dialogue between motorists and cyclists and increase mutual respect for everyone who operates a vehicle on public roads." More information on the proposed amendments is available at: http://web2.gov.mb.ca/bills/40-1/index.php. - anders

1 0

ParkBus offers carless Toronto (and next year, Ottawa) an escape route for camping
by Beth McKechnie 16 May '12

16 May '12

What a fabulous idea for Manitoba! Birds Hill Park would be the perfect place to start with its proximity to Winnipeg and camping/trails. (Thanks to Mike Balshaw for sharing.) ParkBus offers carless Toronto (and next year, Ottawa) an escape route for camping Posted by John Michael McGrath<http://toronto.openfile.ca/users/john-michael-mcgrath>on Friday, May 11, 2012 http://toronto.openfile.ca/blog/toronto/2012/parkbus-offers-carless-toronto… If you live in downtown Toronto and want to go camping, there's a non-trivial chance that you don't own the car to get you from A to B. This is a problem crying out for a solution. So when the Ontario Parkbus Initiative <http://www.parkbus.ca/>'s press release started flying around Twitter this afternoon their traffic spiked because, apparently, a lot of people are interested in their service: offering carless urbanites a route out of the city in the summer. "Our website is crashing today," says Boris Issaev, project manager at Parkbus.ca. They're not about to become millionaires from the brisk business (Parkbus doesn't make money on the ticket sales) but that's not the point. If the traffic they're seeing today is any indication, the point is that a large market was apparently being ignored, and isn't anymore. Issaev says the first idea for Parkbus started in 2010, with an information table at Mountain Equipment Co-Op to sign up interested campers and some emails to skeptical bus companies. The first year was a small success, and 2011 saw it expand slightly in what Issaev calls "almost regular service" and get the attention of Ontario Parks. The summer of 2012 is going to be even bigger, thanks in part to a $240,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, with regular service from Toronto to Bruce National Park, as well as Killarney, Algonquin, and Grundy Lake Provincial Parks. "We'd love to be in every park in Ontario, obviously, but we're trying to grow sustainably," says Issaev. Part of the plan for that growth is to start a pilot program in Ottawa next year, on at least some weekends. "Right now, we're getting some people taking the train down from Ottawa and getting on the bus in Toronto, which doesn't make sense for them," says Issaev. "So next year we're looking at weekend pilots in Ottawa to Algonquin." Booking with Parkbus may not be quite as flexible as renting an SUV (there's a limit to the number of bikes allowed on a bus, for example—and no canoes allowed) but anyone who's had the dubious pleasure of trying to wrangle a few friends into a rented SUV and keeping all the gear straight for the weekend may want to check Parkbus out. CORRECTION: The grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation that is making Parkbus' expansion possible is $240,000, not $40,000 as this post originally stated.

1 0

Which commute is the healthiest
by Beth McKechnie 16 May '12

16 May '12

Which commute is the healthiest? By Laurie Tarkan<http://www.foxnews.com/archive/author/laurie-tarkan/index.html> Published May 10, 2012 FoxNews.com The longer you commute, the worse your health, according to the latest in a string of studies showing that sitting—even in a car—is bad for you. The study, published in the June issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, found that those who have the longest drives to work have decreased cardio fitness, are heavier and have higher blood pressure than those with shorter commutes. That’s bad news, since the average time driving to work increased from 17.6 minutes in 1983 to 22.5 minutes in 2001. The question: Is it being sedentary for so long that raises the risk or is it the stress of driving, or both? And is another type of commute, like taking a train or bus any better for you? In this study, researchers studied about 4,000 residents who lived in metropolitan areas of Texas. Researchers recorded commuting distances as well as several measures of health including cardiorespiratory fitness, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, glucose levels, cholesterol and blood pressure. Participants also recorded the amount of physical activity they did. The study found that people who drove longer distances to work reported doing less physical activity, had decreased cardio fitness and greater BMI, waist circumference and blood pressure. Cholesterol and glucose levels were not affected. Those who drove only 10 miles or more to work were more likely to have high blood pressure, and those who commuted 15 miles or more were less likely to meet recommendations for physical activity and were more likely to be obese. Even when physical activity was adjusted for (meaning taken out of the equation), the other risk factors remained, suggesting that long commuters expend less daily energy than others. The reason blood pressure also increased with driving distance may be linked to the stress of commuting. Past studies have associated daily commuting with high blood pressure, tension and fatigue. "Those with longer commutes may be more likely to be exposed to heavy traffic resulting in higher stress levels and more time sitting," says lead investigator of the new study, Christine M. Hoehner of Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. *Commuting by Train* But is commuting by train or bus any better? One study looked at the health of people who took a train from New Jersey to Manhattan. It turns out that if you use public transportation, you spend more time walking – to the train station and to your office – than if you drive. The study found that train commuters walked an average of 30 percent more steps per workday than those who drove to work. It also found that people commuting by car reported significantly more stress and a more negative mood than those who rode the train. *The Best Commute* Of course, the best way to get to work is to walk or ride a bike—an active commute. One study found that active commuting that incorporates walking or cycling was associated with an 11 percent reduction in cardiovascular risk. Another study found that men with any active commuting (versus none) were less likely to be obese, and had lower risk factors for heart disease across the board. Since there’s growing evidence that sitting at your desk all day is bad for your health, try to maximize the activity of your commute to your office. If walking or biking isn’t possible, second best is public transportation since. If you must drive to work, as most Americans do, then think about incorporating walking into your day as much as possible to counter all that time you’re sitting. http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/05/10/which-commute-is-healthiest/#ixzz1…

1 0

Webinar reminder: In-Street Bicycle Parking: Wed, May 16, 2-3 pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 15 May '12

15 May '12

*** Friendly reminder about tomorrow's webinar *** Green Action Centre and Bike to the Future invite you to join us for a local viewing of the upcoming APBP webinar at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) followed by group discussion.* *Detailed descriptions provided below.* *In-street Bicycle Parking: What, When, Where and How Much? Wednesday, May 16th • 2:00 to 3:00 pm CST RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth 925-3772 * * * * * Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) presents: In-street Bicycle Parking: What, When, Where and How Much? Wednesday, May 16th • 2:00 to 3:00 pm CST Increasingly communities face the dilemma of bicycles and pedestrians competing for scarce sidewalk space. As pedestrian activity increases wider sidewalks are needed, while as cycling increases more bicycle parking—traditionally placed on sidewalks—is also needed. In-street bicycle corrals allow agencies to place bicycle parking in the street, [image: parking]off the pedestrian way, resolving this conflict and making more efficient use of existing parking spaces. However, jurisdictions may hesitate to undertake bicycle corrals since there are few design examples and little specific guidance on which to base such projects. Planners, engineers, developers and advocates should attend this webinar to learn how to scale up bicycle parking to meet growing demand while avoiding negative impacts to the pedestrian environment. Placing bicycle parking in the street presents unique challenges for traffic engineers and streetscape designers. Issues include roadway operations, cyclist and pedestrian safety, placement of a bike corral in relation to other sidewalk and street design elements, pedestrian flows and adjacent land uses. The webinar will address these challenges with examples of successful in-street bicycle parking projects (examples from New York City, Portland, and Washington D.C.). Presenters will also define best practices for providing bicycle parking in the street and discuss how a program might progress, beginning with public process and moving through costs, installation, and maintenance. Presenters include Eric Anderson, City of Berkeley, California; Sarah Figliozzi, Portland Bureau of Transportation; Chris Holben, District Department of Transportation; and Hayes Lord, New York City Department of Transportation. -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> 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/>

2 1

Wales to discourage car reliance - Active Travel Bill
by Beth McKechnie 15 May '12

15 May '12

[Couldn't find this Globe & Mail (May14'12) article online so here's a scan – very interesting!] [image: Inline image 1]

2 1

Successful bicycling initiatives for youth
by Beth McKechnie 11 May '12

11 May '12

New resource: http://lin.ca/resource-details/21997 Bicycling Interventions for Youth (2012) Diana McHugh researched and produced this powerpoint as her internship project with Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness this past term. Included in the slide show are examples of successful bicycling initiatives for youth, information and tips for implementing effective interventions as well as common barriers to increasing and promoting youth to cycle. Diana has just graduated from Dalhousie's School of Planning and the College of Sustainability. (Thanks to Jaymi Derrett for sharing!)

1 0

Join the masses on Bike to Work Day!
by Beth McKechnie 11 May '12

11 May '12

** Please share widely with your networks ** *Join the masses on Friday, June 22, 2012 as we Bike to Work!* To register visit www.biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org See printable handbills and poster attached, and check out the promo video below: http://youtu.be/H0kx2rs7ADg

1 0

Why there is no war between bikes and cars in the Netherlands
by Beth McKechnie 09 May '12

09 May '12

*Why There's No War Between Drivers and Cyclists in the Netherlands* Sarah Goodyear <http://www.theatlanticcities.com/authors/sarah-goodyear/> / May 08, 2012 Bicycling is such an integral part of life in the Netherlands, you might think that Dutch people are born knowing how to cycle. They aren’t, of course. What’s kind of wonderful is the way that they learn. It’s not just a matter of going to the park with a parent, getting a push, and falling down a bunch of times until you can pedal on your own. Dutch children are expected to learn and follow the rules of the road, because starting in secondary school – at age 12 – they are expected to be able to ride their bikes on their own to school, sometimes as far as nine or 10 miles. Because this independent travel for children is valued in Dutch society, education about traffic safety is something that every Dutch child receives. There's even a bicycle road test that Dutch children are required to take at age 12 in order to prove that they are responsible cycling citizens. *Read full article & see videos: * * http://www.theatlanticcities.com/commute/2012/05/why-theres-no-war-between-… *<http://www.theatlanticcities.com/commute/2012/05/why-theres-no-war-between-…> (Thanks to Dave Elmore for sharing.)

1 0

Your Help is Needed to Ensure Pembina Gap is Closed
by Mark Cohoe 08 May '12

08 May '12

This Wednesday, May 9^th , the City of Winnipeg will be hosting an open house giving an opportunity to review three options being proposed for improvements to the Pembina Highway Underpass (at Jubilee).Only one of the proposed options meets the minimum requirements for active transportation.Only option 3 includes the long promised pathway to safely carry cyclists and pedestrians over Pembina Highway.This crossing has consistently been included in public plans <http://winnipegtransit.com/assets/80/Southwest_Rapid_Transit_Corridor_-_Sta…> for the Southwest Rapid Transit Corridor, the City has chosen to present the public with two options for the Pembina Underpass that exclude pedestrians and cyclists from having a safe, convenient way to cross one of the busiest roadways in the city. What difference would the exclusion of this pathway make?For those that Portland terms the "interested but concerned" cyclist (they estimate this represents 60% of their population), it means a lot.These potential cyclists will not choose a high traffic roadway like the Jubilee Overpass, nor will they suffer constant stopping and dismounting to get to their destination along lower traffic routes that avoid Jubilee Overpass (and incidentally cause them to stop all traffic on Pembina when they cross just south of Jubilee).For these cyclists, the lack of a safe, convenient, and separated pathway across Pembina will mean choosing their car over their bike for trips that they would otherwise gladly make by bike. We are asking all members to make an effort to get out to the open house <http://winnipeg.ca/publicworks/MajorProjects/PembinaHighwayUnderpass/defaul…> this Wednesday, fill out the on line survey (available after May 9^th ) and write your City Councillor and Provincial MLA to make it known that the only acceptable option for the Pembina Underpass is one that includes room for a separated AT Pathway over Pembina Highway when Rapid Transit is extended.The open house is being held at the APEGN office (870 Pembina Highway) just north of the underpass.Comments can be sent to the project web-site <file:///C:%5CUsers%5CMCohoe%5CDocuments%5CBike%20to%20the%20Future%5CCity%20Committee%5CBikeways%5CPembina%20Bikeway%5CPembina%20Underpass%5C%28http:%5Cwww.winnipeg.ca%5Cpublicworks%5CMajorProjects%5CPembinaHighwayUnderpass%5Cdefault.asp%29> or sent directly to the head planner in charge of this project, Jacqueline East <mailto:jeast@dillon.ca>. Sincerely, Mark Cohoe Bike to the Future

1 0

In-Street Bicycle Parking webinar: Wed, May 16th, 2-3 pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 08 May '12

08 May '12

Green Action Centre and Bike to the Future invite you to join us for a local viewing of the upcoming APBP webinar at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) followed by group discussion.* *Detailed descriptions provided below.* *In-street Bicycle Parking: What, When, Where and How Much? Wednesday, May 16th • 2:00 to 3:00 pm CST RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth 925-3772 * * * * * Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) presents: In-street Bicycle Parking: What, When, Where and How Much? Wednesday, May 16th • 2:00 to 3:00 pm CST Increasingly communities face the dilemma of bicycles and pedestrians competing for scarce sidewalk space. As pedestrian activity increases wider sidewalks are needed, while as cycling increases more bicycle parking—traditionally placed on sidewalks—is also needed. In-street bicycle corrals allow agencies to place bicycle parking in the street, off the pedestrian way, resolving this conflict and making more efficient use of existing parking spaces. However, jurisdictions may hesitate to undertake bicycle corrals since there are few design examples and little specific guidance on which to base such projects. Planners, engineers, developers and advocates should attend this webinar to learn how to scale up bicycle parking to meet growing demand while avoiding negative impacts to the pedestrian environment. Placing bicycle parking in the street presents unique challenges for traffic engineers and streetscape designers. Issues include roadway operations, cyclist and pedestrian safety, placement of a bike corral in relation to other sidewalk and street design elements, pedestrian flows and adjacent land uses. The webinar will address these challenges with examples of successful in-street bicycle parking projects (examples from New York City, Portland, and Washington D.C.). Presenters will also define best practices for providing bicycle parking in the street and discuss how a program might progress, beginning with public process and moving through costs, installation, and maintenance. Presenters include Eric Anderson, City of Berkeley, California; Sarah Figliozzi, Portland Bureau of Transportation; Chris Holben, District Department of Transportation; and Hayes Lord, New York City Department of Transportation. APBP has applied to the AICP for one Certification Maintenance credit for this webinar, and will provide an attendance certificate to those who document their professional development hours. -- *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/>

1 0

BikeMobile Project - Safe Routes to School (CA)
by Beth McKechnie 07 May '12

07 May '12

Interesting article attached on a new BikeMobile project under the Safe Routes to School Program in Dublin, California. More coverage here: http://www.arounddublinblog.com/2012/04/dublin-ca-innovative-bikemobile-fix… (Thanks to Bob Kurylko for forwarding.) cheers, Beth

1 0

Wine, Wenches, and Wrenches - Upcoming Ladies Cycling Workshops
by Shoni Litinsky 07 May '12

07 May '12

Please circulate to anyone that may be interested to join us! [image: Inline image 1] -- *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/>

1 0

Globe and Mail: Saving lives by slowing down on city streets
by Beth McKechnie 06 May '12

06 May '12

Saving lives by slowing down on city streets Kelly Grant From Monday's Globe and Mail Published Sunday, Apr. 29, 2012 9:08PM EDT http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/saving-lives-by-slowing-down-o… Toronto’s top doctor wants speed limits in Canada’s largest city reduced by 10 to 20 kilometres an hour, an idea that’ll be a tough sell when he pitches it to the Board of Health on Monday. When Medical Officer of Health David McKeown revealed his proposal last week, it was panned faster than the speed of a car on one of Toronto’s 60 km/h arterial roads. Mayor Rob Ford dismissed it as “nuts, nuts, nuts, nuts,” while the head of the public works committee urged Dr. McKeown to “stick to his knitting,” unless he’s after a job in the transportation department. But Dr. McKeown’s proposal isn’t outrageous. Other major cities around the world are experimenting with lowering speed limits as part of their efforts to keep pedestrians, cyclists and drivers safe, something supporters hope will nudge urban dwellers out of their cars. New York implemented its first “slow speed” 20-mph (about 32 km/h) zone in the heart of the Bronx last fall. Edmonton recently wrapped up a pilot project testing a 10 km/h reduction – to 40 km/h from 50 – in six neighbourhoods, three of which have elected to retain the lower speed caps. And Portsmouth, England, has received calls from across the globe about its decision to implement a nearly city-wide speed limit of 20 mph. These interventions go beyond traditional traffic-calming measures, such as speed bumps. “I’m not surprised that on first blush, some people might be concerned about the recommendation,” Dr. McKeown said in an interview. “[But] the evidence of the relationship between speed and mortality and fatality is very strong.” Pedestrians are eight times more likely to die when hit by cars travelling 50 km/h than when struck by vehicles travelling 30 km/h, according to the World Health Organization. Strong as it may be, the science supporting lower speed limits isn’t exactly surprising. Slowing down saves lives. However, municipal leaders must balance safety with the need to get from point A to point B in a reasonable time. That’s why most of the cities testing lower speed limits are using neighbourhood streets, not arterial roads, as their petri dishes. Take New York. In a bid to cut traffic fatalities in half by 2030, the Big Apple has implemented a raft of measures to persuade motorists to slow down, including cheeky commercials reminding New Yorkers there actually *is *a speed limit in the city, and it’s 30 mph. New York’s Department of Transportation has taken a particularly aggressive step in the Claremont section of The Bronx. Often abused as a shortcut, the quarter-mile residential neighbourhood saw 46 people killed or seriously injured in motor-vehicle crashes from 2006 to 2010, prompting the city to make Claremont its first 20-mph zone. The zone is marked with 14 distinctive gateway entrances, 28 posted speed limit signs and nine speed humps. “It sends a clear message to those drivers that neighbourhood streets are not shortcuts, they are not speedways,” said New York Transportation commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan. She said residents were “wildly supportive” of the new zone. “People were happy because they were tired of seeing their streets used as speedways.” Now more than 100 New York neighbourhoods have applied for slow-speed zones, she added. “I think that you’re starting to see cities all over the country look for these kinds of interventions. There’s a big hue and cry to have safer streets,” she said. It’s still an open question whether reducing the posted speed limit alone actually compels motorists to ease off the gas. Claremont’s experience is still too fresh to have produced useful data. In any case, the neighbourhood’s slow zone includes speed bumps, making it difficult to separate their effects from those of a lower posted speed limit. Edmonton, on the other hand, has the hard numbers to show that a reduced speed limit is little match for road design. Beginning on May 1, 2010, the Alberta capital reduced speed limits in six very different neighbourhoods to 40 km/h from 50, using only signs and enforcement, including photo radar. Overall, operating speeds fells by 7 per cent or about 3.5 km/h. The number of serious crashes dropped slightly in all but one of the test areas, where severe collisions actually increased. Sounds promising, until you look at the actual speeds logged during the six-month experiment. In two older neighbourhoods, operating speeds fell to 51 km/h from about 53; in two grid-patterned areas, speeds dropped to 53 km/h from 55; and in two newly built pockets, speeds fell to 57 km/h from 60. In other words, next to nobody respected the 40 km/h limit. Road design mattered. Motorists drove slower on older, narrow streets lined with parked cars, and faster on new, wider thoroughfares with little parking. “One of the things about reducing the speed limit on any given road is that it needs to make sense to the public,” said Scott McDonald, senior speed management co-ordinator for Edmonton’s Office of Traffic Safety. That’s one of the reasons Dr. McKeown’s recommendations have taken such a beating. Right now, Toronto’s speed limit, unless otherwise posted, is 50 km/h. Some wide arterial roads are 60 km/h, most residential streets are 40 km/h, and streets with speed bumps are 30 km/h. The Medical Officer of Health favours reducing the residential limit to 30 km/h and the default speed limit to 40 km/h. In a city strangled by gridlock, the thought of puttering along at 40 km/h on an arterial road isn’t likely to be embraced. At least not by Toronto city council, which has the final say on speeds within city limits. That doesn’t discourage Dr. McKeown. Slower speeds are just a small – if controversial – part of the report he’ll be championing on Monday. “We are facing a significant burden of illness associated with obesity and diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and being more active in our day-to-day activities is a very important way of combatting those major health threats,” Dr. McKeown said. *Lower speeds, higher savings* One English city has found that the slow way can also be the safe and cheap way. There hasn’t been a single fatality on the roads of Portsmouth since the island city of 207,000 on the south coast of England implemented a 20 mph (or 32 km/h) speed limit in 2007-2008. The cap applies to 1,245 streets, or 94 per cent of Portsmouth’s roads. Unlike most cities that try to slow down motorists, Portsmouth’s limit isn’t reinforced with speed bumps or other physical changes to the road. “We decided to do it because we had a triple fatality on a residential road and, obviously, we had members of the public that were extremely concerned,” said Adam Bunce, an assistant traffic engineer and project manager for Portsmouth’s 20-mph project. Reaction to lowering the speed limit by 10 mph was mixed at first. Residents doubted that signs and the occasional police blitz would compel drivers to take their foot off the gas. (Drivers nabbed breaking the 20-mph rule are slapped with a £60 ($95) fine and three-point loss on their licences, unless they agree to attend a one-hour safety seminar, complete with videos of horrible car crashes.) But a 2010 interim evaluation found the lower limits worked – for the most part. Average speeds dropped by just 0.9 mph overall. On blocks where the average “before” speed was higher than 24 mph, the average speed fell by seven mph. Total injuries for pedestrians, passengers and drivers, though, was down 22 per cent. The biggest knock on the plan is that serious injuries actually increased by six per cent, a result Mr. Bunce dismissed as statistically insignificant because the city has so few auto accidents. In other words, Portsmouth’s motorists were already taking it slow. The city’s narrow residential streets, lined with Victorian homes and parked cars, aren’t conducive to speeding. The 20-mph limit doesn’t apply on the major motorways and distributor roads that carry most commuters. Toronto and the majority of Canadian cities, especially those built out after the Second World War, don’t enjoy the same advantages of urban form. However, if any do decide to follow Portsmouth’s lead, they’ll find one advantage applies as much here as it does across the pond: A sweeping speed-limit reduction is cheaper than traditional traffic-calming measures. Portsmouth was preparing to dole out £2-million ($3.2-million) over five years, mostly on speed bumps, when it switched gears to lowering the speed limit almost everywhere. “Implementing a city-wide speed limit at £623,000 ($993,000), we saved ourselves £1.5-million ($2.4-million),” Mr. Bunce said. Graphics: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/your-probability-of-de… http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/the-faster-you-drive-t…

1 0

Dutch videos about speeding
by Beth McKechnie 04 May '12

04 May '12

The Dutch are particularly good at using humour to make a point. Would be great to see something like this for Winnipeg and other urban centres in MB. http://youtu.be/y60YQOzNWYE Thanks to Jonathan Borland for sharing the videos! cheers, Beth

1 0

Bicycle Facilities Design Course for Engineers - May 27 in Winnipeg!!! CITE 2012
by Anders Swanson 03 May '12

03 May '12

[Thanks to Bjorn Radstrom for passing this along - a very valuable training opportunity for engineers interested in designing for the bicycle - Anders]. “Bicycle Facilities Design Course” is being offered at the annual Canadian Institute of Transportation Engineers (CITE 2012) conference in Winnipeg. The workshop is on Sunday, May 27th from 08:30 to 16:30. There are details at: http://www.cite7.org/Winnipeg2012/WinnipegWorkshops.php. You can register for the workshop without registering for the rest of the conference.

2 1

Notice of Public Open House - Pembina Highway Underpass Improvement Options
by Beth McKechnie 30 Apr '12

30 Apr '12

------------------------------ *From:* Quesnel-Strasser, Angela [mailto:aquesnelstrasser@dillon.ca] *Sent:* April 26, 2012 4:52 PM *Subject:* Notice of Public Open House - Pembina Highway Underpass Improvement Options On behalf of the City of Winnipeg, we invite you to attend an Open House to review and provide feedback on three options being proposed for improvements to the Pembina Highway Underpass. A PDF describing the three options is attached. The Open House will be a drop-in format so feel free to come any time between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM and speak with the project team. The three options being proposed for the Pembina Highway Underpass improvements will be displayed. *Date: Wednesday, May 9, 2012* * * *Time: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Drop-in Format)* * * *Location: Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists** (APEGM) * *870 Pembina Highway* If you are unable to attend the Open House but would like information on the project please visit www.Winnipeg.ca/PembinaHighwayUnderpass or contact Jacqueline East at Dillon Consulting Limited 453-2301 or *jeast(a)dillon.ca.* * * Thank you. **

1 0

Jane's Walk Winnipeg weekend is here!
by Beth McKechnie 30 Apr '12

30 Apr '12

** *Please share widely with your networks, family and friends! Thanks* ** The annual Jane's Walk <http://janeswalk.net/> weekend happens this coming Saturday and Sunday, May 5 & 6 (poster attached). Check out the line-up of Winnipeg walks<http://janeswalk.net/cities/list/category/winnipeg>(more being added) to discover which neighbourhoods or topics interest you. Maybe it's Aboriginal development and placemaking on Main Street, the Bell Tower Movement to Stop the Violence in the North End, or the history of the West Broadway or Wolseley neighbourhoods. Take a walk to learn more about your city and its neighbourhoods, and participate in meaningful conversations about the past and the future. [image: Inline image 1]

1 0

Joyride: A celebration of cycling
by Shoni Litinsky 29 Apr '12

29 Apr '12

Hi Everyone, A local artist Michelle Gamache <http://www.michellegamache.ca> just completed this great book that captures the love and beauty of the bicycle. A few of us had our comments made it in there, but it is just nice to see the images and read the different aspects of cycling people write about, speed, excitement...even biking right into the lake. Enjoy http://www.blurb.com/books/3143194 -- *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/> -- *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/>

1 0

Bike to Work Day Winnipeg - June 22, 2012
by Beth McKechnie 27 Apr '12

27 Apr '12

We invite you to take to the streets and join thousands of commuters in cycling to work. *The fifth annual Bike to Work Day Winnipeg will be held on Friday, June 22nd*. Stop by a pit stop from 6:30-9:00 am on your way to work and get a boost with free snacks, bike tune-ups and refreshments. Over thirty community and corporate groups will welcome cyclists in the morning, and each stop will host its own prize giveaways and an opportunity to meet a diversity of active transportation supporters. You can wind up your week with a BBQ at The Forks beginning at 3:30 and featuring local musical talent, free dinner and your chance to win a brand new Schwinn bicycle or bike trailer from Chariot Trailers. Start today by registering online to show your support for the smart commute, and to take advantage of the day's festivities. Please visit www.biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org. -- Andraea Sartison Event Coordinator Bike to Work Day 2011 333-2666 www.biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org

1 0

The W.R.E.N.C.H. employment opportunity
by Beth McKechnie 27 Apr '12

27 Apr '12

Want to work with kids, bikes and the cycling community? Then you've found the perfect position as Executive Director of The W.R.E.N.C.H. <http://thewrench.ca/> (Winnipeg Repair Education and Cycling Hub)! Check out the job posting here<http://thewrench.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/WRENCH-job-posting…> .

1 0

NTPP Update: A Bold Experiment in Four Communities - Handouts
by Mark Cohoe 26 Apr '12

26 Apr '12

Hi, Sorry this is a bit slow coming out. Here are the links to the handouts and evaluation for last weeks webinar. *The handouts for this webinar are available for download on the APBP website*. To download the slides and handouts in pdf format, please go to http://www.apbp.org/?page=Webinar_Downloads <http://www.apbp.org/link.asp?e=markc@biketothefuture.org&job=600878&ymlink=…>. On this page you will find handouts; the slide presentation as a pdf; the sign-in sheet to claim credit for CM and PDH; and some technical assistance documents for GoToWebinar. We hope you enjoyed the webinar, "NTPP Update: A Bold Experiment in Four Communities", and found it valuable. If you haven't already done so, please take a few minutes to complete a short online evaluation at http://www.apbp.org/surveys/?id=Evaluation_Apr-12 <http://www.apbp.org/link.asp?e=markc@biketothefuture.org&job=601203&ymlink=…> Cheers Mark Cohoe Bike to the Future

1 0

REMINDER: Registration for 2nd Conversations in motion Event - May 9th!
by Kristine Hayward 26 Apr '12

26 Apr '12

Hi! If you haven't registered for the second annual Conversations in motion series: "Health promotion gone VIRAL: Tweeting & posting for better health choices," you should do it right now! The event will be held on Wednesday, May 9th 8:15am-4:00pm at the Université de Saint-Boniface On-line registration will be open until May 4th or until all spots are filled! We are over 50% SOLD OUT!! Please see the attached Event Poster for more information on how to register or visit our webpage: http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/kinrec/research/conversations.html <http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/kinrec/research/conversations.html> *NEW: If you have registered already, be sure to check out our Pre-Event Scavenger Hunt!! Here's the link: http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/kinrec/grad_programs/safety/media/Scavenger.p… This will get you ready for the event and there are prizes to be won! For more information, please contact me at 474-7451 (phone) or Nicole_dunn(a)umanitoba.ca <mailto:Nicole_dunn@umanitoba.ca> . Thanks, Nicole Nicole J. Dunn, BA (Adv), BRS, MA Associate Director (Administration) 308A Max Bell Centre Health, Leisure & Human Performance Research Institute University of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 T: 204-474-7451 F: 204-261-4802 E: nicole_dunn(a)umanitoba.ca http://umanitoba.ca/kinrec/research/ <http://umanitoba.ca/kinrec/research/> 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.

1 0

Lower Speed Limits Proposed Across Toronto
by Anders Swanson 25 Apr '12

25 Apr '12

[speed limits are in the news...so to complete the "trifecta", here's a story out of Toronto about a recent report from Toronto's chief medical officer of health about the best and safest way to get everyone else (besides the kids lucky enough to be in a school zone) out cycling and walking...thx to Tom for the forward. - anders] http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/story/2012/04/24/toronto-speed-limits… References: Report from Toronto Health (Road to Health: Improving Walking and Cycling in Toronto) http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2012.HL13.1 http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2012/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-46520.pdf

1 0

City of Winnipeg News Release - City of Winnipeg Annual Bike Auction
by Beth McKechnie 25 Apr '12

25 Apr '12

*Sent:* Wednesday, April 25, 2012 11:13 AM *Subject:* City of Winnipeg News Release - City of Winnipeg Annual Bike Auction [image: Description: Description: Description: Description: cid:image001.png@01CC88E0.FA0A1B80] For Immediate Release Wednesday, April 25, 2012 *City of Winnipeg Annual Bike Auction* *Winnipeg, MB* – Residents are reminded that the City’s annual auction of unclaimed bicycles will be held on Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29, 2012, at the Varsity View Sportsplex, 4230 Ridgewood Avenue. Approximately 450 bicycles will be auctioned off on Saturday, and approximately 300 on Sunday. Parking is available for $2.00 per vehicle, with all parking proceeds going to the Varsity View Community Club. This year, the City of Winnipeg has partnered with the Winnipeg Repair Education and Cycling Hub (WRENCH) to offer up to 200 bikes that have been tuned up by volunteer mechanics, and are ready-to-ride! Also on site will be information and displays about the City’s cycling network, commuter courses, proper helmet fit, and Winnipeg’s community bike shops. Public viewing will be held as follows: · Saturday, April 28 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. – Auction starts at 9:00 a.m. · Sunday, April 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. – Auction starts at 12:00 noon Please note that all bicycles are sold as is, where is, and no warranty is given nor implied. Cash, MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Interac payments will be accepted. Cheques will not be accepted. One-time Bicycle Registrations will be available on site at a cost of $5.60 plus GST, per bicycle. Registering your bike will ensure that, should the City recover it—you will get it back with no additional charges. For further information on Community By-law Enforcement Services – Bicycle Recovery Section, please call 311 or visit: http://winnipeg.ca/cms/license_branch/bicycle_license.stm -30- Media inquiries should be directed to the City of Winnipeg Media Inquiry Line at 204-986-6000 or via email at MediaInquiry(a)winnipeg.ca Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/cityofwinnipeg<http://www.facebook.com/cityofwinnipeg> Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/cityofwinnipeg<http://www.twitter.com/cityofwinnipeg>

1 0

Webinar: Safe Routes for Seniors - Thurs, May 3, Noon-1:15, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 24 Apr '12

24 Apr '12

Please join Green Action Centre to watch the following webinar followed by discussion. Feel free to bring your lunch. RSVPs appreciated but not necessary. *Creating a Safe Routes for Seniors Program* Thursday, May 3rd, 2012 12:00pm-1:15pm (webinar duration is 45 minutes) Eco-Centre<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>Boardroom - 3rd Floor, 303 Portage Avenue In urban environments throughout the country, children and older adults represent a disproportionate percentage of pedestrian injuries and fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. Many of these places have long established “Safe Routes to School” programs and policies for children, but are at a loss when it comes to making streets safer for older adults. As more people age in place and the population as a whole is living longer, creating streets that are easy, enjoyable and safe for older adults is crucial in urban environments. This course uses seven chapters to outline the components of a program to improve street safety for senior citizens and promote the cardiovascular health of local older adults in urban areas. After watching this course you will understand the differences between “Safe Routes” for children and older adults and the steps you should take to get these programs off the ground, using concepts proven to work in New York City. * * *Amy Pfeiffer*, your instructor, is a transportation planner and principal of PFoundation Works. She has over 11 years experience in transportation planning working with Nelson Nygaard, Transportation Alternatives, and The New York City Department of City Planning. -- *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/>

1 0

WFP editorial: Send right signals to pedestrians PLUS study on scramble corners
by Beth McKechnie 24 Apr '12

24 Apr '12

Send right signals to pedestrians http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/editorials/send-right-signals-to-p… The complaint that you need a jet pack to cross Portage Avenue on foot has been around for years. The city's traffic department, however, responds the perception likely is a lack of understanding of how the signals at intersections work. Pedestrians are given five seconds to start a crossing, and the appearance of the flashing red hand is merely a warning, not a sign to stop walking midstream. Pedestrians are given more than 10 seconds to cross -- the timing is calculated at a pace of 1.2 metres or less per second for a safe crossing. But if misperception has lingered longer than a quarter-century, if some walkers are getting caught on the median, then better communication is needed. To that end, the city is investigating the "countdown" signals used in other cities to show pedestrians how many seconds are left to get across safely. The city should also remove the buttons that must be pushed at some intersections to activate the "walk-man" signal allowing people to enter a crossing safely. The buttons were removed downtown and should be yanked in other areas, as well, to assert a pedestrian's right to cross on a green light. There are other ideas around that Winnipeg should investigate. Calgary, for example, introduced in 2008 the diagonal crosswalk at 3rd Street Southwest, in the Eau Claire area. It stops all vehicles to allow foot traffic to cross in all directions, including diagonally. Such unconventional signalling requires a learning curve, but there are intersections in Winnipeg -- River and Osborne -- where heavy foot traffic impedes vehicles turning left and right. Perhaps there, unimpeded pedestrian crossings can make sense. Motorists in Winnipeg celebrated when Mayor Sam Katz promised years ago to synchronize lights on busy streets such as Portage and Broadway. That recognized the need to inject efficiency to signalled intersections. The population is getting older and heavier. Intersection signals should help, not discourage, those who choose to walk, and walk safely, around town. * * * * * NOTE: Here's a study<http://www.toronto.ca/transportation/walking/pdf/pedestrian_scramble_crossi…>comparing the planning and implementation of "diagonal crosswalks", or scramble corners as they're sometimes called, in Toronto and Calgary. At a glance, it appears Toronto's example is the better implementation from which to learn or perhaps it's a difference in car/ped culture in the two cities. Pasted below is the concluding paragraph from the analysis, which was prepared by a representative from each of the two municipalities. cheers, Beth "It is recognized that the implementation of pedestrian scramble would increase vehicle delays. There was a significant increase in delays to mixed traffic in Toronto; from a policy implementation perspective, this tradeoff was acceptable given that there are over 50,000 pedestrians at the Toronto intersection in a typical 24 hour period compared to 36,000 vehicles. The increase in delay to transit vehicles is a concern – while a better level of service is being provided to pedestrians at the Toronto intersection, these same pedestrians are subject to additional delays when they ride on the streetcars. Similarly in Calgary the expected increase in vehicle delay was considered acceptable given the safety and operational benefits for pedestrians that scramble control provides. Implementation of scramble control in Toronto and Calgary demonstrates both cities’ commitment to creating more walkable cities. Based on the high number of pedestrians observed crossing diagonally at the three locations, it does appear that the pedestrian scramble phasing is being well used by pedestrians in Toronto and Calgary."

1 0

Long and winding road - Winnipeg needs to move toward a more car-free culture
by Beth McKechnie 23 Apr '12

23 Apr '12

Long and winding road Winnipeg needs to move toward a more car-free culture By: Bartley Kives http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/long-and-winding-road-148422775.html If you own a 2012 Honda Civic or any other car with a 50-litre gas tank, it'll cost you an extra $1.25 to fill 'er up on May 1. This is the short-term cost of the Selinger government's 2.5-cent-a-litre provincial gas-tax hike, which is expected to rake in $48.6 million of additional revenue for the province during the forthcoming fiscal year. The cash, the province says, will be devoted to fixing roads and bridges. But as Premier Greg Selinger has been forced to concede, the province has no plans to spend an extra $48.6 million on roads and bridges this coming year. While legislation demands provincial gas-tax revenue must be spent on infrastructure, there is no similar rule against taking money out of roads-and-bridges and spending it on other priorities. To some extent, that's precisely what the province plans to do this year, as administrative officials confirmed during last week's budget lockup. The spin doctors on the political side protested loudly, claiming there are in fact increases hidden somewhere within the budget papers. But there is no doubt the province is not taking all that extra gas-tax cash and using it to top up the roads-and-bridges budget. Just as there is no question the City of Winnipeg tried to pull off a very similar trick in 2011. About 13 months ago, Mayor Sam Katz announced Winnipeg's first frontage-levy hike in about a decade, a move intended to raise an extra $14 million for the city last year. Like Selinger this year, Katz claimed in 2011 this extra revenue would be spent entirely on infrastructure. And he was correct: It went into the city's road-maintenance budget. What civic politicians were not eager to admit is even more money came out of that very same budget, to be spent on other priorities. In other words, both the city and province have tried to place the precise same spin on a form of tax hike over the past two years. Faced with budget shortfalls, Selinger and Katz tried to dress up the politically unpopular decision to raise taxes with the only form of populist window dressing voters seem to accept: We're taking your money to fix the roads. As far as spin goes, this is not very effective, as even the most easily confused reporter, blogger or opposition politician can look at two numbers and discern which one is smaller. But the fact this ploy gets used at all is a testament to how much Winnipeggers and Manitobans seem to care about their roads. Poll after poll reveals the condition of both city and provincial roads are among the top two concerns of voters in this flat patch of the planet. So politicians pander to that sentiment -- and continue to perpetuate the notion that simply "fixing the roads" will cure much of what ails this city and this province. As any historian will tell you, the presence or absence of a properly functioning transportation system may be the most crucial factor determining the success or failure of a city, both in terms of material wealth and the health and well-being of its citizens. But inherent in that assumption, across much if not most of North America, is that a properly functioning transportation system can and should be measured solely by the state of its roads. "I wish they would fix the damn roads" may be the most common complaint in Winnipeg, where the freeze-thaw cycles of our sub-Arctic climate ensure we wind up with some of the most pockmarked, potholed buggy tracks on the continent. When we travel to the U.S., many of us are left awed and envious by the sight of freeway systems with endless kilometres of elevated concrete and steel-supported overpasses. So we desire these things, much like we desire big-box stores full of IKEA furniture and glass hotel atria full of plastic waterslides, but those apparent amenities are rant fodder for another day. Based on anecdote and data, it's fairly safe to say many of us feel this way. But I would argue this is folly. Yes, a functioning highway system is important for the transfer of goods around the globe. But Winnipeg's ever-expanding road system is the key to its endless struggles, as all sane politicians come to realize over time. Winnipeg is no different from many North American cities in that the primary mode of transportation is the personal vehicle. Cars provides us all with freedom, we believe, even as we know it is more environmentally efficient, less expensive and less isolating to get around using public transit. Cars, however, are simply more convenient to use in cities designed for cars instead of people. So whenever efforts are made to improve transportation for people who don't use cars, a chicken versus egg inevitably arises. Spend money on public transit? Many of us argue against it, insisting we should simply build more roads, thus ensuring we must all spend vast sums of money to purchase, maintain and operate expensive vehicles that require large tracts of concrete for parking and, by extension, ensure our cities continue to grow outward and require more roads. Expansive parking lots for expansive stores ensure retailers pay higher property taxes and charge us more for our goods. But we demand free parking, because we have been brought up to believe it is our God-given right. Some of us even believe public transit should bloody well pay for itself, because we don't use it. The corollary argument -- that non-drivers should not have to pay for road construction -- is deemed irrelevant, if not laughable. So politicians and policy-makers put off investments in public transit, even though our leaders are well aware of the arithmetic that makes higher-density planning the most sensible and responsible financial option for any city in the long-term. The public wants more roads, the politicians shrug. They want to live in single-family homes, far away from anywhere they could possibly reach on foot, the developers claim. So the people who sculpt the shape of our lives give us what we want. And anyone foolish enough to question this logic is deemed to be a naive utopian or an urbanist geek. Of course, the price of oil and the inconvenience of congestion tend to increase both urban density and the popularity of public transit. These are the market forces that will inevitably drive even car-dependent Winnipeg toward a more car-free culture. I would argue our leaders should take us to this place far before the time comes when we have no other choice but to go there. I say this as a driver. I say this as a pedestrian and occasional transit user. I also say this as a person who looks around North America and feels envy -- not for freeways, but for the eagerness, elsewhere, for change. bartley.kives(a)freepress.mb.ca

1 0

I'll walk, thanks. I'm a liberal.
by Beth McKechnie 23 Apr '12

23 Apr '12

I'll walk, thanks. I'm a liberal Strange trend emerges in examination of cities' walkability By: Will Oremus http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/ill-walk-thanks-im-a-li… Reading Tom Vanderbilt's Slate series on the crisis in North American walking, I noticed something about the cities with the highest "walk scores." They're all liberal. New York, San Francisco, and Boston, the top three major cities on Walkscore.com, are three of the most liberal cities in the United States. In fact, the top 19 are all in states that voted for Obama in 2008. The lowest-scoring major cities, by comparison, tilt conservative: Three of the bottom four -- Jacksonville, Fla., Oklahoma City, and Fort Worth, Texas, -- went for McCain. What explains the correlation? Don't conservatives like to walk? You might think it's a simple matter of size: Big cities lean liberal and also tend to be more walkable. That's generally true, but it doesn't fully explain the phenomenon. Houston, Phoenix and Dallas are among the nation's ten largest cities, but they're also among the country's more conservative big cities, and none cracks the top 20 in walkability. All three trail smaller liberal cities such as Portland, Denver, and Long Beach. Substituting density for size gets us closer: Houston, Phoenix and Dallas are notorious for sprawl, while New York, San Francisco and Boston are tightly packed, partly because they are older cities whose downtown cores developed in the pre-car era. As they grew, their borders were constrained by those of the smaller cities and towns that surrounded them. That's not the case with many southern and western cities. Jacksonville and Oklahoma City, for instance, are vast in terms of land area, encompassing suburban and even semi-rural neighbourhoods as well as urban ones. That still leaves the question of why urban density should go hand-in-hand with liberal politics, however. I see four possible categories of explanations. 1. Liberals build denser, more walkable cities (e.g., Portlanders supporting public transit and policies that limit sprawl). 2. Liberals are drawn to cities that are already dense and walkable (think college grads migrating to Minneapolis rather than San Antonio, or young families settling down in Lowell, Mass., with a walk score of 64.1, rather than Fort Wayne, Ind., with a walk score of 39. 3. Walkable cities make people more liberal (by forcing them to get along with diverse neighbours and to rely on highly visible city services such as parks and subways). 4. The same factors that make cities dense and walkable also make them liberal. My guess is that it's mostly No. 4, with some of the other three thrown in, depending on the situation. What do dense, walkable cities have in common? Besides being older, they also tend to be on the coasts. New York (No. 1), San Francisco (No. 2), and Boston (No. 3) sprang up as port cities -- hubs of international commerce and immigration. That leads to both dense development along the coastline and to an atmosphere of diversity and tolerance. Those three cities top the list because they're both old and coastal. The others in the top 10 are mostly one or the other. Seattle (No. 6) and Miami (No. 8) are diverse coastal ports. Chicago (No. 4), Philadelphia (No. 5), and Minneapolis (No. 9) aren't coastal, but they are ports, and more importantly, they're relatively old and industrial. Look at a walkability map and you'll see that unwalkable cities are concentrated in the South. While the northern United States developed an industrial economy, the South was dominated by agriculture until the last few decades. Whereas industry breeds density, immigration and social mobility, agriculture requires vast plots of land and leads to an entrenched social order dominated by the large landowners. The historical perspective might help explain why cities such as Houston, which today is one of the nation's largest ports and a magnet for immigration, remain relatively unwalkable. As Houston becomes increasingly diverse, it is already becoming more liberal. Harris County went narrowly to Obama in '08 after going consistently Republican for decades before that. In theory, it should be getting more walkable as well. The problem is that once a city has an infrastructure built around cars, it's harder to build support for density and public transportation funding. That is, it may be easier for a city to turn liberal than for a city to turn walkable. Link to Slate story: http://slate.me/HG44LM -- Slate

1 0

WFP: Pedestrian-cross buttons walk (Apr.21'12)
by Beth McKechnie 21 Apr '12

21 Apr '12

Pedestrian-cross buttons walk City removes downtown devices after human-rights complaint By: Bartley Kives The City of Winnipeg has removed pedestrian-crossing buttons from downtown intersections to comply with a human-rights complaint over their ease of use for people with visual and physical impairments. This past winter, the city accelerated the removal of the crossing buttons from approximately 60 downtown locations as part of an effort to fulfil an agreement reached in 2008, transportation manager Luis Escobar said. People who are visually impaired complained to the Manitoba Human Rights Commission of having to fumble around to find the buttons, while some people with physical impairments could not push them at all, Escobar said. So the city agreed to remove the push buttons from intersections east of Maryland Avenue, north of the Assiniboine River, south of Higgins Avenue and west of the Red River -- and set the "walk" displays and chimes to operate automatically, he said. "The push buttons were redundant, because pedestrians were always using them," Escobar said Friday. "There is a general premise there is always pedestrian activity (downtown) so there is no need for people to push buttons." Winnipeg's public works department began disabling the crossing buttons four years ago. This means all the intersections in question have been set to display "walk" signals, regardless of whether anyone pushed the buttons, Escobar said. The city did not publicize the fact the buttons were disabled to avoid confusing pedestrians. The buttons remain functional at intersections outside downtown, Escobar said. It takes more resources to physically remove the buttons than it does to simply disable them, he explained. Most of the redundant buttons were finally removed over the past six months. "This winter, we made a significant effort to remove all the push-buttons in the downtown area," Escobar said. The removal of the buttons does not affect motor-vehicle traffic, he said. But his department took advantage of the removals to conduct other traffic engineering work, including the completion of the city's traffic-signal synchronization plan. During the 2006 mayoral race, Mayor Sam Katz promised to speed the flow of traffic in Winnipeg by spending $10 million to $12 million on red-light synchronization. "The computerized synchronization of traffic signals can help Winnipeggers move around our city more efficiently and avoid the nuisance of stop-and-start traffic," Katz said at the time. "Winnipeg drivers know all too well the frustration of having their commute constantly interrupted by badly timed traffic lights, being needlessly detained and seeing their paycheque go up in gas fumes." In 2009, council approved the spending of $13.8 million over six years on the resulting traffic-signal enhancement program, which was to last until 2014. In 2011 however, the program budget was reduced to $12 million and slated to end this year. The final $2.3 million will be spent on traffic signals on Grant Avenue as well as throughout downtown Winnipeg, Escobar said. Downtown signals were last synchronized 10 years ago, he added. "We have to make sure we target them all at once and we set them up for the current traffic volumes we have on the street," Escobar said. The city also plans to spend an additional $1.05 million this year on other traffic-engineering improvements. bartley.kives(a)freepress.mb.ca

1 0

WFP View from the West: Winnipeg must become pedestrian-friendly (Apr.21'12)
by Beth McKechnie 21 Apr '12

21 Apr '12

Winnipeg must become pedestrian-friendly By: Harry Finnigan http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/westview/winnipeg-must-become-pede… Winnipeg has come a long way over the past 20 years and is just now beginning to be recognized nationally and internationally as a "can-do" city and is perhaps on the verge of becoming a great city. Of course, the development of the MTS Centre and the return of the Jets have had a tremendous impact on our city and its reputation. While we have made great progress as a city, we still have a long way to go if we're ever to be seen as a great city. For starters, we need to be more pedestrian-friendly. Have you ever wondered why the city provides insufficient time for even the fastest walker to get across a street before the "Don't Walk" sign comes on? Why do we have so many intersections with push buttons for pedestrians, yet for the unsuspecting pedestrian who is not aware enough to push the button, the "Walk" sign never comes on? It seems the city of Winnipeg treats pedestrians as if they were second-class citizens. I was reminded of this by Bethel Collie, who, in her letter to the editor, bemoans the fact that as a senior female who walks and buses everywhere, she finds walking across Portage Avenue at Arlington Street a real challenge. She suggests that it would help "if only they added two seconds to the length of the amber walk lights." Collie's plea was reminiscent of the late Art Jones, who, in the 1980s as president of the Downtown Winnipeg Association, would annually challenge then-mayor Bill Norrie to a foot race across Portage Avenue. To this day, the lights are synchronized such that a gazelle would have difficulty making it halfway across the street before the "Don't Walk" sign came on. The same can be said for crossing most other thoroughfares in our city, a reality that makes for very unsafe conditions. Case in point: It's not uncommon to see pedestrians stranded on the median in front of the Via Rail station. Having been given the green light to cross Main Street from the north side of Broadway, the light goes red before they reach the median. They are then confronted with impatient drivers, already going at a fairly good clip turning left off Broadway onto Main. Never mind that legally, these pedestrians have the right to cross. The signal being given for all to see is "Don't Walk." The solution really is quite simple. The city should ensure pedestrians are given sufficient time to at least get halfway across the street before having the light turn red. It also should install "countdown" traffic signals. Common in such cities as Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary, these signals tell both pedestrians and drivers exactly how many seconds are left before the light goes red. Five years ago, the City of Brandon installed one of these lights at a high-volume intersection, and it has been so successful that it now has plans in the works to install more. Why is it that not a single one of these "countdown" traffic signals can be found in Winnipeg? Why is it that Winnipeg seems so anti-pedestrian? The truth, at least since the 1960s, is when it comes to facilitating the movement of people on its streets, Winnipeg, unfortunately, has treated its pedestrians as an afterthought when compared to its citizens who drive vehicles. Traffic management generally has been focused on enabling vehicles to get from one end of the city to the other in record time. The most infamous example of this took place in 1979 when the city installed concrete barriers and introduced legislation prohibiting pedestrians from crossing at Portage and Main, its most historic corner. It also signed legal agreements with surrounding property owners guaranteeing it would continue to bar pedestrians from crossing the intersection for 40 years -- until 2019. One would be hard pressed to come up with the name of another city that chose to force its pedestrians to go underground. With an aging population and with so many struggling with obesity, governments at all levels should be encouraging people to walk and be active. The city should be commended for expanding its network of recreational trails and accommodating cyclists on its streets. Council's recently approved transportation master plan, with one of its goals to encourage "healthy lifestyle options," also is a step in the right direction. Plans, however, are one thing, actions quite another. The city should take action now to make the downtown area more pedestrian-friendly. It can start by installing a few "countdown" traffic signals. Looking to the future, in 2019, once the legal agreements have expired, Winnipeg will be in a position to implement a plan at Portage and Main developed in collaboration with the surrounding property owners in 2006. This plan would enable pedestrians to again cross our most historic intersection in the evenings, after rush hour on weekdays and during weekends. There are many good reasons for this to happen in time for the sesquicentennial celebration for Manitoba as a province. Let's see that it happens! *Harry Finnigan served as Winnipeg's director of planning, property and development (2002-2007). For most of his professional life, he has been able to commute to work by foot.*

1 0

Kids and active transportation
by Anders Swanson 18 Apr '12

18 Apr '12

[Here are two separate stories published today. One points to a problem, the other is part of the solution. - anders] Kids get less physical activity than parents believe CBC News Posted: Apr 18, 2012 http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2012/04/18/physical-activity.html Reduced speed limits in school zones appear to be near 04/18/2012 9:56 AM http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Reduced-speed-limits-in-schoo…

1 0

Webinar Reminder - Wed, Apr 18, 2-3:30 - A Bold Experiment in Four Communities
by Beth McKechnie 17 Apr '12

17 Apr '12

*** Friendly reminder regarding tomorrow's webinar *** Green Action Centre and Bike to the Future invite you to join us for a local viewing of the upcoming APBP webinars at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) followed by group discussion.* *Detailed descriptions provided below.* *NTPP Update: A Bold Experiment in Four Communities Wednesday, April 18th • 2:00 to 3:30 pm CST In-street Bicycle Parking: What, When, Where and How Much? Wednesday, May 16th • 2:00 to 3:00 pm CST RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth 925-3772 * * * * * Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) presents: NTPP Update: A Bold Experiment in Four Communities Wednesday, April 18th • 2:00 to 3:30 pm CST This webinar will focus on success stories and lessons learned from the four Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTPP) communities in the U.S. [image: april-18]The NTPP program was established in 2005 "to construct…a network of nonmotorized transportation infrastructure facilities, including sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and pedestrian and bicycle trails, that connect directly with transit stations, schools, residences, businesses, recreation areas, and other community activity centers.” U.S. federal transportation legislation (SAFETEA-LU) provided $25 million for each of the four NTPP communities – areas with unique physical and demographic characteristics, and at various stages of implementing their respective nonmotorized networks -- and was designed to develop statistical information on transportation mode share shift before and after program implementation. Learn which specific programs and projects succeeded, what may be replicable and transferable to other communities, and how much money should be budgeted for success. The pilot communities will provide insight on various aspects of planning and project implementation, including innovation, leveraging resources, capacity building and the importance of community input and partnerships. A representative from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Volpe Center will also discuss the importance of evaluation, and the development and implementation of a common methodology for data collection and analysis. Presenters are Ted Curtis, Columbia, Missouri; Dan Dawson, Marin County, California; Tony Hull, Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Emily Vetting, Sheboygan County, Wisconsin. APBP has applied to the AICP for 1.5 Certification Maintenance credits for this webinar, and will provide an attendance certificate to those who document their professional development hours. MARK YOUR CALENDARS! In-street Bicycle Parking: What, When, Where and How Much? Wednesday, May 16th • 2:00 to 3:00 pm CST Increasingly communities face the dilemma of bicycles and pedestrians competing for scarce sidewalk space. As pedestrian activity increases wider sidewalks are needed, while as cycling increases more bicycle parking—traditionally placed on sidewalks—is also needed. In-street bicycle corrals allow agencies to place bicycle parking in the street, [image: may-16]off the pedestrian way, resolving this conflict and making more efficient use of existing parking spaces. However, jurisdictions may hesitate to undertake bicycle corrals since there are few design examples and little specific guidance on which to base such projects. Planners, engineers, developers and advocates should attend this webinar to learn how to scale up bicycle parking to meet growing demand while avoiding negative impacts to the pedestrian environment. Placing bicycle parking in the street presents unique challenges for traffic engineers and streetscape designers. Issues include roadway operations, cyclist and pedestrian safety, placement of a bike corral in relation to other sidewalk and street design elements, pedestrian flows and adjacent land uses. The webinar will address these challenges with examples of successful in-street bicycle parking projects (examples from New York City, Portland, and Washington D.C.). Presenters will also define best practices for providing bicycle parking in the street and discuss how a program might progress, beginning with public process and moving through costs, installation, and maintenance. Presenters include Eric Anderson, City of Berkeley, California; Sarah Figliozzi, Portland Bureau of Transportation; Chris Holben, District Department of Transportation; and Hayes Lord, New York City Department of Transportation. APBP has applied to the AICP for one Certification Maintenance credit for this webinar, and will provide an attendance certificate to those who document their professional development hours. -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> 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/>

1 0

Wpg Fdn Charity Pop Quiz - help Green Action Centre win $910!
by Beth McKechnie 16 Apr '12

16 Apr '12

*** Please feel free to share widely *** The Winnipeg Foundation is hosting a charity pop quiz challenge, and the winning charities will receive $910. Please play every day this week to help that charity be Green Action Centre! Plus it's fun and you learn stuff. Like today's question, which I got wrong! The link to play is: http://on.fb.me/CharityPopQuiz *Today's question is: Which charity operates out of the oldest building in Winnipeg? * thanks for your help, Beth -- *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/>

1 0

National Collaborating Centre for Healthy Public Policy
by Mike Tutthill 12 Apr '12

12 Apr '12

A few relevant highlights from NCCHPP's Newsletter: *Events* *CAN - Healthy Communities and Planning for Active Transportation: Talking the Talk and Walking the Walk<http://politiquespubliques.inspq.qc.ca/url.php?i=2728&f=News&l=En> * The Ontario Professional Planners Institute is organizing this conference on active transportation in Markham on September 20 and 21, 2012. Speakers will look at trends, planning and success stories in active transport. *US - True urbanism: planning healthy communities for all<http://politiquespubliques.inspq.qc.ca/url.php?i=2727&f=News&l=En> * This conference, organized by The International Making Cities Livable Council, will examine the evidence, and focus on ways we can reshape the built environment to increase physical and social health and well-being. The conference takes place in Portland Oregon from May 20 to 24, 2012. *Publications* ***INT - Greenhouse Gases – Emissions, Measurement and Management - The Environmental and Population Health Benefits of Active Transport: A Review<http://politiquespubliques.inspq.qc.ca/url.php?i=2720&f=News&l=En> * This 504-page book collects studies of recent advances in the understanding of greenhouse gases that are essential to stopping climate change and global warming. Chapter 19 deals with the benefits of active transportation to the environment and to public health. It was produced by Richard Larouche from the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. -- Mike Tutthill Planning & Community Engagement Consultant HEALTH in COMMON 200 - 141 Bannatyne Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3B 0R3 tel: 204.946.1888 1.800.731.1792 fax: 204.284.2404 email: mtutthill(a)healthincommon.ca web: www.healthincommon.ca +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ *Health in Common on Facebook*< http://www.facebook.com/pages/Health-in-Common/120069149875> ü Please consider the environment before printing this email.

1 0

Ceding ASRTS to seed a garden
by Jackie Avent (ASRTS) 12 Apr '12

12 Apr '12

*please post to your networks as you see fit* Dear AT Network, I am writing with news about staffing changes at the Active and Safe Routes to School Program. After 7 years as program coordinator for the Active and Safe Routes to School Program at Green Action Centre, I will be taking a 6 month leave of absence (May - November) to more deeply explore my dream of farming! Because we do not know what my level of involvement with this project will be after November 2012, we have made some changes in the project management and staffing of the program to ensure it continues to operate smoothly. It's exciting to have such a capable and competent team at the helm who are dedicated to children's mobility and active transportation and who can ensure the ASRTS program continues to grow and support the exciting uptake that is taking place around the province and Canada. Shoni Litinsky, Lea Grzenda and Masha Giller will all stay with the program, however will shift some of their responsibilities to fill in my absence. We are also excited to announce that Anders Swanson will be working with the ASRTS Team to assist with some program development, namely the creation of an IPAD application that will build our capacity related to mapping and data collection for school travel planning. I believe I can speak for the other ASRTS Staff that Anders will be an asset to this project! I will remain connected to the project one day per week throughout my leave in order to assist with the transition and will always be a supporter willing to share information, resources and opinions (!) about sustainable transportation and Active and Safe Routes to School. Please note that my e-mail address will shift to jackie(a)greenactioncentre.ca, and the e-mail "asrts(a)greenactioncentre.ca" will be directed to Shoni Litinsky after May 1st, 2012. My best to you all this summer. I look forward to crossing bike-paths with you soon! Sincerely, Jackie -- *Jackie Avent* Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> | Active and Safe Routes to School 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/>

1 0

City cycling for beginners - Sat, May 5th, Noon-4pm
by Beth McKechnie 12 Apr '12

12 Apr '12

** Please share widely! ** *Register online at Winnipeg.ca/leisureonline * (Leisure Guide, p.82) *City Cycling for Beginners** - Sat, May 5th* Do you want to ride your bike more often but just don’t feel safe? Do you want to teach your kids how to cycle safely? Can-Bike certified instructors from Bike to the Future will help you build both the knowledge and confidence to start riding on the streets and trails in Winnipeg. The course is endorsed by the Manitoba Cycling Association and each participant will receive a copy of the 2012 Winnipeg Cycling Map. Fee: $43 Fort Rouge Leisure Centre: 625 Osborne St. 412613 Sat May 5 Noon–4 pm *OR* *City Cycling for Commuters** - Sat, May 12* Would you like to start commuting but are uncomfortable on busier streets? Are you already commuting, but want to learn the cycling skills that will allow you to ride safely in heavier traffic? Certified Can-Bike instructors from Bike to the Future will help you build the skills and knowledge to ride confidently in traffic. The course is endorsed by the Manitoba Cycling Association and each participant will receive a copy of the 2012 Winnipeg Cycling Map. Fee: $43 St. James Civic Centre: 2055 Ness Ave. 412612 Sat May 12 Noon–4 pm

1 0

Gen Y Drives Less (And Not Just Because We're Broke)
by Beth McKechnie 12 Apr '12

12 Apr '12

*Gen Y Drives Less (And Not Just Because We're Broke)* By Beth Buczynski <http://www.shareable.net/users/bethb> 04.09.12, 3:14pm http://www.shareable.net/blog/gen-y-driving-less-and-not-just-because-were-… A new study found that the average American drove 6 percent fewer miles in 2011 than 2004. This finding confirms a slow decline in car travel<http://www.shareable.net/blog/a-moral-imperative-to-drive-less>that began at the turn of the century, and according to the research, young people are responsible. The report<http://www.uspirg.org/reports/usp/transportation-and-new-generation>, released last week by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund, found that from 2001 and 2009, the average annual number of vehicle-miles traveled by individuals under the age of 34 decreased from 10,300 miles to 7,900 miles per capita – a drop of 23 percent. “For the first time in two generations, there has been a significant shift in how many miles Americans are driving each year,” said Phineas Baxandall, Senior Transportation Analyst for U.S.PIRG Education Fund and a co-author of the report. “America needs to understand these trends when deciding how to focus our future transportation investments<http://www.shareable.net/blog/embarq-study-turns-new-eyes-to-public-transpo…>, especially when transportation dollars are so scarce.” Some might say the recession, or more specifically, wallet-crushing gas prices are to blame.* But researchers say Generation Y isn't just driving less because it's too expensive.* In fact the report found that the trend toward reduced driving has occurred even among young people who are employed and/or are doing well financially. Instead new licensing laws, improvements in technology that support alternative transportation, and changes in Gen Y’s values and preferences<http://www.shareable.net/blog/study-millennials-prefer-sharing-over-ownersh…>emerged as factors likely to continue this trend away from driving for years to come. The conclusion that technology and shifting priorities are the catalyzing force behind this decline in car travel fits in with what Shareable has observed many times over the last few years. Just over a year ago, Jay Walljasper noted that our emotional attachment to personal vehicles, once a symbol of personality and independence, is drying up. "With all the amazing information, entertainment and communications available on the web, the computer has become our vehicle for exploration and self-fulfillment," pointed out<http://www.shareable.net/blog/computers-outpace-cars-as-our-vehicle-of-self…>Walljasper. "The car is now seen as simply a way to get from point A to point B, especially for young people." This sentiment was echoed by Paul Davis a couple of months later in a piece called *The iPhone is the New Prius*<http://www.shareable.net/blog/the-iphone-is-the-new-prius>. "For the price of a regular checkup and a couple months of insurance, you can get a smartphone, a transit card and a decent bike and ditch the headaches and the endless money drain that come with even a hybrid," Davis observed. Noting that with all the apps available for making shared and public transit more accessible, going car free<http://www.shareable.net/blog/lessons-from-car-free-fire-island>is easier than ever, especially in urban areas. ** Which brings us to another variable influencing Gen Y's transition away from the car: urban density<http://www.shareable.net/blog/density-reconsidered> . The report USPRIG report notes that a growing number of young Americans do not have driver’s licenses; from 2000 to 2010, and the share of 14 to 34-year-olds without a license increased from 21 percent to 26 percent. Additionally, between 2001 and 2009, the annual number of miles traveled by 16 to 34 year olds on public transit<http://www.shareable.net/blog/how-to-design-family-friendly-transit>such as trains and buses increased by 40 percent. Public transit systems, as well as infrastructure to facilitate biking and walking, are most robust in America's largest cities<http://www.shareable.net/blog/the-13-best-us-cities-for-public-transit>. Conversely, traffic and limited parking in metropolitan areas is trypically a nightmare. As urban communities continue to grow, more people are taking advantage of cheaper, more convenient public transportation options. Developers are taking notice, specifically designing communities where access to transit, car sharing, and walkability are major selling points. All off this quantitative research shows that we, especially the younger Americans, are shifting to a more shareable world in which our lives and our cities are denser and more transit versus car-oriented.

1 0

Transportation Webinar - Wed, Apr 18, 2-3:30 - A Bold Experiment in Four Communities
by Beth McKechnie 11 Apr '12

11 Apr '12

Green Action Centre and Bike to the Future invite you to join us for a local viewing of the upcoming APBP webinars at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) followed by group discussion.* *Detailed descriptions provided below.* *NTPP Update: A Bold Experiment in Four Communities Wednesday, April 18th • 2:00 to 3:30 pm CST In-street Bicycle Parking: What, When, Where and How Much? Wednesday, May 16th • 2:00 to 3:00 pm CST RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth 925-3772 * * * * * Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) presents: NTPP Update: A Bold Experiment in Four Communities Wednesday, April 18th • 2:00 to 3:30 pm CST This webinar will focus on success stories and lessons learned from the four Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTPP) communities in the U.S. [image: april-18]The NTPP program was established in 2005 "to construct…a network of nonmotorized transportation infrastructure facilities, including sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and pedestrian and bicycle trails, that connect directly with transit stations, schools, residences, businesses, recreation areas, and other community activity centers.” U.S. federal transportation legislation (SAFETEA-LU) provided $25 million for each of the four NTPP communities – areas with unique physical and demographic characteristics, and at various stages of implementing their respective nonmotorized networks -- and was designed to develop statistical information on transportation mode share shift before and after program implementation. Learn which specific programs and projects succeeded, what may be replicable and transferable to other communities, and how much money should be budgeted for success. The pilot communities will provide insight on various aspects of planning and project implementation, including innovation, leveraging resources, capacity building and the importance of community input and partnerships. A representative from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Volpe Center will also discuss the importance of evaluation, and the development and implementation of a common methodology for data collection and analysis. Presenters are Ted Curtis, Columbia, Missouri; Dan Dawson, Marin County, California; Tony Hull, Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Emily Vetting, Sheboygan County, Wisconsin. APBP has applied to the AICP for 1.5 Certification Maintenance credits for this webinar, and will provide an attendance certificate to those who document their professional development hours. In-street Bicycle Parking: What, When, Where and How Much? Wednesday, May 16th • 2:00 to 3:00 pm CST Increasingly communities face the dilemma of bicycles and pedestrians competing for scarce sidewalk space. As pedestrian activity increases wider sidewalks are needed, while as cycling increases more bicycle parking—traditionally placed on sidewalks—is also needed. In-street bicycle corrals allow agencies to place bicycle parking in the street, [image: may-16]off the pedestrian way, resolving this conflict and making more efficient use of existing parking spaces. However, jurisdictions may hesitate to undertake bicycle corrals since there are few design examples and little specific guidance on which to base such projects. Planners, engineers, developers and advocates should attend this webinar to learn how to scale up bicycle parking to meet growing demand while avoiding negative impacts to the pedestrian environment. Placing bicycle parking in the street presents unique challenges for traffic engineers and streetscape designers. Issues include roadway operations, cyclist and pedestrian safety, placement of a bike corral in relation to other sidewalk and street design elements, pedestrian flows and adjacent land uses. The webinar will address these challenges with examples of successful in-street bicycle parking projects (examples from New York City, Portland, and Washington D.C.). Presenters will also define best practices for providing bicycle parking in the street and discuss how a program might progress, beginning with public process and moving through costs, installation, and maintenance. Presenters include Eric Anderson, City of Berkeley, California; Sarah Figliozzi, Portland Bureau of Transportation; Chris Holben, District Department of Transportation; and Hayes Lord, New York City Department of Transportation. APBP has applied to the AICP for one Certification Maintenance credit for this webinar, and will provide an attendance certificate to those who document their professional development hours. -- *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/>

1 0

Walking
by Jackie Avent 11 Apr '12

11 Apr '12

Interesting series on pedestrians...**** ** ** http://www.slate.com/articles/life/walking/2012/04/why_don_t_americans_walk… **** ** ** * * * *

1 0

Active Transportation Beyond Urban Centers
by Beth McKechnie 11 Apr '12

11 Apr '12

*[Same holds true in Canada... snipped from http://transitgis.org/2012/04/10/active-transportation-beyond-urban-centers/ ] * ** *Active Transportation Beyond Urban Centers*, a research report prepared by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, suggests that, in coming years, active transportation can play a bigger role in making rural America more attractive for young families and business investment – improving economic vitality, public safety and overall health of Americans. So far, biking and walking have been long assumed as a “big city” phenomenon. Further, decision-makers assume that rural Americans can not benefit from bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure. Recent data from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) reveal that an active transportation-human-powered mobility, including biking and walking, count as significant means of transportation all across the countryside. Creating opportunities for walking and biking for rural Americans also provides economic relief from higher gas prices.Therefore, active transportation is a creative, simple solution to address multiple challenges.This report also recommends that federal investment in active transportation infrastructure is necessary to a balanced transportation system that meets the need of all Americans. Check out the full report at: http://www.railstotrails.org/ourWork/reports/beyondurbancenters.html

1 0

Women & Cycling Workshop Series
by Cara Fisher 11 Apr '12

11 Apr '12

Women & Cycling Workshop Series * bike repair workshops for women taught by women Wed April 18 ~ Demystify Your Bike Wed April 25 ~ Them's the Brakes Mon April 30~ Hubs & Rotational Systems Wed May 16 ~ Bike Fit & Stretched (maybe not the right name) Wed May 23 ~ Gears Wed May 30 ~ Bling Your Ride All workshops free at the Bike Dump 631 Main St 7-9 PM ContactL womencycle(a)gmail.com

1 0

The Urban Transportation Monitor
by Beth McKechnie 10 Apr '12

10 Apr '12

Thanks to Bob Kurylko for sharing the following newsletter: http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1103347168859-4/vol26n… Note the article on the new requirement for bike parking in commercial buildings in San Francisco on page 8. "San Francisco has joined a growing number of cities that require the accommodation of bicycle parking in buildings... 'This bill is a simple, cost-effective way to help San Francisco businesses meet the growing need for secure bicycle parking that employees crave…,' said Supervisor John Avalos who sponsored the measure developed with the San Francisco Bike Coalition and the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)." Also interesting is the article on page 10 regarding the question of liability and pathways. cheers, Beth -- *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/>

1 0

Ride2Win Winnipeg Bike Helmet Promotion Campaign
by Beth McKechnie 10 Apr '12

10 Apr '12

*From:* Curtis, Janelle (HLYS) *Sent:* April-10-12 10:31 AM *Subject:* FW: Ride2Win Winnipeg Bike Helmet Promotion Campaign ** ** FYI & share with your contacts as you see fit. Thanks, Janelle**** ** ** *Ride2Win Bike Helmet Promotion Campaign* The WRHA is launching the *Ride2Win helmet promotion campaign and contest*on April 10, 2012. Teachers, students, and parents can find information by visiting www.ride2win.ca. Students can enter to win prizes by learning the *2-V-1 helmet fit rule* for properly fitting a bike helmet. **** *What are the campaign messages?* - Bike together! Younger children should always cycle with a parent. - Everyone wear a helmet. Parents too! This increases helmet use in kids. - Wear your helmet correctly: always use the 2-V-1 rule ** ** *How can a school participate?* - Have a 2-V-1 (helmet fit rule) contest: have students create an eye-catching poster or write a rap song to teach other kids about helmet fit - Start a “Caught You Using Your Helmet” campaign at your school: reward helmet users seen wearing their helmet with prizes or coupons - Record helmet use in students riding to school, graph the results, write a newspaper story - Have a parent or community partner (police, EMS, nurse) talk about preventing brain injuries *What resources are available?* - WRHA Helmet Campaign Website www.ride2win.ca. – is an interactive website that provides information and resources on bike and helmet safety. **** - 2V1 Helmet fitting cards – provides information on the correct way to wear a bike helmet as well as bike safety information.**** *To order resources: email injuryinfo(a)wrha.mb.ca (preferred) or call 787-1873.* Janelle Curtis**** Injury Prevention Consultant**** Manitoba Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs**** Healthy Living and Populations**** 2096-300 Carlton Street**** Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 3M9**** Phone: 788-6645**** Fax: 948-2366**** E-mail: janelle.curtis(a)gov.mb.ca**** Web: www.gov.mb.ca/healthyliving**** *Confidentiality Notice*: This message and any attachment to it are intended for the addressee only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, or copying is strictly prohibited. Please notify the sender if you have received this E-mail by mistake, and please delete it and the attachments (and all copies) in a secure manner. Thank you.**** *Message de confidentialité* : Ce message 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 ou copie non autorisée est strictement défendue. Si vous n'êtes pas le destinataire de ce courriel, veuillez en informer l'expéditeur et effacer l'original (et toutes les pièces jointes) de manière sécuritaire. Merci. **** ** **

1 0

Please welcome the A/T Women of Distinction!
by Shoni Litinsky 05 Apr '12

05 Apr '12

Hi Everyone, I just wanted to spread some exciting (!!!) news...Three inspirational women from our community have been recognized this year as YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction<http://www.ywinnipeg.ca/documents/Meetour2012Nominees-GeneralCategories.pdf>for the *endless* hours they have dedicated to the programs and policies that help meet Winnipeg's/Manitoba's active transportation needs. With incredible vision and passion Janice Lukes, Beth McKechnie, and Jan Schmalenberg have contributed to almost everything A/T you can find around these parts, if you have not met them already, please take a minute to read their details below. Congratulations to all of you, and thank you for all of the amazing things you do! It is also very exciting to see that this award category is filled with Active Transportation this year! For additional information visit: http://www.ywinnipeg.ca/documents/Meetour2012Nominees-GeneralCategories.pdf *Janice Lukes* Trailblazing is actually a literal description of Janice’s accomplishments increasing safe active living, recreation and transportation opportunities in Manitoba. Over the past decade, she has been directly involved in securing upwards of $56 million towards trail and cycling infrastructure in Winnipeg. Janice’s advocacy for active living started shortly after she found out she would be expecting triplets – she tells the story of being petrified with fear over the pending arrival of three boys, knowing the unbridled energy they would unleash, while living on a street that didn’t even have a sidewalk. She can often be found, triplets in tow, at City Hall or the Legislature educating about the importance of having safe places to walk and ride bikes. She routinely provides advice and recommendations on active transportation to the City of Winnipeg and Province of Manitoba, and is also an advocate for the development of innovative natural playgrounds. *Beth McKechnie* Beth is a leader in the area of active transportation (AT), working tirelessly to improve opportunities for all aspects of cycling and walking in our community. She is an integral part of the City’s active transportation advisory committee, a member since its inception in 2007. Virtually every AT initiative has her stamp on it – from the Cyclist Map of Winnipeg that she first developed in 1999 to the growing success of the annual Commuter Challenge, to the sections of the Trans-Canada Trail in her neighbourhood – Beth’s work has meant many thousands of Winnipeggers are better able to enjoy walking and cycling for recreation or commuting. Beth is also a co-founder of Peg City Car Co-op, which emphasizes AT through its tagline: "Bike. Walk. Bus. And Sometimes, Drive." *Jan Schmalenberg* Jan has a vision for a more active Winnipeg, and as the Manager of Physical Activity Promotion for the WRHA, it is a vision that she realized through the development of Winnipeg in motion. Winnipeg in motion represents a collaboration of the WRHA, the University of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg and Jan’s leadership in bringing these partners and other organizations together to share resources, knowledge and expertise has helped all Winnipeggers. Her focus is on building the capacity of groups and communities to support sustainable change through the promotion of physical activity and healthy lifestyles. Jan also embodies active living, which all of her colleagues point to as something that really sets her apart – from finding time in her hectic day to work out to holding walking meetings or leading others in true activity breaks – she is someone who walks the walk. -- *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/>

3 2

South Osborne Bike Hub - Job Posting for Summer Intern
by Shoni Litinsky 04 Apr '12

04 Apr '12

See attachment for details. SOBH is looking for a summer intern, application is due April 13th. The posting is for 6 hours per week at $14 per hour. Please share widely. Cheers, -- *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/>

1 0