- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Name the Greenway Ponds Contest!
by Shona Kusyk 22 Feb '11

22 Feb '11

Name the Greenway Ponds Contest If you were to explore Bishop Grandin Greenway, you may be surprised to find that hidden from the street are 3 small retention ponds. Fondly referred to as “pond 1, pond 2 and pond 3” they are teeming with aquatic/plant life, attract birds and wildlife and provide every-changing scenery to those who travel the trail. We figure the time has come to give these ponds some recognition for the part they play on the Greenway; to gain an identity that reflect their unique character and link to St.Vital. And since Bishop Grandin Greenway (BGG) is a ribbon of natural green space to be used by our community, it should be our community who gets to name the ponds. The names should be easy to remember and ideally have some association with the pond itself, its unique attributes, the environment, or St.Vital’s history. Contest closes midnight March 11th, 2011. Submissions will be presented to a panel of judges comprised of local area residents who will create a short list of their top choices/pond, which will be forwarded to City of Winnipeg Committee for approval. Winners will be published in the Lance and the pond names will be posted on the Bishop Grandin Greenway web site www.bishopgrandingreenway.com. The ponds’ new names will be officially announced at BGG International Trails Day June 4th, 2011. * * *Contest Rules:* The names could be related to natural environment surrounding the ponds, reflect active living, or recognize our local history. They should be unique and not already used in other locations in Winnipeg.(Names of individuals, family names, service organizations and businesses will not be considered.) Briefly describe your reason(s) for your submission (s), include your name, contact information (phone/email address). Please specify which pond; #1 (east of River Road); Pond #2 (west of St.Mary’s Road); Pond # 3 (west of St.Annes’ Road, near Home Depot). You can contact us through the BGG web site: www.bishopgrandingreenway.com Or mail/drop off your entry to: Name the Greenway Ponds c/o Youville 6-845 Dakota Street Winnipeg, Manitoba Fax: 255-4903 Should your submission be one of the winning pond names please indicate if you are willing to have your name mentioned in the Lance. (Please check one) _____ Yes I agree to have my name published in the Lance and on the BGG web site. ______No, I do not want to have my name published in the Lance and BGG web site. Please Print Name Sign Name * * *Contest closes midnight March 11, 2010* -- *Shona Kusyk ** Winnipeg Trails Association Coordinator * Cell (204) 479-8412 skusyk(a)riverswest.ca *winnipegtrails.com*

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Planning for Sustainable Transportation in Small and Mid-Size Communities webinar - Wed, Feb 23, Noon-1 pm, Green Action Centre
by Beth McKechnie 21 Feb '11

21 Feb '11

Green Action Centre will host a Winnipeg viewing of the following MOST (Transport Canada) webinar on *Planning for Sustainable Transportation in Small and Mid-Size Communities* on Wed, Feb. 23rd. If you would like to join us, please let me know at * beth(a)greenactioncentre.ca*. See you then! cheers, Beth 925-3772 ------------------------------ Webinar: * **Planning for Sustainable Transportation in Small and Mid-Size Communities* * *Date: *Wed, Feb. 23, Noon to 1:00 p.m. CST * Location: *EcoCentre boardroom, 303 Portage Ave, third floor* (enter via elevator inside MEC) **** Brenda Kelley from Bathurst Sustainable Development will present on a "How to Guide for Incorporating Sustainable and Active Transportation into Festivals and Special Events" and the use of charrettes to generate recommendations for incorporating Transportation Master Plan Recommendations. Laena Garrison from Ecology Action Centre in Halifax will present on *Municipalities for Green Mobility* – a project that aims to incorporate and advance sustainable transportation in long-term municipal planning. NOTE: Brenda Kelley has requested that a publication – Bathurst N.B. Green Guide for Festivals and Special Events – relevant to her presentation be circulated ahead of time. It is available for downloading (until Feb.28) at the following link: ** https://download.yousendit.com/eURCeVdvWlRBNkd4dnc9PQ <https://download.yousendit.com/eURCeVdrMVhubVh2Wmc9PQ> -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/>

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Building Great Communities Forum: 7-9 pm, Tues, March 1st, Canad Inns Polo Park
by Beth McKechnie 18 Feb '11

18 Feb '11

------ Forwarded Message ------ *From: *"Teranishi, Shirley" <STeranishi(a)winnipeg.ca> *Date: *Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:05:29 -0600 ** *Subject: *FW: Building Great Communities Forum Good morning! You are invited to attend a workshop on the topic of *Building Great Communities – Working Towards Win-Win Solutions to Accommodate Growth* to be held on March 1, 2011 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Canad Inns Polo Park located at 1405 St. Matthews Avenue in Winnipeg. There is no cost associated with this event and registration is not required. Please feel free to pass this invitation on to other in your network. We look forward to seeing you on March 1! Yours truly, Deepak Joshi, Director of Planning, Property and Development -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/>

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Webinar: Talking to Decision Makers about TDM - Wed, Feb 16th, noon-1pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 10 Feb '11

10 Feb '11

Green Action Centre will be hosting a local viewing of the following ecoMOBILITY (Transport Canada) webinar on Talking to Decision Makers about TDM (Transportation Demand Management). If you would like to join us, please let me know at *beth(a)greenactioncentre.ca*. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth 925-3772 ------------------------------ Webinar: * Talking to Decision Makers about TDM *Date: *Wednesday, Feb. 16, Noon to 1:00 p.m. CST * Location: *EcoCentre boardroom, 303 Portage Ave, third floor* (enter via elevator inside front doors of MEC) ** *Description* Learn about Transport Canada’s new TDM (Transportation Demand Management) Guide, which will aid practitioners in presenting the case for TDM to decision makers, and hear how Smart Commute obtained support for their program. -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/>

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Minneapolis: As bicycle use climbs, rate of crashes with vehicles falls (Feb.6'11)
by Beth McKechnie 08 Feb '11

08 Feb '11

As bicycle use climbs, rate of crashes with vehicles falls *City data seem to bear out idea that seeing more bikers leads drivers to watch for them.* *By STEVE BRANDT<http://www.startribune.com/bios/10644486.html?elr=KArks:DCiUHc3E7_V_nDaycUi…> ,* Star Tribune Last update: February 6, 2011 - 8:42 PM The more people bike in Minneapolis, the safer they seem to be. *What's new? *Recently crunched city data show the reported cyclist-motorist accident rate dropping as the number of bike commuters grows. For 2008, the most recent year for which complete data were available, the crash rate was one-quarter that of 10 years earlier. Moreover, a trend line shows a steady decrease in the crash rate even as the number of commuting cyclists more than doubled. There are some limits to the Minneapolis data. The number of cyclists is taken from the number of people ages 16 or older who tell census takers that their main transportation to work the previous week was a bike. That figure grew from about 3,000 in the 1990s to about 8,000 in 2008. It excludes infrequent commuters and recreational bikers. Meanwhile, the number of crashes involved only those reported to the city between bikers and motorists, which remain at or below 1990s levels. That means the crash rate has fallen sharply while commuting bikers are on the rise. *Is this happening elsewhere?* It squares with a 2003 analysis on biking and walking in two California cities. "A person is less likely to collide with a person walking or biking if more people walk or bicycle," public health consultant Peter Jacobsen wrote in the journal Injury Prevention. *Why is this happening? *Familiarity breeds safety, one city bike advocate believes. "People are so used to seeing bicyclists -- love them or hate -- and they don't want to hit them," said Shaun Murphy, coordinator of the city's nonmotorized transportation program. Murphy said the map of hot spots for bike-car accidents doesn't show major issues around the University of Minnesota because drivers there are so used to watching for bikes. *Do bike lanes help?* Murphy also credits more bike lanes. Bike lanes can benefit pedestrians as well. When bike lanes were striped on Riverside Avenue, for example, the number of bikers riding on sidewalks dropped by 87 percent, said Hilary Reeves, a spokeswoman at Transit for Livable Communities, which manages a federal grant to promote biking and walking in the Twin Cities. *How many bike crashes are there?* The city records 200 to 300 bike-vehicle crashes annually. Preliminary statewide numbers show that nine bikers were killed in vehicle crashes in 2010, with 926 crashes reported. All but one of the fatalities and the preponderance of those injured last year were male, while close to half were between ages 10 and 24. Steve Brandt • 612-673-4438 http://www.startribune.com/local/115449079.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O… -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/>

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Snow Trek 2011 - starts THIS Sunday! (please forward)
by Beth McKechnie 07 Feb '11

07 Feb '11

Hello, Can you please assist the Snow Trek 2011 Organizing Committees and their * many* community partners by promoting the following *FREE* event and * forwarding* this information on to your networks? Cheers, Deanna *************************************** *2011 Snow Trek – 2nd Annual winter in motion**…one more Sunday!*** There is still ONE more Sunday for you to take advantage of Snow Trek 2011 - a fun filled afternoon for the whole family (all ages) to head outdoors for some cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing and winter walking. *No Experience, No Problem*! We are offering FREE cross-country ski instruction and guided snowshoe walks. *No Equipment, No Problem*! We will have a limited supply of FREE cross-country skis & snowshoes for you to use (ID required). *Too Young, Too Old!* No such thing...Everybody Welcome! *What*: Snow Trek – 2nd Annual winter *in motion* *When & Where*: *Sunday, February 13th, 2011* Living Prairie Museum (2795 Ness Ave.) *Time*: 12:00 - 4:00pm *Who*: All Welcome! *Cost*: FREE! *** We are also looking for a few more volunteers … if you’re interested, please contact Deanna at dbetteridge(a)wrha.mb.ca For more information and a detailed schedule, be sure to check out * www.winnipeginmotion.ca *or call Winnipeg *in motion* at 940-3648. See you on the trails! 2011 Snow Trek – 2nd Annual winter *in motion* is a community event put on by many community partners - Thank you! ********************* ** Sign-up to receive Winnipeg in motion email updates http://www.winnipeginmotion.ca/signup/ ** ------------------------------------------------------------- Deanna Betteridge, BESS, M.Sc. *in motion* Coordinator 2 - 189 Evanson St. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3G 0N9 204-940-3264 (w) 204-232-3297 (c) 204-940-8409 (f) E-mail: dbetteridge(a)wrha.mb.ca Web site: www.winnipeginmotion.ca

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Snow Trek 2011 - one more Sunday! (please forward)
by Deanna Betteridge 07 Feb '11

07 Feb '11

Hello, Can you please assist the Snow Trek 2011 Organizing Committees and their many community partners by promoting the following FREE event and forwarding this information on to your networks? Cheers, Deanna *************************************** 2011 Snow Trek - 2nd Annual winter in motion...one more Sunday! There is still ONE more Sunday for you to take advantage of Snow Trek 2011 - a fun filled afternoon for the whole family (all ages) to head outdoors for some cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing and winter walking. No Experience, No Problem! We are offering FREE cross-country ski instruction and guided snowshoe walks. No Equipment, No Problem! We will have a limited supply of FREE cross-country skis & snowshoes for you to use (ID required). Too Young, Too Old! No such thing...Everybody Welcome! What: Snow Trek - 2nd Annual winter in motion When & Where: Sunday, February 13th, 2011 Living Prairie Museum (2795 Ness Ave.) Time: 12:00 - 4:00pm Who: All Welcome! Cost: FREE! *** We are also looking for a few more volunteers ... if you're interested, please contact Deanna at dbetteridge(a)wrha.mb.ca For more information and a detailed schedule, be sure to check out www.winnipeginmotion.ca <http://www.winnipeginmotion.ca/> or call Winnipeg in motion at 940-3648. See you on the trails! 2011 Snow Trek - 2nd Annual winter in motion is a community event put on by many community partners - Thank you! ********************* ** Sign-up to receive Winnipeg in motion email updates http://www.winnipeginmotion.ca/signup/ <http://www.winnipeginmotion.ca/signup/> ** ------------------------------------------------------------- Deanna Betteridge, BESS, M.Sc. in motion Coordinator 2 - 189 Evanson St. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3G 0N9 204-940-3264 (w) 204-232-3297 (c) 204-940-8409 (f) E-mail: dbetteridge(a)wrha.mb.ca Web site: www.winnipeginmotion.ca This email and/or any documents in this transmission is intended for the addressee(s) only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and return the original. Ce courriel et tout document dans cette transmission est destiné à la personne ou aux personnes à qui il est adressé. Il peut contenir des informations privilégiées ou confidentielles. Toute utilisation, divulgation, distribution, copie, ou diffusion non autorisée est strictement défendue. Si vous n'êtes pas le destinataire de ce message, veuillez en informer l'expéditeur immédiatement et lui remettre l'original.

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in motion @ library - Create your own boot camp - February 11, 2011
by Beth McKechnie 07 Feb '11

07 Feb '11

*Create your own boot camp – No drill sergeant required! * *Are you looking for a fun way to get fit? Why not create your own boot camp? Boot camps are no longer just for military personnel. Join Winnipeg in motion and local exercise professional Stuart Klassen of MORFit Training to learn how a boot camp workout can be a fun, new, and challenging way for people of all ages and fitness abilities to increase their strength and stamina. Attend the session and receive a free exercise band. ** When: *Friday, February 11, 2011 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. *Where: *Millennium Library, 2nd Floor, Carol Shields Auditorium Wear comfortable clothing and join in the activities, or come out and watch. Admission is *FREE* and registration is *NOT* required. *Unable to attend?* Visit our website (www.winnipeginmotion.ca) where we will post all the resources and information shared at the session! Contact Winnipeg *in motion* at 940-3648 for more information. *Create your own boot camp – No drill sergeant required *is part of *in motion* @ the Library, a series of monthly workshops that promote physical activity for better health. The *in motion* @ the Library series is sponsored by Winnipeg *in motion* and the Millennium Library. For a complete list of workshops, visit http://www.winnipeginmotion.ca/resources/in_motion_library.

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Reminder: The Future of Transit in Canada webinar - Thurs, Feb 3, 11-12:30, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 31 Jan '11

31 Jan '11

If you haven't already registered for this Thursday's webinar but are interested in attending, we still have seats available for the viewing in the EcoCentre boardroom. If you would like to join us, please let me know at *beth(a)greenactioncentre.ca*. thanks! Beth Green Action Centre 925-3772 ------------------------------ Webinar: * The Future of Transit in Canada *Date: *Thursday, Feb. 3, 11 to 12:30 p.m. CST * Location: *EcoCentre boardroom, 303 Portage Ave, third floor* (enter via elevator inside front doors of MEC) *Speakers: * - Michael Roschlau, President and Chief Executive Officer Canadian Urban Transit Association <http://www.cutaactu.ca/> (CUTA) - Don Hull, Director of Transit, City of Hamilton<http://www.hamilton.ca/index.htm>(Ontario) - Derek Bacchioni, Treasury Manager, TransLink <http://www.translink.ca/>(British Columbia) - Derek Stewart, Manager, Environmental Sustainability, Coast Mountain Bus Company, Ltd. <http://www.coastmountainbus.com/> *Session description: * How will we get around in our cities in the future? What transit options fit the size and form of my community today? How do I improve service to increase active and mobile transit tomorrow? This webinar will begin with CUTA’s Transit Vision 2040<http://www.cutaactu.ca/en/publicationsandresearch/vision_2040.asp>, which explores changes likely to take place in Canadian communities over the next generation. These changes and strategic directions can optimize public transit's contribution to our quality of life. Let’s prepare for these changes by sharing knowledge and best practices. The City of Hamilton’s revitalized B Line Bus rapid transit line<http://www.sustainablecommunities.fcm.ca/Search/PDF/GMEF9458_CS_e.pdf>combines hybrid bus technology, service improvements and social marketing to increase ridership and improve service. Learn why these steps fit Hamilton’s local context and their experiences since initial implementation in 2007<http://www.hamilton.ca/NewsandPublications/NewsReleases/2007News/April/07-0…>. The webinar will also profile several initiatives in Metro Vancouver, supported by TransLink and FCM's Green Municipal Fund. These innovative sustainable transit initiatives point the way toward this vision for 2040, including: - Jack Bell Ride-Share's Online Ride-Matching Project & Enhancements<http://online.ride-share.com/en/my/index.php> - Main Street Transit & Pedestrian Priority Project<http://www.translink.ca/en/Be-Part-of-the-Plan/Projects/Main-Street-Upgrade…> - Feasibility Study for the Metro Vancouver Public Bike System<http://www.translink.ca/en/Cycling/Public-Bicycle-System.aspx> - Bike Transit Centres - Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Pilot Retrofit Testing for Natural Gas Buses<http://www.translink.ca/en/About-TransLink/Media/2005/September/TransLink-b…> - Diesel Oxidation Catalyst Retrofits -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/>

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Active & Green e-Newsletter Winter 2011
by Beth McKechnie 27 Jan '11

27 Jan '11

In case you did not receive our latest e-newsletter (and if so, apologies for duplicate postings!)... Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.<http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&id=a80e2822ac…> [image: Active & Green Winter 2011] Let us help! *Looking to improve commuter options at your workplace?* R<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/request-information-presentation-or-mee…>equest 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, as well as fuel-efficient driving, creating a commuter friendly workplace, and greening the workplace. Talk to us about implementing a Smart Trips<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/smart-trips/?utm_source=Active+%26+Gree…>program at your workplace. Upcoming Events *Reel Green Film Festival* February 4-5 *Earth Day* April 22 *Jane's Walk* May 7-8 *International Trails Day* June 4 *Commuter Challenge* June 5-11 *Bike to Work Day* June 24 If you like what you read, become a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/?utm_source=Active+%26+Gree…>of Green Action Centre (membership is free!), visit our website at greenactioncentre.ca<http://greenactioncentre.ca?utm_source=Active+%26+Green&utm_campaign=a80e28…>or make a donation<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/make-a-donation/?utm_source=Active+%26+…>. Welcome to our new look! Hope you enjoy our new e-newsletter format. Stay warm, active & green! Don't be 'car-bound' Winter can be the perfect time of year to get around without your car. With the right gear and planning, a trip to work, school or the grocery store can turn into an opportunity for fresh air, exercise, and fun. Get to your destination satisfied and safely with our winter tips<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/don%E2%80%99t-be-%E2%80%98car-bound%E2%…> . Take a video break - Rap your way to using those bike racks on buses<http://www.activelivingbydesign.org/communities/featured-community/bike-rap…> - The bike 'helmet' of the future? Check out this collar air bag<http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/10/cyclists-airbag-helmets-bursts-forth…> - Get your daily hug with your bike to work<http://www.grist.org/article/2010-10-04-will-bike-for-hugs-video?utm_source…> - A must-see Goofy cartoon! "Motormania" (1950)<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZgiVicpZGk&utm_source=Active+%26+Green&utm_…> Get recognized! Have you heard about the *Commuter Friendly Workplace Awards*? These unique awards are given out to Manitoba workplaces offering great commuter options programs for their employees. If your workplace is making strides to improve your options for getting to work, consider applying. *Click here*<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/commuter-friendly-workplace-awards/?utm…>for more details and to apply. The WRENCH After more than a year of planning and negotiations, The Winnipeg Repair, Education and Cycling Hub (The WRENCH) will be opening it's doors to the public this spring. The organization seeks to improve access to bicycles and to teach community members bike maintenance and mechanical skills. Learn more<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/the-wrench/?utm_source=Active+%26+Green…>about this valuable service. Transportation Plan What would you like to see happen in the next 20 years in Winnipeg? More cycling infrastructure? Rapid transit? A policy for complete streets? Pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods? Check out<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/transportation-master-plan/?utm_source=…>what Green Action Centre is recommending and how you can put in your two cents. Year-Round Challenge! Ever wonder what your daily commute can do for you? Sign up<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/year-round-commuter-challenge/?utm_sour…>to take the Commuter Challenge year-round. Track your commute and get weekly email updates on how many calories you've burned, emissions you've avoided and how much fuel you have saved by green commuting. [image: Year-round Commuter Challenge] You are receiving this email because you are an Active & Green subscriber. Unsubscribe<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> beth(a)greenactioncentre.ca from this list. Our mailing address is: Green Action Centre 3-303 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3V6 Add us to your address book<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/vcard?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f5…> Copyright (C) 2011 Green Action Centre All rights reserved. Forward<http://us2.forward-to-friend.com/forward?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&id=a80…>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> -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/>

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The WRENCH - Learn How to Fix Your Bike
by Beth McKechnie 21 Jan '11

21 Jan '11

*Bicycle Repair Workshop Series * at the Bike Dump 631 Main St. (use south side entrance) All workshops are from 6-8 PM unless otherwise noted. The workshops are FREE of charge and do not require pre-registration. HEADSETS - Learn how to adjust and replace the ball-bearings around your fork. Jan 19th SINGLE-SPEEDS - Learn how to convert your multi-speed to a single (ideal for Winnipeg winters). Jan 29th *@ 2 PM* BRAKES - Learn how to adjust and upkeep your brake system. Feb 23rd DERAILLEURS - Learn how to maintain and adjust your gear system. March 16th 3-SPEED HUBS - Learn how to overhaul and adjust those perplexing internal hubs. March 23rd SPRING TUNE-UP - Be nice to your bike after winter and/or get your bike ready for the spring. April 20th Workshops presented with support from the W.R.E.N.C.H (Winnipeg Repair Education and Cycling Hub) www.thewrench.ca

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Mark your calendar - upcoming webinars
by Beth McKechnie 17 Jan '11

17 Jan '11

*Mark Your Calendar! * Upcoming webinars being hosted by Green Action Centre in the EcoCentre boardroom (3rd Floor, 303 Portage, MEC building) include: *The Future of Transit in Canada* (presented by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities) Thursday, Feb. 3rd, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm CST *Talking to Decision Makers about TDM *(presented by Transport Canada / ecoMobility) Wednesday, Feb. 16th, 12:00 - 1:00 pm CST *Complete Streets* (presented by Transport Canada / ecoMobility) Wednesday, Mar. 9th, 12:00 - 1:00 pm CST Details on the Feb 3rd webinar on The Future of Transit in Canada have already been circulated. Information on the other two will be circulated closer to the dates. 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/>

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[At-network] The Future of Transit in Canada webinar - Thurs, Feb 3, 11-12:30, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 17 Jan '11

17 Jan '11

Green Action Centre will be hosting the following FCM (Federation of Canadian Municipalities) webinar on "The Future of Transit in Canada" on Thurs, Feb. 3rd. If you would like to join us, please let me know at * beth(a)greenactioncentre.ca*. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth 925-3772 ------------------------------ Webinar: * The Future of Transit in Canada *Date: *Thursday, Feb. 3, 11 to 12:30 p.m. CST * Location: *EcoCentre boardroom, 303 Portage Ave, third floor* (enter via elevator inside front doors of MEC) *Speakers: * - Michael Roschlau, President and Chief Executive Officer Canadian Urban Transit Association <http://www.cutaactu.ca/> (CUTA) - Don Hull, Director of Transit, City of Hamilton<http://www.hamilton.ca/index.htm>(Ontario) - Derek Bacchioni, Treasury Manager, TransLink <http://www.translink.ca/>(British Columbia) - Derek Stewart, Manager, Environmental Sustainability, Coast Mountain Bus Company, Ltd. <http://www.coastmountainbus.com/> *Session description: * How will we get around in our cities in the future? What transit options fit the size and form of my community today? How do I improve service to increase active and mobile transit tomorrow? This webinar will begin with CUTA’s Transit Vision 2040<http://www.cutaactu.ca/en/publicationsandresearch/vision_2040.asp>, which explores changes likely to take place in Canadian communities over the next generation. These changes and strategic directions can optimize public transit's contribution to our quality of life. Let’s prepare for these changes by sharing knowledge and best practices. The City of Hamilton’s revitalized B Line Bus rapid transit line<http://www.sustainablecommunities.fcm.ca/Search/PDF/GMEF9458_CS_e.pdf>combines hybrid bus technology, service improvements and social marketing to increase ridership and improve service. Learn why these steps fit Hamilton’s local context and their experiences since initial implementation in 2007<http://www.hamilton.ca/NewsandPublications/NewsReleases/2007News/April/07-0…>. The webinar will also profile several initiatives in Metro Vancouver, supported by TransLink and FCM's Green Municipal Fund. These innovative sustainable transit initiatives point the way toward this vision for 2040, including: - Jack Bell Ride-Share's Online Ride-Matching Project & Enhancements<http://online.ride-share.com/en/my/index.php> - Main Street Transit & Pedestrian Priority Project<http://www.translink.ca/en/Be-Part-of-the-Plan/Projects/Main-Street-Upgrade…> - Feasibility Study for the Metro Vancouver Public Bike System<http://www.translink.ca/en/Cycling/Public-Bicycle-System.aspx> - Bike Transit Centres - Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Pilot Retrofit Testing for Natural Gas Buses<http://www.translink.ca/en/About-TransLink/Media/2005/September/TransLink-b…> - Diesel Oxidation Catalyst Retrofits -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/>

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Fwd: Tuesday January 18, 7pm meeting RE: West Broadway Community Planning & AT
by Beth McKechnie 17 Jan '11

17 Jan '11

(please see below) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Shelagh Graham <s.graham(a)westbroadway.mb.ca> Date: Mon, Jan 17, 2011 at 9:48 AM Subject: Tuesday January 18, 7pm meeting RE: West Broadway Community Planning To: Shelagh Graham <s.graham(a)westbroadway.mb.ca> *Meeting re: planning for active transportation in West Broadway* Tuesday January 18, 7pm @ 608 Broadway All are welcome! Please pass this along to anyone you feel might be interested. West Broadway Development Corporation is hosting meetings with groups interested in contributing to the 5-year community plan. It was suggested that active transportation supporters and cyclists get together to share their thoughts. We’ve managed to set up a time that works for many of those who responded directly and want to spread the word to anyone else who would like to participate. If you want any more information about the community plan process, check out our website (www.westbroadway.mb.ca) or get in touch with me. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts! Thanks! Shelagh Graham *West Broadway Development Corporation* *(204) 774-7201x4* *www.westbroadway.mb.ca* ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: *Shelagh Graham* <s.graham(a)westbroadway.mb.ca> Date: Wed, Nov 17, 2010 at 9:48 AM Subject: West Broadway Community Plan Events To: s.graham(a)westbroadway.mb.ca *We want to hear from you!** *We are gathering information from residents of West Broadway to create a new five year community plan that will identify priorities and an action plan. The goal is to make West Broadway a safe, healthy and vibrant place to live, work and play. *Please reply to this email if you would like copies of the attached notice for posting. *How can you get involved?* There are at least four ways for you to get involved in this process:1. participate in the West Broadway Community Forum & Resource Fair 2. participate in the Housing West Broadway Forum 3. complete the Community Plan survey 4. become involved in Small Group Discussions For more information about the Community Plan process, please visit our website: www.westbroadway.mb.ca *1.** **West Broadway Community Forum & Resource Fair Saturday, November 27th, 2010 *Crossways in Common 222 Furby St., Second Floor Noon – 1:00 pm: Open House and lunch 1:00 – 3:30 pm: Presentations and discussions Please register at 774-7201×1 or info(a)westbroadway.mb.ca Lunch & childcare provided *2.** **Housing West Broadway Forum Tuesday, November 30th, 2010 *Crossways in Common 222 Furby St., Second Floor 6:00 – 8:30 pm Please register at 774-7201×1 or info(a)westbroadway.mb.ca Dinner & childcare provided *3.** **Community Plan Survey* Visit our website (link to be added shortly) to fill out the Community Plan Survey or drop by one of the community sites from November 22 until January 10 to fill out a paper copy: · Art City, 610 Broadway · Assiniboine Credit Union, 640 Broadway · Crossways in Common front office, 222 Furby St. · Broadway Neighbourhood Centre, 185 Young St. · Resource Assistance for Youth, 125 Sherbrook St. · Wannabes Diner, 641 Broadway · West Broadway Development Corporation, 608 Broadway · Wolseley Family Place, 691 Wolseley Ave. Surveys are confidential. Respondents can enter to win a Diamondback Extreme mountain bike from Gooch’s Bicycle & Hobby Shops! *4.** **Small Group Discussions** *If you’d like to be involved in a small group discussion, or would like to organize your neighbours or community group to participate in a discussion group for the Community Plan, please contact 774-7201×1 or info(a)westbroadway.mb.ca. *Apologies for cross-postings! Shelagh Graham *West Broadway Development Corporation* *(204) 774-7201x4* *www.westbroadway.mb.ca* ------------------------------ No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1153 / Virus Database: 424/3264 - Release Date: 11/18/10 -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/>

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Snow Trek 2011 - starts THIS Sunday! (please forward)
by Beth McKechnie 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

*2011 Snow Trek – 2nd Annual winter in motion*…starts THIS SUNDAY! As the mercury plunges and the snow settles around us, your first instinct may be to hibernate until spring. But, get up off the couch, put down the remote, and discover the real potential of Winnipeg's winter by joining us at the 2nd annual "Snow Trek - winter *in motion* ". It promises to be *THREE fun-filled Sunday afternoons* for the whole family (all ages) to get outside for some cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, winter walking and outdoor winter play. You are encouraged to come out to *any* & *all* of the Snow Trek 2011 dates & locations. *No Experience, No Problem!* We are offering FREE cross-country ski instruction. *No Equipment, No Problem!* We will have a limited supply of FREE cross-country skis & snowshoes for you to use (ID required) at all four locations. *Too Young, Too Old!* No such thing...Everybody Welcome! *What*: Snow Trek – 2nd Annual Winter *in motion* *When & Where: * *1st Sunday - January 16, 2011* Assiniboine Park Duck Pond Fort Whyte Alive (1961 McCreary Rd) *2nd Sunday - January 23rd, 2011* Windsor Park Nordic Centre (10 Des Meurons St.) *3rd Sunday - February 13th, 2011* Living Prairie Museum (2795 Ness Ave.) *Time:* 12:00 - 4:00pm (at all four locations) *Who:* All Welcome! *Cost:* FREE! For more information and a detailed schedule, be sure to check out http://www.winnipeginmotion.ca/snow_trek_2011/ or call Winnipeg *in motion*at 940-3648. See you on the trails! 2011 Snow Trek – 2nd Annual winter *in motion* is a community event put on by many community partners - Thank you! ********************* ** Sign-up to receive Winnipeg in motion email updates http://www.winnipeginmotion.ca/signup/ ** ------------------------------------------------------------- Deanna Betteridge, BESS, M.Sc. *in motion* Coordinator 2 - 189 Evanson St. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3G 0N9 204-940-3264 (w) 204-232-3297 (c) 204-940-8409 (f) E-mail: dbetteridge(a)wrha.mb.ca Web site: www.winnipeginmotion.ca This email and/or any documents in this transmission is intended for the addressee(s) only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and return the original. Ce courriel et tout document dans cette transmission est destiné à la personne ou aux personnes à qui il est adressé. Il peut contenir des informations privilégiées ou confidentielles. Toute utilisation, divulgation, distribution, copie, ou diffusion non autorisée est strictement défendue. Si vous n'êtes pas le destinataire de ce message, veuillez en informer l'expéditeur immédiatement et lui remettre l'original. -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/>

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[At-network] TDM & Special Events webinar: Wed., Jan 12th, Noon-1 pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 05 Jan '11

05 Jan '11

Green Action Centre will be hosting the following ecoMOBILITY (Transport Canada) webinar on Special Events & TDM (Transportation Demand Management) on Wed, Jan. 12th. If you would like to join us, please let me know at * beth(a)greenactioncentre.ca*. Hope you can join us! cheers, Beth 925-3772 ------------------------------ Webinar: * Special Events & TDM *Date: *Wednesday, Jan. 12, Noon to 1:00 p.m. CST * Location: *EcoCentre boardroom, 303 Portage Ave, third floor* (enter via elevator inside front doors of MEC) Sporting events, concerts, town celebrations…they all involve a lot of people trying to get to the same place at the same time. How can you sustainably plan transportation for these types of events? How can you convince attendees to walk, cycle, or take public transit to special events instead of using their cars? In order to manage dramatically increased transportation demand during the 2010 Olympic Games, TransLink (Metro Vancouver's regional transportation authority) and its partners set the ambitious goal of reducing vehicle use by at least 30% during the Games. In this ecoMOBILITY webinar, JoAnn Woodhall from TransLink will speak about the highly successful measures put in place to not only transport Olympic spectators, volunteers, and staff, but also to provide local commuters and businesses with travel options that would keep commuters, customers, and goods moving during the Games. She will also discuss the monitoring and measurement of these initiatives, and how the quantitative data TransLink obtained is helping to prove the value of transportation demand management in Vancouver. -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/>

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WFP: $18-M remake for Osborne Bridge - Focus on cyclists, peds, art (Dec.17'10)
by Beth McKechnie 17 Dec '10

17 Dec '10

{Winnipeg Free Press] $18-M remake for Osborne Bridge Focus on cyclists, pedestrians, art By: Geoff Kirbyson A newly rehabilitated Osborne Bridge will have separate spaces for cyclists and pedestrians, as well as an artistic component to fit in with the eclectic neighbourhood, according to plans unveiled Thursday evening. A smattering of area residents and users of one of the city's busiest bridges discovered active transportation will be the central theme of a planned $18-million renovation. Construction, which is scheduled to begin in April, will feature one three-metre-wide walkway and two two-metre-wide bike paths. [image: The Osborne Bridge, shown in artist’s conception.] Enlarge Image <http://media.winnipegfreepress.com/images/artistosborne.jpg> The Osborne Bridge, shown in artist’s conception. To accommodate these features, the bridge will be widened by about five feet by extending the overhangs and replacing the existing wide median with a narrower barrier. Matt Chislett, bridge projects engineer for the city's public works department, said the city decided against a joint pedestrian-cycling lane. "We have a high percentage of people in the area with vision impairment or who use seeing-eye dogs and we didn't want them sharing space with cyclists," he said at an information open house at Holy Rosary Church. Chislett said making the bridge safer for people on foot has been a concern since a vehicle jumped the curb and killed a pedestrian in the late 1980s. He said the renovation will prolong the lifespan of the bridge for another 75 years. The Osborne Bridge was built in 1975. Replacing the bridge would cost about $25 million, he said. Chislett said he and his team will take the most recent public feedback and potentially "tweak" bridge plans. The current schedule calls for the east side of the bridge to be closed in April, with construction finishing up in October. The following spring, the same thing will happen to the west side. During both construction periods, traffic flows in both directions will be restricted to a total of three lanes, he said. "It's going to be a snarl," he said, noting 40,000 vehicles cross the bridge every day. Most of the time, two lanes will head south, with one going north. During morning rush hours, however, it will be reconfigured with two lanes heading north. Chislett said an artist has been hired to incorporate art into the bridge's design, such as the handrails or at the end of the bridge. "We want to make it an esthetically pleasing bridge to fit the neighbourhood," he said. About 60 people came through the open house during the first three of four hours Thursday night. Gerald, whose family operates a business in the area and who asked that his last name not be published, said he appreciated the chance to voice his opinions on the project design. He said he was confident it would not result in the public relations disaster that accompanied last fall's introduction of traffic circles in several neighbourhoods. He said he believes the bigger problem is traffic flow in Osborne Village, used by people from other neighbourhoods simply passing through on their way home from downtown. "I think they should tunnel under the Osborne overpass and come up under the river by the (Legislative Building)," he said. geoff.kirbyson(a)freepress.mb.ca -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/>

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Employment opportunities with Green Action Centre - December 2010
by Beth McKechnie 08 Dec '10

08 Dec '10

***PLEASE POST WIDELY - apologies for cross-posting*** * * *GREEN ACTION CENTRE* EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY; two positions available December 3, 2010 ------------------------------------------------------------- *Active and Safe Routes to School Program Intern* ------------------------------------------------------------- *Application deadline:** *Monday, December 13 2010** *Start date:** *Thursday, January 6 2011 *End date: *Friday, March 18 2011 * * These positions being funded through the YMCA’s Post-Secondary Graduate Youth Eco Internship Program (PSYEIP) with funding provided by the Government of Canada. This program places unemployed youth aged 15 to 30 from diverse backgrounds into paid internship opportunities within the private, non-profit, public, and charitable service sectors in Canada with a focus on the environment and community*. Applicants must meet ALL eligibility criteria for the program in order to be considered:* - between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the time of placement; - not receiving Employment Insurance benefit; - a graduate of a post-secondary education program; - be unemployed; or underemployed (working 20 hours or less on a regular basis); or working in a job that does not match your area of educational study; - out of school; - a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee status has been conferred; - legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations; - have a social insurance number; - be willing to complete a Police Records Check. *Note: Youth who previously participated in the Youth Eco Internship Program will not be considered* * * Green Action Centre is a non-profit, charitable community organization currently seeking *two program interns* for our Active and Safe Routes to School (ASRTS) program. The interns will actively encourage walking and cycling as healthy alternatives for getting kids to and from school by working closely with teachers, parents, school staff and students at selected Manitoba elementary schools. The interns will be involved in the lead up to Clean Air Day in June, and the coordination of a regional meeting of Active and Safe Routes to School practitioners in Manitoba. The interns will work closely with the Active and Safe Routes to School Program Team on the planning and delivery of events, and will act as supports for other areas of the program including policy development, in-class workshops and education, best routes to school mapping, report writing, fundraising and materials development. *RESPONSIBILITIES* * * · Promotes elementary school participation in the annual Clean Air Day Walk to School (June) · Assists with the administration and coordination of the poster contest linked to Clean Air Day · Communicates with schools to encourage environmentally friendly travel year-round through surveys, telephone conversations and site visits as well as ASRTS program components such as the Walking School Bus, Walking Wednesdays Club and Neighbourhood Walkabouts · Maintains a database and contact list of participating schools and community partners · Researches, prepares and distributes kit materials such as fact sheets, checklists, surveys, brochures, posters, and resources · Monitors project-related expenses · Writes reports and assists in preparing proposals and applications · Assists with website development through the Green Action Centre content-managed system – writing updates and blog posts related to Active and Safe Routes to School-related items. · Compiles, publishes and distributes the quarterly Active and Safe Routes to School newsletter *“Off on the Right Foot”* · Assists with the coordination of a regional training event for Active and Safe Routes to School practitioners in Manitoba (involving invitations, managing registrations, preparing materials, taking minutes and assisting with follow-up reporting). *QUALIFICATIONS* Must be self-motivated, reliable and able to work collaboratively and individually. *Must meet the requirements of the Post-Secondary Youth Eco-Internship Program administered through the YMCA.* *Key qualifications include:* · Self-initiator with excellent interpersonal and time management skills · Professional writing, editing, research and communication skills · Commitment to work in a collaborative setting to achieve common goals · Experience in organizing events and workshops · Background in areas such as communications / social marketing / community development / environmental or health education / urban planning, GIS, social change / non-profit project work · Familiar with Community Based Social Marketing concepts (see www.cbsm.com) · Ability to handle multiple tasks in a brisk work environment with a flexible schedule · Knowledge of internet-based communication and research tools · Experience in organizing promotional events, and creativity in developing advertising and media campaigns · Experience in proposal and report writing · Ease in giving public presentations and speaking with media · Demonstrated commitment to the goals of ecological sustainability and sustainable transportation · Understanding of urban transportation, planning and environmental issues · Experience working with teachers, parents, administration and staff in an elementary school setting an asset · Experience with GIS or other mapping software an asset *ABOUT THE POSITION* * Direct applications by Monday, December 13 2010 to:* ASRTS Hiring Committee Green Action Centre 303 Portage Avenue, 3rd Floor, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B4 E-mail: asrts(a)greenactioncentre.ca *Green Action Centre*: Green Action Centre is a non-profit, non-governmental organization directed by an elected community Board. Green Action Centre’s mission is to promote ecological sustainability through environmental education and the development of sustainable alternatives to unsustainable current practices. Further information about Green Action Centre projects and activities is available on our web site www.greenactioncentre.ca. -- *Jackie Avent* Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre 204.925.3773 www.greenactioncentre.ca Green Action Centre is a non-profit organization. Please consider making a donation. *Coming to the EcoCentre?* (3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue at Donald Street; Take the elevator to the third floor of the MEC building) Winnipeg transit stops and bicycle racks are located in front of MEC

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Bike Boxes webinar - Wed, Dec. 15, 2-3 pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 01 Dec '10

01 Dec '10

Green Action Centre will be hosting the following APBP (Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals) webinar on "Bike Boxes" on Wed, Dec. 15th. If you would like to join us, please let me know at * beth(a)greenactioncentre.ca*. See you then! -thanks, Beth (925-3772) ------------------------------ Webinar: * Bike Boxes *Date: *Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CST * Location: *EcoCentre boardroom, 303 Portage Ave, third floor* (enter via elevator inside front doors of MEC) The webinar will have two main sections: - The evolution of bike box design, citing examples in the UK and northern Europe, and including a discussion of details such as coordinating traffic signals, signal phasing, and cost/durability of different materials. - A presentation about Portland, Oregon’s, study of how bike boxes perform for motorists and bicyclists at ten locations. Although there are bike boxes in a number of U.S. cities now, Portland has probably done the most experimentation and evaluation. *Presenters: * Webinar presenters will be Christopher Monsere, Assistant Professor at Portland State University, and Tom Bertulis, formerly of the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, and now a doctoral student at Northeastern University. Hope you can join us! -- Beth McKechnie Workplace Commuter Options Green Action Centre 204.925.3772 www.greenactioncentre.ca Green Action Centre is a registered charity. Please consider making a donation <https://www.canadahelps.org/DonationDetails.aspx?cookieCheck=true> . *Coming to the EcoCentre?* (3rd floor, 303 Portage at Donald, MEC bldg) Enter via the elevator just inside MEC's front doors Bike racks are located in front of the building Find your bus route with Winnipeg Transit's online trip planner Navigo<http://www.winnipegtransit.com/en/navigo>

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City of Winnipeg transportation survey
by Beth McKechnie 30 Nov '10

30 Nov '10

In case you hadn't heard, the City of Winnipeg is in the process of developing a Transportation Master Plan. You can find information presented at a recent Open House along with a link to a survey on the future of transportation in Winnipeg here: http://transportation.speakupwinnipeg.com/ If you want to go straight to the survey, see: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/winnipegtmp The feedback received from the survey will help inform the plan, so it's definitely worth taking a few minutes to complete. cheers, Beth -- Beth McKechnie Workplace Commuter Options Green Action Centre 204.925.3772 www.greenactioncentre.ca Green Action Centre is a registered charity. Please consider making a donation <https://www.canadahelps.org/DonationDetails.aspx?cookieCheck=true> . *Coming to the EcoCentre?* (3rd floor, 303 Portage at Donald, MEC bldg) Enter via the elevator just inside MEC's front doors Bike racks are located in front of the building Find your bus route with Winnipeg Transit's online trip planner Navigo<http://www.winnipegtransit.com/en/navigo>

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Nova Scotia looking to pass one-metre rule
by Beth McKechnie 30 Nov '10

30 Nov '10

Nova Scotia is looking to be the first in Canada to "*require drivers to leave one meter of open space between the vehicle and bicyclist when passing *". Other proposed amendments to their Motor Vehicle Act include to: - define 'cyclist' and 'bicycle lane' - prohibit vehicle parking in a bicycle lane - make it an offence to fail to yield to a cyclist in a bicycle lane - redefine cycling on the extreme right - allow drivers of vehicles to cross a centre line to pass a bicycle, if the driver can do so safely - require cyclists to ride single file and in the same direction of the traffic Full details: http://spacingatlantic.ca/2010/11/18/keep-those-wheels-turning-cycling-ackn… -- Beth McKechnie Workplace Commuter Options Green Action Centre 204.925.3772 www.greenactioncentre.ca Green Action Centre is a registered charity. Please consider making a donation <https://www.canadahelps.org/DonationDetails.aspx?cookieCheck=true> . *Coming to the EcoCentre?* (3rd floor, 303 Portage at Donald, MEC bldg) Enter via the elevator just inside MEC's front doors Bike racks are located in front of the building Find your bus route with Winnipeg Transit's online trip planner Navigo<http://www.winnipegtransit.com/en/navigo>

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Fwd: Active Transportation - Canada: November 30, 2010
by Beth McKechnie 30 Nov '10

30 Nov '10

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Michael Haynes <activetransportation(a)rogers.com> Date: Tue, Nov 30, 2010 at 10:49 AM Subject: Active Transportation - Canada: November 30, 2010 Dear Listserv Members: Thirty-five (35) new items have been posted on the Active Transportation-Canada Website during the month of November. A complete list of titles may be found in the "Blog Archive" box, located on the right margin of the Website. some highlights include: - 2011 World Record Walk<http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf9723> - Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation Papers<http://torontocat.ca/main/> - Ted Talks - James H Kunstler dissects suburbia<http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/james_howard_kunstler_dissects_suburbia.h…> - Reality vs. Myth: The "dangers" of Dutch cycle paths<http://hembrow.blogspot.com/2010/11/reality-vs-myth-dangers-of-dutch-cycle.…> - Vancouver selected as the host of the Velo-city Global 2012 conference<http://www.velo-city2012.com/> Active Transportation Canada URL: http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.com A "Search" function is available on the site. You will find this at the bottom of the page. With nearly 1,00 items posted on Active Transportation - Canada, there are links available to dozens of studies and hundreds of news items from communities across Canada and the world. If anyone has a problem reading this message, please let me know. I welcome suggestions for posts, so if you have news items featuring your community, please share them with the more than 500 subscribers to Active Transportation-Canada. Thank you. Michael Haynes Director TransActive Solutions -- Beth McKechnie Workplace Commuter Options Green Action Centre 204.925.3772 www.greenactioncentre.ca Green Action Centre is a registered charity. Please consider making a donation <https://www.canadahelps.org/DonationDetails.aspx?cookieCheck=true> . *Coming to the EcoCentre?* (3rd floor, 303 Portage at Donald, MEC bldg) Enter via the elevator just inside MEC's front doors Bike racks are located in front of the building Find your bus route with Winnipeg Transit's online trip planner Navigo<http://www.winnipegtransit.com/en/navigo>

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WFP: City bike routes going on Google next week (Nov.23'10)
by Beth McKechnie 23 Nov '10

23 Nov '10

City bike routes going on Google next week By: Adam Wazny The snow and ice suggest otherwise, but life for the Winnipeg cyclist just became a little easier. In an announcement at the Sustainable Mobility Conference in Ottawa Monday, Internet search engine giant Google has added Winnipeg to its list of Canadian cities that will have bike routes available online for those looking for the best path to take on two wheels. With Google Bike Directions, scheduled to be added to Google Maps during the next week, users can pore over city-fed bike maps using the popular web atlas to chart a course for their daily commute. Comprehensive maps of various bike routes and paths are already available on the city's website, but Winnipeg Trails Association director Janice Lukes was thrilled to find out Google has added the city to its new mapping feature. "We have all this new infrastructure and many people don't know where it is," she said. "This will encourage those who are looking to get out on the weekends or do a little riding after work." What has the cycling community excited about the Google Maps addition is the reach it will have to those contemplating ditching their vehicle for a bike. Jeff Martin, owner of Alter Ego Sports, feels the undecided might finally decide to switch to a two-wheeler permanently, thanks to Google Maps. Not every trail or dedicated bike lane is visible from behind the wheel, he notes, so not everyone is up to speed with the layout of the city's active transportation framework. "For the serious cyclist, they're going to ride their bikes regardless," he said. "But for the inexperienced rider, this will show them they can get from point A to point B in a safe way, especially for winter riding." Google Bike Directions works like this: A click on the bicycle icon shows a dark green line indicating a bike-only path. A lighter green line signals a dedicated bike lane and a dotted line shows a city street that doesn't have a dedicated bike lane, but could still be suitable for riding. The city planned to spend $20.4 million dollars on 36 bike-and-pedestrian projects under a federal stimulus program this year. Cold weather cut six of those projects short, with completion scheduled for 2011. Ottawa, Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver, Calgary, Gatineau and Waterloo are the other Canadian cities involved in Google's announcement. Bike-trail data for U.S. markets was added to Google Maps earlier this year. adam.wazny(a)freepress.mb.ca -- Beth McKechnie Workplace Commuter Options Green Action Centre 204.925.3772 www.greenactioncentre.ca Green Action Centre is a registered charity. Please consider making a donation <https://www.canadahelps.org/DonationDetails.aspx?cookieCheck=true> . *Coming to the EcoCentre?* (3rd floor, 303 Portage at Donald, MEC bldg) Enter via the elevator just inside MEC's front doors Bike racks are located in front of the building Find your bus route with Winnipeg Transit's online trip planner Navigo<http://www.winnipegtransit.com/en/navigo>

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G&M: Sidewalk experiments drive new ideas about urban public space
by Beth McKechnie 19 Nov '10

19 Nov '10

[Great article in the Globe & Mail about sidewalks and a whole "new era of sidewalk sociology". -cheers, Beth] *Full article with photos & videos:* http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/americas/lane-storming-cities-dri… Sidewalk experiments drive new ideas about urban public space SIRI AGRELL From Thursday's Globe and Mail Published Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010 8:10PM EST A line has been drawn in the battle over city streets. On a busy Manhattan morning this spring, a comedy troupe drew a chalk divide down the edge of Fifth Avenue, creating one lane for “tourists” and another for “New Yorkers.” It was just a joke, but the news quickly spread around the world and inspired copycat initiatives. The changing look of city sidewalks >From Lebanon to Calgary, the humble pavement has recently emerged as new frontier in urban warfare. It is a way for cities to demonstrate their personality and environmental cred, and take sides in the war between driver and pedestrian. But it is not, as San Francisco has forcefully pointed out with a ballot initiative approved earlier this month, a place to sit down. “We’re truly at the launch of a new science of creating walkways,” said Dan Burden, an urban planner and the creator of the non-profit group Walkable Communities. “They do a lot more work than just move people from place to place. We’re starting to see the sidewalk as a system that drives the successful social life of a street.” The popularity of the New York experiment was a signal that citizens are ready for bold thinking when it comes to urban design, he said, no longer content to cede the sidewalk to municipal authorities. In London and Toronto, business owners have paid out of pocket to make their sidewalks more attractive and easier to navigate by funding a sidewalk redesign and enforcing an invisible “shopper’s lane.” In a response to citizen complaints, Montreal is taking steps to make sure sidewalks are quickly cleared of snow while Lebanon is trying to keep them free of cars. Concrete, too, is losing favour, being replaced with recycled tiers, tamped earth and fine grain materials that come in a variety of colours. In the future, Mr. Burden predicts the “hardscape” of city sidewalks will be softened with materials like grasscrete, porous blocks that allow natural vegetation to work its way through. The sidewalk may end, but innovation has just begun. *MANHATTAN* *What:* In May, the comedy group Improv Everywhere spray painted a line down the middle of Fifth Avenue, demarcating lanes for “New Yorkers” and “tourists.” Fake department of transportation “employees” directed tourists to the left, telling them, “You can take pictures and go as slow as you want.” *Pros:* Pedestrians were also asked for their feedback on the initiative, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Even Mayor Michael Bloomberg thought the idea was “cute.” *Cons:* For busy New Yorkers, the idea didn’t go far enough. As the Web site Gothamist suggested, “Now we just need a lane for strollers and people who text while walking, and we'll be all set.” *Lessons for other cities:* Anger over sidewalk slowpokes is no joke. *LONDON* *What*: Inspired by the New York experiment, a group of business owners in the city’s Oxford Street district introduced a “shoppers lane” along store fronts this fall, with employees encouraging tourists to stay out of the way of locals. They plan to lobby to have the lane officially incorporated into city tourist maps next year. *Pros:* With more than 200 million visitors a year, nearby residents “absolutely love the idea” of a shoppers lane, according to Jace Tyrell, spokesperson for the New West End Company, which represents 600 local business owners. *Cons:* The lane is not actually marked on the sidewalk, and is not officially sanctioned or enforced by city council. Instead, New West End is advertising the rogue idea on tourist maps and enforcing it with the help of Red Caps, a group of employees who provide information and directions on the street. *Lessons for other cities*: You don’t need a bylaw to change the way cities work. Even without official enforcement, Mr. Tyrell said the system is embedding itself in the public consciousness. “It’s like the escalator, where people stand to one side or the other depending on whether or not they’re walking,” he said. “We hope over time, this will become a behavioural thing and people will just do it naturally.” *PORTLAND, ORE.* *What: *Under the direction of the Office of Transportation, 13th Avenue was redesigned as a curbless street, where the sidewalk and roadway are one level but paved with different coloured materials. *Pros:* Popular in Scandinavia, curbless streets have been shown to actually change the way people drive through “psychological traffic slowing” making neighbourhoods more pedestrian friendly. *Cons:* Short vertical posts called bollards that mark the line between street and sidewalk have been blamed for damaging cars. *Lessons for other cities:* Studies have shown curbless streets slow traffic by an average of nine kilometres an hour. An analysis of five years of traffic statistics in one California town found that the only pedestrian injuries occurred on streets that did have curbs. *CALGARY* *What: *In October, the city started replacing asphalt sidewalks with recycled rubber tires, as part of a one-year pilot program. *Pros:* The material won’t crack, reduces storm runoff, absorbs sound and is more comfortable for runners. City transportation engineer Blanka Bracic said public feedback on the city’s blog and 311 line has been overwhelmingly positive. *Cons: *Some residents are worried that the product’s uneven surface will make snow removal difficult. *Lessons for other cities:* Unlike traditional asphalt, the rubber sidewalk does not require the roots of nearby trees to be excavated. Ms. Bracic said that cutting down trees to lay new sidewalk is a major source of citizen complaints. The material costs the same as concrete, but is also cheaper to maintain. *TORONTO* *What: *The recently completed Bloor Street Transformation Project. *Pros: *The project has widened and beautified the sidewalks using Quebec granite, mature trees, improved street furniture and manicured flowerbeds. *Cons:* The project took more than three years to complete, snarling traffic on a major city street. *Lessons for other cities:* Inspired by Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, the project was championed by the Bloor Street BIA, who contributed $20-million to the project. *LEBANON* *What: *Last month, various municipalities launched a crackdown on vehicles parked on sidewalks. *Pros: *The move is a response to growing chorus of complaints, many from the disabled and mothers with young children, noting that pedestrians are forced to walk on the road because of the popular practice of parking on sidewalks. *Cons:* Street vendors who deal food and other goods from their parking spots complain that their business is being ruined. *Lessons for other cities:* Previous efforts by Lebanese authorities to clear sidewalks of cars have failed due to the objections of merchants, who were given no alternative location from which to vend their wares. *SAN FRANCISCO* *What: *Proposition L, a city wide ordinance passed on Nov. 2 that bans people from sitting of lying on sidewalks between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Those caught breaking the law face fines, community-service sentences and even jail time. *Pros:* Dubbed the Sit/Lie ordinance, the idea was a response to a recent escalation of aggressive panhandling in the iconic Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood. Police can now take action against an individual without having to wait for a complaint from the public, according to Ted Loewenberg, president of the Haight Ashbury Improvement Association. “This gives police the ability to pay attention the kind of behaviours we’re worried about,” he said. *Cons: *Those opposed to Prop L say it unfairly targets the homeless. *Lessons for other cities: *The measure was passed through a ballot initiative included in the Nov. 2 election, and garnered the support of 55 per cent of voters. Mr. Loewenberg said city council had originally opposed the idea, which was proposed by chief of police. *MONTREAL* *What:* The city announced in early November that it will deploy quick reaction snow clearing brigades to specific pedestrian-packed sidewalks this year to keep downtown businesses moving. *Pros:* Main sidewalks in the busy downtown area of Ville Marie and the Plateau district will be completely cleared within 12 hours of a snowfall, with the city setting aside $262,000 for trucks and $150,000 for salaries to fund the rapid deployment teams. Michael Applebaum, the city executive committee member responsible for snow clearing, said the cost of leaving the sidewalks clogged is much higher, as it puts a freeze on tourism, restaurants and the retail business. “We’re a winter city. Our priority has to be to make sure people can get around,” he said. “We can’t stall the economy.” *Cons: *The city wants to have a strict 24-hour deadline for snow removal in place throughout the city by 2014, but they can’t enforce the deadlines until their contracts with private snow removal companies come up for renegotiation. *Lessons for other cities: *Mr. Applebaum, who is also borough mayor of Côte des Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, says technology has dramatically shortened citizen’s patience with city services.**Because they can report city issues on cellphones and via e-mail, they expect an immediate response, even when it comes to fighting Mother Nature.

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Planning, transport and health inequalities
by Mike Tutthill 15 Nov '10

15 Nov '10

Planning, transport and health inequalities This British website presents case studies of what can be achieved when places utilise planning and transport to tackle the social determinants of health. But they also highlight the limits of what these environment-focused professions can do. The website is regularly updated as shown by the two most recent cases studies presented: The London Borough of Waltham Forest and the Stoke-on-Trent City Council http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=23261408 Mike Tutthill Information & Access Coordinator HEALTH in COMMON 100-6 Donald Street Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6 tel: 204.949.2002 1.800.731.1792 fax: 204.284.2404 email: <mailto:mtutthill@healthincommon.ca> mtutthill(a)healthincommon.ca web: <http://www.healthincommon.ca> www.healthincommon.ca +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ December E-Newsletter deadline is November 19. <http://www.facebook.com/pages/Health-in-Common/120069149875> Health in Common on Facebook * Please consider the environment before printing this email. Coming to Health in Common? By bicycle: Bicycle parking is located behind the building. By Winnipeg transit: Routes 62, 65, 66, 68, 70 By car: Two visitor parking spaces are available at the back of the building. Street parking (restrictions): Bell Avenue (1hr 9h00 - 17h30), Clarke Street (none); Lewis (none); Cauchon (none); River (none west of Clarke).

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Women Cycling Survey report
by Beth McKechnie 09 Nov '10

09 Nov '10

The Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) is a non-profit organization committed to increasing bicycling and walking as modes of transportation in the U.S. In the spring of 2010, APBP conducted an online questionnaire to investigate the factors that would induce women to bicycle more for transportation. The final report can be downloaded at: http://www.trb.org/PedestriansAndBicyclists/Blurbs/Womens_Cycling_Survey_An… Here's the summary: Cycling behavior appears to be influenced by size of community. While women from the suburbs and rural areas were less likely to use their bicycles for daily trips, they cycled longer distances (over 60 miles) than women from other communities. Rural and suburban women also constituted the highest percentage of respondents to report “always” wearing a helmet. Finally, *women from large cities were most receptive to the addition of bike lanes as a means to start/increase their cycling*. As a result, interventions to increase women’s cycling must take into account the areas in which women live. Despite the difference in cycling behaviors due to community size, safety and infrastructure concerns were prevalent in nearly all subgroups. The operation of motorized vehicles, (especially distracted driving) dominate women’s safety concerns about cycling. Furthermore, infrastructure change, particularly the addition of more bike lanes, appears to be a primary factor for increasing women’s cycling. Though these findings warrant additional qualitative research, it is likely that intervention planning to promote cycling as a form of daily transportation needs to address the issues of distracted driving and the addition of more bike lanes. -- Beth McKechnie Workplace Commuter Options Green Action Centre 204.925.3772 www.greenactioncentre.ca Green Action Centre is a registered charity. Please consider making a donation <https://www.canadahelps.org/DonationDetails.aspx?cookieCheck=true> . *Coming to the EcoCentre?* (3rd floor, 303 Portage at Donald, MEC bldg) Enter via the elevator just inside MEC's front doors Bike racks are located in front of the building Find your bus route with Winnipeg Transit's online trip planner Navigo<http://www.winnipegtransit.com/en/navigo>

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Open House - Winnipeg Transportation Master Plan, Nov 13, 10-3
by Beth McKechnie 08 Nov '10

08 Nov '10

*Please note the upcoming Open House taking place Saturday, November 13, at the Convention Centre:* Source: http://www.speakupwinnipeg.com/ Winnipeggers are invited to meet with City of Winnipeg Staff and share their ideas and views regarding three important City initiatives: - *The City of Winnipeg’s Transportation Master Plan* - The City’s Parks, Places and Open Spaces Strategy - A Sustainable Winnipeg: Measurement and Accountability - Call to Action update Whether you are stopping by as part of your attendance at the concurrent SpeakUp on Garbage Expo, or just taking a few minutes in your day to stop by, we would be pleased to meet you and continue the conversation about the future of our city. - *10:00 am – 3:00 pm* - *Millennium Suite, Second Floor Winnipeg Convention Centre* cheers, Beth -- Beth McKechnie Workplace Commuter Options Green Action Centre 204.925.3772 www.greenactioncentre.ca Green Action Centre is a registered charity. Please consider making a donation <https://www.canadahelps.org/DonationDetails.aspx?cookieCheck=true> . *Coming to the EcoCentre?* (3rd floor, 303 Portage at Donald, MEC bldg) Enter via the elevator just inside MEC's front doors Bike racks are located in front of the building Find your bus route with Winnipeg Transit's online trip planner Navigo<http://www.winnipegtransit.com/en/navigo>

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Friendly reminder: Get Your Green On - Sat, Nov. 6 at The Academy
by Beth McKechnie 02 Nov '10

02 Nov '10

Come out and "Get Your Green On" this Saturday at The Academy in Osborne Village! When:* Saturday, November 6th, 8:00 pm *Venue:* The Academy (437 Stradbrook Ave** at Osborne)* * Tickets are only $10, available at:* - Mountain Equipment Co-op, 303 Portage Avenue. - Music Trader, 97 Osborne Street - McNally Robinson, 1120 Grant Avenue. - Green Action Centre, 303 Portage Ave - 3rd Floor Hope to see you there! (plus apologies for duplicate postings) Beth 925-3772 [image: Poster Nov 6'2010.jpg] -- Beth McKechnie Workplace Commuter Options Green Action Centre 204.925.3772 www.greenactioncentre.ca Green Action Centre is a registered charity. Please consider making a donation. *Coming to the EcoCentre?* (3rd floor, 303 Portage at Donald, MEC bldg) Enter via the elevator just inside MEC's front doors Bike racks are located in front of the building Find your bus route with Winnipeg Transit's online trip planner Navigo<http://www.winnipegtransit.com/en/navigo>

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Grist: Are cyclists really a lawless bunch?
by Beth McKechnie 28 Oct '10

28 Oct '10

Interesting posting on how a NYC study is recommending the use of bike boxes to address a problem with cyclists and red light compliance. There's a link in the posting to the study and I've highlighted the particularly relevant paragraphs below. -cheers, Beth * * * * * In New York’s bike lanes, who are the real scofflaws?by Elly Blue October 25, 2010 http://www.grist.org/article/2010-10-25-in-new-yorks-bike-lanes-who-are-the… Those scofflaw bicyclists!" You hear that phrase a lot, or a version of it. It's true that, at least in New York City, there's probably a scofflaw in any given bike lane at any given time. But chances are high it's not the person on the bicycle. So observed the staff of Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer when he sent them out to 11 bike lanes <http://www.mbpo.org/release_details.asp?id=1681>in Manhattan to record every single traffic infraction occurring in the lanes. The unscientific results (download them here<http://www.mbpo.org/free_details.asp?id=225>) evoke a vivid, chaotic, and very New York streetscape. While reading it, you can almost hear the honking in the background. The report shows that 741 of the 1,700 total infractions recorded -- more than a third -- involved people walking or standing in a bike lane. On one block where this type of thing was particularly rampant, a collision was observed between a person on a bike and a person stepping into the bike lane. Of the infractions, 353 involved the bike lane being blocked outright. Most of these impediments were motor vehicles, some parked and others moving, fast. Of these, 18 percent were taxis and limos and 13 percent were publicly owned vehicles. Particularly of note in the report were a school bus that idled in one bike lane for seven minutes and examples of "unmarked Police vehicles in apparent non-emergency situations cutting through protected bike lanes." Additionally, there were 77 instances of someone opening a car door into the bike lane, causing a bicyclist to swerve into car traffic. Cyclists were observed riding in violation as well. Some 242 were seen going the wrong way in the lane (including one two-hour period at one block where there was more wrong-way than right-way traffic), and 237 were seen proceeding against a red light. None of this is surprising, given Manhattan's thriving pedestrian culture, high population, and density. People were spilling off of sidewalks and into car traffic long before bike lanes were a gleam in the city's eye, and likewise people were looking for creative places to park and shortcuts around traffic since traffic congestion was invented. People on bicycles, meanwhile, have simply been trying to get where they're going in one piece. There's a tendency to talk about people who ride bikes as though they're a lawless bunch of yahoos. This study is a breath of fresh air in showing that no, they are simply, like all other people, responding to an environment that doesn't always serve their needs. When you're driving, the extra space a bike lane offers is a matter of mobility and convenience; if you're riding a bike, it's a matter of being seen and staying alive. People run red lights on bikes not out of wanton disrespect for the world's moral order, but because when you're riding in a sea of cars occupied by people who probably don't notice or care about your existence, you're much safer getting as far ahead as possible. *So it's a relief to hear that the study's policy recommendation to address red-light compliance is not enforcement or even education but installing more bike boxes<http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/06/27/streetfilms-return-of-bike-box/>. A bike box -- basically a space between the stop line for cars and the crosswalk where someone on a bike can wait for the light to change in a more visible position -- provides a safer and more comfortable alternative to running the light, rather than penalizing or reforming behavior that's already motivated by safety.* *(In the meantime, the New York Police Department has announced a campaign to crack down <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/22/nyregion/22bike.html?_r=1>on cyclists who run lights and ride on the sidewalk.) * *Other recommendations in the study are worth reading. They include dedicating an enforcement patrol to keep the bike lanes free for bikes to use (currently this is done by clowns<http://www.streetfilms.org/clowns-liberate-bike-lanes/>); better parking management so that delivery vehicles always have reserved spaces; more signage; an awareness campaign for taxi users; and more bike lanes that are physically separated from traffic.* New York City's push for bicycle infrastructure in the last two years is bold, comparatively speaking. But New York, and other cities with similar ambitions to increase cycling mode share, need to think beyond bike lanes. Narrow strips of pavement wedged in as an afterthought onto streets that are still very much designed and operated for the convenience of motor vehicle traffic will never do anything but continue to marginalize (and, in the eyes of the public, criminalize) people who use them. Imagine what might happen if people riding bikes and walking were extended the same engineering courtesies that have created an environment where anyone can drive a car through the city and expect to survive. The equation needs to be reversed. Only when people have enough space to walk and bike around the city in safety and comfort should consideration be given to the free flow of private automobiles driven in from wealthy suburbs<http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/12/08/where-do-manhattan-auto-commuters-com…> . The Manhattan Borough president's call to "respect the lane, clear the path" is a compelling one that needs to be heard by every person idling, driving, walking, or riding the wrong way in the bike lane. But most of all, it needs to be heard by people at work deciding the future of the city's streets. Elly Blue is a bicycle activist living in Portland, Oregon. -- Beth McKechnie Workplace Commuter Options Green Action Centre 204.925.3772 www.greenactioncentre.ca Green Action Centre is a registered charity. Please consider making a donation <https://www.canadahelps.org/DonationDetails.aspx?cookieCheck=true> . *Coming to the EcoCentre?* (3rd floor, 303 Portage at Donald, MEC bldg) Enter via the elevator just inside MEC's front doors Bike racks are located in front of the building Find your bus route with Winnipeg Transit's online trip planner Navigo<http://www.winnipegtransit.com/en/navigo>

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Get Your Green On - Sat, Nov. 6 at The Academy
by Beth McKechnie 22 Oct '10

22 Oct '10

[Apologies for duplicate postings] * "Get your Green On" at Green Action Centre's fundraiser/party! * Enjoy great music, hands-on activities, and lots of green fun! (You may have met us before as Resource Conservation Manitoba.) Take in performances by the melodic Keri Latimer of Juno Award winning group Nathan, and Winnipeg’s latest dance-floor sensation LeBeato and DJ Cyclist. Mix your own green cleaning or personal care products, and pick from crafty and experiential packages in our locally-focused silent auction. Come out and bring your friends! *When: Saturday, November 6th, 8:00 pm Venue: The Academy (437 Stradbrook Ave** at Osborne)* * Tickets are only $10, available at:* - Mountain Equipment Co-op, 303 Portage Avenue. - Music Trader, 97 Osborne Street - McNally Robinson, 1120 Grant Avenue. - Green Action Centre, 303 Portage Ave - 3rd Floor Hope to see you there! [image: Poster Nov 6'2010.jpg] -- Beth McKechnie Workplace Commuter Options Green Action Centre 204.925.3772 www.greenactioncentre.ca

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Vancouver selected for major international cycling conference
by Beth McKechnie 21 Oct '10

21 Oct '10

City of Vancouver News Release Oct. 19, 2010 *Vancouver selected for major international cycling conference* Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson today thanked European Cycling Federation President Manfred Neun for selecting Vancouver as the host of the prestigious Velo-city Global 2012 conference, the first time the event has been held outside of Europe since 1996. “Velo-city will bring together hundreds of planners, transportation experts and cycling specialists from around the world to discuss the fast-growing role of cycling in urban transportation,” said Mayor Robertson. “We are very excited that the European Cycling Federation has selected Vancouver for its global conference in 2012. “Hosting a major international conference like Velo-city is a good boost for our local economy, and it’s a great opportunity to showcase Vancouver’s bike infrastructure to the world's leading transportation experts.” An estimated 1,000 conference delegates and their guests will attend the conference, which will be held in June 2012 at a Vancouver location yet to be selected. The Vancouver bid for the conference was prepared by the City of Vancouver, Tourism Vancouver, TransLink and the VeloWorks Cycling Society. “Cycling is already an important travel mode in Metro Vancouver, and TransLink has partnered with the City, the province and the federal government in major infrastructure upgrades to make it an even better option for more people,” said TransLink’s vice president of Customer and Public Engagement, Bob Paddon. “TransLink is pleased to support the 2012 Velo-city conference.’ “Bravo to the City of Vancouver, TransLink and VeloWorks for their efforts in bringing the 2010 Velo-City conference to Vancouver,” said Rick Antonson, president and CEO of Tourism Vancouver. “Not only will Velo-City generate business for the local tourism industry, it reinforces Vancouver’s reputation as a clean and green travel destination with exceptional offerings for cyclists.” *Media Contact* Corporate Communications 604.871.6336 media(a)vancouver.ca >From Jack Hans-Jurgen (Jack) E.H. Becker Velo-city Global 2012 Director President - VeloWorks Cycling Society 3303-1033 Marinaside Cr. Vancouver, B.C., V6Z 3A3 604-681-5744 becker(a)thirdwavecycling.com www.thirdwavecycling.com thirdwavecyclingblog.wordpress.com Skype: hjeh.becker

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Bicycle parking guide for Cdn municipalities and employers
by Beth McKechnie 20 Oct '10

20 Oct '10

In case you haven't seen it, Transport Canada's "Bicycle end-of-trip facilities guide for Canadian municipalities and employers" (April 2010) is available at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/media/documents/programs/betf.pdf -- Beth McKechnie Workplace Commuter Options Green Action Centre 204.925.3772 www.greenactioncentre.ca Green Action Centre is a registered charity. Please consider making a donation. *Coming to the EcoCentre?* (3rd floor, 303 Portage at Donald, MEC bldg) Bike parking: Bike racks are located in front of MEC Enter via the elevator just inside MEC's front doors -- Beth McKechnie Workplace Commuter Options Green Action Centre 204.925.3772 www.greenactioncentre.ca Green Action Centre is a registered charity. Please consider making a donation. *Coming to the EcoCentre?* (3rd floor, 303 Portage at Donald, MEC bldg) Enter via the elevator just inside MEC's front doors Bike racks are located in front of the building Find your bus route with Winnipeg Transit's online trip planner Navigo<http://www.winnipegtransit.com/en/navigo>

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FW: News Release: Manitoba Helps Launch First-in-Canada, Year-Round Commuter Challenge
by Mike Tutthill 15 Oct '10

15 Oct '10

-----Original Message----- From: News Media Services [mailto:nmservices@leg.gov.mb.ca] Sent: Friday, October 15, 2010 12:19 PM To: mtutthill(a)healthincommon.ca Subject: News Release: Manitoba Helps Launch First-in-Canada, Year-Round Commuter Challenge Manitoba News Release ............................................................ October 15, 2010 MANITOBA HELPS LAUNCH FIRST-IN-CANADA, YEAR-ROUND COMMUTER CHALLENGE - - - Program Encourages Climate-friendly Transportation Every Day: Blaikie Manitobans demonstrated an outstanding commitment to environmentally friendly transportation, finishing at the top of this year's national Commuter Challenge, and now the program is being expanded to operate year-round in the province, Conservation Minister Bill Blaikie announced today. "Congratulations to all who participated in Commuter Challenge 2010," said Blaikie. "More than 8,000 Manitobans showed they can make a big difference by using active and sustainable transportation, resulting in cleaner air, healthier citizens and communities, and moving us another step toward reducing our collective carbon footprint." Manitobans logged more than 700,000 green kilometres earlier this year during the national Commuter Challenge. This action reduced greenhouse-gas emissions by about 200 tonnes, the equivalent of burning more than 60,000 litres of motor vehicle fuel. In addition, more than 9,000 students from 62 schools across Manitoba participated in the event. To encourage Manitobans to continue choosing active and climate-friendly transportation, the province is providing the Green Action Centre (formerly Resource Conservation Manitoba) with support to operate the Commuter Challenge year-round. The new program will provide participants with ongoing feedback on the benefits of climate-friendly commuting choices through the Green Action Centre's made-in-Manitoba, online tracking tool located at www.greenactioncentre.ca. A $100,000 contribution from the Manitoba Climate Change Action Fund, a component of the Sustainable Development Innovations Fund, will support a number of sustainable transportation programs including the year-round Commuter Challenge. "We invite all Manitobans to take part in the new Manitoba Year-round Commuter Challenge," said Randall McQuaker, executive director of the Green Action Centre. "We are pleased to partner with the province to expand the week-long national challenge to a year-round initiative here at home, a first in Canada." The year-round commuter challenge will encourage Manitobans to leave their vehicles at home and walk, cycle, take public transit, carpool or share rides instead of driving to work alone. - 30 - ==== UNSUBSCRIBE Instructions ==== You received this e-mail as a result of your voluntary subscription to the Government of Manitoba News Release List. You are currently subscribed to "Manitoba News" as: mtutthill(a)healthincommon.ca. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.gov.mb.ca/cgi-bin/press/release.pl click "here" and follow the directions or send a blank email to: mailto:leave-60500-68011.8ccad65256e5ab831f9181cccd08ab11@mailmanager.leg.go v.mb.ca

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Active Transportation - Canada: October 7, 2010
by Beth McKechnie 12 Oct '10

12 Oct '10

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Michael Haynes <activetransportation(a)rogers.com> Date: Thu, Oct 7, 2010 at 7:57 PM Subject: Active Transportation - Canada: October 7, 2010 Twenty-five (25) new items have been posted on the Active Transportation-Canada Website today. A complete list of titles may be found in the "Blog Archive" box, located on the right margin of the Website. There are new studies, videos and Active Transportation news items from communities across Canada. Active Transportation Canada URL: http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.com A "Search" function is available on the site. You will find this at the bottom of the page. With more than 900 items posted on Active Transportation - Canada, there are links available to dozens of studies and hundreds of news items from communities across Canada and the world. If anyone has a problem reading this message, please let me know. I welcome suggestions for posts, so if you have news items featuring your community, please share them with the more than 500 subscribers to Active Transportation-Canada. Thank you. Michael Haynes Director TransActive Solutions 613.424.2803 -- Beth McKechnie Workplace Commuter Options Green Action Centre 204.925.3772 www.greenactioncentre.ca Green Action Centre is a registered charity. Please consider making a donation. *Coming to the EcoCentre?* (3rd floor, 303 Portage at Donald, MEC bldg) Enter via the elevator just inside MEC's front doors Bike racks are located in front of MEC

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Grist: There's safety in numbers for cyclists
by Beth McKechnie 12 Oct '10

12 Oct '10

[Of course, reduced crash rates with increased numbers of cyclists would hold true here, too. You can find this article online at: http://www.grist.org/article/2010-10-11-theres-safety-in-numbers-for-cyclis…, Beth] How we roll There’s safety in numbers for cyclistsby Elly Blue In U.S. cities, there are a lot more people out bicycling than just a few years ago. You might reasonably think that the bicycle crash rate would skyrocket as more people, from wobbly new riders to the outright safety-averse, take to the streets on two wheels. It's a fine, common-sense assumption -- that happens to be wrong. Research has been steadily showing, actually, that the more people are out there riding bicycles, the safer bicycling becomes. As ridership goes up, crash rates stay flat. It's happening in Portland (see page 11 of this report<http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/bikecount2009reportfinal…>[PDF]). It's happening in New York City<http://www.streetsblog.org/2009/06/05/safety-in-numbers-its-happening-in-ny…> . Much of the ridership increase is due to cities' investments in bicycle-specific infrastructure. But the efficacy of that infrastructure for safety is often questioned. And there's one theory -- based on a growing body of data -- that suggests that a few painted lines on the road, bike racks, and traffic lights form only part of the safety equation. And maybe a smaller part than we tend to assume. The phenomenon, dubbed "safety in numbers," was first identified in 2003, in an academic paper <http://www.cycle-helmets.com/safety_in_numbers2.pdf> by public health researcher Peter Jacobsen [PDF]. After being asked by officials in Pasadena, Calif., if their city "was a dangerous place to bicycle," Jacobsen began looking at crash data from various communities where bicycle ridership had fluctuated over time. What he found surprised him: The number of crashes involving bikes correlated with the number of riders in a community. As ridership fluctuated, so did the crash rate. More riders, fewer crashes; fewer riders, more crashes. This happened too abruptly, Jacobsen decided, to be caused by slow-moving factors like infrastructure development and cultural change. Bicycling becomes safer *when* the number of riders increases, he concluded, at least in part *because* the number of riders increases. The inverse happens, as well. One data set Jacobsen looked at covered 49 years of biking history in the United Kingdom. Those numbers showed that cycling became safer during the oil crisis of the 1970s, caused by the OPEC oil embargo. Once the crisis ended, both ridership and safety dropped. This all must sound terribly wonky. Actually, it's been revolutionary. The idea of Safety in Numbers has slowly built up steam in traffic safety circles since Jacobsen introduced it. Supporting data<http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080903112034.htm>continues to quietly (and sometimes dramatically<http://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode.cfm?id=46B9E06D-FC8E-9007…>) roll in from around the world, influencing mainly traffic engineers and planners who are trying to figure out how to improve bicycle safety. Bicycle safety is often seen in a sort of vacuum. Helmets tend to dominate the conversation, with visibility -- lights and bright clothing -- taking a close second. More sophisticated conversations get deep into infrastructure: Which is better, sharrows, bike lanes, or separated cycle tracks? We discuss educating cyclists in defensive riding techniques and the rules of the road. These are all good and important efforts. The problem is what's missing. Here's the core of Jacobsen's analysis, from the 2003 "Safety in Numbers" report: Whose behavior changes, the motorist's or that of the people walking and bicycling? It seems unlikely that people walking or bicycling obey traffic laws more or defer to motorists more in societies or time periods with greater walking and bicycling. Indeed it seems less likely. ... Adaptation in motorist behavior seems more plausible. So why might this be the case? When there is a serious bicycle crash, it almost always involves someone driving a car. There are any number of ways drivers become involved in these crashes, primarily involving speed, turning, and the myriad distractions that are common behind the wheel. But when there are a lot of bicyclists on the road, according to this theory, drivers take notice. They become more attentive, slow down, pass more cautiously, double-check their blind spots, expect the unexpected. They sense that the road has become a more complicated place, and adjust their behavior accordingly. As a result, the road becomes safer, presumably for everyone. Safety in numbers is an important idea that has shifted the way planners and engineers think about bicycle safety. But it won't be the final word. We will doubtless see this idea bandied back and forth for some time, especially as academic interest in bicycling and walking increases. As data improves we'll likely see a more complex relationship emerge among ridership, safety, infrastructure, laws, and culture. Whatever the variables, as Jacobsen told me in a requisitely wonky email, "The bigger SIN story is that those cities /countries that have encouraged bicycling have been rewarded with more trips by bike, and not just a non-linear increase in injuries, but a decrease in injuries." That's huge. Safety in numbers will prove over time, I suspect, to be the first major theory based on objective data that can break down the double standard we all pedal under. Jacobsen's research calls into question the foundation of a system in which the convenience of driving is exalted above the basic safety and mobility of people walking and bicycling.

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ecoMOBILITY Webinar: Implementing Social Marketing
by Beth McKechnie 08 Oct '10

08 Oct '10

** Hello everyone: In case you are interested, the following FREE webinar on "Changing Transportation Behaviours: A Social Marketing Guide" takes place this coming Wednesday, October 13 from Noon-1pm CST. I'm hoping it will be of particular interest to Manitoba folks, as I will be presenting on the WinSmart Community-Based Travel Marketing pilot project that we ran in the Riverview/Lord Roberts/River Heights neighbourhoods from 2007-2009. That project resulted in increased numbers of trips made by cycling, walking and carpooling, and reduced numbers of trips made by driving alone for participating households. Hope you can join us (from the comfort of your own computer) next week. Details follow below -- please share with anyone else you think might be interested. cheers, Beth * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Transport Canada's ecoMOBILITY Program is pleased to invite you to a free bilingual webinar entitled "Implementing Social Marketing" to be held on Wednesday, October 13, 2010, from 1-2pm EST. This webinar will present "Changing Transportation Behaviours: A Social Marketing Planning Guide", a new guide designed to help TDM planners and other transportation practitioners implement effective social marketing campaigns. Please note that the presentation will not focus on the theory behind community-based social marketing (CBSM) but will rather address the practical application of CBSM. Following the presentation on the new guide, Beth McKechnie, Workplace TDM Coordinator from Resource Conservation Manitoba, will present the results from the social marketing aspects of Winnipeg's WinSmart Showcase, one of the projects funded by Transport Canada's Urban Transportation Showcase Program (UTSP). This project included a social marketing pilot, which was remarkably successful in bringing about modal shifts despite Winnipeg's harsh winter weather and entrenched car culture. Follow this link http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/tce to sign up for the webinar. Please feel free to forward this invitation to your colleagues. Best regards, The ecoMOBILITY team http://www.tc.gc.ca/ecomobility *************** Le programme écoMOBILITÉ de Transports Canada a le plaisir de vous inviter à un Webinaire (séminaire en ligne) gratuit et bilingue, intitulé «Mise en œuvre de marketing social» qui se tiendra le mercredi 13 Octobre 2010 de 13 à 14 h HNE. Ce webinaire présentera «Modification des habitudes de transport: guide de planification de marketing social», un nouveau guide conçu pour aider les planificateurs de la GDT et autres intervenants du milieu des transports à mettre en œuvre des campagnes efficaces de marketing social. Veuillez noter que la présentation ne sera pas axée sur la théorie du marketing social communautaire (MSC) mais plutôt sur l'application pratique du MSC. Suite à la présentation sur ce nouveau guide, Beth McKechnie, coordonnatrice de la GDT en milieu de travail chez «Resource Conservation Manitoba», présentera les résultats des aspects du marketing social de «WinSmart: la ville de Winnipeg», l'un des projets financés par le Programme de Démonstration en Transport Urbain (PDTU) de Transports Canada. Ce projet a inclu un projet pilote de marketing social, qui a été un succès remarquable dans la réalisation de transferts modaux, malgré les hivers peu cléments de Winnipeg et la culture bien établie d'usage des voitures. Suivez ce lien http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/tcf pour vous inscrire au webinaire. N'hésitez pas à transmettre cette invitation à vos collègues. Salutations, L'équipe écoMOBILITÉ http://www.tc.gc.ca/ecomobilite -- Beth McKechnie Workplace Commuter Options Green Action Centre 204.925.3772 www.greenactioncentre.ca Green Action Centre is a registered charity. Please consider making a donation. *Coming to the EcoCentre?* (3rd floor, 303 Portage at Donald, MEC bldg) Enter via the elevator just inside MEC's front doors Bike racks are located in front of the building

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Reminder: Mayoral Candidates Forum on Downtown (Thurs Oct 7 5:30)
by Beth McKechnie 06 Oct '10

06 Oct '10

Hello everyone: Friendly reminder about tomorrow's mayoral candidates forum on downtown – an excellent opportunity to discuss the positives of (and need for) pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure in Winnipeg. cheers, Beth <http://login.greatbignews.com/agents/linkTrack.cfm?mid=060508015E&eid=50554…> RSVP on Facebook!<http://login.greatbignews.com/agents/linkTrack.cfm?mid=060508015E&eid=50554…>

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Job Postings: Mechanical Director and Programming Director for the Winnipeg Repair Education and Cycling Hub (The WRENCH)
by Stephanie Fulford 30 Sep '10

30 Sep '10

Hello All, Please find attached 2 job postings for The WRENCH. The WRENCH is a newly established non-profit organization that has developed out of a partnership between individuals, community groups, and the City of Winnipeg. We envision a city where people of all ages, genders, ethnicities and economic backgrounds are empowered to build, maintain, and use bicycles. Our mission is to make bicycles and cycling accessible to the public by providing programming, education and resources for community members and organizations while supporting new and existing community bike shops. Application Deadline: Thursday, October 7th, 2010 -- *Stephanie Fulford* Green Action Centre 204.925.3774 www.greenactioncentre.ca Green Action Centre is a non-profit organization. Please consider making a donation.

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Backpack with Turning Signals for Bikes
by Erik Dickson 30 Sep '10

30 Sep '10

Check out this interesting new backpack with LED lights to indicate left and right turns: http://66.196.80.202/babelfish/translate_url_content?.intl=fr&lp=fr_en&trurl =http%3a%2f%2fwww.fubiz.net%2f2010%2f09%2f29%2fseil-bag%2f#more-104802 Regards, Erik Dickson B.Sc. (Hons) Marr Consulting Services 8th Floor - 136 Market Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0P4 Phone: (204) 927-3456 ext. 242 Fax: (204) 927-3443 Please consider our environment before printing this message.

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WFP: Causes of congestion (Sept.29'10)
by Beth McKechnie 29 Sep '10

29 Sep '10

Winnipeg Free Press Letters to the Editor: Have your say *Causes of congestion* Re: *Bragging rights gone* (Letters, Sept. 27). Tim Kwiatkowski's argument that diamond lanes and red-light cameras have caused increased commute times in Winnipeg is completely illogical. There are two real causes of this, in fact. One deals with drivers. There are more cars and trucks on the roadways than ever before (a high proportion of which are driver-only, i.e. without passengers), more impatient drivers who are cutting others off and getting into accidents, and drivers who are (still!) illegally operating a cellphone and adding to the accident rates. The other cause is city planning and outward migration. The uncontrolled and accelerating suburban sprawl (despite a low rate of population growth) without consideration for public transportation makes it next to impossible for people to take the bus, further clogging the roads with more cars and trucks. Kwiatkowski's argument is completely off-base. The reason driving times have increased is because of increased automobile traffic, not because of a few buses or cyclists. Stephen Berg Winnipeg * * * * * *Bragging rights gone* There was a time, not too long ago, when most Winnipeggers could brag about the pleasure of being able to get from any Point A to Point B in less than 20 minutes of driving. Those days are long since gone. Thanks to the advent of diamond lanes and red-light camera intersections, we now have much longer, smoggier and costly commutes to and from work. We can see the bottlenecked effect on our roadways daily. I could see putting up with the costly bumper-to-bumper traffic if the changes implemented were practical and cost-effective. But such is not the case. It doesn't make sense to force all road traffic into three-quarters of available traffic lanes during the busiest periods of the day, just to maintain a free lane for the occasional transit bus, bicycler or pedestrian on roller blades. I thought this is why we had restricted parking during rush hour. Furthermore, would it have been difficult to implement a yield to transit bus law to expedite the bus traffic? And we know that the red-light camera intersections are not influencing an over-all decline in traffic accidents. I feel that reasonable forethought was not given to these issues. I can say that the current administration has not secured my vote in the upcoming civic election. I know my pocketbook is hurting and our bragging rights are gone. Maybe it is time for change? TIM KWIATKOWSKI Winnipeg -- Beth McKechnie Workplace Commuter Options Green Action Centre 204.925.3772 www.greenactioncentre.ca Green Action Centre is a registered charity. Please consider making a donation. *Coming to the EcoCentre?* (3rd floor, 303 Portage at Donald, MEC bldg) Enter via the elevator just inside MEC's front doors Bike racks are located in front of MEC

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WFP Editorial: Not so fast, Mr. Katz (Sept.29'10)
by Beth McKechnie 29 Sep '10

29 Sep '10

Winnipeg Free Press Editorial Not so fast, Mr. Katz Mayor Sam Katz, clearly hearing a backlash from neighbourhoods where streets are being torn up and redesigned for cyclists, tried distancing himself Monday from the city's "active transportation" plan -- an ambitious venture that this year saw 36 projects undertaken around Winnipeg. Not so fast, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Katz said he was never a part of and did not see the plans for the street redesigns. Further, he has concluded not nearly enough consultation happened before shovels went in the ground on the bike lanes, traffic circles and curb bump-outs. Mr. Katz's conclusions on consultation are inescapable -- inviting affected residents to come to a public information session does not substitute for good warning of the street alterations that happened as, or after, local projects went to community committees, where hearings and decisions on ward issues are made. As Mr. Katz concedes, some of the details discussed at initial information sessions varied substantially from the blueprints that rolled out in the neighbourhoods. And postcards or flyers announcing change, but sent to some residents in affected areas, do not constitute sufficient notice to communities. Councillors agree that the process was rushed to qualify the projects for the federal government's stimulus spending program, which ends in March. But Mr. Katz's explanation of how this one got past him is disingenuous -- he is the mayor, he advocated for this active transportation plan, and he voted for the $20 million (and the city's one-third share of it) as part of the capital budget. The plans are available on the city's website, right under his nose. Mr. Katz can sense a rising tide of anger -- and this is election time. On Monday, he said he would have a talk with the chief administrative officer (who has quit and has been replaced with an interim CAO) on halting active transportation projects not yet underway. Within hours, a plan for McDermot Avenue was cancelled. Assiniboine Avenue, which raised the ire of residents and business owners dismayed about the implementation of a one-way control for a block there, is essentially complete and cannot be changed, Mr. Katz said. The 11th-hour turnabout is an ominous message to send on active transportation. The mayor wishes to deflect blame to local councillors, who saw the details, and the administration, which executed the plans. But, as he admitted, the buck stops at his office. That the process saw redesigns pass with little notice to residents is a sign of poor communication. Residents rely on city council -- a body led by the mayor, a man who brags that he gets things done with an often fractious council by consensus -- for information about changing traffic patterns in their neighbourhoods. Mr. Katz cannot claim on one hand to be a master of consensus, a maestro of a disparate group of politicians, and on the other plead ignorance of what has been the city's largest active transportation project ever. And how can a mayor who has claimed credit for the building of more miles of bike trails than any other now back away from accounting for the biggest piece of active transportation rolled out to date? The unfortunate cock-up of what should have been vigorous, early community engagement in a movement to share streets with bicycles has instead pitted motorists and residents -- who lose traffic lanes and parking spaces -- against cyclists trying to find their way to work while staying fit. Mr. Katz has vowed that the next time such construction is contemplated the city will go "beyond above and beyond" what has been considered adequate in consultation. That's admirable. But Mr. Katz on Monday sounded very much like a mayor pulling the rug out from underneath an administration (effectively two civil servants in charge of the $20-million project) that was left to implement a plan written hastily in 36 parts, under the nose of an apparently distracted mayor. Mr. Katz needs to find why the plan's consultation and execution got muddled, and ensure active transportation does not again get bogged down in acrimony. -- Beth McKechnie Workplace Commuter Options Green Action Centre 204.925.3772 www.greenactioncentre.ca Green Action Centre is a registered charity. Please consider making a donation. *Coming to the EcoCentre?* (3rd floor, 303 Portage at Donald, MEC bldg) Enter via the elevator just inside MEC's front doors Bike racks are located in front of MEC

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WFP: Bike-path work overkill: Bureaucrat concedes workload daunting for city, residents (Sept.29'10)
by Beth McKechnie 29 Sep '10

29 Sep '10

Winnipeg Free Press Bike-path work overkill: official Bureaucrat concedes workload daunting for city, residents By: Bartley Kives The official in charge of Winnipeg's $20.4-million active-transportation upgrade that has sparked criticism and controversy says he hopes the city won't attempt such an ambitious bike-and-pedestrian overhaul in a single year ever again. In an interview with the *Free Press*, public works project manager Bill Woroby suggested what Mayor Sam Katz and other senior officials have refused to concede over the past week -- that this year's 36-project upgrade was too ambitious to tackle over the course of one construction season. "Hopefully not," said Woroby when asked whether Winnipeg should ever repeat this year's attempt to add 102 kilometres of cycling routes to the city's existing 274-kilometre network. All three levels of government paid for the project, the largest commuter-cycling upgrade ever attempted in Winnipeg. "It's hard to deliver 30-odd projects in one year. Not only are there 30-odd projects, you're undertaking public consultation at the same time and introducing people to new facilities they're not used to," Woroby said. "This has certainly challenged the delivery. It has not given the public the opportunity to appreciate the facilities we have in place. Once people see the completed project, they will see it as a great addition to the city." Katz and other officials have repeatedly said the tight time frame for the ambitious slate of projects had nothing to do with a public-consultation process both he and mayoral challenger Judy Wasylycia-Leis have described as a failure. Federal infrastructure-funding rules require the projects to be finished before the end of March 2011, which effectively means all but three parts of the upgrade must be finished before the winter, when snowfall makes it impossible to lay concrete. One project, a $1-million bridge in Omand Park, was cancelled and replaced with $100,000 worth of path improvements. A second, the $250,000 Bannatyne-McDermot Bikeway, is in limbo to allow more dialogue with residents and businesses. A third, the Assiniboine Bikeway, is nearing completion despite a lawsuit six Broadway-Assiniboine businesses have launched. There's also opposition to projects along Berry Street, Grosvenor Avenue, Sherbrook Street and Harrow Street. As of Tuesday, 32 out of 34 green-lighted projects were either under construction or nearing completion, said Woroby. Construction on the final two will begin shortly. Woroby dismissed suggestions a round of cuts to the public service last year had any effect on the projects or their public consultation. "We did what was required, with the resources we had in hand," he said. The city employed seven consulting firms to engineer what were originally 36 projects, while two other firms were hired to co-ordinate the upgrade. The city asked private firms to conduct the public consultations last November, but cancelled the search four days before it closed. Former city communications manager Ed Shiller said he felt $125,000 was too much to spend on public relations consultants. He said the city did a good job engaging the public on its own early this year, beginning at Katz's state of the city address in January. "We produced fantastic literature, describing every single one of the projects then under consideration. Then we set up a whole series of public consultations," said Shiller, who left the city at the end of March. After his departure, private consulting firms took over the communications strategy as well as the public-consultation meetings. Woroby said the city responded to the advice it received at all of the meetings. But even active-transportation proponents say the public ignored these events. "I was at 99 per cent of those consultations and the turnout was minimal," said Janice Lukes, executive director of the Winnipeg Trails Association. "No one reads the notices, but when the bulldozers are on the street, then people perk up. It's too bad. I just hope someone has the balls to keep things moving forward." Others want more projects placed on hold. Ellice Cafe and Theatre manager Belinda Squance, for example, plans to meet with public works director Brad Sacher this week to convince the city to shelve the $228,000 Sherbrook/Maryland bike-lane project until parking issues in the West End are addressed. Squance said she supports cyclists but wishes the city actually studied where they go. Other cycling advocates complain the upgrade was a rush job. "A tight timeline for the project and the need to spend federal funds within this timeline no doubt was the issue in regards to actively engaging others," said Downtown BIZ director Stefano Grande. "Active transportation has to be part of the overall infrastructure strategy, not an afterthought (that involves) trying to fit a peg in a hole." Katz's campaign described the ongoing headaches as "growing pains." bartley.kives(a)freepress.mb.ca Cash for cycling routes Spending on active-transportation in Winnipeg over the past five years: 2006: $200,000 2007: $1.75 million 2008: $2.65 million 2009: $4.4 million 2010: $20.4 million (allocated) The 2010 active-transportation plan On Sept. 11, 2009, all three levels of government pledged to spend a combined $20.4 million on 36 active-transportation projects in Winnipeg. The cash was supposed to add 102 kilometres of cycling and walking routes to an existing 274-kilometre network. Here's what the project was supposed to build: New pathways dedicated for cyclists: 28 kilometres, for 15 separate projects. New separated bike lanes on city streets (the Assiniboine Bikeway): Two kilometres. New bike lanes on streets with "sharrows" (the Bannatyne-McDermot Bikeway): Eight kilometres. Other new cycling routes on city streets (18 separate projects): 64 kilometres. New bike-and-pedestrian bridge (Omand Park Bridge): One. Here's where the projects stand right now: Projects completed or nearing completion: Eight. Projects under construction: 24. Projects awaiting construction, with tenders awarded: Two. Projects on hold: One. The city has put the brakes on the $250,000 Bannatyne-McDermot Bikeway. Cancelled projects: One. Wolseley residents rejected plans for the $1-million Omand Park Bridge. It's been replaced by $100,000 worth of path upgrades in the park. *-- Sources: City of Winnipeg* -- Beth McKechnie Workplace Commuter Options Green Action Centre 204.925.3772 www.greenactioncentre.ca Green Action Centre is a registered charity. Please consider making a donation. *Coming to the EcoCentre?* (3rd floor, 303 Portage at Donald, MEC bldg) Enter via the elevator just inside MEC's front doors Bike racks are located in front of MEC

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Downtown Mayoral Forum, Thurs, Oct 7, 5:30-7:30, Manitoba Hydro Place
by Beth McKechnie 28 Sep '10

28 Sep '10

Please find attached a poster for the upcoming Downtown Mayoral Forum taking place Thursday, October 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Manitoba Hydro Place atrium (360 Portage Ave). -- Beth McKechnie Workplace Commuter Options Green Action Centre 204.925.3772 www.greenactioncentre.ca Green Action Centre is a registered charity. Please consider making a donation. *Coming to the EcoCentre?* (3rd floor, 303 Portage at Donald, MEC bldg) Enter via the elevator just inside MEC's front doors Bike racks are located in front of MEC

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AT projects become political football
by Beth McKechnie 28 Sep '10

28 Sep '10

Unfortunately, it appears that the new AT infrastructure projects (which must be completed before the snow falls or the funding from the province and feds is lost) are being used as a political football with the upcoming election. An easy mark, perhaps. Please note that the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ is hosting a Mayoral Forum next Thursday, October 7, 5:30-7:30 pm at Manitoba Hydro Place. Richard Cloutier (CJOB) and Dan Lett (Winnipeg Free Press) will lead the candidates in a dynamic discussion about downtown issues, including bike lanes, rapid transit, etc. This should be an excellent opportunity for input and discussion.I will circulate a notice for the forum shortly. cheers, Beth -- Beth McKechnie Workplace Commuter Options Green Action Centre 204.925.3772 www.greenactioncentre.ca Green Action Centre is a registered charity. Please consider making a donation. __________________________________________________________________________ Bike-pedestrian project stalls Katz, Wasylycia-Leis call upgrade a public-consultation failure By: Bartley Kives The City of Winnipeg has put the brakes on another bike-and-pedestrian project as both of Winnipeg's leading mayoral candidates described the city's $20.4-million active-transportation upgrade as a public-consultation failure. On Monday afternoon, incumbent Mayor Sam Katz told reporters he wants to halt construction on the $250,000 Bannatyne-McDermot bikeway, one of 36 active-transportation projects the city planned to conduct this year with the help of federal and provincial infrastructure money. Hours later, the city placed the project on hold, citing the need to conduct more talks with residents and businesses along the route, which runs from Waterfront Drive to Sherbrook Street. "During projects such as this, sometimes dialogue with the community results in improvements to the project through design change," city spokesman Steve West said in a statement. "With regard to the McDermot Bikeway, we have concluded that more dialogue will be beneficial." The move comes as another blow to an active-transportation project all three levels of government have hailed as a long overdue upgrade to the city's network of bike-and-pedestrian corridors. The $20.4 million in spending represents nearly an eight-fold increase over the $2.6 million the city typically spends every year to build recreational and commuter cycling routes as well as other pathways. Several of the projects have angered residents and businesses, who claim the city failed to consult with them properly about the changes. A $1-million bridge planned for Omand Park was struck from the project list this spring. At the end of the summer, six Broadway-Assiniboine businesses sued the city over the $125,000 Assiniboine Bikeway. Work on the Assiniboine Avenue project continues, but the Bannatyne-McDermot project has now been shelved, leading Katz to criticize city staff about the project for the fourth time in six days. "This city does not have to go the extra mile. It has to go the extra 10 miles in consultation," Katz told reporters after a mayoral-candidate forum at the Fort Garry Hotel. "When anything like this happens in the future, you will see consultation above and beyond." Katz told reporters he did not personally vote in favour of the projects, which he said were approved by community committees. In fact, the mayor and 12 out of 15 councillors approved the active-transportation upgrade on Dec. 15, 2009, when council approved the 2010 capital budget. And the project details merely came before community committees as information. Only the capital budget provides authority for the spending. In a scrum with reporters, Katz accepted responsibility. "I am the mayor. No matter where you draw the line, the buck ends up at my table," he said. Mayoral challenger Judy Wasylycia-Leis said Katz should also halt the Assiniboine Bikeway if he's serious about public consultation. "It's a little late in the game, in an election period, saying he's going to halt construction," she told reporters. "He's acknowledging he made a strategic error in planning and consulting." After a round of public-service cuts at the management level in 2009, the city has two senior staffers working on the active-transportation upgrade. Private consultants were also hired to engage in public consultation. Katz has dismissed suggestions meagre resources are not to blame for the city's performance. He also said tight timelines associated with the federal funding for the active-transportation upgrade are to blame. The projects must be finished before the end of March to qualify for federal infrastructure money. All but three must be completed before the snow falls because they involve laying concrete. bartley.kives(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Winnipeg Trails Association FALL UPDATE
by Janice Lukes 24 Sep '10

24 Sep '10

Hi all, The Winnipeg Trails Association (WTA) is a coalition of volunteer trail builders and trail users. For the past 6+ years, the WTA's volunteer chair has been Paul Jordan, who is also COO of The Forks. Paul has been providing brilliant direction, guidance and advice in growing Winnipeg's trails network. For the past 4 years, the WTA has been able to secure funding through multiple organizations and levels of government to hire a coordinator for various trail related projects. This past spring the WTA received a verbal commitment from the Province of Manitoba that project based funding would be forthcoming. As of yet, this funding has not been secured but we are optimistic it will come through to enable the continued development of trailheads, KM marker installations, website, the sharing of information between groups, and broadening the awareness of the benefits of trails - through events and various initiatives. As the WTA coordinator, I have been volunteering my time since April and am focusing on the following initiatives: NORTHEAST PIONEERS GREENWAY - Pedestrian / cyclist's separated bridge or 'flyover' The city is spending $110 M to extend the Chief Peguis freeway from Henderson to Lagimodiere - which passes directly through one of the busiest multi use trails in the Province - the Northeast Pioneers Greenway. I am ecstatic to say, through the very very hard work of volunteers AND the support of Mayor Katz, the city will be building a separate pedestrian / cyclists bridge OVER the freeway. Think of the bridge over the William B. Clement Parkway (formerly known as the Charleswood Parkway). From a larger perspective, and in a short few years - this flyover will be part of a stellar route enabling people to travel safely from south Winnipeg to Birds Hill Provincial Park. THANK YOU to Sigrun Bailey, Louise Balaban, Anders Swanson AND Mayor Katz for helping to move this forward. You can catch a bit more info on this project on CJOB news and in today's Free Press. TRAILHEADS: The trailhead sign design for the trailheads for Harte, Bishop, Cordite and Northeast Pioneers Greenway trails are finalized. The city will include these in their Parkway trailhead sign tender for production this fall. Recall the structures design was finalized and structure installations have occurred on the above trails. This was a complex process to determine the details / requirements for the components of trailheads, but it lays the standards for all future trailheads. We expect Transcona, Bois des Esprit, Yellow Ribbon Pathway and more to be next on the list to complete. SECURING BALANCE of PROVINCIAL FUNDING COMMITMENT: During the 2007 Provincial election, the NDP made a funding commitment of $1.8M to the Winnipeg Trails Association to construct trails in Winnipeg. Of that amount ~ $1.3 has been used to construct the Bishop Grandin West, Harte, Transcona, and Seine River South trails. We are in the process of securing the remaining ~$500,000 of the WTA commitment to use along Pembina Hwy (between Plaza and Chevrier). CITY OF WINNIPEG - ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ATAC) As a member of ATAC, I have been attending various meetings and providing input regarding development of the City's AT network. I expect that during the winter, a broad outreach to trail groups and the public will occur to gather additional information for next construction season. Current visible trail and on road construction, news articles, issues, and pending deadlines have all combined to raise a broader public interest - which hopefully engage more people in when the next round of public input occurs. PROVINCIAL ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY GROUP (ATAG) Last September, the Province of Manitoba formed a Provincial Active Transportation Advisory Group with the focus aimed at providing active transportation recommendations to government. For the past year, the group has been consulting Manitobans, organizations, and reviewing best practices throughout the world. I sit on that group as chair. We have completed our recommendations which will be handed off for internal gov't review next week, and are finalizing report production details. We expect the report to be made public once the Legislature sits again in November. IN SUMMARY: There are many other projects that need attention, but from my volunteer capacity I am unable to attend to. The role of WTA coordinator in these current times is a very demanding but very very rewarding. IF anyone is interested in learning more about the WTA coordinator position and would like to volunteer on some super interesting projects, please feel free to contact me. THANK YOU Janice Lukes Winnipeg Trails Coordinator Winnipeg Trails Association 202 - One Forks Market Road Winnipeg, MB R3C 4L9 Cell (204) 952-4222 Fax (204) 943-7915 <mailto:jlukes@shaw.ca> jlukes(a)shaw.ca winnipegtrails.com Member of City of Winnipeg Active Transportation Advisory Committee Chair, Province of Manitoba Active Transportation Advisory Group

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WFP: Assiniboine bikeway to be built before ruling & Pedestrian bridge for Chief Pegus (Sept. 24)
by Beth McKechnie 24 Sep '10

24 Sep '10

*Winnipeg Free Press* Bikeway to be built before ruling Legal delay means project will be complete prior to court decision on it By: Bartley Kives An attempt to put the brakes on the Assiniboine Bikeway probably won't make it to court until construction on the contentious Assiniboine Avenue project is complete. Six businesses located near the Midtown Bridge have been trying to halt the $125,000 bikeway since construction began in late August, complaining that a recent tweak to the plan will cause traffic chaos in downtown's Broadway-Assiniboine neighbourhood. That amendment was made after a city council committee reviewed the plans for the bikeway, which changes the flow of traffic along Assiniboine Avenue to prevent motor vehicles from shortcutting through the neighbourhood. But when the case came before the Court of Queen's Bench on Thursday, the City of Winnipeg filed a motion to have the claim dismissed as baseless -- and also remove the plaintiff's lawyer, Joey Pollock, from the case. That effectively means it will take months before the case makes its way to court. "There will be snow on the ground before this matter will be heard," said Pollock, a partner in the law firm Campbell Marr. "It certainly could be December or later." The city wants to remove Pollock because his Campbell Marr partner Douglas Mackenzie swore an affidavit in the case, in his role as president of 10 Donald St., one of the six businesses suing the city. Campbell Marr is housed inside 10 Donald St. "The city contends no member of the Campbell Marr law firm can represent the businesses because Mr. Pollock's partner Doug Mackenzie has given evidence in this matter dealing with his role as counsel for the businesses about matters at issue in the litigation," city spokesman Steve West said in a statement. The city also wants to dismiss the claim itself because it contends the bikeway amendment did not have to come back before a council committee. The original report was "received as information," which means it did not progress to council itself. "The need to consult occurs when a street is closed, but the city is not closing a street. Assiniboine Avenue had motor-vehicle and bicycle traffic and it will continue to do so," West said. Pollock said he recognizes the city's right to raise procedural issues but considers the city's motion frivolous. Both he and the city's legal counsel are due in court today to set the time frame to hear the city's motion. Although originally planned for 2008, the Assiniboine Bikeway is part of a $20.4-million city-wide bike-and-pedestrian upgrade that includes 34 other projects this year. Several have been the subject of intense criticism from residents, leading politicians such as Mayor Sam Katz and River Heights Coun. John Orlikow to complain about the way the city notified the public. "What pains me the most is that something that you wanted to be embraced by all citizens -- I'm talking about active transportation -- unfortunately turns out to not be the case and I think part of it appears to be with the way the public consultation was done," Katz told reporters Thursday. "I've heard some stories that were extremely disconcerting to me, to be very frank with you." One of the plaintiffs on Assiniboine said he was notified by a notice taped to his door. City active-transportation co-ordinator Kevin Nixon has said the city has held more consultation on the active-transportation upgrade than private developers ever do. Resistance in Wolseley to a bike-and-pedestrian bridge over Omand's Creek led that project to be struck from the plan. But there is no going back on the Assiniboine Bikeway, Katz suggested. "If you were actually to take a walk, which I did this week, you'd see the majority of the work is done," he said. Katz has rejected the suggestion the headaches stem from tight timelines to complete the active-transportation project, which is funded by all three levels of government -- provided all the work is completed before April. -- With files from Mary Agnes Welch bartley.kives(a)freepress.mb.ca *Pedestrian bridge for Chief Peguis Trail* A bike-and-pedestrian bridge has been added to the Chief Peguis Trail extension without increasing the council-approved $110-million project cost, North Kildonan Coun. Jeff Browaty announced Thursday. In July, city council voted to increase the scope of the Chief Peguis public-private partnership to allow the construction of an underpass at Rothesay Avenue, as area residents feared an intersection at Rothesay might endanger pedestrians. At the same meeting, the Winnipeg Trails Association appeared before council to request a pedestrian bridge at the Northeast Pioneers Greenway, which runs parallel to Raleigh Street and Gateway Road. WTA director Janice Lukes said an intersection with the bicycle-commuter route would also be dangerous. DBF2, the construction consortium responsible for the project, came up with a way to add the bridge without increasing costs, Browaty said. "They were able to find a little more value with other aspects of the project," he said. "Everybody appreciated the Northeast Pioneers Greenway is a well-used amenity." Chief Peguis Trail is being extended east from Henderson Highway to Lagimodiere Boulevard. The city hopes to extend it west from Main Street to McPhillips Street in the coming decades as part of an effort to complete an inner ring road. -- Kives -- Beth McKechnie Workplace Commuter Options Green Action Centre 204.925.3772 www.greenactioncentre.ca Green Action Centre is a registered charity. Please consider making a donation. *Coming to the EcoCentre?* (3rd floor, 303 Portage at Donald, MEC bldg) Enter via the elevator just inside MEC's front doors Bike racks are located in front of MEC

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WFP: Inspired to have only good and great days on my bike (Sept.22'10)
by Beth McKechnie 24 Sep '10

24 Sep '10

*Winnipeg Free Press* Inspired to have only good and great days on my bike By: Margo Goodhand I've been inspired by a lot of people these days. Collectively, they are the reason I ride two wheels to work now instead of four. One of them, longtime *Free Press* colleague and cycling enthusiast Jon Thordarson, has been on my mind ever since I dragged the bike out of the basement. He took it up years ago before he started battling cancer, but I think cycling kept him strong through some extraordinarily dark days. When he finally succumbed this spring, his brother and cycling colleagues attended the wake in his honour in their bright yellow cycling jerseys. Jon is famous for scoffing at whiners with a "You're not made of sugar." And he toughed out that five-year fight with cancer like he toughed out a long-distance race with just one lung. He led by example, a life of courage and singular grace, fiercely optimistic, kind, generous. He never proselytized. He always said there were "only good days and great days." Other cyclists have inspired by example. My kids' beloved elementary schoolteacher Andrea Stuart, who has the shape and the vitality to be a rolling advertisement for 'active transport', commuted every day for years. When I marvelled at her commitment, she simply said she loved it. Many of my Wolseley neighbours cycle to work every day, and I always admired them as I clambered, frazzled, into my car. Then I started running into colleagues who were also leading by example: *Free Press* reporter Geoff Kirbyson; page designer Leesa Dahl; publisher Bob Cox; copy editor David Fuller, photographer Wayne Glowacki. The head of U of W's trendy new Global College, Marilou McPhedran, who doesn't even own a car. The smart and sassy U of W prof Shannon Sampert, who is also a pretty impressive "biker chick" on the weekends. My impoverished son (who points out that he "didn't exactly have a choice"), last June took up a 40-minute cycling commute to his new workplace and is now in the best shape of his life. None of them proselytized. None of them told me cycling to work would give me more energy, more strength, less stress, and make each day a little more fun. I'm not nearly so subtle. I tell anybody who laughs at my bike-helmeted head that this is a no-brainer. It takes an extra 15 minutes to get to work by bike -- in total, a 30-minute ride. But that extra 15 minutes on my morning commute works out to an hour of exercise and fresh air every day. An hour I didn't have to pay to go to a gym, or work out in my basement, or try to tack something on to an already long day. I can get even more sanctimonious. I am saving city roads, lessening traffic noise and pollution, not using up non-renewable resources such as oil or gas. Laugh at my helmet hair if you wish, but I am following in the panniered path of a lot of smart, interesting, healthy people. It might be catching on. Comment editor Gerald Flood was checking out my bike the other day. Some colleagues have asked about my route. Two very dear friends tried out the new Bishop Grandin 'active transportation' trail last weekend, and both said they were trying to map out safe and not-too-scary cycling routes to their jobs. I've vowed to stay on my bike as long as my other inspiration, buddy Diane Skogstad -- who last year commuted to the end of October, and was back in the saddle by April. I feel younger, stronger and more alive on a bike. I like to think that's how Jon felt, too. On windy days, I tell myself I'm just getting a better workout. On rainy days, I say I'm not made of sugar. And on bad days? There are no bad days. Only good days and great. margo.goodhand(a)freepress.mb.ca -- Beth McKechnie Workplace Commuter Options Green Action Centre 204.925.3772 www.greenactioncentre.ca Green Action Centre is a registered charity. Please consider making a donation. *Coming to the EcoCentre?* (3rd floor, 303 Portage at Donald, MEC bldg) Enter via the elevator just inside MEC's front doors Bike racks are located in front of MEC

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Car Free Day - Wednesday, 12-5
by Stephanie Fulford 21 Sep '10

21 Sep '10

Greetings, If you're downtown this Wednesday afternoon, come by Albert St in the Exchange District for some Car Free Day celebrations. Activities start at noon, and run until 5pm. Come play some street hockey, take part in the track stand competition and car free trivia contest or play a game of chess on the giant on-the-street chess board. Visitors will also be invited to check out our mini 'park' space, a parking spot converted to greenspace for the day by Urban Eatin Gardeners Coop. Car Free Day is rain or shine - and if it rains, we'll be giving away a limited supply of umbrellas! Hope to see you there! For full details and a schedule of events, check out www.greenactioncentre.ca -- *Stephanie Fulford* Green Action Centre 204.925.3774 www.greenactioncentre.ca Green Action Centre is a non-profit organization. Please consider making a donation.

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Commuter cycling skills class - Oct 3, St. John's Leisure Centre
by Beth McKechnie 21 Sep '10

21 Sep '10

Looking to increase your skills and comfort level commuter cycling in traffic? Sign up for the following class in the Leisure Guide: St. John’s Leisure Centre: 601 Aikins St. 382905 Sun Oct 3 Noon–4:00pm For more details, see page 20: http://www.winnipeg.ca/cms/Leisure/pdfs/active_living.pdf

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Health in Common AGM
by Mike Tutthill 16 Sep '10

16 Sep '10

Please circulate through your networks. <http://img2.ymlp187.com/mtutthill_HCrgbnoslogan_1.jpg> Annual General Meeting 3:30 to 5:00 Monday, October 4th United Way (580 Main Street) Please join us for a discussion on the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of communities. 3:30 Greetings from Minister of Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors 3:35 Opening Remarks from the Chair, Bruce Leslie 3:45 Armchair Discussion hosted by Richard Cloutier (CJOB) will include: Dr. Marcia Anderson DeCoteau Past President of the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada Chuck Davidson Vice-President Policy, Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Curt Hull Project Manager, Climate Change Connection Shauna MacKinnon Director of Manitoba Office, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Ralph Stern Dean, Faculty of Architecture, University of Manitoba 5:00 Enjoy your evening. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to contact(a)healthincommon.ca. _____ size=1 width="50%" noshade color=black align=center> <http://ymlp187.com/u.php?id=guhmyyqgsgeybjgubum> Change email address / Leave mailing list <http://ymlp187.com/m/> Powered by YMLP <http://t.ymlp187.com/leybjfdemmbaeyqz/footer.gif>

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FW: in motion @ the Library - Using urban poles and pedometers
by Kristine Hayward 13 Sep '10

13 Sep '10

________________________________ From: Winnipeg in motion [mailto:getactive@winnipeginmotion.ca] Sent: Friday, September 10, 2010 9:25 AM To: Kristine Hayward Subject: in motion @ the Library - Using urban poles and pedometers If the content or images below are not being displayed, please click here <http://newsletter.winnipeginmotion.ca/smallbox4/enews_url.php?link=aHR0 cDovL25ld3NsZXR0ZXIud2lubmlwZWdpbm1vdGlvbi5jYS9pbmRleC9pc3N1ZXM1MS5waHA% 3D&email=a2hheXdhcmRAd3JoYS5tYi5jYQ%3D%3D&email_id=mvIYAA%3D%3D&title=Y2 xpY2sgaGVyZQ%3D%3D&info=> <http://newsletter.winnipeginmotion.ca/database/images/display/sb4c8a3ae 567d54.jpg> Walk the talk: Using urban walking poles and pedometers Walking is Canada's #1 activity. Join Winnipeg in motion and certified urban poling instructor Sharon Couldwell to learn how to maximize your walking workout. Walking with Urban poles <http://newsletter.winnipeginmotion.ca/smallbox4/enews_url.php?link=aHR0 cDovL3VyYmFucG9saW5nLmNvbS8%3D&email=a2hheXdhcmRAd3JoYS5tYi5jYQ%3D%3D&em ail_id=mvIYAA%3D%3D&title=V2Fsa2luZyB3aXRoIFVyYmFuIHBvbGVz&info=> uses 90% of your body's muscles and increases your use of energy. Be sure to attend the session and enter to WIN a free set of urban poles ($100). Are you getting your 10,000 steps each day - find out how to track your steps using a simple inexpensive device - pedometer. A free pedometer will be given to the first 25 people attending the session. Date: Friday, September 17 Time: 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. Location: Carol Shields Auditorium, 2nd floor Millennium Library (251 Donald St.) Admission is FREE and registration is NOT required. Contact Winnipeg in motion at 940-3648 for details. 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Save our Seine - Invitation to treen planting Sept 11
by Beth McKechnie 08 Sep '10

08 Sep '10

Save Our Seine (SOS) invites you to a tree planting on Saturday, Sept. 11 in Old St. Boniface across from the IKO site, at the end of Rue Deschambault. About 100 native trees will be planted to help restore a tree covered area that had to be removed for a major soil clean up project. More details can be found in the poster below. Bring your shovels, wheel barrows, family, friends and know how. Please spread the word!

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New study - rapid transit reduces body mass
by Beth McKechnie 08 Sep '10

08 Sep '10

The Effect of Light Rail Transit on Body Mass Index and Physical Activity Background: The built environment can constrain or facilitate physical activity. Most studies of the health consequences of the built environment face problems of selection bias associated with confounding effects of residential choice and transportation decisions. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that improving neighborhood environments and increasing the public's use of LRT systems could provide improvements in health outcomes for millions of individuals. http://www.ajpm-online.net/article/S0749-3797%2810%2900297-7/fulltext (Am J Prev Med 2010;39(2):105-112) © 2010 American Journal of Preventive Medicine

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Free Sept 9th webinar - Designing for Pedestrian safety (intersection geometry)
by Beth McKechnie 07 Sep '10

07 Sep '10

PBIC News Brief September 7, 2010 www.walkinginfo.org/training/pbic/dps_webinars.cfm Free Webinar on intersection geometry CHAPEL HILL, NC - The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC) announces the next free Webinar in its Designing for Pedestrian Safety series: Intersection Geometry Thursday, September 9, 2010 2:00pm-3:30pm E.T. Presented by: John LaPlante, Director of Traffic Engineering, T.Y. Lin International, Inc and Keith Sinclair, Acting Assistant Division Administrator, FHWA Connecticut Division To register, please visit www2.gotomeeting.com/register/479167939 Most urban pedestrian crashes occur at intersections, many of which are signalized, and are associated with turning movements. This presentation will give an overview of issues related to intersection design and geometry, and provide guidance for building intersections that slow speeds, reduce pedestrian crossing distance and reduce conflicts. Related issues will be presented, such as driver visibility and curb radii, as well as treatments that can be used to improve intersection geometry, such as curb extensions and pedestrian islands. Participants will be able to use this information to better design new intersections and retrofit existing intersections to better accommodate the needs of pedestrians and other road users. This Webinar is the fourth part in the Designing for Pedestrian Safety series. To register for upcoming Webinars and to access archived presentations in this series, please visit www.walkinginfo.org/training/pbic/dps_webinars.cfm. Content from the PBIC Designing for Pedestrian Safety Webinar series is drawn from the PBIC's in-person training focused on engineering solutions for pedestrian safety. The training is meant for engineers, planners, traffic safety and enforcement professionals, public health and injury prevention professionals, and decision-makers who are seeking ideas and solutions for making changes to the physical environment that improve safety for pedestrians. Detailed information on this and other training opportunities offered by PBIC can be found at www.walkinginfo.org/training. ### Connect with PBIC on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pedbike -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Since its inception in 1999, PBIC's mission has been to improve the quality of life in communities through the increase of safe walking and bicycling as a viable means of transportation and physical activity. The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center is maintained by the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center with funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center 730 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Campus Box 3430 Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3430 Toll Free 888-823-3997 www.walkinginfo.org www.bicyclinginfo.org

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Wed, Sept. 15 webinar - Connecting Transit & AT
by Beth McKechnie 07 Sep '10

07 Sep '10

Resource Conservation Manitoba will be hosting the following APBP (Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals) webinar on "Connecting Transit & AT" on Wed, Sept. 15. If you would like to join us, please let me know at beth(a)resourceconservation.mb.ca. See you then! -thanks, Beth (925-3772) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Webinar: Connecting Transit & Active Transportation (AT) Date: Wednesday, Sept. 15 . 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CST Location: EcoCentre boardroom (303 Portage Ave, third floor - enter via elevator inside front doors of MEC) For communities that want to create real mobility choices for their citizens, bicycling and walking must mesh with transit. This webinar will explore the common ground between the transit and active transportation communities, and ways to overcome institutional challenges to cooperation. Topics to be covered in the presentation will include: * Reasons to create partnerships between transit agencies and bicycle/pedestrian programs; * Examples of effective collaboration; design guides and best practices; * Design, operational, and safety issues to consider when integrating bicycling and walking into stations, roadways and transit vehicles: o At stations-Wayfinding, forecasting demand for short and long-term bicycle parking, access for pedestrians and cyclists, integration with the local street network o On the road-Broad overview of issues around incorporating both bicycling and transit facilities in street design, as well as crosswalk policy and treatments at transit stops, pedestrian amenities at bus stops, and accessibility o On the transit vehicle-Bicycles on the vehicle; access for people with disabilities &; o Teaching cyclists and transit operators to share the road, including a new education program developed for Chicago that reaches both bicyclists and transit operators. Presenters: Webinar presenters are Cynthia Hoyle, Transportation Planning Consultant with the Champaign-Urbana (Ill.) Mass Transit District; Dustin White, ransportation Planner with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency; and Amanda Woodall, Training and Enforcement Coordinator, with the Active Transportation Alliance in Chicago.

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REMINDER: Ciclovia media event - today at noon (Broadway & Donald)
by Beth McKechnie 07 Sep '10

07 Sep '10

** REMINDER ** Bike, walk, inline skate or skate board over to Broadway and Donald at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 7th for the Ciclovia media event. There will be a couple of bands playing and info on all the stuff that will be happening that weekend. Where: Median on Broadway and Donald When: Noon, Tuesday, Sept 7th What to bring: Your bike (great visuals for TV) Hope to see you there!

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Ciclovia media event - Tues, Sept 7 at noon
by Beth McKechnie 02 Sep '10

02 Sep '10

Bike, walk, inline skate or skate board over to Broadway and Donald at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 7th for the Ciclovia media event. There will be a couple of bands playing and info on all the stuff that will be happening that weekend. Where: Median on Broadway and Donald When: Noon, Tuesday, Sept 7th What to bring: Your bike (great visuals for TV) Hope to see you there!

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Separated Bike Lanes - Video
by David Wieser 01 Sep '10

01 Sep '10

Check out this video on the Dunsmuir Separated Bike Lane in Vancouver http://vancouver.ca/engsvcs/transport/cycling/separated/dunsmuir.htm They are doing a trial of three different forms of barriers. David Wieser

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Active Transportation - Canada: August 31, 2010
by Beth McKechnie 31 Aug '10

31 Aug '10

----- Original Message ----- From: Michael Haynes Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2010 11:05 AM Subject: Active Transportation - Canada: August 31, 2010 Twenty-five (25) new items were posted on the Active Transportation-Canada Website on August 20, and a further 26 today. A complete list of titles may be found in the "Blog Archive" box, located on the right margin of the Website. Some highlights of today's posts are: a.. Sudbury - Sustainable Mobility Plan b.. Green Communities Canada Launches Provincial iCANwalk Campaign c.. Webpage - Reducing or eliminating parking in support of TDM initiatives d.. Website - Share the Road e.. Documentary Video - Pedal Power Active Transportation Canada URL: http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.com A "Search" function is available on the site. You will find this at the bottom of the page. With more than 700 items posted on Active Transportation - Canada, there are links available to dozens of studies and hundreds of news items from communities across Canada and the world. If anyone has a problem reading this message, please let me know. I welcome suggestions for posts, so if you have news items featuring your community, please share them with the more than 500 subscribers to Active Transportation-Canada. Thank you. Michael Haynes Director TransActive Solutions 613.424.2803

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Does anyone really want people to drive 50 kph in front of their homes?
by David Wieser 31 Aug '10

31 Aug '10

Another great video from streetfilms. http://www.streetfilms.org/no-need-for-speed-20s-plenty-for-us/ Just need to get a good phrase for thirty. David Wieser

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WFP: Cycle projects get rolling (Aug.30'10)
by Beth McKechnie 30 Aug '10

30 Aug '10

Cycle projects get rolling City up against winter deadline By: Bartley Kives Almost two years after the city, province and Ottawa agreed to spend $20.4 million to improve Winnipeg's bike-and-pedestrian pathways, a majority of the 36 projects planned for 2010 are finally underway. The City of Winnipeg has finished three of the active-transportation projects, is in the midst of completing 19 others and has yet to start work on 13 more. All of the projects should be completed in October, city officials contend. "We're feeling pretty good about it," active-transportation co-ordinator Kevin Nixon said. The construction industry has been able to handle the amount of work the city has been throwing at it, he said. Costs remain within budget, he added. The upgrade involves eight times more construction on the bike-and-pedestrian infrastructure than the city conducts during a normal year, when infrastructure-stimulus funds are not available. The cash will run out if the projects aren't done before April, but work is impossible once the snow falls, the city said. Of the 13 projects that have yet to go ahead, tenders have already been awarded for six. The city is in the midst of advertising three other tenders and still needs to advertise four more. Only one project is not going ahead: the pedestrian bridge over Omand's Creek in Omand Park, which was cancelled due to community opposition. All three levels of government must figure out a way to divert the $1.2 million devoted to the bridge to another project, which may not be possible given the tight deadline. While some of the upgrades involve dedicated paths for cyclists and pedestrians, most of the projects involve street work. Grosvenor Avenue in River Heights, for example, is being converted into a route for both bikes and vehicles by bumping out curbs at several intersections. The bump-outs are intended to serve as traffic-calming measures, but vehicles will still be allowed to use the street. Many residents only became aware of the work after construction started, despite a series of mailouts sent out early this year, River Heights-Fort Garry Coun. John Orlikow said. "There was an enormous amount of attempts at public consultation by our office and the city, but I don't think people were engaged prior to it happening," he said. The city also put up information displays in malls and at some public events. But due to the tight construction deadlines, much of the consultation was conducted in the winter, when people aren't thinking about construction, Nixon said. bartley.kives(a)freepress.mb.ca Upgrades zip along The current status of 36 active-transportation projects planned for Winnipeg this year at a cost of $20.4 million: Completed projects: Three small paths along Wilkes Avenue, Waverley Street and across the Manitoba Hydro corridor between Sommerville and Seel Avenue. Projects under construction: 19, including the Dakota-Dunkirk pathway, the Grosvenor bikeway and the Transcona Trail. Projects awaiting construction, with tenders awarded: Six, including the Assiniboine Bikeway, a path along Bison Drive and the Pandora Avenue path originally slated for Kildare Avenue. Project tenders advertised: Three, including the Kildonan Golf Course path and the Bannatyne/McDermot Bikeway. Project tenders to be advertised: Four, including the Sherbrook/Maryland and St. Matthews Bikeways. Projects cancelled: One, the Omand's Creek Bridge in Omand Park. -- Source: City of Winnipeg

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School Travel Planning Webinars INVITE
by Beth McKechnie 25 Aug '10

25 Aug '10

Active Transportation Community - The National School Travel Planning group is hosting several interesting webinars in the next couple months. The webinars will be hosted live in the Eco-Centre boardroom (3rd Floor - 303 Portage Avenue), or individuals are welcome to participate from their personal computers. Please RSVP to: Shoni Litinsky - if you would like to attend the webinar at the Eco-Centre (303 Portage Ave, third floor): stp(a)resourceconservation.mb.ca Sandra Jones - if you would like to watch the webinar from your computer. Instructions and background documents will be sent to you. scjones(a)telus.net 1. Thursday September 9, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. EDT School Travel Planning and Sustainable Happiness - Links to Individual, Community and Global Well-being This presentation is by Dr Catherine O'Brien, with the School of Education, Health and Wellness Cape Breton University, and Subha Ramanathan, Research Fellow. 2. Tuesday September 28, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. EDT Student Engagement and Teacher Champions - for School Travel Planning in Elementary and Middle schools This presentation by Arthur Orsini of Urbanthinkers will provide ideas and inspiration for engaging elementary school teachers and students in activities that complement the STP process and the writing of the school travel plan. It will be archived for future viewing. 3. Wednesday October 20, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. EDT Overcoming the Barriers to Sustainability A presentation by D'Arcy Farlow, consultant, Organizational and Community Capacity Building.

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PACM: Job Posting - Contract Position
by Beth McKechnie 24 Aug '10

24 Aug '10

Forum Administration Physical Activity Coalition of Manitoba (PACM) Position Description Project Name: “Recreation and Active Transportation, Essential for Healthy Manitoba Communities” Title: PACM Project Coordinator Accountable To: PACM Project Committee Supervised By: PACM Chair (Manitoba Fitness Council) Employment Status: Contract September 2010 to March 31, 2011 Effective Date: As soon as possible (September 2010) Application Deadline: September 3rd 2010 Complete job posting is available by visiting our website located at www.pacm.ca. Stephanie (Foy) Jeffrey PACM Chair sjeffrey(a)manitobafitnesscouncil.ca 204-235-1245

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Active Transportation - Canada: August 20, 2010
by Beth McKechnie 24 Aug '10

24 Aug '10

----- Original Message ----- From: Michael Haynes To: undisclosed recipients: Sent: Friday, August 20, 2010 12:22 PM Subject: Active Transportation - Canada: August 20, 2010 Twenty-five (25) new items have been posted on the Active Transportation-Canada Website today. A complete list of titles may be found in the "Blog Archive" box, located on the right margin of the Website. some highlights include: a.. City of Cornwall Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan b.. US Federal Highway Administration National Biking and Walking Study c.. Thunder Bay makes progress in AT Active Transportation Canada URL: http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.com A "Search" function is available on the site. You will find this at the bottom of the page. With more than 600 items posted on Active Transportation - Canada, there are links available to dozens of studies and hundreds of news items from communities across Canada and the world. If anyone has a problem reading this message, please let me know. I welcome suggestions for posts, so if you have news items featuring your community, please share them with the more than 500 subscribers to Active Transportation-Canada. Thank you. Michael Haynes Director TransActive Solutions 613.424.2803

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Cinematheque - You Never Bike Alone
by Beth McKechnie 24 Aug '10

24 Aug '10

http://www.winnipegfilmgroup.com/cinematheque/bike_alone.aspx YOU NEVER BIKE ALONE Sat Aug 28, 2010 at 7:30 PM Sun Aug 29, 2010 at 7:30 PM Wed Sep 1, 2010 at 7:30 PM Thu Sep 2, 2010 at 7:30 PM Dir. Robert Alstead | 2008 | Canada | 80 MIN The cycling phenomenon known as Critical Mass is a reclamation of public space that started in San Francisco in the early 1990s and spread by the internet throughout the world. On a set day, at the end of every month, cyclists and other self-propelled people ride en masse through city streets. Vancouver has become renowned for its big Critical Mass bike rides, and particularly the party spirit that attracts all types of cyclists. You Never Bike Alone charts the development of these mass rides in Vancouver and asks whether cycle activists are succeeding in their goals. "Robert Alstead's documentary about Critical Mass rides in Vancouver is the best film about the intersection of bicycle culture and civic involvement since Ted White's landmark film Return of the Scorcher (which, incidentally, gave Critical Mass its name). If you're upset with social and cycling conditions in your town but don't know where to begin to change things, watch this with a friend and take notes." (Robert Zverina, Carbusters Magazine)

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Ciclovia coming Sept 12 - join the fun as a volunteer!
by Beth McKechnie 17 Aug '10

17 Aug '10

Ciclovia* is coming September 12, 2010! Now in its second year, Ciclovia is a FREE eco-friendly, healthy-lifestyles festival and active transportation event that will see the north side of Broadway closed from Osborne Street to Main Street, creating a network of car-free streets from Assiniboine Park all the way to The Forks. Cycle, walk, in-line skate, skateboard, scooter... whatever! Throughout the day, jump into a fitness class, explore the farmers' market, kids' zone, bike demos and craft market, or enjoy music, the RBC Blue Water Zone, and so much more. Hosted by the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, with assistance from a variety of community organizations, Ciclovia attracted upwards of 10,000 people in 2009... this year we hope for even more! Join in the fun! Want to be part of making Ciclovia a success? Sign up as a volunteer! The Ciclovia Volunteer Form can be accessed at: http://www.lightsonbroadway.ca/ Lots of volunteers are needed, so please sign up ASAP and encourage your colleagues, friends and family to do so as well. Volunteers who help out for a minimum of 4 hours will receive: - T-shirt - Event badge - Meal voucher - Volunteer appreciation event - Other TBD Be part of this action-packed day that emphasizes healthy ways of living and getting around! * Ciclovia, meaning "bike way", is an event that supports the use of non-motorized transportation. It combines healthy living with arts and culture, and engages citizens in active alternatives to motorized transportation, bringing life back to otherwise car-choked streets. And it allows a city to dream of different ways of living well, of other community aspirations in an urban environment.

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Bicycle Valet Winnipeg - Volunteer Bicycle Valet Attendent
by David Wieser 08 Aug '10

08 Aug '10

Bicycle Valet Winnipeg, a project of Bike to the Future, is seeking at least 20 volunteers to help operate several bicycle valet's during Manitoba Homecoming weekend, September 11th and 12th. We will be located at the Winnipeg Convention Centre on the 11th and 12th for the Winnipeg Green Lifestyle and Organic Living show. Also, on the 11th and 12th we will be having another bicycle valet in Memorial Provincial Park on Broadway for Ciclovia, Taste of Downtown, Lights on Broadway, Big Dance on Broadway and the 10 + 10 Road Race. On September 12th, we will also be operating a bicycle valet at the Winnipeg Blue Bombers game. Our previous events include Bike to Work Day 2010, Orioles Community Centre Family Days, MEC Bikefest and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers game on July 24, 2010. For more information or to volunteer, please e-mail *volunteer* at * bicyclevaletwinnipeg.ca* Please forward this message to other groups as you feel appropriate. Thank you, David Wieser Bicycle Valet Winnipeg Project Manager

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Sport Manitoba - Employment Opportunity
by Beth McKechnie 06 Aug '10

06 Aug '10

Sport Manitoba has a Full Time One Year Term Position open for a Marketing Coordinator. You can find the posting at: http://www.sportmanitoba.ca/employment For more information, please contact: Rick Lambert Director of Community Development, Sport Manitoba Inc. Room 504 - Sport for Life Centre - 145 Pacific Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2Z6 Ph:(204) 925-5901 Cell: (204) 795-2354 Fax: (204) 925-5916 Email: Rick.Lambert(a)sportmanitoba.ca Website: www.sportmanitoba.ca Sport for All - Sport for Life

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Wed, Aug 18 webinar - Road Diets
by Beth McKechnie 05 Aug '10

05 Aug '10

Resource Conservation Manitoba will be hosting the following APBP (Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals) webinar on "Road Diets" on Wed, Aug 18th. If you would like to join us, please let me know at beth(a)resourceconservation.mb.ca. See you then! -thanks, Beth -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Webinar: Road Diets Date: Wednesday, August 18 . 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CST Location: EcoCentre boardroom (303 Portage Ave, third floor - enter via elevator inside front doors of MEC) Learn how space on wide, busy streets can be reallocated, turning mundane sidewalks into inviting linear parks that promote active transportation. More cities are choosing road diets to reward shorter trips, deter aggressive speeders, make pedestrian crossings safer, increase levels of bicycling, and create downtown districts rich in social and economic exchange. Mark de la Vergne (Sam Schwartz Engineering), Brian Dougherty (City of Seattle) and Ian Lockwood (AECOM) join forces on Wednesday, August 18 at 3:00 p.m. EDT to explore the history, planning and design of road diets, offering tips to build stakeholder support through public process. Examples of road diets from around the U.S. and Canada include a closer look at two specific locations: Stone Way in Seattle (the city's 23rd road diet) and the 2nd Street Connector in Macon, Georgia, where a mayor's visionary planning process for a livable street will help knit a community together. Presenters: Mark de la Vergne is an Associate and Project Manager with Sam Schwartz Engineering, a transportation engineering and planning firm. He is currently working in a number of communities across the country to help improve their sustainable mobility options and develop realistic plans for implementation. He holds a Bachelors of Science in Systems Engineering, with a focus in Transportation, from University of Pennsylvania. Brian Doughtery is a transportation planner with the Seattle Department of Transportation's bicycle and pedestrian program. He has been the project manager for six completed road diets and is currently in the planning stage for another six road diets that are expected to be implemented in 2011. He also leads Seattle's Safe Routes to School program. As a citizen activist interested in neighborhood traffic calming and bicycle advocacy, he successfully lobbied the city to fully implement the Stone Way road diet in 2007. Ian Lockwood, Principal, AECOM, is nationally recognized for his work on Smart Growth, context-sensitive design and traffic calming. He has won awards from the ITE, APA, Renew America, and CNU and frequently speaks at professional conferences, seminars and universities. During the last five years, Mr. Lockwood has helped various public health organizations make the connection between the built form and community health. He has Bachelor and Masters degrees in civil engineering from Carleton University.

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Internship with Resource Conservation Manitoba - September 2010 - January 2011
by Beth McKechnie 03 Aug '10

03 Aug '10

**Please post widely!** **Apologies for cross-posting!** RESOURCE CONSERVATION MANITOBA / GREEN ACTION CENTRE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY July 29, 2010 ------------------------------------------------------------- Event Coordinator - Active and Safe Routes to School ------------------------------------------------------------- Application deadline: Tuesday, August 10, 2010 Start date: Tuesday, September 7, 2010 This position is being funded through the YMCA Youth Eco Internship Program (YEIP)*. Only those eligible for the High School Graduates YEIP can be considered for this position. Candidates may have some university education, but cannot have a degree. See below or www.yeip.ca for more information. Resource Conservation Manitoba / Green Action Centre is a non-profit community organization currently seeking an event coordinator for our Active and Safe Routes to School (ASRTS) program. The coordinator will actively encourage walking and cycling as healthy alternatives for getting kids to and from school by working closely with teachers, parents, school staff and students at selected Manitoba elementary schools, and will help to plan International Walk to School Month in October - a special event highlighting these activities. The coordinator will also help plan a regional meeting of Active and Safe Routes to School practitioners in Manitoba and Saskatchewan in November 2010. The Event Coordinator will work closely with the Active and Safe Routes to School Program Team on the planning and delivery of these events. RESPONSIBILITIES · Organizes and promotes elementary school participation in the annual International Walk to School Month in October · Follows up at schools to encourage environmentally friendly travel year-round through surveys, telephone conversations and site visits as well as ASRTS program components such as the Walking School Bus, Walking Wednesdays Club and Neighbourhood Walkabouts · Maintains a database and contact list of participating schools and community partners · Researches, prepares and distributes kit materials such as fact sheets, checklists, surveys, brochures, posters, and resources · Monitors project-related expenses · Writes reports and assists in preparing proposals and applications · Works co-operatively with other Green Commuting Initiatives staff on community-based active transportation events such as Car Free Day (September 22nd) · Responsible for website updates specific to the event · Provides event-related content for the quarterly newsletter "Off on the Right Foot" · Promotes the event through various media streams - press releases, public service announcements, interviews, Facebook, etc. · Assists with the coordination of a regional training event for Active and Safe Routes to School practitioners in Manitoba and Saskatchewan (involving invitations, managing registrations, preparing materials, taking minutes and assisting with follow-up reporting). QUALIFICATIONS Must be self-motivated, reliable and able to work collaboratively and individually. Key qualifications include: · Self-initiator with excellent interpersonal and time management skills · Professional writing, editing, research and communication skills · Commitment to work in a collaborative setting to achieve common goals · Experience in organizing events and workshops · Background in areas such as communications / social marketing / community development / environmental or health education / social change / non-profit project work · Familiar with Community Based Social Marketing concepts (see www.cbsm.com) · Ability to handle multiple tasks in a brisk work environment with a flexible schedule · Knowledge of internet-based communication and research tools · Experience in organizing promotional events, and creativity in developing advertising and media campaigns · Experience in proposal and report writing · Ease in giving public presentations and speaking with media · Demonstrated commitment to the goals of ecological sustainability and sustainable transportation · Understanding of urban transportation, planning and environmental issues · Experience working with teachers, parents, administration and staff in an elementary school setting an asset ABOUT THE POSITION This position is a 4-month work placement being funded through the Youth Eco Internship Program (YEIP)*. This program places unemployed people aged 15 to 30 from diverse backgrounds and with a high-school diploma (can have some university education) into paid internship opportunities within the non-profit and community services sector in Canada with a focus on the environment. These positions, offered in a wide range of organizations, will help young Canadians learn the skills required to gain and sustain future employment within the sector. This project is a collaboration between the YMCA and YWCA Canada, with funding provided by the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan. The YEIP encourages applicants from visible minority, Aboriginal, immigrant, refugee and traditionally marginalized communities to apply, and is committed to providing employment supports wherever possible. TO APPLY fill in an internship application at www.yeip.ca and indicate your interest in working with Resource Conservation Manitoba / Green Action Centre- Active and Safe Routes to School Program Direct applications by Tuesday, August 10th to: ASRTS Hiring Committee Resource Conservation Manitoba / Green Action Centre 303 Portage Avenue, 3rd Floor, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B4 E-mail: asrts(a)resourceconservation.mb.ca About RCM / Green Action Centre: Resource Conservation Manitoba / Green Action Centre is a non-profit, non-governmental organization directed by an elected community Board. RCM/Green Action's mission is to promote ecological sustainability through environmental education and the development of sustainable alternatives to unsustainable current practices. Further information about RCM/Green Action projects and activities is available on our web site at www.resourceconservation.mb.ca. RCM/Green Action's on-line guide to sustainable living in Manitoba - Living Green, Living Well - is at www.LivingGreenLivingWell.ca. *NB: We are currently undergoing a re-branding and name-change process. As of Fall 2010 we will be known solely as the Green Action Centre.

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Assiniboine Bikeway
by Erik Dickson 26 Jul '10

26 Jul '10

Hello everyone, My apologies for any cross posting. Please see the attached letter detailing the final design of the Assiniboine Bikeway including the associated changes to traffic flow and parking. This letter is currently being delivered to neighbourhood businesses and residents. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Regards, Erik Dickson B.Sc. (Hons) Marr Consulting Services 8th Floor - 136 Market Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0P4 Phone: (204) 927-3456 ext. 242 Fax: (204) 927-3443 Please consider our environment before printing this message.

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London Cycle Superhighways
by Erik Dickson 21 Jul '10

21 Jul '10

London, England is undergoing a 5 year £111 million cycling scheme (their word). Check out this very interesting video for more information: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/cycling/15831.aspx Regards, Erik Dickson B.Sc. (Hons) Marr Consulting Services 8th Floor - 136 Market Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0P4 Phone: (204) 927-3456 ext. 242 Fax: (204) 927-3443 Please consider our environment before printing this message.

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Cycling Copenhagen, Through North American Eyes
by David Wieser 18 Jul '10

18 Jul '10

Likely a future Top 10 streetfilm at over 8500 plays in the past three days. My favourite quotes... "Buckets O kids", "Drivers get tamed", "Green wave, 14 lights will be green for you", "There's alot of REALLY little bikes here, the kids ride better than most American adults" It's 10 minutes, 45 seconds. Enjoy. http://www.streetfilms.org/cycling-copenhagen-through-north-american-eyes/#… David Wieser

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Wed, July 21 webinar - Bicycle Boulevards and Neighbourhood Greenways
by Beth McKechnie 14 Jul '10

14 Jul '10

Resource Conservation Manitoba will be hosting the following APBP (Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals) webinar on Bicycle Boulevards next Wednesday, July 21st. If you would like to join us, please let me know at beth(a)resourceconservation.mb.ca. See you then! -thanks, Beth -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Webinar: Bicycle Boulevards and Neighborhood Greenways Date: Wednesday, July 21 . 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CST Location: EcoCentre boardroom (303 Portage Ave, third floor - enter via elevator inside front doors of MEC) Join APBP on July 21 to learn about the evolving best practices in the creation of bicycle boulevards. This webinar will be drawn from lessons learned in Portland, Ore., as well as across the nation. Presenters Mia Birk, CEO, Alta Planning + Design, and Greg Raisman, Traffic Safety Specialist, Portland Bureau of Transportation, will describe the current state of the practice and the next big thing-neighborhood greenways, which incorporate the idea of bicycle boulevards with green streets, neighborhood enhancements, and community building; this larger vision can appeal to more people and help with funding. The webinar will focus on helping practitioners fully optimize existing bicycle boulevards. Attendees will learn about: · route selection · levels of intervention · examples of challenges and solutions for a range of design issues · neighborhood greenway strategies, and · processes for getting project buy-in and approval. Presenters: Mia Birk is CEO and Principal at Alta Planning + Design, with 20 years experience in sustainable transportation focused on pedestrian, bicycle, trail and greenway planning, design and implementation. She is also Adjunct Professor at Portland State University, where she co-founded the Initiative for Bicycle and Pedestrian Innovation (IBPI) in the College of Urban Studies. She is the co-author of the PSU IBPI Bicycle Boulevard Planning and Design Guidebook. Mia was the City of Portland Bicycle Program Manager from 1993-99, where she led a period of rapid growth of Portland's bikeway network. She has led numerous groundbreaking studies in the field of non-motorized transportation and is a co-founder of the Cities for Cycling project of the National Association for City Transportation Officials. Greg Raisman is a Traffic Safety Specialist with the Portland Bureau of Transportation. He works in the Traffic Operations Division on the Community and School Traffic Safety Partnership team. Greg specializes in bicycle safety, school and residential traffic safety, drunk driving, red light cameras and crash data mapping and analysis. Greg's current projects include developing a citywide network of neighborhood greenways, utilizing "green streets" for traffic calming, and building programs to increase behavior change from multi-modal police enforcement.

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Thousands Play in Oakland’s Streets at the First-Ever ‘Oaklavia’
by David Wieser 09 Jul '10

09 Jul '10

On Sunday, June 27th, Downtown Oakland opened two miles of its streets to fun and activities—zumba dancing, circus arts, BMX bike competitions and performances from local musicians. See the video at http://www.streetfilms.org/thousands-play-in-oaklands-streets-at-the-first-… Also check out Velo-City 2010: Copenhagen Bike Parade, another great video. http://www.streetfilms.org/velo-city-2010-copenhagen-bike-parade/ David

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Bicycle rush hour in Utrect (Netherlands)
by Beth McKechnie 30 Jun '10

30 Jun '10

Perhaps we can imagine that one day Winnipeg will have this type of rush hour? (Thanks to Erik Dickson for sending along the link.) -Happy Canada Day, Beth -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-AbPav5E5M [Accompanying text with video...] Morning rush hour in the 4th largest city in the Netherlands. Streets look like this when 33% of ALL trips are made by bicycle! This is an ordinary Wednesday morning in April 2010 at around 8.30 am. Original time was 8 minutes that were compressed into 2 minutes, so everything is 4 times faster than in reality. The sound is original. This is one of the busiest junctions in Utrecht a city with a population of 300,000. No less than 18,000 bicycles and 2,500 buses pass here every day. And yet Google Street View missed it. Because private motorized traffic is restricted here. These cyclists cross a one way bus lane (also used by taxis and municipal vehicles), two light rail tracks and then a one way street that can be used by private vehicles. Behind the camera is a railway (you can hear the squeaking sounds of the trains passing) and the main railway station is very close too. A number of rental bikes from the station pass and many of the cyclists will have come by train for the first part of their commute. For those who frown upon the total absence of bike helmets in this video, consider these findings from a US study: "Cycling in the Netherlands is much safer than in the USA. The Netherlands has the lowest non-fatal injury rate as well as the lowest fatality rate, while the USA has the highest non-fatal injury rate as well as the highest fatality rate. Indeed, the non-fatal injury rate for the USA is about 30 times higher than for the Netherlands. Injury rate per million km cycled: USA 37.5; NL 1.4 Fatality rate per 100 million km cycled: USA 5.8; NL 1.1" From: Pucher, John and Buehler, Ralph (2008) 'Making Cycling Irresistible: Lessons from The Netherlands, Denmark and Germany'. http://policy.rutgers.edu/faculty/puc...

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Globe & Mail: 2 wheels = sex appeal
by Beth McKechnie 28 Jun '10

28 Jun '10

[A little Monday morning humour under sunny bright skies. -Beth] 2 wheels = sex appeal A dude who cycles to where he needs to go is a hotter prospect than that guy in the Ferrari http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/family-and-relationships/2-wheels-sex-a… by Micah Toub A couple weeks ago, I was cycling down Queen Street in Toronto when I was serendipitously swept up in a mass ride celebrating Bike Month. It was fun to be taking over the street with this two-wheeled mob, but I have to admit I also felt a little dorky as chic shoppers gazed at us from the sidewalk, bewildered. I imagined approaching one of them at a bar. "So, do you come here often?" I'd ask, shuffling my hair, trying to remove the strange sculptures created by my helmet. "Maybe. What car do you drive?" I'd explain that I came on a bike, and then I'd get the blow-off. But then I looked around at all the spirited cyclists surrounding me, and my mind changed gears. It hit me that biking is, in fact, a far sexier way to get around than by car. Think about it: Dudes on bikes have advanced cardiovascular endurance, can expertly handle delicate moving parts, and have the ability to ride far more of the city's curves. Now, before all you suburbanite commuters and car enthusiasts toss the newspaper aside or punch your computer, let me say this: I am one of you, too. I grew up in the 'burbs and I loved my dad's 1977 Jeep Cherokee almost as much as my dog Sadie. I still love hitting the open road in a rental car for long trips. But on a day-to-day basis, if a guy can cycle to where he needs to go, he'll simply be a hotter prospect than that guy in the Ferrari. To get an, ahem, unbiased opinion from a woman, I talked to Amy Walker, one of the founders of Momentum, a Vancouver-based magazine for "self-propelled people." She agreed with me, though she began with a more relationship-oriented, poetic explanation. "When you go on a date with someone in a car, you're tied together and only one person is driving, so it's a dominant and passive relationship," she said. "When you're both on a bike, you're both in control. You're two people who have free will and are governing themselves but choosing to ride together. I really like that metaphor." Ms. Walker added that guys who bike have also found a way to kill three birds with one stone, and thus attractively maximize their time: "They ride to get to their job, they're being environmentally responsible and . they also end up having a beautiful ass," she informed me. This last point - the well-defined behind - was mentioned by each of the half-dozen women I spoke to. (Strangely, nobody mentioned the sex appeal of the amazingly well-shaped ankle muscle of a driver's clutch foot.) Tovi Heilbronn, a road racer and head of online sales for Toronto bike shop La Bicicletta, humbly admitted - only when directly questioned, of course - that he has more than once been complimented on his rock-solid seat cushion. "When girls see you in your whole racing get-up, your spandex team racing kit, well, I've had compliments that it's attractive," he said. (He admitted, however, that some women have been thrown off by his shaved legs.) Mr. Heilbronn also gave me his take on the comparison with drivers: "Think about it for a second. This guy has basically thrown tons of money into this object that is depreciating by the minute, it's terrible for the environment, and he doesn't have to be in shape to get around. What's so cool about that?" The last thing I want to do, though, is incite more divisiveness. There can be friendship between the two- and four-wheeled families. In fact, on occasion, people from across the car-bike divide fall in love and get married. Picture my friend Melissa, wearing her shades as she accelerates through the city, the top of her bright red Audi convertible down, her brunette hair flowing in the wind. She arrives to meet Pat for a first date. Lightly perspiring, Pat enters with bike helmet in hand, adjusting his beautiful mane of blond hair. "I found it a little nerdy," Melissa admitted. "I had been living in L.A. and it was a bit of a culture shock coming to Toronto and everyone is on their bike, even in their 30s and 40s." But Melissa says she came to love this aspect of Pat's personality. "He really genuinely cares about the city and he genuinely cares about doing good things about the environment," she said. "He's not just saying it - he really does mean it. Also, it helps him stay in shape and it helps his stress load a lot." But these star-crossed lovers haven't always had it easy over the years they've been dating. "Everyone in Pat's circle cycles, so sometimes I feel a bit shy that I have a nice car," Melissa told me. "We went to a party the other day and there were about 30 bikes locked up on the fence. We parked a block away." For Pat's part, he respects Melissa's choice to get around by car. "I'm a proud cyclist, but not a get-on-the-soapbox cyclist," he says. "Her car is a testament to 16 years of success with a company, a reward for services," Pat said, turning around the old stereotype of a woman getting turned on by a man's status symbol. The two will be married next year. (How they'll get to the wedding is still to be decided.) Let me backpedal a little bit more. Certainly there's a time and a place for getting behind the wheel - those with long commutes or lots of kids couldn't do without cars. I'm just saying, if you want to optimize your sexiness factor - mental, political, and physical - it might be time to acquire a two-wheeled steel beast. (You suburbanites have even more hotness to gain, given the great distances you have to cover on errands.) And the next time you're dissed by some girl at the bar, I can guarantee she'll regret it as she watches you walking away. Micah Toub's memoir, Growing Up Jung: Coming of Age as the Son of Two Shrinks, will be published in the fall of 2010.

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Bike To Work Day Morden 2010
by Beth McKechnie 23 Jun '10

23 Jun '10

Did you know that Winnipeg is not the only community in Manitoba celebrating Bike to Work Day this Friday? Morden is also putting on a cycling event (poster attached) that also includes walkers and rollerbladers, and a host of other activities. For more information, find Kelly Stock's contact info below. cheers, Beth 925-3772 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kelly Stock [mailto:kellystockmstw@gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2010 12:03 PM Subject: Bike To Work Day Morden 2010 Hello everyone, Please find attached a poster for the upcoming Bike To Work Day event in Morden on Friday, June 25th. Feel free to promote the event at your workplace throughout the week! Join other cyclists for a free breakfast, compliments of ARocha Prairie Canada, at the United Church parking lot from 7-8:30am, followed by a FREE film night with popcorn and drinks at 7pm at the Morden Library. Walkers and rollerbladers are welcome as well!! Hope to see you there! For those of you who weren't able to pick up a rain barrel last Thursday I will be selling barrels at the Morden Farmers Market again this week from 4 - 6:30pm. Take care, -- Kelly Stock Climate Change Coordinator MSTW Planning District 1-204-822-6223 Please consider the environment before printing this email. "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." - Dr. Seuss, "The Lorax"

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8-80 Cities and ISCA offering amazing youth leadership scholarships
by Beth McKechnie 23 Jun '10

23 Jun '10

[apologies for duplicate postings] A Fantastic Opportunity for Youth this Fall! We are offering FOUR Youth Scholarships to the International Academy in Denmark Location: Ollerup, Denmark Start date: August 15, 2010 End date: December 19, 2010 Application deadline: July 13, 2010 by 9:00am 8-80 Cities in partnership with International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA) is honoured to offer two Canadian and two Mexican youth the opportunity to receive an exciting four month international scholarship. Honourees will participate in the International Youth Leadership Education program with the International Academy, INTAC in Ollerup, Denmark from August 15th, 2010 to December 19th, 2010. The aim of this scholarship is to develop strong community leaders who understand the important role leadership and sport can play in developing more vibrant, equitable and sustainable communities. By taking part in this program, participants will learn and engage in an academic environment with Danish youth and approximately 30 other international students. This unique experience supports the development of leadership skills by combining organizational management, leadership theory and sports education and will develop skills applicable to volunteer organizations, sports associations and non-profit organizations. As part of the scholarship, honourees will receive: 1) Paid tuition for the 17 week program 2) Paid room and meals at the International Academy (2 youth per room) 3) Receive an International Youth Leader Education-diploma from the International Sport and Culture Association 4) Possibility for credit transfers as a part of a student's university education requirement 5) Europass Mobility Passport recognized by more than 31 European countries (the initiative is supported by EU, Council of Europe and UNESCO and is a part of the Bologna declaration) Honourees are required to pay for travel and personal expenses. Refer to application form for more details. We strongly encourage all that are eligible to apply. For those interested in applying, review the Scholarship information and complete the Application Form before July 13, 2010 9:00am. Honourees will be notified by July 16, 2010. For more scholarship information and to download the application form for Mexican Residents, visit http://www.8-80cities.org/isca.html To apply: To send in an application please include a) your completed scholarship application form, b) your resume, and c) three references and their contact information (only one reference can be a family member. Send your application and attachments via email to Sydney Luong, Communications Manager for 8-80 Cities at register(a)8-80cities.org For more information About Ollerup- International Academy, INTAC: www.ollerup.dk/?id=57 About course contents: http://ollerup.viggonet.dk/ollerup/hp/files/file/Internationale/INTAC%20fol… Details on living arrangements, code of conduct and access to school facilities, visit the FAQs: http://www.ollerup.dk/?id=54

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On-street bike parking comes to Winnipeg!
by Beth McKechnie 23 Jun '10

23 Jun '10

Hi everyone, In case you haven't seen them yet, or are wondering where the heck they came from, here are a few pics and a bit of background on the "on-street bicycle parking" downtown. The Winnipeg Parking Authority is piloting a total of 10 on-street bike racks this summer. These portable units - essentially a pad with a bike rack bolted on top - are placed in a parking spot on the street. It sure shows how many bikes (and therefore people) you can accommodate with one parking spot for a car. This also frees up sidewalk space for pedestrians, buskers, sidewalk cafes and street furniture (benches, planters, etc). Keep an eye out for the racks elsewhere around downtown this summer! cheers, Beth 925-3772

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Register for Bike to Work Day
by Erik Dickson 23 Jun '10

23 Jun '10

Hi Everyone, If you haven't registered yet for the 3rd Annual Bike to Work Day Winnipeg, then please register now! It's easy and FREE! Just go to www.biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org and click Register in the top right corner then fill in your information. You'll be entered to win great prizes like a new bike from Natural Cycle. Then THIS FRIDAY JUNE 25, ride your bike to work. Stop by the Forks from 7:00 - 9:00 AM for a free pancake breakfast. There are also 5 bike oasis scattered around the city where you can stop for some refreshments and encouragement then join a group ride to the Forks. Group rides leave each oasis at 7:15 AM. Click on "Where and When" on the Bike to Work Day webpage for more details. It is very important for everyone to register as we want to show how important cycling is in Winnipeg with a great turn-out. Please forward this on to all your friends, family and coworkers so that we can make this the most successful Bike to Work Day Winnipeg yet! There are also volunteer opportunities still available. Please contact stephen.winnemuller(a)biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org if you would like to help. Volunteers get Happy Hour all night at the Bike to Work Day After Party at Lo Pub. Regards, Erik Dickson B.Sc. (Hons) Marr Consulting Services 8th Floor - 136 Market Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0P4 Phone: (204) 927-3456 ext. 242 Fax: (204) 927-3443 Please consider our environment before printing this message.

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The costs of a stop sign
by David Wieser 19 Jun '10

19 Jun '10

An interesting look at the cost of stop sign, the benefits of rounadbouts and a new road sign "Take Turns", from Gary Lauder. http://www.ted.com/talks/gary_lauder_s_new_traffic_sign_take_turns.html David Wieser

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Winnipeg Bicycle Valet - Volunteer Opportunities
by David Wieser 13 Jun '10

13 Jun '10

Interested in promoting cycling as a form of active transportation in your city? Join an exciting new venture – Winnipeg Bicycle Valet! Winnipeg Bicycle Valet, a project of Bike to the Future, is currently accepting applications for the following four volunteer positions: Sponsorship Coordinator <http://bit.ly/bbqVAM> Volunteer Coordinator <http://bit.ly/crZUwk> Graphics and Website Coordinator <http://bit.ly/9HMwzz> Communication and Media Coordinator <http://bit.ly/9ZY52Z> *If your organization would be interested in offering a bicycle valet at your next event, please contact David Wieser at WinnipegBicycleValet(a)gmail.com*

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Tandem Tour at The Forks tonight
by Beth McKechnie 04 Jun '10

04 Jun '10

Looking for something to do tonight? The Tandem Tour (www.thetandemtour.com) has rolled in to Winnipeg and is hosting a fundraiser event tonight at The Forks. These four U of Vic students are riding 6,000 km across Canada in support of charities regarding: diabetes, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, and a conservation group called Friends of Redtail. Come out to support their efforts and check out their 4-person tandem bike (weighs 900 lbs!). 4 guys, 4 causes and 1 bike.

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INVITATION - Winnipeg Trails Association
by Janice Lukes 02 Jun '10

02 Jun '10

Winnipeg Trails Celebrations - Explore New Winnipeg Trails - all day long! Saturday, June 5th International Trails Day is celebrated throughout the world in recognition of the countless trail volunteers, trail supporters and people who use trails. This year seven events are occurring in Winnipeg! Come check them out! Complete event / location details can be found at www.WinnipegTrails.com CANSTAR papers will have multiple interesting stories online tomorrow, June 3rd: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/ Our friends in Headingley are also having an event http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/2010/05/11/headingley-grand-trunk-trail-bench-d edication/ Many elected official will be in attendance, Mayor Sam Katz will be at the Harte Trail Extension opening . . . and MOST IMPORTANTLY - THANK YOU to the many many volunteers who have put in countless hours organizing the festivities throughout Winnipeg. THANK YOU ! 8:00 am Birding hike and tree planting at 10:00 am Henteleff Park Trails, St. Vital 8:30 am Birdhouse building, bug dipping and more Bishop Grandin Greenway Trail, St. Vital 10:00 am Trailhead unveiling Northeast Pioneers Greenway Trail, North Kildonan 11:30 am Trail Opening celebrations Bois - des - Esprits Trail, South St. Vital 1:00 pm Trail Opening celebrations Cordite Trail, Transcona 1:00 pm Trail Opening celebrations Harte Trail, Charleswood 2:00 pm Prairie Pathfinders Summer Tours Launch McNally Robinsons Book Sellers / Grant Park Mall Janice Lukes Winnipeg Trails Coordinator Winnipeg Trails Association 202 - One Forks Market Road Winnipeg, MB R3C 4L9 Cell (204) 952-4222 Fax (204) 943-7915 <mailto:jlukes@shaw.ca> jlukes(a)shaw.ca winnipegtrails.com Member of City of Winnipeg Active Transportation Advisory Committee Chair, Province of Manitoba Active Transportation Advisory Group

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Prairie Pathfinder Hiking Adventures
by Beth McKechnie 01 Jun '10

01 Jun '10

Forwarded on behalf of the Prairie Pathfinders Walking Club <prairiepathfinders(a)shaw.ca> We are hosting an information evening on MANITOBA HIKING ADVENTURES & WALKING TOURS on June 3, 2010 at the Fort Public Garry Library, 1360 Pembina Hwy from 6:00-8:00pm. We have dozens of day hikes coming up including a full slate of 'bus supported' tours called 'BUS OFF & TAKE A HIKE'. This is a chance for interested walkers/hikers to meet us and have their questions about our new 'Bus Off & Take a Hike' tours answered in person. FYI - A club membership is NOT required for participation in these special events, so you could pass that along to friends and family who might like to join us. 5 Day Manitoba All-Inclusive Another is a dawn to dusk exploration of the scenic secret treasures of the Pembina Valley (June 27th). The Long Day Tour And one of the most fascinating tours is called 'Hike into History' (July 24th) which includes a tour of that fabulous Brandon landmark - 'The Mental'. Hike Into History The August Whiteshell Workout is for those of you who want to tackle the more challenging hikes. If weather and trail conditions allow we will take on the Hunt Lake Trail, the north end of the Mantario Trail and the wonderful Centennnial Trail. Rooms at the Pinewood Lodge will be held until July 19th. Whiteshell Workout Fall hiking in Riding Mountain National Park has become a much anticipated annual event. We haven't decided which trails we will hike. We feel they are all worth seeing once a year. We are hoping though, to find a route that will give us a new day hike into the SE corner of the park and the rugged gorges of the McFayden Valley. Riding Mtn Festival Rooms held at Clear Lake Lodge until Sept. 5th Please feel free to phone or email with any questions. Hope to see you out on the trails this summer, Leone for the Prairie Pathfinders 204.774-0190

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[At-network] Clean Air Day - free muffins, coffee, juice Wed, June 2, 7-8:30 a.m.
by Beth McKechnie 01 Jun '10

01 Jun '10

Celebrate Clean Air Day on the Bridge! Get a tasty reward for active commuting on Wed, June 2nd As you walk, bike, skate or roll to work, swing by the northeast side of the Osborne St. Bridge at Assiniboine Avenue for a free coffee, juice and cinnamon bun or muffin. Don't forget your travel mug! Resource Conservation Manitoba folks will be there from 7:00-8:30 a.m. to say thank you for choosing human power on Clean Air Day, as part of the week-long Commuter Challenge. For more info or to register your workplace participation for the Challenge, visit: www.resourceconservation.mb.ca/gci/CC/

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Join the Bike Ride to the Winnipeg Folk Festival
by Beth McKechnie 01 Jun '10

01 Jun '10

http://www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca/wp/festival/join-the-bike-ride-to-the-wi… Join the Bike Ride to the Winnipeg Folk Festival Help reduce the festival's environmental impact! Get priority entrance to Festival Campground on Wednesday morning! The Winnipeg Folk Festival is working hard to reduce our environmental impact. This year for the first time, there will be organized bike rides out to the festival. Together, the approximately two-hour bike ride will be a great chance to enjoy the outdoors and get to the festival without driving numerous vehicles. Participants will meet at Elmwood High School, and a safe-ride van will accompany the riders, and help transport their camping gear to Bird's Hill Park. Departure Times: Bike Ride to Winnipeg Folk Festival - Birds Hill Park Wednesday, July 7, 7:00 AM and 5:30 PM Thursday, July 8, 5:30 PM Friday, July 9, 5:30 PM Return Ride to Winnipeg Sunday, July 12, 5:30 PM Monday, July 13, 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM All rides leave from Elmwood High School. The van will transport one duffel bag and one cooler per person. Riders will check in and meet half an hour prior to the ride for a stretch and general warm up. The ride will go rain or shine, and riders are encouraged to bring weather appropriate gear, a snack and plenty of water. Please have your bike checked by a bike mechanic prior to the ride. a.. 2010 Bike Ride Application b.. 2010 Bike Ride Waiver Please contact Katherine (kjohnson(a)winnipegfolkfestival.ca) for more information.

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OurWinnipeg - public info sessions
by Beth McKechnie 31 May '10

31 May '10

[Forwarded on behalf of Ian Hall, City of Winnipeg] Hello, On Wednesday, May 26, Mayor Sam Katz released OurWinnipeg - the City of Winnipegs draft 25-year plan, along with four supporting direction strategies. Newspaper advertisements the preceding weekend, as well as an e-mail blast, invited Winnipeggers to continue the conversation. In anticipation of a formal review and approval process that will occur later this year, citizens are encouraged to become more familiar with the documents by visiting SpeakUpWinnipeg.com or by attending one or more information sharing sessions. The OurWinnipeg package is extensive and citizens are encouraged to take advantage of one of these opportunities to learn about the draft documents and to ask questions of City staff. Complete event details available at www.SpeakUpWinnipeg.com. A reminder of this weeks sessions: Public Information Sessions: Come out and talk to City representatives about the OurWinnipeg document as well as the four direction strategies: Complete Communities, Sustainable Winnipeg, Sustainable Water and Waste and Sustainable Transportation. We will be on hand to discuss the content and answer any questions you might have. You will have the opportunity to look at the documents, maps and other information. * Monday, May 31, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Canad Inns Fort Gary, 1792 Pembina Hwy. * Tuesday, June 1, 5:30-8:30 p.m. River East Collegiate, 295 Sutton Ave. * Wednesday, June 2, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sturgeon Creek Community Centre, 210 Rita St. * Thursday, June 3, 5:30-8:30 p.m. - Franco Manitoban Cultural Centre - 340 Provencher Blvd. (this will be a bilingual session) Roundtables: Primarily aimed at individuals/organizations who participated in earlier roundtable sessions, these sessions are our way of checking back with previous participants. This is an opportunity to introduce you to the Draft OurWinnipeg Package, look at sections in more detail, and to hear your comments and questions. It is an intense burst of information sharing, and we want to provide you a strong information base to start exploring the documents. If you are unable to make a session, please come out to one of the Public Information Sessions. We are happy to receive your comments and questions. Please RSVP to Becky Raddatz (braddatz(a)winnipeg.ca). Also, if you need translation or any material in alternative formats we are happy to assist. Note: for morning sessions, doors will open at 8:30, session will begin at 9:00 a.m. * Tuesday, June 1, 1:30-4:00 p.m. Millennium Library, Carol Shields Auditorium - Topic: Opportunity & Vitality * Wednesday, June 2, 8:30-11:00 a.m. Millennium Library, Buchwald Room Topic: Sustainability * Wednesday, June 2, 1:30-4:00 p.m. Millennium Library, Buchwald Room Topic: Housing/Recreation/Libraries * Thursday, June 3, 8:30-11:00 a.m. Millennium Library, Buchwald Room Topic: Creativity * Thursday, June 3, 1:30-4:00 p.m. Millennium Library, Buchwald Room Topic: City Building, including Transportation * Friday, June 4, 8:30-11:00 a.m. Millennium Library, Carol Shields Auditorium Topic: Opportunity & Vitality + Open session (all topics) * Friday, June 4, 1:30-4:00 p.m. Millennium Library, Carol Shields Auditorium Topic: Safety & Security + Open session (all topics)

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SpeakUpWinnipeg Information Sharing Sessions this Week
by Hall, Ian 31 May '10

31 May '10

Hello, On Wednesday, May 26, Mayor Sam Katz released OurWinnipeg - the City of Winnipeg's draft 25-year plan, along with four supporting direction strategies. Newspaper advertisements the preceding weekend, as well as an e-mail blast, invited Winnipeggers to continue the conversation. In anticipation of a formal review and approval process that will occur later this year, citizens are encouraged to become more familiar with the documents by visiting SpeakUpWinnipeg.com or by attending one or more information sharing sessions. The OurWinnipeg package is extensive and citizens are encouraged to take advantage of one of these opportunities to learn about the draft documents and to ask questions of City staff. Complete event details available at www.SpeakUpWinnipeg.com <http://www.speakupwinnipeg.com/> . A reminder of this week's sessions: Public Information Sessions: Come out and talk to City representatives about the OurWinnipeg document as well as the four direction strategies: Complete Communities, Sustainable Winnipeg, Sustainable Water and Waste and Sustainable Transportation. We will be on hand to discuss the content and answer any questions you might have. You will have the opportunity to look at the documents, maps and other information. * Monday, May 31, 5:30-8:30 p.m. - Canad Inns Fort Gary, 1792 Pembina Hwy. * Tuesday, June 1, 5:30-8:30 p.m. - River East Collegiate, 295 Sutton Ave. * Wednesday, June 2, 5:30-8:30 p.m. - Sturgeon Creek Community Centre, 210 Rita St. * Thursday, June 3, 5:30-8:30 p.m. - Franco Manitoban Cultural Centre - 340 Provencher Blvd. (this will be a bilingual session) Roundtables: Primarily aimed at individuals/organizations who participated in earlier roundtable sessions, these sessions are our way of 'checking back' with previous participants. This is an opportunity to introduce you to the Draft OurWinnipeg Package, look at sections in more detail, and to hear your comments and questions. It is an intense burst of information sharing, and we want to provide you a strong information base to start exploring the documents. If you are unable to make a session, please come out to one of the Public Information Sessions. We are happy to receive your comments and questions. Please RSVP to Becky Raddatz (braddatz(a)winnipeg.ca <mailto:braddatz@winnipeg.ca> ). Also, if you need translation or any material in alternative formats we are happy to assist. Note: for morning sessions, doors will open at 8:30, session will begin at 9:00 a.m. * Tuesday, June 1, 1:30-4:00 p.m. - Millennium Library, Carol Shields Auditorium - Topic: Opportunity & Vitality * Wednesday, June 2, 8:30-11:00 a.m. - Millennium Library, Buchwald Room - Topic: Sustainability * Wednesday, June 2, 1:30-4:00 p.m. - Millennium Library, Buchwald Room - Topic: Housing/Recreation/Libraries * Thursday, June 3, 8:30-11:00 a.m. - Millennium Library, Buchwald Room - Topic: Creativity * Thursday, June 3, 1:30-4:00 p.m. - Millennium Library, Buchwald Room - Topic: City Building, including Transportation * Friday, June 4, 8:30-11:00 a.m. - Millennium Library, Carol Shields Auditorium - Topic: Opportunity & Vitality + Open session (all topics) * Friday, June 4, 1:30-4:00 p.m. - Millennium Library, Carol Shields Auditorium - Topic: Safety & Security + Open session (all topics) Please visit www.SpeakUpWinnipeg.com <http://www.speakupwinnipeg.com/> to review the draft document package. We hope to see you at one or more of the sessions!

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Safe Kids Week - Bike Helmet Campaign
by Beth McKechnie 28 May '10

28 May '10

----- Original Message ----- From: Shawn Feely Sent: Friday, May 28, 2010 2:45 PM Subject: Safe Kids Week - Bike Helmet Campaign Please distribute. This year, Safe Kids Week (May 31-June 4) is promoting helmet use for wheeled recreational activities such as cycling, inline skating and skate boarding. At the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, we are supporting this week by launching Ride2Win - a bicycle helmet promotion campaign - that includes a chance for a student / child to win a bike for themselves and a parent. What are the campaign messages? l Bike together! Younger children should always cycle with a parent. l Everyone wear a helmet. Parents too! This increases helmet use in kids. l Wear your helmet correctly: (see Ride2Win.ca for information) We invite you to participate in this campaign by distributing this email with attached poster through your networks, to youth groups, to your child's school, to family members etc. etc. etc. If you have questions please feel free to contact me directly. Shawn Feely Injury Prevention Coordinator IMPACT, the injury prevention program Winnipeg Regional Health Authority NA335 - 700 McDermot Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3E 0T2 Phone (204) 787-1823 sfeely(a)hsc.mb.ca -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This email and/or any documents in this transmission is intended for the addressee(s) only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and return the original. Ce courriel et tout document dans cette transmission est destinÃ© Ã la personne ou aux personnes Ã qui il est adressÃ©. Il peut contenir des informations privilÃ©giÃ©es ou confidentielles. Toute utilisation, divulgation, distribution, copie, ou diffusion non autorisÃ©e est strictement dÃ©fendue. Si vous n'Ãªtes pas le destinataire de ce message, veuillez en informer l'expÃ©diteur immÃ©diatement et lui remettre l'original.

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Spring 2010 Active & Green
by Beth McKechnie 27 May '10

27 May '10

[Apologies for any duplicate postings!] Welcome to the Spring 2010 issue of Active and Green! We hope you will share it widely with co-workers, colleagues, family and friends. The newsletter can also be downloaded as a pdf file: www.resourceconservation.mb.ca/news/pdfs/Active&Green_Spring_2010.pdf Have fun walking, biking, riding the bus, carpooling or however you get around! Beth McKechnie Green Commuting Initiatives Workplace TDM Program Coordinator Resource Conservation Manitoba (204) 925-3772 beth(a)resourceconservation.mb.ca

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Spots open - City Cycling course, May 30, noon-4 pm
by Beth McKechnie 26 May '10

26 May '10

If you missed out on earlier offerings of this cycling course, there are spots still open for this Sunday afternoon (details below). To register, contact the City of Winnipeg right away at 311 or register online (see page 4, http://www.winnipeg.ca/cms/Leisure/pdfs/LG_S10_online.pdf). ** Please circulate widely ** thanks! Beth 925-3772 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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FW: [transp-tdm] True Cost of Owning a Car Graphic
by Erik Dickson 26 May '10

26 May '10

Hi All, Saw this neat graphic online this morning about the cost of automobile ownership and thought I'd share. http://www.gobankingrates.com/how-much-does-your-car-really-cost-you/ http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2010/05/the-true-cost-of-owning-a-car/ Regards, Erik Dickson B.Sc. (Hons) Marr Consulting Services 8th Floor - 136 Market Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0P4 Phone: (204) 927-3456 ext. 242 Fax: (204) 927-3443 Please consider our environment before printing this message.

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Dana Strapazzon Retirement Celebration - TICKETS
by Beth McKechnie 26 May '10

26 May '10

----- Original Message ----- From: Honey, Brian Subject: Dana Strapazzon Retirement Celebration - TICKETS *Tickets are currently being sold and going fast. To get yours, please continue reading. After years of hard work and dedication, it's time to take a permanent vacation. No more meetings or pages to fax, it's time to kick back and just relax. We welcome you in celebrating a retirement party honoring Dana Strapazzon on Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010. Please join us to share happy memories and wishing her well, as she starts her long and well deserved rest. This event is not a surprise, Dana is well aware of all plans. The celebration will occur at Silverado's Nightclub located at 2100 McPhillips Street from 5:00pm - 8:00pm. Tickets are $12 and will include your choice of steak or chicken and a potato. Part of the ticket price goes towards a large retirement gift for Dana. You may purchase tickets from any of the following: Brian Honey - 990-6636 or contact bhoney(a)winnipeg.ca (7th floor 395 Main) Gail Katz - 986-7760 or contact gkatz(a)winnipeg.ca (8th floor 395 Main) Derrick Stamm - 470-9791 or contact dstamm(a)winnipeg.ca (6th floor 395 Main) Karen Glugosh - 612-2065 or contact kglugosh(a)winnipeg.ca (6th floor 395 Main Greg Ferguson - 986-4355 or contact gferguson(a)winnipeg.ca (6th floor 395 Main) Jeff Honey - 986-8366 or contact jhoney(a)winnipeg.ca (430 Langside, Magnus Eliason Rec Center) Bill Towers - 986-3214 or contact btowers(a)winnipeg.ca (8th floor 395 Main) Louie Strapazzon - 339-5105 or contact luidana(a)shaw.ca (Dana's husband) Please note Silverado's has indicated they will not be selling tickets at the door, so please purchase your ticket in advance. See you at the party, Brian Honey bhoney(a)winnipeg.ca

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Driving home the benefits of staying active
by Kevin Miller 21 May '10

21 May '10

Driving home the benefits of staying active By David Suzuki with Faisal Moola I was struggling through my routine at the gym in April when the owner came up to me. "Give me something to share on Twitter for Earth Day," he demanded. I've been working out for more than 30 years and I'm still waiting for it to be fun, or at least easy, so my brain was not operating at full bore. I panted, "How about this: Get out and exercise. It's good for your body and it's good for the environment." He seemed happy enough and wandered away, but his question got me thinking. I'm a biologist. I know that we evolved out of the natural world and lived without machines for a long time. Everything our ancient ancestors did, they did by expending some effort, especially to get from one place to another. Our bodies evolved to keep up with this required effort. Indeed, our bodies need to work in order to restore themselves. Don't believe me? Just look at one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, stroke, cancer, and more: exercise! Now, I know that a car is an amazing piece of technology, but it's just a means of getting us from point A to point B. When we climb into a car to drive five or 10 blocks instead of walking or cycling, we may come up with all kinds of rationalizations as to why it was necessary, but do we ever stop to consider that this simple act works against what our bodies need? When I walk by a school and see roly-poly kids jumping from the big cars lined up outside, I suspect that parents think they're doing their children a favour. But it's at the expense of what kids need to remain healthy. If a neighbourhood is so dangerous that we can't let our children walk to school, then we should work to make it safer, or initiate group walks. When a 90-kilogram person climbs into a 2,000-kilogram vehicle, more than 95 per cent of the gasoline is burned to move the car, not the person! That's a lose-lose-lose situation: we throw away money, waste energy, and exacerbate environmental pollution. The auto sector has dazzled us with big, fancy stuff because energy has been cheap and the environmental consequences haven't figured in its planning. With the near-death experience of the big three auto companies as the economy melted down, and with oil prices rising steadily, car companies are finding religion on being green as they tout smaller, more efficient cars. Let's hope this represents a turning point in the values that motivate them. But we also need to shift the way we all of think of cars. People seem to regard a car as an extension of themselves - bigger, sexier, noisier, faster, more powerful. I can understand the psychology, but still, it's just a machine. It's something to get us to our destination, but it has become so deeply embedded in our culture that it's impossible to think of doing without it - at least until we build cities in ways that eliminate our need for personal vehicles. We must think of a car as simply a machine to move us around, a machine that should be used sparingly because overuse is harmful. Our love of cars also sets a bad example for the rest of the world, especially China and India, where growing economies are creating huge numbers of people with the means and the desire to buy vehicles. These days you can find all kinds of books offering 10 or 100 easy ways to save the planet. But the planet is not in trouble. Whatever we do, it will continue to spin and move around the sun. We may be in trouble though. We're altering the chemical, physical, and biological features of the biosphere, making it increasingly difficult for tens of thousands of species, including our own, to survive and flourish. Changing course and reining in our demanding appetite and economy is not going to be easy. If everyone buys an electric or hybrid car, changes light bulbs, and carries cloth bags, we'll still be a long way from a sustainable way of living. But thinking about our own personal health and our relationship with the machine may at least get us started down a new road. Learn more at http://www.davidsuzuki.org

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Globe & Mail: Ontario aims to increase cyclist safety
by Beth McKechnie 20 May '10

20 May '10

Globe & Mail Ontario aims to increase cyclist safety Karen Howlett Toronto - From Wednesday's Globe and Mail Published on Tuesday, May. 18, 2010 9:19PM EDT Last updated on Tuesday, May. 18, 2010 9:39PM EDT Making Ontario's roads a little more bike-friendly has become a key priority for Transportation Minister Kathleen Wynne, a cycling enthusiast from her days living in the Netherlands. Ms. Wynne has launched a review of the province's cycling policies. She also appeared receptive to a private member's bill introduced in the legislature on Tuesday that would require drivers to leave a buffer zone of three feet when passing cyclists on city streets, and five feet on highways. "I obviously believe that we should make whatever changes we need to make sure that cyclists are safe on the road," Ms. Wynne told reporters. New Democratic Party transportation critic Cheri DiNovo, who introduced the bill, said similar laws already exist in France, Spain and Germany. In the United States, sixteen states have approved, or are in the process of approving, bicycle-passing laws. The bill would go a long way toward making roads safer for cyclists, Ms. DiNovo said, urging Ms. Wynne to "rise above partisan differences and . for once, do the right thing." Ms. DiNovo added that the leading cause of cyclist fatalities is collisions involving drivers passing bikes. Ms. Wynne acknowledged that Ontario's cycling laws lag well behind those in European countries, which have a long tradition of cars and bikes sharing the road. She related her own experience commuting by bike in the Netherlands, where she lived for three years and where her first two children were born. "I would ride my bike with one child in the front and one child on the back," she said. Ms. DiNovo said her bill would reduce the number of bicycle-related injuries and deaths. Every day, she said, 80 people in Ontario visit an emergency department because of a cycling injury. And cyclists are between seven and 70 times more likely to be injured than those who drive cars. That grim statistic hit home last weekend, when four riders in Quebec were run down and killed. One cyclist died after a collision on a rural highway in the Laurentian Mountains on Saturday; three others died on Friday in a ghastly accident south of Montreal. Ms. DiNovo's bill comes just days after a plan to establish separated bike lanes along Toronto's University Avenue was defeated. Premier Dalton McGuinty said he is not sure the province needs a three-foot rule for cyclists, even though he has his own buffer zone with the media: reporters in the Queen's Park press gallery have been asked to stand at least five feet from him when asking questions. "Just personally, I'm not sure if it's a matter of needing more laws, or a greater sense of respect for one another on the road," he told reporters on Tuesday. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ontario-aims-to-increase-cycli…

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Globe & Mail: Spate of cycling deaths sparks fear in Quebec's commuter culture (May20'10)
by Beth McKechnie 20 May '10

20 May '10

Globe & Mail Spate of cycling deaths sparks fear in Quebec's commuter culture Les Perreaux Montreal - From Monday's Globe and Mail Published on Sunday, May. 16, 2010 11:09PM EDT Last updated on Sunday, May. 16, 2010 11:11PM EDT Cyclists in Canada's most bike-friendly province are riding in fear and disbelief after four riders were run down and killed in less than 48 hours. Leading a group of a about 100 cyclists on a weekly 70-kilometre Sunday tour, Steve Abramson noticed a change in attitude this weekend among drivers, too, on the suburban streets and quiet country roads just west of Montreal. "We noticed right away that drivers were suddenly extra careful, way more observant than usual, stopping to let us pass," said Mr. Abramson, 77-years-old and a long-time member of the Club Cycliste Beaconsfield. "It's early in the season, so drivers still aren't used to us being out there. It takes three or four dead to suddenly wake them up, it seems. It's unbelievable. . . It's scary, alright." A cyclist died after a collision on a rural highway in the Laurentian Mountains north of Montreal Saturday evening, on the heels of a ghastly accident south of the city on Friday in which six riders were run over, killing three triathletes and injuring three others. Police reported the 44-year-old driver in the Saturday accident on Highway 117 near Val-Morin had two times the legal limit of alcohol in her bloodstream. Jacques Michaud, 57, died in hospital Sunday morning. Alcohol was not a factor in the Friday accident involving six cyclists and a 29-year-old male driver. No charges have been laid as the investigation focused on driver inattention and the condition of the road. The provincial government promised on the weekend to immediately pave the gravel shoulder on the busy secondary Highway 112, which was supposed to have been completed years ago. "I have no doubt the lack of a paved shoulder played a role in this accident, but it's truly an extremely exceptional, almost unbelievable event. I've never heard of anything like it in Quebec," said Suzanne Lareau, the president of Vélo-Québec, after returning from her own Sunday ride. While Quebec has a longstanding image associated with potholes and fast, reckless drivers, no other province has proportionally more cyclists or spends more money to make room for them. Quebec has spent $200-million over 15 years promoting the sport and creating dedicated bike lanes, including the systematic paving of shoulders on small highways. About $88-million has gone into creating a 4,000-kilometre provincial network known as the Route Verte. Municipalities have spent millions more creating their own networks. More than half of Quebec adults identify themselves as cyclists who ride at least once a week, about 50 per cent more than the two provinces next on the list, Ontario and British Columbia. Quebec has a critical mass of cyclists that makes the province safer for the sport than most places in North America, experts say. Quebec has had 12-20 deaths per year since 2000 - about a third the number of deaths in the 1980s, when there were about half as many cyclists on the road. In Canada, about 52 to 73 cyclists died each year from 2003 to 2007 according to the most recent tally available from Transport Canada. "Quebec is the envy of the rest of Canada, the province is much farther ahead in promoting the sport and reducing injuries and fatalities," said Eleanor McMahon, an Ontario cycling safety activist. "Cyclists there have political champions, effective legislation, money invested, they've done so much to encourage the sport." The Quebec accidents were all cyclists were talking about in Burlington, Ont., where Ms. McMahon was wrapping up her Sunday ride. "We really do have a shared vulnerability. Do you know of another pastime where you pack ID before you head out on the road in case you get run over and don't see your loved ones again?" said Ms. McMahon, who founded the bike safety lobby group, Share the Road, after her husband, OPP Sergeant Greg Stobbart, was struck and killed by a vehicle in 2006. Riding in a group dramatically improves cyclist visibility. Multi-bike accidents are rare but trigger a shockwave when they happen. In 2008, two bicycle tourists were killed and two others injured when they were struck by a Honda Civic on the Trans-Canada Highway in Manitoba - a province where paved shoulders are rare on rural highways. Manitoba is one of the shortest stretches for cross-Canada cyclists, but it is often cited as being among the scariest. Last summer, five cyclists were struck but survived after a hit-and-run near Kanata, a suburb of Ottawa. Charges were laid against the vehicle drivers in both cases. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/spate-of-cycling-deaths-sparks…

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Commuter Challenge kickoff - 10 am, Tues May 18th, MB Hydro
by Beth McKechnie 17 May '10

17 May '10

Looking for an excuse to be outdoors in the sunshine tomorrow morning? Come out for the 2010 Commuter Challenge kick-off ! 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 18th Manitoba Hydro (360 Portage Ave) Bring your bike, grab a bus or walk on over to join us. Hope to see you there! cheers, Beth * * * * * Green Commuting Initiatives Workplace TDM Coordinator Resource Conservation Manitoba Tel: (204) 925-3772 www.resourceconservation.mb.ca

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in motion @ the Library - Getting "in motion" Safely!
by Deanna Betteridge 14 May '10

14 May '10

Hello, Can you please assist Winnipeg in motion by publicizing the following FREE event and forwarding this information on to your networks? Thanks, Deanna ******************************************************** Do you have an injury that is keeping you from being "in motion"? Are you afraid of injuring yourself while exercising? Or are you interested in just staying safe while being active this summer? Join Winnipeg in motion and athletic therapist Christine Johnston of Balance Chiropractic & Wellness Centre to find out how to prevent injuries and to learn how to exercise safely. Christine will walk you through a sample warm-up, cool-down and stretching routine; when to apply pressure, ice or heat and when to seek professional advice. What: Getting "in motion" Safely! When: Friday, May 21, 2010 Time: 12:10 - 12:50pm Where: Carol Shields Auditorium, 2nd Floor Millennium Library (251 Donald) Admission is FREE, all are welcome and registration is NOT required. For more information please contact Winnipeg in motion at 940-3648 or visit www.winnipeginmotion.ca <http://www.winnipeginmotion.ca/> . Getting "in motion" Safely! is part of "in motion Fridays", a series of monthly workshops that promote physical activity for better health. The in motion @ the Library series is sponsored by Winnipeg in motion and the Millennium Library. For a complete list of workshops, visit http://www.winnipeginmotion.ca/resources/in_motion_library <http://www.winnipeginmotion.ca/resources/in_motion_library> . ******************************************************** See you at the library! Cheers, Deanna ** Sign-up to receive Winnipeg in motion email updates http://www.winnipeginmotion.ca/signup/form.php ** ------------------------------------------------------------- Deanna Betteridge, BESS, M.Sc. in motion Coordinator 2 - 189 Evanson St. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3G 0N9 204-940-3264 (w) 204-232-3297 (c) 204-940-8409 (f) E-mail: dbetteridge(a)wrha.mb.ca Web site: www.winnipeginmotion.ca This email and/or any documents in this transmission is intended for the addressee(s) only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and return the original. Ce courriel et tout document dans cette transmission est destiné à la personne ou aux personnes à qui il est adressé. Il peut contenir des informations privilégiées ou confidentielles. Toute utilisation, divulgation, distribution, copie, ou diffusion non autorisée est strictement défendue. Si vous n'êtes pas le destinataire de ce message, veuillez en informer l'expéditeur immédiatement et lui remettre l'original.

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