- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

[National Post - Andrew Coyne]: Vanouver's Road Pricing Proposal a Revolutionary Fix for Gridlock
by Jackie Avent (ASRTS) 17 Jun '14

17 Jun '14

http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2014/06/16/andrew-coyne-vancouvers-road… -- *Jackie Avent* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 *|* 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/become-a-member/>

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WFP: Unprotected lanes dissed - Bike paths on Pembina should be separate, city advised (Jun17'14)
by Beth McKechnie 17 Jun '14

17 Jun '14

If anyone knows what was done and on which streets to create "new residential bike routes" in Fort Garry, could you please email me? (see #3 below in sidebar) I am drawing a complete and utter blank on anything being done other than the convoluted route, which has been around for years, being included on the bike map. thanks, Beth * * * * * Unprotected lanes dissed Bike paths on Pembina should be separate, city advised By: Bartley Kives Consultants hired to determine the best way for cyclists to travel between downtown and the University of Manitoba warned the city not to build unprotected bike lanes along Pembina Highway. In a 2009 study commissioned by the city to help determine what new bike infrastructure to build, consulting firms Stantec Inc. and Marr Consulting concluded traffic volumes and speeds on Pembina Highway were too high to warrant anything other than bike lanes that would separate cyclists from motor vehicles. THE PEMBINA PROBLEM Consultants hired by the city to consider new cycling routes made the following recommendations about Pembina Highway: 1. Do not build on or along Pembina *What the consultants suggested:*The speed and volume of motor-vehicle traffic along Pembina Highway is so large, bikes would need to be completely separated -- and the cost would be too high. *What the city did: *Took this advice, at first. Then changed course and built bike lanes alongside Pembina from Chevrier Boulevard to Plaza Drive. 2. Divert cyclists north of Jubilee into Crescentwood & Rockwood *What was suggested:* Create new bike routes along Nassau Street and Harrow Street to allow cyclists to avoid Pembina. *What the city did:* Built these bikeways in 2010. 3. Divert cyclists south of Jubilee onto Point Road and Crescent Park *What was suggested:* Create a new bike route through residential areas east of Pembina in Fort Garry -- supplemented by a new bikeway running alongside the second phase of the Southwest Transitway. *What the city did: *New residential bike routes were created, but the second phase of the transitway was delayed -- and is now slated to run farther west of Pembina. 4. Build a new riverside connector path *What was recommended: *A new riverside path from Riviera Crescent to Plaza Drive was needed to complete the alternative to Pembina. *What the city did:* Nothing. The crucial gap remains in place. 5. Build a bike tunnel at the Jubilee Overpass *What was suggested: *Build a tunnel to bypass this choke point, ideally as part of the Southwest Transitway extension. *What the city did:* Something such as this is still in the works. 6. Promote the city's cycling network *What was suggested: *Promote cycling routes along the side streets to get bikes off Pembina. *What the city did: *Published a cycling map and created a website. Given that fully separated lanes would have cost up to $22 million at that time -- and still would have exposed cyclists to danger at intersections -- the consultants advised the city to build new southwest Winnipeg bike routes away from Pembina Highway. The city heeded this advice for two to three years, when new bike routes were developed in residential neighbourhoods parallel to the busy thoroughfare. But in 2012, council approved the construction of unprotected bike lanes along a one-kilometre stretch of Pembina between Chevrier Boulevard and Plaza Drive. The consultants warned encouraging people to use Pembina Highway as a cycling route would be counterproductive and undesirable. "Due to the high volumes and speeds of traffic on Pembina Highway, (alternative) routes would be more effective at encouraging (less-experienced) cyclists," the project team wrote in a report that circulated among city staff in 2009 and was later obtained by the Free Press. "To create safe cycling facilities on Pembina Highway, full separation from motor-vehicle traffic is a necessity and separation between pedestrians and cyclists would also be preferred." After reviewing six potential options for fully separated Pembina bike lanes -- including cycle tracks on each side of the street and a path down the centre median -- the consultants concluded it would be far more cost-effective to create cycling routes on side streets and wait for the construction of a bike corridor along the second phase of the Southwest Transitway to provide a more direct alternative for commuter cyclists. "The project team decided not to recommend treatments on Pembina due to the extremely high costs of construction. There are too many other needs in the city's active-transportation network," the consultants wrote. Instead of building along Pembina Highway, the consultants recommended the construction of new bikeways through the Crescentwood, Earl Grey and Rockwood neighbourhoods north of Jubilee Avenue and through the Point Road and Crescent Park neighbourhoods south of Jubilee Avenue. To make this work, the consultants said the city would need to build a tunnel to allow cyclists to bypass the Jubilee Underpass and a new riverside path that would connect Riviera Crescent to Plaza Drive. The city built the new residential neighbourhood bike routes, but has put off plans to bypass the Jubilee Underpass until its reconstruction, now planned for 2015 to 2019. The Riviera-to-Plaza connector has not been built. The city also delayed plans to complete the Southwest Transitway, which is now expected to be finished no earlier than 2020 -- on a route that extends as far as 1.6 kilometres to the west of Pembina Highway. "I think the whole thing has been totally messed up by the delay in rapid transit," said Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry Coun. Jenny Gerbasi. "It makes sense to have a leisurely route through residential neighbourhoods, but it also makes sense to have a more direct route. Now we have to wait until 2020 for that." Gerbasi said she sees the unprotected bike lanes built along Pembina Highway two years ago as a stopgap measure. The Pembina Highway route has been criticized since the death last week of a Bombers fan who was cycling to Investors Group Field. He collided with a vehicle near Bishop Grandin Boulevard, while the recommended bike route suggests cyclists exit Pembina before that, at Plaza Drive. bartley.kives(a)freepress.mb.ca Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 17, 2014 A3

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FW: June 26th, Blue Bombers Home Opener
by Janice Lukes 17 Jun '14

17 Jun '14

See below – it’s a great volunteer experience. From: Amanda San Filippo [mailto:bvwcoordinator@bicyclevaletwinnipeg.ca] Sent: Monday, June 16, 2014 10:53 PM To: Volunteers; Board(a)bicyclevaletwinnipeg.ca Subject: June 26th, Blue Bombers Home Opener ** IF YOU NO LONGER WISH TO RECEIVE THESE EMAILS, PLEASE RESPOND WITH THE HEADLINE "UNSUBSCRIBE" ** Hello all, Last email for the day! The Blue Bombers Home Opener should be busy! We will be setting up for a full 800 bike capacity, with 4 separate locations all between gates 3 and 4. The racks will be provided for us, so we will only be responsible for setting up the signage and tables. I anticipate this to be busy and want to be over prepared. Please feel free to have friends volunteer as well, but please have them fill out the doodle and email me with their email address/phone number. As always, if you sign up and can no longer make your shift, please email me, or call as soon as possible. If you anticipate being late for a shift, please add the details and estimated arrival time in the comments section of the Doodle. Additional details are found on the doodle and I hope to see many of you there! You can sign up here: http://doodle.com/wrwhsfzps7ckvy36 Amanda -- Coordinator Bicycle Valet Winnipeg http://bicyclevaletwinnipeg.ca/ *Join Us on Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bicycle-Valet-Winnipeg/118463088183043> and Twitter <https://twitter.com/#%21/bicyclevaletwpg>

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WFP editorial: Safer cycling possible (Jun16'14)
by Beth McKechnie 16 Jun '14

16 Jun '14

Safer cycling possible http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/editorials/safer-cycling-possible-… The death of an elderly cyclist on his way to a football game last week has renewed the discussion about what needs to be done to make it safer for two-wheelers to travel safely within a city dominated by motor vehicles and unfriendly roads. As with most cities in North America, Winnipeg has made great strides in the last decade in recognizing the benefits of encouraging people to leave their cars at home and get on a bicycle or walk. Thousands of Winnipeggers, in fact, have joined the worldwide boom in bicycle traffic. According to a survey by the lobby group Bike Winnipeg, 10 per cent of respondents said the bicycle is their main form of transportation, while 46 per cent said they would like to cycle more often. Some 36 per cent said they are interested in bicycling more but are concerned about cycling on busy roads next to traffic. The city has built or dedicated hundreds of kilometres of bike lanes, paths and corridors, but of course it's not enough to meet the need or demand. There are still too many high-risk streets, intersections and underpasses that are not bike-friendly. Many motorists still act as if they own the road, while some cyclists ignore the rules of the road. It will be another 20 or 30 years before the city begins to achieve the level of service demanded by cyclists. That's the bottom line, but it doesn't mean nothing else can be done immediately to improve safety for everyone. The province, for example, said last year it was considering an amendment to the Highway Traffic Act that would require motorists to provide more room to cyclists, while also allowing them to ride further from the curb. The law currently says motorists must pass "at a safe distance," which is difficult to enforce because it is subject to interpretation. Some provinces require motorists to move into the other lane on narrow roads or if it is the only way to pass safely. Police also need to be more aggressive in enforcing the existing law, even if it is vague. There are too many examples of cars and trucks whizzing by cyclists at distances that are too close for comfort. Obviously, a legislative amendment that forced motorists to give at least one metre in separation would be easier to enforce. In terms of bike routes, the city and Bike Winnipeg have published maps that are also available online, but many cyclists are still not familiar with them. There is a designated bike path close to where the man was killed last week, for example, that allows cyclists to avoid the horrendously dangerous intersection of Pembina Highway and Bishop Grandin. The city can do a better job of posting signs. Currently, the bike route on Pembina disappears without a trace and without warning near the scene of the accident. The real issue, however, isn't about how to get to football games without risking life and limb, but about creating an alternative-transportation culture. People who have cycled in some European cities, for example, report the same problems with inadequate cycling infrastructure, but say motorists and cyclists display a civility that is not as evident here. They seem to be looking out for one another. The ongoing debate over the years in Winnipeg seems to have increased awareness and caution, but there is still a deficiency in respectful behaviour. Manitoba Public Insurance and other government agencies could help change that through public-awareness campaigns. Winnipeg is on its way to becoming a cycling city, winter and summer, but it will require a sustained commitment to the principle that alternative transportation is the new mantra. Editorials are the consensus view of the Winnipeg Free Press’ editorial board, comprising Catherine Mitchell, David O’Brien and Paul Samyn. Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 16, 2014 A8

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WFP: Spinning their wheels on safety - Cyclists on back burner with stadium: advocate (Jun14'14)
by Beth McKechnie 16 Jun '14

16 Jun '14

Spinning their wheels on safetyCyclists on back burner with stadium: advocate <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/> By: Geoff Kirbyson http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/spinning-their-wheels-on-safety-2631… A member of the event-day advisory committee at Investors Group Field said the death of a Winnipeg Blue Bombers fan on Tuesday was tragic but not surprising. Janice Lukes, the active-transportation representative on EDAC and a longtime cycling advocate, said with so many other issues to deal with at the stadium over the past 12 months -- parking, buses and construction problems -- cyclists have been on the back burner. Cyclist hurt in collision A man was transported to hospital in unstable condition Friday after a car-bike collision in East Kildonan. Police couldn't say exactly what happened, but confirmed they responded to a call around 1:15 p.m, where they located the man. Munroe Avenue between Gateway and Grey was closed after the incident, but has since reopened. Friday afternoon, police officers were interviewing a female driver of a sedan parked just in front of the mangled bike. The police let the woman leave the scene shortly after. The incident is the second in a week where a cyclist has been involved in a vehicle collision. On Monday night, 69-year-old Dick Stevenson died after he was struck by a vehicle while travelling on Pembina Highway on the way to a football game at Investors Group Field. "In the big picture, active transportation is never front and centre. We need leadership on this file," she said. The risks for cyclists were brought up at every EDAC meeting over the past year, she said, and while other members -- including representatives of the city, the University of Manitoba, the Bombers, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic department, Winnipeg Transit and residents who live near the football stadium -- agreed the risks were a problem, nobody seemed to know who had the ultimate responsibility for fixing them, she said. To prove stakeholders could act when they wanted to, Lukes cited the "million dollars worth of buses" that were activated to correct the many problems fans had getting to the Fort Garry stadium after the first game last year. The only thing that caught Lukes slightly off guard was that Dick Stevenson's cycling accident prior to Monday's exhibition game happened during daylight hours. Most of the committee's concerns surrounded what would happen after the final whistle had blown and cyclists, many of them inexperienced, headed home. "Some fans (who are driving) have had a few drinks. Many of these cyclists don't know to wear reflective colours or put lights on their bikes," she said. Bombers CEO Wade Miller said nothing is more important to the football club than fan safety. He left no doubt, however, about who should be driving the bus. "Which is why we have an official request into the City of Winnipeg to immediately address outstanding pedestrian and cycling concerns. We look forward to their leadership on this issue," he said. A spokeswoman for the city said active transportation is a top priority. To prove her point, she pointed to the $85 million the city has spent on it since 2008. A spokesman for the province said the Selinger government is also committed to providing opportunities for safe and convenient cycling in Winnipeg and across the province. Since 2000, he said, it has invested more than $40 million in active-transportation infrastructure and programs including developing the Trans-Canada Trail in communities throughout the province, developing trails along the floodway, supporting rapid transit as well as providing funding for more than 65 active-transportation projects in Winnipeg and 34 more in other communities. Other major projects to come in the government's five-year plan include an active-transportation overpass at the Perimeter Highway and Highway 59 and the redevelopment of the Pembina-Jubilee Underpass, which will include additional vehicle and bike lanes. Lukes said the city has been delinquent in reinstalling "bollards," which are 1.2-metre-high plastic posts with reflectors that delineate the bike lane between Chevrier Boulevard and Plaza Drive. "The city put them up last year, but they haven't put them up this year. We need leadership on the city's active-transportation file," she said. geoff.kirbyson(a)freepress.mb.ca Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 14, 2014 A4

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Fwd: Prevent Further Cycling Deaths
by Jackie Avent (ASRTS) 13 Jun '14

13 Jun '14

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Laura Donatelli <omojean98(a)hotmail.com> Date: Fri, Jun 13, 2014 at 3:21 PM Subject: Prevent Further Cycling Deaths To: Laura Donatelli <omojean98(a)hotmail.com> Hi Friends, As a part of Bike Winnipeg week, this coming Monday evening (June 16th), cyclists across Winnipeg are encouraged to come together at MTYP (The Forks) to identify the most critical areas for cycling improvement needed in Winnipeg. Let's try to prevent further cycling deaths in our city. Please spread the word amongst other cyclists and those who care about them. Thanks, Laura Donatelli -- *Jackie Avent* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 *|* 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/become-a-member/>

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AT Webinar: Calming Arterial Streets for Safer Walking and Cycling, Wed, Jun 18, 2-3pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 13 Jun '14

13 Jun '14

Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg invite you to join us for a local viewing of the following APBP webinar at the EcoCentre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave). This will be followed by group discussion of local applications. A particularly timely topic for Winnipeg plus it's during Bike Week! RSVPs appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then. cheers, Beth (204) 925-3772 ** * * * ** *Calming Arterial Streets for Safer Walking and Cycling* <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/> *Wednesday, June 18th, 2014 | 2:00-3:00 pm Central* High-volume, high-speed arterials present special challenges for taming traffic. Conventional transportation thinking about arterials prioritizes moving large numbers of vehicles at high speed over long distances, even if those roadways run through the heart of a city. This thinking ignores the historical purpose of cities—to minimize distance and provide productive venues for economic and social exchange. Join this webinar to learn how cities are beginning to rethink their priorities for arterial streets, and what this means for planning for safer roads that also contribute to a city’s economic vitality. Ian Lockwood, Livable Transportation Engineer at Toole Design Group and a 2011 Harvard School of Design Loeb Fellow, challenges attendees to reconsider the connections between the economic role of cities, place-making, mobility and great city streets. His presentation describes the evolution of arterial streets, discusses the concept of mobility as improving population movement for economic and social exchange, and suggests an alternative, context-sensitive framework for measuring arterial performance. Specific projects highlight cities that are rethinking their arterials and the role of traffic calming measures used as strategies to improve mobility. *Presenter*: Ian Lockwood, Livable Transportation Engineer, Toole Design Group

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WFP: Bicycle safety on the road is a two-way street (Jun13'14)
by Beth McKechnie 13 Jun '14

13 Jun '14

Bicycle safety on the road is a two-way street http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/bicycle-safety-on-the-road-is-a-two-… Bicycles and vehicles share the road, so Manitoba Public Insurance wants to remind everyone a little care and concern from both goes a long way. MPI spokeswoman MaryAnn Kempe said cyclists can be proactive by understanding the dangers of vehicle blind spots and how they can avoid a collision. "Turning and side-swipe collisions are two of the most common collisions involving cyclists, according to claims data," Kempe, the vice-president of business development and communications and chief product officer for MPI, said in a press release. "Maintaining visibility is vital to preventing these types of collisions -- especially when it comes to large vehicles. If cyclists and motorists can see each other, then these types of collisions could be avoided. From a cyclist's perspective, if you cannot see the driver from where you are on the road, then you also need to assume that they cannot see you." In the statement, Sgt. Rob Riffel of the Winnipeg Police Service encouraged cyclists to ride defensively and recognize potentially dangerous situations. "Motorists and cyclists are both entitled to be on the roadways. There should be a mutual respect for both groups," Riffel stated. Claims data released by MPI show three Manitobans are killed and 250 others are injured each year in bicycle collisions. There was also an average of 269 bicycle-motor vehicle collisions reported from 2007-2011, with the majority (98.4 per cent) occurring in urban centres. Dave Elmore, CAN-Bike master instructor and former director of safety and education for Bike Winnipeg, said a defensive strategy for cyclists when approaching an intersection is to always shoulder check and signal before moving into the centre of the lane. Under no circumstance should a bike rider pass motor vehicles on the right or position themselves to the right of vehicles at an intersection, Elmore said. Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 13, 2014 A5

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WFP: Cycling to Bombers field takes a Hail Mary or two (Jun13'14)
by Beth McKechnie 13 Jun '14

13 Jun '14

Cycling to Bombers field takes a Hail Mary or two By: Geoff Kirbyson See accompanying video at: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/cycling-to-bombers-field-takes-a-hai… Riding your bicycle down Pembina Highway to Investors Group Field is a bit of a Hail Mary. Traffic congestion in south Winnipeg before and after Winnipeg Blue Bombers games has been a bone of contention even before the new stadium opened last year. The issue reached a critical stage after 69-year-old Dick Stevenson was hit by a vehicle while riding his bike to Monday's exhibition game against the Toronto Argonauts and died the next morning. But if the city and the football club want fans to seriously consider two-wheeled transportation to the University of Manitoba campus, some changes must be made as soon as possible so cyclists can make the commute safely, particularly after games when it's dark. To get an idea of what the trip is like, I strapped a Go-Pro camera to my bike helmet and set off down Pembina from McGillivray Boulevard early Thursday afternoon. I'm an experienced cyclist, but I purposely avoid roadways such as this. The traffic is constant, even when it's not rush hour, and there's not a lot of room out there. For the first kilometre or two, I'm sharing the curb lane with SUVs, pickup trucks and the odd compact car. I relax a little when I hit Chevrier Boulevard and the road opens up to a dedicated bike lane. There are a few mini-detours where the path takes me up on to the sidewalk -- usually around bus stops -- for a few metres at a time, and at this point, I think the ride isn't too bad. But then I hit Plaza Drive, just north of Bishop Grandin, and everything stopped. The bike lane ends abruptly, and there's no signage or arrows directing me where to go. I think of Mr. Stevenson as I hug the curb once again with vehicles whizzing past me because this is where he was struck. But the route gets even more treacherous as I reach the westbound Bishop Grandin turnoff. Even if I wanted to keep going straight, I'd have to battle for position with vehicles making the turn. Instead, I opt for the sidewalk crossing and make my way across the bridge via the pedestrian overpass. There was only one woman walking ahead of me, but I can imagine it would jammed before Bomber games. Making my way on to University Crescent, there is, again, no dedicated bike lane, but there's a decent shoulder to ride on, although there's still a fair amount of sand and grime I would have expected to have been picked up by street cleaners in the spring. Finally, I arrive at my destination. Would it be worth it to ride to a football game? Probably. I'd make sure to leave super early to avoid the worst of the crush. I'd probably say a Hail Mary once or twice, too. geoff.kirbyson(a)freepress.mb.ca Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 13, 2014 A5

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WFP: Area's hazard won't change soon - Safer path at site of tragedy years away (Jun13'14)
by Beth McKechnie 13 Jun '14

13 Jun '14

Area's hazard won't change soonSafer path at site of tragedy years away <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/> By: Mary Agnes Welch http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/areas-hazard-wont-change-soon-262987… It's one of the most intimidating stretches for cyclists, and it could be a decade or more before any significant bike infrastructure is built there. Pembina Highway and Bishop Grandin, where a Winnipeg Blue Bomber fan was killed while cycling to Monday night's exhibition game, is about to be bracketed by a buffered bike path local cyclists love. The Pembina bike lane north of Bishop Grandin was built last summer, and crews are working now on a short stretch south of the eight-lane overpass. But the overpass itself is widely seen as among the worst spots for cyclists, thanks largely to many merge lanes, several driveways and the sheer speed and volume of cars. But a truly separated bike path next to the proposed bus rapid transit line along the nearby Letellier rail line is still at least six years away from completion, assuming federal infrastructure cash can be secured for the southwest rapid transit corridor that city council debates endlessly. And the construction of a buffered bike lane along the full length of Pembina Highway is part of the city's draft cycling master plan. But that's a 20-year project, and city transportation staff could offer no word Thursday when capital funding might be available or where Pembina Highway might fall on the spending priority list. The active transportation master plan goes to council for approval later this year. To avoid the Bishop Grandin-Pembina intersection and get to the University of Manitoba, the city recommends a bike detour east along Plaza Drive and following the Red River through the back campus. But that route is not well-known to cyclists. The intersection is under the cycling spotlight, but Bike Winnipeg's Mark Cohoe says there are many others in the city that are no-go areas for many bikers. Those include Main Street at the Higgins underpass, Confusion Corner and the Osborne Street underpass, and Main Street at Broadway, where long left-turn lanes see cars stacked up and often in conflict with pedestrians and cyclists. Winnipeg bike enthusiasts have many tales of crashes and close calls along Pembina, but collision experts with the Winnipeg police have investigated at least two serious ones in recent years. In June of 2011, a 52-year-old woman died when her bike was struck by a 23-year-old driving a Lexus on Pembina near Dalhousie Drive. A couple of weeks later, a 24-year-old man cycling on Pembina near Chancellor Matheson Drive was also badly hurt when he was struck by a vehicle. [Note: See graph of cyclist fatalities 2004-2013 at http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/areas-hazard-wont-change-soon-262987… ] Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 13, 2014 A4

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