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Metro News: Forum on fast tracking bike well attended, but now what? (Oct.20'16)
by Beth McKechnie 20 Oct '16

20 Oct '16

Forum on fast tracking bike network well attended, but now what?Winnipeggers have expressed an appetite for a fast-tracked minimum grid installation in downtown, but there's still work to do before it can happen. http://www.metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/2016/10/19/winnipeg-hungry-for-bike-n… A group of Winnipeg cyclists, politicians and students are keen to see the wheels in motion for a bike grid in Winnipeg. But following a public forum on “fast tracking <http://www.metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/2016/10/13/winnipeg-forum-planned-for…>” a complete bike lane network in Winnipeg on Tuesday, the question remains: Now what? Spoiler alert: there could be more consultations. More than 150 people at the forum heard from a panel well acquainted with the successful application of that style project in Calgary, and another underway in Edmonton, and liked what they heard. “There wasn’t a moment that made me think it wasn’t applicable (in Winnipeg),” said urban design student Zach Fleischer. “To see the other cities stepping up to the plate, it’s really inspiring, and it gives me hope we can start to move forward.” The Green Action Centre’s safe routes to school program coordinator Jamie Hilland, who admits he’s biased in terms of wanting protected bike lanes, said he found the number of attendees “eye opening.” “(Attendance) was impressive, it was literally standing room only. You can really tell there is a pent-up demand for this kind of thing,” he said. The demand hasn’t gone unnoticed with municipal leaders. Councillor Cindy Gilroy, who attended the forum, said she appreciated the panel and learning “how (other cities) moved forward with a grid,” adding she’s, “open to having a conversation now about what (Winnipeg) can do.” She thinks it’s the right time to have that conversation, as “more and more people become engaged.” “A few years back that room (Tuesday) wouldn’t have been as packed, but people are starting to cycle more,” she said. “I think we need to talk to that community… if they feel we could start a project while having some temporary infrastructure put in that could become permanent, I’m all for that.” Her colleague, Coun. Marty Morantz, is similarly interested in pacing the bike network expansion to allow for more consultation—whereas the forum’s organizer and lead bike-booster Coun. Janice Lukes is steering the fast-track wagon. Morantz wasn’t at the public forum, but during a debate on impact fees at City Hall on Wednesday he highlighted the contradiction in Lukes wanting to take more time to study the fees while trying to hurry in another “major policy area.” “A downtown cycling grid is very important. I just really hope that it doesn’t get rushed through,” Morantz said. Lukes, for her part, doesn’t disagree, and her next steps are in line with what Morantz and Gilroy are thinking. “What’s next? We go to the next phase,” Lukes said. “I’ll make a motion to ask the department what amount of consultation it would take to understand this better… get some cost estimates, some scheduling estimates, that’s my intent.” Depending how long it takes for city staff to answer those and other questions in a full report, Lukes said consultation could probably happen within the next year, something she’s excited about. “I absolutely want to keep moving forward on this,” she said. “Ultimately council will decide.”

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Cyclist says his pool noodle makes Toronto streets safer for him
by Beth McKechnie 18 Oct '16

18 Oct '16

Not sure if this should make us laugh at this fellow's ingenuity or shake our heads that our streets push someone to this measure. Shows what lengths people will go to in order to be a little safer on their bikes. https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/10/18/cyclist-says-his-pool-noodle-ma… -- *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 green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/>

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Webinar reminder: Intersections that Work for Peds and Cyclists - Wed, Oct 19, 2-3pm
by Beth McKechnie 18 Oct '16

18 Oct '16

*** Friendly reminder about tomorrow's webinar *** Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg invite you to join us for a local viewing of this month's APBP <http://www.apbp.org/> webinar. The webinar viewing takes place in the EcoCentre boardroom (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) and will be followed by group discussion of local applications. RSVPs appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth * * * * * *Intersections that Work for Pedestrians and CyclistsWednesday, October 19 | 2:00 - 3:00 pm CST * Intersections present the greatest safety risk for vulnerable road users and are the point of greatest potential conflict. The Dutch approach to intersection design of separating modes and increasing sociability through eye contact presents an opportunity for significant safety improvements to transportation networks while meeting operational demands. This webinar will evaluate the safety issues for pedestrians and cyclists that lie in traditional intersection designs, as well as identify the principal elements involved in protected intersection design and explore their role in increasing safety. In addition, case studies of safety improvements from both Dutch and North American contexts where protected intersection designs have been implemented will be discussed. *Speakers:* - Dick Van Veen, Senior Consultant / Lead Designer Public Space, Mobycon - Brian Gould, Bike Planning Engineer, City of 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 green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/>

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Bike lanes are a sound health investment
by Beth McKechnie 18 Oct '16

18 Oct '16

Every $1,300 New York City invested in building bike lanes in 2015 provided benefits equivalent to one additional year of life at full health over the lifetime of all city residents, according to a new economic assessment. That's a better return on investment than some direct health treatments, like dialysis, which costs $129,000 for one quality-adjusted life year, or QALY, said coauthor Dr. Babak Mohit of the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University in New York. Our greatest public health intervention, vaccines, take about $100 investment to yield one QALY, Mohit told Reuters Health by phone. Read full article: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2016/09/29/bike-lanes-are-sound-public-health…

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Edmonton's quick build protected bike lane grid a new model
by Beth McKechnie 14 Oct '16

14 Oct '16

In preparation for Tuesday night's forum <http://janicelukes.ca/blog/forum-fast-tracking-a-downtown-cycling-grid-calg…> at the Millennium Library on a protected bike lane grid in downtown Winnipeg, here's a succinct description of Edmonton's planned approach. (Note that it received unanimous approval from council.) http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entry/edmontons-quick-build-protected-bi… -- *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 green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/>

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Good Canadian article as to the safety of cycling for kids
by Jamie Hilland 14 Oct '16

14 Oct '16

http://shifter.info/why-are-we-so-afraid-of-letting-kids-ride-bikes-when-st… Jamie Hilland | Program Manager Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue | (204) 925-3773 | Find us here *Please note I am away from the office Thursdays and Fridays* Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member. Donate at CanadaHelps.org

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Fast-tracking a Downtown Cycling Grid Forum - Oct 18, Millennium Library
by Beth McKechnie 12 Oct '16

12 Oct '16

*Public INVITATION: Fast tracking a Downtown Cycling Grid* What's up in Winnipeg? Find out on Oct 18! *Tuesday, October 18, 2016* *6:30 pm Registration* *7:00 pm SHARP – Forum begins* *Millennium Library, 215 Donald Street – Carol Shields Auditorium* More details at: http://janicelukes.ca/blog/forum-fast-tracking-a-downtown-cycling-grid-calg…

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Webinar invite: Intersections that Work for Peds and Cyclists - Wed, Oct 19, 2-3pm
by Beth McKechnie 12 Oct '16

12 Oct '16

Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg invite you to join us for a local viewing of this month's APBP webinar. The webinar viewing takes place in the EcoCentre boardroom (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) and will be followed by group discussion of local applications. RSVPs appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth * * * * * *Intersections that Work for Pedestrians and CyclistsWednesday, October 19 | 2:00 - 3:00 pm CST * Intersections present the greatest safety risk for vulnerable road users and are the point of greatest potential conflict. The Dutch approach to intersection design of separating modes and increasing sociability through eye contact presents an opportunity for significant safety improvements to transportation networks while meeting operational demands. This webinar will evaluate the safety issues for pedestrians and cyclists that lie in traditional intersection designs, as well as identify the principal elements involved in protected intersection design and explore their role in increasing safety. In addition, case studies of safety improvements from both Dutch and North American contexts where protected intersection designs have been implemented will be discussed. *Speakers:* - Dick Van Veen, Senior Consultant / Lead Designer Public Space, Mobycon - Brian Gould, Bike Planning Engineer, City of 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 green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/>

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WFP Analysis: Pilot projects going permanent (Oct.11'16
by Beth McKechnie 12 Oct '16

12 Oct '16

Pilot projects going permanent By: Brent Bellamy http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/pilot-projects-going-perm… Resistance to change is a natural human condition. We feel security in what is familiar and see risk in what is unknown. As cities grow and progress, this inertia can be a difficult obstacle for planners, developers and political leaders trying to implement new ideas. When change threatens to alter familiar, established patterns in a community, opposition galvanizes, and decision-makers face the uphill challenge of articulating the goals and benefits of new proposals in an effort to alleviate neighbourhood concerns. Cities across North America are looking for new ways to engage in this dialogue and inspire a greater feeling of public inclusion in the decision-making process. In some cases, cities are implementing short-term pilot projects as a method of testing ideas and building community support. Pilot projects allow residents to observe the real-world effects of an idea, fundamentally changing the nature of public outreach. Traditional open house-type consultation offers case studies from other cities, academic theory and glossy renderings that often do little to change attitudes and preconceptions. By implementing smaller-scale pilot projects, the starting point for public engagement is shifted from a hypothetical description to a discussion about an observed experience. The lower cost and flexibility of pilot projects often means designers can very quickly implement substantial change in a city, evaluate performance, react to public feedback and easily modify or remove components before a permanent solution is implemented. These temporary projects often face less public resistance because the impact of failure is perceived to be lower. A successful example of this will soon come to an end in Calgary. In April 2014, the city decided to create a temporary 6.5-kilometre-long protected bike-lane network throughout the downtown. The argument was made that a minimum grid needed to be established to realize an impact on cycling participation. Constructed using moveable planters, precast parking curbs and plastic bollards, the system opened in June of that same year. To evaluate the effects, a record of 82 different metrics has been kept, including participation rates, percentage of female riders and impact on traffic congestion. Fourteen months later, a celebration was held for the one millionth rider to pass one of the counting stops and surveys have shown the number of bike commuters into the downtown has doubled since the network was built. Public acceptance of the lanes has substantially increased, and the city is now preparing to make the system permanent and is even looking for ways to expand. Last week, the City of Edmonton decided to follow Calgary’s lead and build its own seven-kilometre-long downtown cycling network next spring. Compare this to Winnipeg’s piecemeal approach, where a 1.5-kilometre-long permanent protected bike lane on a single downtown road began public consultation in 2015 and will not experience its first full summer season until 2019. At that pace, it will be far more than a decade until we achieve the minimum effective network Edmonton will establish in two months. Having seen the effects of the pilot project, initial fears in Calgary have largely been overcome, meaning further expansion of cycling infrastructure will likely meet with less resistance moving forward. In Winnipeg, each new lane will continue to face opposition because their effect cannot be fully evaluated until the network is complete. There are many other pilot projects Winnipeg could borrow from other cities to test designs and gauge public reaction. During the last election, Mayor Bowman mused about creating a pedestrian promenade in the Exchange District. Last year, Montreal created five different temporary pedestrian mall pilot projects across the city to observe how they would work and evaluate their impacts. The City of Montrose, Col., recently implemented temporary diagonal parking stalls, much like those Coun. Pagtakhan is currently proposing for downtown Winnipeg. One of the city’s most contentious urban planning issues, the opening of Portage and Main to pedestrians, might also achieve greater public acceptance through a pilot-project strategy. This approach could allow Winnipeggers the opportunity to experience the benefits of a vibrant public space at the heart of their city, while planners and engineers could observe the real-world consequences of their designs, responding to public fears of congestion and safety before a final scheme is implemented. A relevant precedent study for this would be from New York City where, in 2009, five blocks of Broadway, including three of the seven vehicle lanes running through Times Square, were closed and transformed into a series of public plazas for a one-year test period. The asphalt was painted red, seating areas were delineated by planters and the spaces were filled with lawn chairs, moveable tables, umbrellas and public art. Concerts and events were held, allowing people to imagine the possibilities of what a new public space could become. After the year, predictions of stifling traffic congestion and fears for public safety were alleviated, and community support for the project went from 40 per cent to 75 per cent. Today, the public plazas are becoming a permanent centrepiece of the Manhattan cityscape. As we move forward in our community, we might learn from the experience of other cities and consider implementing pilot projects such as these, as a strategy to ensure effective investment in key urban design initiatives and encourage a more informed public dialogue. *Brent Bellamy is chairman of CentreVenture’s board and the creative director at Number Ten Architectural Group.*

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International Walk to School Month
by Jamie Hilland 05 Oct '16

05 Oct '16

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/international-walk-to-school-month-b… Hopefully the city and province start making efforts to make the streets safer for kids to walk or bike to school! *Jamie Hilland* | *Program Manager* *Active and Safe Routes to School* Active kids are Healthy kids <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-377 <%28204%29%20925-3770>3 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/>

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