- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

WFP: City plans improvements to walking, cycling paths (May2'15)
by Beth McKechnie 04 May '15

04 May '15

Other local media coverage of the Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/active-transportation-gets-a-leg-up-… http://www.cjob.com/2015/05/02/winnipeg-making-strides-to-modernize-city-st… http://www.winnipegsun.com/2015/05/02/cyclists-continue-drive-for-better-ac… * * * * * City plans improvements to walking, cycling paths http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/City-plans-improvements-to-walking-c… CITY officials are attempting to encourage Winnipeggers to get active with an extensive document that maps out a $330-million, 20-year plan to increase cycling and walking in the city. "The City needs a road map to prioritize active transportation infrastructure, programs and policy to support a growing and dynamic city," Kevin Nixon, the city's active transportation co-ordinator, said in a news release. The city's 356-page Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies guideline outlines the city's short- and long-term goals for walking and cycling in Winnipeg, and provides the framework for its 20-year plan. Public works chair Coun. Janice Lukes is happy the city finally has a plan. "It is a plan; it is not a random approach. We are identifying key connections, we have brought extensive data to make extremely informed decisions on how we invest our funding, and we don't have a ton of funding, so we have to be extremely strategic on how we invest it," the St. Norbert councillor said, noting the latest report is a comparable document to the city's Master Transportation Plan, which guides road investments. "This brings us up to speed with cities around North America and Europe." It outlines several barriers the city needs to address in order to support this plan, including increased sidewalk snow removal and better connectivity for bicycle paths. The cost to implement the Pedestrian and Cycling Strategy is pegged at about $334 million over the next 20 years, a cost Lukes notes is about 10 per cent of what the city plans to spend on roads. It will also require approximately $3.7 million annually to support infrastructure improvements needed in tandem with the strategy. The strategy calls for improving the convenience of cycling by providing parking for bikes to encourage cyclists to bike to work. The plan also cites the need to improve maintenance of the city's sidewalks and bicycle networks. In this year's capital budget, $250,000 was set aside for new regional sidewalks, as well as $150,000 for new non-regional sidewalks, $1 million for recreational walkways and bike paths, plus $1 million for bicycle corridors. For 2015, the public service has outlined a series of proposed new sidewalks, bike paths and multi-use active-transportation paths, such as a $1.29-million bike path for Chancellor Matheson Pathway to connect Investors Group Field and Pembina Highway. The report outlining the strategies will be first considered by public works committee on May 5, before heading to council for approval. kristin.annable(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Mobilizing Knowledge for Active Transportation (MKAT) Project update
by Beth McKechnie 04 May '15

04 May '15

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Dawn Sheppard <dawn.sheppard(a)phac-aspc.gc.ca> Date: Mon, May 4, 2015 at 8:50 AM Hello All, I am writing to share an update with you about the *Mobilizing Knowledge for Active Transportation (MKAT) *Project. MKAT was started in 2013 as a way to strengthen evidence-informed Active Transportation (AT) work across Canada. Despite this being an area of growing policy and program development, evidence sharing and learning mechanisms were lacking across Canada in the area of healthy built environments, and AT in particular. In response to this, and as a way to advance the Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention's (CCDP) commitment to healthy living and physical activity, the project was launched. Over the last two years, MKAT has undergone a number of phases including research, development and sharing of knowledge products and identifying further actions to advance active transportation. Content experts representing a variety of sectors have provided input and advice over the course of the project. We wanted to share the products that have been developed and disseminated during the project (attached below). This includes two scans and the resulting brief knowledge products, in addition to a series of webinars that were delivered over the last year by ACT Canada to highlight developments and learning about provincial AT efforts. A primer on evaluating AT initiatives has recently been developed and will be shared with you at a later date. We also wanted to let you know that, as a result of recent changes within our Centre, the MKAT project will not be continuing in its current form. However, the issue of active transportation and built environment will continue to be addressed by the Centre. For example, our Surveillance Division is in the process of modernizing its physical activity surveillance system based on new, emerging research and data sources and plans to report regularly on active transportation levels of Canadian adults, youth and children in the future. In addition, there are opportunities through the Multi-sectoral Partnerships to Promote Healthy Living and Prevent Chronic Disease fund to pursue targeted interventions focused on innovative, integrated approaches that promote healthy living, prevent chronic disease and address common risk factors. Please visit this link for details: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/fo-fc/mspphl-pppmvs-eng.php. We are grateful to all those who contributed to this project and we hope that you will keep in touch regarding your active transportation news and developments. Should you have any further questions, please contact us directly. Thank you and all the best, Dawn, Kerry and Pam *Attachments:* Mobilizing Knowledge for Active Transportation Scan: of Provincial/Territorial Policies, Strategies and Approaches completed by Opus International Consultants (Canada) Limited (Please note that these scan are meant to inform your own AT work and are not meant to be shared outside of your organization) *(See attached file: MKAT Opus Scan - Final Draft Jan 2015.docx)* Mobilizing Knowledge for Active Transportation: Scan of Regional-level and NGO Perspectives completed by Wellspring Strategies (Please note that these scan are meant to inform your own AT work and are not meant to be shared outside of your organization) *(See attached file: MKAT Wellspring Scan.Final Draft. Jan 2015.docx)* Mobilizing Knowledge for Active Transportation: Project Briefing and Highlight Sheets developed by Noxon Associates - http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-ps/hl-mvs/pa-ap/mobil-transport-eng.php Ideas in Motion: Mobilizing Knowledge for Active Transportation Webinars developed in conjunction with ACT Canada - - http://www.actcanada.com/events/webinars Dawn Sheppard Senior Policy Analyst Public Health Agency of Canada 785 Carling Avenue, PL 6807B Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9 Ph: 613-946-6442 Fax: 613-941-2633 dawn_sheppard(a)phac-aspc.gc.ca

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2015 projects also online.
by Anders Swanson 01 May '15

01 May '15

Please also note that, in the midst of the hoopla about the strategies, there is also the matter of the projects being done in 2015. See agenda item 15 here. <https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=808847135865501&id=771955…>

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Fwd: City of Winnipeg News Release – City takes first step in long-term commitment to support and encourage walking and cycling in Winnipeg
by Anders Swanson 01 May '15

01 May '15

They are out! Could this be a turning point? *The City of Winnipeg Pedestrian/Cycling Strategies are posted online: WalkBike.Winnipeg.ca <http://walkbike.winnipeg.ca/>. * The strategies will now be considered by Council. This is going to the Public Works standing policy committee on Tuesday. <http://clkapps.winnipeg.ca/dmis/ViewDoc.asp?DocId=14318&SectionId=&InitUrl=> If you would like to get involved, there are details on how to do that on this Facebook post <https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=808847135865501&id=771955…> . Full version of City of Winnipeg press release below. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Hello, Please see the below media release related to the Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies. Thank-you for working with us and for your contributions on this exciting project. The City is looking forward to continuing to work collaboratively with stakeholders as we develop and shape our City to provide transportation choices that are safe, convenient, accessible, and attractive to citizens of all ages and abilities. Best Regards, Scott [image: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: cid:image002.jpg@01CDEF0F.40CC9670] For Immediate Release Friday, May 1, 2015 *City takes first step in long-term commitment to support and encourage walking and cycling in Winnipeg* *Pedestrian Cycling Strategies to serve as roadmap to make walking and cycling safer, more convenient, accessible, and attractive to citizens* *Winnipeg, MB *– The City is taking a first step in a long-term commitment to support and encourage walking and cycling in Winnipeg. The public service is seeking Council approval for the Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies, a policy document which will serve as a roadmap for civic investments into infrastructure and active transportation support programs in order to make walking and cycling safer, more convenient, accessible, and attractive to citizens. Encouraging walking and cycling creates countless community benefits. Providing greater access and options for walking and cycling will lead to improved health, increased personal mobility, more liveable and socially active communities, and reduced impacts on the environment and our climate. “This project aims to improve the quality of life for all Winnipeggers,” said Kevin Nixon, Active Transportation Coordinator. “The City needs a roadmap to prioritize active transportation infrastructure, programs, and policy to support a growing and dynamic City. It is evident that providing safe, convenient, accessible and well maintained pedestrian and cycling infrastructure is important to most Winnipeggers.” A key component in the development of the Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies planning has been public engagement. The City heard directly from thousands of Winnipeggers throughout the process through online and telephone surveys, public open houses, stakeholder meetings and a workshop, and through the project website. This feedback was instrumental in developing the recommendations and plans in the Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies. Included in this plan are a series of short, medium and long-term strategies which focus on: · *Improving connectivity*, including expanding the bicycle network, expanding and enhancing the sidewalk network, and addressing barriers to connectivity. · *Improving convenience* to using active transportation by providing bicycle parking and end-of-trip facilities and increasing and improving multi-modal connections. · *Improving safety and accessibility* by providing accessible infrastructure, including improving pedestrian and cycling crossings, developing safe routes to school, and providing well-lit, visible facilities for pedestrians and cyclists to use. · *Improving maintenance* for the bicycle and sidewalk networks. · *Improving vibrancy* of our public spaces by enhancing streetscapes, land development and site design. · *Increasing awareness* by offering enhanced way-finding, signage and trip planning and improving education and awareness on the benefits of active transportation. The full cost to implement the strategies is estimated to be approximately $330 million over the next 20 years. However, consideration will be given to these strategies in the yearly budgeting process and the use of funds for specific projects and programs will be approved by Council on a yearly basis through the Pedestrian and Cycling Action Plan. These strategies will also be implemented in existing road renewal programs, development projects and major capital projects. The Strategies will be a living document and will require continuous monitoring of the implementation actions and continued collaboration with stakeholders. A report <http://clkapps.winnipeg.ca/dmis/ViewDoc.asp?DocId=14318&SectionId=&InitUrl=> outlining the strategies will be first considered by the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works on May 5. -30- Media inquiries should be directed to the City of Winnipeg Media Inquiry Line at 204-986-6000 or via email at City-MediaInquiry(a)winnipeg.ca. Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/cityofwinnipeg <http://www.facebook.com/cityofwinnipeg> Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/cityofwinnipeg <http://www.twitter.com/cityofwinnipeg>

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City of Winnipeg News Release – City takes first step in long-term commitment to support and encourage walking and cycling in Winnipeg
by Beth McKechnie 01 May '15

01 May '15

[image: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: cid:image002.jpg@01CDEF0F.40CC9670] For Immediate Release Friday, May 1, 2015 *City takes first step in long-term commitment to support and encourage walking and cycling in Winnipeg* *Pedestrian Cycling Strategies to serve as roadmap to make walking and cycling safer, more convenient, accessible, and attractive to citizens* *Winnipeg, MB *– The City is taking a first step in a long-term commitment to support and encourage walking and cycling in Winnipeg. The public service is seeking Council approval for the Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies, a policy document which will serve as a roadmap for civic investments into infrastructure and active transportation support programs in order to make walking and cycling safer, more convenient, accessible, and attractive to citizens. Encouraging walking and cycling creates countless community benefits. Providing greater access and options for walking and cycling will lead to improved health, increased personal mobility, more liveable and socially active communities, and reduced impacts on the environment and our climate. “This project aims to improve the quality of life for all Winnipeggers,” said Kevin Nixon, Active Transportation Coordinator. “The City needs a roadmap to prioritize active transportation infrastructure, programs, and policy to support a growing and dynamic City. It is evident that providing safe, convenient, accessible and well maintained pedestrian and cycling infrastructure is important to most Winnipeggers.” A key component in the development of the Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies planning has been public engagement. The City heard directly from thousands of Winnipeggers throughout the process through online and telephone surveys, public open houses, stakeholder meetings and a workshop, and through the project website. This feedback was instrumental in developing the recommendations and plans in the Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies. Included in this plan are a series of short, medium and long-term strategies which focus on: · *Improving connectivity*, including expanding the bicycle network, expanding and enhancing the sidewalk network, and addressing barriers to connectivity. · *Improving convenience* to using active transportation by providing bicycle parking and end-of-trip facilities and increasing and improving multi-modal connections. · *Improving safety and accessibility* by providing accessible infrastructure, including improving pedestrian and cycling crossings, developing safe routes to school, and providing well-lit, visible facilities for pedestrians and cyclists to use. · *Improving maintenance* for the bicycle and sidewalk networks. · *Improving vibrancy* of our public spaces by enhancing streetscapes, land development and site design. · *Increasing awareness* by offering enhanced way-finding, signage and trip planning and improving education and awareness on the benefits of active transportation. The full cost to implement the strategies is estimated to be approximately $330 million over the next 20 years. However, consideration will be given to these strategies in the yearly budgeting process and the use of funds for specific projects and programs will be approved by Council on a yearly basis through the Pedestrian and Cycling Action Plan. These strategies will also be implemented in existing road renewal programs, development projects and major capital projects. The Strategies will be a living document and will require continuous monitoring of the implementation actions and continued collaboration with stakeholders. A report <http://clkapps.winnipeg.ca/dmis/ViewDoc.asp?DocId=14318&SectionId=&InitUrl=> outlining the strategies will be first considered by the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works on May 5. -30- Media inquiries should be directed to the City of Winnipeg Media Inquiry Line at 204-986-6000 or via email at City-MediaInquiry(a)winnipeg.ca. Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/cityofwinnipeg <http://www.facebook.com/cityofwinnipeg> Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/cityofwinnipeg <http://www.twitter.com/cityofwinnipeg>

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WFP: No to through-pass traffic (Apr.30'15)
by Beth McKechnie 01 May '15

01 May '15

City hall in brief Posted: 04/30/2015 http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/city-hall-in-brief-301789591.html No to through-pass traffic CITY council has unanimously voted to reject traffic entering Winnipeg via a planned through-pass in East St. Paul. North Kildonan Coun. Jeff Browaty has been one of the project's biggest opponents because of the influx of traffic it would allow to flow into Winnipeg. "There is no support now or forever for the idea of having general traffic use the Raleigh corridor," he said Wednesday at council. "The streets were not designed to handle this kind of traffic." The new interchange was announced by the province in September, to be constructed at Highway 59 and the north Perimeter. Part of the project would see the Perimeter elevated to accommodate a grade-level extension of Raleigh Street, connecting both sides of the RM of East St. Paul. The city administration joined Browaty this month in voicing concern over the proposed traffic link's impact on road congestion. The motion adopted on Wednesday called for council not to support the accommodation of general traffic entering Winnipeg from East St. Paul via the through-pass. In the province's original plan, the through-pass was intended for pedestrians, active transportation and emergency-vehicle access. In November, however, the province raised the possibility of opening the through-pass to vehicle traffic, a proposal since endorsed by the RM. "What we are saying is that what is being built, we don't have any consideration for it being open to vehicular traffic," Browaty said after the meeting. "The RM can build what they see fit, but what we are saying is we are not supporting the idea of opening it up to vehicular traffic through this tunnel." Public works chairwoman Coun. Janice Lukes brought forth an add-on to the motion, which called for public transit to be accommodated via the through-pass. Browaty, a longtime opponent of bus rapid transit, called the motion offensive and later remarked "it feels like this council will vote for anything that has rapid transit in its title." Browaty and St. Charles Coun. Shawn Dobson were the only councillors who voted in opposition to the add-on to the motion.

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New study: People who walk, cycle or take transit a third less likely to be obese
by Beth McKechnie 30 Apr '15

30 Apr '15

*People who walk, cycle or take transit a third less likely to be obese: study* by ALISON BAILEY <http://www.news1130.com/author/alison-bailey> Posted Apr 29, 2015 9:34 am PDT http://www.news1130.com/2015/04/29/people-who-walk-cycle-or-take-transit-a-… VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – If you walk, cycle, or take transit, chances are, you’re healthier than your friends who drive every day. Those are the results of a new study <https://www.myhealthmycommunity.org/Portals/0/Documents/MHMC%20Transportati…> that comes just one month before ballots have to be in for the transportation plebiscite. People who choose to walk, cycle, or take transit are 33 per cent less likely to be obese than those who are dependent on their cars, says Dr. Jat Sandhu with Vancouver Coastal Health. He adds they also are likely to have more positive lifestyle habits. “And these lifestyle attributes [are] characterized by eating five or more servings of fruit and vegetables a day, having 30 minutes of walking a day, meeting their 150 minutes of exercise a week, as well as not smoking.” There was a difference in level of connection to the community, as well. “Those car users with longer commute times had a much lower sense of community belonging, and that’s a proxy marker for your social connectedness to your community as well as your social connections around you. So, really, the message here is that there are clear positive health dividends for those that participate in active transportation, whereas for car users with long commutes, there’s a downside in relation to how well connected they are to their community,” says Sandhu. This study began in 2013 and the data was collected over a year. About 28,000 people took part in the study, which is part of a larger project called My Health, My Community. Sandhu is the principal investigator of that project. “This is part of our broader work around healthy communities. Across both VCH and Fraser Health, there are in excess of 30 municipalities that we work with and we’re working with local governments to develop official community plans to consider factors that may support creating health promoting environments, so this information is really going to inform that, and that was really the primary purpose of undertaking this project. Along the way, we realized we’ve collected a wealth of information that could inform other issues as well, and hence, the first report that we released was the transportation and health.” Sandhu adds community profiles for 30 Lower Mainland municipalities will be released in about a month; the municipalities are benchmarked across their regional comparators.

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Another Fine Day in the City
by Stacy Matwick 29 Apr '15

29 Apr '15

Just a shout out to all AT Folk (and a hello to Beth) I thought this would brighten your Wednesday.Having nothing whatsoever to do with active transport but everything to do with the song.Crusoe's Dog-Friendly Florida Vacation 2015 | | | | | | | | | | | Crusoe's Dog-Friendly Florida Vacation 2015 | | | | View on www.youtube.com | Preview by Yahoo | | | | | Cheers from Stacy Matwick (enjoying my retirement)

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The Guardian: End of the Car Age - How Cities Outgrew the Automobile
by Jackie Avent 29 Apr '15

29 Apr '15

http://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/apr/28/end-of-the-car-age-how-cities…

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No Safe Routes to School in Nova Scotia
by Jackie Avent 28 Apr '15

28 Apr '15

Hey folks, If anyone can put out the word to Nova Scotia that they should not cancel their ASRTS program funding, that would be great. It's an important, successful and award winning program that makes a proven difference. http://metronews.ca/voices/your-ride-halifax/1352740/nova-scotias-budget-cu…

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