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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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WFP: Bike woes clear long before death - Shortcomings on Pembina serious due to high university traffic (Jun13'14)
by Beth McKechnie 13 Jun '14

13 Jun '14

Bike woes clear long before deathShortcomings on Pembina serious due to high university traffic <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/> By: Bartley Kives http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/bike-woes-clear-long-be… In politics, broadcasting or any other realm of public life, using a tragedy to make a point is a dangerous game. On Monday evening, a Blue Bomber fan was riding his bike to Investors Group Field to watch a CFL pre-season game when he was involved in a motor-vehicle collision. Sixty-nine-year-old Dick Stevenson was taken to hospital in unstable condition and later died of his injuries. The police are investigating the collision. Unless you witnessed the event -- or happen to be a traffic-unit investigator -- it'd be irresponsible to assign responsibility to any party. If you're a pundit or a politician, you don't blame the victim, you don't blame the motorist and you certainly don't blame the Winnipeg Football Club or the City of Winnipeg until you know darn well what happened. This is why it was cringe-inducing to observe a public exchange between the city and the Bombers that came uncomfortably close to a blame-storming session. Early Thursday, at the start of the morning news cycle, the football club released a statement from Bomber president and CEO Wade Miller, urging the city to "immediately review and assess all active-transportation routes and infrastructure leading to Investors Group Field." The city responded in the afternoon by making acting chief operating officer Michael Jack and transportation manager Luis Escobar available to reporters. They said they know there's a demand for a protected bike route along Pembina Highway but there are no imminent construction plans. Jack and Escobar also noted they didn't hear a peep from the Bombers about cyclist safety when the two parties met last week. Miller responded he has always raised cyclist safety in meetings with the city. To be fair to both parties, neither actually assigned blame for the fatality. The city officials made the standard refusal to comment while a police investigation is underway. Miller, meanwhile, said the motivation for his Thursday-morning press release was a Wednesday-evening query from Free Press reporter Mary Agnes Welch. "When a fan dies from something like this, I think it's important everyone takes a step back and reviews what's going on," Miller said in an interview. "It's a bigger discussion about the active-transportation plan and moving it forward. I cycle in the city and it's tough." A decade ago, Winnipeg had a truly pathetic network of bike-and-pedestrian paths. But the situation improved, thanks to a policy that ensures all significant road-construction projects include an active-transportation component -- and an influx of cash into commuter-cycling routes, including an unprecedented $21 million allotted in 2010 alone. Of course, not all of Winnipeg's new cycling infrastructure is ideal. Many cyclists shy away from using "sharrows," the extra-wide lanes intended to be used by both bikes and motor vehicles, and aren't big fans of painted-on "dedicated lanes," either. Cyclists prefer routes that are physically separated from motor-vehicle traffic. But that sort of infrastructure is difficult to create in existing neighbourhoods, where a shortage of space requires either the expensive expropriation of private land or the politically unpopular appropriation of a motor-vehicle lane. The city is slowly but surely improving its commuter-cycling infrastructure. As both the Bombers and the city pointed out Thursday, there are ways to travel to Investors Group Field that do not involve traversing the intersection of Pembina Highway and Bishop Grandin Boulevard. But even if Investors Group Field didn't exist, it's worth noting the city has so far failed to create a more direct cycling route from downtown to the University of Manitoba's Fort Garry campus, the second-busiest commuter destination in Winnipeg. The notion such a route has been delayed merely by the failure to complete the Southwest Transitway is a red herring, as that bus corridor is now supposed to jog 1.6 kilometres to the west Pembina Highway at its furthest point. The somewhat-separated bike lanes created along Pembina north of Plaza Drive form the start of a more direct route. But the absence of a complete and more or less protected route to the U of M is annoying for university students and staff, who have to ride out of their way to get there. The city should continue to develop this route, using whatever meagre resources it has. Unlike the football stadium, the university is busy nearly every day. In other words, the need for a Pembina bike route was evident well before this week's fatality, which should not be used by anyone for any purpose other than to express condolences. bartley.kives(a)freepress.mb.ca Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 13, 2014 A4

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WFP; Blue want safe streets for fans - City won't act until probe into fatal accident is complete (Jun13'14)
by Beth McKechnie 13 Jun '14

13 Jun '14

Blue want safe streets for fansCity won't act until probe into fatal accident is complete <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/> By: Aldo Santin http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/blue-want-safe-streets-for-fans-2629… A protected bike route along Pembina Highway that might have saved the life of cyclist Dick Stevenson was under consideration by the city's active-transportation planners. Despite the outcry over Stevenson's death while en route to Monday's Winnipeg Blue Bombers game, city hall is holding off on any talk of safety improvements until the police finish the investigation into his fatal accident. MAYORAL CANDIDATES FAVOUR SAFETY REVIEW Several mayoral candidates said city hall should review the safety of bike routes following the death of Dick Stevenson earlier this week. Paula Havixbeck, city councillor for Charleswood-Tuxedo, said city hall is responsible for ensuring bike routes are properly signed and safe, adding she doesn't know whether the bike route had anything to do with Stevenson's death. "We should be working collaboratively with groups like the Bombers to identify and correct any and all particularly unsafe conditions and to continually work towards improving safety and positive citizen experiences," Havixbeck said. Judy Wasylycia-Leis said she supports Miller's request to review the city's policy. "I was at that game -- it was a glorious night and learned after the fact that an avid Blue Bomber fan was killed in a cycling accident on the way to that game," Wasylycia-Leis said. "I think (Bombers president Wade Miller's) request is an important one and should be acted upon immediately." Wasylycia-Leis said the city needs to know whether it's taken all needed measures to ensure cycling can be done safely anywhere in Winnipeg, adding everyone knows there are transportation problems with Investors Group Field. "We want to make that stadium work. We want to make sure people get there safely and we want this to be an attraction." Brian Bowman cautioned about rushing to judgment on the circumstances surrounding Stevenson's death, but added it is appropriate to question the city's policy as a result of the tragedy. "Ideally, I'd expect the city would be working with partners like the Bombers to review the safety of our transportation plans," Bowman said, adding he'd welcome public input into how improvements can be made to the cycling network. *-- Aldo Santin* RELATED ITEMS POLL Should the City of Winnipeg invest in more separated bike lanes? 1. Yes. 2. No. View Results <http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/polls/Should-the-City-of-Winnipeg-invest-i…> "We will wait to see what the Winnipeg Police Service (investigation) finds and we'll go from there," said Luis Escobar, the city's manager of transportation. Escobar said the city recognizes cyclists want a protected route along Pembina Highway, adding it is under consideration, but there are no plans as to when that would occur. In the meantime, Escobar said, the city is encouraging cyclists and pedestrians to use the designated active- transportation routes to the stadium. "Everybody has to use the rules of the road," Escobar said. Escobar, who was joined at a news conference Thursday by Michael Jack, acting chief operating officer, said an active transportation policy for Investors Group Field was thoroughly researched before the stadium opened last year. Escobar and Jack were responding to a call from Blue Bombers president Wade Miller Thursday to review the city's active-transportation policy as it relates to the stadium in the light of Stevenson's death. Winnipeg police said Stevenson, 69, was involved in a vehicle collision on Pembina Highway near Bishop Grandin Boulevard around 5:30 p.m. He was taken to hospital in unstable condition and died from his injuries. "On multiple occasions, we have expressed concerns about active transportation," Miller said. "Unfortunately, limited progress has been made in addressing some of the concerns. As a result of this week's tragic death, I think it is the responsibility of all involved to make their voices heard to ensure fan safety is paramount." Miller said the team is also concerned about the lack of street lighting along Chancellor Matheson Drive and the safety threat that poses to pedestrians. "My concerns are about fan safety for those who choose to cycle or walk to the stadium," Miller said, adding he's looking forward to resolving the issues as soon as possible. The bike route to the new stadium was singled out as a success story last year. Thousands of fans -- adults and children -- rode their bikes safely to Bomber games last year without incident. Detailed active-transportation routes to the stadium are available on the stadium website (investorsgroupfield.ca), including a route to bypass the Bishop Grandin-Pembina intersection from both the west and the north. But that has renewed concerns from the cycling community about safety on one of the city's busiest thoroughfares. Jack said civic officials met with the Bombers last week and the team had not raised the issue of cyclist safety, but admitted the team now wants it discussed when the two sides meet again. Miller said his call for a review is not connected to the recent dispute with city hall over the transit issue, adding the team has had long-standing concerns about both cyclist and pedestrian safety. Escobar said the city is committed to active transportation, adding more than $85 million has been spent since 2008 in the establishment of 300 kilometres of active-transportation routes across the city. Escobar said any changes or upgrades to the bike route will be considered only after the conclusion of the police investigation and a report calling for such modifications. aldo.santin(a)freepress.mb.ca Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 13, 2014 A3

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WFP: Cyclist's death highlights danger on Pembina (Jun12'14)
by Beth McKechnie 12 Jun '14

12 Jun '14

Cyclist's death highlights danger on PembinaStruck by car en route to Blue Bombers game <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/> By: Mary Agnes Welch http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/cyclists-death-highlights-danger-on-… A cyclist has died after being hit by a car on his way to Monday's Winnipeg Blue Bombers exhibition game. An avid Bomber fan and longtime season ticket-holder, Dick Stevenson, 69, suffered head injuries when he was hit by a car on Pembina Highway near Bishop Grandin Boulevard at about 5:30 p.m. He was wearing a helmet, a family friend said. He died Tuesday morning. Stevenson was a member of a successful real estate and development family, which sold its firm, S. S. Stevenson & Company Limited, to the Chipmans in 1987. The company is now the Stevenson Group, the Chipman family's umbrella firm that includes Nova-Con construction, Longboat property development and Cushman & Wakefield commercial real estate brokers. It's not clear whether charges will be laid in the crash. Police said the investigation is ongoing. Last spring, during the initial traffic mayhem that surrounded the opening of the new stadium at the University of Manitoba, many opted to bike to games as the quickest and most reliable way to go. But that renewed long-standing worries about cycling safety on one of Winnipeg's busiest roads. Cycling advocates locally and internationally argue protected lanes are the safest for cyclists and motorists alike and do the most to encourage people to bike. The city's proposed bike network includes protected cycle tracks along Pembina, but so far only a short stretch exists -- a new protected track between Chevrier Boulevard and Plaza Drive that opened last summer. Another short stretch south of University Crescent is under construction. The stretch of Pembina where Stevenson was hit has no cycling infrastructure, and Bike Winnipeg's Mark Cohoe said it can be particularly hairy. It is where the on-off ramps from Bishop Grandin merge with Pembina and where cars are changing lanes at high speed. Winnipeg's cycling map includes a circle around the area, advising caution. Cohoe said the first concern should be for Stevenson's family and friends, but cycling deaths happen too often on Winnipeg streets. "Do we find this acceptable or do we need to start designing things to prevent these tragedies from happening?" asked Cohoe. Officials with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers declined to comment directly Wednesday evening, instead issuing a statement. "The thoughts and prayers of our entire organization are with Mr. Stevenson's family as they mourn this tremendous loss," said the statement. In a typical year, one or two cyclists are killed on Winnipeg streets. maryagnes.welch(a)freepress.mb.ca Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 12, 2014 A4

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Trails Manitoba - Border to Beaches Project RFP
by Beth McKechnie 11 Jun '14

11 Jun '14

Hello; Trails Manitoba is looking for a contractor to assist us with the Border to Beaches Project and would appreciate your help circulating the attached RFP. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you or your colleagues have any questions about the RFP or the Project. Thank you, Melissa Melissa Sitter Executive Director *Trails Manitoba/Sentiers Manitoba* 3-303 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3B 2B4 204-786-2688 www.trailsmanitoba.ca *"In every walk with nature one receives * *far more than he seeks."* - John Muir

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Fwd: Unique historic and cycling event coming up soon!
by Jackie Avent (ASRTS) 11 Jun '14

11 Jun '14

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Laura Donatelli <omojean98(a)hotmail.com> Date: Wed, Jun 11, 2014 at 12:31 AM Subject: Unique historic and cycling event coming up soon! To: Laura Donatelli <omojean98(a)hotmail.com> [PLEASE feel free to share this invitation widely with other cycling or Winnipeg history enthusiasts.] Hello friends, As you may know, I am on the board of Bike Winnipeg, and wanted to share an exciting event coming up later this month. Note that this activity is appropriate for occasional/recreational cyclists and anyone interested in Winnipeg's fascinating early 20th century history. Cheers, Laura Donatelli *Strike Bike!* Saturday June 21st, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Mark the 95th anniversary of “Bloody Saturday” by joining Bike Winnipeg for StrikeBike!, a guided bicycle tour of sites linked to the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919. Strike! Musical Composer and General Strike Historian Danny Schur will be our guide on this casually-paced tour that winds its way from River Heights into the Downtown and the Exchange Districts. Relive the events of the General Strike as we stop at many of the sites where history unfolded during the spring of 1919; events that eventually became the platform for future labour reforms across Canada. StrikeBike! tours start in the parking lot of 529 Wellington and run for 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Choose between a morning tour starting at 10am or an afternoon tour starting at 2pm. The cost is only $20 and proceeds from the StrikeBike! rides go towards Bike Winnipeg in support of our ongoing advocacy and education efforts. Spaces are limited so don't wait to register. For more information and to buy tickets, go to: http://bikewinnipeg.ca/strikebike/ Facebook Links AM: https://www.facebook.com/events/695922260453741/ Facebook PM Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1420255394906226/ -- *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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Variation on regular "bike boxes" at intersections.
by Patman, David 09 Jun '14

09 Jun '14

Saw this variation on the typical "bike box" idea at a conference last week. Thought it was interesting - I hadn't seen this type of treatment before. Might be practical for small numbers of bicycles. One more tool in the toolkit, perhaps... http://www.york.ca/wps/portal/yorkhome/recreation/yr/cycling/permanentbikeb… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz69ecmUsMc&feature=youtu.be David Patman, P. Eng. Transit Planner Winnipeg Transit | Service Development Division 421 Osborne Street | Winnipeg, Manitoba R3L 2A2 P: 204-986-5737 | dpatman(a)winnipeg.ca<mailto:dpatman@winnipeg.ca>

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Fwd: FW: Provincial Recreation Policy Review Survey
by Jackie Avent (ASRTS) 09 Jun '14

09 Jun '14

See below: How does AT fit with Manitoba's Policy for Recreation Opportunities? Do you have something to say about this? You can fill out a brief (8 question) survey at the link below. Jackie ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Jaques, Jessica (HHLS) <Jessica.Jaques(a)gov.mb.ca> Date: 6 June 2014 14:35 Subject: FW: Provincial Recreation Policy Review Survey To: Cc: "Hayward, Kristine (WRHA)" <KHayward(a)wrha.mb.ca>, "Prowse, Sarah (WRHA)" <sprowse(a)wrha.mb.ca>, Joannie Halas <Joannie.Halas(a)umanitoba.ca>, Dave Courrier <dave.courrier(a)sportmanitoba.ca>, "Jackie Avent (ASRTS)" < jackie(a)greenactioncentre.ca> As you are aware , our partners at Recreation and Regional Services are undertaking a review of the Provincial Recreation Policy. They have held 13 consultations with various stakeholders throughout the province but would also like to reach out to others including the general public. Could you please share this information about a short survey with your various networks. Thanks and have a great weekend! Jessica =================================================================================================== The Department of Children and Youth Opportunities is undertaking a review and update of Manitoba’s Policy for Recreation Opportunities. This review will help the provincial government establish effective priorities that reflect the changing face of recreation across the province and identify opportunities for partnerships and shared collaborative efforts. A public survey is a key component of the review of Manitoba’s Policy for Recreation Opportunities. Your input will help us determine the Province’s role in supporting the unique recreation needs of Manitobans. Please take a few minutes to answer these 8 questions <http://web15.gov.mb.ca/inquisite/cgi-bin/qwebcorporate.dll?idx=NRPG8P>. For more information about the Provincial Recreation Policy Review please visit: http://www.gov.mb.ca/cyo/recreation/prpr.html -- *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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Bike Week 2014 is coming soon
by Dave Elmore 09 Jun '14

09 Jun '14

Please pass this along to all your friends, family, etc. BIKE WEEK JUNE 16-22 is just around the corner June 16-22, 2014 marks Winnipeg's first annual Bike Week: a week long celebration of people riding bicycles. It's for everyone! Whether you ride for fitness, transportation, sport or just for fun, if you enjoying riding a bike then Bike Week is for you. Events will be held in every corner of the city including workshops, group rides, races and leisure events that enourage all Winnipeggers to get on their bikes and ride. If you like to ride check out our event listing and pass on the word! http://www.bikeweekwinnipeg.com/about/events-schedule/ The week will also feature the 7th annual Bike to Work Day on Friday, June 20th. This year's Bike to Work Day boasts 58 pit stops located all over the city, a group ride from Assiniboine Park to The Forks and the Half Pints Bikes & BBQ Party at Oodena Celebration Circle from 4:30-7:00 p.m. including free Boon Burgers*, a concert on the bike-powered concert system and a grand prize draw for a new bike from Woodcock Cycleworks. Join us for a free pancake breakfast* and launch party on Monday, June 16th from 7:00-9:00 am at the MTS Centre (enter by riding down the loading zone off of Carlton (between Portage & Graham). We look forward to riding with you. PS: You can sign up for our newsletter to receive up to date info and discounts at: http://www.bikeweekwinnipeg.com/register/ *breakfast and the BBQ are offered to anyone who arrives by bike, while supplies last.

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