- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Friday morning laugh
by Stacy Matwick 22 May '09

22 May '09

Just a little something something that made me smile - thought you'd all enjoy. http://www.boingboing.net/2009/05/21/howto-plant-a-handle.html Posted by Cory Doctorow, May 21, 2009 9:42 PM "Instructables user FriendOfHumanity has a little HOWTO for installing a windowbox planter on the handlebars of your bike. I dunno, I'd be worried about doing a faceplant (worse yet, if you planted chickpeas, you might falafel your bike) (I did that once and I falafel about it)." http://www.instructables.com/id/Bicycle-Window-Box--For-the-transient-garde… Cheers Stacy Matwick Information Centre International Institute for Sustainable Development 161 Portage Ave. E., 6th floor Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3B 0Y4 Voice: (204)958-7755 Fax: (204)958-7710 Email: smatwick(a)iisd.ca Library website: http://sd-cite.iisd.org<http://www.iisd.org/> "Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read" Groucho Marx "Life is like a bicycle, to keep your balance your must keep on moving" Albert Einstein

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Bike Parking in Chicago
by David Wieser 21 May '09

21 May '09

WOW, check out the bike parking facility they have had in Chicago since 2005. Could this be something similar to what is going to be built at the University of Winnipeg? Could this be what could be designed into the new Bombers stadium at the University of Manitoba for a bike valet? http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/bike-parking-respect-in-chicago-mcdonal… David Wieser

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NYC's streets are to behave - New York Times, May 21, 2009
by Beth McKechnie 21 May '09

21 May '09

In the Future, New York Citys Streets Are to Behave Imagine narrow European-style roadways shared by pedestrians, cyclists and cars, all traveling at low speeds. Sidewalks made of recycled rubber in different colors under sleek energy-efficient lamps. Mini-islands jutting into the street, topped by trees and landscaping, designed to further slow traffic and add a dash of green. This is what New York City streets could look like, according to the Bloomberg administration, which has issued the citys first street design manual in an effort to make over the utilitarian 1970s-style streetscape that dominates the city. Article online at: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/nyregion/20streets.html?_r=2&ref=todayspa… NYC street design manual at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/about/streetdesignmanual.shtml

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NYC report - bringing back pedestrian streets
by Beth McKechnie 12 May '09

12 May '09

Interesting summary of New York City's experience in closing streets to cars and opening them to pedestrians and other AT users. Find the full report (55 pages, publ. March 2009) at: http://www.transalt.org/files/newsroom/reports/2009/walk_in_my_street.pdf -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Executive Summary In the summer of 2008, thousands of New Yorkers took a walk in the street. For a handful of weekends strung throughout the summer, several streets around New York City were opened to people instead of cars, bringing the idea of pedestrian streets back into the sun after a three-decade exile in history's dustbin. Transportation Alternatives studied this effort to reintroduce pedestrianization to the streets of New York, documenting three community-driven street events-Summer Space on Montague Street in Brooklyn, the 78th Street Play Street in Queens, and Williamsburg Walks on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn. The results paint a picture of a New York desperate for more public and community space, and New Yorkers ready to make the most of what they have: * Opening the street to people is a boon to local retail: Montague Street retailers experienced 26% higher sales during Summer Space than on comparable days in 2007, on average. * People who have experienced a pedestrian street want more: before the closure, 42% of respondents said they would visit Montague Street if it were closed to auto traffic; during the closure this number jumped by an additional 30%. * Pedestrianization improves visitors' perceptions of a street: the percentage of respondents who rated the pedestrian experience of Montague Street as "Good" or "Very Good" increased from 79% before the closure to 97% during. * Opening the street to people builds community: 100% of those surveyed at the 78th Street Play Street felt that the event "enhanced the park and farmers' market". * Pedestrian streets encourage walking: during the Williamsburg Walks event, 47% of those surveyed said that they had walked to the event, a 14% improvement over normal levels. The experiences of these three events points to a clear conclusion: thirty years after political expediency killed pedestrian streets in New York City, they are making a comeback. And with the help of dedicated, savvy community organizers, they are successfully bringing new open spaces into the communities that need them most.

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Active & Green Spring 2009
by Jessie Klassen 08 May '09

08 May '09

Hello All and Happy Spring! (Apologies for cross-postings) Our new issue of Active & Green is out. Visit the link at: http://www.resourceconservation.mb.ca/news/pdfs/Active%20&%20Green%20Spring% 202009.pdf We hope you will share it widely with your colleagues, family and friends. Here are a few highlights from the Active & Green Spring 2009 issue: * Commuter Challenge and Be a Winner! * Clean Air Day on the Bridge * Take the Green Leap Forward * How to Host a Webinar * The Evidence is Mounting: New Studies Released * New City Bike Map Released * Let Otto Come To * Power to the Pedals Contest * Green Commuting Highlights from Elsewhere If for some reason you are not able to access the link, please contact us and we will email the pdf file directly or provide a hard copy for posting at your workplace. Stay Active & Green, Jessie Klassen Green Commuting Initiatives, Workplace Transporation Demand Management Tel: (204) 925-3772 Email: jessie(a)resourceconservation.mb.ca Resource Conservation Manitoba 303 Portage Ave, 3rd Floor Winnipeg, MB R3B 2B4 Fax: (204) 942-4207 web: www.resourceconservation.mb.ca

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CFLRI resources: Making the Case for AT
by Beth McKechnie 08 May '09

08 May '09

http://www.cflri.ca/eng/active_transportation/index.php Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute: Making the Case for Active Transportation Information bulletins have been developed for professionals and community members who want to build a case for active transportation in their community. Academic, government and non-government sources are used to build a strong case for implementing active transportation opportunities at the local level. Canadian sources are used whenever available. All bulletins are available in English and French. Each bulletin includes evidence that supports the investment of time and resources for active transportation opportunities at the local level. They focus on designing communities for moving people and not cars. Recommended actions to increase and strengthen collaborative partnerships for active transportation are also included. Making the Case for Active Transportation: a.. # 1 - Health Benefits (download now) b.. # 2 - Barriers to Active Transportation (download now) c.. # 3 - Economic Benefits (coming soon) d.. # 4 - Environmental Benefits (coming soon) e.. # 5 - Built Infrastructure (coming soon) f.. # 6 - Safety (coming soon) g.. # 7 - Increasing Social Capital (download now) h.. # 8 - Role for Municipal Decision Makers (download now) Other AT resources from CFLRI: . Research File - Active Transportation (09-04): http://www.cflri.ca/eng/research_file/index.php . Lifestyle Tips - Active Transportation (2009 series): http://www.cflri.ca/eng/lifestyle/index.php

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Bike article round-up
by Beth McKechnie 08 May '09

08 May '09

Bixi bikeshare launched in Montreal: http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/628997 NOW Magazine: It's a bike-friendly world http://www.nowtoronto.com:80/daily/story.cfm?content=169259 Globe and Mail: Pedal Power to the People: Ride on! http://www.theglobeandmail.com:80/servlet/story/LAC.20090502.STLEAH02ART134… CBC News: City to convert 1 traffic lane on Burrard Bridge for bicyclists (Vancouver) http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/05/07/bc-burrard-bike-…

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MB News Release: Rondeau Appoints Members to New Active Transportation Advisory Group
by Beth McKechnie 08 May '09

08 May '09

Manitoba News Release ............................................................ May 7, 2009 RONDEAU APPOINTS MEMBERS TO NEW ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY GROUP Science, Technology, Energy and Mines Minister Jim Rondeau today appointed 11 people to the Active Transportation Advisory Group which will make recommendations for improving Manitoba's active transportation policy and infrastructure. "Having a strong active transportation policy improves our environment, complements our transportation systems, provides better recreation opportunities and enhances our personal and public health," said Rondeau. Appointed to the board are Janice Lukes (chair), Terry Zdan, Anders Swanson, Russell Wychreschuk, Tim Deacon, Marcela Rivera, Mark Cohoe, Pat Locken, Gary Ewen, Murray Haukaas and Steve Paulson. "The creation of the Active Transportation Advisory Group illustrates the province's recognition of the importance of investing in varied transportation choices," said Lukes. "Having transportation choices will have a positive impact on the health, environment and social aspects of our communities." Rondeau noted the group will look at provincial bicycle policy, development of multi-user recreational trails and ways to incorporate both recreational and commuter trails into an overall network. It will also make recommendations on improved signage, bicycle safety, cycling tourism and assess to the economic benefits of active transportation infrastructure. - 30 -

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Active Transportation - Canada: May 7, 2009
by Beth McKechnie 07 May '09

07 May '09

From: Michael Haynes Sent: Wednesday, May 06, 2009 4:00 PM Subject: Active Transportation - Canada: May 7, 2009 Active Transportation - Canada features a regular posting of news articles, studies, reports, and other items that have relevance in this field, with previous postings available in an archive. In addition, pictures of existing Active Transportation infrastructure from communities across Canada will be profiled each week. The following items have recently been posted to the Active Transportation - Canada Blog. To view in more detail, go to: http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.com **************************************************************************************************** AT Infrastructure Example: Lethbridge AB - Pdestrian/Cycling Bridge separated from busy road 1.. Resource - New Active Transportation Fact Sheets 2.. Event - Car-Free Vancouver Day 2009 3.. Article - Cyclists sought for project on improving Winnipeg pathways 4.. Article - Municipalities get moving on sustainable transportation 5.. Article - Montreal pedals past us 6.. Article - Toronto: Four Wheels Good, Two Wheels Bad 7.. Brochure - The Myths and Facts about “Shared Use” Trails in Nova Scotia 8.. Report - I Walk in My Street 9.. Article - Italian Government Spurs Bike Sales with Incentives 10.. Article - Seoul spends on bicycles 11.. Article - Calgary: School bans skateboards 12.. Report - Planning for Cycling: Report to Cycling England 13.. Article - Ireland: The tricky transition to two wheels 14.. Article - Scotland: More children walking to school 15.. Article - UK: Speed limit to be cut on A-roads in bid to save 1,000 lives **************************************************************************************************** A reminder e-mail of new postings will be sent no more often than once per week. To continue to receive these updates, you need take no action. Should you not wish to receive updates, please return this e-mail with "Unsubscribe" in the Subject area. Interested in an AT workshop in your community? For more information, please contact: Michael Haynes Director TransActive Solutions activetransportation(a)rogers.com 613.424.2803

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Commuter Challenge launch this Thurs, May 7 at the Forks Skateboard Plaza
by Beth McKechnie 04 May '09

04 May '09

Please join us to kick off the 10th annual Commuter Challenge! Thursday, May 7 at the The Forks, Skateboard Park at 10:00 am (Rain location will be under the centre pavilion tent or just inside the Forks Market in the Atrium) The Commuter Challenge is a national sustainable transportation event to celebrate Environment Week, May 31-June 6. This friendly competition encourages individuals in workplaces and schools to adopt "green" forms of transportation. Last year, over 13,000 Manitobans from more than 200 workplaces and schools participated! This year we're celebrating the 10th year of Commuter Challenge in Manitoba featuring a $10,000 grand prize in our "Be A Winner" promotion. Minister Jim Rondeau and Mayor Sam Katz will be speaking at the kick-off, encouraging Manitobans and Winnipeggers to participate in the Commuter Challenge, and highlighting the numerous environmental, social, economic and health benefits of active living and green commuting. Jackie Avent from Resource Conservation Manitoba, Megan Tate from the Winnipeg Foundation and Paul Jordan from The Forks will also be presenting. For more information about the Commuter Challenge, please contact: Becky Elko, Commuter Challenge Coordinator Resource Conservation Manitoba303 Portage Avenue, 3rd FloorWinnipeg, MB R3B 2B4 Phone: 204.925.3775 / Fax: 204.942.4207 www.resourceconservation.mb.ca

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