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AT Webinar: Roundabouts that Work for Cyclists and Pedestrians | Wed, June 20th, 2-3pm
by Beth McKechnie 14 Jun '18

14 Jun '18

Please join Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg on June 20th for a group viewing of the monthly APBP webinar in the EcoCentre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/uncategorized/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-o…> boardroom followed by discussion for those who wish to stay. cheers, Beth -- *Webinar: Wed, June 20th, 2-3pm* *Roundabouts that Work for Cyclists and Pedestrians* Panelists: - Alek Pochowski, Kittelson & Associates - Bastian Schroeder, Kittelson & Associates Bicycle activity and the use of roundabouts for intersection control within the United States have both increased dramatically in recent years. Since its publication in 2010, NCHRP Report 672: Roundabouts, an Informational Guide, Second Edition, has served as a national guide on the different aspects of roundabouts, including planning, analysis, design, and construction. However, since 2010, a significant amount of bicycle-related design material has been released, including FHWA's Separated Bike Lane Planning and Design Guide (2015), and NACTO's Urban Bikeway Design Guide (2012), both of which do not address bicycle facilities at roundabouts. The first part of this webinar will provide a summary of current and potential design best practices for bicycles at roundabouts using domestic and international examples, and provide an overview of the available guidance available for practitioners designing or reviewing roundabouts for cyclists. The second half of the webinar will focus on pedestrians at roundabouts, with a discussion of the most recent research efforts which led to the development of NCHRP Report 834. NCHRP Project 834 presents guidance for the application of crossing solutions at roundabouts for pedestrians with vision disabilities. The guidebook provides an accessibility assessment framework and a methodology for evaluating treatment alternatives for a proposed crossing, as well as wayfinding accommodations. Guidance is provided based on the feasible range of geometric and traffic operational conditions under which similar treatments have been demonstrated to enhance accessibility. -- *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) 925-3777 x102 | 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/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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WFP: Date to reopen Portage & Main up for debate - officials (Jun7'18)
by Beth McKechnie 07 Jun '18

07 Jun '18

*Date to reopen intersection up for debate: officials * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/fall-2019-date-for-reopening-portag… SENIOR elected and administrative officials at city hall are backing away from a fall of 2019 date to reopen Portage Avenue and Main Street to pedestrians. Officials repeatedly said Wednesday the time frame in the request for proposal (RFP) released Tuesday is only a “target” and a decision to reopen the iconic intersection to foot traffic still must be taken by city council. Even Mayor Brian Bowman, who made the issue a campaign promise four years ago and has been an enthusiastic supporter ever since, toned down his rhetoric. “I’d like it to be open, but I want to make sure we’re doing it in a thoughtful way that considers all the items,” Bowman said during an exchange with reporters. “Despite the fact that, obviously, I would like it opened sooner than later, there is a process and this is part of the council-directed process. “I think it’s just important to keep in mind that council has not provided that direction to open it to pedestrians yet. This RFP doesn’t change that.” The RFP, which invites bids for consulting services for the design and Phase 1 construction associated with the intersection reopening, was the talk of the city Wednesday. While council had approved the project at its October 2017 meeting, no dates were given in an administrative report. The RFP states city hall expects the first barriers to be taken down to allow pedestrians to cross Portage Avenue East, between the Richardson Plaza and the Bank of Montreal, and the city is “targeting completion of construction,” of that portion by the fall of 2019. The document, or at least its timing, seemed to catch elected officials by surprise. Bowman and other members of his executive policy committee said they weren’t given advance notice the RFP was being posted nor had they viewed the document ahead of time. “I need to have much more information before I agree to open up Portage and Main, and that’s the information we’re supposed to be getting back from the RFP,” said Coun. John Orlikow, chairman of council’s property and development committee. “Council is quite clear, before any suggestion of that happening, it has to come back towards council. We have some traffic issues we have to deal with, we have some transit issues to deal with. The RFP report may come back as such but again, council will need that information to make their decision to move forward.” City of Winnipeg chief administrative officer Doug Mc Neil took responsibility for failing to advise council members. “There’s a lot going on in this city, and we’ve been working on the RFP for some time now,” Mc Neil said. “Maybe (it’s) my fault I didn’t inform council we were releasing the RFP when we did.” He said there is no significance to the fall 2019 date in the RFP. “It’s not a hard date, it’s a target and so we’re just following through with council’s direction,” Mc Neil said. “Council’s directions was: ‘Go back, do somemore engineering, get us some cost estimates, bring that information back to us for our approval.’ And that’s what our plan is and that’s what this next stage is.” Winnipeg appears divided on the issue. Supporters say removing the barriers is essential to restoring human-scale activity to the area, connecting the various downtown neighbourhoods, and will complement private-sector investments being made by the corner property owners. Opponents say the move poses a serious safety threat and would worsen downtown traffic flow. The intersection was closed to pedestrians in 1979, as part of a deal with developers and property owners on its corners to construct an underground shopping concourse. Terms of the deal, which was struck in 1976, stipulated the intersection remain closed to pedestrians and all efforts be made to redirect people to the underground. However, Bowman has in recent years received the formal support for the project from all the affected property owners. A year-old traffic study estimated the costs to alter the routes through the intersection and widen sidewalks would cost about $6.13 million. The subsequent consultant work is expected to get a more accurate figure and detail how and when the corners can be opened. Coun. Jeff Browaty, a staunch opponent of the project, said the revelation of the fall 2019 date and the scope of thework outlined in the RFP warrants the issue going back to council for another vote. Browaty (North Kildonan) said he questions the direction outlined in the RFP, explaining the traffic study suggested opening the corners in phases would pose a safety hazard. “Allowing pedestrians to cross one section introduces both confusion for motorists and encourages pedestrians to consider dangerous crossings that are not open,” Browaty said in a statement Wednesday. “Did CAO Doug Mc Neil, the project’s apparent project manager, also a professional engineer, sign off on this RFP, despite these warnings?” Browaty also said council had agreed last year to improve the underground concourse, and he’s concerned that work won’t happen before the intersection is reopened to pedestrians. At its meeting Oct. 25, 2017, council approved spending up to $3.5 million on the intersection in 2018. In addition to the $1.5 million for engineering and architectural work, council also approved: $500,000 for new sidewalks, curbs and street trees for the plaza area directly in front of the Richardson Building; and $1.5 million to upgrade the underground concourse underneath the tower at 201 Portage Ave. Mc Neil said a second RFP, to improve the underground concourse, would be issued shortly. aldo.satin(a)freepress.mb.ca Council set wheels in motion for historic intersection last fall CITY hall observers might be surprised to hear some council members express concern over details in a request for proposal seeking a consultant to plan the reopening of Portage and Main to pedestrians. While the fall 2019 date is new, opening the intersection was never in question following the intense debate and series of 10 votes on a report — all overwhelmingly in favour of the project— on the floor of council last October. The motion approved by council authorized the reopening of the intersection to pedestrians and instructs the CAO to negotiatewith the property owners the terms of an agreement that would amend or terminate the 40-year-old agreement that led to the construction of the underground concourse and blocked pedestrian access at street level. While Item 9 of the motion requires the administration to bring a plan back to council before reopening the intersection, councillors were repeatedly told that if they approved the proposal, they would be setting in motion a plan that would lead to the removal of the concrete barriers. “If the recommendations are approved, a new capital project will be created in the 2018 budget which will provide a commitment to the creation of a vision and the renewal and reopening of the intersection at Portage and Main,” states the first paragraph, on page 12, in the section of the administrative report titled Implications of the Recommendations. The online link to the debate from the council minutes is available at: // wfp.to/winnipegdmis. — Aldo Santin

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WFP: Portage and Main could be open to pedestrians by fall 2019 (Jun6'18)
by Beth McKechnie 06 Jun '18

06 Jun '18

PORTAGE AND MAIN *City requests bids for consulting and design for pedestrian traffic* *Intersection could reopen in 2019* https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/portage-and-main-484636073.html CITY hall is planning on reopening the Portage and Main intersection to pedestrians by the fall of 2019. The date was disclosed in a request for proposal the city released Tuesday, inviting bids for consulting services for the design and phase-one construction associated with the intersection reopening. While council had approved the project at its October 2017 meeting, no dates were given in an administrative report. The RFP states city hall expects the first barriers to be taken down to allow pedestrians to cross Portage Avenue East, between the Richardson Plaza and the Bank of Montreal. “It is the City’s intent, subject to the findings of the Preliminary Design report resulting from the Services herein, and Council’s adoption of those findings, and/or that report, to proceed with construction to open the Portage Avenue East crossing as Phase 1,” states section D5.2 of the RFP. A later section of the RFP states, “the City is targeting completion of construction of Phase I by the fall of 2019.” At its October meeting, council set aside up to $1.5 million in 2018 for “architectural and engineering services” for the intersection’s reopening. Council approved spending up to $3.5 million on the intersection in 2018. In addition to the $1.5 million for engineering and architectural work, council also approved: $500,000 for new sidewalks, curbs and street trees for the plaza area directly in front of the Richardson Building and $1.5 million to upgrade the underground concourse underneath the tower at 201 Portage Ave. The RFP states this project does not involve any work in the underground concourse. There were two caveats attached to the council approval: the intersection will not be reopened to pedestrians until a report detailing cost estimates and traffic impacts is presented to council; and agreement that the administration will consider the impact a potential north Main Street transit corridor will have on the project. According to the RFP documents, consultants are invited to create “an urban design vision for Portage and Main that provides design direction and unification of the four corners by using an urban design and place making approach to connect people, places and transportation,” and to plan and design “the introduction of at-grade pedestrian crossings at all four legs of Portage and Main, with a final report and drawings for all four crossings, including a recommended construction staging plan, schedule, and Class 3 estimates for each crossing phase.” The RFP states the winning consultant will be responsible for: ● A design framework that will bring about a new image for Portage and Main that recognizes its historical significance as an iconic destination; ● Proposing an improved pedestrian environment without pedestrian barriers that may include trees, pedestrian lighting, way-finding improvements and other streetscaping elements; ● Consulting with applicable Portage and Main building owners or their representatives for alignment of the overall vision and co-ordination with potential works on adjacent private property; ● Participating in a downtown stakeholders meeting to discuss the overall vision; ● Integrating the design of public rights-of-way with the planned redevelopment of the Richardson Plaza; ● Consulting with the Winnipeg Arts Council to explore the possibility of incorporating public art into any or all of the four corners. The RFP also contains a link to a You Tube video, entitled Portage and Main, which outlines a brief history of the iconic intersection and contains drawings of what the intersection might look like. The video is available at: youtube.com/watch?v=exkxh5yp4VU. The city expects the Bank of Montreal War Monument to remain in the same location. The designs may include “conceptual modifications to existing buildings and properties to enhance private-public interface.” The consultant will also be required to produce 3D renderings of the vision for the four corners. In an unusual request for a city RFP, the bids are limited to 15 pages in length (excluding a cover page, table of contents and the required forms) and only the first 15 pages will be evaluated. The RFP states material submitted as an appendix will not be evaluated. The RFP closes at noon on June 26. The document states the city expects to award the contract by July 16. The winning consultant will be required to submit a draft plan by Oct. 31 — a week after the Oct. 24 civic election. The last council meeting before the civic election is Sept. 20. The final report and designs are due by Dec. 21. aldo.santin(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Webinar Reminder: Tactical Urbanism Toolbox | Thurs, June 7, 2-3pm
by Beth McKechnie 06 Jun '18

06 Jun '18

*** Friendly reminder about tomorrow's webinar *** Please join Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg on *Thurs, June 7**th*, for a group viewing of the monthly APBP webinar in the EcoCentre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/uncategorized/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-o…> boardroom followed by discussion for those who wish to stay. cheers, Beth -- *AT Webinar: Thurs, June 7th, 2-3pm* *Quick Builds - Tactical Urbanism Toolbox* *This webinar will begin with an overview of the birth of Tactical Urbanism and its ongoing evolution, and will discuss how it has evolved into something communities and individuals or government entities can take ownership of. Presenters will discuss how Tactical Urbanism has become more "sanctioned" while still maintaining its tenets of flexibility, cost-effectiveness, etc. and how it can be formally integrated into government departments to advance projects. Presenters will discuss case studies and their successes and failures: Burlington and Miami-Dade programs, among others across the nation. Lastly, they will give some final remarks on how to initiate and execute successful Quick-Build Programs. * *Presenters:* * - Mike Lydon & Dana Wall, The Street Plans Collaborative - Nicole Losch, City of Burlington, VT - Dane Eifling, City of Fayetteville, AR * -- *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) 925-3777 x102 | 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/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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Exchange District BIZ Transportation Panel: Getting Around in the Original Downtown
by Shoni Madden 04 Jun '18

04 Jun '18

As Bike Week approaches, I hope you will make the time to join us for this exciting lunch picnic and panel event! We have kept the panel session to the lunch hour, but will be hanging around for some further discussion after 1:00pm for those that wish to stick around. Exchange District BIZ: Getting Around in the Original Downtown Bring your lunch, and join us for a summer picnic to chat transportation! Our picnic panel will kick-off the discussion, and open the conversation around walking, cycling, and transit in the Exchange. We will explore what is needed in the area to support a culture of sustainable transportation for businesses, residents, and the areas many cultural events. We will also discuss how can the Biz can continue to support you to move around on two feet, or two wheels. Where: Stephen Juba Park (Rain Venue TBD) When: Wednesday, June 20th 12:00pm-1:00pm (Panel) 1:00pm-1:30pm (Ideas Exploration) Panelists include: Will Belford - Natural Cycle/Bike Jams Thom Sparling - Creative Manitoba Phil Mikulec - Peg City Car Co-op Bob Sommers- Scatliff Miller Murray Lynne Stefanchuk - Jazz Fest Winnipeg Angela Mathieson - Centure Venture David Pensato/Sandy Klowak - Exchange District Biz Thanks, Shoni Madden Sustainable Transportation Planner [cid:image001.png@01CE8F6A.A4C607F0] #201 - 179 McDermot Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0S1 204-227-1080 smadden(a)urbansystems.ca<mailto:smadden@urbansystems.ca> urbansystems.ca

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WFP Analysis: Pedestrian bridges a welcome direction (Jun4'18)
by Beth McKechnie 04 Jun '18

04 Jun '18

[On a related note: If you haven't registered for the Osborne to Downtown Ped and Bike Bridge public workshop tomorrow evening, you can always fill out the online survey by June 12th: https://osbornetodowntownphase2.metroquest.ca/] * * * * * * Pedestrian bridges a welcome direction * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/pedestrian-bridges-a-wel… WINNIPEG’S rivers have divided its neighbourhoods since the days when St. Boniface was an independent city with ferry service to the English side of the river. The physical segmentation of Winnipeg, by rivers and rail yards, has made it a city of unique neighbourhoods. Communities that are geographically adjacent, but without direct pedestrian connections, have often developed with a distinct character, demographic, economy and history. Designed primarily to funnel people through neighbourhoods, and not be connectors between them, the city’s many vehicular bridges have had limited success breaking down the traditional divisions between Winnipeg’s communities. A new pedestrian and cycling bridge, however, proposed to span the Assiniboine River and connect the cycling infrastructure of Osborne Village and downtown, might present a new model to effectively link many of Winnipeg’s communities at a more intimate scale. As always, there is public debate about the cost and details, but the new bridge represents an important opportunity to change the dialogue about mobility in Winnipeg. Done well, it can be a symbol of a progressive and inclusive city that is broadening its transportation options. Calgary’s similar Peace Bridge, designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, has become a postcard image, representing a forward-looking city. There may be other bridges with shoulders and sidewalks for cyclists and pedestrians, but a dedicated crossing changes the experience of those activities and by giving them priority, elevates the value of active transportation in the city and attracts more users. With construction costs of about 10 per cent that of a car bridge, cycling and pedestrian bridges could affordably be replicated in strategic areas across the city, introducing a new network of connectivity between Winnipeg’s divided neighbourhoods. This web of active mobility could link communities together and potentially change how we define our neighbourhoods. It could transform how we move around our city, increasing economic opportunity, neighbourhood vibrancy and quality of life. Uniting communities through active transportation could grow neighbourhood economies by reducing pedestrian distances and expanding the potential market for local shops, restaurants and services. With a well-located pedestrian bridge, shops on Westminster Avenue would be a nine-minute walk (800 metres) from the shops on Academy Road in River Heights. The Osborne strip could be a seven-minute walk from Norwood Flats, or a 10-minute walk to the shops on Sherbrook Street. Most people in River Heights wouldn’t drive to the Tall Grass Prairie Bread Company in Wolseley, but they might take a 10-minute walk, or four-minute bike ride, over the river on a quiet bridge. Studies in other cities have shown that housing located near active transportation networks that provide access to these types of amenities can realize an increase in property values. Greater community integration might also help elevate the value of housing in newly connected, adjacent lower-income neighbourhoods. Another important benefit to increased mobility options is to help provide opportunity for those who might not have access to a personal vehicle. Improved active transportation connectivity can increase social inclusion by expanding access to schools, employment, food options, retail, and recreation opportunities. With pedestrian bridges, the University of Manitoba could be a 10-minute walk from St. Mary’s Road. Whittier Park could become a directly accessible green space for residents of Point Douglas and the Exchange District. Connecting neighbourhoods and reducing pedestrian and cycling distances create social opportunity by increasing access to a wider number of public transit routes, reducing commuting times and effectively widening the catchment area within which a transit user could reasonably commute to work or school. More convenient access to transit through better pedestrian connections would help both inner-city and suburban residents. A bridge between Westwood and Charleswood, as an example, would effectively double the number of transit routes accessible with a five-minute walk between Assiniboine Avenue and Roblin Boulevard. The same potential can be found between Henderson Highway and Main Street, or Osborne Street and St. Mary’s Road. With the average Canadian family spending almost 20 per cent of their household income on vehicle ownership, any reduction in driving costs could have an important impact on quality of life, even for more affluent suburbanites. Another new development in Winnipeg’s active transportation infrastructure could help extend this idea of connectivity between neighbourhoods. Traditionally, bike lanes have only been included in major road renewal projects, which has made their implementation extremely slow. A new lane on Garry Street downtown, for instance, will take three years to be complete as part of a much larger reconstruction project. Over the winter, the city ran a pilot project of pre-cast concrete curbs that are significantly less expensive and easier to install. They tested things such as drainage, functionality and durability against snow clearing. With the success of the pilot, construction is now beginning on a four-kilometre protected bike lane connecting the West Alexander neighbourhood (Health Sciences Centre) with Waterfront Drive in the Exchange District. The system will be completed in 12 weeks at a fraction of the cost of traditional curbs. This exciting new mindset on bike lane construction could mean much faster and less expensive implementation of cycling infrastructure, connecting Winnipeg neighbourhoods to each other and to downtown. It is an exciting time for active transportation in Winnipeg. We have fallen behind other cities but are now poised to catch up. Introducing an intimate new layer of human-scale mobility and connectivity across Winnipeg’s neighbourhoods could transform how we move around the city and help to create more vibrant, inclusive and healthy communities. * Brent Bellamy is senior design architect for Number Ten Architectural Group.*

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AT Webinar: Tactical Urbanism Toolbox | Thurs, June 7, 2-3pm
by Beth McKechnie 31 May '18

31 May '18

Please join Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg on *Thurs, June 7**th*, for a group viewing of the monthly APBP webinar in the EcoCentre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/uncategorized/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-o…> boardroom followed by discussion for those who wish to stay. cheers, Beth -- *AT Webinar: Thurs, June 7th, 2-3pm* *Quick Builds - Tactical Urbanism Toolbox* *This webinar will begin with an overview of the birth of Tactical Urbanism and its ongoing evolution, and will discuss how it has evolved into something communities and individuals or government entities can take ownership of. Presenters will discuss how Tactical Urbanism has become more "sanctioned" while still maintaining its tenets of flexibility, cost-effectiveness, etc. and how it can be formally integrated into government departments to advance projects. Presenters will discuss case studies and their successes and failures: Burlington and Miami-Dade programs, among others across the nation. Lastly, they will give some final remarks on how to initiate and execute successful Quick-Build Programs. * *Presenters:* * - Mike Lydon & Dana Wall, The Street Plans Collaborative - Nicole Losch, City of Burlington, VT - Dane Eifling, City of Fayetteville, AR * -- *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) 925-3777 x102 | 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/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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Join us TODAY at noon for the official launch of Commuter Challenge!
by Beth McKechnie 31 May '18

31 May '18

Hope you can join us over the lunch hour to kick off the 2018 Commuter Challenge! *YOU'RE INVITED TO OUR MEDIA LAUNCH* We're hosting a media launch on Thursday, May 31st <https://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> and you're invited! Drop by *Investors Group atrium* (447 Portage Avenue <https://maps.google.com/?q=447+Portage+Avenue&entry=gmail&source=g>) *at 12:00pm* as we kick off Commuter Challenge and bring attention to the amazing participants and supporters of this great event. No RSVP required - just stop by and say hello! <https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rptA05-ySiE/Ww1g7_RT8bI/AAAAAAAAAiM/W7Pp…> -- *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) 925-3777 x102 | 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/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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Edmonton considering slashing bus routes for frequent service network
by Beth McKechnie 29 May '18

29 May '18

Timely article as Winnipeg Transit will be preparing a Strategic Service Plan (and Rapid Transit Master Plan) this coming year, with the first round of public engagement to take place this fall. All options reportedly will be on the table, including a frequent service network. For timelines, please see attached pdf. https://www.thestar.com/edmonton/2018/05/27/edmonton-is-considering-slashin… -- *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) 925-3777 x102 | 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/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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TAC survey on integrating health in transportation - 2 days left!
by Beth McKechnie 29 May '18

29 May '18

Survey on the Integration of Health in Transportation The Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) is leading a project to assess the current the potential future integration of health in transportation. The project is being completed by Urban Design 4 Health and Alta Planning + Design. As a part of this project, TAC is seeking input from individuals worldwide working in health and/or transportation fields, across diverse agencies, organizations and levels of government. Your feedback will help TAC to inventory, assess, identify gaps, and recommend improvements, in order to strengthen the integration of health in existing Canadian transportation policies, guidelines, and planning tools. Complete the survey by Thursday, May 31st, 2018. The survey is open to everyone, not just those who live in Canada. It should take approx. 15-20 min. to complete. Survey URL: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TAC_HealthTransportation <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001YxWhZ30XZN9qJ8Fx3zfB_cDUx87Cm8bOVbS08TlWPFpW…> Project URL: http://www.tac-atc.ca/en/projects/progress/strategic- opportunities-integrating-health-and-transportation <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001YxWhZ30XZN9qJ8Fx3zfB_cDUx87Cm8bOVbS08TlWPFpW…> TAC is also asking you to freely share this invitation to complete the survey with other relevant individuals working in health and/or transportation. This dissemination will help to ensure the inclusion of a wide-range of perspectives and experiences.

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Join us for the official launch of Commuter Challenge! Thurs @ noon
by Beth McKechnie 29 May '18

29 May '18

Commuter Challenge is just around the corner (June 3 – 9, 2018)! Are you registered yet? YOU'RE INVITED TO OUR MEDIA LAUNCH We're hosting a media launch on Thursday, May 31st and you're invited! Drop by Investors Group atrium (447 Portage Avenue) at 12:00pm as we kick off Commuter Challenge and bring attention to the amazing participants and supporters of this great event. No RSVP required - just stop by and say hello! CLEAN AIR DAY - June 6th Stop by for a delicious reward on your active and green commute on June 6th between 6:45-9am. It's a go rain or shine! Check out the details and map here. Come stop by our tent near Osborne Bridge on the legislative grounds to enjoy free snacks and drinks! Minor bike tune ups will be provided by our friends at the Coop Vélo-Cité. RECRUIT A NEW WORKPLACE & WIN! Do you have a friend who you think is up to the task of bringing their workplace on board this year? We invite you to recruit them for the 2018 challenge! Both you and the workplace coordinator who you recruit will be entered to win even more prizes! Get them to register and send them this form to fill out > > > > > > > > >

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WFP: City unveils options for pedestrian bridge (May25'18)
by Beth McKechnie 25 May '18

25 May '18

------------------------------ *City unveils options for pedestrian bridge* https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/city-unveils-three-options-for-pede… THREE designs for a pedestrian and bike bridge over the Assiniboine River — connecting Osborne Village to downtown— have been released by the City of Winnipeg for public input. The bridge will connect Mc Fadyen Park on the north side of the river to Fort Rouge Park on the south side. “This is a very important part of our active-transportation strategy,” said ward Coun. Jenny Gerbasi (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry). “This is part of AT route plan that will connect the Osborne Village transit station through the Village to the bridge and then into the downtown and The Forks.” The consulting team has developed three options for the proposed river crossing: a girder bridge, a doublecurved cable bridge, and a suspension bridge. “This particular project has been talked about for decades,” Gerbasi said. “It’s one of the most exciting AT things we’re talking about.” While Gerbasi is excited about the project, a suburban councillor is not. At Thursday’s council meeting, North Kildonan Coun. Jeff Browaty questioned the need for another bridge over the Assiniboine River in that area. “If you look at the map, between The Forks and on to the Maryland Street bridge, there’s pretty good coverage for people to get across the river,” Browaty told reporters. “Spending another $15-, $20- or who-knows-howmany millions of dollars to build an additional pedestrian bridge in this location is not the next priority in my mind. “They are lovely looking bridges, but I just question it.” Browaty said themoney wouldbebetter spent building a movable downtown bike network and connecting it with the suburbs. “We’ve built a lot of good (cycling) networks to get to the downtown from different quadrants of the city,” he said. “One piece that is missing is that final mile to get from the AT paths to downtown destinations. That would be a better investment.” The proposed bridge is mid-way between the Midtown (Donald Street) and the Osborne Street bridges. Gerbasi dismissed Browaty’s criticisms as pre-election pandering, adding that the proposed bridge is integral to linking the downtown bike network to the suburbs. She said neither the Midtown nor the Osborne bridges are adequate cycling routes, and no cost has been determined yet for the proposed crossing. Gerbasi said the city is taking the same planning approach for the project as it’s done for the William R. Clement Parkway extension and the widening of Kenaston Boulevard. “We do the study now, so that we’re ready when the funding becomes available,” she said. The project website (//wfp.to/ KOI) says it is one of four pedestrian/ cycling crossings being considered by public works in the next two years, at a cost of $31 million. The others include: Bishop Grandin Greenway over Pembina Highway (2019); Maple Street through-pass of the Canadian Pacific Railway mainline (2020); and a crossing over the Seine River (2019). Consulting firm WSP Canada Group was awarded a contract at the end of October at a cost of $358,351 (following a public tendering process) to design the bridge with a network connection to the Osborne Village transit station. Now that WSP has developed three bridge designs, city hall wants public feedback on each. A public workshop is scheduled for June 5, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Augustine United Church (444 River Ave.). The format will include a presentation, followed by discussion groups. Throughout the summer, the project team will finalize the recommended functional design of cycling connections and preliminary design of the bridge and parks. The designs will be submitted for city council consideration once they are finished. A detailed design phase will be required ahead of project construction. Funding for detailed design and construction will be contingent on council approval. A final public engagement report will be available on the project site in the fall. Gerbasi said since she’s not running for re-election in October, she won’t be around to make a decision on a bridge design “but I’ve been here to see the project reach this point, and I hope that a future council has the foresight to invest in our long-term active transportation plans.” aldo.santin(a)freepress.mb.ca randy.turner(a)freepress.mb.ca Three choices Option 1: Girder Bridge is a straight bridge that would cross the Assiniboine River at a skew angle. There are two areas of the bridge that gradually expand to seven-metres-wide overlook points. According to the city’s website, this bridge can be made more aesthetically beautiful with lighting and artistic features, and includes a unique shallow girder design, intended to present a slender modern look to the structure. This bridge is the cheapest option. Option 2: Cable-Stayed Bridge is a double-curved structure and would be the first curvilinear cable-stayed bridge in Canada. It would be “aesthetically unique, as it allows someone on the bridge to see the other side of the bridge while crossing it,” the website noted, while it “mimics the meandering rivers and streets along rivers in Winnipeg.” The centre of each of the two bridge curves gradually expands to a seven-metres-wide overlook point. A long bench would be built in to each of the inner curves. This option is more expensive than the proposed girder bridge. Option 3: Suspension Bridge is a straight crossing at a skew angle, and would be the only suspension bridge in Winnipeg, which could prove a tourist attraction. The centre of the bridge gradually expands to a seven-metres-wide overlook point, and has two piers at each end from which cables are suspended. The piers would be located on the riverbanks, and the suspension cables strung between them will resemble two separated spaces now connected and held together by the new structure. The bridge piers and cables allow for the inclusion of artistic lighting above the bridge. This option is more expensive than the girder bridge and is comparable in price to the cable-stayed bridge. *Details on the proposed Osborne pedestrian cycling river crossing can be found at //wfp.to/KOI <http://wfp.to/KOI>.*

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Scotland could become first on planet to make 20 mph default speed limit
by Beth McKechnie 22 May '18

22 May '18

Scotland is undertaking a remarkable initiative to become the first jurisdiction on the planet to make vehicular speeds a default of 20 miles per hour (32 kph) in any village, town or city. The Member’s Bill <http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/104723.aspx> going to Scottish parliament has bi-partisan support (across four different parties). Edinburgh, which has already implemented the 20 miles per hour speed in many areas of the city, has seen cyclist and pedestrian injury rates from vehicular crashes decrease by 25 per cent. Full story: https://pricetags.ca/2018/05/15/scotland-looks-at-slowing-speed-limits-savi…

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TAC Survey on the Integration of Health in Transportation
by Beth McKechnie 22 May '18

22 May '18

*Timely survey given our recent presentation by Dr. Frank on integrating land use and transportation planning with health outcomes. Please share widely!* * * * * * The Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) is leading a project to assess the current and potential future integration of health in transportation. The project is being completed by Urban Design 4 Health and Alta Planning + Design. As a part of this project, we are seeking input from individuals worldwide working in health and/or transportation fields, across diverse agencies, organizations and levels of government. Your feedback, gathered through an online survey, will help TAC to inventory, assess, identify gaps, and recommend improvements, in order to strengthen the integration of health in existing Canadian transportation policies, guidelines, and planning tools. Please *complete the survey by Thursday, May 31st, 2018*. It should take approximately 15-20 minutes of your time. Survey URL: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TAC_HealthTransportation Project URL: http://www.tac-atc.ca/en/projects/progress/strategic-op portunities-integrating-health-and-transportation TAC is also asking you to freely share this invitation to complete the survey with other relevant individuals working in health and/or transportation. This dissemination will help to ensure the inclusion of a wide-range of perspectives and experiences. If you have any questions, please contact: *Craig Stackpole, P.Eng., PMP* Program Manager *TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION OF CANADA (TAC)* 401-1111 Prince of Wales Dr, Ottawa, ON <https://maps.google.com/?q=401-1111+Prince+of+Wales+Dr,+Ottawa,+ON+K2C+3T2&…> K2C 3T2 <https://maps.google.com/?q=401-1111+Prince+of+Wales+Dr,+Ottawa,+ON+K2C+3T2&…> cstackpole(a)tac-atc.ca 613-736-1350 x232

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WFP: Bike sharing in Canada (May17'18)
by Beth McKechnie 17 May '18

17 May '18

Bike sharing in Canada MONTREAL Name: BIXI Montreal Launch year: 2009 Size: More than 6,000 bikes Cost: $5 per day TORONTO Name: Bike Share Toronto Launch year: 2011 Size: More than 2,500 bikes Cost: $7 per day VANCOUVER Name: Mobi Launch year: 2016 Size: More than 1,500 bikes Cost: $10 per day History of bike sharing LARGE-scale bike sharing begins in 1965 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, thanks to a group of activists who decide to leave a collection of bikes — all painted white— unlocked around the city for anyone to use. Issues soon arise, however, as most bikes are stolen and vandalized. Further attempts at large-scale bike-sharing programs aren’t tried again in Europe until the late 1990s. A series of technological advancements — from coin-operated stalls to user ID cards that track use— are implemented throughout the 2000s to cut down on theft and vandalism. As early as 2008, bike-sharing pilot programs start popping up in North America, with the continent’s first large-scale bike-sharing operation being Quebec’s BIXI Montreal in 2009.

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WFP: Pedal in the Peg starts with 22 cycles at five locations (May17'18)
by Beth McKechnie 17 May '18

17 May '18

* Pedal in the Peg starts with 22 cycles at five locations * * City hopes bike-share program gains traction * THE training wheels have come off bike sharing in Winnipeg. Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, with funding from the City of Winnipeg, officially launched the city’s first bikesharing program on Wednesday. Pedal in the Peg features 22 bicycles that can be rented from five downtown locations. “We’re trying to catch up to other major cities with our active transportation strategy. This is just one more option for visitors, but also for residents, to jump on one of these free bikes and give it a spin,” Mayor Brian Bowman said. Bowman, alongside Downtown Winnipeg BIZ CEO Stefano Grande, were the program’s first official participants Wednesday morning, buckling on helmets and taking a quick spin around city hall. The program has been languishing as a little-known pilot project for at least a year. During that time, approximately 200 people have set out on cycling adventures, the BIZ said. The city will provide $1,750 in annual funding. The rental locations are at city hall, the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ (426 Portage Ave.), the Alt Hotel, the Delta Hotel and the Holiday Inn. Bike rentals are free at city hall and the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, while rental fees apply at the hotel locations. Bikes go for about $14 for a half-day and $25 for a full day at the hotels, Grande said. That makes Winnipeg’s program significantly pricier than most other bikeshare programs in the country, such as those in Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto, which range from $5 to $10 per day. Renters are given everything they need for a downtown cycling adventure, including a bicycle, helmet, bike lock and a cycling map, Grande said. “It’s about giving people that other option to grab a bike and go to a meeting, go visit a restaurant, go to a museum. Again, just really buying into where the market is going — 100,000 people a day come downtown for work, as well as our students. Not everyone can afford a bike,” Grande said. The BIZ hopes to expand the program to other areas downtown in the summer, including the University of Winnipeg and the convention centre. That expansion is just the start, however, as Grande said there are a number of ways the BIZ will try to improve the program. Improvements include more bikes, more rental locations and expanding beyond downtown. Grande said he hopes Pedal in the Peg will serve as a template for a citywide bike-sharing program, and hasn’t ruled out the possibility of getting bikes equipped with winter tires so people can use them year-round. Bowman said programs such as Pedal in the Peg are an important part of the city’s active transportation strategy. He hopes it is a springboard for more initiatives. “We want to see more options like this for people. When you travel to other cities, you see the ride — the cyclingsharing companies like these options available in a more robust way,” Bowman said. “This is a step in the right direction. I want to see more of this in Winnipeg. It’s a great way to get around and get some exercise.” A recurring problem with many bikesharing programs in major cities is theft and vandalism, but Grande said so far that hasn’t been an issue in Winnipeg. “We didn’t know exactly how this was going to unfold, but we didn’t have that issue (theft and vandalism). During the day, downtown is busy. Our sidewalks are full and we haven’t had any thefts.” ryan.thorpe(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Cycling Delivers on the Global Goals: Shifting toward a better economy, society, and planet for all
by Beth McKechnie 10 May '18

10 May '18

From: Sarah Prowse <sprowse(a)wrha.mb.ca> Date: Thu, 10 May 2018 20:38:35 +0000 Here is a great article <https://ecf.com/sites/ecf.com/files/The%20Global%20Goals_internet.pdf> on how cycling is and can deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals. You may have seen it already (released to UN in 2015) but I thought it worth sharing. Sarah Prowse Healthy Public Policy Specialist 2nd floor - 490 Hargrave Street Winnipeg, MB R3A 0X7 Telephone 204 801 3255 Fax 204 940-2690 Email sprowse(a)wrha.mb.ca Bike racks are available in front of the building at the corner of Hargrave and McDermot. Plan your Winnipeg Transit trip: http://winnipegtransit.com/en/navigo

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WFP: Bike valet coming to whiteout party (May1'18)
by Beth McKechnie 01 May '18

01 May '18

* Bike valet coming to whiteout party * * Cops confident Jets fans won’t drink and cycle* https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/bike-valet-planned-for-whiteout-str… THE whiteout street party is adding a bicycle valet, giving Jets fans the option of active transportation. But while the bike valet promotes a greener way to get to the game and street party, it also raises the risk of a different kind of impaired driver: cyclists. “Whether you’re driving a car, or riding a bike, or any other mode of transportation, we have always tried to make sure that we are sending the safe message... ‘to celebrate, but celebrate responsibly,’” Economic Development Winnipeg spokesman Matt Schaubroeck said in an interview on Monday. “That being said, we trust Winnipeggers — they’ve been great so far, keeping everything at a good, solid energetic level without going over that line, in terms of drunk driving, drunk cycling.” According to the Winnipeg Police Service, drinking and driving only applies to motorized vehicles. Yet, bicycles are vehicles on the road and cyclists must abide by the rules of the road. Cyclists under the influence pose a safety risk to themselves, pedestrians and other drivers. While it doesn’t happen often, cyclists can be charged with driving under the influence. Bicycle Valet Winnipeg will be, as the name suggests, running the whiteout party valet. Project manager Stephanie Chow said on Monday they usually don’t see many drunk cyclists, but it does happen. Chow used Canada Day and Nuit Blanche, an all-night art exhibition, as two examples. “The people that really know and plan to use the valet and know that it’s there, are people that really just want to commute to make it easy on themselves,” Chow said, adding they deal mostly with families. The valet, which will be located in the lot behind Cityplace on the corner of Donald Street and St. Mary’s Ave., works similarly to a coat check. The valet accepts any non-motorized vehicles and its accessories, but doesn’t provide locks. By using the valet, cyclists agree to the terms of service, which includes picking up your bike within 30 minutes after the party finishes. Bikes left longer are subject to a late fee of $50. Chow said the fee is meant to act as a deterrent for people to not leave their bikes. “I would really encourage people not to drink and cycle, and I am kind of prepared to have some bikes with me at the end of the night, if that’s required,” Chow said. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have had a bike valet of their own since they were still playing in Canad Inns Stadium on Maroons Road in Polo Park. Blue Bombers director of security Kelly Keith said it’s not unusual to see at least two or three bicycles left in their valet because their respective owners were intoxicated. That said, according to the Blue Bombers website, the average attendance at Bombers home games in 2017 was about 27,400 and, of course, you need a ticket to get in. The Jets whiteout party alone was expanded to allow about 35,000 people past the gates for free. And that doesn’t include the 15,000 inside Bell MTS Place who can also take advantage of the valet. Chow said the volunteers at her valet are usually able to tell who’s impaired by talking to the cyclist, or if they see the cyclist is having trouble with their motor skills. Outside of that, there’s no way to truly tell who’s impaired. Chow said she’ll have a better sense of the issue today, but may inquire about partnering with police. Cycling under the influence of alcohol is not an offence under the Criminal Code, but police said it does violate a section of the Highway Traffic Act. If someone was found guilty of violating that section, they could face a fine ranging from $672 to $2,000 and/or imprisonment for one year maximum. nicholas.frew(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Media coverage: Extra $1M suggested for snow clearing AT routes (Apr.26'18)
by Beth McKechnie 26 Apr '18

26 Apr '18

*Strategy would re-prioritize active transportation routes * * Extra $1M suggested for snow clearing * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/report-recommends- spending-1-million-to-clear-snow-on-citys-active-transportation-network- 480842443.html Additional coverage: http://winnipegsun.com/news/local-news/winnipeg-could-add- 1m-to-snow-clearing-for-active-transportation-routes http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/winnipeg-snow- clearing-sidewalks-1.4634766 A LONG-DELAYED report identifying new priorities for snow clearing and ice control within the city’s active transportation network will recommend spending nearly $1 million on changes when it finally sees the light of day in May. The winter maintenance strategy report is now up on the City of Winnipeg’s website and will be discussed May 1 at the next standing policy committee on infrastructure renewal and public works. Coun. Janice Lukes (South Winnipeg-St. Norbert) originally requested the report in March 2016 when she was chairwoman of public works. After seven extensions, the public service came back with its findings. Cheryl Anderson, the city’s acting manager of street maintenance, is the report’s main author. Her department recommends spending about $933,000 next winter on re-prioritizing roadways, sidewalks and active transportation pathways to provide a connected pedestrian and cycling winter maintenance network. Subsequent annual spending on the re-prioritized network would be about $835,000 plus inflation, according to the report. “Efforts have been put into place that, when new infrastructure is being planned, to recognize these future design requirements and connectivity,” Anderson wrote about what the city has been doing since it approved its transportation master plan in 2011 and adopted pedestrian and cycling strategies in 2015. “Winter season has been an entirely different challenge, as citizens find many of these new active transportation routes disconnected or not maintained,” she said. Many Winnipeggers were frustrated after a large snow dump in March left some people stranded in their homes due to poorly cleared sidewalks. Some people who use wheelchairs were forced to travel on city streets in order to get around. But the public works report is about much more than fallout from a single snowstorm, said Anders Swanson, executive director of Winnipeg Trails Association. “After a long wait, this is a small step in the right direction. (The report) needs to pass so we can get going, but this report does not yet address the most crucial aspect: reliability,” Swanson said. “Walking, cycling, no matter what your ability, can be the most reliable and resilient forms of transport year round, but they have different design needs than cars. The report mentions that but then doesn’t fully address it.” Swanson thinks the city’s snow removal timing should be sped up, another move not directly mentioned in the report. The current clearing policy is to have all top-priority roadways and adjacent sidewalks and paths cleared within 36 hours of a snowfall ending. “For people pushing strollers, riding bikes or using wheelchairs, that’s just not practical. Think about this: if I am in a wheelchair and I can’t get to work on Monday or even get to the bus — which happens way too often— who is going to call my boss to tell them, ‘Sorry, but maybe he’ll be in by Wednesday?’” he said. Identifying the streets that aren’t priority one for cars but may be top priority for pedestrians or cyclists is an important distinction laid out in the review, said Mark Cohoe, director of Bike Winnipeg, who was pleased with the first iteration of the report and its related ward maps. “It’s a step forward for sure. I think there’s a few tweaks that we’ll probably recommend and a few clarifications, too.” Cohoe pointed to the North Assiniboine Parkway and foot bridges around Omand’s Creek as areas that could use more attention. If the public service’s report recommendations are approved by the public works committee on Tuesday, the changes will still need to get the green light from the executive policy committee and city council. jessica.botelho(a)freepress.mb.ca -- *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) 925-3777 x102 | 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/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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*LAST CHANCE* Don't miss From A to B next week!
by Beth McKechnie 25 Apr '18

25 Apr '18

Don’t miss From A to B: Employee Wellness and Our Environment <http://greenactioncentre.ca/module/workplace-commuter-options/from-a-to-b/> on Wednesday, May 2nd! *Green Action Centre and the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ present* *FROM A TO B: EMPLOYEE WELLNESS AND OUR ENVIRONMENT* *Featuring Keynote Speaker Dr. Larry Frank* *Wednesday, May 2nd | The Alt Hotel* REGISTER TODAY! <https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/from-a-to-b-employee-wellness-and-our-environme…> Join employers like yourself for a keynote speech by Dr. Larry Frank, followed by breakout sessions. Participate in discussions, network with your colleagues, and receive feedback on your current and future plans. Find out about initiatives you can take to support employee wellness in your workplace, beginning with the commute to and from work. *Mel Marginet* | 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) 925-3777 x112 | 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/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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UMCycle kiosk open for first full summer
by Beth McKechnie 25 Apr '18

25 Apr '18

Keeping the cycle going UMCycle kiosk open for first full summer season https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/souwester/Keeping-the-cyc… The crew at the University of Manitoba’s new bike kiosk is gearing up to get cyclists on the road this spring. The UMCycle kiosk, located behind the Active Living Centre in the Migizii Agamik Plaza on the Fort Garry campus, officially opened on April 23 for its first full summer season since the grand opening in September 2017. [image: Anna Weier, manager of UM Cycle, is pictured in the bike kiosk located on the Fort Garry campus. The community bike shop officially opened for the season on April 23.] <https://media.winnipegfreepress.com/images/dds-bikekiosk-april25.jpg> DANIELLE DA SILVA - SOU'WESTER Anna Weier, manager of UM Cycle, is pictured in the bike kiosk located on the Fort Garry campus. The community bike shop officially opened for the season on April 23. The nearly $294,000 kiosk and courtyard space provides community and campus members free access to resources related to bike repair and maintenance. During opening hours, tools are available for cyclists to do their own repairs, staff and volunteer mechanics are on hand Thursday afternoons to walk cyclists through more complex jobs, and new and used parts are also available to purchase from the kiosk. The bike shop is operated by the University of Manitoba Students’ Union and received funding from the City of Winnipeg, federal government, and the university. Anna Weier, manager of UMCycle, said the initial reception to the shop — which operates out of retrofitted shipping container — has been positive and she’s looking forward to a busy cycling season in Fort Garry. "We definitely have a lot of people who come from outside of the U of M campus," Weier said. "Last year, we were just feeling things out, so our hours were probably not very helpful to people who live off campus because we were open only in the middle of the day, when most people were at work. "But even still we had kids coming by to get their bikes fixed and other people who live in the community who are not at work during the day, and this year we’re hoping accommodate that even more because our hours are extending into the evening and the weekend." The kiosk is currently staffed with two full time and two casual employees, based on need, and also has a large volunteer complement. When the UMCycle folks aren’t helping out stranded riders, they also run bike repair workshops for community groups and refurbish abandoned or salvaged bikes. Bikes that are left on campus will be headed to the kiosk, along with frames rescued from the dump, where they will be repaired by UMCycle staff and sold at the U of M for $50 to $250 to support the program. "We’re operating as a social enterprise so we’re trying to make enough money to cover our costs. Whatever money we make goes back into our operations," Weier said. Community members also have an opportunity to build their own bike through UMCycle. For a suggested donation of $50 (or pay-what-you can), people can draw on the experience of UMCycle staff and volunteers and build a bike with used (and some new) parts. "So people can have a good bike that’s not super expensive and also to help us cover our costs so we can continue operating," she said. A few additional grants have also allowed the bike repair shop to increase its footprint this summer. The U of M, UMSU, and the faculty of architecture along with others have supported a $35,000 expansion that will see new storage, work, rest, and display areas constructed by fourth year environmental design students. A signage and wayfinding component will also be part of the project. Lancelot Coar, an associate professor of architecture at the U of M, is leading students through the design-build project, which sees them actually take up hammer and nail to bring their visions to reality. "Because we’re in Migizii Agamik Plaza, we worked very closely with the elders at Migizii Agamik to develop signage that incorporates both traditional land use, traditional names of landforms, locations and sites, with contemporary maps of the city and city and campus resources," Coar explained. "So it’s trying to link the idea of Indigenous community interest and perspectives with the idea of active transportation, and also helping to enhance the students’ perspective of what matters when they’re designing." The expansion is expected to be finished by the end of summer. The kiosk is open Mondays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday to Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more information about UMCycle and a full schedule of programs, go to http://umsu.ca/businesses/umcycle [image: UM Cycle’s bike kiosk located on the Fort Garry campus officially opened for the season on April 23.] <https://media.winnipegfreepress.com/images/dds-bikekiosk3-april25.jpg>

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Webinar Reminder: Got Counts? Now What? | Wed, Apr 25, 3-4pm
by Beth McKechnie 24 Apr '18

24 Apr '18

*** Friendly reminder about tomorrow afternoon's webinar *** Please join Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg on *Wed, April 25th*, for a group viewing of the monthly APBP webinar in the EcoCentre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/uncategorized/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-o…> boardroom followed by discussion for those who wish to stay. cheers, Beth -- *Next webinar: April 25, 2018, 3-4pm* *Got Counts? Now what?* * The April webinar features emerging applications for count data and real-life case studies. You'll hear about North Carolina's cyclist data program and how to move from a sporadic count to a more intentional programmatic system. You'll also learn about a project from the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and Fehr & Peers to place counters and develop approaches for utilizing the multi-modal count data for planning, funding, and evaluation. They'll discuss the approach for forecasting activity on specific facilities and how multi-modal counts can inform changes in mode share. * *Presenters:* - *Shannon Warchol, Institute for Transportation Research and Education* - *Nathan Schmidt, Fehr & Peers* - *Joshua Clark, San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)* -- *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) 925-3777 x102 | 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/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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city launches online bike registry
by Jeremy Hull 24 Apr '18

24 Apr '18

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/city-launches-online-bike-registry-… The City of Winnipeg has launched a new online registry that should increase the likelihood of lost bicycles being returned to their owners. Bike owners in the city could already register their bicycles by mail, but now the city has added an online option. All bike registrations made using the mail service have been transferred to the online database, according to a press release. "(The online bike registry) is something I've been looking forward to for a long time," Marcia Fifer, Winnipeg's business licensing co-ordinator, said at Monday's launch. There is a one-time fee of $6.60 (GST included) when someone first registers. Users can upload photos of their bikes and several can be registered to one household. No payment is required for the return of a bike. Fifer told reporters that the registry cost the city a couple of thousand dollars to create. The registry went online at 9 a.m. Monday. The city recovers an estimated 1,000 bikes each year, but less than 10 per cent are returned to their owners, according to the city. More than 2,800 bikes were reported stolen in 2017, but Winnipeg police — partners in the new online initiative — suspect that number to be low because of thefts that aren't reported, said Insp. Chody Sutherland, who noted police often find bikes before they're reported stolen. "We may recover the bike overnight, while it's being used in another offence, or it's been abandoned after it's been stolen before homeowners may notice the bike is actually even missing," she said. Officers all have access to an app in their cruiser cars that grants them access to the online registry anytime. "If you're listed on the registry in advance, we can return the bike almost immediately," Sutherland said, adding if police can't find the owner, the bike will be put in storage. Bicycles in storage that go unclaimed are auctioned off by the city. The Winnipeg Repair Education and Cycling Hub (WRENCH), a non-profit organization that builds, repairs and makes bikes accessible to youth, is partnering with the city to ensure the bikes are ready to ride. This year's auction is Saturday and Sunday morning at the Terry Sawchuk Arena on Kimberly Avenue. There will be about 700 bikes available for the public to bid on. Police hope the online registry will mean fewer bikes are auctioned in the future, Sutherland said. People should continue reporting thefts since being on the registry isn't enough and reporting thefts helps the police see patterns and come up with strategies, Sutherland said. Bikes can be registered online at winnipeg.ca/bikeregistry. Lost or stolen bikes can be reported to the police through its non emergency line or online through the citizen online reporting system. nicholas.frew(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Central Park goes car free
by Beth McKechnie 23 Apr '18

23 Apr '18

Hmmm, perhaps we could do the same in Kildonan Park? https://ny.curbed.com/2018/4/20/17261134/central-park-new-york-car-free-de-… “Our parks are for people, not cars,” De Blasio said in a statement. “For more than a century, cars have turned parts of the world’s most iconic park into a highway. Today we take it back. We are prioritizing the safety and the health of the millions of parents, children and visitors who flock to Central Park.”

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WFP: Barricades at Portage and Main should come down: Sadik-Khan (Apr.17'18)
by Beth McKechnie 17 Apr '18

17 Apr '18

* Former NYC official touts pedestrian-friendly changes * * Remove downtown barricades: planner * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/barricades-at-portage-and-main-shou… TRAFFIC-snarled New York City took cars off the road at Times Square without causing carmageddon, so there’s no reason pedestrians shouldn’t be able to cross Portage and Main in Winnipeg, says New York’s former transportation commissioner. “Moving people off of streets is really 1950s thinking,” Janette Sadik-Khan said Monday. “And to put them underground? We’re not rats. We’re wanting to get people on the streets. Cars don’t shop, people shop.” Critics of the idea of reopening the intersection at Portage Avenue and Main Street and allowing pedestrians to walk across instead of using underground tunnels have said it will create traffic gridlock on one of the busiest intersections in the Manitoba capital. Sadik-Khan said the same fears were heard in New York when officials decided to transform about four kilometres of Broadway, including closing it completely to traffic at Times Square, to make it more pedestrian-friendly. In its place are pedestrian plazas and spaces, as well as more bike lanes. The changes have also resulted in improving motorist travel times on other streets while reducing motorist and pedestrian injuries and increasing pedestrian volumes, Sadik-Khan said. “The strategy isn’t to get cars as fast as possible from A to B, it’s to get everyone around... cities have learned when you add more lanes you don’t increase traffic flow. After 50 years, we know this strategy doesn’t work. Nobody says we will solve obesity by increasing your belt size,” she said. Sadik-Khan was commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation from 2007 to 2013 under then mayor Michael Bloomberg. These days she works at Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy agency established by the former mayor. Her role is to travel the world helping mayors and city planners make citizen-friendly improvements to street redesigns. Winnipeggers should embrace pedestrians crossing their city’s iconic intersection instead of fearing it, she said, while praising Mayor Brian Bowman and city council for making moves to open Portage and Main to pedestrians. City council approved a plan last October for more studies, cost estimates and another vote on removing the barricades that were erected in the late 1970s as part of an agreement with six adjacent property owners to move people underground. “I think it’s wonderful you’re looking at opening Portage and Main to pedestrians. It’s where everybody goes to celebrate — especially a Stanley Cup,” she said. Sadik-Khan and other transportation experts are in Winnipeg to participate in the inaugural Mode Shift festival of human-scale cities, which aims to explore transportation, culture and health. Anders Swanson, Mode Shift’s program director and executive director of Winnipeg Trails, said transportation issues should be about more than just cars and trucks. “The way we move, especially how we want to move, is changing fast,” Swanson said. “This event is about how to make that transition a good one, a quick one, one where we end up with more patios, more bike lanes, more jobs, more money and, well, all-round happier people. This is about fixing our roads for good. “Our streetscape should be our landscape, but it isn’t when we put machines there... freeways don’t make a city. No one has ever come back from France with a postcard of a freeway.” Herbert Tiemens, a Dutch road design expert and bicycle policy adviser to the Kingdom of Netherlands, said whenever he comes to North America, he hears something he doesn’t hear in his country. “I’m always amazed about the noise of the traffic and how hard it is to cross streets,” Tiemens said. “In the Netherlands, we abandoned jaywalking and allowed people to cross everywhere on the street. People were doing it already. We’ve made other changes for pedestrians and it has worked very well. “People don’t want to go back to what it was before.” kevin.rollason(a)freepress.mb.ca

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