- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Improved Roundabout Design for Cyclists, Rightsizing Streets, PBIC YouTube Channel
by Beth McKechnie 31 Jan '13

31 Jan '13

*Evaluation of the C-Roundabout – an Improved Multi-Lane Roundabout Design for Cyclists* http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/research/reports/510/docs/510.pdf<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001JH1tBLwlsSK2D7Ib2o6ldGTQgMn-MbSTqPyGu04EA_k7…> Research Report: *New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA)* The NZTA research report evaluates field operations of the C-roundabout design, a new design to improve the safety of bicyclists at multi-lane roundabouts. The concept of the design is to decrease vehicle speeds through the roundabout by increasing the deflection of the roundabout and by reducing the widths of approach lanes and circulating lanes so that cyclists are required to travel in the center of the lanes. * * * * * *NEW RIGHTSIZING STREETS GUIDE RELEASED http://www.pps.org/reference/rightsizing/ * Rightsizing is the process of reallocating a street’s space to better serve its full range of users. Picture a four lane road that was built thirty years ago in an undeveloped area, but that now has housing, shops, and an elementary school in close vicinity. The needs of the community surrounding that road have changed over three decades – and the design of that road may need to change to meet those needs as well. It may need a sidewalks or a median to help people cross safely, or on-street parking for folks who want to frequent local shops, or other safety features to prevent injuries. * * * * * PBIC creates new YouTube Channel The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center <http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/> has created a new YouTube Channel for hosting and promoting its archived webinars, as well as other relevant PBIC videos. The site, www.youtube.com/pedbikeinfo<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?UNCHighwaySafetyRese/3224560524/e535421c0a/f578a7d7…>, features many of the center’s recent webinars including all webinars from the series on the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials newly updated “Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities” and from the series on the intersection of public health and transportation co-hosted with the American Public Health Association. Webinar recordings also remain available on the PBIC website, www.walkinginfo.org/webinars<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?UNCHighwaySafetyRese/3224560524/e535421c0a/61a803c1…> .

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Active & Green: Jack Frost Challenge, Creative Commuting, and a Trip to Finland!
by Jessie Klassen 29 Jan '13

29 Jan '13

I hope you enjoy this Winter 2013 issue of Active & Green. Please feel free to share with friends and colleagues. ** *Jessie Klassen* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca> Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.<http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&id=4414f5a9df…> Looking to improve commuter options at your workplace? Request resources<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> on cycling or carpooling tips, surveys, awards, secure bike parking, and more. Book a presentation<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> on living greener at the workplace, school or at home. Attend a Creative Commuting Ambassador<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> workshop. It’s free! ------------------------------ Upcoming Events *Lindsay Gauld's One Millionth KM at The Forks*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> February 2, 2013 *BTTF Fundraiser Concert*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> February 2, 2013 *Jack Frost Challenge*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> February 9-15, 2013 *Snow Trek*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> Sunday, Feb. 10 *Creative Commuting Ambassador Training*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> Thursday, Feb. 14 *Winter Bike to Work Day*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> Friday, Feb. 15, Winnipeg *Ice** It To Work Day*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> Friday, Feb. 15 *Actif Epica*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> Saturday, Feb. 16 *Snow Trek*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> Sunday, Feb. 24 *Commuter Challenge*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> June 2-8, 2013 ------------------------------ Like what you see? If you are not already a member of Green Action Centre, take a moment to join us<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. Membership is FREE. Please also pass this along to your friends and family. And if you like what we do, make a secure donation online easily and quickly at CanadaHelps<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. Make a one-time donation or contribute monthly. Even small monthly donations make a big difference for Green Action in Manitoba. *Help us grow our membership and activities.* ------------------------------ *Call for Nominations: 2013 Commuter Friendly Workplace Awards * Does your workplace make it easy, convenient and affordable to bus, carpool, bike, walk or telecommute? Have improvements been introduced that merit recognition? If so, consider applying for the 2013 Commuter Friendly Workplace Award<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. The application form also acts as a handy idea list for possible projects to improve commuting options at your workplace. Check out what Assiniboine Credit Union, last year's winner, accomplished here<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>. Sign up your team for The Jack Frost Challenge! Winter offers a whole new array of active ways to get around (besides our favourites of walking and cycling) – snowshoeing, skating, x-country skiing. Try 'em all during The Jack Frost Challenge<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>, Feb. 9-15, 2013. Sign up your team of 1-5 participants with the goal of logging 130 km that week. Last year<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>, 10,372 total km were completed by 67 teams, such as the Three Abominable Snowmen, The Fast and Flurriest, and the West End Winter Woolies to name a few. Sign up co-workers, classmates, friends or family. Prizes and bragging rights are up for grabs! Become a Creative Commuting Ambassador You are invited to a FREE, half-day interactive workshop on becoming a Creative Commuting Ambassador at your workplace! Get the tools and guidance to help improve commuter options on-site and support your coworkers to get the most out of their commutes. Receive training in bike route planning, Winnipeg Transit Tools, evaluating your workplace, and planning your own simple project. Thurs, February 14, 2013, from 12:45-4:00 p.m. Sign up here<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> Cycling in Winterpeg Ever been to Oulu, Finland<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>? Probably not. Neither has Anders Swanson but that will change when he attends the first international Winter Cycling Congress<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>taking place on Feb 13 & 14, 2013. It’s certainly a fitting location given that cycling accounts for 12% of all trips made in winter in Oulu (23% in summer). Anders will be presenting Winnipeg as a city where winter cycling is or can be "for everyone". Afterward, he will return to Winnipeg to share empirical, anecdotal and visual proof that this is, in fact, the case! Learn more here<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. On a related note, a group of Manitoba Hydro employees prove that 360 Portage Avenue is the place to ride<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>, even in winter. Walkable Communities If you're interested in living in a more walkable community (and who isn't?), search the new online guide from America Walks and Sam Schwartz: Steps to a Walkable Community<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>. The guide has case studies from across North America, and is organized in categories such as advocacy, policy, land use, and encouragement & education. New Technologies: Heated Roads and Smart Cards The Dutch, once again, are leading the way in terms of new technology for cycle commuting. To improve biking in winter, they are using reflective crystals to increase the visibility of lane markings and underground heating on some roads. See the BBC video report<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> . Here in Winnipeg, Transit will begin updating its fare collection system<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>in February 2013. The spiffy new fareboxes will have an electronic display and automatic coin counter. They will also print a coded transfer slip that will be electronically read when you get back on the bus. Later in the year, transit will introduce a Smart Card<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>to replace its paper tickets and passes. Riders will be able to preload cash or a variety of passes onto their card, and the scanner on the farebox will deduct the correct amount just by tapping the card to the box. Sweet! Saving Money and Making Friends: Ridesharing Imagine saving $100,000 pounds (that's $158,000 to us Canadians) by sharing your commute with friends. That's why this story caught our eye. Five fellows in the UK <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>have shared their daily commute for over 20 years and become fast friends. In addition to saving a ton of money, they slashed their individual commuting emissions and found a way to take turns snoozing on the ride home to boot. You are receiving this email because you are an Active & Green subscriber. Unsubscribe<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> jessie_klassen(a)hotmail.com from this list. Our mailing address is: Green Action Centre 3-303 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B4 Canada Add us to your address book<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/vcard?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f…> Copyright (C) 2013 Green Action Centre All rights reserved. Forward<http://us2.forward-to-friend2.com/forward?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&id=44…>this email to a friend Update your profile<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/profile?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3…> [image: Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp]<http://www.mailchimp.com/monkey-rewards/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm…>

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Invitation: Lindsay's Cool Million @ Sat Feb 2, 2013 11:30am - 12:30pm (at-network@lists.umanitoba.ca)
by Anders Swanson 28 Jan '13

28 Jan '13

You have been invited to the following event. Title: Lindsay's Cool Million When: Sat Feb 2, 2013 11:30am – 12:30pm Central Time - Winnipeg Where: The Foks Port Calendar: at-network(a)lists.umanitoba.ca Who: (Guest list has been hidden at organizer's request) Event details: https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=VIEW&eid=dG50YTZrcWVxYzQzanB0d… Invitation from Google Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/ You are receiving this courtesy email at the account at-network(a)lists.umanitoba.ca because you are an attendee of this event. To stop receiving future notifications for this event, decline this event. Alternatively you can sign up for a Google account at https://www.google.com/calendar/ and control your notification settings for your entire calendar.

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EVENT INVITATION: Saturday February 2nd: Lindsay's Cool Million
by Anders Swanson 28 Jan '13

28 Jan '13

Dear At Network, You are cordially invited to take part in an historic event. *This Saturday, February 2nd at 11:30 am<http://www.theforks.com/events/calendar-of-events/date:2013-02#event_1631_2…> *, Lindsay Gauld will be riding his *1 000 000th* kilometer as he rides down the frozen Rivertrail into the Forks port. There will be a celebration honoring this achievement (*this is the equivalent of riding around the world 25 times*). As part of the celebration, The Forks is hoping to have *1000 riders on their bikes in the Forks port* to welcome Lindsay as he rides in. For those of you who don't know who Lindsay is...well...he's gotta be Winnipeg's only former-Olympian-turned-successful-bikeshop-owner-turned-year-round-bike-courier. He's also been meticulously documenting his kilometers ridden from a young age. While certainly many of those "kilometers-biked" haven't strictly been "for transportation", many of them have been (he's a bike courier after all) and, more importantly, Lindsay has been inspiring people and demonstrating what's possible - rain or shine, snow or sleet, no matter what your age - for a long time. One million kilometers is an incredible achievement of incredible scale. IMO, Lindsay is also a rather nice fellow too! If you've never ridden in the winter before, this is also your chance: The River Trail provides a nice well-packed, safe place to try it. Consider it an ideal place for a Winter Bike to Work Day<http://winterbiketoworkday.org>or Ice it to Work Day practice run, a chance to test your fortitude for Actif Epica <http://actifepi.ca/> or an opportunity to add a few kilometers to your team's Jack Frost Challenge<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/bougeons-en-hiver/>tally. Whatever your reason, get out there. It took Lindsay a million 'clicks' to get here, so it's probably the least we could do! Hope you can make it. Please invite any and all who would like to be there at this historic event. The Forks has asked that you please twitter, facebook, email, write letters but most of all, show up on your bike on the 2nd. Sincerely, Anders Swanson Lindsay's Cool Million *When* Sat, February 2, 11:30am – 12:30pm GMT-06:00 *Where* The Foks Port *Who* (Guest list has been hidden at organizer's request)

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Take on The Jack Frost Challenge!
by Beth McKechnie 24 Jan '13

24 Jan '13

Hi everyone We would really appreciate if you could share the following with your networks and consider signing up your own team of your co-workers, friends or families! Event poster attached and also available online<http://greenactioncentre.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Bougeons_JackFrost_2…> . thanks, Beth ---------- *Registrations are now open for: Bougeons en hiver: The Jack Frost Challenge<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/bougeons-en-hiver-the-jack-frost-challe…> !** * Frolic in the snow and celebrate winter Manitoba-style. *SIGN UP*<http://jf.macroelite.ca>your team of friends, co-workers or classmates to skate, bike, ski, snowshoe, run or walk a combined total of 130 km the week of *February 9-15, 2013*. Prizes and bragging rights up for grabs. Check out a few of the stories<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/stories-from-jack-frost-challenge-2012/>from last year! Bougeons en hiver: The Jack Frost Challenge is a Co-Actif Epica<http://actifepi.ca/>event. * * * * * *Vous pouvez maintenant vous inscrire à l'édition 2013 de * *« Bougeons en hiver : The Jack Frost Challenge !<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/bougeons-en-hiver-the-jack-frost-challe…>» * Amusez-vous dans la neige, tous en célébrant l’hiver manitobaine ! * Inscrivez-vous*<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/bougeons-en-hiver-the-jack-frost-challe…>en équipe avec vos collègues de travail, membres de famille, amis ou camarades de classe pour faire le patinage, la bicyclette, le ski, la raquette, la course ou la marche d’un total collectif de 130km sur une durée d’une semaine, du *9 au 15 février, 2013*. Courez la chance de gagner des prix et de vous mériter le droit de vous vanter! Lisez des histoires<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/stories-from-jack-frost-challenge-2012/>de nos participants de l'année dernière. Bougeons en hiver : The Jack Frost Challenge ! est un co-événement d’Actif Epica <http://actifepi.ca/>.

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Winnipeg ranks 6th in Walkscore's most walkable Canadian cities
by Beth McKechnie 23 Jan '13

23 Jan '13

Walk Score's latest top 10 ranks <http://www.walkscore.com/rankings/canada/>Canadian cities by walkability: 1. Vancouver (Walk Score: 78) 2. Toronto (Walk Score: 71) 3. Montreal (Walk Score: 70) 4. Mississauga (Walk Score: 59) 5. Ottawa (Walk Score: 54) 6. Winnipeg (Walk Score: 53) 7. Edmonton (Walk Score: 51) 8. Hamilton (Walk Score: 51) 9. Brampton (Walk Score: 48) 10. Calgary (Walk Score: 48) [source: http://www.treehugger.com/public-transportation/vancouver-crowned-most-walk… ] [ http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1103091/vancouver-toronto-and-montreal-top-… ] "The ratings were tabulated by the [WalkScore] app, which generates a score out of 100 based on the proximity of amenities like grocery stores, cafes and libraries. To achieve a city-wide score, the data was calculated by applying the score of each block then factoring in population density." [source and chart: http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/1318764--toronto-ranked-second-most… ]

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Call for Expressions of Interest and Qualifications | School Travel Planning Web App
by Anders Swanson 23 Jan '13

23 Jan '13

Hello, See the unique and exciting opportunity attached. Please forward to tech-savvy folks with a background in software development (and perhaps a penchant for active transportation) whom you think might be interested. Thank you, Anders Swanson Project Manager Active and Safe Routes to School Program | Green Action Centre 303 Portage Ave, 3rd Floor | Winnipeg, MB | R3B 2B4 c. 1-204-797-1962 | anders(a)greenactioncentre.ca

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Six creative options for the bridge plaza (see #2)
by Anders Swanson 21 Jan '13

21 Jan '13

source: http://metronews.ca/voices/urban-compass-winnipeg/517196/five-creative-opti… Six creative options for the bridge plaza January 20, 2013 ** *_______________* ** I never thought placing a Salisbury House on the Esplanade Riel was a great idea. Nothing against the restaurant chain, which serves reasonable food at a reasonable price, but the idea always seemed terribly uninspired. After all, there was nothing “reasonable” about building a restaurant plaza in the middle of a bridge in the first place. It was a bold, expensive gambit to create a unique attraction for our city, and filling the space with another outlet of an ordinary restaurant chain didn’t come close to achieving that goal. And while a reasonable argument could be made that the plaza never should have been built, reality is that it exists now, and with the Salisbury House lease ending, the city has an opportunity to pursue more creative ideas. So with that in mind, let’s explore a couple of options: *1. Pop-up retail/restaurant.* Winnipeg has been typically slow to adopt the worldwide trend of pop-up commercial spaces. However, a group of entrepreneurs will soon open a pop-up restaurant along the river trail, and if all goes well then that could spark new opportunities. Having a flexible space on the bridge available for short-term rent could help get more ideas off the ground, whether it’s seasonal food concepts, art exhibits or even major retailers who want to test the Winnipeg market (like what Lululemon recently did with its pop-up retail store in Regina). *2. Urban cycling centre.* Inspired by the Midtown Bike Center in Minneapolis (which has the exact same square footage), the bridge plaza could be converted into an all-purpose bike retail/rental/repair/storage outlet that could serve as a hub for community outreach activities for the city’s cycling community. And as an added bonus, the lack of an adjacent parking lot isn’t a concern for this group. *3. Ice cream/burger mecca.* For decades, Winnipeggers have been lining up at the BDI and Sargent Sundae for a chance to buy ice cream and walk across a bridge. Combine that idea with some classic White Top/Mrs. Mike’s/VJ’s-style burgers, and you’re guaranteed success … for at least six months of the year. *4. Event centre.* Given its unique location, it’s easy to imagine the bridge as a French-Canadian-themed bar during Festival du Voyageur, a venue with a view for Folklorama, a spot for swanky cocktail parties during fireworks shows at The Forks, or even a cool site for wedding photos and small receptions. *5. French restaurant.* The original idea when the bridge plaza was built a decade ago was for it to become a bistro or creperie that provides a culinary complement to the bridge’s physical connection between downtown and St. Boniface. Maybe now the city would be willing to provide more of an economic incentive (free rent? no business taxes?) to make it happen. *6. Winnipeg Jets… something.* I don’t even have an idea here, but put the logo of our most recognized team on our most recognized piece of architecture, and it’s certain to draw a crowd at any time during the year. News Worth Sharing: <http://metronews.ca/author/cfast/>By Colin Fast<http://metronews.ca/author/cfast/> Metro Winnipeg Connect with Colin

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WFP: Cyclists, drivers can't point fingers (Jan.19'13)
by Beth McKechnie 19 Jan '13

19 Jan '13

Cyclists, drivers can't point fingers Collision data show both parties need to take better care on road By: Bruce Owen http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/cyclists-drivers-cant-point-fingers-… It's time to call a truce in Winnipeg's war between cyclists and drivers. It turns out both are at fault for crashes, injuries and even cyclist fatalities during the past decade, according to data released by Manitoba Public Insurance. The continuing rate of collisions between bikes and vehicles is one reason Manitoba's Public Utilities Board told MPI late last year to put together a more comprehensive public education campaign on road safety and messaging to motorists regarding cyclists, such as giving cyclists one metre of space when passing them. "We're both to blame," said Dave Elmore, director of safety and education for the cyclist lobby group Bike to the Future. "There's equal fault on both sides. The numbers that we've had in the past from MPI really show that at least 50 per cent of cyclists are at fault for most of their own collisions." MPI's numbers from 2001-10 appear to back that up. MPI spokesman Brian Smiley said 13 cyclists were killed and 68 seriously injured in that period, and there were 2,144 less-serious injuries to cyclists. Almost 68 per cent of reported collisions happened at intersections, as did 61 per cent of the 13 fatalities. In 63 per cent of those collisions, the cyclist was pedalling straight ahead and 20 per cent of the vehicles involved were turning right, meaning the driver likely turned into the cyclist without shoulder-checking. Of the cyclists in a collision with a motor vehicle: -- 10 per cent reported they were distracted or confused; -- 4.3 per cent failed to yield the right-of-way; -- three per cent disobeyed a traffic-control device. Of the motor vehicle drivers in a collision with a cyclist: -- 4.1 per cent said they were distracted; -- 4.8 per cent failed to yield the right-of-way; -- 1.1 per cent were speeding. "Everyone is expected to share the road," Smiley said. "Cyclists are entitled to be on the road. They are also expected to observe the rules of road, meaning stopping at stop signs, observing traffic lights and yielding when appropriate. Vehicles are also expected to share the road with cyclists." The numbers were compiled from claims filed with MPI. City police do not record these statistics. Elmore said the numbers he has show there is an overall downward trend in the number of car-cyclist collisions in the past decade, but that the numbers have edged up in the past two years. "I think that's really a result of the fact that we have more and more cyclists on the road these days, and fewer of them actually understand how they should be behaving on the road," he said. "In some cases, they don't possess the skills, and in some cases, they don't have the knowledge and understanding. "It's easy for drivers to point to cyclists who shoot through red lights and at stop signs, but they're by far the minority of cyclists. And the same holds true for cyclists, who say that drivers speed and also roll through stop signs." What's needed is a more rigorous public education campaign on cyclist safety, run by MPI and the province, as dedicated bike lanes on streets are slow in coming and costly. "People believe that there's this war between cyclists and drivers, but ultimately, I don't believe it's a war," Elmore said. "I think that really it's just a misunderstanding and it's created because of the knowledge gap. There's a huge gap in knowledge on both sides of the coin. Education is unfortunately overlooked as a solution." Smiley said MPI has met with cyclist groups to rework the information MPI gives to the public in brochures and on the Crown corporation's website. He said the worst months for cyclist fatalities are June and July, with 23 per cent of such deaths happening in those two months. June and July were also the worst months for injuries. No cyclist deaths were recorded in December, January and February. The worst day of the week for cyclist-car collisions is Wednesday, with 18 per cent recorded, and the worst time of day is the 3 p.m.-to-6 p.m. rush hour, during which 30 per cent of such crashes occurred. Smiley said 90 per cent of all bicycle-vehicle mishaps were reported, and 10 per cent were classified as hit-and-runs. *bruce.owen(a)freepress.mb.ca* ** *To avoid it, you have to see it* EVER wonder why motor-vehicle drivers don't see the person on the bicycle until the last second, if at all? It's not so much because they're not paying attention, it's because the human brain can only process the images the eyes see directly in front of them, not what's around them. It's another way of saying your eyes weren't designed for driving. Your peripheral vision is only as good as the size of the object approaching you from the side, such as a truck. Your peripheral vision would not necessarily pick up a cyclist, especially when lost momentarily in the blind spot of a car-door pillar. The lesson here is drivers should always look right and left at least twice before going into an intersection. It also means fully turning your head so your brain processes what your eyes see. For cyclists, it means wearing high-contrast clothing so they can be seen. Flashing lights front and back are a must at dusk and during the night. It also means not only looking at vehicles around you, but at the drivers. If a driver doesn't appear to notice you, or worse, is on a cellphone, play it safe and assume you have not been seen. Also be predictable in your riding. "A lot of people look at it like it's that old expression, 'it's just like riding a bike.' That's not true," said Dave Elmore, director of safety and education for Bike to the Future. "That's balancing a bike. Riding a bike in traffic is a totally different world." *For more information, go to www.londoncyclist.co.uk/raf-pilot-teach-cyclists* Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition January 19, 2013 A4

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AT webinar: Basics of Bicycle Parking, Wed, Jan.23, 2-3 pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 17 Jan '13

17 Jan '13

Green Action Centre and Stantec Consulting invite you to join us for a local viewing of the first of four APBP webinars on bicycle parking. It takes place at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) and will be followed by group discussion of local applications.* *APBP strongly recommends viewing this first webinar as a prerequisite to others in the bicycle parking series. *Basics of Bicycle Parking Wed, Jan. 23, 2013 | 2:00-3:00 pm CST* RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth 925-3772 * * * * * * * The Basics of Bicycle Parking APBP presents a series of four webinars that covers all aspects of bicycle parking. The first session reviews some of the basic principles of accommodating bicycles in both public and institutional environments. We will review types of parking in current use for both short and long term parking, and describe the conditions and constraints which guide selection of parking strategies and equipment. The session will look globally at the organization of the APBP Bicycle Parking Guidelines and preview the following sessions. Topics include core concepts, rack design and features, site planning and innovations. Who should attend? Municipal staff, transit agency staff, managers of educational, corporate and healthcare campuses, and members of Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committees (BPACs), as well as elected officials and staff of bicycle advocacy organizations. Both the experienced agency manager and those new to developing bicycle parking solutions will benefit. *For future dates and topics in the Bicycle Parking Webinar series, see: * http://greenactioncentre.ca/event/apbp-bicycle-parking-webinar-series/

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FW: Active Transportation - Request for Documents
by Kristine Hayward 16 Jan '13

16 Jan '13

Hi AT folks - see below the request from the Leisure Information Network (LIN) for additional resources on Active Transportation. Kristine Hayward in motion Coordinator 2nd floor - 490 Hargrave Street Winnipeg, MB R3A 0X7 Telephone 204 940-1676 Cell 204 232-7546 Fax 204 940-2690 Email khayward(a)wrha.mb.ca Follow Winnipeg in motion on Twitter - @wpginmotion Sign up to receive updates from Winnipeg in motion @ http://www.winnipeginmotion.ca/signup/ <http://www.winnipeginmotion.ca/signup/> PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVE MOVED (MAY 5, 2012) - our mailing address and fax number has changed. From: LINNEWS [mailto:acroxford@lin.ca] Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2013 1:01 PM To: Kristine Hayward Subject: Active Transportation - Request for Documents <http://r20.rs6.net/on.jsp?t=1112166007465.0.1101653690364.795&ts=S0859& o=http://ui.constantcontact.com/images/p1x1.gif> LINNews Banner<http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs074/1101653690364/img/20.png> Find us on Facebook Find LIN on Facebook <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0019cgJmpIvtKzwel6kNElk0pFN5rJRxUkDS4tQbhmE I8H42xaRE8tkdJyLffX7fMVrjCF4sYischyFm8J9yBUYibfBVhF3akuKFYzVbplPX7FVWRtG Ctt8xCIBDnuwopNLkjjCd2VvuDzoiR9IVtSkOIjQvrv7I1HN2gr-GEuAv946gkJsNP2widGK NEYMyuuEDw6Gw5Nnrn_p_DF_c0fhS9QOvnaiDO_C> LIN maintains a database of all messages sent out on LINNEWS and most of the responses. You can search it at any time by going to: http://www.lin.ca/index.cfm?fa=resource.linnews <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0019cgJmpIvtKwJcSBJeYtRwpbFY0c6dzS01zIBJeYs lePaMvGsBU3Xe2L2qVWa8SkYInjcvQshmwPWGDWYBhrGoUmQMBNF_ILRtI0Aev1dJ1noqiKN g1gW5fTZD_Vi3iUU0PW6gQzLrTM3XXUDZXDVHQ==> To help us, please make sure that your replies to messages are copied to archive(a)lin.ca <mailto:archive@lin.ca> (there will be a reminder on every message we send.) To post a message to this listserv, address your email to linnews(a)lin.ca Active Transportation Request for Documents for the National Recreation Database Happy New Year everyone In our recent survey on the National Recreation Database, the vast majority of respondents said they would submit documents to the database, if they were asked for specific items... so now we're asking! Many specific examples were given and we will be making requests on a regular basis. Those who submit documents will have their names entered in a draw for prizes at the end of the year (we don't know what the prizes will be yet, but we're working on finding some really good ones). This week we're looking for active transportation plans, research, policies etc., so if your organization has anything like this, please take a few minutes to send them along. You can send us the full document, or a link to something on your own website (if you think it will remain there permanently). Let's see how quickly we can make the database grow in 2013! By the way, you can see a report on the survey results on our home page: www.lin.ca <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0019cgJmpIvtKyOz8cXoAiUjuhmtowvKb036tn2PYxR BlbW1KIqE46ieaBTDNlGvZ_kwDzfAxmJqdsg_kv4puqgLu_vgzqu9df1F1k_bQSsYGI=> Forward email <http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?llr=74r994bab&m=1101653690364 &ea=khayward%40wrha.mb.ca&a=1112166007465> <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&mse=001ytzJgXCdPi6eNDPx28rAn dQIGyfgIfxy&t=001Ej9Ta588qOPUr0htbZk9bA%3D%3D&lang=001FCSs65SMrsI%3D&rea son=001y5KaVlBn7_Y%3D&llr=74r994bab> This email was sent to khayward(a)wrha.mb.ca by acroxford(a)lin.ca | Update Profile/Email Address <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=oo&mse=001ytzJgXCdPi6eNDPx28rAn dQIGyfgIfxy&t=001Ej9Ta588qOPUr0htbZk9bA%3D%3D&lang=001FCSs65SMrsI%3D&rea son=001y5KaVlBn7_Y%3D&llr=74r994bab> | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&mse=001ytzJgXCdPi6eNDPx28rAn dQIGyfgIfxy&t=001Ej9Ta588qOPUr0htbZk9bA%3D%3D&lang=001FCSs65SMrsI%3D&rea son=001y5KaVlBn7_Y%3D&llr=74r994bab> (tm) | Privacy Policy <http://ui.constantcontact.com/roving/CCPrivacyPolicy.jsp> . Leisure Information Network | 1 Concorde Gate, Suite 302 | Suite 502 | Toronto | ON | M3C 3N6 | Canada This email and/or any documents in this transmission is intended for the addressee(s) only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and return the original. Ce courriel et tout document dans cette transmission est destiné à la personne ou aux personnes à qui il est adressé. Il peut contenir des informations privilégiées ou confidentielles. Toute utilisation, divulgation, distribution, copie, ou diffusion non autorisée est strictement défendue. Si vous n'êtes pas le destinataire de ce message, veuillez en informer l'expéditeur immédiatement et lui remettre l'original.

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U.S. Federal Safe Routes to School Program reduces child injuries by more than 40 percent in New York City
by Beth McKechnie 16 Jan '13

16 Jan '13

[Sold evidence of the positive impacts of the Safe Routes to School program. If you're not aware of the program in Manitoba, check it out here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/program/asrts/>. Thanks to Terry Zdan for sharing! -cheers, Beth] U.S. Federal Safe Routes to School Program Reduces Child Injuries by More Than 40 Percent in New York City http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130114092702.htm Jan. 14, 2013 — The national Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program was funded by Congress in 2005 in an effort to create safe environments for American children to walk or bike to school. Has the program been effective? In New York City, most definitely, according to a new study conducted at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health that evaluated the program here. Researchers found that the annual rate of injury to school-age pedestrians ages 5-19 fell 44% during the peak times for walking to school, in neighborhoods where the program was implemented. Significantly, the injury rate did not drop in parts of the city where the SRTS safety program was not in place. Findings of the report are published online in *Pediatrics*. The researchers analyzed motor vehicle crash data for 169,000 pedestrian injuries between 2001 and 2010 for different age groups and neighborhoods with and without SRTS interventions to assess the program's effectiveness. Interventions for reducing pedestrian injury included new traffic and pedestrian signals, the addition of exclusive pedestrian crossing times, speed bumps, speed boards, high-visibility crosswalks, and new parking regulations. More than 120 NYC schools were selected by the NYC Department of Transportation for the interventions because they had the highest rates of pedestrian injury. The researchers created a school-travel time indicator variable to further identify crashes that occurred during days and hours when school-aged children would be traveling to or from school. This time period was defined as 7 AM to 9 AM or 2 PM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday between September and June. "Our data show that interventions to make the built environment safer can greatly reduce injuries to children as they walk to school," says the lead author of the study, Charles DiMaggio, PhD, associate professor of Epidemiology and research director of the Center for Injury Epidemiology and Prevention at Columbia. The Safe Routes to School program was funded through 2012, and is now in place in all 50 states at approximately 10% of elementary and secondary schools. Under the current federal transportation bill, MAP-21, the Safe Routes program will no longer have dedicated funding. It is now one of a number of possible programs eligible for funding based on state and local priorities, making it "even more important to evaluate and demonstrate the effectiveness of programs like Safe Routes to School," according to Dr. DiMaggio. "Our study provides compelling empirical evidence that is essential to guiding policy makers," says senior author Guohua Li, MD, DrPH, Mailman School professor of Epidemiology and Anesthesiology and director of the Center for Injury Epidemiology and Prevention. "It indicates that the Safe Routes to School program has made a marked difference in improving the safety of school-age children in New York City."

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WFP: Lower speeds on residential streets rejected (Jan.12'13)
by Beth McKechnie 12 Jan '13

12 Jan '13

Lower speeds on residential streets rejected By: Jen Skerritt http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/lower-speeds-on-residential-streets-… A city committee decided to put the brakes on a call to reduce speeds on Winnipeg's residential streets. On Friday, council's public works committee rejected a push to do a further study on the issue. An administration report released earlier this week examined whether Winnipeg should reduce the residential-street speed limit from 50 km/h to 40 km/h to improve safety, especially for pedestrians and cyclists. The report said many studies conducted throughout North America have shown driver speed is affected by the road, not speed-limit signs. Other cities that have lowered the speed limit on some residential streets, including Montreal and Edmonton, did not see a significant drop in the average speeds, according to the report. It said some drivers will follow the lower speed limit but others will ignore it, which may increase the potential for collisions between slower and faster drivers. The report recommended Winnipeg not move ahead with proposed speed-limit changes. Several councillors said they were disappointed by the report's conclusions. River Heights Coun. John Orlikow said to refuse to calm traffic on residential streets is a "tragic mistake." On Friday, health officials, cycling advocates and politicians told council's public works committee to further review how the city could reduce driver speeds and improve road safety. Winnipeg Regional Health Authority medical officer of health Dr. Sande Harlos said reducing speed is key for lowering the risk of serious injury for pedestrians and cyclists, noting speed is a factor in 25 per cent of all fatal collisions. But Harlos told the committee lowering speed limits alone is not the most effective strategy, and she urged the city to consider combining it with enforcement, public education and other ways to calm traffic. She said the report did not include statistics from other cities that have seen significant reductions in injuries and fatalities after lowering speed limits, including those in Norway that saw a 45 per cent drop in fatal crashes. "It's the least we could do," Harlos said of lowering the speed limit in residential areas. "When it comes to the health of the public, we should be doing the best we could do, so I think we could do more than that." Public works director Brad Sacher said lowering the speed limit to 40 km/h alone will not reduce vehicle speeds, as drivers typically use other factors, such as the number of pedestrians and the width of the road, to determine how fast they should drive. Sacher said Winnipeg has not had a widespread problem of residential collisions, and the city continues to investigate ways to cut drivers' speeds in problem areas, such as with traffic-calming circles or speed bumps. The committee decided against further study of the subject and voted against reducing the residential speed limit to 40 km/h. Public works chairman Coun. Dan Vandal (St. Boniface) said the bulk of reported vehicle collisions occur on regional streets, and he's more concerned about a provincial initiative to raise the speed limit on roadways such as Provencher Boulevard. Coun. Harvey Smith (Daniel McIntyre) initiated the push for lower speeds and said the committee should have consulted the public before voting on the issue. Smith said he plans to meet with Harlos and bring forward another motion on road safety. "To me, it's just saying status quo and we don't care," he said. jen.skerritt(a)freepress.mb.ca How bad is that crash? Medical experts say when a pedestrian gets hit by a car, speed can make a huge difference in the severity of injuries. - Injuries sustained in a 50 km/h collision are equivalent to falling from a three-storey building. - Injuries sustained from a 75 km/h crash are equivalent to falling from a seven-storey building. - Injuries sustained from a 100 km/h crash are equivalent to falling from a 12-storey building. Likelihood of surviving a crash: - At 30 km/h, five per cent of pedestrians struck by a vehicle will die. - At 40 km/h, 25 per cent of pedestrians struck by a vehicle will die. - At 50 km/h, 55 per cent of pedestrians struck by a vehicle will die. *-- source: Putting the Brakes on Speed / Bike to the Future*

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[VIDEO] Dutch try heated cycle tracks and glow in the dark roads - BBC
by Anders Swanson 11 Jan '13

11 Jan '13

*See the brief video report from BBC news at: * http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20942340 "A team of Dutch designers is pioneering technology to make winter journeys even safer for and more attractive to cyclists. Reflective crystals make lines in the road more visible in poor light, while other roads are getting underground heating. Anna Holligan reports from Zwolle."

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Job Opportunity, 3-4 Bike mechanics req'd
by Natural Cycle T1 10 Jan '13

10 Jan '13

NOW HIRING! Natural Cycle is a cooperatively owned and operated commuter-focused bicycle shop specializing in custom work and performing regular repairs and maintenance. Established in 1999, we started in a small room in the back, and thanks to the overwhelming support of our customers, we have since taken over the whole lower level of the building. As the only bike shop in downtown Winnipeg, we wanted to create a fair place to work, and shop. We get a lot of satisfaction from empowering our customers to ride their bikes, fix them, then ride them some more. For more information about Natural Cycle, please visit our website: www.naturalcycle.ca. We are currently hiring for full-time and part-time seasonal positions beginning in March 2013 and ending in the beginning of August 2013. Responsibilities and tasks will first focus on bicycle repair and customer service and will include other aspects of running a small business. Assets: - Skills or experience related to running a small business. - Experience with bicycle repair or other mechanical aptitude is preferred but not necessary. - Experience with worker cooperatives or other experience with group decision making. - Passion for cycling or involvement in the Winnipeg cycling community. - Customer service experience - Self-motivation and creativity - Ability to attend weekly staff meetings on Wednesday evenings. To apply, please drop off or mail a resume and cover letter. Cover letter should include interest in full-time or part-time. Natural Cycle at 91 Albert St, lower level, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 1G5 email us at cycleworks(a)naturalcycle.ca Applications will be reviewed upon receipt.

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TRB: Pedestrians 2012, A Distance-Based Method to Estimate Annual Pedestrian and Bicyclist Exposure
by Beth McKechnie 10 Jan '13

10 Jan '13

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Local Job Opportunity: volunteer coordinator position The WRENCH
by Anders Swanson 09 Jan '13

09 Jan '13

Please see the attached document for further info on this exciting position. Thanks, Anders

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AT Webinar: Best Practices in Pedestrian Wayfinding, Wed, Jan.16th, 2:00-3:30 pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 09 Jan '13

09 Jan '13

Green Action Centre and Bike to the Future invite you to join us for a local viewing of the following APBP webinar at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) followed by group discussion of local applications.* *Detailed description provided below. *Best Practices in Pedestrian Wayfinding Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013 | 2:00-3:30 p.m. CST* RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth 925-3772 * * * * * * * Best Practices in Pedestrian Wayfinding This is a 90-minute webinar [image: image]Walking benefits a city’s transportation system, economy, and public health. Wayfinding designed specifically for walkers encourages pedestrian traffic by helping people navigate—whether they are tourists, residents, new walkers or persons with disabilities. During this 90-minute webinar, agency staff and consultants who pioneered legible city wayfinding projects in London and Bristol describe state-of-the-art programs in Philadelphia, Vancouver and New York City. Planners, engineers, and elected officials should attend this webinar to explore the principles of legible city wayfinding and learn how to create a complete movement and information system for walkers. Information included in this session: - How wayfinding requirements for pedestrians differ from other modes - The concepts and principles of legible city wayfinding, including the need to shape universal ideas to the local context - Steps to build a program, from policy through design, finance and implementation - The architecture and elements of a wayfinding system, including the role of social and digital media - How to maintain and manage a system - Ways to add value by connecting to transit and other modes and leveraging GIS data to serve multiple systems and partners Presenters: - Adrian Bell, Partner, Applied Information Group North America (Vancouver, B.C.) - Wendy Feuer, Assistant Commissioner of Urban Design and Art, NYC Department of Transportation - David Kanthor, AICP, Transportation Initiatives Manager at the Center City District, Philadelphia - Mike Rawlinson, Design Director, City ID (Bristol, UK) - Keri Tyler, City Planner/Project Manager at NYC Department of Transportation

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Mark your calendars! upcoming AT webinars
by Beth McKechnie 08 Jan '13

08 Jan '13

Hello everyone, Given the number of excellent webinars coming up, please mark your calendar to ensure you don't miss any that you'd like to see. We will be providing group viewings of all of these at the EcoCentre boardroom (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) with the exception of the Jan. 30th Public Health and Walking interactive discussion forum. Here's the schedule with details to follow the week before each webinar: * Best Practices in Pedestrian Wayfinding (APBP)* Wed, Jan. 16th, 2:00-3:30 pm Co-hosted locally by Green Action Centre & Bike to the Future *Pedestrian and Bicycle Engineering 101 for School Travel (Green Action Centre)* Fri, Jan. 18th, 12:30-1:30 pm Presenter: Anders Swanson. Find more details here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/walking-and-wheeling-webinar-series/> . *Bicycle Parking Webinar Series #1 of 4 : The Basics (APBP)* Wed, Jan. 23rd, 2:00-3:30 pm Co-hosted locally by Green Action Centre & Stantec Consulting * Public Health and Walking: Turning Programs and Policy into Action (America Walks)* Wed, Jan. 30th, 1:00-2:00 pm **NOTE** This is an interactive discussion forum by phone for individual participants. Find more details and register here<http://americawalks.org/2013/01/forum-public-health-and-walking-turning-pro…> . *Promoting Safe Use of Roads & Pathways for Vulnerable Road Users - A Review of Canadian Promising Practices (Public Health Agency of Canada & Centre for Health Promotion)* Fri, Feb. 8th, Noon-1:00 pm Join us for a group viewing of this free webinar or register individually here<http://www.chnet-works.ca/index.php?option=com_rsevents&view=events&layout=…> . *Driving Deaths Down: Proven Countermeasures that Work (APBP)* Wed, Feb. 20th, 2:00-3:30 pm Co-hosted locally by Green Action Centre & Bike to the Future *Bicycle Parking Webinar Series #2 of 4 : Municipal Bicycle Parking Programs (APBP)* Wed, Feb. 27th, 2:00-3:30 pm Co-hosted locally by Green Action Centre & Stantec Consulting *Bicycle Parking Webinar Series #3 of 4 : Bicycle Parking and Transit (APBP) * Wed, March 13th, 2:00-3:30 pm Co-hosted locally by Green Action Centre & Stantec Consulting * * *Dynamics of Effective Advisory Committees (APBP)* Wed, March 20th, 2:00-3:30 pm Co-hosted locally by Green Action Centre & Bike to the Future cheers, Beth

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Report urges no speed reduction in residential neighbourhoods
by Beth McKechnie 07 Jan '13

07 Jan '13

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Terry Zdan <tjzdan50(a)gmail.com> Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2013 12:48:55 -0600 Subject: Re: Report urges no speed reduction in residential neighbourhoods Report urges no speed reduction in residential neighbourhoods > > By: Staff Writer > > Posted: 11:33 AM | *Comments: 14*<http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/Report-urges-no-speed-reduction-in-r…> > > *<http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/Report-urges-no-speed-reduction-in-r…> > * > > Winnipeg drivers may not have to further reduce their speed in residential > neighbourhoods. > > A new city report, released this morning, recommends Winnipeg not lower > the residential speed limit to 40 km/h. The report said many studies > conducted throughout North America have shown that driver speed is affected > by the context of the road and not by speed limit signs. > > > "Lowering the posted speed limit in isolation without concurrent changes > to the physical characteristics of the road can have negative > consequences," the report said. "Speed limits that are inconsistent with > driver expectation can lead to driver frustration." > > > In September, council's public works committee voted to review whether > Winnipeg should lower the posted speed limit on two-lane road in > residential neighbourhoods by 10 km/h. Such a move would require provincial > approval. > > > Other cities such as Montreal and Edmonton have lowered the speed limit on > some residential streets. An administrative report said a study in Montreal > concluded there was no significant difference in the average speeds after > reducing the speed limit from 50 km/h to 40 km/h. Similarly, the report > said the results of a pilot project in Edmonton were inconclusive. > > > Council's public works committee will review the report at a meeting this > Friday. > > > > > > > http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/Report-urges-no-speed-reduction-in-r… > > > > > -- > Terry Zdan 126 Duncan Norrie Drive Wpg MB R3P 2J9 CANADA tjzdan50(a)gmail.com <tjzdan(a)gmasil.com>

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Jan. 9th Open House - Capital Region Transportation Master Plan
by Beth McKechnie 07 Jan '13

07 Jan '13

*Have your say on the Capital Region Transportation Master Plan<http://www.manitobacapitalregion.ca/> !* Okay, it may not sound very exciting, but it could have a major impact on active transportation opportunities between and within communities surrounding Winnipeg. Please consider sharing with your networks and participating in the discussion. *Open House*<http://www.manitobacapitalregion.ca/notices_detail.asp?notice_ID=196>: Wed, Jan. 9th, from 4:30-7:30 pm*,* City Hall in the Mayor's Foyer (510 Main St) *Storyboards* from the three open houses held to date can be found at: http://manitobacapitalregion.ca/_assets/downloads/story_boards.pdf *Can't make the Open House? Fill out the online survey instead*: http://surveymonkey.com/s/CRTMP Note that a workshop was also held in December in West St. Paul, which included representatives from the Province, various municipalities in the Capital Region, and a number of organizations and associations (including Janice Lukes from the Winnipeg Trails Association, Anders Swanson and Shoni Litinsky for Green Action Centre's Active & Safe Routes to School Program, Mark Cohoe from Bike to the Future, and Jason Carter representing the Manitoba Cycling Association). For consideration, here are the main points that I focused on during group discussion at our table at this workshop: - Ensure variety of transportation options - don't assume that, due to distances, people will only drive and will always drive - Make it feasible for residents to choose not to drive whether it's between communities or within their community - Ensure multi-modal options (residents able to combine bike and bus, regional connections, etc) - Need for regional transit strategy and collaboration between communities - Concerns around changes to Perimeter for increased and faster speeds of freight goods movement (CentrePort) – barrier that cuts off communities and makes it that much more challenging for AT users - Recognize the tourism opportunities in developing the plan – transit to Birds Hill Park and Grand Beach; cycle tourism in the area with popularity of cycling route to Lockport and to / within the provincial parks - Potential role that a Regional Transportation Authority could play - Potential tool - regional subscription to carpooling/ridematching service (e.g. RideShark, Pathway Intelligence, Carpool.ca) cheers, Beth

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ANF20 Committee on Bicycle Transportation: Bicycle Related Sessions at Annual Meeting
by Beth McKechnie 07 Jan '13

07 Jan '13

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Terry Zdan <tjzdan50(a)gmail.com> Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2013 09:26:44 -0600 -----Original Message----- From: Ralph Buehler [mailto:ralphbu@vt.edu] Sent: January-07-13 9:16 AM Subject: ANF20 Committee on Bicycle Transportation: Bicycle Related Sessions at Annual Meeting Dear Friends of ANF20 (TRB Committee on Bicycle Transportation), Happy New Year! The TRB annual meeting is only one week away! Here is a link to a list of sessions that involve ANF20 and/or bicycling! http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/trbbike/conferences.cfm See you in a week! Greetings from Alexandria, VA Ralph Buehler ANF-20 Chair http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/trbbike/ http://www.spia.vt.edu/people/spiafacultybios/buehlerspiabio.html -- Terry Zdan 126 Duncan Norrie Drive Wpg MB R3P 2J9 CANADA tjzdan50(a)gmail.com <tjzdan(a)gmasil.com>

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Interesting article on why cyclists are not seen
by Dave Elmore 07 Jan '13

07 Jan '13

http://www.fatcyclerider.co.uk/2012/11/what-raf-pilot-can-teach-us-about-bei ng.html?utm_source=feedburner <http://www.fatcyclerider.co.uk/2012/11/what-raf-pilot-can-teach-us-about-be ing.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+FatCycleRi der+%28The+Fat+Cycle+Rider%29&m=1> &utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+FatCycleRider+%28The+Fat+Cycle+Rider%29& m=1 What an RAF pilot can teach us about being safe on the road Guest post from the London Cyclist Blog <http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/> . What an RAF pilot can teach us about being safe on the road <http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/raf-pilot-teach-cyclists/> : "Sorry mate, I didn't see you". Is a catchphrase used by drivers up and down the country. Is this a driver being careless and dangerous or did the driver genuinely not see you? According to a report by John Sullivan of the RAF, the answer may have important repercussions for the way we train drivers and how as cyclists we stay safe on the roads. John Sullivan is a Royal Air Force pilot with over 4,000 flight hours in his career, and a keen cyclist. He is a crash investigator and has contributed to multiple reports <http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/CorporatePublications/Boards OfInquiry/ServiceInquiryInvestigatingTheAccidentToTutorAircraftGbyutAndGbyvn .htm> . Fighter pilots have to cope with speeds of over 1000 mph. Any crashes are closely analysed to extract lessons that can be of use. Our eyes were not designed for driving We are the result of hundreds of thousands of years of evolution. Our eyes, and the way that our brain processes the images that they receive, are very well suited to creeping up on unsuspecting antelopes and spotting threats such as sabre-toothed tigers. These threats are largely gone and they've been replaced by vehicles travelling towards us at high speeds. This, we've not yet adapted to deal with. Why? Light enters our eyes and falls upon the retina. It is then converted into electrical impulses, that the brain perceives as images. Only a small part of your retina, the centre bit called the fovea, can generate a high-resolution image. This is why we need to look directly at something, to see detail. The rest of the retina lacks detail but it contributes by adding the peripheral vision. However, a mere 20 degrees away from your sightline, your visual acuity is about 1/10th of what it is at the centre. Try this scary test to see quite how much detail you lose in your peripheral vision 1. Stand 10 metres away from a car. 2. Move your eyes and look just one car's width to the right or left of that car. 3. Without moving where you eyes are now looking, try and read the number plate of the car. 4. Try the test again from 5m. The test shows you quite how little detail you are able to truly capture from the side of your eyes. That's not to say that we cannot see something in our peripheral vision - of course we can. As you approach a roundabout, you would be hard pressed not to see a huge lorry bearing down upon you, even out of the corner of your eye - obviously, the bigger the object, the more likely we are to see it. But would you see a motorbike, or a cyclist? To have a good chance of seeing an object on a collision course, we need to move our eyes, and probably head, to bring the object into the centre of our vision - so that we can use our high-resolution vision of our fovea to resolve the detail. Here's when things get really interesting <http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/clip_image005.png > Your brain fills in the blanks When you move your head and eyes to scan a scene, your eyes are incapable of moving smoothly across it and seeing everything. Instead, you see in the image in a series of very quick jumps (called saccades) with very short pauses (called fixations) and it is only during the pauses that an image is processed. Your brain fills in the gaps with a combination of peripheral vision and an assumption that what is in the gaps must be the same as what you see during the pauses. This might sound crazy, but your brain actually blocks the image that is being received while your eyes are moving. This is why you do not see the sort of blurred image, that you see when you look sideways out of a train window. The only exception to this, is if you are tracking a moving object. Another test to try If you are not convinced, try this test. 1. Look in a mirror. 2. Look repeatedly from your right eye to your left eye. 3. Can you see your eyes moving? You can't. 4. Repeat the test with a friend and watch them. You will see their eyes moving quite markedly. You can't see your own eyes move because your brain shuts down the image for the instant that your eyes are moving. This is called Saccadic masking <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saccadic_masking> . In the past, this served us well. It meant we could creep up on antelopes without our brain being overloaded by unnecessary detail and a lot of useless, blurred images. However, what happens when this system is put to use in a modern day situation, such as a traffic junction? Why we miss motorbikes and bicycles At a traffic junction all but the worst of drivers will look in both directions to check for oncoming traffic. However, it is entirely possible for our eyes to "jump over" an oncoming bicycle or motorbike. The smaller the vehicle, the greater the chance it will fall within a saccade. <http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/clip_image003.png > motorbike in a saccade This isn't really a case of a careless driver, it's more of a human incapacity to see anything during a saccade. Hence the reason for so many "Sorry mate, I didn't see you" excuses. The faster you move your head, the larger the jumps and the shorter the pauses. Therefore, you've got more of a chance of missing a vehicle. We are effectively seeing through solid objects, with our brain filling in the image. Additionally, we tend to avoid the edges of the windscreen. The door pillars on a car therefore create an even wider blindspot. This is called windscreen zoning <http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/E0E50D54-8A9E-4F21-9AC4-102A1453308F/0/Servi ceInquiry_TutorAircraft_Part_1_5_Causes.pdf> . The danger of playing music Our ears help us build up a picture of our surroundings. However, inside our cars or with music playing, our brain is denied another useful cue. Additionally, bicycles are almost completely silent, so won't be heard by car drivers. How accidents happen Let's say you are driving along. You approach a junction and you notice a lack of traffic. You look left and right and proceed forward. Suddenly you hear the blast of a horn, as a motorbike flashes in front of you, narrowly avoiding an accident. What just happened? On your approach, you couldn't see there was another vehicle on a perfect collision course. With a lack of relative movement for your peripheral vision to detect and the vehicle being potentially hidden by being near the door pillar, you miss it entirely. Lulled into a false sense of security you looked quickly right and left, to avoid holding up the traffic behind you, and your eyes jumped cleanly over the approaching vehicle, especially as it was still close to the door pillar in the windscreen. The rest of the road was empty, and this was the scene that your brain used to fill in the gaps! Scary, huh? You were not being inattentive - but you were being ineffective. Additionally, if you didn't expect there to be a cyclist your brain is more likely to automatically jump to the conclusion that the road is empty. Now that you've been warned. What can you do? <http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/clip_image002.jpg > motorbike can't be seen Forewarned is forearmed, so here's what we can do. Drivers: * Slow down on the approach of a roundabout or junction. Even if the road seems empty. Changing speed will allow you to see vehicles that would otherwise be invisible to you. * A glance is never enough. You need to be as methodical and deliberate as a fighter pilot would be. Focus on at least 3 different spots along the road to the right and left. Search close, middle-distance and far. With practise, this can be accomplished quickly, and each pause is only for a fraction of a second. Fighter pilots call this a "lookout scan" and it is vital to their survival. * Always look right and left at least twice. This doubles your chance of seeing a vehicle. * Make a point of looking next to the windscreen pillars. Better still, lean forward slightly as you look right and left so that you are looking around the door pillars. Be aware that the pillar nearest to you blocks more of your vision. Fighter pilots say 'Move your head - or you're dead'. * Clear your flight path! When changing lanes, check your mirrors and as a last check, look directly at the spot which are going to manoeuvre. * Drive with your lights on. Bright vehicles or clothing is always easier to spot than dark colours that don't contrast with a scene. * It is especially difficult to spot bicycles, motorbikes and pedestrians during low sun conditions as contrast is reduced. * Keep your windscreen clean - seeing other vehicles is enough of a challenge without a dirty windscreen. You never see a fighter jet with a dirty canopy. * Finally, don't be a clown - if you are looking at your mobile telephone then you are incapable of seeing much else. Not only are you probably looking down into your lap, but your eyes are focused at less then one metre and every object at distance will be out of focus. Even when you look up and out, it takes a fraction of a second for your eyes to adjust - this is time you may not have. Cyclists and motorcyclists: * Recognise the risk of being in a saccade. High contrast clothing and lights help. In particular, flashing LED's (front and rear) are especially effective for cyclists as they create contrast and the on-off flashing attracts the peripheral vision in the same manner that movement does. There's nothing wrong with leaving these on during the day. (Especially if they are rechargeable <http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/best-cycle-commuter-lights/> ) * The relatively slower speed of bicycles means that they will be closer to a point of collision if a vehicle begins to pull into their path. Turn this to advantage - when passing junctions, look at the head of the driver that is approaching or has stopped. The head of the driver will naturally stop and centre upon you if you have been seen. If the driver's head sweeps through you without pausing, then the chances are that you are in a saccade - you must assume that you have not been seen and expect the driver to pull out! * Recognise that with a low sun, a dirty windscreen or one with rain beating against it drivers are likely to have less of a chance of seeing you. * Cycle instructors have been saying it for years: Ride in a position further out from the kerb as a driver is more likely to be looking in this location. See: How to make your next bike ride safer than the last <http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/safe-bike-ride/> . What should we do with our human weakness? John Sullivan's findings and suggestions are excellent. However, they rely on drivers changing well embedded habits. Personally I believe that, unlike RAF pilots, a driver is very unlikely to change their behaviour. Therefore, I'd suggest that this is another reason we should be looking at building safety in to our roads, with Dutch style cycling infrastructure. Two important takeaways for cyclists: Increasing your contrast helps you be seen. Think flashing bike lights. Also, remember the importance of good road positioning.

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Webinar Feb 8 - Promoting Safe Use of Roads & Pathways for Vulnerable Road Users - A Review of Canadian Promising Practices
by Shoni Litinsky 04 Jan '13

04 Jan '13

Free webinar provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada and Centre for Health Promotion. Unfortunately I am not able to host this one at Green Action Centre, but have provided the registration information below! *Date: *February 8th, 2013 *Time: *12:00pm-1:00pm CST *Registration:* Can be done for free here. <http://www.chnet-works.ca/index.php?option=com_rsevents&view=events&layout=…> Many small, medium and large Canadian municipalities are proactivity promoting more active lifestyles and transportation to curb obesity, reduce greenhouse gases, and address the economic costs of vulnerable road user (VRU) injuries and deaths. The safe use of roads and pathways by VRUs (e.g. pedestrians and cyclists) is important to enable and encourage communities that are more socially, environmentally and economically sustainable. The Fireside Chat presentation will highlight the results from a comprehensive review of Canadian promising practices that promote the safe use by VRUs of off/on-road facilities, especially shared-use facilities, as well as identify successful VRU safety education and enforcement programs. It will highlight communities across Canada that are successfully educating and enforcing the proper use of new built environment features intended to promote active transportation. *Advisor on Tap:* *Dr. Gordon Lovegrove, PEng, MBA* Associate Professor, School of Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science, University of British Columbia Dr. Lovegrove is the UBC’s School of Engineering’s expert in applied sustainable civil engineering. Dr. Lovegrove was awarded a grant by the Canada Foundation for Innovation to set up his Sustainable Road Safety (SRS) Research Lab. He has worked variously as a project and transportation engineer and consultant for over 20 years in communities throughout BC, and is regularly asked to speak on sustainable communities and transportation at conferences across the world. His leadership has facilitated research, planning, and implementation of projects emphasizing the promotion of sustainable land use and transportation. -- *Shoni Litinsky* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>

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MyPeg Video - Transportation Choices in Winnipeg
by Shoni Litinsky 04 Jan '13

04 Jan '13

Just wanted to share a great video from the Peg <http://www.mypeg.ca/>project that focuses on transportation choices and well-being in Winnipeg. This video features the story of a graphic designer Lucas Pauls and shows how he goes about getting around our city in Winter by walking, using transit, and the carshare. Beautiful footage of winter transportation in our city! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wznZAdRwEGc -- *Shoni Litinsky* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>

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