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WFP: All over map on Portage and Main (Mar.14'14)
by Beth McKechnie 14 Mar '14

14 Mar '14

All over map on Portage and Main Councillors support reopening, but plans vary By: Aldo Santin http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/all-over-map-on-portage-and-main-250… Hopes for reopening Portage and Main to pedestrians are still alive at city hall but councillors are all over the map on the issue. Three of four councillors on the public works committee -- Jenny Gerbasi, Devi Sharma and Dan Vandal -- voted Thursday to keep the concept alive but later they each had their own version of the wording. It may not have mattered so much to chairman Justin Swandel -- he was the lone voter against the motion. Gerbasi was the most vocal supporter of reopening the intersection, saying city council has to champion the concept if it's ever to become a reality. "I think there is some real momentum on this," Gerbasi (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry) said. "It's a question of political will." Gerbasi wanted the committee to vote on a motion that would forward the issue to the standing downtown committee, which would take the lead in pushing it ahead. The intersection was closed off to pedestrians when the property owners on the corner built the underground complex. The deal expires in 2019 but Swandel said any one of the property owners can trigger a 40-year extension. Swandel (St. Norbert) said the city has to first convince the property owners to reopen the intersection or all their efforts will be wasted. Vandal (St. Boniface) repeatedly asked for the wording of the motion before voting; Gerbasi kept changing the wording and said it should include everything everyone was talking about, as long as the priority was reopening the intersection to pedestrians. It was left to the committee clerk to piece together everything that was said and to formally write out a motion to be included in the meeting minutes. Stephanie Voyce of the Downtown BIZ appeared as a delegation in support of the reopening. Voyce said the BIZ favours a one-year pilot opening, where the various options considered in an administrative report could be tried and the impact on businesses on the street and in the underground can be seen. Swandel said Gerbasi was focused on reopening the intersection, whereas he believed the issue should be to develop ways to make the famous corner more pedestrian-friendly, including reopening it to pedestrians if possible. Swandel said all hopes for reviving the intersection die if Gerbasi's narrow goal of reopening the intersection fails. Gerbasi countered there have been numerous studies examining the intersection and they all conclude reopening the intersection is the key to luring more pedestrians, adding other initiatives will only complement the reopening. An administrative report examined options for reopening the intersection to pedestrians but staff comments showed they weren't supportive of the idea. The report ruled out a "scramble" crossing -- where traffic lights in all directions are red for a period of time to allow people to cross as they like -- but said other crossing methods should be studied further before any decision is made to commit to reopening the intersection. A public works official said more than 200,000 people drive through the intersection every day in vehicles, while the department estimated only about 1,000 people would cross the intersection on a daily basis if it were reopened. "That puts everything into context," said Luis Escobar, the city's traffic czar. aldo.santin(a)freepress.mb.ca Different wordings The public works committee voted to support the reopening of Portage and Main to pedestrians. The Free Press asked each of the councillors what they thought was the wording of the motion they were voting on: *Jenny Gerbasi:* "It's not word for word but I can tell you the essence was to take the steps, to bring forward potential steps needed to open the barriers and allow pedestrians at Portage and Main, and then it goes through the different steps that can be taken; it leaves some flexibility on how that happens." Voted in favour. *Justin Swandel: *"From the perspective of opening the intersection, move forward to the standing policy committee on downtown development, heritage and riverbank, with the specific pieces that were in the old report -- consulting with the owners, working with the traffic study; there were two other pieces in there, and then also including the overall design, that was the last piece of the motion." Voted against. *Devi Sharma: *"There were many things that were incorporated into that motion but the important thing is we're moving this forward and to have further discussion, analysis and consultation and that's what it's all about." Voted in favour. *Dan Vandal: *"The spirit of the motion was, with the goal of bringing back pedestrian traffic to Portage and Main, to begin engaging the private property owners and CentreVenture, and... we should also take into consideration making design improvements for pedestrian-oriented design improvements, and when the time is appropriate, public works will do the necessary traffic study so we have some buy-in." Voted in favour. * * * * * Following the meeting, the committee clerk prepared the following motion to be recorded in the minutes: The standing policy committee on infrastructure renewal and public works further directed the Winnipeg public service to commence with the following aiming to potentially open Portage Avenue and Main Street to pedestrian access: 1. Initiate discussions with the relevant property owners adjacent to the intersection of Portage Avenue and Main Street regarding implementation and process with the goal of allowing pedestrians at grade at this intersection. 2. Engage with stakeholders to include consultations and research as applicable. 3. Prepare terms of reference for a comprehensive traffic study at the appropriate time. -- Santin *Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition March 14, 2014 B2*

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Calgary organization enlists Dutch students to make city safer for cyclists
by Dave Elmore 14 Mar '14

14 Mar '14

http://globalnews.ca/news/1207586/calgary-organization-enlists-dutch-student s-to-make-city-safer-for-cyclists/ Calgary organization enlists Dutch students to make city safer for cyclists By Phil Heidenreich Global News Safer Calgary is asking some Dutch land use students for input on how to improve safety for cyclists in the city. CALGARY- For the second straight year, the umbrella organization Safer Calgary is getting input from some European students on how to improve cycling safety in Calgary. Safer Calgary is a coalition made up of a number of groups looking to improve safety within Calgary in a variety of ways. Last year, Safer Calgary launched an initiative in which students from the NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands provided input for a series of presentations and symposiums to debate how to improve cycling safety. This year, Safer Calgary enlisted the help of 70 final year students in NHTV University's land use and transportation planning department to study the Calgary communities of Acadia, Bowness, Martindale, Ogden, and Sunalta. "The Dutch are quite famous for their ability to integrate lots of modes of transportation," says Safer Calgary's Greg Hart. "It's just a natural connection." The visiting students will also spend some time in High River to examine possible ways of reshaping the town as it rebuilds from the June floods. Thanks Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X)

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Two active transportation initiatives not be missed!
by Rivers West 13 Mar '14

13 Mar '14

*Rivers West is hosting two active transportation initiatives in March:* *How to Develop an Active Transportation Map of your Community *(poster attached) *DATE: *Thursday, March 27th *TIME: *9:00 am ‐ 11:30 am *LOCATION: *Carol Shields Auditorium, Millennium Library, 251 Donald Street *RSVP: *Sylvie info(a)riverswest.ca (204) 925‐2320 ext. 108 *COST: *Free *Presented by: *City of Winnipeg, Green Action Centre, Winnipeg Trails Association & Rivers West *Presenters: *Jackie Avent, Janice Lukes, Anders Swanson, City of Winnipeg representative *Bike Week in Suburbia - Brainstorming Session* *DATE:* Wednesday March 19th *TIME:* 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm *LOCATION:* The Forks Centre Court *RSVP:* Sylvie info(a)riverswest.ca (204) 925‐2320 ext. 108 June 14th to June 20th is Bike Week in Winnipeg, formerly known as Bike to Work Day. The Bike Week Volunteer Organizing Committee have expanded the one day event to a week full of events and activities. There are many exciting downtown events being planned. To reach out to an even broader audience and to recognize that many Winnipeggers live, work and play in suburbia, the Winnipeg Trails Association is hosting a ‘brainstorming meeting’ to discuss ways to promote and build awareness of Bike Week in suburban communities. I.e.: ‘Bike to School / Bike to Soccer Practice / Bike to the Bank / Bike to the Grocery Store’ etc. The more folks we can get on bikes in their communities – the better! Meeting will be hosted by Janice Lukes. -- *Sylvie Fouasse* Rivers West info(a)riverswest.ca (204) 925-2320 ext 108

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AT webinar: The Value of Investing in Complete and Green Streets, Wed, Mar 19, 2-3pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 13 Mar '14

13 Mar '14

Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg invite you to join us for a local viewing of the following APBP webinar at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave). This will be followed by group discussion of local applications. Description provided below. RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth (204) 925-3772 ** * * * ** *All In: The Value of Investing in Complete and Green Streets* *Wednesday, March 19, 2014 | 2:00-3:00 pm Central* Changing the way streets are designed and operated requires more than great policy -- a commitment across departments and stakeholder groups is needed to create and implement guidelines that bring policy to life. This webinar explores an excellent example of a comprehensive initiative: Boston Complete Streets. Boston's fully committed, "all in" approach to complete streets helps the city realize the full range of economic and social benefits that arise from investing in streets that are multimodal, green and smart. This presentation offers insights into the collaboration within the city to develop and implement the Boston Complete Street Guidelines. The Guidelines represent a fundamental change in Boston's approach to street design and operations, and showcase Boston's vision for becoming a more walkable, bikable, transit-friendly, and livable city. Presenters from the City of Boston and Toole Design Group will discuss the Guidelines' connection to place-making and Complete Streets policy; the overarching principles of environmental, economic and social sustainability; and the next steps for the Guidelines' development. Download for free or purchase the 1st edition of the Boston Complete Street Guidelines online at bostoncompletestreets.org<http://bostoncompletestreets.org/about/> . [image: Inline image 1]

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Watch for bikes - sign on window of Toronto taxi
by Jessie Klassen 12 Mar '14

12 Mar '14

Here is a window decal from the passenger seat of a taxi in Toronto. *Jessie Klassen* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca>| Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3772 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>

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Winnipeg Urbanist Meetup
by Beth McKechnie 12 Mar '14

12 Mar '14

** Please share widely ** >From Matt Carreau... The Winnipeg Urbanist Meetup is a monthly gathering along the lines of Green Drinks <http://www.greendrinks.org/> [organized in Winnipeg by the Manitoba Eco-Network <http://mbeconetwork.org/resources/events> on the first Friday of each month] or Secret Handshake <http://secrethandshake.ca/> but designed for folks with an interest in cities and urbanism. The idea is to create a regular space for civic-minded individuals to come together for networking, idea sharing and collaborating on new initiatives that inspire positive urban change. *The first **meetup** has been scheduled for March 28th from 5-8pm at Cousin's on Sherbrook*. Subsequent meetups will be organized monthly. More information can be found at winnipegurbanist.tumblr.com.

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London Borough's set to become "Mini-Hollands"
by Jackie Avent (ASRTS) 11 Mar '14

11 Mar '14

http://road.cc/content/news/113286-enfield-kingston-and-waltham-forest-get-… -- *Jackie Avent* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 *|* Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>

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WFP: Councillor fears iconic corner could be closed another 40 years (Mar.10'14)
by Beth McKechnie 10 Mar '14

10 Mar '14

[Note the poll results (please vote if it's still open). I'm not sure if the strong response from those who want to keep peds underground at Portage & Main is a comment on Winnipeggers or on the WFP readership.] Councillor fears iconic corner could be closed another 40 years At a crossroads By: Carol Sanders http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/at-a-crossroads-249234051.html The iconic corner of Portage and Main is nearing a turning point, and some city councillors are speaking in favour of taking down the barricades that block pedestrians from crossing above ground. Coun. Jenny Gerbasi is nervous about whether it will happen. "There is a real risk that we could be stuck with this corner closed for another 40 years," said Gerbasi (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry). "To have the most iconic intersection and to have it closed to pedestrians -- it doesn't make sense to anybody. Find me another place in the world that does this." The city's deal with property owners on the corners of Portage and Main, which keeps the famous intersection closed to pedestrians, expires in 2019. It drives pedestrians underground to businesses in a concourse below street level. Each of the property owners can renew its agreement for a further term of 40 years in 2019. On Thursday, an analysis of the Portage and Main crossing will be presented to Gerbasi and other councillors at a meeting of the city's standing policy committee on infrastructure renewal and public works. "We asked them to look at new options," said Gerbasi. One option is a scramble corner, in which all traffic stops and pedestrians can cross any which way through the intersection once signalled. "A scramble corner would slow down traffic massively; that's what the engineers are saying," Gerbasi said. A more viable option would be to reduce the number of vehicles turning where pedestrians are crossing, the report says. The analysis says more study is needed if the city wants to go ahead with reopening the corner to pedestrian traffic. "I think it would be nothing but positive," said Coun. Dan Vandal (St. Boniface). "People on the street is what is needed, especially downtown," to make it more vibrant and safe with "more eyes and ears on the street." Removing the pedestrian barricades would be a good thing, he said. "The barriers look like barriers -- they're not the most attractive look for downtown," said Vandal. Making the area more accessible and attractive should be good for businesses above and below ground, said Gerbasi. "The expectation is that if you bring a whole bunch more people to that part of the city, more are going to go down to the businesses (underground)." The city is in the process of studying how opening Portage and Main to pedestrians would affect business owners in the underground concourse. The last time the matter was considered nearly a decade ago, all but one of the owners was on board with opening the corner to pedestrians. The owner opposed no longer owns the property, said Gerbasi. "I don't think businesses are barriers," said Gerbasi. "What's been a barrier is the political will to sort this out and make it happen," she said. "It's a barrier that's dividing our downtown into sections that people don't go near and avoid on purpose -- from The Forks to the Exchange, they're blocked." Shovelling melting snow away from the statues and benches in front of the Richardson Building every day has made Chris Hay a believer in reopening the corner to foot traffic. The 24-year-old said people approach him with the same question all the time -- how to cross the road. "Every day it happens," he smiled. He directs them to the stairs down to the underground concourse, where the escalator wasn't working on Sunday. "There's issues with the underground system as well," Gerbasi said. "Some people find it very confusing -- especially the visually impaired or blind trying to navigate it," Gerbasi said of the underground system. carol.sanders(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Reminder: Baseline Commuting Surveys workshop, Wed. March 12, 12-1:30pm
by Jessie Klassen 10 Mar '14

10 Mar '14

Just a reminder of a free workshop happening this Wednesday on creating basic baseline commuting surveys. RSVP is required, all are welcome! [image: Inline image 3] *II: Baseline commuting surveys* *Wednesday, March 12, 12:00 - 1:30pm* *Eco Centre Boardroom, 3rd Floor, 303 Portage Ave. * Understanding how your co-workers currently get around will help inform your next steps. This 1-1/2 hour workshop will help you plan and create a basic online survey to determine existing commuting habits and what programs, policies or incentives could have the biggest impact on commuting choices at your workplace. *Jessie Klassen* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca>| Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3772 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>

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Perceptions of bike-friendly policy impacts on access to transit: the first and last mile
by Beth McKechnie 09 Mar '14

09 Mar '14

PERCEPTIONS OF BICYCLE-FRIENDLY POLICY IMPACTS ON ACCESSIBILITY TO TRANSIT SERVICES: THE FIRST AND LAST MILE BRIDGE (January 2014) http://transweb.sjsu.edu/PDFs/research/1104-bicycle-policy-transit-accessib… The coordination of bicycle and transit modes has received close attention from public transit planners and researchers in recent years, as transit agencies around the world have installed bicycle racks on transit vehicles, implemented bicycles-on-trains policies, and made other efforts to facilitate bicycle-transit integration. Many planners presume that the catchment area for transit is enlarged by these efforts, but geographic changes in the size of catchment areas have not been effectively documented. This research project was designed to assess the distances travelled on bicycle by cycle-transit users (CTUs), both those who use bicycles as a means of access to transit stops and stations and those who bicycle to and travel on transit with theirbicycles. A mixed-methods approach was employed, using a literature review, a survey of cyclist-transit users in Philadelphia and San Francisco, and telephone interviews with a subset of survey respondents. Responses provided by CTUs in the two cities allow us to define their characteristics and behaviors in detail. What is more, they highlight two intriguing conclusions: that transit catchment areas can be much larger for cycle-transit users than for traditional transit users who access transit buses and rail on foot, and that the very concept of a cycle-transit catchment area is quite complex because of the variety of travel opportunities that cycle-transit coordination policies present transit riders. CTUs take advantage of larger catchment areas to reduce their travel costs, and they use those catchment areas in curious, less predictable and more varied ways.

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