[ Although the kickstand Bicycle Policy Training Sessions are now sold out (and then some), we've added an exciting element that is made for to the public. This is a great opportunity for you to meet our out-of-town guests, get involved and celebrate. Space is somewhat limited, so arrive early. Please see the press release and poster attached (with text pasted below). Also, if you are a winter cyclist coming from the south end of the city, and would like to join us for a ride to the forks, there is a group leaving from the U of M's Welcome centre at 5:45. - Anders ]
PRESS RELEASE
The World’s Love Affair with The Bicycle Comes to The Forks: European and Canadian Experts Share in Public Forum
Public “We Ride Here” Symposium at The Forks,
Friday November 23rd, 7 pm – 9 pm
Winnipeg, Manitoba -- Winnipeg is fast becoming one
of our country’s bike-friendly cities and that fever is spreading throughout
the province to towns like Morden, Thompson and Portage la Prairie. But, what
would it take for our province to rival places like Denmark and the Netherlands
where it’s ingrained in the culture and the psyche of its people? The “We
Ride Here” symposium provides the answers.
International cycling and city design gurus from
Copenhagenize (Denmark) and Mobycon (Netherlands) are in Winnipeg to
deliver a SOLD OUT two-day workshop, KICKSTAND, for professionals and leaders
from across the Province. But, when the design workshop ends, participants
and presenters will be heading to The Forks to celebrate and share what they’ve
learned with the general public.
“This is a great opportunity to come out and learn
from some of the masters,” says Anders Swanson, local organizing committee
chair, “They truly understand what it takes to plan and build a bicycle-friendly
community that works for everyone. And, they understand how to do it in all
seasons. They’re experts and we can learn so much from them.”
“We’re excited by the enthusiasm and energy we’ve encountered in Winnipeg and look forward to contributing to making things happen,” says Angela van der Kloof of Mobycon. “Cycling is a perfect way to get around for children, adults, youngsters, and the elderly. It gives everyone independence, it saves everyone money and it is fun. Streets can be designed in such a way that it is safe for everybody to do so. Elderly people should not have to fear their lives on a bicycle. Children should once again be raised with bicycles and be able to use them all the time.”
The “We Ride Here” public symposium is an evening of culture, film, speeches, exciting announcements, refreshments, door prizes, and one lucky winner will get a grand-prize of a Dutch Van Gogh bike, courtesy of the Honorary Consul of the Netherlands.
“We are looking forward to not only hearing from the experts, but also to hearing ideas from our own community,” says Mark Cohoe, executive director of Bike to the Future. “This is a chance for us all to learn, share, experience and make our cities and towns all that they can be for cyclists of all abilities and interest.”
Open to everyone. Capacity is limited to 120
people. Parking for bikes (and cars) is free.
-30-
The Kickstand Sessions take place Thursday November 22nd & Friday November 23rd @ the University of Manitoba Event Centre.
Participants will leave
with a stronger understanding of best practice bicycle-related implementations
and how to market them, and an opportunity for a continued partnership with
both Dutch and Danish experts.
Mobycon is Netherlands-based independent research and consulting company
with 25 years of experience in traffic, transport and mobility. Mobycon’s multi-disciplinary
team consists of traffic planners and engineers, urban and rural planners,
economists and human geographers.
Copenhagenize is a
Denmark-based consulting company specializing
in urban cycling and liveable cities. They approach every job from the human
perspective - using design, anthropology, sociology and common sense as their points
of departure.
For more information please contact:
Anders Swanson
Kickstand liaison in Winnipeg
204-797-1962
andersswanson@gmail.com