June 2008 - AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Britain invests hundreds of millions to encourage cycling (Jun23'08)
by Beth McKechnie 23 Jun '08

23 Jun '08

[http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jun2008/2008-06-23-01.asp] Britain Invests Hundreds of Millions to Encourage CyclingLONDON, UK, June 23, 2008 (ENS) - Persuading people to climb out of their cars and onto bicycles is a key part of the British government's plan to meet its commitment to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions responsible for climate change. To further this effort, British Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly has named Bristol as the UK's first official Cycling City, and announced a further 11 Cycling Demonstration Towns across England. Bristol and the 11 other towns have each won a share of the record £100 million (US$197.4 million) investment package to pioneer innovative ways to increase cycling in their areas. Proposals include improving cycling infrastructure such as dedicated cycle lanes, increasing bike parking, cycle training for children, and promoting the benefits of cycling. "The UK's first ever Cycling City and 11 new Cycling Demonstration Towns will pioneer new ways of encouraging people to get on their bikes, Kelly said. "A quarter of journeys made every day by car are less than two miles," she said. "Cycling is an alternative that could bring real health benefits to millions of adults and children, as well as helping them save money and beat congestion." Cyclists assemble in Bristol's Millenium Square for the city's 15th annual Biggest Bike Ride. June 22, 2008. (Photo by Rob Green) Bristol was chosen in part because it has hosted a popular cycling event for the past 15 years. On Sunday, the 15th annual Bristol's Biggest Bike Ride attracted thousands who helped the city celebrate its selection as the UK's first Cycling City. Phillip Darnton, who chairs Cycling England, said, "We have learnt from our European neighbours, such as the Netherlands, that increased and sustained investment is the key to getting more people enjoying the benefits of cycling. The funding that Bristol and the other 11 towns have been awarded is designed to create a real step change in levels of cycling, starting in 2008 and for years to come." The 11 other Cycling Demonstration Towns are - Blackpool, Cambridge, Chester, Colchester, Leighton/Linslade, Shrewsbury, Southend on Sea, Southport with Ainsdale, Stoke, Woking and York. Cycling England is the national body co-ordinating the development of cycling across England. It was launched by the Minister for Local Transport in March 2005, replacing the previous National Cycling Strategy Board, and is supported by a number of government departments, including health, education, planning and sport as well as transport. Today's announcement aims to encourage 2.5 million more adults and children to take up cycling, improve their fitness and beat the traffic. Bristol wants to double the number of people cycling over the next three years, by creating the UK's first on-street bike rental network, modeled on the successful Paris scheme. Plans include establishing a 're-cycling' scheme, providing free bikes to those in deprived communities. The city has plans to build a state-of-the-art facility for cyclists in the city center providing showers, bike parking and lockers so commuters can have a wash and brush up before starting work. On the drawing board are plans to create a dedicated cycleway to link the suburbs with the city center, opening up new, safer options for commuters who currently rely on their cars. "The first step in persuading people to leave their cars at home is to offer them a real choice," said the minister. "Providing a step change in cycling facilities, dedicated cycle lanes, more training and information will have a big impact on how people choose to travel." "I look forward to seeing these towns and cities put their plans into action and urge other communities across the country to follow their lead," she said. The further 11 Cycling Demonstration Towns will build on the work of the existing six Cycling Demonstration Towns appointed in 2005, which have seen significant increases in cycling levels. These first six towns are - Aylesbury, Brighton, Darlington, Derby, Exeter and Lancaster. They will receive £7 million of the newly announced funding. "Beyond well co-ordinated, consistent investment in cycling, and the introduction of policy measures to encourage it, cycling crucially needs determined and persistent high-level leadership," said Darnton. "We are delighted that the government has championed this and Cycling England's other projects which aim to increase national cycling levels by 20 percent overall by 2012." The government has already announced it is investing an unprecedented £140 million (US$276.5 million) in cycling to increase the provision of Bikeability training to help half a million children cycle safely by 2012; build 250 new Safe Links to School as well as create the UK's first-ever Cycling City and appoint further Cycling Demonstration Towns, as announced today. Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2008. All rights reserved.

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Monday morning reading
by Stacy Matwick 23 Jun '08

23 Jun '08

More commuters choose to pedal right past pumps Source: Chicago Times via iNSnet.org http://www.insnet.org/ins_headlines.rxml?id=14128&photo= I especially liked the quote from the long time commuter at the end of the article about people thinking of it like a gym membership. I wonder what the numbers are for New Years resolutions? If it's only the four (or so) months of summer that would still be great. Cheers and a big thanks to everyone who worked at putting together a fabulous "Bike to Work Day" The pancakes were delish? Stacy Matwick Information Centre International Institute for Sustainable Development 161 Portage Ave. E., 6th floor Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3B 0Y4 Voice: (204)958-7755 Fax: (204)958-7710 Email: smatwick(a)iisd.ca Website: http://www.iisd.org "Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read" Groucho Marx

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New report on cycling and health benefits
by Beth McKechnie 20 Jun '08

20 Jun '08

Hello everyone: New report on cycling and health, from England, that looks at the specific health benefits from cycling: http://www.networks.nhs.uk/uploads/07/11/cycling_and_health.pdf (Sorry for any duplicate postings) cheers, Beth McKechnie Green Commuting Initiatives Resource Conservation Manitoba www.resourceconservation.mb.ca

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BIKE TO WORK DAY - June 20th
by Deanna Betteridge 11 Jun '08

11 Jun '08

Have you thought about riding your bike to work but you were waiting for the right opportunity? Or maybe you just finished the Commuter Challenge and you are looking for the next challenge. Or maybe you are a veteran cyclist that wants to be apart of something big. Whatever the case - Pull out your bike, stretch your legs, and take part in the 1st Annual Bike to Work Day Winnipeg! The City of Winnipeg and Bike to the Future are hosting the 1st Annual Bike to Work Day Winnipeg 2008 on Friday June 20, 2008. Winnipeg residents are encouraged to register online and ride their bikes to work and back. The day will feature a free pancake breakfast at The Forks, energy stations set-up at at various locations around the city, great prizes and more. The event was announced by the Mayor of Winnipeg on Friday May 9th, and, with over 750 residents already registered, is starting to gain real momentum. Please note that an Energy Station map will be posted on the Bike to Work Day Winnipeg website shortly. Find more information (and to register!) at www.BikeToWorkDayWinnipeg.org See you Friday, June 20th, 2008! Cheers, Deanna ------------------------------------------------------------- Deanna Betteridge, M.Sc. in motion Coordinator 2 - 189 Evanson St. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3G 0N9 204-232-3297 (c) 204-940-8409 (f) E-mail: dbetteridge(a)wrha.mb.ca Web site: www.winnipeginmotion.ca 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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Reminder - Walkin' & Rollin' on the Trail - June 7th
by Deanna Betteridge 04 Jun '08

04 Jun '08

************************************************************************* Walkin’ & Rollin’ on the Trails - International Trails Day Celebration Come out and have a great "in motion" time on Northeast Pioneers Greenway (Corner of Chalmers Avenue and Raleigh Street) to celebrate International Trails Day! Young or old we encourage everyone to come out and experience Winnipeg's newest trail AND see the unveiling of the BRAND NEW Trail Identification and Kilometre signs by Healthy Living Minister Irvin-Ross, Councillor Jeff Browaty, and Mr. Milton Sussman! Saturday, June 7, 2008 10:00 am - 12:00 noon Northeast Pioneers Greenway (Corner of Chalmers Ave & Raleigh St.) ** Rain or Shine ** WIN great prizes - Count Your Trail Kilometres & WIN! Bike Rodeo - Ride (or bring) your bike and participate in the MPI bike rodeo.........kids and adults are welcome! Historic Walk - Experience the history of the community from a local historian. Bike Parking - Ride (or bring) your bike and park it in the secure bike valet service (free) provided by Scouts Canada. Vehicle Parking - Free parking is available on the side streets off of Gateway, Chalmers Community Club and at Elmwood Highschool. Dignitaries - Health Living Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross, Councillor Jeff Browaty and Mr. Milton Sussman (WRHA) will be out to unveil the NEW Trail Identification and Kilometre Signs. For more information on this free event, contact Winnipeg in motion at 940-3648, or visit www.winnipeginmotion.ca or www.WinnipegTrails.com ******************************************************************************* Winnipeg in motion is a community-wide collaboration that encourages Winnipeggers to be physically active for health benefits. Winnipeg in motion coordinating partners, the University of Manitoba, the City of Winnipeg, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and Manitoba in motion are committed to sharing their knowledge and expertise to support communities in developing physical activity strategies that promote the health of their citizens. Have a great "in motion" day, Deanna ------------------------------------------------------------- Deanna Betteridge, M.Sc. in motion Coordinator 2 - 189 Evanson St. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3G 0N9 204-232-3297 (c) 204-940-8409 (f) E-mail: dbetteridge(a)wrha.mb.ca Web site: www.winnipeginmotion.ca 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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Webinar June 12th: Emerging Trends in Bicycle/Pedestrian Work
by Jessie Klassen 03 Jun '08

03 Jun '08

Hello All! Join us in the Eco-Centre boardroom on June 12th for a Bicycle/Pedestrian webinar! See below for details. To register at this location, please contact Jessie Klassen at jessie(a)resourceconservation.mb.ca or 925-3772. There is space for ~20-25 people. <The Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) and the National Center for Bicycling & Walking are pleased to announce the first in a series of professional development webinars. The first webinar is titled Emerging Trends in Bicycle/Pedestrian Work. Seleta Reynolds, Transportation Planner with Fehr & Peers in San Francisco will be the featured presenter in the one-hour webinar. Reynolds is also the President of the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals. WHEN: Thursday, June 12, from 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. (Central Daylight Time) . WHAT: Webinar topic: Emerging Trends in Bicycle/Pedestrian Work. DETAIL: Communities coast to coast are planning for increased levels of bicycling and walking,. Webinar participants can sharpen their competitive edges by learning what's new and what's on the horizon. Topics will include innovative tools, technology, training, and more.> http://www.bikewalk.org/webinar.php Thanks and hope to see you there! Jessie Klassen Workplace TDM Coordinator Resource Conservation Manitoba 303 Portage Ave., 3rd Floor (204) 925-3772 jessie(a)resourceconservation.mb.ca

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