June 2012 - AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

ICBC backs plan for province wide bike training
by Cara Fisher 29 Jun '12

29 Jun '12

http://www.vancouversun.com/ICBC+backs+plan+provincewide+bike+training+stan… The Insurance Corp. of B.C. is investing $24,000 in a BC Cycling Coalition initiative to develop a provincewide standard for bicycle training. "While new bike lanes continue to hit the head-lines, there has been no attention on the need to provide willing cyclists with the skills they might need to start riding," states the BCCC release. "Voluntary and commercial organizations have offered a variety of cycling courses across B.C. for years but there is no coordination or consistency on what is taught." A standardized cycling training program will lead to more knowledgeable and safer cyclists, said ICBC community involvement manager Jared Huber. The initiative, Right to Bike, will develop courses that incorporate various levels of cycling ability. It will also focus, at least initially, on bicycle instruction in schools. Vancouver-based HUB - formerly the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition - is a not-for-profit society that offers cycling training courses. It is also backing BCCC's initiative. "Cyclists should have access to education," said executive director Erin O'Melinn, adding "the best way to do that is to go through schools and teach children how to ride [as well as] the rules of the road." However, O'Melinn said cyclist-related training for drivers is equally important and that B.C.'s driver-training regime is inadequate, especially when compared to places like Europe. The City of Vancouver wants to make cycle safety awareness a key component of all B.C. driver training courses and examinations, according to its Transportation 2040 plan. "The driving environment has changed," city transportation director Jerry Dobrovolny said in a telephone interview. "We've got bike lanes now and bike boxes and [a lane] that denotes bikes and cars have to share.... A lot has changed in 30 years." The city plans to discuss this new infrastructure with ICBC, which conducts driver training courses and over-sees licence examinations. The discussions will also include feedback the city received on cycling issues during its transportation plan consultation process. Drivers may endorse the city's initiative, according to a Harris/Decima poll conducted recently for the Canadian Automobile Association. Ninety-two per cent of respondents said they either strongly or somewhat support including more information on cyclists in young driver programs. When ICBC was asked whether it would support the city's initiative, spokesman Adam Grossman replied in an email that the insurer already incorporates a great deal into its training and testing regimes regarding sharing the road with cyclists. Three pages in its Learn to Drive Smart guide deal specifically with cyclists. Topics include maintaining a wide margin when passing bicycles and hand signal explanations. ICBC-approved training courses teach drivers how to interact with cyclists as well, including indirectly through lessons on hazard identification. The learners' licence written examination may include up to 13 questions on cyclists, Grossman said. The 50 questions on the exam are randomly selected from a database of 150-200. The road examination also tests awareness of cyclists, Grossman added, by emphasizing skills such as checking over your shoulder. Grossman noted cyclist-related crashes in B.C. make up less than 0.5 per cent of all collisions. On average, there are 1,300 cyclist-related crashes per year out of a total of 270,000. The city's transportation plan is open to public feed-back until July 13 and will go before council in the fall. TOP CONTRIBUTING FACTORS ASSIGNED BY POLICE TO CYCLISTS in crashes involving cyclists are: Cyclist inattentive/distracted Driving on wrong side of road Failing to yield right-of-way Cyclist error/confusion Ignoring traffic control device TOP CONTRIBUTING FACTORS ASSIGNED BY POLICE TO VEHICLE DRIVERS in crashes involving cyclists are: Driver inattention/distraction Failing to yield right-of-way Driver error/confusion Improper turning

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School Travel Planning makes active travel a safer option for students in Steinbach
by Shoni Litinsky 27 Jun '12

27 Jun '12

I just wanted to share this article<http://www.mysteinbach.ca/newsblog/16156.html>from the community of Steinbach. We have worked with the Hanover School Division over the past two years with our School Travel Planning approach<http://greenactioncentre.ca/program/asrts/school-travel-planning/>to increase active transportation to and from school and to improve the safety around the school sites. School Travel Planning gets more families walking and wheeling to/from school by bringing the community stakeholders together to identify the barriers to active transportation for each school and develop a written action plan to address those issues. The community based approach was so successful for them that the division is now working on School Travel Plans with 7 schools in three municipalities (Steinbach, Niverville, and Landmark). I am so proud of the work they have all done. If anyone is interested in learning more about how School Travel Planning can help improve a school near you, please get in touch with me to learn more about our program. _________________ National program gets Manitoba children walking to school Posted on 06/27/2012, 9:37 am, by mySteinbach.ca *Pilot results show increase in active travel, decrease in traffic congestion around schools* Students around Manitoba, including Steinbach, are walking and biking more, thanks to their participation in the School Travel Planning project, which sought to reduce numbers of children being driven to and from school. Prior to starting the national pilot, it’s estimated 41 per cent of children across Canada were driven to school, based on new data from Canada Walks. Green Action Centre’s Active and Safe Routes to School (ASRTS) piloted School Travel Planning (STP) in 4 municipalities (Winnipeg, Thompson, Fisher River Cree Nation, and Steinbach) totaling twelve schools. Honoured with a Manitoba Planning Excellence Award earlier this year, School Travel Planning aims to get more families walking and wheeling to/from school by bringing together community stakeholders to identify barriers to active transportation for each school and develop a written action plan. STP projects worked to improve street infrastructure, increase awareness of the benefits of active travel and establish walking and cycling groups. This translated into a 4-6 per cent increase in children walking to and from school provincially. As more improvements are made, numbers are expected to increase. Manitoba data also revealed 19 per cent of surveyed families reduced driving for the school trip, and parents noticed a corresponding decrease in traffic congestion by 19% around participating schools. Randy Dueck, Assistant Superintendent for Hanover School Division likes what School Travel Planning has done for the children of Steinbach’s Woodlawn School saying “School Travel Planning is a process that has helped us to take a comprehensive look at improving the safety of our students as they travel to and from our schools. We have already responded with some specific improvements that include infrastructure improvements made by the city. Without the data from School Travel Planning we would have experienced greater difficulty in achieving these improvements.” Hanover School Division saw such value in School Travel Planning that it was expanded to the communities of Niverville and Landmark also,”I am convinced the students in all three communities that have participated in this process are safer today than they were prior to School Travel Planning. School Travel Planning has already proven its value in helping us to resolve some of the student traffic challenges we face.” “We celebrate every family who chooses to walk, even if they can’t do it all the time” says Shoni Litinsky, ASRTS for Green Action Centre. “Breaking up sedentary time for children is key to bringing down rates of obesity, chronic illness and some cancers and when we leave the cars at home our communities become more connected and we have cleaner air. ASRTS in Manitoba believes so strongly in School Travel Planning we’re leading the nation in building capacity by delivering training workshops and building an iPad app that will expand data collection capability.” -- *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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Helmets not the only answer
by Beth McKechnie 27 Jun '12

27 Jun '12

[Editorial from The Record newspaper in Waterloo Region re the recently circulated report on bicycling deaths in Ontario. Note that I have put a couple of links in below that were not in the original article. -cheers, Beth] Helmets not the only answer Editorial | Fri Jun 22 2012 | Waterloo Region: The Record http://www.therecord.com/opinion/editorial/article/747763--helmets-not-the-… Humans naturally crave quick and easy fixes for tough problems, and this holds true whether the human is pedalling a bicycle or driving a car. No surprise, then, that this week’s release of a report<http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/stellent/groups/public/@mcscs/@www/@com/docu…>on bicycling deaths by the office of Ontario’s chief coroner sparked heated demands for a new law forcing every cyclist in the province — regardless of age — to wear a helmet. The coroner’s report recommends precisely this change and a public debate on such legislation would surely be timely. Yet the report’s call to action includes so much more than just a mandatory helmet law that it would be wrong, in fact needlessly distracting, to focus on this issue alone. Too many people are doing this. The public deludes itself if it thinks a tough new helmet law will suddenly end all the dangers cyclists face on the road or that the passage of such a new rule will free us to move onto other matters, confident our roads are safer. Not so. It might be quick and easy. But it would hardly confer the armour of invincibility on those who mount a bicycle for fun, recreation or a commute. In fact, to read the Cycling Death Review of 129 fatal accidents involving cyclists in Ontario over a five-year period ending in 2010 is to reach a far different conclusion. Major changes, extensive changes, very expensive changes are needed in how this province builds its transportation networks. That’s the real point the coroner’s report: There are no simple fixes. We need what the report calls a “complete streets<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/complete-streets/>” approach that focuses on “the safety of all road users.” And this would lead to a profoundly new way of redeveloping existing communities and designing new ones. Why can’t we seriously consider putting in segregated cycling lanes whenever we rebuild major municipal roadways or construct new arteries? And why can’t we make it a priority to pave shoulders on provincial highways for the specific use of cyclists? Of course, this would cost us big-time. It’s so much easier to enter a predictable and somewhat tedious debate about bike helmets, with one side insisting they must be mandated and the other arguing that such a move would unreasonably infringe on personal liberties. Let’s resist that temptation. It won’t solve the problem. In its analysis of specific fatalities, the report itself is often ambiguous about the effectiveness of helmets in protecting riders. In some cases we know that riders who died weren’t wearing helmets — but the report refuses to speculate on whether a helmet would have made a difference. Similarly, there are other cases where riders wearing helmets were struck and killed by vehicles. No wonder some of the people who wrote this report urged careful study of the pros and cons of a helmet law before bringing one into force. One of the most stark and disturbing findings of this report is the fact that 71 per cent of the cycling deaths over five years — that’s 91 fatalities — occurred at least partly because of an avoidable cyclist error. Failing to yield the right of way, ignoring traffic signals, travelling against traffic and improperly using road lanes were all fatal errors. Amazingly, in 23 per cent of the cycling deaths that were studied — 30 lost lives in all — the cyclist was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the collision. All this explains, and supports, one of the report’s other major conclusions. We have to do a better job educating cyclists and some of this could be done in our publicly funded schools. Better instruction on the responsibilities of drivers for those seeking a motor vehicle licence is also in order. This is an important report, one that should not collect dust on the shelf of some provincial bureaucrat’s office. But if Ontarians agree with its authors that the lives of cyclists should be a higher priority, they will also realize they must commit themselves and their tax dollars to prove it.

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Cycling study in [Waterloo] busts myths
by Daniel Gravenor 26 Jun '12

26 Jun '12

Adding to this: When I managed the OttoCYCLE GPS bicycle study here in Winnipeg, we had over 700 people participate and found similar results. Some perspective is required in looking at the results too - most people volunteered for the Winnipeg study which would depend on who heard of it, and might have limited participation from lower income groups, etc. ======================================= Cycling study in region busts myths http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/750633--cycling-study-in-region… VANCOUVER — Some myths about cyclists were busted by a study done by the University of Waterloo and the Region of Waterloo, presented Tuesday among the opening sessions of Velo-city Global 2012 in Vancouver. Velo-city Global, the international conference sponsored by the European Cycling Federation, is being held outside of Europe for only the third time, drawing 800 delegates from 41 countries to Vancouver, to discuss cycling infrastructure, planning, technology and advocacy. Among the reps from Australia, Uganda, the U.K., Germany and Korea are dozens of presenters and participants from Ontario universities and municipal governments. Kyrylo Cyril Rewa, a master’s student at UW, presented the joint UW-Region of Waterloo GPS study of cyclists, done between March 2010 and January 2011. Some 400 cyclists kept diaries, filled out surveys and carried GPS devices, tracking the best and worst that the area’s roads have to offer cyclists. Rewa told the audience that the research group was surprised to find that the study seemed to undermine the preconception that cyclists choose bicycles because they may not have the money for a car. In fact, the participants tended to have higher average incomes than the regional norm, and may have in fact have owned a car in their household, but chose to ride a bicycle. Another preconception, said Rewa, is that cyclists ride for leisure, recreation or exercise, but the GPS survey showed that the highest bicycle use occurred during the peak travel times for commuters. Essentially, the participants were riding to and from work. Rewa said this demonstrated the potential for reducing rush-hour congestion by encouraging more cycling among commuters. To reach that potential will require overcoming some obstacles, Rewa said. Among them: the feeling of many non-cyclists that cycling is unsafe. That the concern about high traffic on area roads and the perception that many motorists demonstrate poor behaviour to cyclists, were the main barriers to increased cycling. During the GPS study, cyclists identified several areas of concern in Waterloo Region, and Rewa drew laughter from the audience of 60 delegates when he showed an image of the intersection of Erb and Caroline streets in Waterloo, with red lines indicating the dangerous routes that cyclists have to take to proceed through the intersection. The database developed by the survey is being used to develop a “generalized cost” for cycling, to give regional planners a baseline for budgeting for future cycling infrastructure. Rewa told the group that the methodology developed by the Region and UW has attracted attention from outside the area, and a revised version of the project is being launched in Peel Region, tracking cycle use in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon.

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FW: Put onus on drivers, says cycling world champion Mark Cavendish | The Times
by Charles Feaver 26 Jun '12

26 Jun '12

A good article on British & EU rules on liability of drivers who hit cyclists: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/cyclesafety/article3451896.ece#.T-n0JS… Charles Feaver Sent from my mobile

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WFP: Winnipeg counts down to countdown crosswalks (Jun26'12)
by Beth McKechnie 26 Jun '12

26 Jun '12

[Print from today's Freep of the article Anders circulated yesterday] Winnipeg counts down to countdown crosswalks PEDESTRIANS will get a heads-up about how much time they have to cross Portage Avenue and Donald Street. This Wednesday, the City of Winnipeg will install a pedestrian countdown signal at all four points in the downtown intersection to indicate the number of seconds remaining to cross the street. It's Winnipeg's first countdown signal and is part of a pilot project to test the devices. Traffic-signals engineer Michael Cantor said the devices are mandatory at some intersections in the United States, and other Canadian cities have also installed them. He said Winnipeg traffic officials decided the downtown intersection would be a good place to test the device, since there is a high volume of foot traffic and it is close to the MTS Centre. "If you decide to start (crossing) later, at least you know how many seconds you have," Cantor said. It costs up to $10,000 to install the devices at an intersection. Cantor said the city plans to review feedback from a survey at the downtown site and consider whether the devices can be installed at other locations. He said there are some technical challenges involved in making the device a permanent fixture on city streets since the new software in Winnipeg traffic-control signals doesn't support the countdown system. Cantor said the city will work to address this challenge. http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/winnipeg-counts-down-to-countdown-cr…

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City's first pedestrian countdown signal slated for Portage Avenue
by Anders Swanson 25 Jun '12

25 Jun '12

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/Citys-first-pedestrial-countdown-sig…

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Provincial AT Plan and Coordinator announced
by Beth McKechnie 23 Jun '12

23 Jun '12

*Provincial press release:* http://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?archive=2012-06-01&item=14672 * Provincial AT page & coordinator contact info:* http://www.gov.mb.ca/ia/programs/bldgcomm/at_general.html *Greater Strides:* http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/pdf/atag_report6.pdf * * * * * Winnipeg Free Press Active transport plan unveiledBy: Larry Kusch There was more tolerance and respect on city streets Friday between motorists and cyclists -- and the province's local government minister would like to see that happen more than one day a year. The well-publicized Bike to Work Day saw thousands of Winnipeggers don helmets and pedal to their jobs. By all accounts, riders and drivers got along on the way to work, despite all the extra two-wheeled traffic. Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux chose the day to unveil a three-year active transportation action plan he hopes will help lead to a permanent increase in cycling. It includes pledges of funding and technical support to municipalities to develop active transportation infrastructure and efforts to promote more understanding between cyclists and drivers. "I'm personally very concerned with improving awareness of motorists so that the tragic collisions we've seen recently can be avoided," Lemieux said at a press conference. "We need to find better ways of balancing the needs and rights of all users of roadways (so they) get to their destinations safely and feel secure while they're doing so." Lemieux, who lives outside the city, said he was impressed with the consideration he witnessed between motorists and cyclists as he drove in to work on Friday. He said the government is working on ways to ease tensions between the two groups since "active transportation is only going to increase." The program he announced Friday was lean on specifics and lacked a dollar figure. Lemieux said initiatives will be rolled out in the coming weeks and months as the province consults further with stakeholders. He also said the province would press hard for the funding of active transportation improvements under a new Building Canada capital projects fund (involving all three levels of government), which is expected to be unveiled in a couple of years. In the spring sitting of the legislature, the Selinger government passed legislation giving municipalities more authority to set rules governing bicycle traffic within their boundaries. That is expected to set the stage for future active transportation improvements. Doug Dobrowolski, president of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, said his group supported the legislation and hopes future active transportation infrastructure spending will help promote local tourism. "Each community has something unique they want to showcase. So this gives another opportunity for people to come to these communities and see what's outside the city of Winnipeg," he said Friday. Janice Lukes, who chairs the province's Active Transportation Advisory Group, called Lemieux's announcement a good start. She applauded the fact the province has appointed an active transportation co-ordinator -- Vicky Reaney. But Lukes would have liked to have seen a funding commitment. "I'm still challenged by the fact that there's over $500 million spent on roadways this year and we haven't heard a dedicated amount... put into active transportation," she said. Meanwhile, Anika Terton, who bikes to work between April and October, said Friday the key to improved cycling safety is simply getting more people out riding bikes, whether they use them to get to work or not. "I felt safer today because there were more cyclists on the road, and I felt there was more respect because there were more cyclists on the road," she said. "I think if you cycle and drive your car, you respect cyclists more when you're in your car." larry.kusch(a)freepress.mb.ca * Manitoba's active transportation plan* -- Develop design guidelines for active transportation infrastructure. -- Provide new funding and technical support to help municipalities integrate AT planning with other land use and transportation planning and development. -- Launch a new online portal with AT resources and an inventory of cycling routes across the province. -- Work to complete the Borders to Beaches section of the Trans Canada Trail (from the Ontario border to Grand Beach). -- Construct a new AT overpass at the north Perimeter Highway to extend the popular Northeast Pioneers Greenway, which runs along Gateway Road. -- Work with Manitoba Public Insurance to raise awareness of safety issues concerning cyclists and pedestrians. http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/active-transport-plan--unveiled-1601… *Additional coverage:* http://www.cjob.com/News/Local/Story.aspx?ID=1726507 http://metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/273618/manitoba-rolls-out-action-plan-on-…

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Bike to Work Day - WTA_AlterEgo_CanadInns Pit Stop - Leg announcement
by Janice Lukes 22 Jun '12

22 Jun '12

Bike to Work Day 2012 Pembina and Plaza Pit Stop Leg Announcement - 3 year AT Action Plan with list if actions / Vicki Reaney as dedicated person / coordinator BEST t-shirts every - and was one of the first 300 to register - but never made it to Natural Cycle - And am looking for a left over ! Wow! Janice Lukes

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Webinar Evalluation
by Mark Cohoe 22 Jun '12

22 Jun '12

Hi, Thank you to all who attended Wednesday's APBP webinar "Resolving Conflicts at Complex Intersections". I hope the session was helpful to you. If you haven't already evaluated this webinar, please take a minute and fill out the webinar evaluation <http://www.apbp.org/surveys/default.asp?id=Eval_Jun-12>. Cheers, Mark

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ON Planners issue *Call to Action on Active Transportation"
by Beth McKechnie 21 Jun '12

21 Jun '12

The Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) calls upon planners, the provincial government, municipalities and the public to make non-motorized forms of travel a mainstay of daily life throughout Ontario communities. OPPI prepared this Call to Action to raise awareness and to highlight key issues so that Ontario’s planners and communities can address the challenges associated with planning for active transportation. Read more: http://www.ontarioplanners.on.ca/pdf/Call-to-Action-on-Active-Transportatio…

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Friday is Bike to Work Day! 24 degrees and SUNNY.
by Beth McKechnie 21 Jun '12

21 Jun '12

*Count Yourself In. Make Cycling Count. * So far *2522 people* have registered to Bike to Work this Friday, June 22nd. That's $1261 that Manitoba Pubic Insurance will dedicate to The WRENCH<http://thewrench.ca/>, and a massive group of cyclists to take to the streets and stand up for cycling in Winnipeg. * BRING A FRIEND.* If everyone can encourage one other coworker, friend, or stranger to register and ride we could see over 4000 cyclists on Friday and maximize our donation to the WRENCH. It's free for you! * * *If you haven't yet, REGISTER TODAY<http://biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org/register><http://t.ymlp226.net/eyybaxajjqbadausqaxahyse/click.php>at biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org/register <http://t.ymlp226.net/eyyhanajjqbavausqaxahyse/click.php> * OR *Pedal by a pit stop to register on your way to work on Friday between 6:30-9:00 a.m.* There are 38 around the city! Plus one at the Forks opening at 9:00 and closing at 3:30 when our BBQ party begins. Find one along your route on the pit stop map at: http://biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org/pitstops<http://t.ymlp226.net/eyywacajjqbarausqacahyse/click.php> BBQ party at The Forks! *****Mogley and the Woodland Creatures* and *Flat City Folk* will entertain us at the BBQ while we enjoy* Half Pints' Pedal Pusher Ale* and draw for our grand prizes: a new *Schwinn bike, bike trailers, a stay at Falcon Trails Resort *and an enormous amount of prizes from Fort Whyte Alive, Assiniboine Credit Union, and all of the incredible Winnipeg Bike Shops. *Count Yourself In. Make Cycling Count. * See you in the sunshine on Friday! Andraea Sartison Event Coordinator Bike to Work Day 2012 www.biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org<http://t.ymlp226.net/eyyqaiajjqbatausqapahyse/click.php> LOVE US ON THE FACEBOOK<http://t.ymlp226.net/eyyyaaajjqbaxausqaaahyse/click.php>

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Active Transportation - You and Your Community
by Derrett, Jaymi (HLYS) 20 Jun '12

20 Jun '12

Active Transportation - You and Your Community Rosanne Prinsen, MSc, Resource Coordinator, Alberta Centre for Active Living Active transportation means using human-powered transportation (rather than cars or other motorized vehicles) to get to and from local destinations, such as work, school, businesses, facilities, events and much more. This article offers a variety of tips and insights to help you and your community works towards your active transportation goals. http://www.centre4activeliving.ca/publications/wellspring/2012/jun-active-t… Jaymi Derrett Consultant Recreation and Regional Services Children and Youth Opportunities 310- 800 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3G 0N4 Phone: (204) 945-4401 Fax: (204) 948-4042

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Webinar Handouts
by Mark Cohoe 19 Jun '12

19 Jun '12

Hi, For those coming to tomorrows webinar, Resolving Conflicts at Complex Intersections, handouts can viewed here <http://www.apbp.org/?page=Webinar_Downloads>. Green Action Centre and Bike to the Future invite you to join us for a local viewing of the upcoming APBP webinar at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) followed by group discussion.**Detailed description provided below.* * Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) presents: Resolving Conflicts at Complex Intersections *Wednesday, June 20 | 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CST* The webinar will focus on mitigating bad geometry at awkward intersections, including how to address skews, multi-legs, unusual bicycle and pedestrian movements, and interchanges. imageThrough an overview of engineering tools and many examples, partipants will learn how to realign skewed intersections, get rid of extra legs, place crosswalks, design corner radii to reduce speed while accommodating turning trucks, and use islands and medians to make a complex intersection safer and more pedestrian friendly. Several signal phasing topics will also be covered, including exclusive pedestrian phases, leading pedestrian intervals, banning RTOR, and bicycle signals. Presenter: Michael Moule, PE, TE, PTOE, has over 18 years of progressive traffic and transportation engineering experience, including traffic calming, conceptual design for Complete Streets, and the planning of improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities. His projects accommodate all modes of transportation in order to help cities and states meet their mobility, economic development, safety, and quality of life goals. He has significant innovative design experience and specializes in improving conditions for non-motorized users without degrading motor vehicle capacity. Michael routinely leads community planning processes and training sessions to give citizens the basic skills they need to develop and review street design solutions. -- Cheers, Mark

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Webinar reminder: Resolving Conflicts at Complex Intersections: Wed, June 20th, 2-3 pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 19 Jun '12

19 Jun '12

*Friendly reminder about tomorrow's webinar (thanks to those who have already RSVP'ed)...* Green Action Centre and Bike to the Future invite you to join us for a local viewing of the upcoming APBP webinar at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) followed by group discussion.* *Detailed description provided below.* *Resolving Conflicts at Complex Intersections *Wednesday, June 20 | 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CST* RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth 925-3772 * * * * * Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) presents: Resolving Conflicts at Complex Intersections *Wednesday, June 20 | 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CST* The webinar will focus on mitigating bad geometry at awkward intersections, including how to address skews, multi-legs, unusual bicycle and pedestrian movements, and interchanges. [image: image]Through an overview of engineering tools and many examples, partipants will learn how to realign skewed intersections, get rid of extra legs, place crosswalks, design corner radii to reduce speed while accommodating turning trucks, and use islands and medians to make a complex intersection safer and more pedestrian friendly. Several signal phasing topics will also be covered, including exclusive pedestrian phases, leading pedestrian intervals, banning RTOR, and bicycle signals. Presenter: Michael Moule, PE, TE, PTOE, has over 18 years of progressive traffic and transportation engineering experience, including traffic calming, conceptual design for Complete Streets, and the planning of improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities. His projects accommodate all modes of transportation in order to help cities and states meet their mobility, economic development, safety, and quality of life goals. He has significant innovative design experience and specializes in improving conditions for non-motorized users without degrading motor vehicle capacity. Michael routinely leads community planning processes and training sessions to give citizens the basic skills they need to develop and review street design solutions. -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | 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/memberships/>

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A review of all accidental cycling deaths in ON from 2006-2010
by Beth McKechnie 19 Jun '12

19 Jun '12

*Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario* *Cycling Death Review: A Review of All Accidental Cycling Deaths in Ontario from January 1st, 2006 to December 31st, 2010* Road safety is a global public health issue. In the 2004 World Report on Road Traffic Injury Prevention co-authored by the World Health Organization and the World Bank, it is estimated that by the year 2020, road traffic injuries will become the third greatest contributor to the global burden of disease and injury. In terms of mortality, cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users worldwide...One of the hypotheses of the Cycling Death Review was that all cycling fatalities are preventable. This hypothesis held true in each and every death we reviewed. Read the report here<http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/stellent/groups/public/@mcscs/@www/@com/docu…> .

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Velo-City Pre-Conference Workshop: Velo-Talk Bicycle Advocacy Workshop
by Shoni Litinsky 18 Jun '12

18 Jun '12

For anyone who is attending Velo-City this year or know of anyone attending please considering registering or passing along this message about a fantastic pre-conference workshop *Velo-Talk Bicycle Advocacy Workshop*, held on *June 25th, 2012 from 12:30-5pm.* *Workshop Details* *Do you want to share ideas about how to get even more cycling happening? Please join HUB at Velo Talk, a satellite event of the Velo-city Global cycling conference in Vancouver. Join in Vancouver's cycling excitement in this afternoon advocacy workshop the day before Velo-city starts (June 25th) with an optional morning bike ride and evening social. See http://bikehub.ca/civicrm/event/register?id=48&reset=1 and the attached flyer. This event has limited registration, so please sign up soon.* Please contact Kerry Hamilton if you would like more information: kerry(a)hastebc.org -- *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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WFP: Stolen bikes not on police radar (Jun16'12)
by Beth McKechnie 16 Jun '12

16 Jun '12

Stolen bikes not on police radar Another opportunity lost to catch a bicycle thief in city By: Gordon Sinclair Jr. <gordon.sinclair(a)freepress.mb.ca> Some questions have been raised this week as a result of something that happened to one of the thousands of people who have their bikes stolen each year in this city. The questions are these: How much does the Winnipeg Police Service really care about finding bike thieves? And how much does it really care about finding and returning your bike? The questions were raised -- to a level just shy of a scream -- after Rejean Robert, a 33-year-old Fort Rouge resident contacted the Free Press about the theft of two bikes last Saturday afternoon; a $700 mountain bike he rode to work and a $600 model belonging to his fiancée. Initially, the police response appeared positive. Within a few hours, two patrol officers took a statement from a witness. Actually, the witness had done more than just watch, he took photos, and then followed the thieves for six blocks to a walk-up apartment block on Corydon Avenue near Confusion Corner, where he saw them take the bikes. Rejean thought, given that kind of lead, police would follow it. And fast. But they didn't. So the next day, Rejean and his fiancée, Brenda, decided to follow the lead themselves, right to that apartment block on Corydon. With the help of the caretaker, they not only found Brenda's bike, but a large stash of other bikes and bike parts in a basement locker and second-floor apartment. All of which suggested they had stumbled on a stolen-bike ring that was operating a chop shop out of the building. I wrote about all of this on Tuesday. By Wednesday, police, who had assigned detectives to the case on Monday, had executed a search warrant at the apartment block. By that time, the bikes were gone. But police arrested one suspect there and another the next day downtown, both of whom were charged with possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000. They're still looking for a third suspect. The arrests make police -- or at least these officers -- look better. Except the police service had known for weeks that a bike ring was at work in the area, and according to what the caretaker told Rejean, they had been alerted more than once about the suspicious goings-on at the Corydon apartment. But police hadn't responded. What's even more disturbing is this doesn't appear to be an isolated case. Ruth Smith owns a 16-suite apartment block on St. Mary's Road, and when she read about Rejean's experience, she sent me an email. Late last month, Ruth said she discovered 12 bikes and assorted bike parts stashed under a basement stairwell in her building. So she took it upon herself to investigate, much like the witness did in last weekend's case. "I proceeded to phone and talk directly to every tenant in the 16-suite block," Ruth wrote. Fifteen of the tenants told her none of the bikes belonged to them. But when Tenant 16 didn't get back to her, Ruth decided to record all the bike serial numbers and call police. But when she called police, they brushed her off. "They said they wouldn't come to check as there was no proof of illegal activity." There's more. "When I offered to record the serial numbers, they said I could but someone could just say they found them. Basically, they said, never mind." The next day, Tenant 16 was spotted removing the 12 bikes and bike parts from the basement. Later, he would tell Ruth he took the bikes to his brother's place. On hearing that, Ruth called police again, and again got the brush-off. He could be repairing friends' bikes or buying and selling bikes, police told her. "And they had no reason to investigate." We all know there are lot of good cops doing a lot of good work, and there's a never-ending load of work to do. I also know it's not uncommon for general-patrol officers to find bikes, run their serial numbers and then stuff them in their trunks and return them to their owners. But then there's what appears to be institutional apathy about bike theft, as if it doesn't matter. Police don't even track stolen bikes as a separate theft category, leaving the city to estimate reported cases at 3,000 annually, which means there are probably another 3,000 stolen that go unreported. On a national scale, the number is more like 200,000, which amounts to losses in the tens of millions of dollars. Of this much I can assure you: If it were a bank being robbed at that rate, police wouldn't be telling citizens such as Ruth Smith that their tip didn't matter. But we're not talking about banks, we're talking about bikes. Big wheels, versus little ones. And that's just the way the world goes around. gordon.sinclair(a)freepress.mb.ca http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/stolen-bikes-not-on-police-radar-159…

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WFP: Why police didn't bust bike thieves (Jun14'12)
by Beth McKechnie 14 Jun '12

14 Jun '12

Why police didn't bust bike thieves By: Gordon Sinclair Jr. <gordon.sinclair(a)freepress.mb.ca> Everyone can relax now. Well, maybe not everyone. Winnipeg police want you to know they are hot on the trail of what appears to be a ring of bike thieves. Although they didn't appreciate my writing about the case Tuesday, the suggestion being that by alerting the thieves, I've made finding them more difficult. More difficult? Let's just do a little backtracking here. Back to around noon last Saturday when four locked bikes were stolen from under an apartment fire escape in Fort Rouge. As it turns out, there are a lot more than four bikes involved in this investigation. And a lot more at stake for police. That's because of what happened after the four bikes were stolen and what a couple of patrol officers did -- and didn't do -- about it. What they did was respond promptly later that Saturday afternoon to the apartment of Rejean Robert and Brenda Harder, who were without their two bikes. Police responded because a witness had reported what he'd seen. The witness, a 32-year-old neighbour, not only saw what happened, he took photographs of the thieves in action and then followed two members of what appears to be a stolen-bike ring and chop-shop operation. The witness not only tracked the thieves to a walk-up apartment on Corydon Avenue near Confusion Corner, he recovered one of the four bikes and prevented another bike from being stolen by interrupting the theft in progress. Pretty impressive. But it was tracking them to the apartment that would turn out to be the big score. Because, the next day, using a lead provided by his good neighbour the witness, Robert went to the apartment block and recovered his fiancée's bike. By that time, his bike -- the one he used to get to work -- was long gone. It was the block's caretaker who first led Robert to a basement locker full of bikes and bike parts and then took him upstairs where the caretaker knocked on a door behind which were more bikes and bike parts. Why would Robert put himself at risk like that? Because of what the two patrol officers didn't do after they responded to his home to take a report on Saturday. The officers didn't go to the apartment block on Corydon where the witness saw the thieves take their stolen bikes, one worth $700 and the other about $600. It was the patrol officer not following the lead to the apartment block on Corydon that outraged Robert and prompted him to contact the Free Press. "I told them I had the address," Robert recalled Wednesday when we spoke again. "And what they told me was they can't go knocking on doors." No? That's also what Winnipeg Police Service public information officer Const. Jason Michalyshen suggested to me when we spoke earlier this week, although he put it slightly differently. He said police can't go kicking in doors, at least not without a search warrant. "There's a process we have to follow." He said he understands the victim's frustration, but sometimes police can't act as quickly as they'd like to. "We can't snap our fingers," is how Michalyshen put it. All true, but not totally true. When I spoke to a former senior Winnipeg police officer, he said if the patrol officers had driven the six blocks from the scene of the theft to the Corydon apartment, they could have secured the scene and sought a search warrant. So, why didn't they go? Michalyshen said he didn't know. I asked him something else. According to Robert, the caretaker said he had reported suspicious activity at the apartment to police more than once, prior to last weekend. But police hadn't responded. I asked Michalyshen if he could verify that. He said he couldn't. What he could tell me, though, was that prior to last weekend, police in District 6 had been aware there had been a rash of stolen bikes in the Fort Rouge area. And beyond. Last month, Gord's Ski & Bike on Donald Street had been hit by professional thieves three times for a total of eight bikes, including a couple worth $8,000 each. And by Tuesday, when the column appeared, Robert quickly learned he wasn't alone because of Facebook messages from others in the neighbourhood who'd had bikes stolen. Were the two patrol officers aware there had been a rash of stolen bikes in the area? Michalyshen said he didn't know. What the WPS spokesman could tell me about how police handled the case was this: The officers in charge of the patrol officers who took Robert's report on Saturday are "very pleased" with the thoroughness of their work. And, police made no mistakes. But then, when do they ever? Or at least, ever admit they did? But we should give the last words to the victim. Words that cut through all the police we-don't-knows, to what Rejean Robert knows: "We had a witness, pictures, an address... what more do they need to help protect the property of citizens?" gordon.sinclair(a)freepress.mb.ca *STOLEN BIKES BY THE NUMBERS* 3,000 -- estimated number of bikes reported stolen annually in Winnipeg. 1,500 -- estimated number of bikes recovered annually. 10-12 -- percentage of recovered bikes returned to owners in Winnipeg. 100,000 -- estimated number of stolen bikes reported stolen annually in Canada. 200,000 -- estimated total number of bikes stolen annually across Canada. Sources: City of Winnipeg, TD Insurance http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/why-police-didnt-bust-bike-thieves-1…

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City of Winnipeg News Release - OurWinnipeg - The Conversation Continues
by DeweyPovoledo, Susanne 14 Jun '12

14 Jun '12

[Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: cid:image001.png@01CC88E0.FA0A1B80] For Immediate Release Wednesday, June 13, 2012 OurWinnipeg - The Conversation Continues Winnipeg, MB - Today, the City released the first "OurWinnipeg: Report to the Community" which tracks progress in implementing its long-term development plan. The planning document, OurWinnipeg, came into effect nearly one year ago, following a multi-faceted public engagement initiative known as SpeakUpWinnipeg and has won several awards as well as broad community support. Highlighting progress to date, the City will use the successful SpeakUpWinnipeg platform to continue engaging the public in dialogue about OurWinnipeg and efforts towards its implementation. OurWinnipeg is the City's blueprint for the future in all key policy areas, particularly land use and development. The plan was developed through SpeakUpWinnipeg, a massive, multi-faceted public engagement initiative through which city planners reached out to citizens and stakeholders - over 42,000 of them - to determine their vision of what Winnipeg might look like in the future. Having officially come into effect in August 2011, the City has already made substantial progress towards bringing various public initiatives, policy directions and departmental operations in line with the plan's vision and moving it forward. The City will be promoting the report at various locations throughout Winnipeg with staff on-hand to answer questions and talk about how the plan is being moved forward in key areas. These "SpeakUpWinnipeg On the Spot" engagements will take place until Wednesday, June 20, culminating with an Open House at the Millennium Public Library on Thursday, June 21. The report, together with various engagement opportunities are available to the public online at SpeakUpWinnipeg.com -30- Media inquiries should be directed to the City of Winnipeg Media Inquiry Line at 204-986-6000 or via email at MediaInquiry(a)winnipeg.ca<mailto:MediaInquiry@winnipeg.ca> Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/cityofwinnipeg<http://www.facebook.com/cityofwinnipeg> Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/cityofwinnipeg<http://www.twitter.com/cityofwinnipeg>

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WFP: Chop shop but no cop - Bike thieves' pictures and address seem insufficient for police (Jun12'12)
by Beth McKechnie 13 Jun '12

13 Jun '12

Chop shop but no cop Bike thieves' pictures and address seem insufficient for police By: Gordon Sinclair Jr. <gordon.sinclair(a)freepress.mb.ca> What would you do? I mean, what would you do if someone stole your $700 mountain bike -- and your fiancée's $600 model -- and you called police with the kind of lead you didn't have to be Sherlock Holmes to follow. But then you got the feeling police weren't interested in following it. Well, I'll tell you what 33-year-old Rejean Robert did. It was Saturday, just after the lunch hour, when Rejean's soon-to-be wife Brenda Harder saw the note posted on the front door of their Fort Rouge apartment block. The note had been left by a neighbour who, about an hour earlier, had seen two thieves make off with four bikes that had been locked under an apartment fire escape. The witness, who could be the poster boy for Neighbourhood Watch, contacted police and took photographs of the thieves pulling off one of the most common and frustrating Winnipeg crimes. Not only that, but he made like a cop and trailed them in his vehicle and watched as they hauled the bikes to a walk-up apartment on Corydon. Minus one of the bikes, which he found stashed in the bush and returned to the owner. But that's only part of the story. While patrol officers responded that same afternoon, Rejean and Brenda were taken aback by what one of the officers told them. "They said it was very unlikely they were going to recover our bikes," Rejean recalled Monday morning. Police had a witness who had given them a statement. Plus photographs of the crime in progress. And the nearby address where the bikes had been taken. But that didn't seem to be enough to track down their bikes the same day. "That basically told me they weren't going to go and look," Rejean said. "I didn't know what to do at that point." By late Sunday afternoon, a day later, he'd had enough of waiting for the police to do nothing. So he and Brenda paid a visit to the apartment block on Corydon where their bikes had last been seen. As luck would have it, the apartment caretaker was working outside. Rejean told the caretaker why they were there and showed him the photos their neighbour had taken of the theft. The caretaker recognized the people in the photographs right away. Rejean said the caretaker told them there was what amounts to a bicycle chop shop being run out of the one of the apartments in the block he looks after, and he had reported it to police more than once. But they didn't respond. Rejean asked the caretaker if police had stopped by that weekend to investigate their complaint. "He said they never came by." Then the caretaker invited them into the block to see what he would have shown police if they had contacted him. It was a basement storage locker packed with bikes and bike parts. The caretaker asked Rejean if he wanted to see if their bikes were there. Rejean said yes. Brenda said no. "She was too scared to go up." Rejean was nervous, too. He didn't know if they had a gun or a knife, or what would happen. But since the caretaker was with him, Rejean climbed the stairs. There, propped up in the hall, Rejean spotted what he recognized right away as Brenda's bike. The caretaker knocked on the door. And when a young man opened the door, there were more bike parts and more bikes, but nothing that resembled his. The young man in the apartment said he had paid $50 for it, so it was his. By that time, hearing the dispute in progress, Brenda had joined them. The guy in the apartment was demanding to see their purchase receipt for the bike he'd just bought. Rejean and Brenda said they wanted to see his. And then Rejean and Brenda called his bluff. They suggested they call police and the cops could resolve it. At which point the dispute over the bike was resolved, because the guy with all the bikes and bike parts wanted nothing to do with police. What he didn't know, though, is apparently the police didn't want anything to do with the guy in the apartment, either. Police didn't return repeated requests for comment on Monday. But late Monday afternoon, Rejean called to say he had just received a text from the neighbour who witnessed the crime in progress, took the photos and followed the thieves. He had been contacted by police, and a detective was coming to see him. To take notes, no doubt. Which is what I did when I finally reached the poster boy for Neighbourhood Watch Monday. And he said this: "I did what I hope any neighbour would do." gordon.sinclair(a)freepress.mb.ca http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/chop-shop-but-no-cop-158535455.html

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Metro daily: Closing gaps in Winnipeg's bike network (Jun11'12)
by Beth McKechnie 12 Jun '12

12 Jun '12

Closing gaps in Winnipeg’s bike network by Colin Fast Winnipeg has made a lot of progress as a cycling city in recent years. New multi-use trails have been built, on-street bike lanes have been painted, more bike parking has been added, and bike routes are even plowed in the winter. It’s no surprise that making it easier to get around town has boosted interest in cycling. While the two-wheel crowd is enjoying the new infrastructure, there are still several holes in the system that can make it confusing and dangerous to get from one pathway to another. Take the example of a group of cyclists trying to make their way from River Heights to the new rapid-transit line. They head east on the pathway along Taylor Avenue, make a right on to Harrow, and then … “OHMYGOD! That’s Pembina! We’re all going to die!“ You see, to your average cyclist, Pembina Highway is like Kryptonite: You avoid it at all costs, because eventually it will kill you. At this particular juncture, our cyclists have two choices: White-knuckle it under the rail bridge and the Jubilee overpass, or ride up the embankment of the rail bridge, jump over the tracks, then scramble across traffic onto the overpass. Obviously, neither option is particularly safe. This is why local cycling advocates call this “the Pembina Gap,” and have identified it as one of the critical missing links in Winnipeg’s cycling network. Yet when the city released concepts for an overhaul of the Pembina underpass recently, only one of three designs included a safe, direct way for cyclists or pedestrians to get across the street. It’s this gap in transportation planning that disappoints Janice Lukes of the Winnipeg Trails Association, who has been pushing the city to improve connections between different pathways. “We’ve built a lot of multi-use trails and on-street infrastructure in the past few years, and there’s more and more people wanting to use them,” she says. “So we need to fill the gaps now, purely from a safety perspective.” In addition to the Pembina Gap, Lukes points to other problem areas along Osborne Street, St. Mary’s Road and throughout northwest Winnipeg. She says bridges are bad chokepoints for bike traffic, and wonders why the Osborne Bridge rehabilitation didn’t include a separated bike lane. However, there are some encouraging signs. New pedestrian/cycling bridges over the Red River and the Perimeter will allow people to ride all the way from The Forks to Birds Hill Park on dedicated trails within five years. And the city begins construction next month on what Lukes calls “the Holy Grail of bike infrastructure” in Winnipeg: A bike lane that separates cyclists from traffic by using bollards along several blocks of Pembina Highway. “This is by far the most important piece of the puzzle,” says Lukes, who hopes the new bike lane can be a model for other high-traffic roadways, like Portage Avenue. “The safety it’s going to provide for users is incredible, and we know that improving safety is essential to getting more cyclists on the road.” http://metronews.ca/voices/urban-compass-winnipeg/258040/closing-gaps-in-wi…

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MPI Launches Cycling Champion Program
by Mark Cohoe 10 Jun '12

10 Jun '12

Hi, Manitoba Public I launching a new program aimed at creating Cycling Champions in Manitoba workplaces. See below for a summary of the program, or click here <http://www.mpi.mb.ca/english/rd_safety/BikeSafe/Champions.html> for full details. *Cycling Champion * Cycling Champion is a free, full-day workshop that provides you the information to cycle safely and the tools to share this knowledge with others. Workshops are led by CAN-BIKE <http://canbike.net/cca_pages/index.htm> certified trainers. You will spend four hours in the classroom and four hours gaining hands-on riding experience. During the session, you will learn: * The proper size and fit of bike. * Use of safety equipment such as helmets. * Skills to recognize and avoid road hazards and dangerous situations. * Strategies on how to safely ride in traffic. * Safe use of bike lanes and other cycling infrastructure. *Share the skills you learn* This full-day workshop is intended for those who are committed to passing their safety knowledge on to others by hosting cycling presentations. With the help of a ready-made presentation kit, you can promote active transportation and recreation by sharing your safety knowledge with others at work, at school or in your community. All the materials required to deliver a cycling presentation are provided at no charge. Your kit contains a facilitator's guide, including speaking notes and two PowerPoint presentations, to help you teach cycling safety to others. *Schedule* Workshops are available throughout the summer. Participants must register in advance and commit to delivering cycling presentations in their workplace, school or community. Upcoming workshops include: *Date * *Time* *Location* ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Saturday, June 16 8:30 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m. Main Street Service Centre, 1284 Main Street, Winnipeg ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Saturday, June 23 8:30 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m. Main Street Service Centre, 1284 Main Street, Winnipeg Cheers, Mark

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Wheely Fun Bike Ride - Sunday June 10th
by Cara Fisher 06 Jun '12

06 Jun '12

The W.R.E.N.C.H and Bike to the Future are hosting a community bike ride on *Sunday June 10th* and you are invited! The satellite (or longer rides) are intended as a way for you to explore a new area of the city and enjoy the Sunday car-free bike routes with other cyclists. Chose a corner of the city and ride with a group to the Forks where you will meet other riders and proceed on a short family orientated ride to the Legislature for a celebration. * Satellite Rides – 11:30 AM meet up, 12:00 PM depart* Each satellite ride will have two ride leaders to guide the group to the Forks. The rides starting at: - Kildonan Park – meet at the Pavilion - Omand Park/Creek – meet at the corner of Raglan Rd and Woseley Ave - St. Boniface/St. Vital – meet at the entrance to Windsor Park Golf Course on Des Meurons ending at: Oodena Celebration Circle, the Forks Market *All Ages Family Ride – 12:00 PM* 12-1 pm : Bike decorating with Art City and bike repair stations. Meet up at the Oodena Celebration Circle, the Forks Market 1 pm : All ages ride along the Assiniboine Cycle Track to the Manitoba Legislature 2pm : Celebration and gathering at the Legislature. Food, music, games and more! Feel free to bring a picnic blanket, music or a game to play. There will be Bike Valet at the Legislature during our celebration. Other information Parking at the Forks Market – There is parking at the Forks. Kidsfest will be happening at the Forks all weekend so double up and go to the festival and join our ride. Volunteers needed and extra trailers. Contact us at: info(a)thewrench.ca or call 296-3389

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Resolving Conflicts at Complex Intersections webinar: Wed, June 20th, 2-3 pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 06 Jun '12

06 Jun '12

Green Action Centre and Bike to the Future invite you to join us for a local viewing of the upcoming APBP webinar at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) followed by group discussion.* *Detailed description provided below.* *Resolving Conflicts at Complex Intersections *Wednesday, June 20 | 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CST* RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth 925-3772 * * * * * Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) presents: Resolving Conflicts at Complex Intersections *Wednesday, June 20 | 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CST* <http://cts.vresp.com/c/?AssociationofPedestr/f83ac6adb9/4474d32d6e/3501cdda…> The webinar will focus on mitigating bad geometry at awkward intersections, including how to address skews, multi-legs, unusual bicycle and pedestrian movements, and interchanges. [image: image]Through an overview of engineering tools and many examples, partipants will learn how to realign skewed intersections, get rid of extra legs, place crosswalks, design corner radii to reduce speed while accommodating turning trucks, and use islands and medians to make a complex intersection safer and more pedestrian friendly. Several signal phasing topics will also be covered, including exclusive pedestrian phases, leading pedestrian intervals, banning RTOR, and bicycle signals. Presenter: Michael Moule, PE, TE, PTOE, has over 18 years of progressive traffic and transportation engineering experience, including traffic calming, conceptual design for Complete Streets, and the planning of improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities. His projects accommodate all modes of transportation in order to help cities and states meet their mobility, economic development, safety, and quality of life goals. He has significant innovative design experience and specializes in improving conditions for non-motorized users without degrading motor vehicle capacity. Michael routinely leads community planning processes and training sessions to give citizens the basic skills they need to develop and review street design solutions. -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | 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/memberships/>

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Sweet treats for green commuters - Bonnycastle Park 7-9 a.m. Wed June 6th
by Beth McKechnie 04 Jun '12

04 Jun '12

*Celebrating Active Commuters on Clean Air Day (Wed, June 6th)* Green Action Centre is rewarding active commuters with some sweet treats. It’s our way of saying “Good on ya!” for walking, cycling, inline skating, running or canoeing to work on Clean Air Day and during the Commuter Challenge. When: *7:00 to 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 6th* * *Where:* **Bonnycastle Park at the corner of Assiniboine Ave and Main St * * *What: *Bring your travel mug and fill up with fair trade, locally roasted coffee provided by Green Bean<http://www.greenbeancoffeeimports.com/en/home/> **or some organic juice **to enjoy with a muffin or cinnamon bun.* Find all the details and a map here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/celebrating-active-commuters-on-clean-a…> . See you at Bonnycastle Park!

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WFP online: Local NDP members want increased funding for bike lanes and trails (Jun3'12)
by Beth McKechnie 04 Jun '12

04 Jun '12

Local NDP members want increased funding for bike lanes and trails By: Larry Kusch http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Local-NDP-members-want-increa… Manitoba New Democrats want the province to step up funding for bicycle lanes and trails to promote a healthier population and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As their three-day convention wound up on Sunday, party members passed a comprehensive active transportation policy that would assure long-term funding to municipalities. The policy would also ensure that a dedicated percentage of future road building costs be earmarked for active transportation. Mark Cohoe, a delegate from Fort Garry-Riverview constituency, noted that while the government is spending $586 million on roads this year, it’s devoting less money to active transportation than it did last year because of the expiration of some programs that have not been renewed. Cohoe, who sat on a provincial active transportation advisory group last year that produced more than 20 recommendations, said more people would ride their bikes if they felt they could do it safely hence the need for a greater investment in bike lanes. He noted that traffic counts at Winnipeg’s Maryland Bridge, which has relatively generous bike lanes, show an 11 per cent year-over-year increase in cycling traffic. "If you build it, they do come," he told delegates. The party policy adopted today encourages the government to work with school divisions to introduce a comprehensive multi-year cycling skills curriculum for school-aged children. The policy also calls for the establishment of a provincial director or commissioner of active transportation. The motion, which is not binding on the government, is one of dozens passed at the NDP’s three-day convention, which featured an address Saturday by federal leader Thomas Mulcair. A highly anticipated resolution recommending that the provincial sales tax be raised by one percentage point and the proceeds used to repair municipal infrastructure was deferred. larry.kusch(a)freepress.mb.ca

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New reports & book - Right to use public roadways, AT in small towns and rural America, City Cycling
by Beth McKechnie 01 Jun '12

01 Jun '12

>From the Victoria Transport Policy Institute newsletter: *"Whose Roads? Evaluating Bicyclists’ and Pedestrians’ Right to Use Public Roadways" * http://www.vtpi.org/whoserd.pdf Many people believe that non-motorized modes (walking, cycling, and their variants) have less right to use public roads than motorists, based on assumptions that motor vehicle travel is more important than non-motorized travel and motor vehicle user fees finance roads. This report investigates these assumptions. It finds that non-motorized modes have clear legal rights to use public roads, that non-motorized travel is important for an efficient transport system and provides significant benefits to users and society, that less than half of roadway expenses are financed by motor vehicle user fees, and pedestrians and cyclists pay more than their share of roadway costs. Since bicycling and walking impose lower roadway costs than motorized modes, people who rely on non-motorized modes tend to overpay their fair share of roadway costs and subsidize motorists. *"Active Transportation Beyond Urban Centers: Walking and Bicycling in Small Towns and Rural America" * http://www.railstotrails.org/resources/documents/ourWork/reports/BeyondUrba… This attractive report by the Rails To Trails Conservancy and Bikes Belong describes why and how to support walking and cycling in small towns and rural areas. *"City Cycling" **edited by John Pucher and Ralph Buehler, forthcoming (October 2012)* http://www.amazon.ca/City-Cycling-John-Pucher/dp/0262517817/ref=sr_1_1?ie=U… Bicycling in cities is booming, for many reasons: health and environmental benefits, time and cost savings, more and better bike lanes and paths, innovative bike sharing programs, and the sheer fun of riding. *City Cycling * offers a guide to this urban cycling renaissance, with the goal of promoting cycling as sustainable urban transportation available to everyone. It reports on cycling trends and policies in cities in North America, Europe, and Australia, and offers information on such topics as cycling safety, cycling infrastructure provisions including bikeways and bike parking, the wide range of bike designs and bike equipment, integration of cycling with public transportation, and promoting cycling for women and children. *City Cycling* emphasizes that bicycling should not be limited to those who are highly trained, extremely fit, and daring enough to battle traffic on busy roads. The chapters describe ways to make city cycling feasible, convenient, and safe for commutes to work and school, shopping trips, visits, and other daily transportation needs. The book also offers detailed examinations and illustrations of cycling conditions in different urban environments: small cities (including Davis, California, and Delft, the Netherlands), large cities (including Sydney, Chicago, Toronto and Berlin), and "megacities" (London, New York, Paris, and Tokyo). These chapters offer a closer look at how cities both with and without historical cycling cultures have developed cycling programs over time. The book makes clear that successful promotion of city cycling depends on coordinating infrastructure, programs, and government policies.

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