May 2015 - AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

AT Webinar: Talking Biking - Language that Defuses Bike Backlashes, Wed, June 3, 2-3pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 29 May '15

29 May '15

Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg invite you to join us for a local viewing of the APBP webinar: *Talking Biking - Language that Defuses Bike Backlashes (Protected Lanes #3).* The webinar viewing takes place in the EcoCentre boardroom (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) and will be followed by group discussion of local applications. If you can't join us, please note that this is a free webinar, so you can register to view it on your own <https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1992998232325245954> or watch the recording at a later date. It will be posted a few days later on apbp.org <http://www.apbp.org/?page=Free_Webinars>. RSVPs appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth ** * * * ** Talking Biking: Language that Defuses Bike Backlashes (Protected Lanes #3) *Wednesday, June 3rd, 2-3pm, EcoCentre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Boardroom* Words shape thoughts. Two skilled communicators from cities that have successfully overcome intense backlashes against bicycle infrastructure will share their tactics and experiences and take your questions. Featuring: - Cathy Tuttle, Executive Director of Seattle Neighborhood Greenways, and - Doug Gordon of BrooklynSpoke.com, in conversation with - PeopleForBikes staff writer Michael Andersen.

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Active & Green: Commuting with kids, Hit the trails, Commuter Challenge
by Beth McKechnie 28 May '15

28 May '15

In case you haven't seen it, here's the latest issue of Active & Green. If you'd like to subscribe or see back issues, here you go <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/active-green/>. Or please share with your networks: http://eepurl.com/bnrUqX Tucked into one of the stories is a recent popular blog post on avoiding helmet hair <http://greenactioncentre.ca/living-green-living-well/oh-no-helmet-hair/>. thanks, Beth Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. <http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&id=936a2c1984…> *A better way to go* Want to improve commuter options at your workplace? We can help <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> . <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> ------------------------------ Are you registered? It's time for the Commuter Challenge! May 31 to June 6. Be sure that your workplace is registered and that you are signed up as an employee. There are awesome prizes <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> to be won. Visit our website for full details <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>. ------------------------------ *7 excuses not to ride your bike* There are many great reasons to try cycling to work <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. But you may have some concerns or barriers that seem insurmountable. Check out 7 common barriers <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> (and how to overcome them). ------------------------------ *Commuting with kids: Panel discussion* Do you want to try an active or green commute, but feel limited because you also need to transport your children? Join us for a lunchtime panel discussion during Bike Week on Commuting With Kids <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. Hear from folks who face the same hurdles as you, and get some hints and tips to incorporate active transportation into your lifestyle! Lunch hour, Thursday, June 18th, at the Millennium Library. Full details here <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>. ------------------------------ *Share your cycling concerns* Is there a stretch of your bike commute that you find is poorly designed or dangerous? Tell the Free Press about it. They are collecting data and mapping troublesome areas. Check it out <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> and contribute! ------------------------------ *Upcoming Events* *Bike to School Month & Clean Air Day* <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> May 4 - June 3 *Commuter Challenge* <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> May 31 - June 6 *Clean Air Day On The Bridge* <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> 7-9am, Wednesday, June 3 *Bike Week Winnipeg* <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> June 13 - 19 *Commuting With Kids: Panel* <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> Noon-1pm, Thursday, June 18 ------------------------------ Like what you read? Check out some back issues <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> . *Winnipeg Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies* The strategies, which await approval from City Council, will help guide development over the next two decades, making it easier and more comfortable for all ages and abilities to walk and bike in the city. Here are our Top 10 Reasons <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> for Council to officially adopt the plan! *Hit the trails running* Green Action Centre employees are once again taking part in the David Suzuki 30x30 Challenge <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. For the month of May, this challenge encourages individuals to get outdoors for 30 minutes every day. Follow #30x30Challenge, #natureiscalling and #greenaction on Twitter. Staffer Mel Marginet shares why she ditched the treadmill to hit the trails <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> ! *Carpool = sustainable too* If walking, cycling or taking the bus doesn't work for you, how about carpooling? It's easy to do but there are a few guidelines to help ensure you have a good experience. Check out our carpooling tips <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> [pdf] such as how to find a partner and setting expectations. Equally important is figuring out a fair cost sharing arrangement <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>. Not convinced it will work for you? Check out this story <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> of one car pool adventure that was so successful, the co-workers involved decided to buy a van together! *"Back door, please!"* If you've ridden the bus in Winnipeg, you've probably heard it. Possibly numerous times a ride. The panicked rider who can't open the back door and is afraid of being swept to the next stop. "Back door, please. BACK DOOR!" To help, we've put together this post <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>on all of the exiting options and ranked them from best to worst. Give it a read, and recommend it to new transit users. *See you on the bridge* Stop in at our tent on Wednesday, June 3, for Clean Air Day on the Bridge <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>! We'll be out on the Legislative grounds, just north of the Osborne Bridge. Bring your travel mug for some coffee, get some quick tune-ups done on your bike, and grab a tasty treat from Tall Grass Prairie <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. Yum. We'll be there from 7:00-9:00 AM, as part of Commuter Challenge <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> week. You are receiving this email because you are an Active & Green subscriber. Our mailing address is: Green Action Centre 3-303 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B4 Canada Copyright (C) 2015 Green Action Centre All rights reserved. Forward <http://us2.forward-to-friend1.com/forward?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&id=93…> this email to a friend Update your profile <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/profile?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a…> [image: Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp] <http://www.mailchimp.com/monkey-rewards/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm…> -- *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/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://canadahelps.org/>

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2 minutes of awesome
by Stacy Matwick 28 May '15

28 May '15

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Please Share
by David Pensato 28 May '15

28 May '15

http://bikeandeat.ca #BikeToOscarsWPG “The owner of Oscar’s Deli worries the protected bike lane will eat up precious parking spots his customers use when coming by for lunch.” According to the CBC, Larry Brown is concerned about a loss of business if Winnipeg beefs up its cycling infrastructure. We get it. Small businesses walk a fine line, and the restaurant business in particular works on really thin margins. And sure, the bike advocates and new urbanists can point to studies and experiences from other cities that claim he shouldn’t have anything to worry about, but at the end of the day, Larry Brown is the guy who has to make sure his staff stay employed. It’s Oscar’s Deli that stands to lose. We believe that biking is good for business, so let’s prove it. Let’s show Winnipeg’s small business owners how much can be gained by becoming more bike friendly. Let’s bike to Oscar’s and grab a bite. Not all at once— 2000 cyclists showing up at lunch wouldn’t be helpful. Here’s what we’d like to try instead. If you ride a bike, we’d like you to Bike to Oscar’s Deli in Winnipeg between May 31st and June 13 for breakfast or lunch with a few friends. Be sure to take a picture and share it on social media with #BikeToOscarsWPG. And when you get there, let them know that you love them, and be sure to tell everyone you know about it too. Seriously, there aren’t many places left in Winnipeg that can make a proper Ruben. We support Oscar’s, and we support good bike infrastructure. It’s not us and them. It’s us and us.

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TOMORROW: Join us for the Commuter Challenge Launch (there's food!)
by Beth McKechnie 27 May '15

27 May '15

We hope you will join us at The Forks tomorrow for the Commuter Challenge media launch. Refreshments will be served! *Time: 11:00-11:30am * *Date: Thursday, May 28th* *Where: The Forks (see map below)* No spoiler alert here: We encourage you to arrive on foot, by bike, transit or carpool. -- *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/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://canadahelps.org/>

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Full cost of your commute
by Beth McKechnie 27 May '15

27 May '15

An interesting data journalism project on the full cost of commuting from Metro Vancouver. Get the full details here <http://movingforward.discoursemedia.org/costofcommute/>.

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CBC: Winnipeg tries out bright green strips for safer bike lanes
by Shoni Madden 26 May '15

26 May '15

Great to see the city trying these green strips! http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/winnipeg-tries-out-bright-green-stri… The City of Winnipeg is trying out bright green "anti-skid" strips to boost visibility and safety along bicycle lanes. City crews were out on Tuesday applying the "durable pavement marking" to two tiny sections of the bike lane on Pembina Highway. The idea is to alert cyclists and motorists to high-risk areas where there might be a greater risk of collisions. But it doesn't come cheap. "We are applying this product to two small 14-metre (45-foot) sections," the city's communications officer, Lisa Fraser, said in an email. "Total cost about $2,000 for material and labour." The product applied by the crews is called Mmax green and it is undoubtedly eye-catching. It contains aluminum dioxide to make it anti-skid and is rolled on to create texture. The notion is that the material should last more than five years, making it more cost-effective than the taping now used on bike lanes. City council this month approved a 20-year plan to enhance pedestrian corridors and crossings and connect the city in a network of bike paths, but the plan was subject to further examination after objections, particularly from downtown entrepreneurs who fear the system will eat up rare parking spots near their establishments. - Office of Public Engagement to review $334M Winnipeg bike lane project <http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/office-of-public-engagement-to-revie…> The city says the current bicycle network encompasses nearly 400 km of facilities in various forms. equal to roughly 8% of Winnipeg's 3,100 km of streets and roads, and comparable in scope to other mid-sized cities in the Canadian prairies and U.S. midwest. [image: Inline image 1] -- *Shoni Madden* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3779 | 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/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://canadahelps.org/> * Please note that my regular office hours are Tuesdays/Thursdays. I will respond to your communication at this time.

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FW: PACM POSITION DESCRIPTION, please circulate
by Kristine Hayward 26 May '15

26 May '15

Please find attached the position description for the PACM coordinator position. Please share widely. Kristine Hayward Physical Activity Promotion/in motion Coordinator Winnipeg Regional Health Authority 2nd floor - 490 Hargrave Street Winnipeg, MB R3A 0X7 Cell 204 232-7546 Fax 204 940-2690 Email khayward(a)wrha.mb.ca Bike racks are available in front of the building at the corner of Hargrave and McDermot. Plan your Winnipeg Transit trip: http://winnipegtransit.com/en/navigo Follow Winnipeg in motion on Twitter - @wpginmotion Check out our videos on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/Winnipeginmotion 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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PBIC hosting webinar on economic value of nonmotorized transportation
by Beth McKechnie 26 May '15

26 May '15

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Terry Zdan <tjzdan50(a)gmail.com> To: AT network <AT-Network(a)lists.umanitoba.ca>, Anders Swanson < andersswanson(a)gmail.com>, Mark Cohoe <mcohoe(a)casch.com> Date: Tue, 26 May 2015 07:51:58 -0500 Subject: webinar on economic value of nonmotorized transportation AnnouncementsPBIC hosting webinar on economic value of nonmotorized transportation PBIC will hold a webinar on June 4 on how to evaluate the economic benefits of investing in nonmotorized transportation. The webinar is based on FHWA's recent recport: "Evaluating the Economic Benefits of Nonmotorized Transportation," whie documents several economic benefits of these investments and provides a resources for communities who are interested in measuring the economic impact of future projects. You can access the report at: http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/data/library/details.cfm?id=4926. Presenters include Erica Simmons, with the John A Volpe Transportation Systems Center; Sean Quinn, from New York City's Department of Transportation; and Greg Lindsey, from the University of Minnesota. See http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/training/webinars_PBIC_LC_060415.cfm for more information on the webinar and how to register -- Terry Zdan 126 Duncan Norrie Drive Wpg MB R3P 2J9 CANADA tjzdan50(a)gmail.com <tjzdan(a)gmasil.com>

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#BikeToOscarsWPG
by David Pensato 25 May '15

25 May '15

I threw an idea out on Twitter today suggesting that Winnipeg’s cyclists might make a concerted effort to frequent Oscar’s Deli in the next two weeks (partly here: https://twitter.com/pensato/status/601736342511357952 and here: https://twitter.com/pensato/status/601758737448075264). There seems to be some appetite (pardon the pun) to this approach. I think it would serve two purposes: Creatively reinforce the message that accommodating cyclists is good for business. Create a sense of goodwill and (2b?) present the bike-commuter community as the opposite of an angry, belligerent mob. For it to work, we would need some (loose) planning and some public promotion. I don’t think it would take much more than spreading the hashtag above and some mechanism for coordination of (self-organized) groups of cyclists together with a way of communicating that they have come to eat as goodwill ambassadors. If there’s enough interest, I’d be happy to work with one or two people on making this work. So. Are you interested? Anyone willing to help if there is enough interest?

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Kevin Nixon's Retirement Celebration
by Beth McKechnie 25 May '15

25 May '15

Join us to celebrate Kevin Nixon's retirement as AT Coordinator for the City of Winnipeg. Come say thanks to Kevin for his dedicated commitment over the past 8 years to improve walking and cycling in Winnipeg. hope to see you there! Beth -- *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/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://canadahelps.org/>

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Sunday street closure signs & letter to residents
by Beth McKechnie 25 May '15

25 May '15

For interest, here are samples of the signage from Scotia Street. Notably, those (irritating) signs reminding cyclists that motorists have the right to use the street have been removed in place of these signs. Also attached is the letter that was sent to residents regarding the Sunday street closures. cheers, Beth -- *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/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://canadahelps.org/>

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WFP: Sunday drivers get warning (May25'15) plus photos & letter to residents
by Beth McKechnie 25 May '15

25 May '15

Sunday drivers get warningIn future, tickets will be issued to motorists violating ban By: Jessica Botelho-Urbanski http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/sunday-drivers-get-warning-304884591… Motorists on four Winnipeg streets got off with verbal warnings Sunday, but hefty fines loom for those who drive too far on them on restricted days. A traffic bylaw introduced by the city last August will result in more action in the coming weeks as police begin to ticket those who drive more than one block on Wellington Crescent, Lyndale Drive, Wolseley Avenue and Scotia Street on Sundays and holidays. >From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., those streets are meant to be enjoyed by cyclists and pedestrians with reduced traffic, Const. Jason Michalyshen said Sunday. The dates are fixed, with the restrictions occurring annually from the Sunday preceding Victoria Day to Thanksgiving, including all Sundays and statutory holidays between those dates, regardless of weather. Drivers face a fine of $190.80 for driving more than the allotted one block through the bike routes. There were previously barricades up on the four streets, reminding drivers that roadways were for "local traffic only" on Sundays and holidays. The barricades were removed this year and replaced with white signs at intersections, which read, "Motor vehicle travel limited to one block, 8:00-20:00, Sundays and holidays." "I think over time there was a lot of confusion as to what those barricades meant," Michalyshen said. "We have to realize there are people who live in this community and who have to gain access to their homes and so forth. But also, there are roadways like Wellington Crescent, Lyndale, Wolseley and Scotia, that are streets that people really like to enjoy on those Sundays and holidays, with reduced traffic and a little bit more tranquillity." Wellington Crescent was teeming with cyclists, joggers and pedestrians Sunday as police began their soft launch of the new bylaw program. Two officers stopped nearly 300 vehicles driving down Wellington at Oxford Street, alerting them to the Sunday road rules still in place, regardless of the lack of barricades. All got off with a verbal warning. Chris Frayer was stopped by the traffic unit Sunday and said he didn't know there were new signs replacing the barricades. "I don't know what the problem would be with barricades going up, honestly. It's a pretty profound reminder that you're not supposed to be doing this," he said. Frayer said he is in favour of the Sunday and holiday street closures, but could see police's traffic ticketing being misinterpreted. "They're just going to get criticized as a cash grab, too, when they start cracking down on it, like another revenue generator," Frayer said. "They have to really balance the public message." Laura Lazo and John Markham were walking their dog on Wellington Crescent when they saw police stopping vehicles. They've lived on Montrose Street for 15 years and don't usually see this much action. "Sometimes there will be someone going maybe more than a block, but it's really slow, so it's not a problem. But every now and then, there's someone who's really cruising down," Markham said. "I remember one time somebody swearing at me because I was riding my bike on a Sunday on the street," Lazo said. "For me, this (bylaw) is an asset for Winnipeg." Not having the barricades in place to warn drivers of wrongdoing will take some getting used to, police and pedestrians realize. But having a clear-cut bylaw in place will help police respond to infractions fairly, said Michalyshen. "By getting rid of that ambiguity, we have a little more teeth with respect to what we can do with that particular driver," said Michalyshen. "Every situation is different, but again, this isn't about ticketing. This isn't about handing out a (hand) full of tickets. It's about changing behaviours." *Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition May 25, 2015 0*

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WFP: Plan would redefine downtown - Pedestrians and cyclists key to urban renewal (May25'15)
by Beth McKechnie 25 May '15

25 May '15

Plan would redefine downtownPedestrians and cyclists key to urban renewal On Architecture By: Brent Bellamy <http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/128193938.html> http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/plan-would-redefine-dow… Most mid-sized North American cities have struggled to maintain a healthy downtown retail market. Winnipeg is no different. Shops that once lined Portage Avenue have been replaced by government offices and for lease signs. Longtime anchors such as Eaton's and Holt Renfrew are now only a memory and The Bay is withering away like a fruit clinging to a branch in late autumn. The city's sprawling suburbs are served by big-box stores floating in oceans of asphalt parking. The shape of the city has changed and so have our shopping habits. In the late 1980s, Portage Place mall was constructed as a last-ditch effort to out suburb the suburbs, but it has struggled almost since the day it opened. Even with downtown's large surface parking lots and 35,000 stalls, it is unlikely there will ever be enough parking to compete with the convenience of suburban shopping. Portage Place has demonstrated that even connected to a large, heated parkade, downtown retail struggles as a commuter destination. The perception remains, however, that urban restaurants, services and retailers must cater to drive-up customers to be successful. This issue came into the spotlight two weeks ago as Winnipeg's new bike-and-pedestrian strategy was being presented to city council. Responding to the proposed plan, Coun. Russ Wyatt (Transcona) wrote a letter to downtown business owners, warning them 13 new protected bike lanes to be built over the next 20 years may lead to a loss of some of the city's 2,000 on-street parking stalls. While this is likely true, the notion the success of downtown retail is tied to the availability of parking is one that will likely have to change if businesses are to find long-term success. Almost exclusively, North American cities with prosperous retail cores are those with a dense residential neighbourhood at their centre. One of the few proven models to establish urban commercial viability is to create an active, diverse, pedestrian-oriented neighbourhood that supports the shops as a local market and focuses on growing foot traffic above commuter vehicle traffic. Understanding this and other benefits of a strong downtown population has led to a concentrated effort to attract new residents to Winnipeg's city centre over the last decade. Many excellent initiatives have found success, with 1,800 new residential units being built in that time and 1,650 more currently under construction or being planned. With 17,000 residents, there are more people living downtown today than ever. Despite these gains, almost all of those residential units has been built with government help, through residential development and heritage grants or tax-increment financing programs. To maintain growth in the downtown, the economics of real estate development must be self-supporting. Lower demand means rental and condominium sale prices do not yet match higher construction costs, requiring government assistance to bridge the financial gap. To increase market demand and balance the development equation, the focus of urban renewal must not only concentrate on increasing the population, but on building a neighbourhood that offers the amenities that make urban living a unique and attractive option. The fundamental quality of life incentive to attract urban residents is the ability to connect to amenities such as school or work, restaurants, grocery stores, shopping and services, without the use of a vehicle. Transforming downtown into a walkable city centre that focuses on the pedestrian and cyclist experience first is the most important investment Winnipeg can make to promote an urban lifestyle different from the suburbs. It is an important concept in the creation of a downtown community with a self-sustaining real estate market that will in turn support a prosperous central retail sector. The bike-and-pedestrian strategy will directly respond to this idea by vastly improving Winnipeg's non-vehicular mobility downtown. It will build strong bridges between the islands of existing residential development in the city centre, creating a cohesive multi-modal circulation network that allows residents to easily access amenities across the core area. Few initiatives could be more transformational for the quality of urban living in Winnipeg than implementing a plan to prioritize the pedestrian and cycling experience. The proposed bicycle network is based on a city-wide 'hub and spoke' concept. Almost 80 kilometres of protected bicycle lanes will establish a series of radial arteries along key corridors that connect the central city to a comprehensive set of neighbourhood greenways and off-street paths. The entire system comes with a projected cost similar to that of a single roadway project such as building an underpass on Waverley Street or the widening of Kenaston Boulevard. The vast network of protected bike lanes planned for downtown would cost only $7 million if implemented today. Winnipeg is not alone in fearing the loss of on-street parking and it's affect on downtown business. The debate happens in almost every city when bike-lane plans first emerge. Winnipeg has the advantage of being able to learn from those who have already implemented such plans. From Portland to Vancouver, Toronto, Seattle, Fort Worth, Texas, and Memphis, the economic impact has been studied over and over again. Each time, a similar conclusion is reached: Losing parking to bike lanes has little negative impact on local business and in many cases, improves it. Studies found cyclists spend more than drivers and visit more often. The addition of bike lanes to a street also has a calming effect on traffic, which attracts even more people. It is often found downtown streets with bike lanes become the most successful commercial corridors, commanding the highest property values. After 60 years of designing a city overwhelmingly for the needs of the automobile, the progressive ideas in the bike-and-pedestrian strategy will finally begin to put people first. It is a visionary plan that, if implemented, would redefine the city and instantly make Winnipeg an active-transportation leader in North America. The plan will unify Winnipeg's large and disconnected city centre, improve the quality of life for downtown residents and be a strong catalyst in the establishment of a connected, self-sufficient urban community that is a permanent and local pedestrian market for the businesses that will inevitably lose the parking-convenience war against their suburban competition. Brent Bellamy is senior design architect for Number Ten Architectural Group. bbellamy(a)numberten.com *Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition May 25, 2015 B4*

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WFP: 'Use it or lose it' money rule hurts city - cycling and pedestrian infrastructure (May23'15)
by Beth McKechnie 25 May '15

25 May '15

‘Use it or lose it’ money rule hurts city By: Bartley Kives <http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/33841564.html> http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/Use-it-or-lose-it-money… To opponents of new downtown bike lanes, any expansion of Winnipeg’s cycling and pedestrian infrastructure will push cars off the road, force toddlers to work in salt mines and hasten the coming of the Apocalypse to the point where it’d be unwise to purchase T-bills that mature in more than 90 days. OK, so maybe no one’s actually talking about child slavery or the end of the world, but the hyperbolic chatter about the supposed evils of bike lanes is getting tough to tolerate. This is not just because most North American cities are becoming more like their European counterparts in trying to make movement easier for commuter cyclists. It’s also not just because of the positive economic results of improving pedestrian streetscapes in built-up urban areas. Rather, anti-bike baloney is tough to take because the creation of new bicycle lanes does little to hinder motorists, at least where parking-protected bike lanes are concerned. When the City of Winnipeg moved over a lane of parking on Sherbrook Street in West Broadway, there was initial skepticism. The resulting improvement to the streetscape, however, turned out to be dramatic, as pedestrians now wait for buses on the new transit islands and business has thrived on both side of the road. This demonstrates how people can be drawn to streets designed for human beings as well as cars. The motor-vehicle capacity of Sherbrook Street was barely affected. Now, the city has drawn up plans to create more parking-protected lanes on inner-city streets. These are cheaper and easier to create than building bike lanes that are completely separate from roads. So where, you may ask, is the opposition coming from? The answer lies with previous city mistakes when it comes to creating cycling infrastructure. Opponents of commuter cycling are justified in criticizing the way the city rolled out a $21-million infrastructure upgrade in 2010, when there wasn’t enough time or city staff to properly plan, tender and build an unprecedented package of new lanes for cyclists and pedestrians. The problem at the time, however, had nothing to do with the imagined evils of cycling infrastructure. Rather, it had everything to do with the flawed federal pot of infrastructure money known as the Building Canada Fund. In theory, money from this kitty flows when three levels of government — Ottawa, the province and the city — all agree on the importance of a project. In reality, Ottawa shows up with a pile of money and tells the city and the province they can use it or lose it. As a result, projects go ahead before they’re ready, as panicky municipal politicians hastily sign on the dotted line in fear of losing out on the latest morsel of federal money. The 2010 upgrade turned out to be a mess because the city didn’t have the capacity to implement it. There were no qualified staff on hand because of a previous decision to eliminate dozens of middle managers for the ironic sake of finding efficiencies. But hey, when Ottawa offers money, you take it, right? As a recent scathing audit demonstrated, a similar stupidity was at work with Waverley West arterial roads, which had an original price tag of $55 million. After the project ballooned to $70 million, council demanded to know why. Auditors said the original estimate was so rough, there was no way the city could have predicted the final cost and got lucky it only rose to $70 million. Why would the city proceed with a project without knowing what it would cost? The answer, again, is the Building Canada Fund. Ottawa came to the city looking for a "shovel-ready" project. The Waverley West plan, nowhere near shovel-ready, was identified in vote-rich southwest Winnipeg. So ahead it went, in a format where the city wound up paying for all of the additional costs because the deal locked in the federal and provincial contributions at the outset. Following the Waverley West cost overrun, few Winnipeggers are demanding an end to the expansion of the city’s regional road network. It’s telling that a small but vocal anti-bike contingent wants to put the brakes on new bike lanes and that’s about it. What all Winnipeggers should demand is more freedom for the city to build whatever it needs to build, free of provincial and federal interference. Roads aren’t evil and bike lanes aren’t evil. Politicians who try to use infrastructure money to buy votes are the villains here. bartley.kives(a)freepress.mb.ca

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What to do if you're hit by a car.
by Stacy Matwick 23 May '15

23 May '15

What to do if you're hit by a car while riding your bike | | | | | | | | | | | What to do if you're hit by a car while riding your bikeHere are five things you should do if you’re ever unlucky enough to be hit. And a shining example of what not to do. | | | | View on grist.org | Preview by Yahoo | | | | |

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from: David Wieser
by David Wieser 22 May '15

22 May '15

Good evening at http://zbiorniki.net/lose.php?fill=tdryq76aur7c0bud davidwieser(a)gmail.com Sent from my iPhone

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Southwest Transitway Project - Public Information Session
by Beth McKechnie 22 May '15

22 May '15

[image: Inline image 1] -- *Brendan Salakoh, MCIP, MScPl* *Dillon Consulting Limited* 1558 Willson Place Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 0Y4 T - 204.453.2301 ext. 4060 F - 204.452.4412 BSalakoh(a)dillon.ca www.dillon.ca P *Please consider the environment before printing this email.*

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Article on bike share equity
by Patman, David 21 May '15

21 May '15

Some ideas to consider should we ever have a bikeshare program in Winnipeg. http://www.vox.com/2015/5/15/8608567/bike-share-wealth-race

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FWHA releases Separated Bike Lane Planning and Design Guide
by Mark Cohoe 19 May '15

19 May '15

Some big news south of the border. The US Federal Highways Administration has just released the 148 page Separated Bike Lane Planning and Design Guide. From the Green Lanes project blog <http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entry/the-feds-jump-on-board-protected-b…>. The FHWA guidance released Tuesday <http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/publications/separat…> is the result of two years of research <http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entry/at-last-feds-move-toward-a-green-l…> into numerous modern protected bike lanes around the country, in consultation with a team of national experts. "Separated bike lanes have great potential to fill needs in creating low-stress bicycle networks," the FHWA document says, citing last year's study <http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entry/the-first-major-academic-study-of-…> by the National Institute for Transportation and Communities. "Many potential cyclists (including children and the elderly) may avoid on-street cycling if no physical separation from vehicular traffic is provided." Among the many useful images and ideas in the 148-page document <http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/publications/separat…> is this spectrum of comfortable bike lanes, starting with bike infrastructure that will be useful to the smallest number of people and continuing into the more broadly appealing categories: Mark

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AT Webinar Reminder: Law enforcement strategies to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, Wed, May 20, 2-3pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 19 May '15

19 May '15

*** Friendly reminder re tomorrow afternoon's APBP webinar *** Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg invite you to join us for a local viewing of the APBP webinar: *Law Enforcement Strategies to Improve Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety**. * The webinar viewing takes place in the EcoCentre boardroom (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) and will be followed by group discussion of local applications. RSVPs appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth ** * * * ** Law Enforcement Strategies to Improve Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety *Wednesday, May 20th, 2-3pm, EcoCentre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Boardroom* Effective law enforcement is a key factor in ensuring that pedestrians and cyclists have safe, equitable access to the public right-of-way. Attend this webinar to learn about law enforcement programs that raise awareness of traffic safety, shape behavior, and improve safety for vulnerable users. This session focuses on three approaches to law enforcement: 1. Seattle’s data-driven SeaStat program, a collaboration between Seattle’s DOT and Police Department that identifies hot spots and dangerous behavior through collision record analysis and speed and traffic volume data. 2. Seattle’s School Zone Safety Photo Enforcement Program, which measures success by the reduction in speeds and violations. Revenue from the speed cameras goes into safety improvements around schools. 3. Behavior change brought about by programs focused on education and positive interactions between law enforcement officers, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. *Presenters*: - Jim Curtin, City of Seattle Department of Transportation - Brian Dougherty, City of Seattle Department of Transportation - Major Jim Russell, Deputy Chief of Police, Florida State University Police Department -- *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/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://canadahelps.org/>

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WFP Editorial: A cycling city is good for business (May16'15)
by Beth McKechnie 16 May '15

16 May '15

Editorials <http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/editorials>A cycling city is good for business http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/editorials/a-cycling-city-is-good-… Winnipeg's city councillors should get mobile, get on a bike and tool around a bit. Maybe cycle to work on any given day. They might have an epiphany of sorts -- and then get on with the job of turning Winnipeg into a city that welcomes cyclists -- instead of falling prey to urban myths about bike lanes endangering downtown businesses. What else besides simple ignorance could explain Mayor Brian Bowman's decision this week to delay the vote on adopting Winnipeg's pedestrian and cycling strategy? The strategy is a long-identified pillar in the city's active transportation plan. There were numerous community consultations, one last year at the Manitoba Hydro headquarters on Portage Avenue, where the public and interested parties -- downtown businesses -- were asked to feed into the city's vision. Now Coun. Russ Wyatt says downtown businesses were blindsided, caught entirely without consultation. His target is the matrix of protected bicycle lanes proposed for downtown. It will steal precious parking spots, he believes. First of all, cycling lanes and on-street parking are not mutually exclusive. Sherbrook Street's protected bike lane is just one example how the two can coexist. Second, downtown Winnipeg doesn't have a parking problem -- a truism often cited as a symptom of downtown's real challenge, which is to attract people to its streets and shops outside of standard work hours. This city has an embarrassingly excess amount of surface parking, with rates so cheap they are the envy of motorists in other major Canadian cities. The proposed protected bike lanes are the priority of the pedestrian and cycling strategy made public this week. The planning document is written to launch more formal consultation and then design of a future pedestrian/cycling network. Rough estimates are it would cost $330 million to build the active transportation projects over the next two decades. But for a couple of million dollars to be spent this year, none of that cash has been found or approved. This plan, though, does give hope that Winnipeg may finally evolve from its car culture to one with streets, bridges and major corridors designed for people. Winnipeg's pedestrian and cycling strategy document shows what can be done. It also shows there's a lot of work ahead. Some of the proposed routes mysteriously end mid-street, starting up again a couple of kilometres on. Most of the strategy favours bike lanes that share the road, a drawback especially in winter. There's talk in the report of some 16 new river or rail crossings for cyclists and pedestrians. Major routes, such as Main, Portage and Pembina, will continue to be big obstacles for cyclists, with a possibility of future study on them. Right now, Winnipeg says it has more than 300 kilometres of cycling and bike/pedestrian routes. Most of this is in trails and paths and in narrow, painted curb lanes for cyclists, where they still must compete for space on busy streets. By comparison, Minneapolis, regarded as the best city in North America for cyclists, has about 200 kilometres of on-street protected bike lanes alone, and 150 kilometres of trails. Another 80 kilometres are to be added by 2020. People move to Minneapolis specifically because it makes cycling an infrastructure priority. The cycling routes are regarded as a boon to businesses and merchants. Downtown business should embrace this strategy. The payback of ceding ground to bicycles goes beyond the dividends to cyclists and health budgets. Cycling routes encourage people to get out, explore and enjoy their cities. That's something Winnipeg needs, and the downtown could desperately use. *Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition May 16, 2015 A14*

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Don't put the brakes on bikes in downtown
by Dave Elmore 16 May '15

16 May '15

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/dont-brake-on-bikes-in-dow ntown-303983971.html Don't brake on bikes in downtown But having a clear pathway is necessary By: Stefano Grande The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ supports the city's active-transportation blueprint. Now it's time to proceed to the next step: consulting with the downtown community. Many of us have travelled to other cities to see first-hand how downtowns are benefiting from increased bike lanes, which encourage cyclists to visit their downtowns and to frequent businesses. An increase in cycling is a trend that is taking over North America and the marketplace. More residents are discovering their neighbourhoods by bicycle, hanging out at their local pubs and cafés. Office workers are commuting downtown from the inner city or even as far as the suburbs. Tourists are renting bicycles to explore unique destinations. The need for more cycling amenities and infrastructure is being driven by these people as part of an emerging trend. Many cities have done it wrong and have made every imaginable mistake. Inadequate education for the public and stakeholders, or a rush to roll out cycling infrastructure without paying attention to the details and the needs of property owners and business owners -- these foreseeable challenges could be mitigated if we put community first. Some downtowns have eliminated on-street parking hastily to facilitate the creation of bike lanes, with little regard to understanding that on-street parking is the lifeblood of our storefront retailers, restaurants and shop owners. Realities such as the need for loading zones, deliveries, accessibility for people in wheelchairs and other mobility challenges, and dozens more issues are often not properly taken into consideration. In these cities, you will find staunch opposition, and rightfully so. The rush to roll out cycling lanes without proper process, thought, foresight and consultation, can lead to tensions among the community, extra costs to address the issues after the fact, and in some cases, negative economic impact. But some cities are doing it right. A city we can all relate to is Minneapolis. Their residents have a love for cycling and biking lanes. One evening when I was there, I saw thousands of cyclists strolling downtown, milling about, and gobbling up every inch of space found on hundreds of bike racks installed by the city and businesses. They were there for restaurants, cafés, live art and theatre performance and to just hang out. There is no doubt in my mind the City of Minneapolis has foresight. As their downtown has developed and evolved, they have wanted to accommodate the cycling community and by working hand in hand with their stakeholders -- their efforts are working. Through proper planning, education, listening to the needs and concerns of the community, Minneapolis is seen as the best practice approach in the world when adopting more cycling amenities and infrastructure. Winnipeg is perhaps where Minneapolis was 10 years ago -- with increased development activity, from more classrooms, to more condos and apartments, and the growing office workers and more visitors coming to the MTS Centre and the sports, hospitality, and entertainment district (SHED). Do we want to have safer bike lanes for those working, living and coming to the downtown in a balanced and well-thought-out manner? The Downtown BIZ believes so. Rolling out the cycling strategy in an incremental, engaging and planned process with the downtown community is imperative. Businesses can create reasons for people to jump on their bikes to hang out downtown, so it's not just about adding bike lanes. It's about taking into consideration how bike parking is going to be accommodated at key locations. It's about allowing businesses on bike-lane streets to allow for advertising signage and banners, more outdoor seating, or reduced on-site parking requirements to help businesses attract more customers. Some other downtowns have also integrated the rollout of cycling lanes with marketing and branding efforts so different streets become well-recognized destination corridors. In some cities, changing traffic flows to better accommodate the flow of cars and bikes collectively are acted on. In other cities, limiting cycling lanes to the times of busiest activity works well, too. As our city has now provided its vision and recommendations for development of the pedestrian and cycling strategies, it has clearly stated that the plan will evolve based on the next step to further involve community and drill down on the feasibility and designs. This is the next step, and we need to get this right. Much trust will need to be placed in the hands of the city, even if the process takes longer than anticipated. It's easy to focus on the failures of other cities or to debate about the next steps, and hold them up as examples and excuses of not to do anything. We have done that with rapid transit for decades. We are now catching up. These are the cities young people are not gravitating toward to stay, learn, work and live. It's much harder to move forward collectively with the community, and learning from best practice, learning by listening to each other, minimizing the issues and maximizing the opportunities, making decisive decisions and creating a city for everyone. Stefano Grande is the executive director of the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition May 16, 2015 A15

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Bike Winnipeg Response to Russ Wyatt's Recent Claims
by Mark Cohoe 14 May '15

14 May '15

Hi, You may have seen some of Russ Wyatt's accusations about limited public consultation and early access/undue influence on the part of Bike Winnipeg (http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/Russ-Wyatt-proves-to-be…). You can view our response at our webiste (http://bikewinnipeg.ca/2015/05/14/russ-wyatts-antics-nothing-more-than-fear…) or on our Facebook site (facebook.com/BikeWinnipeg). Please feel free to share widely. Here is the letter to the editor we submitted to the FP I told you the day would work out ok! Cheers, Mark Wyatt’s Antics Nothing More Than Fear Mongering Russ Wyatt claims the Pedestrian & Cycling Strategies are flawed because of a lack of consultations, alleging that advocacy groups like Bike Winnipeg have undue influence at city hall (we wish!). Like the rest of the public, we first saw the completed strategies (and proposed cycling network) on May 1^st . That’s not to say we and the rest of the city didn’t have plenty of time to review and comment on the strategies. 18 months of public consultations on the strategies culminated in three open houses in April 2014. The consultation process engaged over 3,000 people. Bike Winnipeg and hundreds of other Winnipeggers took advantage of that time to comment on the draft network and recommendations. We were pleased to see those contributions reflected in the documents released May 1^st . Wyatt’s so-called evidence that Bike Winnipeg had prior access to the strategies is an email we sent him on January 23, 2015 asking for a meeting to discuss opportunities to improve cycling options in Transcona and throughout the City of Winnipeg. You can read the full text of that email at bikewinnipeg.ca. Councillor Wyatt failed to respond to our invitation. Mark Cohoe Executive Director Bike Winnipeg

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AT Webinar: Law enforcement strategies to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, Wed, May 20, 2-3pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 14 May '15

14 May '15

Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg invite you to join us for a local viewing of the APBP webinar: *Law Enforcement Strategies to Improve Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety**. * The webinar viewing takes place in the EcoCentre boardroom (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) and will be followed by group discussion of local applications. RSVPs appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth ** * * * ** Law Enforcement Strategies to Improve Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety *Wednesday, May 20th, 2-3pm, EcoCentre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Boardroom* Effective law enforcement is a key factor in ensuring that pedestrians and cyclists have safe, equitable access to the public right-of-way. Attend this webinar to learn about law enforcement programs that raise awareness of traffic safety, shape behavior, and improve safety for vulnerable users. This session focuses on three approaches to law enforcement: 1. Seattle’s data-driven SeaStat program, a collaboration between Seattle’s DOT and Police Department that identifies hot spots and dangerous behavior through collision record analysis and speed and traffic volume data. 2. Seattle’s School Zone Safety Photo Enforcement Program, which measures success by the reduction in speeds and violations. Revenue from the speed cameras goes into safety improvements around schools. 3. Behavior change brought about by programs focused on education and positive interactions between law enforcement officers, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. *Presenters*: - Jim Curtin, City of Seattle Department of Transportation - Brian Dougherty, City of Seattle Department of Transportation - Major Jim Russell, Deputy Chief of Police, Florida State University Police Department -- *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/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://canadahelps.org/>

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