- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Mark your calender! 2012 APBP Webinar Series
by Beth McKechnie 21 Dec '11

21 Dec '11

Hello everyone, Mark the dates for the 2012 APBP webinar series in your spanky new 2012 calendar, with this sneak peek at upcoming topics. The Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) webinars take place on the third Wednesday of each month from 2:00-3:00 pm CST. We hope you will join Green Action Centre and Bike to the Future at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave, MEC bldg) to view these webinars and discuss afterward. cheers, Beth * * * * * * 2012 APBP Webinar Series* - *January 18th *- Emerging Technologies for Bike/Ped Planning - *February 15th* - Land Use Planning: Routine Inclusion of Bicycling and Walking in New Developments - *March 21st* - Best Practices for Maintenance Programs - *April 18th* - NTPP (Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Project) Update: A Bold Experiment in Four Communities - *May 16th *- On-Street Bicycle Parking: What, When, Where and How Much? - *June 20th* - Resolving Conflicts at Complex Intersections - *July 18th* - The Greener Side of Green Streets: Reducing Pavement Footprints - *August 15th* - Transforming Streets into Inviting Public Spaces - *September 19th* - Liability: Understanding and Managing Risk - *October 17th* - FHWA Experimentation for Advancing Best Practices - *November 14th* - Maps that Guide, Encourage and Inform - *December 19th* - Wayfinding Options for Cyclists

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Scotter-type e-bikes banned from NCC pathways (Ottawa)
by Beth McKechnie 18 Dec '11

18 Dec '11

Scooter-type e-bikes banned from NCC pathways By Neco Cockburn, The Ottawa Citizen December 15, 2011 OTTAWA — Electric-powered vehicles including heavier “scooter-type” e-bikes are now prohibited from National Capital Commission pathways, according to a report issued by the NCC on Thursday. “Power-assisted bicycles that are physically similar to conventional bicycles” are still allowed on pathways, the NCC says, but “scooter-type power-assisted bicycles (i.e. with a fairing) are prohibited.” (A fairing is a rigid plastic covering to deflect wind and rain or to reduce drag.) The same rules are in place for parkways closed to vehicles for the NCC’s Sunday Bikedays and Saturday Short Loops programs. E-bikes are classified under Transport Canada regulations as “power-assisted” bicycles, and can reach speeds of 32 km/h with their electric motors. The NCC conducted public consultations earlier this year after it proposed rules for those and other electric vehicles “in response to the arrival of these new types of vehicles and to mitigate the various issues relating to them — particularly issues affecting user safety,” the report says. Overall, people were in favour of the proposed rules, the report says. It suggests the increased weight of heavier e-bikes raises safety concerns if a collision occurs, but “power-assisted bicycles that resemble conventional bicycles is a way to encourage greater accessibility to the Capital Pathway,” since seniors and other physically-challenged people can cover greater distances and climb hills. “Moreover, active mobility is a basic principle of greenways. A conventional-type power-assisted bicycle is powered in part by muscular power, while the scooter-type assisted bicycle is usually powered entirely by its electric motor (the pedals being more an accessory than an essential component for mobility),” the report says. The heavier “scooter-type” e-bikes are instead directed toward bike lanes on NCC roads, where any type of power-assisted bike is permitted, according to the report. (All other electric-powered vehicles are banned from NCC bike lanes.) All electric-powered vehicles are prohibited on “natural surface trails” intended for hiking and mountain biking at Gatineau Park, the NCC says. The new rules do not apply to mobility aids, such as motorized wheelchairs and three- and four-wheel electric scooters. The NCC plans a communications campaign in the spring to ensure people are aware of the new rules, which take effect immediately. New signage is to be installed on the NCC pathways this winter. In response to other feedback heard during public consultations, the report says the NCC is trying to find a solution to the issue of cyclists travelling faster than the 20 km/h speed limit on pathways, and “plans to continue its efforts to educate the public.” ncockburn(a)ottawacitizen.com twitter.com/NecoCockburn © Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen http://www.ottawacitizen.com/travel/Scooter+type+bikes+banned+from+pathways…

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Infrastructure and Cyclist Safety
by Beth McKechnie 18 Dec '11

18 Dec '11

[Thanks, Bike to the Future for tweeting about the following report.] *Infrastructure and Cyclist Safety* (2011) The Department for Transport commissioned TRL to conduct a literature review to consider the role of infrastructure in relation to the safety of cyclists and their interaction with other road users... *Of all interventions to increase cycle safety, the greatest benefits come from reducing motor vehicle speeds.* Interventions that achieve this are also likely to result in casualty reductions for all classes of road user. This may be achieved by a variety of methods, including physical traffic calming; urban design that changes the appearance and pedestrian use of a street; and, possibly, the wider use of 20 mph speed limits. Read more: http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/infrastructure-and-cyclist-safety/inf…

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Invitation - Gaining Ground: Connecting People and Knowledge - Portage La Prairie
by Cara Fisher 15 Dec '11

15 Dec '11

*SAVE THE DATE* * * *Gaining Ground: Connecting People and Knowledge * *Portage La Prairie, March 21, 2012* * * *A Provincial conference on Active Transportation and Recreation* The conference is bringing together leaders, experts and people with a passion to share knowledge, ideas, challenges and successes. IF you are a municipal leader, parks and recreation practitioner, health professional, trail advocate, cycling enthusiast, pedestrian, planner, engineer, elder, community volunteer or resident of Manitoba – YOU have something to share and to learn! - PACM is putting the spotlight on 3 smaller Manitoba communities who are gaining ground in their pursuit to increase the quality of life in their community. Hear how distinctly different, tailor-made solutions are being developing and put into action. - *You* are invited to submit, present & share your own community’s success stories in our ‘5 slides / 5 minutes/5 highlights’ session! - Connect *coast to coast* with leaders who are working directly in communities with local, provincial and national governments to integrate active transportation, recreation, and and development with research and the very critical funding component! ~British Columbia – *Dr. Larry Frank*, Professor & J. Armand Bombardier Chair in Sustainable Urban Transportation Systems, University of British Columbia ~Nova Scotia – *Mike Arthur*, Manager of Physical Activity, Provincial Dept. of Health & Wellness Hear key recommendations from the Manitoba Active Transportation Advisory Group report: *Greater Strides: Taking Action on Active Transportation * **Round trip shuttle service from Winnipeg to Portage La Prairie for conference attendees** For info visit www.pacm.ca or contact Cara Fisher, PACM Project Assistant by email at conference(a)pacm.ca or by phone at 204-294-7027 REGISTRATION OPENS IN JANUARY PLEASE SHARE THIS INVITATION WIDELY WITH COLLEAGUES, STAFF AND COMMUNITY. Event supported by PACM and Manitoba in *motion* * *

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new funding opportunities for cycling and walking - FCM, the U of W . . . and the Government of Canada?
by Anders Swanson 08 Dec '11

08 Dec '11

Hi, *FCM* The new Green Municipal Fund application is now online as of Dec.1st, and is accepting applications for transportation projects: http://www.fcm.ca/home/programs/green-municipal-fund/what-we-fund/projects/… The fund has been redesigned somewhat, but has kept all the good elements. Municipalities of all sizes looking to apply for active transportation planning and capital projects, can take advantage of the ongoing intake date, ensuring that no one misses the chance to apply. For a local government, it means you can start developing plans and ideas whenever you are ready, and have the potential of funding support to look forward to - without necessarily being rushed. Of course, as always, the sooner the better! Here's an example of the kind of project they are willing to consider: - improvements to active transportation infrastructure around transit nodes, such as sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, pedestrian links from park and ride, bike paths and bike crossings, and end-of-trip bike facilities such as bike parking and shower facilities - development or completion of walking and cycling networks and systems planned around travel to work, school, shopping or culture, that promote safety, accessibility and viable alternatives to car travel - development of complete streets (roadways designed and operated to enable safe, attractive and comfortable access and travel for all users - pedestrians, cyclists, transit, high-occupancy vehicles and private and commercial vehicles) *The U of W is hiring for two positions at its new Bike Lab:* http://theuwsa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Bike-Lab-Coordinator-Posting-N… http://theuwsa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Bike-Lab-Training-Coordinator-… *Transport Canada?* Good things come in threes . . . or will they? At the beginning of December, the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, launched a formal engagement process that will bring together the Government of Canada, provinces, territories, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and other stakeholders to develop a new long-term plan for public infrastructure beyond the expiry of the Building Canada Plan in 2014. Read the <goog_515508862>Free Press article<http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/tory-minister-brightens-our-infrastr…> . If you remember, 1/3 of Winnipeg's large 2010 investment in cycling and walking infrastructure came from the federal government. Of note: Neither cycling or walking are mentioned as forms of transportation in Transport Canada's Long Term Investment Plan: Key Areas for Investment page<http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/booklet-livret/booklet-livret07-eng.ht…> online . . . and cycling and walking are barely mentioned, only once under "supporting communities" section, in the recently produced booklet<http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/alt-format/pdf/Plan-Booklet-Livret-eng.pdf>. Yet, there is a truly astonishing amount of work going on across the country in the realm of active transportation planning and capital investment that needs federal support. *(see the appendix below for your reference). * I hope municipalities aren't discouraged in bringing ideas forward. The federal government can. does (and should) play a critical role in funding major projects. FCM's fund is great, but they don't have Canada's billions or Canada's responsibility for healthcare affecting their bottom line. Our cousins to the south illustrate that Canada could certainly do more <http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bikeped/bp-broch.htm> . You can find more info about the consultations and the way Transport Canada sees its priorities here: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/plan-eng.html Not a funding opportunity, per se, but something to think about. FYI. Regards, Anders Swanson Active Transportation Project Coordinator Physical Activity Coalition of Manitoba | www.pacm.ca activetransportation(a)pacm.ca * * * * * *APPENDIX* note: if you see an organization or plan that is missing, please email me and let me know *Municipal Active Transportation Plans* An ongoing list I started creating a few months ago of jurisdictions that have bicycle/walking plans that are either explicitly called "active transportation plans" or detailed enough to reasonably be referred to as such*.* *(One of these days I am going to go back over them and provide updated links to the plans themselves, but they could each be googled right now, if you want to check.)* * * *Armstrong, BC* Brandon, MB Bridgewater, NS *Burns Lake, BC* *Bella Coola, BC* Cape Breton, NS Calgary, AB *Chemainus, BC* Yorkton, SK Dufferin County, ON East Gwillimbury, ON Edmonton, AB Fredericton, NB *Golden, BC* Halifax, NS Hamilton, ON *Invermere, BC* *Kent, BC* *Ladysmith, BC* *Kamloops, BC* Kingston, ON Minden, ON Moncton, NB Montreal, QC *Nanaimo, BC* *Nelson, BC* *North Cowichan, BC* Oakville, ON Ottawa, ON *Prince George, BC* *Qualicum Beach, BC* *Quesnel, BC* Quebec City, Qc Red Deer, AB *Revelstoke, BC* *Rossland, BC* *Shuswap,BC* *Sparwood, BC* StJohns, NFLD St.Malo, MB *Terrace, BC* Thomspon, MB Thunder Bay, ON Toronto, ON Vancouver, BC Victoria, BC *Warfield, BC* *Wells, BC* University of Waterloo University of Dalhousie Winnipeg, MB *Some Canadian National Active Transportation-Specific Advocacy Organizations* *CanadaWalks.ca* SafeRoutestoSchool.ca <http://saferoutestoschool.ca/> The People Powered Movement <http://www.peoplepoweredmovement.org/site/> (Cycling and Walking Charter) note: No national cycling as transportation organizations in Canada. *Regional/Municipal Active Transportation-Specific Advocacy Organizations* Alberta Cycling Association <http://www.albertabicycle.ab.ca/> Bike to the Future - Winnipeg <http://biketothefuture.org/> Edmonton Bicycle Commuters <http://www.edmontonbikes.ca/> Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) <http://www.best.bc.ca/> Bikeways <http://www.bikeways.com/> British Columbia Cycling Coalition (BCCC) <http://www.bccc.bc.ca/> Pedal Power <http://www.pedalpower.org/> Vancouver Area Bicycle Coalition (VABC) <http://www.vacc.bc.ca/> Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition <http://www.gvcc.bc.ca/> Manitoba Cycling Association <http://www.cycling.mb.ca/> Velo New Brunswick <http://www.velo.nb.ca/> Bicycling Newfoundland and Labrador <http://www.bnl.nf.ca/> Bicycling Nova Scotia <http://www.bicycle.ns.ca/> Ontario Cycling Association <http://www.ontariocycling.org/> Ottawa Bicycle Club <http://www.ottawabicycleclub.ca/> Transportation for Livable <http://www.hwcn.org/link/tlc/> Cycling PEI <http://www.cpei.ca/> Velo du Quebec <http://www.velo.qc.ca/> Saskatchewan Cycling Association <http://www.saskcycling.ca/> Canadian National Organizations Seeking Adherence Universal-Design Principles and Requiring Changes to the Built Environment Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) ( http://www.blindcanadians.ca/) Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) (http://www.cacl.ca) Canadian Association of the Deaf (CAD) (http://www.cad.ca/) Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB) (www.ccbnational.net<http://www.ccbnational.net/> ) Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) (http://www.ccdonline.ca) Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA) (http://www.chha.ca) Canadian Mental Health Association of Canada (CMHA) (http://www.cmha.ca) Canadian Paraplegic Association (CPA) ( http://www.canparaplegic.org/national/index.tpl) National Network on Mental Health (NNMH) (http://www.nnmh.ca/) Cycling Plans in Major Canadian Cities Ottawa Cycling Plan<http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/onthemove/cycling/ottawa_cycling_plan_en.html> Vancouver Bicycle Plan<http://vancouver.ca/engsvcs/transport/cycling/plans/network.htm> *Victoria Bicycle Plan<http://www.victoria.ca/cityhall/departments_engtranbicycle.shtml> Montreal Bicycle Plan<http://www.montrealmirror.com/2008/042408/biking1.html> Toronto Bike Plan <http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/bikeplan/> Saskatoon Cycling Plan<http://www.saskatoon.ca/DEPARTMENTS/Infrastructure%20Services/Transportatio…> Edmonton Bicycle Plan<http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/cycling_walking/bicycle-transportatio…> Calgary Cycle Plan<http://www.calgary.ca/Transportation/TP/Pages/Cycling/Cycling-Strategy/Calg…> Halifax Active Transportation Plan<http://www.halifax.ca/TDM/activetransportation/index.html> Fredericton Trails/Bikeways Plan<http://www.fredericton.ca/en/recleisure/trailsandbikeways.asp> Charlottetown Active Transportation Plan<http://www.walkbikegreatercharlottetown.com/> St John's Cycling Master Plan<http://www.stjohns.ca/cityservices/traffic/cyclingplan.jsp> * Municipal Walking Initiatives Barrie, Ontario<http://www.barrie.ca/Living/Getting%20Around/Pages/ActiveTransportation.aspx> Bridgewater, Nova Scotia <http://www.bridgewater.ca/activetransportation/> Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia<http://www.bridgewater.ca/activetransportation/> City of Calgary <http://www.cbrm.ns.ca/active-transportation.html> City of Toronto Walking Initiatives<http://www.toronto.ca/transportation/walking/ped_initiatives.htm> <http://www.toronto.ca/transportation/walking/walking_strategy.htm>City of Toronto Walking Strategy<http://www.toronto.ca/transportation/walking/walking_strategy.htm> Edmonton, Alberta<http://www.edmonton.ca/for_residents/programs/walkable-edmonton.aspx> <http://www.esquimalt.ca/parksRecreation/walkingCycling/>Esquimalt, British Columbia <http://www.esquimalt.ca/parksRecreation/walkingCycling/> Halifax Regional Municipality<http://www.halifax.ca/TDM/activetransportation/> <http://www.doitwell.ca/pages/Projects/Hamilton+Walks>Hamilton Walks<http://www.doitwell.ca/pages/Projects/Hamilton+Walks> Kingston, Ontario <http://www.kcat.ca/> <http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/residents/activetransportation>Mississauga, Ontario <http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/residents/activetransportation> Moncton, New Brunswick<http://www.moncton.ca/Residents/Recreation_Parks_and_Culture/Active_Living/…> <http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/pssp/>Pedestrian Safety Strategic Plan<http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/pssp/> Pelham, Ontario<http://www.pelham.ca/Departments/CommunityInfrastructure/CommunityServices/…> Regional District of Nanimo, British Columbia <http://www.rdn.bc.ca/cms.asp?wpID=1749> Richmond, British Columbia <http://www.rdn.bc.ca/cms.asp?wpID=1749> Simcoe Muskoka Health - Healthy Community Design: Policy Statements for Official Plans <http://www.rdn.bc.ca/cms.asp?wpID=1749> St. John’s, Newfoundland <http://www.grandconcourse.ca/> <http://www.surrey.ca/city-services/8388.aspx>Surrey, British Columbia<http://www.surrey.ca/city-services/8388.aspx> <http://www.torontocat.ca/>Toronto, Ontario <http://www.torontocat.ca/> Thunder Bay, Ontario<http://www.thunderbay.ca/Living/Getting_Around/Active_Transportation.htm> <http://tinytownshiptrails.com/about/active-transportation/>Tiny Township, Ontario <http://tinytownshiptrails.com/about/active-transportation/> Town of Ajax - Walkable + Bikeable Ajax: The Ajax Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan <http://www.townofajax.com/AssetFactory.aspx?did=8795> <http://vancouver.ca/engsvcs/streets/greenways/>Vancouver, Greenways<http://vancouver.ca/engsvcs/streets/greenways/> Vancouver, pedestrian accessibility<http://vancouver.ca/engsvcs/streets/pedestrian/index.htm> Waterloo, Ontario <http://www.toronto.ca/walk21> Winnipeg, Manitoba<http://www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/MajorProjects/ActiveTransportation/> *Regional and Territorial and Federal Plans and Initiatives* Halifax Regional Municipality<http://www.halifax.ca/TDM/activetransportation/> Heart & Stroke Nova Scotia WalkAbout <http://www.walkaboutns.ca/> Metrolinx GTHA Big Move<http://www.metrolinx.com/mx/Docs/big_move/TheBigMove_020109.pdf> Metrolinx Regional Transportation Plan - Green Paper #3: Active Transportation <http://www.metrolinx.com/docs/general/RTPGreenPaper3.pdf> Nova Scotia Pathways for People<http://www.gov.ns.ca/hpp/publications/P4PFramework.pdf> Regional Municipality of Halton<http://www.halton.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=8310&pageId=51448> Smart Commute <http://www.smartcommute.ca/en/home> Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities - Active Transportation Video<http://www.sustainability-unsm.ca/active-transportation.html> Velo Quebec <http://www.velo.qc.ca/transport-actif/> Built Environment and Active Transportation (British Columbia)<http://www.physicalactivitystrategy.ca/index.php/beat/> Canadian Mortgage & Housing Corporation: How to chose a sustainable neighbourhood <http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/buho/sune/index.cfm> Local Government Success Stories from British Columbia:<http://www.physicalactivitystrategy.ca/pdfs/BEAT/Local%20Government%20Succe…> Ontario Ministry of Transportation<http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/sustainability/programs/tdm-grant.shtml> Ontario Seniors Secretariat - Age Friendly Communities<http://www.seniors.gov.on.ca/en/afc/index.php> Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) Age Friendly Communities<http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/sh-sa/ifa-fiv/2008/initiative-eng.php> Transport Canada<http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/programs/environment-utsp-casestudyactivetransporta…> Transport Canada - ecoMOBILITY<http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/programs/environment-ecomobility-menu-eng-144.htm> Transport Canada - Urban Showcase<http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/programs/environment-utsp-menu-964.htm> Walk BC <http://walkbc.ca/> Federation of Canadian Municipalities<http://www.fcm.ca/home/programs/green-municipal-fund.htm> Physical Activity Coalition of Manitoba - Active Transportation and Recreation as an Essential Service <http://www.pacm.ca> *Pedestrian Charters* Algoma Public Health<http://www.algomapublichealth.com/Default.aspx?l=,1,10,197,370> Burlington Pedestrian Charter<http://cms.burlington.ca/AssetFactory.aspx?did=12211> City of Toronto Pedestrian Charter<http://www.toronto.ca/transportation/walking/charter.htm> Esquimalt <http://www.toronto.ca/transportation/walking/charter.htm> Greater Sudbury Pedestrian Charter<http://www.city.greatersudbury.on.ca/content/div_councilagendas/documents/M…> Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge Health Unit Active Communities Charter<http://www.hkpr.on.ca/healthy-lifestyles-master.asp?id=3241> Halton Hills Pedestrian Charter<http://www.hkpr.on.ca/healthy-lifestyles-master.asp?id=3241> <http://www.kitchener.ca/en/livinginkitchener/resources/Pedestrian_charter_.…> Kitchener<http://www.kitchener.ca/en/livinginkitchener/resources/Pedestrian_charter_.…> Oakville Pedestrian Charter<http://www.oakville.ca/Media_Files/recculture/2009PedestrianCharter.pdf> Region of Waterloo Pedestrian Charter<http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/vwsitemap/88379BBFEDEA6C6D8…>

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How the Dutch got their cycle paths
by Beth McKechnie 07 Dec '11

07 Dec '11

‘How the Dutch Got Their Cycle Paths’How did the Dutch get their cycling infrastructure? This question keeps coming back because it is of course relevant to people who want what the Dutch have. Road building traditions go back a long way and they are influenced by many factors. But the way Dutch streets and roads are built today is largely the result of deliberate political decisions in the 1970s to turn away from the car centric policies of the prosperous post war era. Changed ideas about mobility, safer and more livable cities and about the environment led to a new type of streets in the Netherlands. *“The Netherlands’ problems were and are not unique, their solutions shouldn’t be that either.” * Find two excellent videos and more at: http://hembrow.blogspot.com/2011/10/how-dutch-got-their-cycling.html

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Globe & Mail: For healthy people, build a healthy City
by Beth McKechnie 07 Dec '11

07 Dec '11

[Wow, I found the "By the numbers" section at the end particularly compelling, e.g. 75% of factors that influence health occur outside the health care system. -cheers, Beth] For healthy people, build a healthy city david ebner <http://www.theglobeandmail.com/authors/david-ebner/> VANCOUVER— From Monday's Globe and Mail Published Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011 Trevor Hancock has always been ahead of the curve. A doctor and long-time public health expert, he was also the first leader of the Green Party of Canada in 1984, when he ran federally (finishing fourth) in Toronto’s Beaches neighbourhood. But his day job, in public health, turned out to have far more impact than his brief political career. Beginning as one of a small international cadre that promoted ideas about urban planning’s key role in human health, he is now watching his work over the past quarter-century start to explode into the mainstream. It’s a paradigm shift in the way urban planners and municipal leaders see the world: how we build and manage our cities directly affects the health of the populace. And with mounting research showing that cities where people walk more and drive less are healthier cities, the automobile is losing out to the pedestrian as the main focus of city-building. In Vancouver, already ranked as Canada’s healthiest city, they are nonetheless acting. “These kind of seismic changes in our understanding take a long time to work into the system,” said Dr. Hancock, who serves as a professor and senior scholar at the new School of Public Health and Social Policy at the University of Victoria, while working as a public health and planning consultant. “It takes a generation for the old guard to die or retire, and a new way of thinking to take its place.” Urban planning, in its modern sense, started in the mid-19th century. Imagine animal carcasses and vegetables rotting in the streets, cramped housing and rampant spread of disease, belching smokestacks blackening the midday sky. These urban conditions in England moved civic planners to consider the health of the populace in the design of cities. Smarter design equalled healthier citizens. But the connection between health and planning unravelled not long after. The idea of separating neighbourhoods from industrial and commercial activities took hold and, with the rise of the automobile, urban planners divided cities up into zones for living and zones for working, with roads between them. The result is modern cities that make people sick. New research has found that cities designed for cars also foster obesity and diabetes. In studies from Atlanta to Vancouver, evidence shows that people who live in neighbourhoods that require cars to get around are fatter and less healthy than people who live near shops and grocers. A quarter of Canadians are obese, which imposes added burdens on the nation’s health-care system. Yet the solution to problems in health care is always more money for health care – even though research indicates that three-quarters of the factors that influence human health happen outside the health-care system. Wilbert Keon, the renowned heart surgeon and retired senator, estimates that the “obesity epidemic,” particularly among children, could cost billions in added medical expenses. “Diabetes, hypertension, organ failure, heart disease, you name it. It’s abhorrent,” said Dr. Keon. “It’s one big chunk of money that could be pulled right out of health care if we could just build healthy communities.” Dr. Keon believes momentum is building in favour of healthier cities, even though a report on a “healthy, productive Canada” he led in 2009 failed to garner much notice, or action. The challenges include co-ordinated action among different levels of government. Municipalities decide on zoning, allowing developers to build cul-de-sac suburbs kilometres from the nearest grocery store. Higher levels of government administer health-care dollars but have little say on what cities do with their road-building budgets. Because of such disconnects, efforts have been piecemeal. Atlanta created a program to vet and fund projects that make the city healthier. Bogota built one of the world’s best bike path networks. In Canada, Vancouver has taken the lead. Vancouver has seen old left-right political divisions over urban planning break down, with a consensus emerging on what constitutes a desirable city. On the right, Suzanne Anton was a Crown prosecutor and a soccer mom when she pushed a decade ago for more playing fields, work that led her to politics and a seat on Vancouver’s parks board. Ms. Anton this month lost her bid for mayor to Gregor Robertson, a greener incumbent. But as a city councillor, she was an important force behind the city’s adoption of “EcoDensity” – the promotion of greater housing density among the many single-family homes in the city, to combat sprawl. “Dense urban environments are good for human health, because people walk,” said Ms. Anton. In Vancouver’s ambitious goal to become the “world’s greenest city” by 2020, “improved health” is one of the top results expected from a more intelligently designed urban landscape. Ms. Anton describes herself as a “land-use geek,” arguing that zoning is the crucial lever to create a healthy city. One practical application is how to make neighbourhoods better suited to older residents as the number of seniors is set to double by 2025. Health care, Ms. Anton said, starts at home. Using her own south Vancouver neighbourhood, Kerrisdale, a typical single-family-home community, she points to the importance of “seniors housing” that is functional and within walking distance of real street life. “An 80-year-old lady, she goes down the elevator, walks to buy bread, buy milk, sees her friends, walks home,” said Ms. Anton. “That creates health for her.” Canada’s healthiest cities 1. Vancouver 2. Victoria 3. Calgary 4. Edmonton 5. Ottawa By the numbers - *25 per cent* of Canadian adults are obese - This costs Canada *$12-billion* annually, to treat chronic diseases connected with obesity - It costs the health care system *$1,500* more, each year, to treat obese Americans compared with people of normal weight - *75 per cent* of factors that influence health occur outside the health care system - Each grocery store within *1-kilometre* of a person’s home reduces the likelihood of being overweight by 11 per cent - Transit users are *3 times* more likely to meet daily minimum of recommended physical activity - A walkable neighbourhood with shops and grocers near homes slashes the probability of obesity by *35 per cen*t - Improving a neighbourhood’s “walkability” by just *5 per cent * gets people 32.1 per cent more active in their travel - A typical white male who lives near shops weighs *10 pounds* less than the same man in a suburb of cul-de-sacs - Young teenagers are *2.5 times* more likely to walk if there is a recreation destination within 1-kilometre of their home - Women are about *20 per cent* less likely to be obese, or suffer from diabetes, if they live in a nice neighbourhood with services compared with a poor neighbourhood *Compiled by David Ebner; Sources: Lawrence Frank/University of British Columbia; SMARTRAQ; Government of Canada, U.S. Department of Housing; Trust for Public Land; Best Health Magazine* * http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/new-health/health-news/for-healt… *

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Cycle of Giving
by Beth McKechnie 05 Dec '11

05 Dec '11

* * *Bicycle mechanics spread holiday joy with Cycle of Giving* *Saturday December 16th & Sunday December 17th, 2011** * ** *Cycle Of Giving* is bringing volunteer mechanics together to build over 150 bicycles for Winnipeg children in need. We hope to raise $15,000 to purchase lights and locks for kids and provide free bikes and bike programing across the city. On *December 17th – 18th the Atomic Centre @ 167 Logan* will be transformed into a magic workshop where salvaged and donated used bicycles are turned into holiday dreams come true. Bicycles will then be distributed between ten different community organizations who work with families and/or children. You can help by: ñ *Donating online (*thewrench.ca*), at the WRENCH *(1057 Logan Ave Sundays1-5pm Mondays 1-6pm) *or donate to the WRENCH at any Assiniboine Credit Union.* ñ *Make a pledge online @ *thewrench.ca** ñ *Donate kids bicycles (8″- 20″ wheels)*. Bicycles can be dropped off at the *WRENCH 1057 Logan Ave* 1-5pm Sundays or 1-6pm Mondays. At the *Bike Dump 631 Main* (behind the Red Road Lodge) Mondays – Thursday 6-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 3-6pm ñ *Volunteer!* Sign up at cog(a)thewrench.ca or call *296-3389* *Tell a friend about Cycle of Giving!* For more information: www.thewrench.ca Phone: 296-3389 Email: cog(a)thewrench.ca -- *Cara Fisher*, Program Director The Winnipeg Repair Education and Cycling Hub 1057 Logan Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3E 3N8 www.thewrench.ca <http://www.TheWrench.ca/> # 296-3389

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Winnipeg Trails Association UPDATE - December 2011
by Janice Lukes 05 Dec '11

05 Dec '11

Hi all - please pass this to anyone interested in AT in Winnipeg / Manitoba. While much can be said about AT and activities (and a lot was said a lot pre - election!) - I will aim summarize into three areas: 1. WINNIPEG TRAILS ASSOCIATION COORDINATOR UPDATE As mentioned in a previous update - the Winnipeg Trails Association currently has no funding to hire a coordinator. All funding WTA has received in the past is project based funding - related to specific projects. Partners and I are working to file an application to the Province of Manitoba in hopes of securing funding to 'Collect Baseline AT Data' related to trails, cycling and usage. Any updates / AT engagements I am involved in are in a volunteer capacity. Rivers West - Red River Corridor Inc. has contracted me to work on some of their special environmental projects. I am very appreciated of the support they have provided to the Winnipeg Trails Association over the years in the areas of finance, advice and administration. If any of you are interested in volunteering on some darn interesting trails projects - please feel free to contact me. If you would like to receive AT information, please consider signing up to: Physical Activity Coalition of Manitoba List serve: http://lists.umanitoba.ca/mailman/listinfo/at-network Bike to the Future: http://biketothefuture.org/get-involved/join-bike-to-the-future WTA updates will be limited to significant announcements going forward. 2. CITY OF WINNIPEG CAPITAL BUDGET 2012 http://www.winnipeg.ca/interhom/ The preliminary 2012 capital budget is currently in the approval process. You may recall in the 2011 budget - the 'recreational walkways and pathways' was cut in half from $1M to $500 / year - for the next 5 years. This year the budget remains the same, $500K / year for the next 5 years for 'recreational walkways and pathways' (fyi: 1km of asphalt = $400,000) AT Corridors (on road cycling infrastructure) also stays the same at $500K. Last year when questioned on the cuts to the 'recreational walkways and pathways' budget - Mayor Sam responded by saying while it APPEARED the budget was reduced - it really wasn't - it was merely the way finance was accounting for AT and he promised to better reflect AT expenditures in the 2012 budget. This year there is a page (page 3-2) showing projected AT projects for the next 3 years RELATED to roadway projects. This is great for a lot of reasons; transparency, planning, consultation, budgeting, etc. ALSO, in 2007, the Province provided the City of Winnipeg with $6 M over 5 years to put towards trail projects. That money has now been spent. Personally, I am still challenged on amount being spent on AT - but - that is another discussion. AT PROJECTS: The Active Transportation Advisory Committee recommended projects Feb / March 2010 to occur in the 2011 construction season. The list is reviewed by the Director of Public Works - and then goes to Standing Policy Committee / Public Works for approval. We are still waiting to hear from the Standing Policy Committee / Public Works for approval for the 2011 AT list of projects (yes, this is no typo- 2011) In theory, once the 2012 budget passes this month, ATAC recommends 2012 construction projects to Director of Public Works, which then goes to Standing Policy Committee / Public Works for approval - and work starts for the 2012 construction season. One AT coordinator working in the City in Active Transportation arena - combined with great demand - is presenting huge challenges in moving AT forward. On a good note - check out the attached photos of the brand new ped / cycle bridge under construction - located on the Northeast Pioneers Greenway and OVER the Chief Peguis expansion! AT ADVISORY COMMITTEES: Am volunteering my time to sit as an AT advisor on the following committees - and working with trail groups directly impacted. If anyone would like information / update - please contact me. - U of M Event Day Stadium Advisory Committee - Pembina Hwy AT Advisory Group - Red River Crossing from U of M to St. Vital Public Advisory Committee - CentrePort and Active Transportation 3. PROVINCE OF MANITOBA Many others along with myself clearly identified and ensured Provincial candidates were made aware of active transportation challenges & opportunities throughout Manitoba. Prior to the election, the Provincial Government requested recommendations on how to move AT forward. A report was put forward http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/pdf/atag_report6.pdf and Premier Selinger, once elected, yet again personally committed to me to continue moving forward on an Active Transportation Strategy. To date, I have heard nothing more on that commitment. Maybe others have. IN SUMMARY AT can tremendously improve our quality of life and health in Manitoba. We've all seen great strides forward. I am concerned we have heard nothing from our Provincial leaders on active transportation in since being re-elected - but, ever the optimist, I hold great hope for 2012 ! Check out this brilliant little video - of Sean Quigley, an Oak Park student playing his drums on the stunningly beautiful Harte Trail - way to go Sean!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrNcD34KFhM <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrNcD34KFhM&feature=email> &feature=email Happy Holidays! Janice Janice Lukes Manager, Special Projects Rivers West - Red River Corridor Inc 235-614 Des Meurons Street Winnipeg, MB R2H 2P9 Cell (204) 952-4222 Fax (204) 237-4618 <mailto:jlukes@riverswest.ca> jlukes(a)riverswest.ca <http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/> www.WinnipegTrails.ca Member of City of Winnipeg Active Transportation Advisory Committee Chair, Province of Manitoba Active Transportation Advisory Group

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Dec. 7th webinar: Integrated Sustainable Transportation in Saint John, NB (12:30-1:30 pm, EcoCentre)
by Beth McKechnie 05 Dec '11

05 Dec '11

Friendly reminder regarding this Wednesday's webinar from Transport Canada. Please join us at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) for a group viewing followed by discussion. RSVPs not required but welcomed. thanks! Beth *Integrated Sustainable Transportation in Saint John, NB* *December 7, 2011, 12:30-1:30pm CST* Craig Campbell, City of Saint John In order to avoid building up to five new parking garages in the downtown core in the next few years, the City of Saint John has partnered with the Saint John Transit Commission and the Saint John Parking Commission to promote transit, ridesharing, cycling, and walking. The City's goals are to reduce the demand on their transportation infrastructure and increase the use of alternative modes of travel such as transit, carpooling, cycling, or walking. The City of Saint John is taking a multi-pronged approach to transportation demand management. Initiatives such as implementing a NextBus GPS system, expanding the RideShare carpooling program, and prioritizing active transportation users during road construction have proven successful in encouraging the shift to sustainable transportation. -- *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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