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Very significant NDP 'promise' announced last night !
by Janice Lukes 21 Sep '11

21 Sep '11

This looks like a big email - and it is - but contains VERY significant active transportation - election - information - please circulate widely. Last night, at 5:00 pm - in Erna Braun's (MLA Rossmere) campaign office - Premier Selinger, flanked by NDP candidates from Concordia, Elmwood, Radisson, and River East announced to 20+ area residents - that if re-elected - they would build a safe pedestrian / cycle crossing (bridge) over the Perimeter Hwy from the Northeast Pioneers Greenway into the RM of St. Paul. See Sigrun Bailey's (Co-Chair of River East Neighborhood Network - Trail Committee) email below. Sigrun, a resident of NK, was in attendance at the event. Some may have a hard time understanding the significance of this safe pedestrian / cycle crossing over the Perimeter - There is a BIG PICTURE VISION to what seems to be a whole bunch of bits and pieces - I'll try to briefly summarize: CentrePort: http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/2011/08/22/centreports-impact-on-active-transpo rtation/ - as per the Manitoba's Director of Highway Planning & Design, and with the development of CentrePort - "over the next 20 years, traffic volume on the Perimeter Hwy is projected to go from 14,500 to 40,000 vehicles / day". Infrastructure changes on the Perimeter Hwy are occurring around the city to develop the Perimeter into expressway. In the north east quadrant, the interchange of the Perimeter and Hwy 59 is undergoing an $80 - $100 Million overhaul projected to be completed by 2017. RM of East St.Paul: - according to the latest census, East St. Paul is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Manitoba. Birds Hill Provincial Park: - the most heavily used Provincial Park in Manitoba - Conservation / Park officials identify need to reduce 'stress' on the park and support trail systems leading out of park onto floodway Northeast Pioneers Greenway: http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/trails-maps/northeast-pioneers-greenwaynew/ - the most heavily used trail in Manitoba - primarily used by area residents Economic Benefits Provincial Cycle Tourism: - see story Margo Goodhand, Free Press editor wrote last Saturday on cycle tourism & economic benefits in Wisconsin: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/travel/Wisconsins-cycling-secrets--13002077 3.html - see economic benefits in the Province of Quebec from the 'RouteVert' cycle tourism route: page 16 in Greater Strides report to Province of Manitoba: http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/pdf/atag_report6.pdf - google economic benefits and you will see countless other examples. The Long and Winding Trail from Winnipeg to Birds Hill Provincial Park & Lockport: 2004 - Red River Floodway Expansion is announced: see Page 3 http://www.floodwayauthority.mb.ca/pdf/floodnewsletter_all.pdf 2004 - Rivers West enables formation of Red River Floodway Trails Coalition 2004 -2006 Multiple studies investigating recreational opportunities were conducted by the Manitoba Floodway Authority http://www.floodwayauthority.mb.ca/reports.html & Rivers West http://www.riverswest.ca/index.cfm?pageID=5 and see page 5 http://www.floodwayauthority.mb.ca/pdf/newsletter_08_11_05.pdf 2006 - John Buhler engage City of Winnipeg in purchase of Marconi rail line - to convert into multi use trail 2007 - at grand opening of the 'Northeast Pioneers Greenway' then Premier Doer states this trail will ultimately connect to Birds Hill Provincial Park. 2007 - The Forks /Paul Jordan (then co-chair of Winnipeg Trails Association), Bike to the Future, River West, River East Neighborhood Network - Trail Committee initiate discussions with RM St. Paul for 'The Forks National Historic Site to Birds Hill Provincial Park' trail connection 2008 - Phase one of Winnipeg's Rapid Transit is announced - and will include separate active transportation / cycling pathway 2009- construction of asphalt trails on floodway begin - note an asphalt trail from Birds Hill Park to Lockport is also being constructed (attached is a DRAFT - which will be finalized and on WTA website next week) 2010 - following strong advocacy, City of Winnipeg includes separated pedestrian /cycle bridge for Northeast Pioneers Greenway users to SAFELY cross over the $100M Chief Peguis Expansion (Chief Peguis Expansion another key link in CentrePort transportation route) construction of pedestrian / equestrian / cycle bridge over 59 Hwy connecting Birds Hill Park to Floodway begins summer 2011 - Manitoba Floodway Authority highlights overall recreational plan Page 3 http://www.floodwayauthority.mb.ca/pdf/floodway_nwsltr_eng_2011.pdf summer 2011 - Winnipeg Trails Association, River East Neighborhood Network - Trail Committee, Prairie Pathfinders Hiking Club, One Green City, & Bike to the Future launch Winnipeg to Birds Hill Awareness Campaign - citing the need to include SAFE active transportation in the PTH 101 / PTH 59 interchange $80-$100 M rehabilitation fall 2011 - NDP promise 'if re-elected' they will build a safe pedestrian / cycle crossing over the Perimeter Hwy. The Future: The dream is to go from University of Manitoba through the city of Winnipeg to Birds Hill Park and then to Lockport on a completely separate multi use pathway - and while there are still a few missing pieces that need to come together - I and many others are confident this will occur within the next 5 years. Yet to occur: In Winnipeg: - a separate pathway from Chalmers to The Forks (route has been identified) - safe / civilized pedestrian cycling crossing on Osborne under the rail line (in City of Winnipeg 5 year budget projection and will have to occur as rail line needs maintenance overhaul) - Phase Two of Rapid Transit to U of M (also to include an active transportation pathway) - perhaps in the next 4 years? the Stadium's location at U of M is helping move Phase Two up the ladder of priorities In RM Birds Hill: - asphalting / upgrading of Raleigh / Gateway route which is currently on roadway Floodway: - Dunning Road crossing is currently seasonal and related to floodway levels - a separated year around route is being investigated by Manitoba Floodway Authority Lockport: - the trail is being constructed and refinements into Lockport will occur in the next few years. In Summary: Many many folks & organizations have been working towards this vision. HUGE HUGE thank yous to all who have helped the vision get this far. BUT The development of CentrePort - positioning Manitoba as a 'global transportation hub' - will impact countless pedestrian and cycling crossings in the year to come- in Winnipeg and in Manitoba. There are opportunities to enable SAFE pedestrian and cycling crossings in the development of this trucking network - as we've are seeing in the Forks / Birds Hill / Lockport / Floodway trail BUT STRONG / NON STOP / HARD CORE ADVOCACY was required - I know I've been involved since 2004 and it hasn't been an easy ride at all to get to last night's announcement! IF the Province had a Provincial Active Transportation policy - gov't would consider active transportation when they are investing billions of tax payers dollars into roadways. Pedestrians and cyclists would have far higher odds of having SAFE transportation routes and crossings. We have yet to hear a FORMAL commitment from any party stating they would implement an Provincial Active Transportation Policy. When candidates come knocking - please stress the need for a Provincial Active Transportation policy. Provincial Election Active Transportation details can be found here: http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/2011/08/23/provincial-election-2011/ Janice Lukes Manager, Special Projects - Winnipeg Trails Winnipeg Trails Association 235-614 Des Meurons Street Winnipeg, MB R2H 2P9 Cell (204) 952-4222 Fax (204) <tel:%28204%29%20237-4618> 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 -----Original Message----- From: Sigrun Bailey [mailto:sigrun.bailey@gmail.com] Sent: September 20, 2011 6:58 PM To: undisclosed-recipients: Subject: Important AT Announcement Today Premier Selinger along with all of the NDP candidates in the NE quadrant of the City promised to build a safe crossing (flyover) of the Northeast Pioneers Greenway at the Perimeter Hwy. If they get elected it will be one of the first things they do! It will be a joyous day for AT. Our vision of connecting The Forks National Historic Site to Birds Hill Provincial Park is one step closer to reality. Sigrun RENN-TC, Co-Chair

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MRTA Job Posting
by Beth McKechnie 19 Sep '11

19 Sep '11

Manitoba Recreational Trails Association EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Manitoba Recreational Trails Association (MRTA) is seeking an Executive Director to join our team. The MRTA is a volunteer based, non-profit organization, whose primary purpose is the management of the Trans Canada Trail in Manitoba. The MRTA represents 18 regional trail associations who are tasked with the construction and maintenance of the Trans Canada Trail. The successful candidate should have experience working independently while managing multiple demands. They should have in-depth experience with volunteer boards and a demonstrated background in liaising effectively with government agencies. Effective communication to maintain close partnerships with our regional trails groups is vital. The successful applicant should possess a thorough understanding of volunteer sector issues, marketing and fundraising. Training and/or experience in project management would be considered an asset, including budget plan development and execution. The Executive Director also must possess strong oral and written communication skills and excel at organizing, time management, prioritizing and problem solving. A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle is essential. Must be available to work evenings and weekends as required and travel extensively throughout Manitoba. A more detailed job description, including salary range, is available at the MRTA website: www.mrta.mb.ca Send resume and cover letter in confidence by September 30th 2011 to: margaret {at} mrta.mb.ca Only candidates to be interviewed will be contacted. No phone calls please. Regards, Margaret Boyechko Administration Assistant/Bookkeeper Manitoba Recreational Trails Association 1007 Century Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0W4 204-633-9879 204-945-1365 (fax) www.mrta.mb.ca *"In every walk with nature one receives * *far more than he seeks."* - John Muir

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WFP: Snow-shovelling relief on way for some
by Beth McKechnie 14 Sep '11

14 Sep '11

[See highlighted paragraphs at end of article regarding snow removal on pathways and AT routes...] Snow-shovelling relief on way for some City to improve lane plowing where front access lacking By: Jen Skerritt Posted: 09/14/2011 THE bad news is Winnipeggers with back lanes will still have to dig out of windrows this winter. The good news is relief may be on the way for some neighbourhoods in 2012. On Tuesday, city council's public works committee approved a plan to spend an additional $50,000 to remove windrows and enhance snow-clearing in back lanes with no front-street access in 2012 and beyond. That means residents in neighbourhoods such as Wildwood Park will no longer have to shovel their way through piles of snow to back out of their lanes. Public works director Brad Sacher said some residents in neighbourhoods such as Wildwood Park and parts of Transcona don't have a front street to park on because they are bordered by sidewalks or parks. In these areas, Sacher said wider back lanes essentially function as front streets. "They literally would have to shovel their way out to get to these paths that we had created," Sacher said. "It wasn't working very well with those residents." If the plan is approved by executive policy committee and then council, Sacher said snowplows will clear those back lanes and remove any windrows left behind by plows. In neighbourhoods where residents with back lanes also have front streets, Sacher said there will not be any changes to how plows clear snow from the back lanes. At the same time, the city will consider a plan to spend an additional $250,000 in 2012 to clear more snow from active transportation routes. Sacher said the idea is to encourage more people to use the trails for recreation and to commute during the winter. Last year, the city spent about $125,000 to plow active transportation trails, and Sacher said the new routes that could be targeted would be determined with input from commuter cyclists and recreational users. The city does not track how many people cycle during the winter, but Sacher said the department suspects it is on the rise. "It's a significant increase in the number of trails we're going to be able to address," he said. Fort Rouge Coun. Jenny Gerbasi said more people are using active transportation corridors than ever before and the move is a positive step for the city. "There are more hardy winter riders," Gerbasi said. jen.skerritt(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Bicyclists top million commuting miles - Pedalling to, from work shows value
by Beth McKechnie 14 Sep '11

14 Sep '11

Bicyclists top million commuting miles Pedaling to, from work shows value 7:01 AM, Sep. 8, 2011 http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20110908/APC0101/109080473/Bicyclists-t… For Neenah resident Gregg Warning, getting serious about bicycling this year has paid short- and long-term benefits. Since last spring, Warning, 50, has logged about 2,500 miles commuting to work by leaving his van parked at his home and biking nine miles to the UPS Center on the north side of Oshkosh. Two weeks after starting his bike commute, Warning lost 10 pounds and found himself more alert and full of energy at work. He also noticed a difference in his wallet. "It's (saving) like the price of a gallon of gas per day — at least $20 a week in fuel," Warning said. He is among the nearly 4,600 bicyclists statewide who have logged more than 1 million miles going to and from work since May 16 as part of the Scott Get Up and Ride Wisconsin Bike Challenge. The challenge, which ends Sept. 30, surpassed the 1 million mile mark last week. All challenge participants and bicycling enthusiasts are invited to help celebrate the milestone and other biking-related successes in the Fox Valley at Fed Fest on Saturday at Appleton's City Park. It is one of several events scheduled across the state by the Bike Federation of Wisconsin to promote bicycling, recognize the bike challenge success and spread the word about Share & Be Aware, a statewide safety program sponsored by the state Department of Transportation. Scott Reilly, of Appleton, a BFW Share & Be Aware ambassador, has been attending public events such as farmer's markets, festivals and concerts while also teaching bike safety and skills classes to spread the word about the safety program launched earlier this year. There have been 32 bike and pedestrian fatalities in Wisconsin so far this year. The safety program's basic messages are: bicyclists and motorists must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk; bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as a motorist, including stopping at red lights and stop signs; and motorists by law need to leave at least three feet of space when passing someone on a bicycle. "Our goal is to educate drivers, bicyclists and the general public on our shared responsibilities on the roads here in the state by attending public events and offering classes on bike safety with the hope of reducing the number of accidents involving bikes and automobiles," Reilly said. *— Michael King: 920-729-6622, ext. 33, or mking(a)postcrescent.com* Wisconsin Bike Challenge at a glance Official name: Scott Get Up and Ride Wisconsin<http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20110908/APC0101/109080473/Bicyclists-t…>Bike Challenge Teams registered: 1,188 Riders: 4,546 Distance: 1,094,653 miles (as of Wednesday) Calories burned: 36.6 billion CO2 saved: 556,578 pounds Dollars saved: $275,553 On the Web: www.challenge.bfw.org Source: www.endomondo.com

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The Promise x THREE
by Janice Lukes 13 Sep '11

13 Sep '11

Hi AT folks I must share this news with you - can barely type it out! Pass this on to your members / friends / anyone interested in AT. Tonight I attended the CAA election forum on infrastructure, consumer and safety issues at the Free Press News Cafe. (photo attached) http://www.caamanitoba.com/eblasts/elections2011/2011.09.02-PGA-0018_Electio nEblast.html - Dan Lett Free Press columnist moderated. - A lot of heavy weights were there asking questions - CAA President, MPI Insurance, AMM President, and others. - Jeremy Hull from Bike to the Future also attended and asked a question on education / road safety. As a CAA member and WTA representative - I was able to ask a question of the three candidates - Goertzen, Mackintosh and Stewart. Fortunately Mackintosh - through previous questions from the audience - spoke multiple times of how the NDP were 4 years into an unprecedented $4B roadways investment and how CentrePort investment was going to be the 'jewel' of Canada from a transportation perspective - thus setting the stage for my question/s. I spoke as a 'vulnerable road user' (explaining the MPI term), articulating that we too pay taxes to use roads - spoke of current situation: - as these billions of roadways money were being spend - the complete lack of an AT policy meant there was no lens of active transportation being use to consider AT opportunities - not one single person in gov't solely dedicated to AT - simply no mechanism to gather public input on AT issues Then highlighted the Greater Strides report with 25 recommendations - a PLAN - which was released in a ditch in Southdale this June - and 500 printed copies were sitting in a closet in gov't offices and were not being distributed for purely political reasons (and gave them each a copy) - and asked the QUESTION: Within one year of becoming elected - would your government commit to: 1. developing a Provincial active transportation policy 2. dedicate full time resources to oversee implementation of policy, education and AT planning 3. ensure formation of an avenue to gather public input / advice? I did not highlight these are the three actions that are resulting in the City being so successful in moving AT forward - there is always a friction between the two levels of gov't. Each one of them, said yes - and as the first one started to ramble an answer ( I believe it was Mackintosh) I interrupted - articulating the question to get a black and white answer vs jargon - Dan Lett jumped in, drilled them a bit more on it - and YES - they all clearly said these were significant points in light of the increase in public's engagement of active transportation AND they would commit to these actions. POST FORUM I went up to each one of them to AGAIN confirm - and yes - Goertsen said it was in the PC health announcement from today - and exact details would be forthcoming soon Mackintosh said yes - for sure - but wasn't sure how the public input aspect would look exactly I thanked Stewart for being involved in tonight's event. VALUE OF AN ELECTION PROMISE: In last Provincial election - NDP promised WTA $1.8 M They delivered on every single penny (albeit with some heavy handed hounding) - WTA used the promise to leverage an additional $5M in trail funding from Feds / City and private for trails and trailheads. VALUE OF AN ELECTION PROMISE . . . x THREE: can it get any better ? the odds seem very good. Am now hoping we have a more 'official' AT announcement from each party - I expect it will occur. If I can get recording in an an MPwhatever format - I will pass it on also. this is almost surreal. Janice Lukes

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Workshop: Filling the Gaps in St Boniface’s Cycling Network
by Mark Cohoe 13 Sep '11

13 Sep '11

Join Bike to the Future on Tuesday September 27th at the Norwood Community Centre for a community workshop to help refine the cycling network in St. Boniface. * learn more about the city’s cycling routes in your neighbourhood * discuss barriers to cycling in St. Boniface * discuss the best opportunities to overcome those barriers * help us fill in the gaps where existing routes don’t quite connect * free bike valet service <http://www.bicyclevaletwinnipeg.ca/> *When*: Tuesday September 27th, 2011 6:00-6:15 pm—Registration (Bike Ride & Sessions) 6:15-7:30 pm—Neighbourhood Bike Ride (optional) 7:30-7:45 pm—Snacks/Late Registration (Sessions Only) 7:45-9:45 pm—Short Presentation & Breakout Sessions *Where*: Norwood Community Centre, 87 Walmer Street (see map <http://maps.google.com/maps?q=norwood+community+centre&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&h…>) We want to know where you cycle to and from, which routes you like best, which routes you avoid, and where you encounter barriers. Most importantly, we want to hear how you think barriers can be removed from the cycling network, and where the best opportunities exist to improve cycling connections in and around St. Boniface. We’ll start the evening with a short neighbourhood ride (see map <http://biketothefuture.org/attachments/0000/1687/st-b-neighbourhood-ride-ma…>) highlighting existing infrastructure, barriers and opportunities (see map). Registration for the ride will run from 6:00 – 6:15pm in front of the Community Centre. We’ll head out at 6:15 sharp, traveling approximately 13km at a moderate pace. All ride participants must have a roadworthy bike, and should have the skills necessary to be confident riding in traffic. If you can’t fit the neighbourhood ride into your schedule, feel free to take advantage of the late registration from 7:30 until 7:45 and join us for the remainder of the workshop. After a snack and quick overview of cycling facilities being used in Winnipeg and other cities, we’ll break into groups and get down to the business of making St. Boniface a better place to bike. Each group will be asked to focus in on 2-3 three specific areas or issues, and will summarize their discussion and ideas at the end of the evening. Following the workshop, we’ll compile your ideas and discussion into a public report that we will bring forward to the city’s active transportation committee, where we will push for improvements to the cycling network in St. Boniface. If you can't make it to the workshop, please send you ideas to markc(a)biketothefuture.org Event Poster <http://biketothefuture.org/attachments/0000/1686/st-boniface-at-network-wor…> Map of Neighbourhood Ride <http://biketothefuture.org/attachments/0000/1687/st-b-neighbourhood-ride-ma…>

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Provincial candidate forum on the environment - September 14, 7pm
by Jessie Klassen 13 Sep '11

13 Sep '11

Apologies if you've already seen this! *Provincial candidate forum on the environment * This Wednesday, candidates from the NDP, Progressive Conservatives, Liberals and Greens square off for a provincial environment forum. The event is organized by the Manitoba Eco-Network, Green Action Centre, the Provincial Council of Women and the Green Action Committee of the First Unitarian Church. Candidates from all parties intending to run candidates across the province were invited to participate. The forum will be moderated by CBC Radio’s Terry MacLeod. “Many of Manitobans' key concerns this election such as water quality in Lake Winnipeg, greenhouse gas emissions or hydro-electric development are environmental issues. This forum will give the public a chance to hear all the party positions, to ask important questions and to decide for themselves which platform will best promote sustainability in Manitoba” said event coordinator, Josh Brandon. Who: Jennifer Howard, NDP candidate, Fort Rouge, Heather Stefanson, PC candidate, Tuxedo Paul Hesse, Liberal candidate, Fort Rouge James Beddome, Green candidate Wolseley Where: First Unitarian Church 603 Wellington Crescent. When: Wednesday, September 14, 7:00 pm Event website: http://greenactioncentre.ca/event/provincial-election-forum/ Contact: Josh Brandon. Manitoba Eco-Network, (204) 898-6460 ------------------------------

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How young is too young to bike with your kid?
by Beth McKechnie 10 Sep '11

10 Sep '11

How young is too young to bike with your kid? madeleine white From Friday's Globe and Mail Published Thursday, Jul. 28, 2011 4:54PM EDT http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/parenting/young-children/children-trend… Biking has always been a big part of Todd Beernink’s life. The Vancouver resident has worked as a bike courier, competed in cycling races and uses a bicycle as his main mode of transportation. Then his son Tayo was born. Mr. Beemink wanted to start riding with his baby as soon as possible. “I would get so excited thinking about my son enjoying something I enjoy too,” he says. But his in-laws weren’t so excited. In fact, they were terrified. To allay their concerns – and his own – Mr. Beernink reconfigured an old bike trailer to hold his son’s car seat. He knew that most cycling safety sites warn against infants under one wearing helmets, since a baby’s neck is too weak to support the weight. So he improvised and put toques and blankets around Tayo so that his head was cushioned and didn’t have much room to move. It was his imperfect solution: All cyclists and passengers are required to wear a helmet under B.C. law. By the age of three months, Tayo was hooked into his five-point harness in the car seat and fastened into the trailer. His father still vividly remembers their first ride together, in January. “I rode so slow that my fingers froze because my heart rate was so low,” he said. “There were dogs passing us.It took us an hour and a half to go five kilometres.” The ride was a success, and he’s been cycling with Tayo since. But having been in a few accidents before he had a child, he’s well aware that biking comes with risks. And given that, beyond city safety by-laws, there are no federal guidelines for cycling with kids, he and other parents are left to answer for themselves a critical question: How young is too young to bike with a baby on board? One vocal opponent to parents riding with their babies is Pat Hines, founder and executive director of Safe Moves, a safety organization in the United States. In an online video, Ms. Hines flatly states: “There is no age when a child should go on a bicycle with a parent … Who would want to take a chance of the child falling? Even if you weren’t in danger of being hit by a car, just a slip, the baby goes down and the baby would go down very hard.” Jennifer Gruden, a Toronto mother of two boys, shares Ms. Hines’s fear of falling, especially since she was in a serious crash when she was 25. It took two years of physiotherapy to fully recover from the accident, caused by a dog rushing up and clipping her wheel . A doctor told her that if she hadn’t been wearing a helmet, she would have cracked her skull. So when she became a mother, Ms. Gruden decided against biking with her son Noah, now 5, until he was old enough to wear a helmet. Ms. Gruden is now looking forward to biking with her second baby, who’s six months old. This time around, though, she expects to try a bike trailer – generally considered the safest way to transport kids, since it’s low to the ground in the case of a fall – rather than the front-facing bike seat that Noah rode in. “It is a sliding scale for me,” she says. “From zero to 12 months, it’s not worth it to me to put him on a bike. From one to three, I think it’s about picking the time and place and using a trailer. But after that, I feel that the risks turn around – if you’re not as a family doing [physical] activities, then there are long-term health risk that are too easy to ignore.” But the health benefits of cycling are limited to safe roads, she says. Without bike lanes, Ms. Gruden said she would be too nervous to commute on busy roads with her sons. She admits that she probably wouldn’t ride daily with her older son if they lived downtown. Cycling advocate Todd Litman, Executive Director of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute, says many people overestimate the risk of riding with children. “There is no greater risk to biking with children than there is taking them in a car,” says Mr. Litman, who rode a bike with his sons (now university-aged) when they were three weeks old. Statistics Canada does not collect data on how many parents bike with their kids. But it does monitor cycling fatalities involving young children. According to StatsCan, no children aged zero to four died from being on a bike with their parents from 2001 to 2007. That reassures Edmonton mom Sarah Chan, who rigged a platform on her Madsen cargo bike for her son Dexter’s car seat when he was four months old.“There is a whole culture of fear around parenting, and it doesn’t begin or end with a bike,” says Ms. Chan. “If parents are careful on their bikes, it isn’t that dangerous. It’s actually fun.” Especially for Dexter who, now age two, sits up in her cargo bucket, pointing and waving to passers-by. And much to his mom’s delight, he copies her hand signals when they’re out in traffic.

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Ciclovia: Coming September 11!
by Jessie Klassen 08 Sep '11

08 Sep '11

*Ciclovia* is back for the third year *Sunday, September 11th from 11am to 8pm*! Ciclovia is a huge street festival and active transportation celebration! There are street closures from Assiniboine Park to The Forks, with many activities, kiosks, and displays on Broadway Avenue. Ciclovia info <http://www.downtownwinnipegbiz.com/home/events/ciclovia/>(including a route map and a list of activities/kiosks/displays) Ciclovia needs over 200 volunteers to make the day a success. If you are able to give some time, sign up to volunteer<http://manyfest.volunteerhub.com/SignIn.aspx?ReturnUrl=/Default.aspx>and receive a free T-shirt, meal voucher, and more. *Also, we are in huge need of marshals for the Ciclovia route. This position was not posted on the Ciclovia hub, given the need for a specific type of volunteer. Please call Stephanie at 958-4621 if you can help with marshalling!* *If you know anyone that would like to take part in our free block-long garage sale on Sunday between 11am-8pm, please have them call Rose at 958-4636.* Also, if you would like to like us on Facebook and share with your contacts, that would be awesome - plus there's a chance to win! *Like us on Facebook…and win!* Like ManyFestWinnipeg on Facebook and enter to win a Downtown Star Treatment. *Like CicloviaWinnipeg on Facebook and enter to win a* *$500-value prize package at Mountain Equipment Co-op.* *http://www.facebook.com/manyfestwinnipeg* *http://www.facebook.com/CicloviaWinnipeg* Thanks for your help and I hope to see you there! ** ** ** ** **** * * *SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11* * * *part of * *MANYFEST: ALL TOGETHER DOWNTOWN!* *SEPTEMBER 9 TO 11 ON BROADWAY!* Join downtown’s biggest street party! Enjoy many events over one weekend this September, with music, light, art, dance, wine, food and fun on Broadway in the heart of downtown ****Winnipeg****! Bring a tin for the bin for Winnipeg Harvest. Cash donations gratefully accepted in support of Change for the Better, providing jobs to the less fortunate. *Last year it was* *Lights on Broadway: Five Events, One Weekend, *this year it's Many Events - ManyFest! The north side of Broadway will be closed to traffic. www.manyfest.ca**** ** ** ** ** *Ciclovia * *Sunday, Sept. 11, 11am-8pm* Walk, jog or cycle all the way from ****Assiniboine** **Park**** to The Forks during this eco-friendly festival. Stop at Broadway to enjoy a farmers’ market, music, fitness demos, kids zone, bike show, garage sale and more!**** ** ** *Featured Ciclovia Actvities* - A Soap Box ****Derby**** by Ace Art **** - RBC Blue Water Zone, with 1,500 collapsible water bottles to give away in their zone **** - 2nd annual Tweed Ride - Wear your newsboy or slouch hat, bring your parasol, knickers, pipe, vest, pantaloons and anything tweed circa early 1900s for a bike ride in Winnipeg! (Departure at 2pm) **** - Bike Show: bring out your old bikes, fancy bikes, pretty bikes! **** - Community groups still wanted for displays! Call Rose at 958-4636. **** - Bike Valet: Leave your bike or stroller for free! (Memorial Park, Broadway at Osborne). Hours: Friday and Saturday: 11:30am – 11:30pm; Sunday: 7:30am – 8:30pm. Location: In Memorial Park on Broadway at ****Osborne Street****. **** ** ** (Music in orange; fitness in black.)**** *Memorial Stage* 11:00am Enjoy Your Pumas**** 11:45 Prenatal/Postnatal Fitness **** 12:30 Fire & Smoke**** 1:15 Belly Dancing**** 2:00 Tom Foolery**** 2:45 Zumba**** 3:30 Craig & Ash**** 4:15 Zumbatonic**** 5:00 Retro Rhythm Review**** 5:45 Body Combat**** 6:30 Mike & The Eastwood Gang**** 7:15 Cha Cha**** ** ** *****Carlton****** Stage* 11:00am Zumba**** 11:45 Flying Fox & Hunter Gatherers **** 12:30 Spin Class**** 1:15 Melissa Plett & These Guys**** 2:00 Spin Class**** 2:45 Drum Cafe**** 3:30 Zumba**** 4:15 Les Jupes**** 5:00 Spin Class**** 5:45 The Kathy Kennedy Blues Band**** 6:30 Zumba**** 7:15 Tree**** *After party at the Pony Corral Downtown!* ** ** **** *SCHEDULE OF MANYFEST EVENTS * ** ** *Giant Movie in the Park – **NEW THIS YEAR!*** *Friday, Sept. 9, starting at sun down, approx 8pm* Roll out your blanket in Memorial Park and watch a movie on a giant outdoor screen under the stars! The movie is Toy Story 3. Sponsored by S&J Construction. **** ** ** *Lights on Broadway * *Saturday, Sept. 10, starting at sun down, approx 8pm* Stroll beneath Broadway’s lit elm trees, and add your own touch of warmth with a complimentary candle – while supplies last! Get a glimpse of what the final permanent, year round tree lighting design could look like, courtesy of Epic Production Technologies, winner of last year’s lighting design competition. Sponsored by ****Manitoba**** Hydro.**** ** ** *Big Dance on Broadway * *Saturday, Sept. 10, 4pm-11pm* It's a dance party like no other with two stages playing various genres of music. Jive, swing, bop and groove beneath a canopy of light. Sponsored by * ***Winnipeg**** Arts Council.**** ** ** *Music on Memorial* 4:00pmTed ****Kernoski Square**** Dancers**** 5:15 Sol James featuring Heitha Forsythe**** 6:45 Tune Raiders**** 7:45 Paradize Band**** 9:15 Big J **Harrison** Big Band **** *Dance on Carlton* 4:00pmTwo Dollar Pistol**** 5:15 Hip Hop lessons with Loa Olafson**** 6:15 Tye Dye Adam**** 7:45 Viva Brasil Capoiera**** 9:00 DJ Penny Lane**** ** ** *After party at the Pony Corral Downtown!* ** ** *****Winnipeg****** 10 & 10 & 5 Race* *Sunday, Sept. 11, 8am-11am* Lace on those runners and enjoy the scenic route of a 5 km, 10 km or 10 mile **** run that starts and ends in Memorial Park. Group discounts of 10% for groups of 6 or more. *NEW THIS YEAR: 5 km run or walk, perfect for families! *Presented by Investors Group.** ** ** *Cost:* 5 km: $25 (to Sept 8), $35 (on Sept 9 & 10); 10 km: $30 (to Sept 8), $40 (on Sept 9 & 10); 10 miler: $35 (until Sept 8), $45 (on Sept 9 & 10)**** *Register: www.events.runningroom.com* *Sept 11, Race Day:* 8:30am - 10 Miler; 9:00am - 10 Km; 9:15am - 5 Km**** ** ** *Broadway Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market * *Saturday, 4pm-11pm & Sunday, 11am-8pm* Stroll among dozens of vendors, browse handmade jewellery, and pick up some fresh home-grown veggies. Sponsored by ****Portage Place****.**** ** ** *Kids’ Zone * *Saturday, 4pm-11pm; Sunday, 11am-8pm* Bring out the whole family to enjoy bouncers, clowns, giant sand boxes, inflatable slides, crafts, buskers, pony rides, bike rodeo by MPI, activities, and much more on Memorial Blvd! Sponsored by Fido.**** ** ** *Taste of Downtown Winnipeg Wine & Cheese Festival **- ALL WEEKEND LONG!* *Friday, Noon-11pm; Saturday, Noon-11pm; Sunday, Noon-8pm* Sip cabernets and chardonnays during this wine and cheese event held in Memorial Park. Free admission. Tasting tickets sold at the event in support of Winnipeg Harvest. Hosted by the Downtown ****Winnipeg**** BIZ. Presented by the Independent Specialty Wine Stores of Manitoba in collaboration with the Manitoba Chefs Association. Also sponsored in part by the Bay Downtown.* *** ** ** *Wine Merchants Include:* • Kenaston Wine Market **** • Fenton’s Wine Merchants**** • De Luca Fine Wines**** • La ****Boutique** **Del**** Vino**** • Banville & Jones Wine Co.**** *Gourmet Foods and Cheese Sponsors:* • Bothwell Cheese • City Bread**** • De Luca’s Specialty Foods**** • Piazza di Nardi**** • Fenton’s Gourmet Foods**** ** ** *For more information, visit www.ManyFest.ca. * ** ** The Downtown BIZ, City of Winnipeg, the Running Room and the Independent Specialty Wine Stores of Manitoba are hosting the festival along with many other partners and sponsors: Investors Group, S&J Construction, Portage Place, Winnipeg Arts Council, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Fido, Manitoba Hydro, Travel Manitoba, Fusion Group, Dental Designs, RBC Blue Water Project, Best Western Charterhouse Hotel, Audioworks, The Bay Downtown, East India Company, the Pony Corral, MPI, MTS Centre, Johnson Waste Management, Bee Clean, Assiniboine Credit Union, Lawton Partners, Neptune Properties, Brad’s Window Cleaning, Winnipeg Parking Authority and the Prolific Group. Media sponsors include the ****Winnipeg**** Sun, CTV, 92 CITI, 102 Clear FM and CBC Radio One 990.**** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** *Stephanie Voyce* Project Manager,* *Image & Transportation *Downtown **Winnipeg BIZ *204.958.4621 office 204.958.4630 fax Visit our website at www.downtownwinnipegbiz.com! This email is intended for the person(s) to whom it is addressed and the contents may contain private and confidential information to which rights are claimed. If you receive this email in error, the review, copy, distribution, or otherwise use of the contents is prohibited and we ask that you notify the sender immediately to advise of the error. Thank you.**** ** ** -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Ciclovia Winnipeg" group. To post to this group, send email to ciclovia-winnipeg(a)googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to ciclovia-winnipeg+unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/ciclovia-winnipeg?hl=en.

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The Economist on Cycle Safety in North America
by Charles Feaver 07 Sep '11

07 Sep '11

A blunt assessment of our safety v. European cyclists, from The Economist: Calm down With a very few exceptions, America is no place for cyclists Sep 3rd 2011 | SEATTLE | from the print edition * DYING while cycling is three to five times more likely in America than in Denmark, Germany or the Netherlands. To understand why, consider the death of Michael Wang. He was pedalling home from work in Seattle on a sunny weekday afternoon in late July when, witnesses say, a brown SUV made a left turn, crunched into Wang and sped away. The road where the 44-year-old father of two was hit is the busiest cycling corridor in Seattle, and it has clearly marked bicycle lanes. But the lanes are protected from motor vehicles by a line of white paint-a largely metaphorical barrier that many drivers ignore and police do not vigorously enforce. A few feet from the cycling lane traffic moves at speeds of between 30 miles per hour, the speed limit for arterials in Seattle, and 40 miles per hour, the speed at which many cars actually travel. This kind of speed kills. A pedestrian hit by a car moving at 30mph has a 45% chance of dying; at 40mph, the chance of death is 85%, according to Britain's Department of Transport. Had Mr Wang been commuting on a busy bike route in Amsterdam, Copenhagen or Berlin, his unprotected exposure to instruments of death-namely, any vehicle moving at 20mph or more-would be nearly nil. These cities have knitted together networks for everyday travel by bike. To start with, motor vehicles allowed near cyclists are subject to "traffic calming". They must slow down to about 19mph, a speed that, in case of collision, kills less than 5%. Police strictly enforce these speed limits with hefty fines. Repeat offenders lose their licences. Calmer traffic is just the beginning. In much of northern Europe, cyclists commute on lanes that are protected from cars by concrete buffers, rows of trees or parked cars. At busy crossroads, bicycle-activated traffic lights let cyclists cross first. Traffic laws discriminate in favour of people on bikes. A few American cities have taken European-style steps to make streets safer for cycling, most notably Portland, Oregon, which has used most of the above ideas. The result: more bikes and fewer deaths. Nearly 6% of commuters bike to work in Portland, the highest proportion in America. But in five out of the past ten years there have been no cycling deaths there. In the nearby Seattle area, where cycling is popular but traffic calming is not, three cyclists, have been killed in the past few weeks.

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