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Portage Daily Graphic - AT gets a boost
by Beth McKechnie 16 Jul '13

16 Jul '13

Active transportation gets a boost By Svjetlana Mlinarevic<http://www.portagedailygraphic.comportagedailygraphic.com/>, QMI Agency | Sunday, July 14, 2013 3:22:13 CDT PM http://www.portagedailygraphic.com/2013/07/14/active-transportation-gets-a-… During the last City of Portage la Prairie council meeting, councilors approved the construction of a 1,500-metre pathway to be built in the north end, July 8. The limestone cycle/walkway will stretch from Berkley Avenue to 3rd Street NE and then at North Memorial Park from Oak Bay to 6th Avenue. “It’s all part of trying to promote active transportation within Portage la Prairie. Not only to allow communities and members of our community to get out and get active, but it brings people together and it ties in all areas of our community,” said Coun. Diane Stasiuk, who spoke on behalf of transportation committee chair Coun. Brent Froese, as he was not in council. The total cost for construction of the pathway is $17,500; $7,500 for labour and $10,000 for equipment. “The $10,000 is an in-kind donation in terms of, it’s what we call an almost rental, to the citizens to be using our equipment. It’s not really a cost to the city. We’re providing the equipment for the work to be done,” she said. Council has also earmarked $10,000 to hire a consultant to develop an active transportation network strategic plan. The plan is expected to be presented to them on Aug. 12. The city has been looking at active transportation since the last election when the committee first approached them. The plan to connect all areas of the city by a pathway system will take years to compete, which will be done in phases, according to Stasiuk. “It takes time. It takes money,” she said, adding there has not been a discussion yet on an on-road aspect of active transportation, such as a cycling path, but that it was clearly needed. “You see that in more cities – Brandon, Winnipeg – bicycle traffic is becoming more popular and people are commuting to and from work and recreational activities and just getting around town on other forms of transportation. We have to get with the program,” said Stasiuk. When asked if a public transportation system will be developed in Portage, Stasiuk said it was something that council has looked into since the last election. The Portage Community Revitalization Committee, seniors and families have also brought up the issue with councillors, according to Stasiuk. “Perhaps we just need to find better ways of utilizing our existing shuttle and taxi service and not look at a public transportation system, per say. We need to look into that and we need to look at the feasibility of it. The city is not committed to it, but it’s certainly something that has been raised and will likely be raised in the next strategic planning process,” she said. The north end pathway is expected to be completed by July 31. svjetlana.mlinarevic(a)sunmedia.ca Twitter@PDGSvjetlana

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VIDEO - Biking to the Bombers: Downtown to the Stadium
by Anders Swanson 16 Jul '13

16 Jul '13

Hi, You may have heard about all the bikes at the first Bomber game (I counted an astounding 1222 bikes parked around the stadium at game time)....but its another thing to see what that looks like. Consider watching this: http://vimeo.com/activetransportation/ biketothebombers-downtown I took a camera with me that day, and put together a short film with the footage I took. I tossed in a little animated bomber dude on a cycling map to help you keep your bearings - and there's some footage of the bike valet in action. Its only 7m47secs. Turn up the sound. Please feel free to share widely...especially with folks who may be going to the football game this friday. After all, friends don't let friends wait in traffic, do they? Cheers, Anders Swanson @SwansonAnders P.S. ..and if they aren't the type to be arriving early, tell them to bring a lock. ; )

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On-street cycling infrastructure in Toronto and Montreal
by Erik Dickson 12 Jul '13

12 Jul '13

Here's an interesting video from the Toronto Centre for Active Transportation that explores the history, differences in and future of on-street cycling infrastructure in Toronto and Montreal. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bMDXOMrzYw <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bMDXOMrzYw&feature=youtu.be> &feature=youtu.be Also in case you missed the news yesterday, a team from the U of T set a new record last month designing the first working bike-powered helicopter. Their next goal is to design bicycles capable of 120 km an hour! http://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/u-of-t-engineers-make-history-with-first-huma n-powered-helicopter-1.1362742 Happy Friday! Regards, Erik Dickson Suite 1120 - 201 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3B 3K6 ph: (204) 927-3444 ext. 242 fax: (204) 927-3443 web: www.scatliff.ca blog: http://scatliff.tumblr.com Please consider our environment before printing this message.

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AT Webinar: Getting the Most from Pavement Markings - Wed, July 17th, 2-3pm, EcoCentre
by Jessie Klassen 11 Jul '13

11 Jul '13

Hope everyone is enjoying this sunny summer weather! Bike Winnipeg and Green Action Centre invite you to join us for a local viewing of the following APBP webinar in the EcoCentre boardroom (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave). This will be followed by group discussion of local applications. RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! Jessie Klassen (204) 925-3772 >From Paint to Preform: Getting the Most from Pavement Markings Wednesday, July 17 | 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CST Most low-cost retrofits for bicycle and pedestrian improvements involve pavement markings, whether striping a crosswalk or a bike lane or colorizing a conflict zone. This presentation will examine the effectiveness of different pavement marking materials including factors like durability, winter maintenance issues, retro-reflectivity, slip resistance and accessibility with a particular focus on application for innovative markings such as colorized paint and specialized symbols. The session includes an overview of MUTCD guidance on pavement marking materials, a presentation from Los Angeles that discusses an evaluation and comparison of different materials for green lanes, and information from Chicago related to the effect of winter conditions on pavement markings. Presenters are Zaki Mustafa, Executive Officer, Project Delivery, LADOT; Nathan Roseberry, Senior Transportation Engineer, T.Y. Lin; and Bill Schultheiss, Senior Engineer, Toole Design Group.

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RE: [At-network] City halts bike/ped planning
by Janice Lukes 11 Jul '13

11 Jul '13

The leadership decision to halt the $200,000 plan to improve safety and walking conditions for pedestrians and the $200,000 plan to do the same for cyclists - while simply unbelievable - may be more strategic than we see at first glance. The completion of the consultation and release of the final report would occur just months before the 2014 fall civic election. The plans would clearly identify 'Active Transportation Corridors' - specific streets that would receive strategic investments to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Odds are, some folks would not be in agreement with the streets chosen for the 'Corridors' - or perhaps not in agreement with the type of infrastructure required to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. If memory serves me correctly from the 2010 election, no candidate wants to be debating pedestrian and cycling infrastructure during an election campaign - therefore better to cancel the planning process now and not have a final report released - just before 2014 election. Is this a strategic move that will benefit AT - or hinder AT. Where are Winnipeggers at on the 'acceptance of AT'? IMO: Discussion = Education = Understanding And will the AT planning process be resurrected post 2014 ? - kind of like a reenactment of the re-emergence that occurred with rapid transit ? - and more cost more than the original $400K? IMO - 'Silly season has started at City Hall' Janice Lukes From: at-network-bounces(a)lists.umanitoba.ca [mailto:at-network-bounces@lists.umanitoba.ca] On Behalf Of Dave Elmore Sent: Wednesday, July 10, 2013 6:06 PM To: at-network(a)lists.umanitoba.ca Subject: [At-network] City haults bike/ped planning http://globalnews.ca/news/705158/city-halts-bike-path-planning/ City scraps bike path study Planning for new bike and pedestrian paths in Winnipeg has reached the end of the line. City officials confirmed Tuesday that a study to develop pedestrian and cycling strategies has been "suspended." Fort Rouge Coun. Jenny Gerbasi says she discovered the change in direction when she asked city staff for an update and received this email from the public works department: "Due to the current and foreseen short to medium term human resource pressures within the Public Works Department, we are suspending the pedestrian and cycling Strategy until further notice. What we have completed to date will serve the citizens of Winnipeg well for many years to come. We look forward to being able to pick up where we left off, sometime in the not too distant future. " Since last December, the city has hired professionals to look at bridging gaps between bike paths across the city along with all other improvements. "The rug has completely been pulled out from under our future transportation network when it comes to walking and cycling," said Gerbasi. "They basically put a stop to all planning." According to Gerbasi, a $400,000 contract to develop pedestrian and cycling routes has been stopped when the work is just starting. The city did not make any officials available for an interview or to answer questions about the change and why it was made. Late in the day Tuesday unnamed officials sent an email with this statement: "The Public Works Department confirms that the only initiative being suspended at this time is a study to develop Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies for Winnipeg. "Currently, there are numerous Active Transportation projects underway in Winnipeg, including as examples, completion of the Disraeli pedestrian and cycling bridge, construction on the west side of the Red River at Fort Garry Bridge (Glengarry Drive to Plaza Drive) and Archibald Street/La Verendrye Street/Mission Street Intersection cyclist enhancements and renewal of paths in Frontenac Park, Chornick Park, Niakawa Trail, Muys Park, Assiniboine Forest." The mayor told Global News the money will go towards building bike paths, not planning them. "There are a lot of people who think we spend too much money on consultants every time the reports come out," said Sam Katz. "What is being suggested is we take the $400,000 and build some active transportation."

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City haults bike/ped planning
by Dave Elmore 10 Jul '13

10 Jul '13

http://globalnews.ca/news/705158/city-halts-bike-path-planning/ City scraps bike path study Planning for new bike and pedestrian paths in Winnipeg has reached the end of the line. City officials confirmed Tuesday that a study to develop pedestrian and cycling strategies has been "suspended." Fort Rouge Coun. Jenny Gerbasi says she discovered the change in direction when she asked city staff for an update and received this email from the public works department: "Due to the current and foreseen short to medium term human resource pressures within the Public Works Department, we are suspending the pedestrian and cycling Strategy until further notice. What we have completed to date will serve the citizens of Winnipeg well for many years to come. We look forward to being able to pick up where we left off, sometime in the not too distant future. " Since last December, the city has hired professionals to look at bridging gaps between bike paths across the city along with all other improvements. "The rug has completely been pulled out from under our future transportation network when it comes to walking and cycling," said Gerbasi. "They basically put a stop to all planning." According to Gerbasi, a $400,000 contract to develop pedestrian and cycling routes has been stopped when the work is just starting. The city did not make any officials available for an interview or to answer questions about the change and why it was made. Late in the day Tuesday unnamed officials sent an email with this statement: "The Public Works Department confirms that the only initiative being suspended at this time is a study to develop Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies for Winnipeg. "Currently, there are numerous Active Transportation projects underway in Winnipeg, including as examples, completion of the Disraeli pedestrian and cycling bridge, construction on the west side of the Red River at Fort Garry Bridge (Glengarry Drive to Plaza Drive) and Archibald Street/La Verendrye Street/Mission Street Intersection cyclist enhancements and renewal of paths in Frontenac Park, Chornick Park, Niakawa Trail, Muys Park, Assiniboine Forest." The mayor told Global News the money will go towards building bike paths, not planning them. "There are a lot of people who think we spend too much money on consultants every time the reports come out," said Sam Katz. "What is being suggested is we take the $400,000 and build some active transportation."

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New report from UBC shows transportation and health closely linked
by Beth McKechnie 09 Jul '13

09 Jul '13

Transit investments lead to healthier people Media Release | July 4, 2013 http://news.ubc.ca/2013/07/04/transit-investments-lead-to-healthier-people/ A new report from the University of British Columbia shows that transportation and health are closely linked and recommends that health outcome be considered in transportation planning. The report, funded by TransLink and Vancouver Coastal Health Authority as part of updates to *Transport 2040*, the regional transportation strategy, presents a range of opportunities for Translink to incorporate health into its planning. “This report documents how prioritizing transit, bike and pedestrian infrastructure will positively impact health,” says the study’s lead author Lawrence Frank, Professor and Director of the Health and Community Design Lab, part of UBC’s School of Population and Public Health<http://www.spph.ubc.ca/>. “It looks at encouraging active transportation, such as walking, cycling and transit, and reducing air pollution and traffic collision risk.” [image: Dr. Lawrence Frank. Photo: Amanda Skuse]<http://news.ubc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/lawrence-frank-150.jpg> Dr. Lawrence Frank. Photo: Amanda Skuse Previous research by Frank has shown that every hour a person spends in a car each day makes them six per cent more likely to be obese, while each additional kilometre a person walks makes them five per cent less likely to be obese. Sedentary lifestyle is a major cause of many chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease and some cancers. Many chronic diseases are preventable and active transportation and other sustainable transportation choices offer the possibility of prevention and even treatment through increased physical activity. The costs of these diseases are projected to increase by more than $1.5 billion in B.C. over the next 2 to 3 years. “TransLink’s consideration of the health impacts of transportation systems could help offset the rising costs of health care in the Vancouver area and promote an active lifestyle that will benefit all Canadians,” Frank adds. The full report is available here<http://www.translink.ca/~/media/Documents/plans_and_projects/regional_trans…> .

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Announcing a NEW weekly no-drop Ride exploring our growing AT Network in the south
by Beth McKechnie 08 Jul '13

08 Jul '13

Sorry, I missed getting this out in time for the first ride but there are plenty more in the works. -cheers, Beth ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: <currieg(a)mymts.net> Date: Sat, Jun 29, 2013 at 3:23 PM Subject: Announcing a NEW weekly no-drop Ride exploring our growing AT Network in the south To: currieg(a)mts.net Hi Folks, Spread the word far and wide, there is a new Group Ride in town. Our Thursday and Friday Road Rides got together and voila! A new ride was born to accommodate all the new riders out there who just want to go slower, see more, talk more and maybe begin an incredible journey. Announcing: *Tuesday evening Bike Path Ride* starting Tuesday July 2nd 2013 will utilize our growing AT Network and will be geared to those who want to ride there bike at a more relaxed pace than our Friday Ride. This will be a fair-weather ride only, so everyone stays dry (we hope). We will gather at Woodcock Cycle, 433 St Marys Rd for a 7 pm departure. Due to the loss in day light we will bump these rides to a 6:30 start in August. For our main ride we will head east on Fifth Ave to Youville and then to Egerton, back onto DesMeurons for a block. We will pick up the bike path at the end of DesMeurons following the Niakwa Trail left over the Seine River and east to Lagimodiere, north to the Bishop Grandin Greenway, West to Dakota to pick up the Dunkirk Multi-use path, North to the Fermor bike path and back to DesMeurons following the same route we took out from the shop. Here is the map link http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/225161215 Here are other possible rides to switch things up: The BDI via Bike Path http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/235855549 (we may want to schedule this one earlier to leave time for an Ice cream break), Whittier Park via Bike Path http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/235866789(we may decide to stop at the forks for some fuel). Seine River Trail bike Path Ride http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/235868695 (we will be joined by Dennis from Save the Seine for a guided tour), Fort White Bike path Ride http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/236375883(we would meet in the north west corner of the theater parking lot McGillivray and Kenaston) These are 20 km to 25 km routes and I expect we will ride it between 17 and 20 kph +/- depending on the group that night. That should put us back at the shop between 8 and 8:30 for July rides.. This is a no pressure no-drop ride suited to those who wish to get more comfortable riding, want to gradually increase their distance and time in the saddle or just want to ride with others in a casual setting. This ride is good for almost all types of bikes. Having said that, you would not want to show up with your carbon bike and full kit. If you are concerned or have any questions please let me know. The Rides will normally be led by me, I am a Can-Bike instructor which means I am nationally certified to teach folks how to safely cycle with others on and off the roadways. I ride about 6000 km per year and ride all 4 seasons. Please ask me any questions from the mechanics of your bike all the way to winter cycling. As the ride progresses and if the skill of the riders warrants it, we may increase the distance and take in more of what our cycling infrastructure has to offer. For those of you who find that this ride is not enough for you, consider joining our Thursday or Friday no-drop Group rides where the speed is a little faster and the distance depends on you (min 30 km to a max of 70 km) 6 pm to 8:30/9:00pm. To join these rides you must wear a bike helmet The first time you join us you will need to sign a waiver, this protects the validity of our insurance through the Manitoba Cycling Association (MCA) The second and subsequent times you join us you will need a MCA General Membership, this membership is $48 and covers you and Woodcock Cycle Works with insurance for the duration of the season. Bye for now, *Currie Gillespie, CHRP* 204.955.5221 Board of Directors, Manitoba Cycling Association City of Winnipeg Active Transportation Advisory Committee 2011, 2012 Can-Bike National Advisory Council Winnipeg Cycling Map Committee Bike to Work Day Committee Ciclovia Committee "*Every Lane Is A Bike Lane*" - City of Los Angeles

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Peg City Car Co-op Photo Contest - #Bikewalkbus to win!
by Shoni Litinsky 02 Jul '13

02 Jul '13

Hi Everyone! Hope you are all enjoying this delightful weather. I am just writing to announce the launch of our new summer photo contest at Peg City Car Co-op. We want to see your creative photos from your commute which feature themes of biking, walking, and busing in central neighbourhoods of our city. Amazing prizes to be won including: - *$1200* driving credit with Peg City Car Co-op - *$500* Custom bike from Natural Cycle - *$500* worth of transit passes It is easy, follow the links below to see contest details and use the hashtag #bikewalkbus when uploading your photos. Please share widely! View the contest on Facebook here<https://www.facebook.com/pegcitycarcoop/app_492466294176379>to share and sign-up. View our Tweet here <https://twitter.com/pegcitycarcoop> to re-tweet. View our Instagram here <http://instagram.com/pegcitycarcoop> to re-post. [image: Inline images 2] Thanks everyone for helping out and happy summer! -- *Shoni Litinsky* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>

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People on bikes need to be smarter - Suzuki
by Dave Elmore 28 Jun '13

28 Jun '13

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/david-suzuki/cycling-david-suzuki_b_3499256.htm l Cycling Is Smart But Cyclists Need to Get Smarter Bicycles are an increasingly popular, affordable and practical transportation option. Many cities are making life easier for cyclists by building separated lanes, implementing bike-share programs and introducing regulations to reduce conflict between bikes and cars. You can now find bicycle sharing <http://www.earth-policy.org/plan_b_updates/2013/update112> in 500 cities in 49 countries, including Beijing, Montreal, Chicago, Paris and Mexico City. In my home city of Vancouver <http://former.vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/20130612/documents/cfsc2presenta tion.pdf> , we're still waiting for a planned sharing program, but cycling is the fastest-growing transportation mode here, jumping by 40 per cent since 2008, from about 47,000 to 67,000 daily trips. This is mainly thanks to an ever-expanding network of bike lanes and routes. The personal and societal benefits of getting out of your car and onto a bike are well-known: better mental and physical fitness and reduced health-care costs, less pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, often speedier commutes and significant cost savings, to name a few. Studies also show the exercise benefits of cycling exceed negative health effects <http://cyclingincities.spph.ubc.ca/air-pollution/> from pollution and injury. Still, despite the many arguments in favour of cycling, increased infrastructure always incites criticism -- most of it unwarranted. And the behaviour of some cyclists doesn't help. Let's consider some claims from opponents. Two main ones are that bicycling initiatives hurt local businesses and impede car traffic. Numerous studies show the opposite is often true: over the long term, business usually improves and car traffic is reduced. When bike lanes do affect car-commuting times, it's often by a small amount. Research by the New York City Department of Transportation <http://www.americabikes.org/nyc_study_finds_protected_bicycle_lanes_boost_l ocal_business> found retail sales increased 49 per cent along Ninth Avenue after a protected bike lane was built, compared to just three per cent for the rest of Manhattan. A Toronto study focused on Bloor West Village <http://www.cleanairpartnership.org/files/BikeLanes_Parking_Business_BloorWe stVillage.pdf> found far more customers arrive by foot, bike or transit than by car and "visit more often and report spending more money than those who drive." As for impacts on car commuting, bike lanes often have a negligible or even positive effect. More people cycling means reduced car traffic - the real cause of gridlock and slowdowns. Not everyone can use a bike and sometimes cycling isn't practical. But as people opt for alternatives to cars, the roads open up for those who must drive. A study by Stantec Consulting Ltd. <http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/mark-hume/van couver-mayor-may-pay-the-political-price-for-bike-lanes/article2115883/> found Vancouver drivers thought it took them five minutes longer to travel along a street with a new bike lane, but it actually took from five seconds less to just a minute and 37 seconds more. Studies around the world also show that bike lanes have significantly reduced accidents <http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/separated-bike-lanes-make-cycl ists-safer-study-says/article4624522/> involving cyclists, as well as the incidence of speeding cars. But if we really want to increase safety for cyclists - and pedestrians and motorists - we all need to take responsibility for our behaviours. People navigating on foot must be aware of surrounding bikes, buses, cars and other people and not wander with their eyes fixed on electronic devices. Car drivers need to follow road rules and be more aware of cyclists and pedestrians. Some cyclists just need to be smarter. A lot of criticism of the growing number of cyclists in cities is valid: too many blast through stop signs, don't give pedestrians the right-of-way, refuse to signal turns, ride against traffic, don't make themselves visible enough and use sidewalks. Many seem to have a sense of entitlement compelling them to ignore laws. It doesn't take much to learn and follow the rules, and investing in proper gear - including lights and reflectors - is absolutely necessary. You'll not only be safer; you'll also be less likely to anger motorists, pedestrians and fellow cyclists. Some jurisdictions have resorted to increased regulations and penalties to make cycling safer and to reduce conflicts between cyclists and drivers. In Chicago <http://grist.org/cities/with-bicycling-on-the-rise-motorists-get-a-new-roun d-of-drivers-ed/> , bike riders face increased fines for disobeying traffic laws, as do motorists who cause bike accidents. The fine for "dooring" a cyclist (opening a vehicle door without looking and hitting a bike) doubled from $500 to $1,000. There's really no doubt: anything that increases bicycle use, from separated lanes to bike-sharing programs, makes cities more liveable and citizens healthier. Cyclists must do their part to build support for initiatives that make cycling easier, safer and more popular. Written with contributions from David Suzuki Foundation Communications Manager Ian Hanington.

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