- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Commuting > obesity
by feaver＠mymts.net 01 Feb '13

01 Feb '13

http://www.vancouversun.com/touch/story.html?id=7888381 This article identifies commuting by car as a cause of obesity. Refreshing. All too often articles point to the benefits of being active, v. The health consequences of going everywhere by motor vehicle. When will we have health warnings on cars & trucks like we have on cigarettes? from my phone

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Improved Roundabout Design for Cyclists, Rightsizing Streets, PBIC YouTube Channel
by Beth McKechnie 31 Jan '13

31 Jan '13

*Evaluation of the C-Roundabout – an Improved Multi-Lane Roundabout Design for Cyclists* http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/research/reports/510/docs/510.pdf<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001JH1tBLwlsSK2D7Ib2o6ldGTQgMn-MbSTqPyGu04EA_k7…> Research Report: *New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA)* The NZTA research report evaluates field operations of the C-roundabout design, a new design to improve the safety of bicyclists at multi-lane roundabouts. The concept of the design is to decrease vehicle speeds through the roundabout by increasing the deflection of the roundabout and by reducing the widths of approach lanes and circulating lanes so that cyclists are required to travel in the center of the lanes. * * * * * *NEW RIGHTSIZING STREETS GUIDE RELEASED http://www.pps.org/reference/rightsizing/ * Rightsizing is the process of reallocating a street’s space to better serve its full range of users. Picture a four lane road that was built thirty years ago in an undeveloped area, but that now has housing, shops, and an elementary school in close vicinity. The needs of the community surrounding that road have changed over three decades – and the design of that road may need to change to meet those needs as well. It may need a sidewalks or a median to help people cross safely, or on-street parking for folks who want to frequent local shops, or other safety features to prevent injuries. * * * * * PBIC creates new YouTube Channel The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center <http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/> has created a new YouTube Channel for hosting and promoting its archived webinars, as well as other relevant PBIC videos. The site, www.youtube.com/pedbikeinfo<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?UNCHighwaySafetyRese/3224560524/e535421c0a/f578a7d7…>, features many of the center’s recent webinars including all webinars from the series on the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials newly updated “Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities” and from the series on the intersection of public health and transportation co-hosted with the American Public Health Association. Webinar recordings also remain available on the PBIC website, www.walkinginfo.org/webinars<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?UNCHighwaySafetyRese/3224560524/e535421c0a/61a803c1…> .

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Active & Green: Jack Frost Challenge, Creative Commuting, and a Trip to Finland!
by Jessie Klassen 29 Jan '13

29 Jan '13

I hope you enjoy this Winter 2013 issue of Active & Green. Please feel free to share with friends and colleagues. ** *Jessie Klassen* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca> Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.<http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&id=4414f5a9df…> Looking to improve commuter options at your workplace? Request resources<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> on cycling or carpooling tips, surveys, awards, secure bike parking, and more. Book a presentation<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> on living greener at the workplace, school or at home. Attend a Creative Commuting Ambassador<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> workshop. It’s free! ------------------------------ Upcoming Events *Lindsay Gauld's One Millionth KM at The Forks*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> February 2, 2013 *BTTF Fundraiser Concert*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> February 2, 2013 *Jack Frost Challenge*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> February 9-15, 2013 *Snow Trek*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> Sunday, Feb. 10 *Creative Commuting Ambassador Training*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> Thursday, Feb. 14 *Winter Bike to Work Day*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> Friday, Feb. 15, Winnipeg *Ice** It To Work Day*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> Friday, Feb. 15 *Actif Epica*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> Saturday, Feb. 16 *Snow Trek*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> Sunday, Feb. 24 *Commuter Challenge*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> June 2-8, 2013 ------------------------------ Like what you see? If you are not already a member of Green Action Centre, take a moment to join us<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. Membership is FREE. Please also pass this along to your friends and family. And if you like what we do, make a secure donation online easily and quickly at CanadaHelps<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. Make a one-time donation or contribute monthly. Even small monthly donations make a big difference for Green Action in Manitoba. *Help us grow our membership and activities.* ------------------------------ *Call for Nominations: 2013 Commuter Friendly Workplace Awards * Does your workplace make it easy, convenient and affordable to bus, carpool, bike, walk or telecommute? Have improvements been introduced that merit recognition? If so, consider applying for the 2013 Commuter Friendly Workplace Award<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. The application form also acts as a handy idea list for possible projects to improve commuting options at your workplace. Check out what Assiniboine Credit Union, last year's winner, accomplished here<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>. Sign up your team for The Jack Frost Challenge! Winter offers a whole new array of active ways to get around (besides our favourites of walking and cycling) – snowshoeing, skating, x-country skiing. Try 'em all during The Jack Frost Challenge<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>, Feb. 9-15, 2013. Sign up your team of 1-5 participants with the goal of logging 130 km that week. Last year<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>, 10,372 total km were completed by 67 teams, such as the Three Abominable Snowmen, The Fast and Flurriest, and the West End Winter Woolies to name a few. Sign up co-workers, classmates, friends or family. Prizes and bragging rights are up for grabs! Become a Creative Commuting Ambassador You are invited to a FREE, half-day interactive workshop on becoming a Creative Commuting Ambassador at your workplace! Get the tools and guidance to help improve commuter options on-site and support your coworkers to get the most out of their commutes. Receive training in bike route planning, Winnipeg Transit Tools, evaluating your workplace, and planning your own simple project. Thurs, February 14, 2013, from 12:45-4:00 p.m. Sign up here<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> Cycling in Winterpeg Ever been to Oulu, Finland<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>? Probably not. Neither has Anders Swanson but that will change when he attends the first international Winter Cycling Congress<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>taking place on Feb 13 & 14, 2013. It’s certainly a fitting location given that cycling accounts for 12% of all trips made in winter in Oulu (23% in summer). Anders will be presenting Winnipeg as a city where winter cycling is or can be "for everyone". Afterward, he will return to Winnipeg to share empirical, anecdotal and visual proof that this is, in fact, the case! Learn more here<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. On a related note, a group of Manitoba Hydro employees prove that 360 Portage Avenue is the place to ride<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>, even in winter. Walkable Communities If you're interested in living in a more walkable community (and who isn't?), search the new online guide from America Walks and Sam Schwartz: Steps to a Walkable Community<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>. The guide has case studies from across North America, and is organized in categories such as advocacy, policy, land use, and encouragement & education. New Technologies: Heated Roads and Smart Cards The Dutch, once again, are leading the way in terms of new technology for cycle commuting. To improve biking in winter, they are using reflective crystals to increase the visibility of lane markings and underground heating on some roads. See the BBC video report<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> . Here in Winnipeg, Transit will begin updating its fare collection system<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>in February 2013. The spiffy new fareboxes will have an electronic display and automatic coin counter. They will also print a coded transfer slip that will be electronically read when you get back on the bus. Later in the year, transit will introduce a Smart Card<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>to replace its paper tickets and passes. Riders will be able to preload cash or a variety of passes onto their card, and the scanner on the farebox will deduct the correct amount just by tapping the card to the box. Sweet! Saving Money and Making Friends: Ridesharing Imagine saving $100,000 pounds (that's $158,000 to us Canadians) by sharing your commute with friends. That's why this story caught our eye. Five fellows in the UK <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>have shared their daily commute for over 20 years and become fast friends. In addition to saving a ton of money, they slashed their individual commuting emissions and found a way to take turns snoozing on the ride home to boot. You are receiving this email because you are an Active & Green subscriber. Unsubscribe<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> jessie_klassen(a)hotmail.com from this list. Our mailing address is: Green Action Centre 3-303 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B4 Canada Add us to your address book<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/vcard?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f…> Copyright (C) 2013 Green Action Centre All rights reserved. Forward<http://us2.forward-to-friend2.com/forward?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&id=44…>this email to a friend Update your profile<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/profile?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3…> [image: Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp]<http://www.mailchimp.com/monkey-rewards/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm…>

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Invitation: Lindsay's Cool Million @ Sat Feb 2, 2013 11:30am - 12:30pm (at-network@lists.umanitoba.ca)
by Anders Swanson 28 Jan '13

28 Jan '13

You have been invited to the following event. Title: Lindsay's Cool Million When: Sat Feb 2, 2013 11:30am – 12:30pm Central Time - Winnipeg Where: The Foks Port Calendar: at-network(a)lists.umanitoba.ca Who: (Guest list has been hidden at organizer's request) Event details: https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=VIEW&eid=dG50YTZrcWVxYzQzanB0d… Invitation from Google Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/ You are receiving this courtesy email at the account at-network(a)lists.umanitoba.ca because you are an attendee of this event. To stop receiving future notifications for this event, decline this event. Alternatively you can sign up for a Google account at https://www.google.com/calendar/ and control your notification settings for your entire calendar.

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EVENT INVITATION: Saturday February 2nd: Lindsay's Cool Million
by Anders Swanson 28 Jan '13

28 Jan '13

Dear At Network, You are cordially invited to take part in an historic event. *This Saturday, February 2nd at 11:30 am<http://www.theforks.com/events/calendar-of-events/date:2013-02#event_1631_2…> *, Lindsay Gauld will be riding his *1 000 000th* kilometer as he rides down the frozen Rivertrail into the Forks port. There will be a celebration honoring this achievement (*this is the equivalent of riding around the world 25 times*). As part of the celebration, The Forks is hoping to have *1000 riders on their bikes in the Forks port* to welcome Lindsay as he rides in. For those of you who don't know who Lindsay is...well...he's gotta be Winnipeg's only former-Olympian-turned-successful-bikeshop-owner-turned-year-round-bike-courier. He's also been meticulously documenting his kilometers ridden from a young age. While certainly many of those "kilometers-biked" haven't strictly been "for transportation", many of them have been (he's a bike courier after all) and, more importantly, Lindsay has been inspiring people and demonstrating what's possible - rain or shine, snow or sleet, no matter what your age - for a long time. One million kilometers is an incredible achievement of incredible scale. IMO, Lindsay is also a rather nice fellow too! If you've never ridden in the winter before, this is also your chance: The River Trail provides a nice well-packed, safe place to try it. Consider it an ideal place for a Winter Bike to Work Day<http://winterbiketoworkday.org>or Ice it to Work Day practice run, a chance to test your fortitude for Actif Epica <http://actifepi.ca/> or an opportunity to add a few kilometers to your team's Jack Frost Challenge<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/bougeons-en-hiver/>tally. Whatever your reason, get out there. It took Lindsay a million 'clicks' to get here, so it's probably the least we could do! Hope you can make it. Please invite any and all who would like to be there at this historic event. The Forks has asked that you please twitter, facebook, email, write letters but most of all, show up on your bike on the 2nd. Sincerely, Anders Swanson Lindsay's Cool Million *When* Sat, February 2, 11:30am – 12:30pm GMT-06:00 *Where* The Foks Port *Who* (Guest list has been hidden at organizer's request)

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Take on The Jack Frost Challenge!
by Beth McKechnie 24 Jan '13

24 Jan '13

Hi everyone We would really appreciate if you could share the following with your networks and consider signing up your own team of your co-workers, friends or families! Event poster attached and also available online<http://greenactioncentre.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Bougeons_JackFrost_2…> . thanks, Beth ---------- *Registrations are now open for: Bougeons en hiver: The Jack Frost Challenge<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/bougeons-en-hiver-the-jack-frost-challe…> !** * Frolic in the snow and celebrate winter Manitoba-style. *SIGN UP*<http://jf.macroelite.ca>your team of friends, co-workers or classmates to skate, bike, ski, snowshoe, run or walk a combined total of 130 km the week of *February 9-15, 2013*. Prizes and bragging rights up for grabs. Check out a few of the stories<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/stories-from-jack-frost-challenge-2012/>from last year! Bougeons en hiver: The Jack Frost Challenge is a Co-Actif Epica<http://actifepi.ca/>event. * * * * * *Vous pouvez maintenant vous inscrire à l'édition 2013 de * *« Bougeons en hiver : The Jack Frost Challenge !<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/bougeons-en-hiver-the-jack-frost-challe…>» * Amusez-vous dans la neige, tous en célébrant l’hiver manitobaine ! * Inscrivez-vous*<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/bougeons-en-hiver-the-jack-frost-challe…>en équipe avec vos collègues de travail, membres de famille, amis ou camarades de classe pour faire le patinage, la bicyclette, le ski, la raquette, la course ou la marche d’un total collectif de 130km sur une durée d’une semaine, du *9 au 15 février, 2013*. Courez la chance de gagner des prix et de vous mériter le droit de vous vanter! Lisez des histoires<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/stories-from-jack-frost-challenge-2012/>de nos participants de l'année dernière. Bougeons en hiver : The Jack Frost Challenge ! est un co-événement d’Actif Epica <http://actifepi.ca/>.

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Winnipeg ranks 6th in Walkscore's most walkable Canadian cities
by Beth McKechnie 23 Jan '13

23 Jan '13

Walk Score's latest top 10 ranks <http://www.walkscore.com/rankings/canada/>Canadian cities by walkability: 1. Vancouver (Walk Score: 78) 2. Toronto (Walk Score: 71) 3. Montreal (Walk Score: 70) 4. Mississauga (Walk Score: 59) 5. Ottawa (Walk Score: 54) 6. Winnipeg (Walk Score: 53) 7. Edmonton (Walk Score: 51) 8. Hamilton (Walk Score: 51) 9. Brampton (Walk Score: 48) 10. Calgary (Walk Score: 48) [source: http://www.treehugger.com/public-transportation/vancouver-crowned-most-walk… ] [ http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1103091/vancouver-toronto-and-montreal-top-… ] "The ratings were tabulated by the [WalkScore] app, which generates a score out of 100 based on the proximity of amenities like grocery stores, cafes and libraries. To achieve a city-wide score, the data was calculated by applying the score of each block then factoring in population density." [source and chart: http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/1318764--toronto-ranked-second-most… ]

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Call for Expressions of Interest and Qualifications | School Travel Planning Web App
by Anders Swanson 23 Jan '13

23 Jan '13

Hello, See the unique and exciting opportunity attached. Please forward to tech-savvy folks with a background in software development (and perhaps a penchant for active transportation) whom you think might be interested. Thank you, Anders Swanson Project Manager Active and Safe Routes to School Program | Green Action Centre 303 Portage Ave, 3rd Floor | Winnipeg, MB | R3B 2B4 c. 1-204-797-1962 | anders(a)greenactioncentre.ca

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Six creative options for the bridge plaza (see #2)
by Anders Swanson 21 Jan '13

21 Jan '13

source: http://metronews.ca/voices/urban-compass-winnipeg/517196/five-creative-opti… Six creative options for the bridge plaza January 20, 2013 ** *_______________* ** I never thought placing a Salisbury House on the Esplanade Riel was a great idea. Nothing against the restaurant chain, which serves reasonable food at a reasonable price, but the idea always seemed terribly uninspired. After all, there was nothing “reasonable” about building a restaurant plaza in the middle of a bridge in the first place. It was a bold, expensive gambit to create a unique attraction for our city, and filling the space with another outlet of an ordinary restaurant chain didn’t come close to achieving that goal. And while a reasonable argument could be made that the plaza never should have been built, reality is that it exists now, and with the Salisbury House lease ending, the city has an opportunity to pursue more creative ideas. So with that in mind, let’s explore a couple of options: *1. Pop-up retail/restaurant.* Winnipeg has been typically slow to adopt the worldwide trend of pop-up commercial spaces. However, a group of entrepreneurs will soon open a pop-up restaurant along the river trail, and if all goes well then that could spark new opportunities. Having a flexible space on the bridge available for short-term rent could help get more ideas off the ground, whether it’s seasonal food concepts, art exhibits or even major retailers who want to test the Winnipeg market (like what Lululemon recently did with its pop-up retail store in Regina). *2. Urban cycling centre.* Inspired by the Midtown Bike Center in Minneapolis (which has the exact same square footage), the bridge plaza could be converted into an all-purpose bike retail/rental/repair/storage outlet that could serve as a hub for community outreach activities for the city’s cycling community. And as an added bonus, the lack of an adjacent parking lot isn’t a concern for this group. *3. Ice cream/burger mecca.* For decades, Winnipeggers have been lining up at the BDI and Sargent Sundae for a chance to buy ice cream and walk across a bridge. Combine that idea with some classic White Top/Mrs. Mike’s/VJ’s-style burgers, and you’re guaranteed success … for at least six months of the year. *4. Event centre.* Given its unique location, it’s easy to imagine the bridge as a French-Canadian-themed bar during Festival du Voyageur, a venue with a view for Folklorama, a spot for swanky cocktail parties during fireworks shows at The Forks, or even a cool site for wedding photos and small receptions. *5. French restaurant.* The original idea when the bridge plaza was built a decade ago was for it to become a bistro or creperie that provides a culinary complement to the bridge’s physical connection between downtown and St. Boniface. Maybe now the city would be willing to provide more of an economic incentive (free rent? no business taxes?) to make it happen. *6. Winnipeg Jets… something.* I don’t even have an idea here, but put the logo of our most recognized team on our most recognized piece of architecture, and it’s certain to draw a crowd at any time during the year. News Worth Sharing: <http://metronews.ca/author/cfast/>By Colin Fast<http://metronews.ca/author/cfast/> Metro Winnipeg Connect with Colin

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WFP: Cyclists, drivers can't point fingers (Jan.19'13)
by Beth McKechnie 19 Jan '13

19 Jan '13

Cyclists, drivers can't point fingers Collision data show both parties need to take better care on road By: Bruce Owen http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/cyclists-drivers-cant-point-fingers-… It's time to call a truce in Winnipeg's war between cyclists and drivers. It turns out both are at fault for crashes, injuries and even cyclist fatalities during the past decade, according to data released by Manitoba Public Insurance. The continuing rate of collisions between bikes and vehicles is one reason Manitoba's Public Utilities Board told MPI late last year to put together a more comprehensive public education campaign on road safety and messaging to motorists regarding cyclists, such as giving cyclists one metre of space when passing them. "We're both to blame," said Dave Elmore, director of safety and education for the cyclist lobby group Bike to the Future. "There's equal fault on both sides. The numbers that we've had in the past from MPI really show that at least 50 per cent of cyclists are at fault for most of their own collisions." MPI's numbers from 2001-10 appear to back that up. MPI spokesman Brian Smiley said 13 cyclists were killed and 68 seriously injured in that period, and there were 2,144 less-serious injuries to cyclists. Almost 68 per cent of reported collisions happened at intersections, as did 61 per cent of the 13 fatalities. In 63 per cent of those collisions, the cyclist was pedalling straight ahead and 20 per cent of the vehicles involved were turning right, meaning the driver likely turned into the cyclist without shoulder-checking. Of the cyclists in a collision with a motor vehicle: -- 10 per cent reported they were distracted or confused; -- 4.3 per cent failed to yield the right-of-way; -- three per cent disobeyed a traffic-control device. Of the motor vehicle drivers in a collision with a cyclist: -- 4.1 per cent said they were distracted; -- 4.8 per cent failed to yield the right-of-way; -- 1.1 per cent were speeding. "Everyone is expected to share the road," Smiley said. "Cyclists are entitled to be on the road. They are also expected to observe the rules of road, meaning stopping at stop signs, observing traffic lights and yielding when appropriate. Vehicles are also expected to share the road with cyclists." The numbers were compiled from claims filed with MPI. City police do not record these statistics. Elmore said the numbers he has show there is an overall downward trend in the number of car-cyclist collisions in the past decade, but that the numbers have edged up in the past two years. "I think that's really a result of the fact that we have more and more cyclists on the road these days, and fewer of them actually understand how they should be behaving on the road," he said. "In some cases, they don't possess the skills, and in some cases, they don't have the knowledge and understanding. "It's easy for drivers to point to cyclists who shoot through red lights and at stop signs, but they're by far the minority of cyclists. And the same holds true for cyclists, who say that drivers speed and also roll through stop signs." What's needed is a more rigorous public education campaign on cyclist safety, run by MPI and the province, as dedicated bike lanes on streets are slow in coming and costly. "People believe that there's this war between cyclists and drivers, but ultimately, I don't believe it's a war," Elmore said. "I think that really it's just a misunderstanding and it's created because of the knowledge gap. There's a huge gap in knowledge on both sides of the coin. Education is unfortunately overlooked as a solution." Smiley said MPI has met with cyclist groups to rework the information MPI gives to the public in brochures and on the Crown corporation's website. He said the worst months for cyclist fatalities are June and July, with 23 per cent of such deaths happening in those two months. June and July were also the worst months for injuries. No cyclist deaths were recorded in December, January and February. The worst day of the week for cyclist-car collisions is Wednesday, with 18 per cent recorded, and the worst time of day is the 3 p.m.-to-6 p.m. rush hour, during which 30 per cent of such crashes occurred. Smiley said 90 per cent of all bicycle-vehicle mishaps were reported, and 10 per cent were classified as hit-and-runs. *bruce.owen(a)freepress.mb.ca* ** *To avoid it, you have to see it* EVER wonder why motor-vehicle drivers don't see the person on the bicycle until the last second, if at all? It's not so much because they're not paying attention, it's because the human brain can only process the images the eyes see directly in front of them, not what's around them. It's another way of saying your eyes weren't designed for driving. Your peripheral vision is only as good as the size of the object approaching you from the side, such as a truck. Your peripheral vision would not necessarily pick up a cyclist, especially when lost momentarily in the blind spot of a car-door pillar. The lesson here is drivers should always look right and left at least twice before going into an intersection. It also means fully turning your head so your brain processes what your eyes see. For cyclists, it means wearing high-contrast clothing so they can be seen. Flashing lights front and back are a must at dusk and during the night. It also means not only looking at vehicles around you, but at the drivers. If a driver doesn't appear to notice you, or worse, is on a cellphone, play it safe and assume you have not been seen. Also be predictable in your riding. "A lot of people look at it like it's that old expression, 'it's just like riding a bike.' That's not true," said Dave Elmore, director of safety and education for Bike to the Future. "That's balancing a bike. Riding a bike in traffic is a totally different world." *For more information, go to www.londoncyclist.co.uk/raf-pilot-teach-cyclists* Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition January 19, 2013 A4

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