- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Parklets: Measuring impact on sidewalk vitality and neighbourhood businesses
by Beth McKechnie 02 Jun '15

02 Jun '15

Interesting study on parklets from University City District of Philadelphia: *"The Case for Parklets: Measuring the Impact on Sidewalk Vitality and Neighbourhood Businesses"* http://www.universitycity.org/sites/default/files/documents/The%20Case%20fo… Couple of key points that jumped out at me: *Parklets are not just for patrons.* A common concern is that Parklets may be interpreted by potential users as private space intended only for patrons of the adjacent businesses. In fact though, Parklets attracted a large number of non-patron users, with the busiest Parklets attracting the most non-patrons. *Parklet installation coincided with a substantial boost in sales*. The majority of host businesses were able to provide sales data for the one to two weeks preceding and following the installation of their adjacent Parklets2. Among them, the sales impact of the Parklets was substantial: following the introduction of the Parklets, sales were up by an average of 20% (the number of transactions increased by an average of 17% at the two businesses reporting that additional statistic). Several of the reporting businesses had been in operation for less than one year, so it was not possible to compare the year over year change in sales. Based on the typical increase in sales, a new Parklet is likely to pay for itself after just one to two seasons, particularly when multiple businesses benefit from its presence and can share in the cost -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://canadahelps.org/>

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Webinar Reminder: Talking Biking - Language that Defuses Bike Backlashes, Wed, June 3, 2-3pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 02 Jun '15

02 Jun '15

*Just a friendly reminder about tomorrow afternoon's webinar...* Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg invite you to join us for a local viewing of the APBP webinar: *Talking Biking - Language that Defuses Bike Backlashes (Protected Lanes #3).* The webinar viewing takes place in the EcoCentre boardroom (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) and will be followed by group discussion of local applications. If you can't join us, please note that this is a free webinar, so you can register to view it on your own <https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1992998232325245954> or watch the recording at a later date. It will be posted a few days later on apbp.org <http://www.apbp.org/?page=Free_Webinars>. RSVPs appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth ** * * * ** Talking Biking: Language that Defuses Bike Backlashes (Protected Lanes #3) *Wednesday, June 3rd, 2-3pm, EcoCentre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Boardroom* Words shape thoughts. Two skilled communicators from cities that have successfully overcome intense backlashes against bicycle infrastructure will share their tactics and experiences and take your questions. Featuring: - Cathy Tuttle, Executive Director of Seattle Neighborhood Greenways, and - Doug Gordon of BrooklynSpoke.com, in conversation with - PeopleForBikes staff writer Michael Andersen. -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://canadahelps.org/>

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WFP: We're No. 4 (in large Canadian cities) and that's OK (Jun2'15)
by Beth McKechnie 02 Jun '15

02 Jun '15

[Note reference to transit and cycling below, highlighted in yellow.] We're No. 4 (in large Canadian cities) and that's OK By: Kevin Rollason <http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/biographies/305362361.html> http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/were-no-4-in-large-canadian-cities-a… WINNIPEG may have slipped a few spots overall on MoneySense magazine's annual list of the best places to live in Canada, but in terms of big cities, it has gone up a notch in the rankings. And for organizations that promote Winnipeg, that is the key finding. MoneySense, a personal finance magazine, lists Winnipeg as the 24th-best place to live in Canada in 2015 -- a drop from 19th last year, and continuing the city's fall from 16th in 2013, and 10th in 2012. But in terms of the survey's 15 large Canadian cities, Winnipeg jumped up to fourth place from fifth, surpassing Edmonton, which plunged to 33rd from eighth overall in 2014. The centres ahead of Winnipeg are Ottawa, Quebec City and Calgary. Marina James, the CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg Inc., said she believes the large city ranking is the more relevant ranking for Winnipeg. "I'm so pleased we moved from fifth to fourth in big cities," James said Monday. "As an economic development agency we will promote that... I do believe any time we are in the top list it is very valuable for Winnipeg." The annual list puts small-sized Boucherville, Que., as number 1 of 209 Canadian cities to live in, edging out Ottawa. Brandon, in 26th place, is the next Manitoba entry after Winnipeg on the list, climbing up from 42nd. Other listed Manitoba communities are Steinbach at 149 (down from 85), Selkirk at 155 (the first time it has appeared on MoneySense's list), Portage la Prairie at 170 (down from 144) and Thompson at 177 (down from 121). Mark Brown, the author of the article, said Winnipeg mainly dropped down in the rankings because other cities popped up. "If another city has improvements, Winnipeg might be just as good as last year, but you can lose ground," he said. Brown said Winnipeg has several things going for it, including a population growth slightly higher than the national average, good access to health care and public transit, and ease in getting around on bicycle or foot. "You are 30th best for public transit -- that's positive," he said. "And two per cent of your population takes a bicycle to work -- that's really good and puts you 27th in the country." Brown said several Alberta cities have dropped because the massive influx in their populations in recent years have left them struggling to provide public services such as accessible health care. Loren Remillard of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce said in itself a drop to 24th place from 19th is not bad news. "Overall, this is more a case of small and medium-sized cities rocketing up the survey," Remillard said. "These aren't the communities Winnipeg is competing against for community investment... we didn't drop so much as smaller cities (went) up. "Being fourth bodes well for Winnipeg." kevin.rollason(a)freepress.mb.ca *Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 2, 2015 A2*

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Fwd: Pedi-Cab Drivers for The Forks
by Anders Swanson 01 Jun '15

01 Jun '15

I have done this before. It's a lot of fun. But my pedicab days are over. Passing along for anyone interested. I hear the $ can be pretty good. See below ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Darren Downey <Darren.Downey(a)tf-np.ca> Date: Mon, Jun 1, 2015 at 6:04 PM Subject: Pedi-Cab Drivers for The Forks To: "andersswanson(a)gmail.com" <andersswanson(a)gmail.com> Hi Anders, Please see the attached job opportunity at The Forks. You may know some bike enthusiastic people interested in this position. Please share with whomever. Thanks *Darren Downey, CAPP* *Manager, Business Operations and Parking* *The Forks North Portage* *259 - 393 Portage Avenue* *Winnipeg, MB R3B 3H6* *t: 204-987-4381 <204-987-4381>* *f: 204-942-5216 <204-942-5216>*

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Job posting: Pedicab Drivers for The Forks
by Beth McKechnie 01 Jun '15

01 Jun '15

Hi everyone, The Forks is hiring 4-6 weekend pedicab drivers (riders?) this summer. Please share widely. thanks, Beth -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://canadahelps.org/>

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WFP: The concrete canvas - A look at how the city paints Winnipeg's streets (May30'15)
by Beth McKechnie 01 Jun '15

01 Jun '15

THE CONCRETE CANVASA LOOK AT HOW THE CITY PAINTS WINNIPEG'S STREETS by Kristen Annable http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/special/featured/The-concrete-canvas-30547… The roads of Winnipeg take a beating every winter, from the layers of sand to the scrapping of snowplows. Then, when the snow melts away, an empty canvas is revealed, one where lane markings have been scrubbed clean. Figuring out where one lane ends and the next begins is Winnipeg’s own version of the video game *Frogger*. Eventually a team of city workers makes its way across Winnipeg and paints over the faded lines, creating a motorist’s masterpiece, where each lane, intersection and bike route is clearly marked. Then winter arrives, erasing their hard work. Come spring, they are back it again. The Free Press set out to examine this annual ritual, by meeting the crews behind the scenes and examining the reality of why Winnipeg’s lane markings disappear. And raising the question: is there not a better way? The short answer? Yes. The long answer? It’s a lot more complex. The nuts and bolts The city is responsible for painting about 1,000 kilometres of road and 1,061 intersections every year, usually once in the spring and again in the fall. Heavy-volume roads such as Main Street or Portage Avenue are often painted three times a year. Winnipeg’s disappearing lane markings are just another product of our harsh winter climate, explains the city’s superintendent of traffic services. Wes Delaney, who has devoted most of his professional life to organizing lane-painting in some capacity, probably understands the science that goes into painting roads and highways better than most Manitobans. "Our climate here sucks for painting. We have a short window to get all this done by November and then, of course, the snow hits and the sanders are out — that is the worst thing for the road paint: the sand," he says. "It is sandpaper grinding it off all winter long, until there is nothing left and then the plows come out and rip it all up." [image: The city paints more than 1,000 kilometres of road each year, going through 66,700 litres of paint.] <http://media.winnipegfreepress.com/images/30d8_road8.jpg> TYLER WALSH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The city paints more than 1,000 kilometres of road each year, going through 66,700 litres of paint. Also, the snow-clearing practice of scraping right to the concrete plays a role, he explains. Like most cities in North America, Winnipeg uses a quick-dry alkyd paint, and what it lacks in durability, it makes up for in low price. With the current technology and a crew of three workers, the city can do about 10 kilometres an hour, at a cost of about 38 cents a metre for the paint. It has an annual budget of about $1.1 million and goes through 66,700 litres of paint. The city tried to experiment with latex paint, which is slightly cheaper and what the province typically uses for its highways; however, the constant criss-crossing traffic created a mess of the roads, Delaney says. The city has one truck devoted to the task. It operates throughout the spring and summer, four days a week, once it gets warm enough for the paint to stick. Since May 4, city crews have been out in full force, beginning with priority routes such as high-traffic parts of Main Street or Pembina Highway and bridges such as Provencher. Next up are the Priority 2 roads, including Henderson Highway and the downtown core, before the rest of the city’s major and minor roads are tackled. It takes the crew until June just to finish the Priority 1 roads. Three times between May 4 and November, Winnipeggers will see the crew back at Main Street and other high-traffic stretches, painting them again and again, in hopes the lines will survive the winter. [image: A truck speeds down Regent Avenue, painting lane markers en route.] <http://media.winnipegfreepress.com/images/150506-STREET_PAINTER1_1920.jpg> PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A truck speeds down Regent Avenue, painting lane markers en route. The crew At first glance, it looks as if only one worker, driving a large truck with two paint guns attached, is responsible for marking Winnipeg’s streets. But it takes more precision and manpower than that. The driver is more like an air-traffic controller to the two "pilots" who are hidden in the back compartment and who make sure the solid lines are painted solid, the dotted lines are dotted and the yellow paint goes where it should go. They are the artists of the roads you drive every day. And some, such as Frank Warenko, have been around for a decade, repainting the same streets every year, sometimes two or three times. "Ten years too long — the grey is starting to come from onto the road and into the hair," the veteran lane-liner operator jokes, one eye focused on the live camera in front of him, letting him know what is ahead. Warenko eases through the job of painting a stretch of Pembina Highway, paint throttle in hand, listening through his headset as the crew chief warns him of shifts in the road up ahead. The truck uses a laser to line up with existing lanes, allowing the crew to put down a fresh new coat, with colour, thickness and length based partially on their institutional knowledge and partially on the warnings of the crew chief. Only a foot separates Warenko and his lane-painting partner Bruce Evans in the cramped back cab, where the large computer system takes up most of the space. <http://media.winnipegfreepress.com/images/150506-STREET_PAINTER2_1920.jpg> PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS "It is all automatic; we have three computers and everything is set by it and you adjust it by values and measures," Warenko says. The truck travels about 20 kilometres an hour, as Corey Bakker, the driver and crew chief, warns Warenko and Evans of upcoming changes, such as a switch from a dotted to solid line. Warenko then turns to his computer in front of him and chooses from multiple options — dotted, yellow, bus lanes, bike paths or double lines — with the turn of dial. Meanwhile, their live cameras can switch from viewing the road ahead or to looking behind at the completed work. Bakker has the lane painter’s bible, a detailed book that can tell him at a glance what colour to use, whether it is a regular lane, a bike lane or a specialty turning lane. It is his job to relay the information to the crews in the back, to make sure the concrete canvas is painted properly. Once it’s the proper road temperature — the paint guns won’t even fire until it’s in the range — and they have reached the right spot in the road, Bakker radios to Warenko that the magic is about to begin. "Now," Warenko says, partially to himself, but also to Evans and Bakker. The system is similar to the way the city’s sanding trucks work, but in this case, it monitors paint and bead levels. [image: Denis Bouchard paints road lines on University Crescent near the Investors Group Field.] <http://media.winnipegfreepress.com/images/150525_LINE_PAINTING013_193.jpg> BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Denis Bouchard paints road lines on University Crescent near the Investors Group Field. Time-delayed glass beads are released after the paint comes out. This gives Winnipeg’s roads their reflective quality — crucial for nighttime visibility. Winnipeg goes through more than 4,000 kilograms of these beads in a year. The paint truck is the only one the city owns and Warenko, Bakker, Evans and Delaney dream of the day the city invests in a second machine. At over $500,000, it is an expensive investment, but a wise one, Delaney says. "We could just get into the city and do a lot of places all at once," he says. "We could have one crew in one area, and one doing the other." A second truck would also cut down on the number of complaints he receives, because it would take less time after the spring melt to get the job done. It takes the crews about 24 weeks to complete the entire process, including eight to 10 weeks just to paint the city’s intersections. A better way? It costs the city $1,100 per kilometre of road it paints every year, a number that will continue to climb as Winnipeg grows. Some cities, such as Calgary and Saskatoon, are experimenting with more durable markings, tape and inlaid thermoplastic that will survive winter’s sand and snow to remain on roads for years at a time. However, the cost difference is astronomical, Delaney says. Saskatoon set out to find just how astronomical the difference is between painting annually versus choosing a durable option that can last five or 10 years. Using a 10-year estimate, the city determined it would cost at least double for a 10-year inlaid thermoplastic or five-year plastic durable marking, compared with painting each year. 'The big advantage is from a safety perspective. Drivers can clearly delineate between the lines, year-round.' — Angela Gardiner, on more durable line markings <http://www.twitter.com/share?text=%27The+big+advantage+is+from+a+safety+per…> Despite that, the city decided to double its durable-paint budget to $500,000 and is doing 27 kilometres of durable five-or 10-year marking this year, targeting its arterial roads. Angela Gardiner, manager of Saskatoon’s transportation branch, says it was not a hard decision — because you can’t put a price on increasing residents’ safety. "The big advantage is from a safety perspective. Drivers can clearly delineate between the lines, year-round," she says. "It is difficult to put a cost on a collision; there is a definitely a benefit to continue to expand." The city will be focusing on various roads and freeway entrances, but it must factor in the city’s road-repair plan, too, because it makes little sense to put a five-year marking on a road that is going to be torn up, she says. "It is a bit of a puzzle putting all this together," Gardiner says. The year-round safety benefits, compared with less disruption to traffic each year, all make switching away from paint an easy-sounding solution, other than the money factor, Delaney says. "It is in the millions, I have never even thought it out yet. But it would astronomical," he says. "If we had the budget to do that, we would definitely do it." It is not just the price per kilometre, but also the intense labour costs involved with either going with a tape or thermoplastic. It would require either several new, expensive trucks or having crews shut down entire sections of roads while they apply the tape manually. In a 2013 trial, a three-kilometre stretch of Pembina Highway south of Bishop Grandin Boulevard was lined with 3M tape, a durable marking that can last about five to seven years. It is holding up well, so far. However, it took about four days to lay down the tape, versus the 20 minutes it would take to paint the same section. The city plans to extend this stretch of 3M tape by a further one to three kilometres this summer. [image: Crews from the City of Winnipeg and Promark Line Painting attended a demonstration by Ennis-Flint, a traffic safety solutions company ,as they applied a green methyl methacrylate (MMA) or durable pavement marking to highlight the bicycle path along Pembina Highway.] <http://media.winnipegfreepress.com/images/150526-ROAD-PAINT-01_193196.jpg> MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Crews from the City of Winnipeg and Promark Line Painting attended a demonstration by Ennis-Flint, a traffic safety solutions company ,as they applied a green methyl methacrylate (MMA) or durable pavement marking to highlight the bicycle path along Pembina Highway. Also, about one kilometre on Pembina Highway, north of Bishop Grandin, is being tested with methyl methacrylate (MMA) paint, a more durable paint similar to the epoxy paint used by Calgary that lasts five years. This week, crews returned to Pembina Highway to further test using MMA by painting a 20-foot green bike path marker near Chancellor Drive. The cost? About $1,000. Eventually, the hope is to use the MMA paint on bicycle lanes downtown, Delaney says. The MMA paint is highly visible — about eight times the reflectiveness of regular paint — and provides added traction for bike tires. "We are going to test it for the summer to see how it pans out and holds up." If the budget allowed for it, Delaney says he would "love" to see heavily travelled roads such as Main Street outfitted with 3M tape. "It’d be great, especially because it is new concrete along Main Street, so the paint really doesn’t stick," Delaney says. "It is always there for you. That is what you want — it is there in spring, summer, winter." In cities where there is less snow, such as Hamilton, road paint tends to last longer, but officials there are still keeping an eye on a more practical solution. Kris Jacobson, Hamilton’s superintendent of traffic operations, says there is a knowledge gap when it comes to installing and maintaining durable markings in a cost-effective manner. "We are beginning to see that the costs are starting to come in line. (But) is the technology advancing to the point where it does make sense to do this? Pricing, expertise with the equipment is starting to get there," he says. "Probably in the next couple of years, we will see a shift and it will become more cost effective." A spokeswoman for CAA Manitoba says they are supportive of using more durable paint, so drivers are better able to "follow the rules of the road." "It could help cut down on driver frustration, confusion and preventable accidents," Liz Kulyk says. "This may mean a larger upfront investment, but if it means lines are visible all year and don’t have to be repainted as often, it’s something CAA would support." Coun. Janice Lukes, the chairwoman for the city’s public works committee, agrees the stretch of her ward on Pembina Highway looks great and is much better for motorists. However, the St. Norbert councillor believes Winnipeggers want to see their roads repaired before the city spends the money on durable paint. Once the city gets a better handle on its infrastructure deficit, she fully supports moving towards more durable markings on the arterial roads. "You give a person a choice: do you want a nicely painted road or do you want a road that actually functions? You are going to want a road that functions," she says. "Right now, where this city is at with infrastructure, I would hazard to say that having functional roads, not full of potholes, is more important than inlaid paint on the road." kristin.annable(a)freepress.mb.ca

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

29 May '15

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

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

28 May '15

In case you haven't seen it, here's the latest issue of Active & Green. If you'd like to subscribe or see back issues, here you go <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/active-green/>. Or please share with your networks: http://eepurl.com/bnrUqX Tucked into one of the stories is a recent popular blog post on avoiding helmet hair <http://greenactioncentre.ca/living-green-living-well/oh-no-helmet-hair/>. thanks, Beth Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. <http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&id=936a2c1984…> *A better way to go* Want to improve commuter options at your workplace? We can help <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> . <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> ------------------------------ Are you registered? It's time for the Commuter Challenge! May 31 to June 6. Be sure that your workplace is registered and that you are signed up as an employee. There are awesome prizes <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> to be won. Visit our website for full details <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>. ------------------------------ *7 excuses not to ride your bike* There are many great reasons to try cycling to work <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. But you may have some concerns or barriers that seem insurmountable. Check out 7 common barriers <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> (and how to overcome them). ------------------------------ *Commuting with kids: Panel discussion* Do you want to try an active or green commute, but feel limited because you also need to transport your children? Join us for a lunchtime panel discussion during Bike Week on Commuting With Kids <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. Hear from folks who face the same hurdles as you, and get some hints and tips to incorporate active transportation into your lifestyle! Lunch hour, Thursday, June 18th, at the Millennium Library. Full details here <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>. ------------------------------ *Share your cycling concerns* Is there a stretch of your bike commute that you find is poorly designed or dangerous? Tell the Free Press about it. They are collecting data and mapping troublesome areas. Check it out <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> and contribute! ------------------------------ *Upcoming Events* *Bike to School Month & Clean Air Day* <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> May 4 - June 3 *Commuter Challenge* <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> May 31 - June 6 *Clean Air Day On The Bridge* <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> 7-9am, Wednesday, June 3 *Bike Week Winnipeg* <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> June 13 - 19 *Commuting With Kids: Panel* <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> Noon-1pm, Thursday, June 18 ------------------------------ Like what you read? Check out some back issues <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> . *Winnipeg Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies* The strategies, which await approval from City Council, will help guide development over the next two decades, making it easier and more comfortable for all ages and abilities to walk and bike in the city. Here are our Top 10 Reasons <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> for Council to officially adopt the plan! *Hit the trails running* Green Action Centre employees are once again taking part in the David Suzuki 30x30 Challenge <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. For the month of May, this challenge encourages individuals to get outdoors for 30 minutes every day. Follow #30x30Challenge, #natureiscalling and #greenaction on Twitter. Staffer Mel Marginet shares why she ditched the treadmill to hit the trails <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> ! *Carpool = sustainable too* If walking, cycling or taking the bus doesn't work for you, how about carpooling? It's easy to do but there are a few guidelines to help ensure you have a good experience. Check out our carpooling tips <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> [pdf] such as how to find a partner and setting expectations. Equally important is figuring out a fair cost sharing arrangement <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>. Not convinced it will work for you? Check out this story <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> of one car pool adventure that was so successful, the co-workers involved decided to buy a van together! *"Back door, please!"* If you've ridden the bus in Winnipeg, you've probably heard it. Possibly numerous times a ride. The panicked rider who can't open the back door and is afraid of being swept to the next stop. "Back door, please. BACK DOOR!" To help, we've put together this post <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>on all of the exiting options and ranked them from best to worst. Give it a read, and recommend it to new transit users. *See you on the bridge* Stop in at our tent on Wednesday, June 3, for Clean Air Day on the Bridge <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>! We'll be out on the Legislative grounds, just north of the Osborne Bridge. Bring your travel mug for some coffee, get some quick tune-ups done on your bike, and grab a tasty treat from Tall Grass Prairie <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. Yum. We'll be there from 7:00-9:00 AM, as part of Commuter Challenge <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> week. You are receiving this email because you are an Active & Green subscriber. Our mailing address is: Green Action Centre 3-303 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B4 Canada Copyright (C) 2015 Green Action Centre All rights reserved. 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2 minutes of awesome
by Stacy Matwick 28 May '15

28 May '15

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Please Share
by David Pensato 28 May '15

28 May '15

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

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