- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Sou'Wester - New Active Transportation Projects Coming
by Shoni Litinsky 12 Jun '13

12 Jun '13

New active transportation projects coming By: Jenny Gerbasi— Fort rouge east fort garry city councillor Ward report http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/souwester/New-active-trans… Lately we are hearing a lot about the costly challenge of fixing our city’s infrastructure. In times like this, it is more important than ever to invest scarce resources in the areas that make sense in terms of cost/benefit and in how they affect our quality of life. It has been argued that it is … [View More]better to fix your roof before you build an addition to your house. For that reason, I believe that fixing our existing roads and bridges should be a higher priority than building new and wider roads to developing areas on the edge of the city. Another key priority ought to be building transportation alternatives, such as rapid transit, safe cycling infrastructure, and walking options through the built environment. People will continue to drive cars in Winnipeg, so we need to repair our existing roads, but through smart investment and good planning we can reduce congestion and wear-and-tear on the roads, support healthier lifestyles and reduce the climate change threat. Quality of life is improved when people have convenient and accessible transportation alternatives. Improvements in transportation alternatives also encourage new development and business to thrive in existing neighbourhoods and our downtown, where city services already are in place. Sometimes it can be small investments that make a big difference. Recently the idea of a U-Pass for students was endorsed in principle by the public works committee and will be considered for implementation in the 2014 budget process. Most major cities support programs like this, which result in a huge jump in student transit use, affordability, reducedcongestion and less parking issues. Transit ridership improves in the long-term as U-Pass programs encourage a change in lifelong transit habits. There are a few new projects coming on the active transportation front as well, including extensive neighbourhood-based public consultations in the Wildwood, Point Road, and Crescent Park Neighbourhoods this year, to get input into the planning and design of Active Transportation infrastructure for 2014. To improve pedestrian safety, several pedestrian countdown signals have been installed at a number of key intersections. The first few have gone in on Portage Avenue downtown and at River and Osborne. Making our city safer and better designed for people of all ages and abilities to walk, cycle, bus, carpool, care-share or drive (if we must) is part of making our lives happier and healthier. -- *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/> [View Less]

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UPDATE - AT and the Investors Group Field
by Janice Lukes 11 Jun '13

11 Jun '13

Exciting AT times in the south end of Winnipeg! Tomorrow is the first pre-season Bombers game at Investors Group Field where we will observe the results of hundreds of hours of transportation planning by many many people and transportation professionals. NOTING that - everyone expects there will be a need for some refinement - and FEEDBACK is key to refinements. YOUR FEEDBACK: IF you are attending the game - and using AT - PLEASE feel free to send me any feedback jlukes(a)shaw.ca … [View More] I will ensure it is brought forward when the Event Day Advisory Committee meets later this month. Email is best - I will keep it anonymous. See attached AT excerpts from a survey that will be posted on http://investorsgroupfield.ca/ for a limited time - after each event. AT UPDATE: I may be biased - but the effort I've seen put forward from all three partners related to AT - has been nothing short of stellar. Considering the status of AT at the outset - compared to now - simply stellar. Here is my perspective / update: University of Manitoba - AT Support: HUGE HUGE HUGE and many Thank You's to Michelle Richard and the University of Manitoba team for taking the lead on improving way finding signage and pathway accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists attending events at the Investors Group Field. And these improvements are just an interim solution to what is being planned for by the U of M the coming years as part of a much larger active transportation plan! . Wayfinding signage is being installed today / tomorrow for cyclists & pedestrians . Trailhead type maps are being installed at key access points onto the campus . Bike parking locations are clearly identified all over campus . Gates are now permanently open on the Southwood lands / trails . Pathways on the Southwood lands have been upgraded enabling improved access . And the commitment to continue refining post events Blue Bombers - AT Support: Jim Bell, Kelly Kowalchuk and the Bombers planning team have been outstanding and extremely supportive of Active Transportation to improve the fan experience! . The installation of just over 400 PERMANENT bike parking racks on the upper deck of the stadium (ok - this is a city building requirement - BUT they are installed for opening and were not put on the 'list to do later') photo attached . The decision to place the BIKE VALET in a very convenient and highly visible location directly alongside the stadium - north east wall . The promotion of AT in tons of their 'public statements' and promo materials . The respect and openness given to listening and acting on AT concerns around the boardroom advisory table City of Winnipeg - AT Support: Patti Regan, Justin Swandel and team have been very supportive - . Ensuring there is an Event Day Advisory Committee to guide transportation related to the Investors Group Field . Ensuring an active transportation position /alternate position on the Event Day Advisory Committee . Ensuring key pathway connections will occur this construction season to improve safety / connectivity . And for fielding the many many many points & concerns brought forward by the AT rep & alternates J AT SUPPORTERS: A huge thank you to all the AT supporters who have voluntarily provided additional guidance to myself and the alternates - Anders / Mark / Jeremy / Tom / Kevin L / Shoni / Charles / Beth when asked - often on a moment's notice! Can't wait till tomorrow! Janice Lukes 952-4222 [View Less]

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FW: Ride with the Mayor Tomorrow + News for Cycling Families!
by Dave Elmore 10 Jun '13

10 Jun '13

Sorry for the additional email but just in case you didn't get this. Thanks Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X) From: Bike to Work Day Winnipeg [mailto:andraea.sartison@biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org] Sent: June-10-13 3:35 PM To: dave(a)greenactioncentre.ca Subject: Ride with the Mayor Tomorrow + News for Cycling Families! <http://r20.rs6.net/on.jsp?t=1113745734811.0.1112227710529.56&ts=S0915&r=3&o =http://ui.constantcontact.com/images/p1x1.gif> … [View More]

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Save Our Seine Invites Applications for Executive Director
by Beth McKechnie 10 Jun '13

10 Jun '13

Save Our Seine <http://saveourseine.com/> invites applications for the position of Executive Director. A highly organized person with strong communication, project planning and fund raising skills is needed to assist in implementing our stewardship and awareness initiatives. The position begins in September 2013 and lasts for at least 14 months. Applications are due by July 15, 2013. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the operations of a respected, results oriented, grass … [View More]

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Bike to Work Day Media Launch
by Dave Elmore 10 Jun '13

10 Jun '13

Just a reminder to let you know that the media launch for Bike to Work Day is tomorrow (Tuesday June 11) starting at noon at City Hall. Bring your bike and help us launch our 6th annual event. Please circulate widely and let's get lots of bikes out. Thanks Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X)

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G&M: Why Toronto is putting pedestrians first (Jun8'13)
by Beth McKechnie 09 Jun '13

09 Jun '13

Why Toronto is putting pedestrians first OLIVER MOORE The Globe and Mail | Published Saturday, Jun. 08 2013, 6:00 AM EDT http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/a-step-toward-safer-streets/art… The car’s status is so established that many question those who get in its way. But after a century-long reign by the automobile, Chicago has overthrown its primacy. The city, whose history and size often leads to comparisons with Toronto, unveiled a new policy this year which says explicitly … [View More]that pedestrians are most important. Their needs are to be given default priority in the planning, building and maintenance of the city’s streetscape. The formal hierarchy puts transit second and bicycles third. Motor vehicles come last. In Toronto – where huge transit plans threaten to overshadow simpler solutions for moving people, the mayor trumpets a pro-car line, and pedestrian collisions have been largely consistent for years – walking advocates and city staff are watching Chicago’s example keenly. Prioritizing pedestrians is an innovative idea based on a simple reality: Nearly all residents walk. “We’re committing to put the pedestrian first,” explains Gabe Klein, Chicago’s commissioner of transportation. “And that’s not just any pedestrian. That’s children, the elderly and disabled people. You design for them, it’ll inherently be safe for the rest of us.” Mr. Klein was in Toronto recently for a series of events related to active transportation. With time running out on his visit, he sat for an interview on the way to the airport. In the back of the car, the unabashed urbanist discussed his love of ska and Vespas, praised Toronto’s vitality and streetcar network and explained why Chicago takes walking so seriously. “The transit user is also a pedestrian, the cyclist is also a pedestrian, the auto user is also a pedestrian,” he said. “If the pedestrian is safe, the other modes are safe.” As a concrete example of the new approach, Mr. Klein laid out the sorts of physical changes that can be done to narrow a road, minimizing the distance pedestrians must go to cross and also putting a damper on vehicle speeds. More subtly, drivers can also be encouraged to slow down by road striping that creates the illusion of a smaller space. These ideas are among a number of new approaches to pedestrian safety that are emerging around the world. Much of this is rooted in a shift in philosophy: now, walkers’ deaths cannot be dismissed as unavoidable accidents. Many changes stem from research showing that pedestrians have a 95 per cent chance of surviving a collision with a vehicle going 20 miles per hour but only a 15 per cent chance of surviving if hit at 40 miles per hour. The Safe Streets plan in London, England notes that parts of the city where speeds were limited to 20 miles per hour saw a 42 per cent reduction in casualties and says that these lower limits will be coming to more streets. The plan accepts that people can be “unpredictable” and argues for the system to be redesigned so that “road users are not subjected to impact energy levels sufficient to cause fatal or serious, disabling injury.” In Freiburg, Germany, in the neighbourhood of Vauban, speeds are strictly controlled and parking is extremely expensive, to discourage car use. And in the United States, Washington state has made it easier for municipalities to cut speed limits. In Toronto, too, there is a growing recognition that pedestrianism is crucial to a good urban environment. “It’s about offering a really high quality of life,” said Toronto chief planner Jennifer Keesmaat, who is keen to spread density and create more walkable neighbourhoods. “There’s really a whole series of things that we value – like our health, like clean air and water, like having a strong sense of community – that are all linked in together with a pedestrian city or a pedestrian community. So the cool thing about walking is that it responds to, or generates, a whole variety of positive attributes in a community that we generally agree are desired.” Toronto’s walkability varies greatly, though, and in many parts of the city people on foot face a too-risky daily reality. Although pedestrian deaths have been cut in half in the last two decades, the number of people hit by vehicles remains stubbornly steady at around 2,200 annually. City research shows that pedestrians crossing arterial roads outside the downtown core are most likely to be hit. It’s not clear why, but theories point to wider roads, which take longer to cross; faster vehicle speeds, which mean less time to react; and drivers who are less accustomed to pedestrians. Road design may also be a factor. Staff have scoured the data to identify the riskiest spots and are working to craft individual improvements for the 10 most dangerous intersections. And in a small detail that speaks to evolving attitudes, transportation staff who tackle these problems tend to avoid the term “accident.” “Accident implies that … those involved don’t want to take responsibility for it,” said Mike Brady, manager of traffic safety in the city’s transportation department. “Each one of these is preventable. Something has failed.” He prefers the term “collision,” a distinction that is increasingly common among transportation experts and law enforcement, including the Toronto Police Service. Although the difference between an accident and a collision may seem semantic, it gets at the idea of responsibility and blame. The city’s core, which is congested, tends to be safer. Streets are generally narrower, drivers usually can’t go too fast and there’s a greater sense that pedestrians are a legitimate part of the streetscape. Scramble intersections at two key downtown corners give the whole zone over to pedestrians, allowing them to cross in all directions. Pedestrian status reaches its peak in Kensington Market, probably the only area of Toronto where people on foot come close to having full equality. Here, walkers mingle freely with people riding bicycles, on skateboards and driving cars. In a vaguely anarchic dance – one that can, admittedly, bring tensions – the sheer mass of pedestrians spilling onto the road forces other users to slow down. The situation in this neighbourhood bears close resemblance to a *woonerf*. The Dutch concept, which means “living yard,” does away with curbs and essentially turns the roadway into pedestrian space. Motorists are allowed to enter if they drive at walking pace. Although Kensington evolved organically, formally planned *woonerf* –like areas are coming to Toronto. A version of the idea, albeit one with rolled curbs, is being included at a new development in the West Don Lands, and something similar is being installed near St. Lawrence Market. “Enhancements around active transportation … do, in most cases, benefit all users,” said Fiona Chapman, manager of pedestrian projects at the city’s transportation department. “If you have good active transportation options … then maybe people are less likely to take their car for short trips.” *WHERE CARS AND PEDESTRIANS COLLIDE* *Where there are transit stops, and nearby attractions that draw pedestrians.* Sheppard Avenue East at Provost Drive (#1) in North York is an example, with Ikea, other retail, a medical centre and condominium towers all near the corner. *Where “excess capacity” leads to speeding.* Wide, flat roads with little traffic invite faster driving, which is dangerous to pedestrians; this is the case at #2, St.Dennis Drive and Deauville Lane in Flemingdon Park. *Where “elderly demand” is high.* The city assigns a score for the number of elderly people who use an intersection; Neilson Road and McLevin Avenue, in Malvern, scores 4.5 out of 5. *THE CITY’S TOOLKIT: HOW TO FIX THEM* The city is considering some of these changes to improve different intersections. Paint *zebra markings and stop bars* on all four approaches into the intersection. Put *solid lines on the road surface*, to guide drivers into the correct lane as they turn. *Make walk signals longer* to give people more time to cross; add pedestrian-activated traffic signals. *Install signs* to remind drivers to pay attention to pedestrians crossing. Add “ l*eading pedestrian intervals* ” – signals for pedestrians to cross when other traffic must stop. *Move a bus stop *across an intersection to reduce conflicts between pedestrians and drivers. [View Less]

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John Stewart on the new Citi Bike program in NY
by Dave Elmore 07 Jun '13

07 Jun '13

Thought you might enjoy this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Kz14vP-vUEU Thanks Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X)

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Fwd: North Perimeter Active Transit Consultation
by Anders Swanson 06 Jun '13

06 Jun '13

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: *Sigrun Bailey* Date: Thursday, June 6, 2013 Subject: Fwd: North Perimeter Active Transit Hello Folks,**** ** ** On behalf of Erna Braun, MLA for Rossmere, I’d like to invite you all to a public consultation regarding Active Transit at the North Perimeter Highway. **** ** ** Thursday, June 27, 2013**** 4:30 – 7:45**** Covenant Christian Reformed Church (653 Knowles Ave) **** ** ** Please pass this invite along to anyone who may be … [View More]

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MPI NEWS RELEASE Cycling Safety Awareness Campaign
by Reaney, Vicky (MLG) 06 Jun '13

06 Jun '13

http://www.mpi.mb.ca/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/Pages/NR2013June03.aspx Cycling safety awareness campaign aimed at reducing injuries and fatalities ─ Manitoba Public Insurance On average, three cyclists are killed and more than 250 injured yearly in Manitoba as the result of being involved in a crash with an automobile. With the commitment to reduce these numbers, Manitoba Public Insurance, in conjunction with government, launched a comprehensive safety and educational campaign today aimed at … [View More]both cyclists and drivers. "Road safety is an issue that matters a great deal to Manitobans," said Andrew Swan, minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance. "Enhancing the road safety relationship between cyclists and drivers is a positive step towards the ultimate goal of reducing collisions, fatalities and injuries." Manitoba Public Insurance's website contains detailed safety information for cyclists, in addition to safety materials which are distributed by bike shops throughout the province. "We recognize that sharing the road is a two-way street, used by both cyclists and motorists," said MaryAnn Kempe, vice-president, Community & Corporate Relations, Manitoba Public Insurance. "This campaign will supplement current awareness programs for road users, including our 'Safety on Wheels' presentation, bike safety presentations in classrooms and on-road training through the corporation's Cycling Champion's Program." Over 65 per cent of bicycle/vehicle collisions occur at intersections, according to Manitoba Public Insurance data. The month-long campaign will utilize a variety of advertising and communication tools, emphasizing the importance of drivers and cyclists showing mutual courtesy, respect and good judgment. Motorist Safety Tips · Depending on debris and other road hazards, cyclists may need to ride closer to the middle of the lane. Motorists should exercise extra caution when approaching a cyclist, give them sufficient space, and never tailgate. · Always watch for cyclists when approaching intersections, turning left or right, or when changing lanes. · When passing a cyclist, motorists are encouraged to leave a distance of at least one metre between their vehicle and the cyclist. Depending on circumstances, this may require changing lanes to pass safely. · Additional rules of the road can be found on the Manitoba Public Insurance website<http://www.mpi.mb.ca/en/PDFs/AdultsCyclingBooklet.pdf>. Cycling Safety Tips · Wear an approved cycling helmet. In Manitoba, cyclists under the age of 18 are required by law to wear one. Statistics report that nearly 70 per cent of cyclists killed or injured in a collision with a vehicle were not wearing a helmet. · Stay safe by wearing reflective clothing and using hand signals to indicate their riding intentions. · Observe all traffic signals. · While travelling on the road, be observant at all times of other traffic, including vehicles and pedestrians. Be prepared for the unexpected, including road construction and debris. [View Less]

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FW: Manitoba News Release: Province Supports Active Transportation Through New Safety and Public Awareness Initiatives: Lemieux, Swan
by Reaney, Vicky (MLG) 06 Jun '13

06 Jun '13

http://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?archive=2013-06-01&item=17511 June 3, 2013 PROVINCE SUPPORTS ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION THROUGH NEW SAFETY AND PUBLIC AWARENESS INITIATIVES: LEMIEUX, SWAN A new road safety public awareness campaign is being launched by the province to encourage drivers and cyclists to be more aware of each other while travelling on Manitoba's streets and roads, Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux and Justice Minister Andrew Swan, minister responsible for Manitoba … [View More]Public Insurance (MPI), announced today. "Our government is committed to ensuring the safety of all road users," said Lemieux. "Any fatality or serious injury is tragic, and we need to continue to find ways to prevent such occurrences. We will continue to improve the safety of cyclists and pedestrians so that more Manitobans enjoy the health, environmental and financial benefits of engaging in active transportation." "The province is committed to making active transportation a safe and viable transportation choice. We work closely with MPI and other stakeholders to raise awareness of safety issues affecting vulnerable road users," said Swan. "This campaign will provide helpful tips to both motorists and cyclists that can make travel safer." The campaign will run through the month of June to create awareness about safe ways to share the road while driving and cycling. It will also promote cycling as a healthy, active form of transportation. The ministers noted that interest and participation in active transportation is increasing. While walking is the most common form of active transportation, the number of people choosing to walk or cycle is on the rise in Canadian cities of all sizes. In Winnipeg, cycling increased 67 per cent between 2007 and 2012. "Sharing the road is a two-way street, used by both cyclists and motorists," said MaryAnn Kempe, vice-president, community and corporate relations, Manitoba Public Insurance. "Whether a motorist or cyclist, we are all expected to show courtesy and respect for our fellow road users. By putting important safety tips into practice, we can do our part to reduce risk and avoid bicycle-vehicle collisions." Provincial initiatives to increase the safety factor of cyclists and motor vehicles sharing the road include: * introducing legislation to require helmets for youth under 18; * updating provincial legislation enabling municipalities to develop a variety of cycle ways and allowing local traffic authorities to establish lowered speed limits in school zones; * providing over 89,000 low-cost helmets to families including over 8,000 no-cost helmets to families in need; * expanding training for drivers and cyclists, and ensuring they have up-to-date information about how to share the road through driver's training and programs such as CAN-BIKE and MPI's Cycling Champions; and * working with safety partners such as school divisions, health authorities, law enforcement and non-profit organizations to deliver programs such as Active and Safe Routes to School, Safe Kids Week and the We Caught You Using Your Head campaign. "Increasing safety and awareness is something we all have to work at together," said Swan. "Education, training, enhanced legislation and infrastructure improvements are all part of a broad strategy to keep our roads safer." "Manitoba has made significant strides in all these areas and will continue to work with our various road safety partners in the public, not-for-profit, private, health and enforcement communities to do so," added Lemieux. In Manitoba in 2010, there were a total of 7,130 victims of traffic collisions. Pedestrians accounted for six per cent of all fatalities and cyclists accounted for four per cent. In 2010, there were 770 nonvehicle occupants injured in traffic collisions and of these 50 per cent were pedestrians and 34 per cent were cyclists. [View Less]

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