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Canada failing cyclists and pedestrians, U.N. report finds
by Dave Elmore 14 Mar '13

14 Mar '13

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/03/14/canada_failing_cyclists_and_pedes trians_un_report_finds.html Canada failing cyclists and pedestrians, U.N. report finds Canada says the right things but needs to take action to protect vulnerable road users, according to a new WHO report. A United Nations' reports says Canada is failing behind when it comes to developing policy to protect vulnerable road users. By: Kristen E. Courtney Special to the Star, Published on Thu Mar 14 2013 Canada is falling to the back of the pack when it comes to policies aimed at protecting vulnerable road users, according to a new report released by the World Health Organization. While 77 per cent of United Nations countries carry out safety audits to ensure the safety of road infrastructure projects for cyclists and pedestrians, Canada does not, and is contributing to a concerning trend of countries promoting alternative forms of transportation without ensuring their safety, according to the Global Status Report on Road Safety <http://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/road_safety_status/2013/en/in dex.html> . While studies have consistently shown what types of walking and cycling infrastructure are needed to improve road safety, including safe routes and crossings for pedestrians, slower traffic speeds, and dedicated cycling lanes, policies are not in place to ensure that these are incorporated into road infrastructure projects, according to the report. Eleanor McMahon, founder of Ontario's Share the Road Cycling Coalition <http://www.sharetheroad.ca/> , says she's not surprised that Canada is falling behind, as all too often the debate over road infrastructure in Canada becomes less about safety and more about playing politics. <http://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2012/04/23/cyclists_steer_through_pol itical_minefield.html> This is a familiar refrain to Toronto drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, where "war on the car" <http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2009/05/24/road_wars_can_cyclists_and_motor ists_get_along.html> rhetoric seems to rear its head every time a new road construction or reconstruction project reignites the battle for a slice of the street. "We shouldn't be having this conversation about cycling infrastructure as if cyclists were a special interest group. They are not a special interest group; they are everyday people getting from point A to point B. and all of these deaths are preventable," McMahon says. The good news is that overall road deaths around the world are down slightly, to 1.24 million per year from 1.3 million per year since the previous Global Status Report on Road Safety in 2009 <http://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/road_safety_status/2009/en/> . Canada mirrors this trend, with overall annual road deaths falling to 2,227 from 2,889. However, 27 per cent of global road traffic deaths are among pedestrians and cyclists, which has Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization, concerned: "To date, these road users have been neglected in transport and planning policy. The world must now increase its focus on making walking and cycling safer, and protecting these road users from high-speed traffic." One of the three key recommendations emerging from the report is that concerted effort is needed to make road infrastructure safer for pedestrians and cyclists, by taking the needs of these road users into account <http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/03/14/canada_failing_cyclists_and_pede strians_un_report_finds.html> earlier, when road safety, policy, transport planning and land use decisions are made. The report places a particular emphasis on the conduct of formal audits of new and existing road infrastructure projects - by independent assessors not involved in the planning or construction - to minimize crash risk and the potential consequences for all road users. Such audits can produce important safety gains for all, according to the report. McMahon says she's not aware of any consistent policies that exist at the national, provincial or municipal level in Canada that require such safety audits or assessments of road construction projects <http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/03/14/canada_failing_cyclists_and_pede strians_un_report_finds.html> . "As someone who lost their life partner to a cycling accident, safety is absolutely paramount to me," she says, "but we need a carrot and stick approach. Dedicated infrastructure funding and political will are also essential." McMahon's husband, OPP Sergeant Greg Stobbart, was killed in 2006 while riding his bike on Tremaine Rd. in Milton. While Ontario has a number of policies in place that are supposed to encourage active transportation and ensure the safety of cyclists and pedestrians, the political will necessary to implement these policies effectively is lacking, says McMahon. "We're starting to see some progress. you would think that having these things in policies would help, but we sure have a long way to go." The Global Status Report 2013 will serve as the baseline for Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020, declared by the U.N. General Assembly to stem the rise in road accidents as one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Kristen Courtney is an environmental lawyer and a Fellow in Global Journalism at the Munk School for Global Affairs. Thanks Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X)

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Jane's Walk 2013 Planning Meeting
by Beth McKechnie 13 Mar '13

13 Mar '13

Join us to help plan the 2013 Jane's Walk in Winnipeg! Please forward to others who may be interested in leading or in helping to plan a Jane's Walk this year. *What*: Jane's Walk 2013 Planning Meeting *When*: March 22 @ 6pm *Where*: The Toad (112 Osborne Street) For those of you less familiar with Jane's Walk, here is the link to the website: http://janeswalk.net/ Also, find attached the event poster from 2012 that lists the walks that occurred in Winnipeg. thanks! Beth

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Introducing our new video - Bike Winnipeg!
by Shoni Litinsky 12 Mar '13

12 Mar '13

Hi Everyone, Our new video is out - somehow became a media sensation overnight and has over 8000 views already :) Introducing Bike Winnipeg, a video featuring Winnipeg cyclists of all ages and abilities. View here: https://vimeo.com/61573065 A big thank you to Assiniboine Credit Union, our filmmakers Chris Paetkau and Trevor Gill, and over 30 cyclists that agreed to be filmed. Please share wide and far as you can - twitter, facebook, websites, e-mail! Enjoy :) -- *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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Winnipeg Transit Riders Association (WTRA) Public Forum - Sat Mar 23
by Beth McKechnie 11 Mar '13

11 Mar '13

Winnipeg Transit Riders Association - Giving Transit riders a voice! Join the conversation. The WTRA is a new organization. We want you to help us set our directions and priorities. Come out to a *public forum* on Sat Mar 23 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM Carol Shields Auditorium Millennium Library 251 Donald St Here's what will happen at our forum: - Hear Winnipeg Transit share their plans for improving the system. - See videos of exciting, inspiring public transit solutions from elsewhere. - Participate in an Open Space discussion exercise. What do you want to talk about? There will even be refreshments! Mobility should be considered a right in this society. Currently, many Winnipeggers do not own cars and are not able to use public transit to effectively meet their mobility needs. We need to help Winnipeg Transit and government understand what transit riders want and need so that more people will use Transit. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/WinnipegTransitRidersAssociation/ Please share this message with your friends and networks! -- *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/memberships/>

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AT Webinar: Bicycle Parking and Transit, Wed, Mar 13, 2-3 pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 07 Mar '13

07 Mar '13

Green Action Centre and Stantec Consulting invite you to join us for a local viewing of the *third* of four APBP webinars on bicycle parking. It takes place at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) and will be followed by group discussion of local applications. * Bicycle Parking and Transit** Wed, Mar. 13, 2013 | 2:00-3:00 pm CST* RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth 925-3772 * * * * * * * Bicycle Parking and Transit This webinar module introduces and describes techniques and programs used by transit agencies to encourage and accommodate high levels of bicycle access to a variety of transit modes. Particular attention will be paid to use of higher security and capacity techniques, including staffed parking, lockers and “in-line” station parking solutions. Forecasting demand will be discussed, as will security and management concerns unique to transit. Bicycle parking will be examined as a means to leverage other transit and bicycle infrastructure development through thoughtfully designed and managed parking programs. The session will also cover design, layout, and management of lockers; bike stations; and adapting bicycle parking to specific transit modes. Who should attend? Municipal staff, transit agency staff, managers of educational, corporate and healthcare campuses, and members of Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committees, as well as elected officials and staff of bicycle advocacy organizations. Both the experienced agency manager and those new to developing bicycle parking solutions will benefit. *For future dates and topics in the Bicycle Parking Webinar series, see: * http://greenactioncentre.ca/event/apbp-bicycle-parking-webinar-series/

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America Walks Discussion Forum: Repurposing Public Spaces to Restore Walking on Main Streets & Beyond
by Beth McKechnie 07 Mar '13

07 Mar '13

For interest, in case anyone wants to register for this discussion forum... ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: America Walks <info(a)americawalks.org> Date: Thu, Mar 7, 2013 at 8:27 AM Subject: Attend our 3rd Discussion Forum: Repurposing Public Spaces to Restore Walking on Main Streets & Beyond [image: AW Logo 7.11] [image: Alliance for Biking & Walking logo] *Repurposing Public Spaces to Restore Walking on Main Streets & Beyond * *When* Thursday March 28, 2013 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT Add to Calendar<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001UNhaT6UN2gkzqZbxekyywEbCTlI0pskNkryBhNOKcM9a…> *Where* *Telephone Discussion Forum* [image: Join Our Mailing List!]<http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?m=1101645522588> *Dear Beth,* Please join us and register for this free telephone discussion forum on March 28, 2013 from 2:00pm - 3:00pm ET / 11:00am - 12:00pm PT. * Register Now!<http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=7ujbt4bab&oeidk…> * Mark your calendars for a great discussion on the repurposing of underutilized public spaces into vibrant walkable places. The discussion forum will be an exciting exchange of stories, not only from our featured speaker, but also from others on the call. *Call Description* Hear from featured speaker, Carol Dick, about each step in the process of turning underutilized public space in Lemon Grove CA, into revitalized main streets. Carol Dick<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001UNhaT6UN2glJARP9VjdGdIIrF7WDt5xjeLWDZYFs8SAc…>(see bio) is the Development Services Department Director of the City of Lemon Grove, a city of 26,000 people in the County of San Diego CA. *Share your story! We want to hear from you.* In addition to our featured speaker, this discussion forum will invite "story-tellers" from the audience who can share specific stories about how their community re-purposed space to make main streets or neighborhoods attractive and useable for pedestrians and cyclists. *If you are interested in sharing your story, please contact forum moderator Yolanda Savage-Narva <ysavage-narva(a)americawalks.org> at **ysavage-narva(a)americawalks.org. *She'll carve out time for 5 "story-tellers." Contact Yolanda NOW so you can share your story on the call. *Register Now!<http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=7ujbt4bab&oeidk…> * * * These Discussion Forums are sponsored by America Walks<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001UNhaT6UN2gk8UNHCMGGIfhE8g976z21GNVdOua7z-Mwp…>, in partnership with the Alliance for Biking & Walking<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001UNhaT6UN2gma9K88mis4-oPaPKIrLEft7HoL6HUaDDoJ…> . Forward email<http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?llr=7ujbt4bab&m=1101645522588&ea=…> <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&mse=001nkQbX5l1Qs-sYmoTIOU1AUn7H…> <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=TEVP_Inv_001> This email was sent to beth(a)greenactioncentre.ca by info(a)americawalks.org | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe<http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&mse=001nkQbX5l1Qs-sYmoTIOU1AUn7H…>™ | Privacy Policy <http://ui.constantcontact.com/roving/CCPrivacyPolicy.jsp>. America Walks | PO Box 2834 | Alexandria | VA | 22301

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Mayor of London proposes $1.4B cycling plan for the city
by Beth McKechnie 07 Mar '13

07 Mar '13

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Terry Zdan <tjzdan50(a)gmail.com> Date: Thu, 7 Mar 2013 10:15:55 -0600 Subject: Mayor of London proposes $1.4B cycling plan for the city; “Crossrail for the bike” Mayor of London proposes $1.4B cycling plan for the city; “Crossrail for the bike” <http://www.greencarcongress.com/2013/03/london-20130307.html> 7 March 2013 The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has outlined<http://www.london.gov.uk/media/press_releases_mayoral/“crossrail-bike”-mayo…>a vision<http://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Cycling%20Vision%20GLA%20templ…>for a £913-million (US$1.48-billion) investment in cycling infrastructure for the city. Among other features, the plans would create a “Crossrail for the bike”—a route that will run for more than 15 miles (24 km), very substantially segregated, from the western suburbs, through the heart of London, to Canary Wharf and Barking. It would use new Dutch-style segregated cycle tracks along, among other places, the Victoria Embankment and the Westway flyover. It is believed to be the longest substantially-segregated cycle route of any city in Europe. *Continue Reading “Mayor of London proposes $1.4B cycling plan for the city; “Crossrail for the *<http://www.greencarcongress.com/2013/03/london-20130307.html> -- Terry Zdan 126 Duncan Norrie Drive Wpg MB R3P 2J9 CANADA tjzdan50(a)gmail.com <tjzdan(a)gmasil.com>

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WFP: Rapid-transit busway gets Parker Lands nod - Council approves dogleg route despite concerns (Mar.7'13)
by Beth McKechnie 07 Mar '13

07 Mar '13

[Not so sure about the "less impact on traffic" comment – I would hope that the RT extension and accompanying AT would have a definite impact! Tongue planted firmly in cheek. -cheers, Beth] Rapid-transit busway gets Parker Lands nod Council approves dogleg route despite concerns By: Jen Skerritt http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/rapid-transit-busway-gets-parker-lan… A plan to extend the second phase of Winnipeg's southwest rapid-transit corridor through the Parker Lands has passed another hurdle. On Wednesday, council's executive policy committee voted unanimously in favour of the dogleg route that runs west through the Parker Lands, then southeast along a Manitoba Hydro corridor. The city hired Dillon Consulting in 2012 to examine potential alignments, and consultants determined this route has more benefits than a busway that runs south along the CN rail line west of Pembina Highway. A city report said the Parker route will have less impact on traffic and would allow buses to travel faster because there are fewer road crossings. Coun. John Orlikow (River Heights) and several citizens told members of the committee the city did not fully consider the potential benefits of extending the corridor south near Pembina along the CN Letellier line. Orlikow said he believes the Parker Lands will develop regardless of the rapid-transit corridor, but the city will not be able to redevelop Pembina Highway without bus rapid transit. Area residents expressed concern the route will have a negative environmental impact on the Parker wetlands. "There's just too many missing holes here," said Orlikow, who urged EPC to further study the alignment options. Winnipeg Transit director Dave Wardrop said the Parker route provides more opportunities for infill development and fewer expropriations than extending the corridor south near Pembina Highway. He said the city would have to relocate the rail line closer to surrounding homes if it installed a busway there, and there would not be room for active-transportation corridors. Public works chairman Coun. Dan Vandal (St. Boniface) reiterated his support for the recommended route through the Parker Lands, saying Winnipeg is years behind rapid transit in other cities and needs to get the second phase finished. The first phase of the southwest rapid transit corridor opened last April and runs between Queen Elizabeth Way near The Forks to Jubilee Avenue near Pembina. City council will vote on the proposed alignment for the second phase later this month. Mayor Sam Katz said any council decision is subject to having the money in place. The city plans to spend $10 million on the second phase of the Southwest Transitway in 2014 and another $127.5 million in 2015. Winnipeg hopes the province will match the city's contribution of $137.5 million, and the city has applied for $75 million in federal funding, Katz said he believes the city will be successful with its application to the federal government, and discussions are ongoing with the province. jen.skerritt(a)freepress.mb.ca -- State of the city: Mayor Sam Katz will deliver his annual State of the City address this Friday at a Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce-sponsored luncheon at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. On Wednesday, Katz would not say if he plans to make any announcements during this year's speech. *Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition March 7, 2013 B3*

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Green Action Centre Hiring Executive Director
by Masha Giller 05 Mar '13

05 Mar '13

*Green Action Centre seeks Executive Director* Green Action Centre is a non-profit, non-government hub for sustainable solutions based in Winnipeg but serving all of Manitoba. We are a registered charity governed by an elected community board, with a committed, resourceful, and collaborative staff. We promote greener living through environmental education and encourage practical green solutions for communities, homeowners, workplaces and schools. A pioneer in sustainable living, green commuting, composting, waste reduction, and energy policy in Manitoba, you may have met us as Resource Conservation Manitoba (before we changed our name in September 2010). We facilitate change, supported by donations from individuals, fees for service, grants from foundations and governments, as well as sponsorships. Our Executive Director is an authentic leader – dedicated and passionate towards ensuring a supportive, non-hierarchical and dynamic workplace along with effective community leadership. Having an open-minded, team-based approach, our engaged Executive Director works with staff, the Board, members, volunteers and the public to continuously build an imaginative, inclusive, and forward-thinking organization. Our Executive Director mirrors the environmental caring of our members. Our organization walks the talk of ecological sustainability and social justice and, through outreach to the community, advocates the shared values needed to help move society towards sustainability. Persistent, creative, and diverse programming and fund-raising strategies that reflect our commitment to honesty and integrity are pivotal to the success of Green Action Centre. Further details about this challenging opportunity, including responsibilities, remuneration and application process, are available in a PDF here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Green-Action-Centre-…> Deadline for applications is *Tuesday April 2 at 12 noon CDT*. Please circulate widely. -- *Masha Giller* Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> | Active and Safe Routes to School 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3779 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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Win Win Winnipeg - March 5th article posted by copenhagenize
by Anders Swanson 05 Mar '13

05 Mar '13

[stumbled on this post by Mikael Colville-Andersen...including thoughts on the Pembina bike lane, snow clearing, how Winnipeg is faring compared to other cities and more..] Read the whole thing here: http://www.copenhagenize.com/2013/03/win-win-winnipeg.html

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