- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

WFP: Studying slippery sidewalks (Jan16'21)
by Beth McKechnie 18 Jan '21

18 Jan '21

STUDYING SLIPPERY SIDEWALKS OPTIONS to make sidewalks easier to travel on during winter will be considered by city council. Council’s public works committee has ordered city staff to provide recommendations on how to make sidewalks and active transportation routes less slippery, despite our often lengthy season of ice and snow. The report is expected to study the health costs and outcomes linked to slips and falls on sidewalks. It’s also expected to consider how snow-clearing changes, ice treatments and other changes could improve the surfaces. Finally, it will also explore ways to improve walking conditions on roadsides where sidewalks aren’t available. The report is expected back in about six months.

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Free Webinar (January 21st) - Achieving Equity in Transportation
by Beth McKechnie 12 Jan '21

12 Jan '21

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Elliot Siemiatycki <Elliot(a)rideshark.com> Date: Tue, Jan 12, 2021 at 9:49 AM We are excited to start 2021 with a great free webinar on January 21st. We will have Dr. Steve Farber, a leading transportation researcher from the University of Toronto discussing equity and accessibility issues. *You can register **HERE* <https://rideshark.webex.com/rideshark/onstage/g.php?MTID=e1ff93dca6405a0d5a…> and feel free to share with any colleagues that might be interested. Best regards, Elliot Elliot Siemiatycki, PhD Vice President of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives Email: Elliot(a)RideShark.com www.RideShark.com <http://www.rideshark.com/> ------------------------------

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Webinar: Building Better Bike Friendly Communities Jan. 14
by Beth McKechnie 11 Jan '21

11 Jan '21

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Lauren Gabuzzi <lauren(a)downtownithaca.com> Date: Fri, Jan 8, 2021 at 3:38 PM Subject: [Transp-tdm] Webinar: Building Better Bike Friendly Communities Jan. 14 You are invited to join GO ITHACA for the Building Better Bike Friendly Communities Webinar on Thursday, January 14th from 12-1:30 pm EST. Registration is required. To Register Click Here <https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJItcO6urT4iE9K6afdxbpmwHuwnFmV-JIcD>. Feel free to eat your lunch while the presenters wow you with important ways to make our community (buildings, buildings, campus and more) bike-friendly! *Agenda* *Roughly 90-minute Webinar * Introduction Presentation Q&A *Presentations by * Bike Walk Tompkins: Hector Chang Bikes for All / Bikes Make Life Better: David L. Allen American League of Cyclists: Amelia Neptune *Our presenters will cover several topics including* Bike Walk Tompkins' Bicycling for Everyone Action Plan, American League of Cyclists' Bike Friendly Business program, Bike Friendly Community Program, and Bike Friendly University Program & Bike Back to Work strategy and Better Bike Infrastructure. Please make sure to register and send this invite to anyone you feel is interested in building better biking communities. We look forward to seeing you there! Best wishes, The GO ITHACA team Lauren Gabuzzi She/Her/Hers Downtown Ithaca Alliance TDM Program Manager Goithaca.org Cell: (607) 391-1389

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FW: TAC Learning Program | Upcoming Webinar
by Zdan, Terry (MI) 11 Jan '21

11 Jan '21

From: TAC-ATC Communications <secretariat(a)tac-atc.ca> Sent: January-11-21 9:14 AM To: Zdan, Terry (MI) <Terry.Zdan(a)gov.mb.ca> Subject: TAC Learning Program | Upcoming Webinar [Image] LEARNING PROGRAM | UPCOMING WEBINAR [Image] Safety Performance of Bicycle Infrastructure in Canada Tuesday, February 2 1:00-2:00 PM ET FREE The growth of cycling in Canada is spurring the development of infrastructure intended to better serve the safety and mobility needs of cyclists. This webinar will provide an overview of TAC’s new publication<https://u2306505.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=M3V7pKe308SQRDM8wYnXBQDPDzUpg…> on the safety performance of bicycle infrastructure in Canada, including key findings related to: * The safety performance of different bicycle facility types * The factors that affect observed and perceived safety * Related data and knowledge gaps The webinar will also present a bicycle facility selection flowchart developed through this project. [Rounded Rectangle: More Info & Register] [Facebook]<https://u2306505.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=M3V7pKe308SQRDM8wYnXBQDPDzUpg…> [Twitter]<https://u2306505.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=M3V7pKe308SQRDM8wYnXBQDPDzUpg…> [LinkedIn]<https://u2306505.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=M3V7pKe308SQRDM8wYnXBQDPDzUpg…> TAC © 2021 www.tac-atc.ca<https://u2306505.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=M3V7pKe308SQRDM8wYnXBQDPDzUpg…> UNSUBSCRIBE<https://u2306505.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=M3V7pKe308SQRDM8wYnXBQDPDzUpg…> Transportation Association of Canada 401-1111 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa, ON K2C 3T2 613-736-1350 | secretariat(a)tac-atc.ca<https://u2306505.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=M3V7pKe308SQRDM8wYnXBQDPDzUpg…>

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Automobile Dependency: An Unequal Burden
by Beth McKechnie 08 Jan '21

08 Jan '21

*Todd Litman of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute analyses the unfair burden an auto-dependent transportation system places on lower income households, especially in the face of any disruption (such as a pandemic). Here's a sample:* https://www.planetizen.com/blogs/111535-automobile-dependency-unequal-burden <https://www.planetizen.com/blogs/111535-automobile-dependency-unequal-burden> Described differently, typical lower-income households can afford housing expenses (rent or mortgage) *or* vehicle expenses, but not both, and owning two vehicles is financially stressful for most households. Of course, many households own more vehicles and spend more on transportation than is considered affordable. This leaves them vulnerable to financial shocks, such as a vehicle failure, traffic collision, or reduced income, which explains why so many families must drive to food banks or require other types of financial assistance. For vulnerable households, a small vehicle problem can turn into a major financial and legal crisis. For example, a high-interest car loan for an unreliable vehicle, a vehicle crash, being caught driving unlicensed or uninsured, or an unpaid traffic citation can quickly expand to a morass of debt, injury, unemployment, legal strife, and sometimes jail. Default rates on high-risk, high-interest auto loans are increasing, leaving many low-income households with no vehicles, no money, and no credit. <https://www.planetizen.com/blogs/111535-automobile-dependency-unequal-burden> Ten Common Policies that Increase Automobile Dependency and Sprawl 1. Transportation planning that favors traffic speed over other goals (affordability, public health, social equity, community livability, environmental protection, etc.). 2. Roadway design that gives little consideration to walking, bicycling and public transit travel demands. 3. Zoning codes that limit density and compact housing types, such as townhouses and apartments. 4. Development policies that favor urban expansion over compact infill. 5. Parking minimums which mandate abundant parking supply. 6. Public facilities (schools, post offices, courts, etc.) located to maximize automobile access. 7. Dedicated roadway funding, which favors roadway spending over investments in other modes. 8. Fuel production subsidies and low fuel taxes. 9. Transportation planning that undercounts, overlooks and undervalues non-auto travel. 10. Travel models that ignore induced travel impacts, which exaggerates roadway expansion benefits. cheers, Beth -- Beth McKechnie (she/her) *| *Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3777 x102 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> *We are located on Treaty 1 Territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation. The water we drink comes from Shoal Lake First Nation. * Green Action Centre is your green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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Free online course: Transforming Urban Mobility
by Beth McKechnie 08 Jan '21

08 Jan '21

Part 1: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/introducing-sustainable-urban-mobility Part 2: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/components-of-sustainable-urban-mobility -- Beth McKechnie (she/her) *| *Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3777 x102 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> *We are located on Treaty 1 Territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation. The water we drink comes from Shoal Lake First Nation. * Green Action Centre is your green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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Sorry, Boys. The First Profitable Micromobility Company Was Veo, Not Lime
by Beth McKechnie 08 Jan '21

08 Jan '21

*Great quote from CEO and founder of Veo micromobility service provider: * I guess you can say, we are the anti-Tech bro company in the Tech Broiest of industries. And that was always intentional because our roots are in the Midwest, not Silicon Valley. I co-founded Veo because I truly believe shared micromobility can provide a vital sustainable transportation service to communities. Learn more: https://veo-mobility.medium.com/sorry-boys-the-first-profitable-micromobili… -- Beth McKechnie (she/her) *| *Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3777 x102 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> *We are located on Treaty 1 Territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation. The water we drink comes from Shoal Lake First Nation. * Green Action Centre is your green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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Mobility Justice and Open/Slow Streets
by Beth McKechnie 08 Jan '21

08 Jan '21

Compelling article given criticisms and concerns that Winnipeg's Open Streets program does not extend to inner city and low income neighbourhoods: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-01-06/the-swift-disruptive-ris… cheers, Beth -- Beth McKechnie (she/her) *| *Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3777 x102 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> *We are located on Treaty 1 Territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation. The water we drink comes from Shoal Lake First Nation. * Green Action Centre is your green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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WFP Analysis: Health restrictions redefine city spaces (Jan6'21)
by Beth McKechnie 06 Jan '21

06 Jan '21

Health restrictions redefine city spaces https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/health-restrictions-rede… WILL the COVID-19 pandemic prompt a shift to healthier cities that focus on wellness rather than functional and economic concerns? This is a hypothesis that seems to be supported by several researchers around the world. In many ways, containment and physical distancing measures have contributed to an increased recognition of the importance of public space as a gathering place and key tools for meeting people’s basic needs. Urban residents are more aware of the important role of this space as a living environment essential to their physical and psychological well-being. Forced isolation and social distancing during the pandemic have exacerbated solitude and anxiety for part of our population. Numerous studies show that loneliness is linked to major health issues, including depression, heart problems and reduced life expectancy. In recent decades, individualism, neo-liberal public policies and new technologies had already contributed to this isolation. Online shopping has gone so far as to deprive us of the micro-interactions that sometimes represented our only daily social contacts. Many Montrealers in forced isolation were able to appreciate the qualities of the city’s urban space by using their balconies, front yards and alleyways, which enabled them to maintain certain close contacts and exchanges with neighbours while respecting physical distancing. From conversations from one balcony to the other to picnics at a distance between neighbours in the alley, the domestic environment has been able to broaden, thanks to increased human contact. Public spaces, especially parks, have also proven to be essential for socialization, especially for young people. Access to nature, wide-open spaces and sports and leisure facilities has emerged as a vital need, with both individual and collective benefits. Walking, one of the only forms of exercise accessible to many people, has made it possible to escape from confinement with exposure to fresh air and sunshine. The pandemic has shown the advantages of converting some major streets into pedestrian walkways, even temporarily, and the need for wider sidewalks. It has also demonstrated the importance of large linear parks, such as the very popular Promenade Champlain in Quebec City and the banks of the Lachine Canal in Montreal. Cities around the world have realized the importance of maximizing access to public space. Throughout containment, there have been a variety of creative and low-cost initiatives to make urban spaces safe and suitable. In this, the pandemic may have caused an unintended casualty: the motorist’s view of the city. The new health context has provoked a collective awareness of the excessive space devoted to the automobile and the interest in putting this space at the service of people. There has been a significant increase in pedestrian and shared-use streets and more bicycle lanes. In Rotterdam, cars are banned from some major arteries after 4 p.m. so that pedestrians can use them. In Oakland, Calif., streets are being transformed into “slow streets” — mixed-use areas where cars are tolerated but no longer have priority. A paved access in Montreal’s Lafontaine Park is now devoted to bicycles. The transformation of on street parking into temporary café patios — a common phenomenon in Montreal over the past decade — has multiplied around the world. The commercial success of pedestrianized streets throughout Montreal has ensured the survival of small businesses, bars and restaurants. Artistic practices have multiplied, whether they be music, theatre, dance or multimedia projections, allowing artists to showcase themselves and earn a few cents. Other aspects of urban design could be affected by the pandemic, due to the risks of transmission. The slower rate of contagion in outdoor spaces means that it is safer to shop on a commercial street and in a public market than in a hermetically sealed shopping mall or large air-conditioned area. Buildings will also have to be redesigned to offer more natural ventilation and outdoor spaces, be they individual or communal. These could take the form of rooftop terraces, courtyards and balconies. In the city, common spaces and facilities such as bus shelters, sidewalks, pedestrian crossings and rest areas will have to be redesigned in a sustainable way. Some temporary reallocations of car space may well become permanent after the end of the pandemic. There is already increased use of active transportation, which can have a positive long-term effect on urban congestion and public health. Many cities are rethinking their entire urban mobility system. Paris is already planning to remove 72 per cent of on street parking spaces to make more space for bicycles. The pandemic will thus have accelerated already emerging trends toward a healthier, more humane and active city, creating new habits that may outlive it. Paradoxically, COVID-19 may also have long-term public-health benefits, promoting a more active, self-reliant and supportive population. *Anne-Marie Broudehoux is director of graduate programs at the Université du Québec à Montréal’s school of design. * *This article has been edited for length; the full version can be seen at winnipegfreepress.com or theconversation.com/ca.*

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WFP Sou'wester: Community survey results are in (Jan4'21)
by Beth McKechnie 06 Jan '21

06 Jan '21

Community survey results are in https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/souwester/forum/Community… During the summer, my staff and I created a community needs assessment survey and sent it out to all Fort Garry constituents. We received approximately 100 responses from folks in Fort Garry. Thank you to those who completed the survey. This valuable input will allow me to better represent the constituency and I want to share some common themes that we heard about in your responses. First, I want to take a moment to celebrate the diversity within our constituency. Many respondents have lived in Fort Garry for well over a decade, while others have recently moved here. In recent years, demographics have changed rapidly as more young families, newcomers, and students have arrived in the constituency. I am so proud to represent such a diverse community, and I am committed to representing the diverse needs of our constituency in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. *A common theme in the feedback was the need for increased active transportation infrastructure in Fort Garry. We heard from many folks who want to see more sidewalks, bike lanes, and improvements to road safety to increase safety for pedestrians. During the pandemic, getting outside in the community has been so important for the mental and physical health of Manitobans. I applauded the City of Winnipeg for closing many different streets during the summer to promote active transportation, and I continue to advocate for extended closures of these streets so that Fort Garry residents can continue to enjoy the outdoors safely in our community.* *We also heard from Fort Garry residents that there is a strong desire for better public transportation options and improved access to basic needs like groceries and other essential services.* I understand that ensuring access to transportation and essential services is more important than ever. As we move forward, I will continue to advocate for improvements that will make Fort Garry more accessible, healthy, and vibrant. While this edition of our community survey has since closed, we always welcome your feedback and ideas to improve life for everyone in the constituency. You can call or email my office at mark.wasyliw(a)yourmanitoba.ca or 204-421-4241. I wish you a safe and happy new year! [image: Mark Wasyliw] *Mark Wasyliw* *Fort Garry constituency report* Mark Wasyliw is the NDP MLA for Fort Garry.

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