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Metro News: BRT at the cost of AT? Bike Winnipeg concerned about crossing plan changes (Jun29'16)
by Beth McKechnie 29 Jun '16

29 Jun '16

BRT at the cost of AT? Bike Winnipeg concerned about crossing plan changesThe city's contractor for phase two of the Southwest Rapid Transitway found millions in savings, but cut out two bike and pedestrian crossings in the process. http://www.metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/2016/06/28/bike-winnipeg-worried-acti… The city says they've found ways to save $120 million for the next phase of rapid transit, but it comes at the cost of active transportation plans for the design. Winnipeg Transit director Dave Wardrop told council at a special meeting Tuesday that two tunnels for walkers and cyclists have been eliminated from the city’s plans to help reduce costs. Bike Winnipeg’s executive director Mark Cohoe said he has “big concerns” with what losing those below-grade crossings means for the city’s fledgling cycle corridor. “We’ll be watching to see how connectivity is impacted,” Cohoe said. “Without looking at the actual plans (expected in July) it’s hard to say if it’s at the cost of active transportation.” The two crossings affected are at Jubilee Avenue and Plaza Drive at the Pembina Highway. Cohoe said the Plaza Drive rail crossing being at-grade isn’t a big issue, but the Jubilee crossing is especially important to ensure safe passage into surrounding neighbourhoods. He said the approved path alignment provides access to Beaumont, Daniel, Rockman and Panet neighbourhoods, as well as future developments. “Those are important connections we want to see maintained,” Cohoe said. The tunnel beneath the Jubilee off-ramp would have connected the path network to both sides of Pembina Highway while avoiding a potentially dangerous, high-speed lane of vehicle traffic which Cohoe “would hope does not now have to be crossed.” “We want to make sure we’re not losing connections through the Pembina underpass for that North-South connectivity,” he said. Coun. Janice Lukes, a long-time active-transportation advocate, said she’s confident the replacement crossings will be “suitable,” and that any paths crossing the transitway will be separated and protected. “And the project itself is 30 to 40 per cent designed, so that means there’s still room for improvements and tweaks, right?” Lukes said. Cohoe also finds it “a bit frustrating being out of the loop,” and how—despite attending an active-transportation stakeholder meeting with city officials Monday night—he’s learning about active-transportation changes during transit discussions in City Hall. “It would have been more appropriate to meet and discuss what has been changed,” Cohoe said. “I’m not thrilled with how it’s come out.” Moving forward, he said he’d like to see a way for the savings identified in the BRT project to be put towards active-transportation paths between the Oak Grove station and Grant Park Pavilion developments, to benefit users of multiple transportation modes and city development overall. “The transitway would undoubtedly gain ridership and value from such a connection, as would retailers on the north side of the tracks,” he said.

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bike helmet newsletter
by Cynthia Otfinowski 29 Jun '16

29 Jun '16

Hello, I am not sending this to take a side, but as a physiotherapist, I encourage people to wear a bike helmet. I found an article in a newsletter written by Physiotherapy Works. I am not promoting their business but I thought the information was helpful. If interested follow this link for photo, video and article. http://www.bmetrack.com/c/v?e=31CDEF&c=2F8D&t=1&l=E120A1F&email=MbDOnDULivW… Otherwise, I have copied the essential elements that I thought were extremely helpful. Sincerely, Cyndi Otfinowski Newsletter Disclaimer by Physiotherapy Works! The information found within this newsletter is for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for medical advice from your own Doctor or any other health professional. Physiotherapy Works is not responsible or liable for any injuries that occur by performing any of the exercises given or diagnosis made by a user based on the information shown within our website or newsletter. Always consult your Medical Doctor, physiotherapist or other health professional if you are in any way concerned with your health and wellness. <>More Helmets, Fewer Injuries No matter what your age or level of experience, whenever you ride a bike, in-line skate, ski, or engage in other activities during which your head is vulnerable to injury, a helmet should be worn. Wearing a bike helmet reduces the risk of serious head and brain injury by 85%. Helmets should be worn during every ride, no matter how short. Many accidents happen near home. There are two basic types of helmets: single-impact and multiple-impact. It’s important to select a helmet that fits you properly and that is appropriate to the activity you’re doing. Single Impact (example: bicycle helmets) – designed to protect against ONE impact; Must be replaced after a crash or hard hit, even if it does not appear to have any damage Multi Impact (example: hockey helmets) – designed to protect against more than one impact. Multi Sport – does not mean multi impact but that the helmet is approved for more than one activity. Check the manufacturer’s label for the list of activities for which the helmet can be worn safely Note: Always check the manufacturer’s label for an expiration date and replace as required. Hockey helmets expire 5 years from the date of manufacture. During a fall or crash, a helmet absorbs much of the force of impact that would otherwise be directed to the head. Thick plastic foam (firm polystyrene) inside the hard outer shell of a helmet provides protection that cushions the blow. A new helmet should be purchased after a crash. Even if the helmet appears fine, the interior may be damaged. Children 5 to 14 years of age have the highest injury rate of all bicycle riders, and bike accidents are a leading cause of death for children. Tips to help children understand the importance of wearing helmets: Teach by example. Adults should always wear helmets when doing activities that have potential for collision. Be aware that your child is more likely to wear a helmet if he or she likes the way it looks. Bike helmets save lives and prevent injuries, but in a few instances they are not appropriate: Children should not wear helmets when they climb trees or play on playground equipment. A helmet may get stuck on a tree or piece of equipment and strangle a child. Because a baby's neck muscles may not be strong enough to support a helmet, do not ride a bike at all with a child under the age of 1 year. 7 Tips to help you choose: 1. Make sure there is a safety sticker inside (look for CSA, ASTM, CPSC or SNELL). 2. There should not be any decorations, paint or stickers on the helmet. 3. There should not be any cracks, dents or other damage. 4. Pads should touch the head at the front, sides, back and top. 5. No more than two fingers should fit between the wearer’s eyebrows and the helmet. 6. The V-strap must fit tightly under each earlobe. 7. Only one finger should fit under the chin strap. The Right Fit is Crucial Proper fit is just as important as choosing the right helmet. It should comfortably touch your head all the way around, and be snug enough to stay firmly in place. Your helmet should sit level on your head and ride as low as possible to protect the sides of your head. Never wear a high ponytail with a helmet. And Never wear a hat under a helmet. Remember, head injuries can cause long-term disabilities and impairments. Wearing a helmet is an easy way to help prevent head injuries. Have a safe and enjoyable summer.

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Fwd: Winter Cycling Congress 2017 | Call for proposals
by Anders Swanson 29 Jun '16

29 Jun '16

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: *Vélo Québec* <info(a)veloquebec.info> Date: Wednesday, 29 June 2016 Subject: Winter Cycling Congress 2017 | Call for proposals To: andersswanson(a)gmail.com Submission deadline: September 25, 2016. Read online <http://bulletin.veloquebec.info/c/443/7942ab90543ae9e6a5ba602167b070af9220c…> VOIR LA VERSION FRANÇAISE <http://bulletin.veloquebec.info/c/443/7942ab90543ae9e6a5ba602167b070af9220c…> [image: Winter Cycling Congress 2017] *WINTER CYCLING CONGRESS* *February 8-10, 2017 | Montréal* *CALL FOR PROPOSALS* *We invite researchers, policymakers, professionals and technicians, as well as enthusiasts of all stripes, to share their experiences and pool their knowledge in order to take winter cycling to new heights.* *Winter Cycling Congress 2017 <http://bulletin.veloquebec.info/c/443/7942ab90543ae9e6a5ba602167b070af30b35…> *participants will try to find answers to several key questions, such as: - What can be done to increase winter bicycle use? - How can we make year-round cycling the norm rather than the exception? - What are the barriers involved, and how can we overcome them to reach out to potential users? - What kind of challenges are municipalities that are trying to enable winter cycling facing? Whether your point of view is local or global in scope, we welcome your input on how to promote and broaden the appeal of winter cycling. * Details and proposal form <http://bulletin.veloquebec.info/c/443/7942ab90543ae9e6a5ba602167b070af9220c…>* *ABOUT* The *Winter Cycling Congress 2017* is organized by Vélo Québec in collaboration with the Winter Cycling Federation and the City of Montreal. The Winter Cycling Congress was created by the Winter Cycling Federation. Previous editions were held in Oulu (Finland – 2013), Winnipeg (Canada – 2014), Leeuwarden (Netherlands – 2015) and Minneapolis – Saint Paul (USA – 2016). [image: Ville de Montr�al] <http://bulletin.veloquebec.info/c/443/7942ab90543ae9e6a5ba602167b070af9220c…>*[image: Winter Cycling Federation] <http://bulletin.veloquebec.info/c/443/7942ab90543ae9e6a5ba602167b070af9220c…>[image: V�lo Qu�bec] <http://bulletin.veloquebec.info/c/443/7942ab90543ae9e6a5ba602167b070af30b35…>* *This message has been sent to you at andersswanson(a)gmail.com <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','andersswanson(a)gmail.com');> because your address is currently on our mailing list. If you no longer wish to receive our electronic updates unsubscribe here <http://bulletin.veloquebec.info/u/443/7942ab90543ae9e6a5ba602167b070af23f1f…>. To make sure our messages are delivered straight to your inbox, please add info(a)veloquebec.info <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','info(a)veloquebec.info');> to your address book or contact list.* *VÉLO QUÉBEC ASSOCIATION * 1251, rue Rachel Est, Montréal, Québec H2J 2J9, Canada 514-521-8356

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Portland policy - preserving access for peds & cyclists during construction
by Beth McKechnie 28 Jun '16

28 Jun '16

Closing sidewalks, bike lanes for construction a 'last resort' under new Portland policy The Portland City Council will vote on a resolution this week, formalizing a policy the city has already applied in recent months. It requires construction firms to create a traffic management plan that preserves access for pedestrians and cyclists. Full article: http://www.oregonlive.com/commuting/index.ssf/2016/06/closing_sidewalks_bik… -- *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 green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/>

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Small businesses benefiting from downtown bike lanes
by Charles Feaver 27 Jun '16

27 Jun '16

Good article about small businesses in Calgary and Vancouver learning to profit from downtown bike lanes in the Globe's Report on Business: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/sb-managing /small-businesses-are-changing-their-tune-on-bike-lanes/article30365164/ Here's a snippet: .. small businesses in cities across Canada are increasingly catering to cyclists. Yes, businesses publicly denouncing bike lanes are still common, but shops, bars and restaurants are starting to back bike infrastructure and reach out to a new and growing customer base. "There's been a sea change in the attitude about cyclists and frankly the value that the cycling community and the cycling consumer is bringing to the marketplace," says Charles Gauthier, president and chief executive officer of the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association. "Businesses are responding by making it clear they're catering to them." .

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Cyclist safety in numbers, not helmets
by Charles Feaver 27 Jun '16

27 Jun '16

Excellent article in the Free Press by Brent Bellamy with the broader perspective of how helmet legislation affects cyclist safety for urban commuters and public health. http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/cyclist-safety-in-numbers-not-helm ets-384483011.html Some quotes: Wearing a helmet when you ride a bike will reduce your risk of injury in an accident. The mandatory helmet law currently proposed by Winnipeg city council likely will not. This seems like a contradictory statement, but unlike motorcycle-helmet and automobile-seatbelt laws, bike safety relies on a set of unique variables that require a more complex response than simply forcing everyone to wear a helmet. A 2015 study by the University of British Columbia is the most comprehensive resource for this assertion. It looked at 11 cities in Canada over a five-year period, comparing hospitalization rates between jurisdictions with and without helmet laws. The study was one of the first to pro-rate injuries with the number of bike trips taken. Its conclusions could not find a definitive correlation between helmet legislation and hospitalization rates. . The effects on participation rates may be the most important factor when considering the effectiveness of legislation and is the reason many cycling advocates oppose mandatory helmet laws. Although results are inconsistent, many jurisdictions find mandatory helmet use has a negative impact on the number of cyclists on the road. After implementing helmet laws, several Australian cities reported a drop in cycling rates of between 20 per cent and 40 per cent. Vancouver saw a 30 per cent reduction in adult cyclists, Halifax dropped by 50 per cent and child helmet laws in Alberta resulted in a decrease in adolescent participation by 27 per cent, while adult cycling, which was exempt from the law, grew by 21 per cent. Almost all research, including the UBC study, concludes one of the most important factors in bike safety is high levels of participation. It has been consistently proven the number of riders has a far greater impact on bike-injury statistics than wearing a helmet. This strength-in-numbers concept simply means motorists are less likely to hit cyclists when there are more of them around, indicating doing anything to discourage participation is counterproductive to achieving safety goals. With greater bike presence, drivers become more aware of the complexity of road movements, adjusting behaviour by slowing down, passing cautiously and shoulder-checking. It has been found when bike use doubles in a city the risk of a motorist hitting a cyclist typically goes down by about one-third. Another significant factor reducing participation rates has been the obsessive public focus on helmet use. The stigma against not wearing one has become wildly disproportionate to the actual risk, creating the common perception cycling in cities such as Winnipeg is inherently unsafe. .

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WFP: Winnipeggers get a peek at downtown cycling route plans (Jun23'16)
by Beth McKechnie 25 Jun '16

25 Jun '16

Garry Street makeover has something for everyone http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/winnipeggers-get-a-peek-at-downtown-… Downtown Winnipeg is about to become a lot more friendly for cyclists, pedestrians, motorists, transit users and patio enthusiasts. If that sounds like a lot of people to keep happy, welcome to Scott Suderman's world. Suderman, the city’s transportation facilities planning engineer, was among several city officials meeting and talking with members of the public at a two-hour "pop-up engagement event" at The Forks Thursday to introduce a makeover to Garry Street that aims to have something for everyone. "This project is really about balancing all the users' needs," Suderman said. "It's important for the city to see everyone's perspective and balance the needs for everyone walking, cycling, driving, taking the bus, the businesses downtown, visitors, the people living there." The Garry Street makeover is a significant project that includes a three-metre cycling lane, two southbound lanes, a parking lane, a metre-wide curb separating cyclists from traffic, wider sidewalks, street paving, new traffic signals, new underground water mains and more. "The bicycle lanes will have a raised concrete barrier. It will be about a metre wide and about six inches (15 cm) tall. This option creates the widest physical separation (from traffic) and we heard from the public that was an important consideration," said Suderman. "There will be two travel lanes available full-time for motorists and for emergency vehicle mobility and access. There's also going to be a full-time parking, loading, transit lane and even for seasonal patio opportunities." The Garry Street design is the result of year-long consultations that started with several options and was chosen because it was deemed the safest for cyclists and it will allow bike travel in both directions. For vehicle traffic, Garry Street is already a one-way street. The space for the two-way bike lane would be created by removing about 16 per cent of street parking for vehicles on the east side of Garry Street. The new design, called the Downtown Bike Lane System, will include a separate cycling lane that will be a 1.5-kilometre route that will run from Assiniboine Avenue to Ellice Avenue/Notre Dame Avenue, and then north into the Exchange District along Arthur Street to McDermot Avenue. Evan Proulx, 26, said cycling is his main mode of transportation and he has felt unsafe at times in downtown traffic so the Garry Street plan is "a good start." "I think I have just become accustomed to it because I have been cycling downtown so much but there are those times where I would like to be separated (from vehicle traffic) slightly," he said. "In Winnipeg, it's been haphazard to this point." Proulx said he has cycled in numerous cities in the U.S., such as Portland, Ore., which has a lot of infrastructure dedicated to cycling. "I'm not sure yet how this connects to other parts of the city, but downtown, this is a good start." Bruce Quesnel, who lives on Tache Avenue, said now that he is retired he frequently walks or cycles in the downtown area. He said it appears the Garry Street plan could help both pedestrians and cyclists. "It's good, mostly. It's good that there are separated paths (for cyclists and vehicles) and that's really important for us," said Quesnel, 69. "There's going to be concrete barriers, which will be very good, and this will separate it. It's very important. Right now, only some (cyclists) use the street and the rest use the sidewalk and you don't blame them. They're terrified." He said the dedicated bike path will encourage him to cycle more through downtown. The separated bike lane will be extended along Notre Dame Avenue to Adelaide Street. However, the existing bike lane on Fort Street will remain in place after the Garry Street project is completed, Suderman said. Bike Winnipeg executive director Mark Cohoe told the Free Press in an earlier story that his group would prefer single bike lanes on two one-way streets — one on Fort and one on Garry — and see single-lane vehicle traffic on both those streets. Cohoe said his group is concerned the lanes for cyclists aren't wide enough in the Garry Street plan. Also at Thursday's event at The Forks, proposed designs were introduced for the West Alexander Cycling Corridor projects, including a protected bike lane in the West Alexander neighbourhood along McDermot Avenue — deemed a natural extension of the Garry corridor – and an enhanced cycling crossing at Assiniboine Avenue at Main Street into The Forks. Suderman said construction on the upgrade to the signal light at Assiniboine Avenue and Main Street crossing has already begun and is expected to take only a few weeks to complete. The Garry Street project will begin construction in spring of 2017 but will go on hiatus during the 2017 Canada Summer Games, which are being hosted in Winnipeg from July 28 to Aug. 13, 2017. It is expected the Garry corridor will be completed near the end of the 2018 construction season. The spring of 2017 is also projected for the start of the West Alexander Cycling Corridor. ashley.prest(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Fall in Love With Where You Live - Bike to Work?
by Anders Swanson 23 Jun '16

23 Jun '16

Please allow me the opportunity to share the just-released Bike Week Winnipeg video for 2016 with you <https://www.facebook.com/BikeWeekWinnipeg/posts/1211296125548566>. The entire team who worked hard on it would love to see it shared widely. We think that the message it sends is an important one. Please enjoy. ...and a reminder that tomorrow is *the 9th annual Bike to Work Day <http://www.bikeweekwinnipeg.com/bike-to-work-day/>! *[You probably don't need a reminder though at this point. Nine years... I remember when this AT list served as the primary method of getting the word out for the very first one. How far we've come....] See you out there. Anders

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Healthy Built Environment Specialist - job opening
by Kristine Hayward 23 Jun '16

23 Jun '16

Hi AT folks - I just wanted to let you know that the Healthy Built Environment - program specialist position has been posted with the WRHA. Posting is open until June 30. More info at.... https://www.brainhunter.com/frontoffice/jobDetailDispatchAction.do?sitecode… Kristine Hayward Physical Activity Promotion/in motion Coordinator Winnipeg Regional Health Authority 2nd floor - 490 Hargrave Street Winnipeg, MB R3A 0X7 Cell 204 232-7546 Fax 204 940-2690 Email khayward(a)wrha.mb.ca Bike racks are available in front of the building at the corner of Hargrave and McDermot. Plan your Winnipeg Transit trip: http://winnipegtransit.com/en/navigo Follow Winnipeg in motion on Twitter - @wpginmotion Check out our videos on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/Winnipeginmotion This email and/or any documents in this transmission is intended for the addressee(s) only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and return the original. Ce courriel et tout document dans cette transmission est destiné à la personne ou aux personnes à qui il est adressé. Il peut contenir des informations privilégiées ou confidentielles. Toute utilisation, divulgation, distribution, copie, ou diffusion non autorisée est strictement défendue. Si vous n'êtes pas le destinataire de ce message, veuillez en informer l'expéditeur immédiatement et lui remettre l'original.

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Fwd: PACM - ParticipACTION Releases the 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity and Children and Youth
by Lea G 16 Jun '16

16 Jun '16

This year's report card looks at how daily walking and biking improves society's "sleepidemic" as well as an overall AT grade for Canada again. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Physical Activity Coalition of Manitoba (PACM) <info(a)pacm.ca> Date: Thu, Jun 16, 2016 at 10:02 AM Subject: PACM - ParticipACTION Releases the 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity and Children and Youth To: asrts(a)greenactioncentre.ca Please share this survey widely with co-workers, colleagues and networks that support and promote physical activity as part of their work and/or mandate! Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser <http://us3.campaign-archive2.com/?u=470531fad062627cd92cba782&id=dc930591ea…>. <http://pacm.us3.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=470531fad062627cd92cba782&id…> *Canadian kids are inactive and may be losing sleep over it ParticipACTION releases 2016 Report Card and for the first time, assigns a sleep grade* *TORONTO (ONTARIO) June 16, 2016* – If you think kids can get a little physical activity and then play video games into the wee hours, yet remain healthy, you’re in for a rude awakening. There are important relationships among sleep, physical activity and sedentary behaviour and new research shows that sedentary lifestyles are connected to a creeping ‘sleepidemic’ in Canadian children and youth. That is why, for the first time, the *2016 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth* assigns a grade to sleep and includes new *Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth*. A first of their kind in the world, the guidelines outline what a healthy 24-hour period looks like for children and youth. *For more information on the 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth including the Highlight Report, Full Report, Fact Sheet, Social Media Kit and more, *CLICK HERE <http://pacm.us3.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=470531fad062627cd92cba782&id…> The Physical Activity Resource Centre (PARC) is hosting a webinar on the Report Card results being presented by Allana LeBlanc the Knowledge Manager at Participaction at 10 am on June 28th. To get more information on the webinar click here <http://pacm.us3.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=470531fad062627cd92cba782&id…>. (Note: To register for this webinar you must either have or sign up for an OPHEA account.) *PACM Mission* The Physical Activity Coalition of Manitoba (PACM) mission is to support increased physical activity among Manitobans through collaboration, promotion and educations. PACM host organization (to 2017) is the Manitoba Fitness Council. PACM is supported by Manitoba Health, Healthy Living and Seniors/Manitoba *in motion*. *Our mailing address is:* PACM c/o Manitoba Fitness Council 219 Provencher Ave. Winnipeg, MB R2H 0G4 Visit the PACM website at www.pacm.ca <http://pacm.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=470531fad062627cd92cba782&id=…> PACM Coordinator: Roy Mulligan Email: info(a)pacm.ca Phone: 204-235-1245 This email was sent to asrts(a)greenactioncentre.ca *why did I get this?* <http://pacm.us3.list-manage.com/about?u=470531fad062627cd92cba782&id=bb551b…> unsubscribe from this list <http://pacm.us3.list-manage1.com/unsubscribe?u=470531fad062627cd92cba782&id…> update subscription preferences <http://pacm.us3.list-manage.com/profile?u=470531fad062627cd92cba782&id=bb55…> Physical Activity Coalition of Manitoba · 219 Provencher Blvd. · Winnipeg, MB R2H 0G4 · Canada [image: Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp] <http://www.mailchimp.com/monkey-rewards/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm…> -- *Lea Grzenda* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3774 *| *Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/program/asrts/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/program/asrts/> **Please note I am away from the office on Fridays** 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/>

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