- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

ELECTION 2011 - Active Transportation PROMISES
by Janice Lukes 24 Sep '11

24 Sep '11

Hi AT folks - please feel free to circulate widely, I've summarized the various political parties active transportation PROMISES that we've heard / seen so far. I have not listened to last night's CTV debate - if any brilliant AT promises were made please tell me. See complete details of all parties promises: <http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/2011/09/23/election-promises/> http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/2011/09/23/election-promises/ * The Progressive Conservatives put their "PROVINCIALLY" focused promise directly into their healthcare platform - in black and white - and on the web. This promise has a PROVINCIAL focus. * The New Democratic Party did a press release on an AREA infrastructure promise - in black and white and on the web. This promise is for one specific area. * All parties have given verbal "PROVINCIAL" verbal promises. 1. A promise in black and white / on the web is far more desirable than a verbal promise from a politician - in my opinion. 2. Area specific infrastructure promises are fantastic! BUT - these are 'one offs' and virtually always requiring extensive months / years of advocacy from volunteers. Currently the Province of Manitoba has NO active transportation plan, no policy, no point people, no developed expertise. SUGGESTION: IF you are speaking to any NDP candidates - tell them you want to see - in writing - a "PROVINCIALLY" focused promise. Tell them you would like to see a promise in WRITING for: - a provincial active transportation policy - a director of active transportation - an active transportation advisory board (see complete details http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/2011/08/23/provincial-election-2011/ ) Perhaps hand them the black and white promise the Progressive Conservatives have made on Page 11, found here: http://www.pcmanitoba.com/assets/downloads/healthy%20communities.pdf Looking forward to October 4th! apologies if you have received this email more than once! Janice Janice Lukes Manager, Special Projects - Winnipeg Trails Winnipeg Trails Association 235-614 Des Meurons Street Winnipeg, MB R2H 2P9 Cell (204) 952-4222 Fax (204) <tel:%28204%29%20237-4618> 237-4618 <mailto:jlukes@riverswest.ca> jlukes(a)riverswest.ca <http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/> www.WinnipegTrails.ca Member of City of Winnipeg Active Transportation Advisory Committee Chair, Province of Manitoba Active Transportation Advisory Group

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350.org Moving Planet Manitoba - Moving to a fossil free future TOMORROW Sep 24
by Beth McKechnie 23 Sep '11

23 Sep '11

Please distribute widely: Bring your family, friends, and neighbours. Join us on bikes, on skates, on a board, or on foot to be part of a global rally to get moving on the climate crisis - *TOMORROW Sat Sep 24*. This will be a day of family fun, education, and solutions for the future of our planet. http://www.moving-planet.org/events/ca/winnipeg/559 The celebration will begin at *noon with a foot/bike parade from the Legislature building* down the Assiniboine bike path to The FORKS. Meet at the fountain south of the leg at noon. This parade event is open to all and will start at 12:30 SHARP. *At The Forks from 1:30 pm our main stage* will host speakers and performers including dance groups and two live bands. We will have inspiring speakers on climate change hopes and realities, First Nation's wisdom, art, and youth. Former Blue Bomber Troy Westwood will also share a few thoughts. *Eco-friendly businesses and organizations will exhibit **until 5:00 pm **at our Eco-Fair*, under The Forks canopy. They will highlight solutions for Manitobans to move toward a sustainable future. Come out to enjoy the sun and to *engage with the people who are working on a better future now*.

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Montreal tops in North America: International survey of bike-friendly cities
by Beth McKechnie 21 Sep '11

21 Sep '11

Montreal tops in North America International survey cites Bixi and other infrastructure initiatives by 'visionary politicians' in ranking city eighth in the world By RENÉ BRUEMMER, The Gazette September 21, 2011 http://www.montrealgazette.com/travel/Montreal+tops+North+America/5433520/s… Montreal has placed among the top 10 in a survey of the world's most bike-friendly cities, earning the highest ranking of any metropolis in North America. The Bicycle-Friendly Cities 2011 index, compiled by urban-planning Danish consulting firm Copenhagenize that specializes in cycling issues, noted that even the survey producers were surprised cities like Montreal, Rio de Janeiro and New York were among the top 20. The firm looked at 80 major cities around the world. "Montreal is North America's premiere bicycle city and comes in at No. 8.," Copenhagenize writes. "The city has had a bicycle infrastructure since the mid-'80s, which should embarrass other cities on that continent, and the rebirth of bicycle culture is noticeable across the city. "A strong, successful bike-sharing program has been implemented and a strong advocacy NGO (Vélo Québec), together with some visionary politicians, make the bicycle's future in Montreal look rosy." Montreal has expanded its bicycle network in recent years, to a total of 535 kilometres, with the intention of increasing it to 800 kilometres by 2015. Bixi, the bicycle sharing network, has proven extremely popular. The cities that came before Montreal were Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Tokyo, Berlin, Munich and Paris. Among North American cities, only Portland (13), San Francisco (17) and New York (20) made it into the top 20. The ranking is one of many in recent years to acknowledge Montreal's ascendancy in the bicycling realm, noted Martine Painchaud, a spokesperson for the mayor's office. "We are very happy about this, but it is important to note that this did not come about by chance," Painchaud said. "It came from a political vision that Mayor (Gérald) Tremblay had to enact policies that would create a culture of cycling in Montreal, and that included cycling as part of its overall transportation plan. . The idea was for it to become not just a pastime, but a means of transportation." The investments have paid off, Painchaud said, with the number of Montrealers who say they sometimes use a bicycle as a means of public transit jumping from 25 per cent in 2000 to nearly 50 per cent in 2010. And Bixi is up to 40,000 members. There is still room for improvement, however, note the authors of the index. The infrastructure must be expanded, because "funnelling the many cyclists down single streets is not the best way to encourage more cycling." Similarly, the authors suggest Montreal graduate from bi-directional on-street bike lanes, and instead put lanes on both sides of the street, for safety reasons. It also suggests retailers must offer more European-style bicycles with high handlebars and high seats that can be used in regular clothes, as opposed to the racing-type bikes commonly sold. And offer Bixi year-round, it suggests. The Copenhagenize Index gave cities marks for their efforts toward re-establishing the bicycle as an accepted and feasible form of transport. Cities were scored on 13 criteria, including bicycle culture (are regular citizens using it?), bicycle infrastructure, presence of a bikesharing program and the level of social acceptance (how do drivers and the community at large regard urban cyclists?). Montreal's bike network has been experiencing growing pains of late, with the de Maisonneuve bike path considered one of the busiest in North America, and pedestrians, drivers and cyclists all jockeying for space in the changing vehicular landscape, often with their elbows up. Painchaud noted that with the growth, there is a need to adapt, and the city is in constant evolution. Copenhagenize CEO Mikael Colville-Anderson said the city must move away from the car-centred culture of the past. "Montreal is 'crowded' simply because the city still treats bicycle users as second-class citizens, funnelling them down chosen streets instead of providing separated infrastructure on the main arteries," he wrote in an email. "You must build infrastructure where people want to ride - instead of forcing them to ride where YOU want them to ride. 'You' means the city." Montreal commuters of all stripes can perhaps gain solace in Amsterdam, perennial front-runner in cycling friendly cities, which has established peace among its many different forms of transit. "The cycling atmosphere (in Amsterdam) is relaxed, enjoyable, and as mainstream as you can get. This is the one place on the planet where fearmongering about cycling is nonexistent and it shows." rbruemmer(a)montrealgazette.com © Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette

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Very significant NDP 'promise' announced last night !
by Janice Lukes 21 Sep '11

21 Sep '11

This looks like a big email - and it is - but contains VERY significant active transportation - election - information - please circulate widely. Last night, at 5:00 pm - in Erna Braun's (MLA Rossmere) campaign office - Premier Selinger, flanked by NDP candidates from Concordia, Elmwood, Radisson, and River East announced to 20+ area residents - that if re-elected - they would build a safe pedestrian / cycle crossing (bridge) over the Perimeter Hwy from the Northeast Pioneers Greenway into the RM of St. Paul. See Sigrun Bailey's (Co-Chair of River East Neighborhood Network - Trail Committee) email below. Sigrun, a resident of NK, was in attendance at the event. Some may have a hard time understanding the significance of this safe pedestrian / cycle crossing over the Perimeter - There is a BIG PICTURE VISION to what seems to be a whole bunch of bits and pieces - I'll try to briefly summarize: CentrePort: http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/2011/08/22/centreports-impact-on-active-transpo rtation/ - as per the Manitoba's Director of Highway Planning & Design, and with the development of CentrePort - "over the next 20 years, traffic volume on the Perimeter Hwy is projected to go from 14,500 to 40,000 vehicles / day". Infrastructure changes on the Perimeter Hwy are occurring around the city to develop the Perimeter into expressway. In the north east quadrant, the interchange of the Perimeter and Hwy 59 is undergoing an $80 - $100 Million overhaul projected to be completed by 2017. RM of East St.Paul: - according to the latest census, East St. Paul is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Manitoba. Birds Hill Provincial Park: - the most heavily used Provincial Park in Manitoba - Conservation / Park officials identify need to reduce 'stress' on the park and support trail systems leading out of park onto floodway Northeast Pioneers Greenway: http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/trails-maps/northeast-pioneers-greenwaynew/ - the most heavily used trail in Manitoba - primarily used by area residents Economic Benefits Provincial Cycle Tourism: - see story Margo Goodhand, Free Press editor wrote last Saturday on cycle tourism & economic benefits in Wisconsin: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/travel/Wisconsins-cycling-secrets--13002077 3.html - see economic benefits in the Province of Quebec from the 'RouteVert' cycle tourism route: page 16 in Greater Strides report to Province of Manitoba: http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/pdf/atag_report6.pdf - google economic benefits and you will see countless other examples. The Long and Winding Trail from Winnipeg to Birds Hill Provincial Park & Lockport: 2004 - Red River Floodway Expansion is announced: see Page 3 http://www.floodwayauthority.mb.ca/pdf/floodnewsletter_all.pdf 2004 - Rivers West enables formation of Red River Floodway Trails Coalition 2004 -2006 Multiple studies investigating recreational opportunities were conducted by the Manitoba Floodway Authority http://www.floodwayauthority.mb.ca/reports.html & Rivers West http://www.riverswest.ca/index.cfm?pageID=5 and see page 5 http://www.floodwayauthority.mb.ca/pdf/newsletter_08_11_05.pdf 2006 - John Buhler engage City of Winnipeg in purchase of Marconi rail line - to convert into multi use trail 2007 - at grand opening of the 'Northeast Pioneers Greenway' then Premier Doer states this trail will ultimately connect to Birds Hill Provincial Park. 2007 - The Forks /Paul Jordan (then co-chair of Winnipeg Trails Association), Bike to the Future, River West, River East Neighborhood Network - Trail Committee initiate discussions with RM St. Paul for 'The Forks National Historic Site to Birds Hill Provincial Park' trail connection 2008 - Phase one of Winnipeg's Rapid Transit is announced - and will include separate active transportation / cycling pathway 2009- construction of asphalt trails on floodway begin - note an asphalt trail from Birds Hill Park to Lockport is also being constructed (attached is a DRAFT - which will be finalized and on WTA website next week) 2010 - following strong advocacy, City of Winnipeg includes separated pedestrian /cycle bridge for Northeast Pioneers Greenway users to SAFELY cross over the $100M Chief Peguis Expansion (Chief Peguis Expansion another key link in CentrePort transportation route) construction of pedestrian / equestrian / cycle bridge over 59 Hwy connecting Birds Hill Park to Floodway begins summer 2011 - Manitoba Floodway Authority highlights overall recreational plan Page 3 http://www.floodwayauthority.mb.ca/pdf/floodway_nwsltr_eng_2011.pdf summer 2011 - Winnipeg Trails Association, River East Neighborhood Network - Trail Committee, Prairie Pathfinders Hiking Club, One Green City, & Bike to the Future launch Winnipeg to Birds Hill Awareness Campaign - citing the need to include SAFE active transportation in the PTH 101 / PTH 59 interchange $80-$100 M rehabilitation fall 2011 - NDP promise 'if re-elected' they will build a safe pedestrian / cycle crossing over the Perimeter Hwy. The Future: The dream is to go from University of Manitoba through the city of Winnipeg to Birds Hill Park and then to Lockport on a completely separate multi use pathway - and while there are still a few missing pieces that need to come together - I and many others are confident this will occur within the next 5 years. Yet to occur: In Winnipeg: - a separate pathway from Chalmers to The Forks (route has been identified) - safe / civilized pedestrian cycling crossing on Osborne under the rail line (in City of Winnipeg 5 year budget projection and will have to occur as rail line needs maintenance overhaul) - Phase Two of Rapid Transit to U of M (also to include an active transportation pathway) - perhaps in the next 4 years? the Stadium's location at U of M is helping move Phase Two up the ladder of priorities In RM Birds Hill: - asphalting / upgrading of Raleigh / Gateway route which is currently on roadway Floodway: - Dunning Road crossing is currently seasonal and related to floodway levels - a separated year around route is being investigated by Manitoba Floodway Authority Lockport: - the trail is being constructed and refinements into Lockport will occur in the next few years. In Summary: Many many folks & organizations have been working towards this vision. HUGE HUGE thank yous to all who have helped the vision get this far. BUT The development of CentrePort - positioning Manitoba as a 'global transportation hub' - will impact countless pedestrian and cycling crossings in the year to come- in Winnipeg and in Manitoba. There are opportunities to enable SAFE pedestrian and cycling crossings in the development of this trucking network - as we've are seeing in the Forks / Birds Hill / Lockport / Floodway trail BUT STRONG / NON STOP / HARD CORE ADVOCACY was required - I know I've been involved since 2004 and it hasn't been an easy ride at all to get to last night's announcement! IF the Province had a Provincial Active Transportation policy - gov't would consider active transportation when they are investing billions of tax payers dollars into roadways. Pedestrians and cyclists would have far higher odds of having SAFE transportation routes and crossings. We have yet to hear a FORMAL commitment from any party stating they would implement an Provincial Active Transportation Policy. When candidates come knocking - please stress the need for a Provincial Active Transportation policy. Provincial Election Active Transportation details can be found here: http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/2011/08/23/provincial-election-2011/ Janice Lukes Manager, Special Projects - Winnipeg Trails Winnipeg Trails Association 235-614 Des Meurons Street Winnipeg, MB R2H 2P9 Cell (204) 952-4222 Fax (204) <tel:%28204%29%20237-4618> 237-4618 <mailto:jlukes@riverswest.ca> jlukes(a)riverswest.ca <http://www.winnipegtrails.ca/> www.WinnipegTrails.ca Member of City of Winnipeg Active Transportation Advisory Committee Chair, Province of Manitoba Active Transportation Advisory Group -----Original Message----- From: Sigrun Bailey [mailto:sigrun.bailey@gmail.com] Sent: September 20, 2011 6:58 PM To: undisclosed-recipients: Subject: Important AT Announcement Today Premier Selinger along with all of the NDP candidates in the NE quadrant of the City promised to build a safe crossing (flyover) of the Northeast Pioneers Greenway at the Perimeter Hwy. If they get elected it will be one of the first things they do! It will be a joyous day for AT. Our vision of connecting The Forks National Historic Site to Birds Hill Provincial Park is one step closer to reality. Sigrun RENN-TC, Co-Chair

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MRTA Job Posting
by Beth McKechnie 19 Sep '11

19 Sep '11

Manitoba Recreational Trails Association EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Manitoba Recreational Trails Association (MRTA) is seeking an Executive Director to join our team. The MRTA is a volunteer based, non-profit organization, whose primary purpose is the management of the Trans Canada Trail in Manitoba. The MRTA represents 18 regional trail associations who are tasked with the construction and maintenance of the Trans Canada Trail. The successful candidate should have experience working independently while managing multiple demands. They should have in-depth experience with volunteer boards and a demonstrated background in liaising effectively with government agencies. Effective communication to maintain close partnerships with our regional trails groups is vital. The successful applicant should possess a thorough understanding of volunteer sector issues, marketing and fundraising. Training and/or experience in project management would be considered an asset, including budget plan development and execution. The Executive Director also must possess strong oral and written communication skills and excel at organizing, time management, prioritizing and problem solving. A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle is essential. Must be available to work evenings and weekends as required and travel extensively throughout Manitoba. A more detailed job description, including salary range, is available at the MRTA website: www.mrta.mb.ca Send resume and cover letter in confidence by September 30th 2011 to: margaret {at} mrta.mb.ca Only candidates to be interviewed will be contacted. No phone calls please. Regards, Margaret Boyechko Administration Assistant/Bookkeeper Manitoba Recreational Trails Association 1007 Century Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0W4 204-633-9879 204-945-1365 (fax) www.mrta.mb.ca *"In every walk with nature one receives * *far more than he seeks."* - John Muir

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WFP: Snow-shovelling relief on way for some
by Beth McKechnie 14 Sep '11

14 Sep '11

[See highlighted paragraphs at end of article regarding snow removal on pathways and AT routes...] Snow-shovelling relief on way for some City to improve lane plowing where front access lacking By: Jen Skerritt Posted: 09/14/2011 THE bad news is Winnipeggers with back lanes will still have to dig out of windrows this winter. The good news is relief may be on the way for some neighbourhoods in 2012. On Tuesday, city council's public works committee approved a plan to spend an additional $50,000 to remove windrows and enhance snow-clearing in back lanes with no front-street access in 2012 and beyond. That means residents in neighbourhoods such as Wildwood Park will no longer have to shovel their way through piles of snow to back out of their lanes. Public works director Brad Sacher said some residents in neighbourhoods such as Wildwood Park and parts of Transcona don't have a front street to park on because they are bordered by sidewalks or parks. In these areas, Sacher said wider back lanes essentially function as front streets. "They literally would have to shovel their way out to get to these paths that we had created," Sacher said. "It wasn't working very well with those residents." If the plan is approved by executive policy committee and then council, Sacher said snowplows will clear those back lanes and remove any windrows left behind by plows. In neighbourhoods where residents with back lanes also have front streets, Sacher said there will not be any changes to how plows clear snow from the back lanes. At the same time, the city will consider a plan to spend an additional $250,000 in 2012 to clear more snow from active transportation routes. Sacher said the idea is to encourage more people to use the trails for recreation and to commute during the winter. Last year, the city spent about $125,000 to plow active transportation trails, and Sacher said the new routes that could be targeted would be determined with input from commuter cyclists and recreational users. The city does not track how many people cycle during the winter, but Sacher said the department suspects it is on the rise. "It's a significant increase in the number of trails we're going to be able to address," he said. Fort Rouge Coun. Jenny Gerbasi said more people are using active transportation corridors than ever before and the move is a positive step for the city. "There are more hardy winter riders," Gerbasi said. jen.skerritt(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Bicyclists top million commuting miles - Pedalling to, from work shows value
by Beth McKechnie 14 Sep '11

14 Sep '11

Bicyclists top million commuting miles Pedaling to, from work shows value 7:01 AM, Sep. 8, 2011 http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20110908/APC0101/109080473/Bicyclists-t… For Neenah resident Gregg Warning, getting serious about bicycling this year has paid short- and long-term benefits. Since last spring, Warning, 50, has logged about 2,500 miles commuting to work by leaving his van parked at his home and biking nine miles to the UPS Center on the north side of Oshkosh. Two weeks after starting his bike commute, Warning lost 10 pounds and found himself more alert and full of energy at work. He also noticed a difference in his wallet. "It's (saving) like the price of a gallon of gas per day — at least $20 a week in fuel," Warning said. He is among the nearly 4,600 bicyclists statewide who have logged more than 1 million miles going to and from work since May 16 as part of the Scott Get Up and Ride Wisconsin Bike Challenge. The challenge, which ends Sept. 30, surpassed the 1 million mile mark last week. All challenge participants and bicycling enthusiasts are invited to help celebrate the milestone and other biking-related successes in the Fox Valley at Fed Fest on Saturday at Appleton's City Park. It is one of several events scheduled across the state by the Bike Federation of Wisconsin to promote bicycling, recognize the bike challenge success and spread the word about Share & Be Aware, a statewide safety program sponsored by the state Department of Transportation. Scott Reilly, of Appleton, a BFW Share & Be Aware ambassador, has been attending public events such as farmer's markets, festivals and concerts while also teaching bike safety and skills classes to spread the word about the safety program launched earlier this year. There have been 32 bike and pedestrian fatalities in Wisconsin so far this year. The safety program's basic messages are: bicyclists and motorists must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk; bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as a motorist, including stopping at red lights and stop signs; and motorists by law need to leave at least three feet of space when passing someone on a bicycle. "Our goal is to educate drivers, bicyclists and the general public on our shared responsibilities on the roads here in the state by attending public events and offering classes on bike safety with the hope of reducing the number of accidents involving bikes and automobiles," Reilly said. *— Michael King: 920-729-6622, ext. 33, or mking(a)postcrescent.com* Wisconsin Bike Challenge at a glance Official name: Scott Get Up and Ride Wisconsin<http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20110908/APC0101/109080473/Bicyclists-t…>Bike Challenge Teams registered: 1,188 Riders: 4,546 Distance: 1,094,653 miles (as of Wednesday) Calories burned: 36.6 billion CO2 saved: 556,578 pounds Dollars saved: $275,553 On the Web: www.challenge.bfw.org Source: www.endomondo.com

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The Promise x THREE
by Janice Lukes 14 Sep '11

14 Sep '11

Hi AT folks I must share this news with you - can barely type it out! Pass this on to your members / friends / anyone interested in AT. Tonight I attended the CAA election forum on infrastructure, consumer and safety issues at the Free Press News Cafe. (photo attached) http://www.caamanitoba.com/eblasts/elections2011/2011.09.02-PGA-0018_Electio nEblast.html - Dan Lett Free Press columnist moderated. - A lot of heavy weights were there asking questions - CAA President, MPI Insurance, AMM President, and others. - Jeremy Hull from Bike to the Future also attended and asked a question on education / road safety. As a CAA member and WTA representative - I was able to ask a question of the three candidates - Goertzen, Mackintosh and Stewart. Fortunately Mackintosh - through previous questions from the audience - spoke multiple times of how the NDP were 4 years into an unprecedented $4B roadways investment and how CentrePort investment was going to be the 'jewel' of Canada from a transportation perspective - thus setting the stage for my question/s. I spoke as a 'vulnerable road user' (explaining the MPI term), articulating that we too pay taxes to use roads - spoke of current situation: - as these billions of roadways money were being spend - the complete lack of an AT policy meant there was no lens of active transportation being use to consider AT opportunities - not one single person in gov't solely dedicated to AT - simply no mechanism to gather public input on AT issues Then highlighted the Greater Strides report with 25 recommendations - a PLAN - which was released in a ditch in Southdale this June - and 500 printed copies were sitting in a closet in gov't offices and were not being distributed for purely political reasons (and gave them each a copy) - and asked the QUESTION: Within one year of becoming elected - would your government commit to: 1. developing a Provincial active transportation policy 2. dedicate full time resources to oversee implementation of policy, education and AT planning 3. ensure formation of an avenue to gather public input / advice? I did not highlight these are the three actions that are resulting in the City being so successful in moving AT forward - there is always a friction between the two levels of gov't. Each one of them, said yes - and as the first one started to ramble an answer ( I believe it was Mackintosh) I interrupted - articulating the question to get a black and white answer vs jargon - Dan Lett jumped in, drilled them a bit more on it - and YES - they all clearly said these were significant points in light of the increase in public's engagement of active transportation AND they would commit to these actions. POST FORUM I went up to each one of them to AGAIN confirm - and yes - Goertsen said it was in the PC health announcement from today - and exact details would be forthcoming soon Mackintosh said yes - for sure - but wasn't sure how the public input aspect would look exactly I thanked Stewart for being involved in tonight's event. VALUE OF AN ELECTION PROMISE: In last Provincial election - NDP promised WTA $1.8 M They delivered on every single penny (albeit with some heavy handed hounding) - WTA used the promise to leverage an additional $5M in trail funding from Feds / City and private for trails and trailheads. VALUE OF AN ELECTION PROMISE . . . x THREE: can it get any better ? the odds seem very good. Am now hoping we have a more 'official' AT announcement from each party - I expect it will occur. If I can get recording in an an MPwhatever format - I will pass it on also. this is almost surreal. Janice Lukes

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Workshop: Filling the Gaps in St Boniface’s Cycling Network
by Mark Cohoe 13 Sep '11

13 Sep '11

Join Bike to the Future on Tuesday September 27th at the Norwood Community Centre for a community workshop to help refine the cycling network in St. Boniface. * learn more about the city’s cycling routes in your neighbourhood * discuss barriers to cycling in St. Boniface * discuss the best opportunities to overcome those barriers * help us fill in the gaps where existing routes don’t quite connect * free bike valet service <http://www.bicyclevaletwinnipeg.ca/> *When*: Tuesday September 27th, 2011 6:00-6:15 pm—Registration (Bike Ride & Sessions) 6:15-7:30 pm—Neighbourhood Bike Ride (optional) 7:30-7:45 pm—Snacks/Late Registration (Sessions Only) 7:45-9:45 pm—Short Presentation & Breakout Sessions *Where*: Norwood Community Centre, 87 Walmer Street (see map <http://maps.google.com/maps?q=norwood+community+centre&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&h…>) We want to know where you cycle to and from, which routes you like best, which routes you avoid, and where you encounter barriers. Most importantly, we want to hear how you think barriers can be removed from the cycling network, and where the best opportunities exist to improve cycling connections in and around St. Boniface. We’ll start the evening with a short neighbourhood ride (see map <http://biketothefuture.org/attachments/0000/1687/st-b-neighbourhood-ride-ma…>) highlighting existing infrastructure, barriers and opportunities (see map). Registration for the ride will run from 6:00 – 6:15pm in front of the Community Centre. We’ll head out at 6:15 sharp, traveling approximately 13km at a moderate pace. All ride participants must have a roadworthy bike, and should have the skills necessary to be confident riding in traffic. If you can’t fit the neighbourhood ride into your schedule, feel free to take advantage of the late registration from 7:30 until 7:45 and join us for the remainder of the workshop. After a snack and quick overview of cycling facilities being used in Winnipeg and other cities, we’ll break into groups and get down to the business of making St. Boniface a better place to bike. Each group will be asked to focus in on 2-3 three specific areas or issues, and will summarize their discussion and ideas at the end of the evening. Following the workshop, we’ll compile your ideas and discussion into a public report that we will bring forward to the city’s active transportation committee, where we will push for improvements to the cycling network in St. Boniface. If you can't make it to the workshop, please send you ideas to markc(a)biketothefuture.org Event Poster <http://biketothefuture.org/attachments/0000/1686/st-boniface-at-network-wor…> Map of Neighbourhood Ride <http://biketothefuture.org/attachments/0000/1687/st-b-neighbourhood-ride-ma…>

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Provincial candidate forum on the environment - September 14, 7pm
by Jessie Klassen 13 Sep '11

13 Sep '11

Apologies if you've already seen this! *Provincial candidate forum on the environment * This Wednesday, candidates from the NDP, Progressive Conservatives, Liberals and Greens square off for a provincial environment forum. The event is organized by the Manitoba Eco-Network, Green Action Centre, the Provincial Council of Women and the Green Action Committee of the First Unitarian Church. Candidates from all parties intending to run candidates across the province were invited to participate. The forum will be moderated by CBC Radio’s Terry MacLeod. “Many of Manitobans' key concerns this election such as water quality in Lake Winnipeg, greenhouse gas emissions or hydro-electric development are environmental issues. This forum will give the public a chance to hear all the party positions, to ask important questions and to decide for themselves which platform will best promote sustainability in Manitoba” said event coordinator, Josh Brandon. Who: Jennifer Howard, NDP candidate, Fort Rouge, Heather Stefanson, PC candidate, Tuxedo Paul Hesse, Liberal candidate, Fort Rouge James Beddome, Green candidate Wolseley Where: First Unitarian Church 603 Wellington Crescent. When: Wednesday, September 14, 7:00 pm Event website: http://greenactioncentre.ca/event/provincial-election-forum/ Contact: Josh Brandon. Manitoba Eco-Network, (204) 898-6460 ------------------------------

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How young is too young to bike with your kid?
by Beth McKechnie 10 Sep '11

10 Sep '11

How young is too young to bike with your kid? madeleine white From Friday's Globe and Mail Published Thursday, Jul. 28, 2011 4:54PM EDT http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/parenting/young-children/children-trend… Biking has always been a big part of Todd Beernink’s life. The Vancouver resident has worked as a bike courier, competed in cycling races and uses a bicycle as his main mode of transportation. Then his son Tayo was born. Mr. Beemink wanted to start riding with his baby as soon as possible. “I would get so excited thinking about my son enjoying something I enjoy too,” he says. But his in-laws weren’t so excited. In fact, they were terrified. To allay their concerns – and his own – Mr. Beernink reconfigured an old bike trailer to hold his son’s car seat. He knew that most cycling safety sites warn against infants under one wearing helmets, since a baby’s neck is too weak to support the weight. So he improvised and put toques and blankets around Tayo so that his head was cushioned and didn’t have much room to move. It was his imperfect solution: All cyclists and passengers are required to wear a helmet under B.C. law. By the age of three months, Tayo was hooked into his five-point harness in the car seat and fastened into the trailer. His father still vividly remembers their first ride together, in January. “I rode so slow that my fingers froze because my heart rate was so low,” he said. “There were dogs passing us.It took us an hour and a half to go five kilometres.” The ride was a success, and he’s been cycling with Tayo since. But having been in a few accidents before he had a child, he’s well aware that biking comes with risks. And given that, beyond city safety by-laws, there are no federal guidelines for cycling with kids, he and other parents are left to answer for themselves a critical question: How young is too young to bike with a baby on board? One vocal opponent to parents riding with their babies is Pat Hines, founder and executive director of Safe Moves, a safety organization in the United States. In an online video, Ms. Hines flatly states: “There is no age when a child should go on a bicycle with a parent … Who would want to take a chance of the child falling? Even if you weren’t in danger of being hit by a car, just a slip, the baby goes down and the baby would go down very hard.” Jennifer Gruden, a Toronto mother of two boys, shares Ms. Hines’s fear of falling, especially since she was in a serious crash when she was 25. It took two years of physiotherapy to fully recover from the accident, caused by a dog rushing up and clipping her wheel . A doctor told her that if she hadn’t been wearing a helmet, she would have cracked her skull. So when she became a mother, Ms. Gruden decided against biking with her son Noah, now 5, until he was old enough to wear a helmet. Ms. Gruden is now looking forward to biking with her second baby, who’s six months old. This time around, though, she expects to try a bike trailer – generally considered the safest way to transport kids, since it’s low to the ground in the case of a fall – rather than the front-facing bike seat that Noah rode in. “It is a sliding scale for me,” she says. “From zero to 12 months, it’s not worth it to me to put him on a bike. From one to three, I think it’s about picking the time and place and using a trailer. But after that, I feel that the risks turn around – if you’re not as a family doing [physical] activities, then there are long-term health risk that are too easy to ignore.” But the health benefits of cycling are limited to safe roads, she says. Without bike lanes, Ms. Gruden said she would be too nervous to commute on busy roads with her sons. She admits that she probably wouldn’t ride daily with her older son if they lived downtown. Cycling advocate Todd Litman, Executive Director of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute, says many people overestimate the risk of riding with children. “There is no greater risk to biking with children than there is taking them in a car,” says Mr. Litman, who rode a bike with his sons (now university-aged) when they were three weeks old. Statistics Canada does not collect data on how many parents bike with their kids. But it does monitor cycling fatalities involving young children. According to StatsCan, no children aged zero to four died from being on a bike with their parents from 2001 to 2007. That reassures Edmonton mom Sarah Chan, who rigged a platform on her Madsen cargo bike for her son Dexter’s car seat when he was four months old.“There is a whole culture of fear around parenting, and it doesn’t begin or end with a bike,” says Ms. Chan. “If parents are careful on their bikes, it isn’t that dangerous. It’s actually fun.” Especially for Dexter who, now age two, sits up in her cargo bucket, pointing and waving to passers-by. And much to his mom’s delight, he copies her hand signals when they’re out in traffic.

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Ciclovia: Coming September 11!
by Jessie Klassen 08 Sep '11

08 Sep '11

*Ciclovia* is back for the third year *Sunday, September 11th from 11am to 8pm*! Ciclovia is a huge street festival and active transportation celebration! There are street closures from Assiniboine Park to The Forks, with many activities, kiosks, and displays on Broadway Avenue. Ciclovia info <http://www.downtownwinnipegbiz.com/home/events/ciclovia/>(including a route map and a list of activities/kiosks/displays) Ciclovia needs over 200 volunteers to make the day a success. If you are able to give some time, sign up to volunteer<http://manyfest.volunteerhub.com/SignIn.aspx?ReturnUrl=/Default.aspx>and receive a free T-shirt, meal voucher, and more. *Also, we are in huge need of marshals for the Ciclovia route. This position was not posted on the Ciclovia hub, given the need for a specific type of volunteer. Please call Stephanie at 958-4621 if you can help with marshalling!* *If you know anyone that would like to take part in our free block-long garage sale on Sunday between 11am-8pm, please have them call Rose at 958-4636.* Also, if you would like to like us on Facebook and share with your contacts, that would be awesome - plus there's a chance to win! *Like us on Facebook…and win!* Like ManyFestWinnipeg on Facebook and enter to win a Downtown Star Treatment. *Like CicloviaWinnipeg on Facebook and enter to win a* *$500-value prize package at Mountain Equipment Co-op.* *http://www.facebook.com/manyfestwinnipeg* *http://www.facebook.com/CicloviaWinnipeg* Thanks for your help and I hope to see you there! ** ** ** ** **** * * *SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11* * * *part of * *MANYFEST: ALL TOGETHER DOWNTOWN!* *SEPTEMBER 9 TO 11 ON BROADWAY!* Join downtown’s biggest street party! Enjoy many events over one weekend this September, with music, light, art, dance, wine, food and fun on Broadway in the heart of downtown ****Winnipeg****! Bring a tin for the bin for Winnipeg Harvest. Cash donations gratefully accepted in support of Change for the Better, providing jobs to the less fortunate. *Last year it was* *Lights on Broadway: Five Events, One Weekend, *this year it's Many Events - ManyFest! The north side of Broadway will be closed to traffic. www.manyfest.ca**** ** ** ** ** *Ciclovia * *Sunday, Sept. 11, 11am-8pm* Walk, jog or cycle all the way from ****Assiniboine** **Park**** to The Forks during this eco-friendly festival. Stop at Broadway to enjoy a farmers’ market, music, fitness demos, kids zone, bike show, garage sale and more!**** ** ** *Featured Ciclovia Actvities* - A Soap Box ****Derby**** by Ace Art **** - RBC Blue Water Zone, with 1,500 collapsible water bottles to give away in their zone **** - 2nd annual Tweed Ride - Wear your newsboy or slouch hat, bring your parasol, knickers, pipe, vest, pantaloons and anything tweed circa early 1900s for a bike ride in Winnipeg! (Departure at 2pm) **** - Bike Show: bring out your old bikes, fancy bikes, pretty bikes! **** - Community groups still wanted for displays! Call Rose at 958-4636. **** - Bike Valet: Leave your bike or stroller for free! (Memorial Park, Broadway at Osborne). Hours: Friday and Saturday: 11:30am – 11:30pm; Sunday: 7:30am – 8:30pm. Location: In Memorial Park on Broadway at ****Osborne Street****. **** ** ** (Music in orange; fitness in black.)**** *Memorial Stage* 11:00am Enjoy Your Pumas**** 11:45 Prenatal/Postnatal Fitness **** 12:30 Fire & Smoke**** 1:15 Belly Dancing**** 2:00 Tom Foolery**** 2:45 Zumba**** 3:30 Craig & Ash**** 4:15 Zumbatonic**** 5:00 Retro Rhythm Review**** 5:45 Body Combat**** 6:30 Mike & The Eastwood Gang**** 7:15 Cha Cha**** ** ** *****Carlton****** Stage* 11:00am Zumba**** 11:45 Flying Fox & Hunter Gatherers **** 12:30 Spin Class**** 1:15 Melissa Plett & These Guys**** 2:00 Spin Class**** 2:45 Drum Cafe**** 3:30 Zumba**** 4:15 Les Jupes**** 5:00 Spin Class**** 5:45 The Kathy Kennedy Blues Band**** 6:30 Zumba**** 7:15 Tree**** *After party at the Pony Corral Downtown!* ** ** **** *SCHEDULE OF MANYFEST EVENTS * ** ** *Giant Movie in the Park – **NEW THIS YEAR!*** *Friday, Sept. 9, starting at sun down, approx 8pm* Roll out your blanket in Memorial Park and watch a movie on a giant outdoor screen under the stars! The movie is Toy Story 3. Sponsored by S&J Construction. **** ** ** *Lights on Broadway * *Saturday, Sept. 10, starting at sun down, approx 8pm* Stroll beneath Broadway’s lit elm trees, and add your own touch of warmth with a complimentary candle – while supplies last! Get a glimpse of what the final permanent, year round tree lighting design could look like, courtesy of Epic Production Technologies, winner of last year’s lighting design competition. Sponsored by ****Manitoba**** Hydro.**** ** ** *Big Dance on Broadway * *Saturday, Sept. 10, 4pm-11pm* It's a dance party like no other with two stages playing various genres of music. Jive, swing, bop and groove beneath a canopy of light. Sponsored by * ***Winnipeg**** Arts Council.**** ** ** *Music on Memorial* 4:00pmTed ****Kernoski Square**** Dancers**** 5:15 Sol James featuring Heitha Forsythe**** 6:45 Tune Raiders**** 7:45 Paradize Band**** 9:15 Big J **Harrison** Big Band **** *Dance on Carlton* 4:00pmTwo Dollar Pistol**** 5:15 Hip Hop lessons with Loa Olafson**** 6:15 Tye Dye Adam**** 7:45 Viva Brasil Capoiera**** 9:00 DJ Penny Lane**** ** ** *After party at the Pony Corral Downtown!* ** ** *****Winnipeg****** 10 & 10 & 5 Race* *Sunday, Sept. 11, 8am-11am* Lace on those runners and enjoy the scenic route of a 5 km, 10 km or 10 mile **** run that starts and ends in Memorial Park. Group discounts of 10% for groups of 6 or more. *NEW THIS YEAR: 5 km run or walk, perfect for families! *Presented by Investors Group.** ** ** *Cost:* 5 km: $25 (to Sept 8), $35 (on Sept 9 & 10); 10 km: $30 (to Sept 8), $40 (on Sept 9 & 10); 10 miler: $35 (until Sept 8), $45 (on Sept 9 & 10)**** *Register: www.events.runningroom.com* *Sept 11, Race Day:* 8:30am - 10 Miler; 9:00am - 10 Km; 9:15am - 5 Km**** ** ** *Broadway Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market * *Saturday, 4pm-11pm & Sunday, 11am-8pm* Stroll among dozens of vendors, browse handmade jewellery, and pick up some fresh home-grown veggies. Sponsored by ****Portage Place****.**** ** ** *Kids’ Zone * *Saturday, 4pm-11pm; Sunday, 11am-8pm* Bring out the whole family to enjoy bouncers, clowns, giant sand boxes, inflatable slides, crafts, buskers, pony rides, bike rodeo by MPI, activities, and much more on Memorial Blvd! Sponsored by Fido.**** ** ** *Taste of Downtown Winnipeg Wine & Cheese Festival **- ALL WEEKEND LONG!* *Friday, Noon-11pm; Saturday, Noon-11pm; Sunday, Noon-8pm* Sip cabernets and chardonnays during this wine and cheese event held in Memorial Park. Free admission. Tasting tickets sold at the event in support of Winnipeg Harvest. Hosted by the Downtown ****Winnipeg**** BIZ. Presented by the Independent Specialty Wine Stores of Manitoba in collaboration with the Manitoba Chefs Association. Also sponsored in part by the Bay Downtown.* *** ** ** *Wine Merchants Include:* • Kenaston Wine Market **** • Fenton’s Wine Merchants**** • De Luca Fine Wines**** • La ****Boutique** **Del**** Vino**** • Banville & Jones Wine Co.**** *Gourmet Foods and Cheese Sponsors:* • Bothwell Cheese • City Bread**** • De Luca’s Specialty Foods**** • Piazza di Nardi**** • Fenton’s Gourmet Foods**** ** ** *For more information, visit www.ManyFest.ca. * ** ** The Downtown BIZ, City of Winnipeg, the Running Room and the Independent Specialty Wine Stores of Manitoba are hosting the festival along with many other partners and sponsors: Investors Group, S&J Construction, Portage Place, Winnipeg Arts Council, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Fido, Manitoba Hydro, Travel Manitoba, Fusion Group, Dental Designs, RBC Blue Water Project, Best Western Charterhouse Hotel, Audioworks, The Bay Downtown, East India Company, the Pony Corral, MPI, MTS Centre, Johnson Waste Management, Bee Clean, Assiniboine Credit Union, Lawton Partners, Neptune Properties, Brad’s Window Cleaning, Winnipeg Parking Authority and the Prolific Group. Media sponsors include the ****Winnipeg**** Sun, CTV, 92 CITI, 102 Clear FM and CBC Radio One 990.**** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** *Stephanie Voyce* Project Manager,* *Image & Transportation *Downtown **Winnipeg BIZ *204.958.4621 office 204.958.4630 fax Visit our website at www.downtownwinnipegbiz.com! This email is intended for the person(s) to whom it is addressed and the contents may contain private and confidential information to which rights are claimed. If you receive this email in error, the review, copy, distribution, or otherwise use of the contents is prohibited and we ask that you notify the sender immediately to advise of the error. Thank you.**** ** ** -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Ciclovia Winnipeg" group. To post to this group, send email to ciclovia-winnipeg(a)googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to ciclovia-winnipeg+unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/ciclovia-winnipeg?hl=en.

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The Economist on Cycle Safety in North America
by Charles Feaver 07 Sep '11

07 Sep '11

A blunt assessment of our safety v. European cyclists, from The Economist: Calm down With a very few exceptions, America is no place for cyclists Sep 3rd 2011 | SEATTLE | from the print edition * DYING while cycling is three to five times more likely in America than in Denmark, Germany or the Netherlands. To understand why, consider the death of Michael Wang. He was pedalling home from work in Seattle on a sunny weekday afternoon in late July when, witnesses say, a brown SUV made a left turn, crunched into Wang and sped away. The road where the 44-year-old father of two was hit is the busiest cycling corridor in Seattle, and it has clearly marked bicycle lanes. But the lanes are protected from motor vehicles by a line of white paint-a largely metaphorical barrier that many drivers ignore and police do not vigorously enforce. A few feet from the cycling lane traffic moves at speeds of between 30 miles per hour, the speed limit for arterials in Seattle, and 40 miles per hour, the speed at which many cars actually travel. This kind of speed kills. A pedestrian hit by a car moving at 30mph has a 45% chance of dying; at 40mph, the chance of death is 85%, according to Britain's Department of Transport. Had Mr Wang been commuting on a busy bike route in Amsterdam, Copenhagen or Berlin, his unprotected exposure to instruments of death-namely, any vehicle moving at 20mph or more-would be nearly nil. These cities have knitted together networks for everyday travel by bike. To start with, motor vehicles allowed near cyclists are subject to "traffic calming". They must slow down to about 19mph, a speed that, in case of collision, kills less than 5%. Police strictly enforce these speed limits with hefty fines. Repeat offenders lose their licences. Calmer traffic is just the beginning. In much of northern Europe, cyclists commute on lanes that are protected from cars by concrete buffers, rows of trees or parked cars. At busy crossroads, bicycle-activated traffic lights let cyclists cross first. Traffic laws discriminate in favour of people on bikes. A few American cities have taken European-style steps to make streets safer for cycling, most notably Portland, Oregon, which has used most of the above ideas. The result: more bikes and fewer deaths. Nearly 6% of commuters bike to work in Portland, the highest proportion in America. But in five out of the past ten years there have been no cycling deaths there. In the nearby Seattle area, where cycling is popular but traffic calming is not, three cyclists, have been killed in the past few weeks.

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WFP: Walking the walk - Winnipeg's trail system thriving thanks to volunteers
by Beth McKechnie 07 Sep '11

07 Sep '11

Walking the walk Winnipeg's trail system is thriving thanks to volunteers who have jumped in feet first By: Shamona Harnett http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/walking----the-walk-129285178… They are hidden worlds in your own city. >From the giant snapping turtles that you might encounter in St. Vital's enchanted Bois-des-Esprit trail; or the colourful wild flowers that will fill your senses on Charleswood's Harte Trail; or even the thrilling roar of landing planes on St. James' Yellow Ribbon Greenway Trail, Winnipeg's system of recreational pathways is thriving. Follow Shamona on Twitter. Have an interesting story you'd like Shamona to write about? Contact her at shamona.harnett(a)freepress.mb.ca Blazing the trails *What's the purpose of Winnipeg's trails?* Trail advocates want Winnipeggers walking, running, cycling, in-line skating, skipping and wandering down city trails. Ideally, the trails will help Winnipeggers become more active and, therefore, fitter. (According to a Active Transportation Advisory Group report, 55 per cent of Manitoba's people are overweight and 45 per cent considered inactive.) Trail proponents hope the trails' increasing connectivity make them a viable, safe way for people to get from one neighbourhood to the other without their cars. *How much money is the government putting into trails?* In the last five years, more than $40 million has been spent on trails and cycling infrastructure around Winnipeg -- $20 million just last year alone. *How many trails are in Winnipeg?* It depends on what you define as a trail. There are many bits and pieces that are too small to have an official name. The Winnipeg Trails Association has mapped out nearly 40 city trails. *How is the trail system organized?* In 1993, the city came up with the idea to divide the city into six parkways -- essentially consisting of land along both sides of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. The goal is to hook up the parkways to form a continuous trail system. This web of parkways joins one park to another. Trails mainly curve around the riverbanks and, when necessary, wind onto residential streets. *What is the Trans Canada Trail?* A project the federal government touts as the world's longest network of trails. Today, more than 15,500 kilometres' worth of Trans Canada trail has been developed nationwide, 1,400 kilometres of which is in Manitoba. *Is there a way for the city to profit from its trails?* Advocates say Winnipeg's trails will attract tourists and lead to growth in the city's economy. *How do I find out more about Winnipeg's trails?* Log onto the Winnipeg Trails Association Website at www.winnipegtrails.ca *How do I help bring a trail to my community?* Contact local trail associations, your city councillor and your MLA. What makes these magical places what they are? One reason is the legion of tireless volunteers. There are hundreds of trail volunteers in Winnipeg -- some who, for 20 years, have worked to create the interconnected network of paths you see today. Here are four inspirational volunteers who help make it happen: LEONE BANKS *Claim to fame:* Co-founder of the Prairie Pathfinders, a trail-exploring walking group that now boasts around 500 members. Twice a week, Banks and her colleagues take Winnipeggers on treks that help them get to know the most beautiful trails, pathways and green spaces in their own city. Banks, 76, is also co-author of Winnipeg Walks, a book she wrote 12 years ago with Kathleen Leathers, Sheila Spence and Wendy Wilson. The book has since sold more than 10,000 copies. *How she fell in love with Winnipeg's trails:* It happened when she would walk from her home in Wolseley to her job at St. Boniface Hospital and back again. "I started thinking about walking in Winnipeg," says Banks, who now lives in Fort Garry. *On identifying her favourite Winnipeg trail:* "There are just so many of them," says Banks, who loves forest trails such as Bois-des-Esprit. "It's pretty nice. It is so truly wild. You can walk along the Seine River or you can go through the forest." *On her recent Friday-night group walk:* She took more than 70 people out to the Bridgwater Forest Trails, a new development in Waverley West. "The purple gentian -- there were about 12 of them just along the trail (as well as high bush cranberry). (The developers) just left wonderful pieces of the forests," says Banks. "When there's a new development and you have any influence on it, tell people you want it to look like Bridgwater Forest." *On seeing someone purchase her book:* "If I'm at a bookstore, I've hardly seen anybody ever buy one," says the retired grandmother. "It gives me a big thrill the few times I have." *On her pet peeve:* "I don't like the world trails. I hate it. It's a word that's being used for so many different types of places people might go," says Banks, who prefers the term "pathways." *On what makes her work so worthwhile:* Many people in her group "believe it or not, have been to more places in the world than most people," explains Banks. "They have learned to value their own city and appreciate it more. I think our books have done that for people." PAUL JORDAN *Claim to fame:* Chief executive officer of the Forks Renewal Corporation. For a decade, headed the Winnipeg Trails Association (WTA). Now, advises every trail group in the city. Many consider him a trail "visionary." *On when he first discovered Winnipeg had a trail system:* It was 2000 when he was asked to chair the WTA. "Lo and behold, I met all of these people -- these volunteers -- who had been working away on their trails for years. I thought there were no trails in Winnipeg until I met these folks," says Jordan. *How often does he use the trails?* For the past decade, Jordan has walked to work and back everyday. In the winter, the Corydon Village resident, and father to four grown sons, often skates to work and back down the frozen river walk trail. *What it's like to skate down the frozen Assiniboine River:* "It's cool because in the dead of winter, it's darker in the mornings than in the afternoons. Once you get moving you're not cold," says Jordan, who relishes the serenity of the route. "As you go under the car bridges -- they're all backed up with rush-hour traffic and people fearing the elements -- you realize just how pleasant winter can really be, how peaceful it is down at the river level." *On the fact that the river walk at the Forks has been underwater for the whole year:* "It's just beyond frustrating," says Jordan, who is used to it being flooded out in the spring, but never for this long. *On how trail volunteers give him the zeal to fight for the cause:* "They are a very dedicated lot. I remember two years ago we called a meeting and it turned out there was a massive blizzard on that night so I expected no one to show up. More than 100 people showed up in this blizzard," says Jordan. *Why trails are here to stay:* "I think recreational trails and bike commuting will become more and more important. Never mind the economics -- just for health reasons. It's a way of building that exercise into your daily routine so you don't have to go to the gym." JANICE LUKES *Claim to fame:* An outspoken trails activist who is a co-ordinator with the Winnipeg Trails Association and advisor to many other trail committees in the province. *How often does she use Winnipeg's trails?* Every day in the summer. "Trust me. When you have nine-year-old triplets, you do everything you can to get out and get moving. It's cheap and it burns the energy off," says Lukes, 50, who likes to trail-hop from neighbourhood to neighbourhood with her kids and husband. *How she got started advocating for trails:* It happened a decade ago when the St. Norbert resident was pregnant with her sons. "We didn't have a trail close by. That's when I started knocking on the neighbours' doors. I said, 'Look, people are walking on the road. And it's dangerous to walk on the road. There's no lights,'" recalls Lukes, who ended up raising $200,000 to build the Sentier Cloutier Trail. *On the obstacles of trail advocacy:* "At the time, there were days when I was bawling, 'Why does the government move so slow? Why does everything take 52 phone calls?' I didn't get it." *What are her favourite trails?* "I don't know. It depends on the season. It depends on the temperature of the day. My favourite trails are the ones that don't make me feel like I'm in the city," says Lukes, who grew up on a farm in rural Manitoba. On the most satisfying part of trail building: "No one knows the blood, sweat and effort that goes into building a trail. But when you see other people enjoying it and using it and pushing their kids and jogging 24/7 around the clock... that's a very rewarding feeling." SIGRUN BAILEY *Claim to fame:* A North Kildonan mother, wife and retired government worker who, since 2005, has helped build the Northeast Pioneers Greenway, a 5.5-kilometre trail built over the Marconi Spur rail line. The long stretch of smooth asphalt in the middle of the Gateway Road is now one of Winnipeg's most used trails. *What prompted her to care about trails?* For 30 years, Bailey cycled to work from her home in North Kildonan to her downtown office. She also took her kids for bike rides down Wellington Crescent when they were young and before Winnipeg had official trails. A few years ago, she donated money to helped build part of the Trans Canada Trail near the Chief Peguis Bridge. When she discovered it hadn't been completed, she decided to find out why. Later, she joined a group dedicated to building the Northeast Pioneers Greenway. *What drives her?* Her mother's lack of fitness. "My mom had a hard time making it across the street. She was breathing heavy and she was in her 60s. And I thought, 'Oh my God. That's ridiculous," says Bailey, who moved to Canada with her parents from Germany when she was just a baby. "If people are active and they are doing things, then they will stay healthier into their older age." *Her pet peeve:* "The bottom line is when I see these people driving around, one person in a car, it just drives me nuts," says Bailey, who limits her driving time in favour of walking, cycling or taking the bus. "We have to get out of that mindset. People complain about parking. Well, why are you taking your car and parking in the first place?" *A source of pride:* As soon as the asphalt went down on the Northeast Pioneers Trail four years ago, people started using it. "There was still steam coming off it and there was people out there. It was just amazing. People are using it. They feel safe and it's convenient," says Bailey, who raised $150,000 to help build the canopies and benches located at every kilometre of trail. She's also proud that her grown sons and husband use the trail often.

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Active & Green Fall: Relationship killer, commuting with kids, and more
by Jessie Klassen 06 Sep '11

06 Sep '11

Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.<http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&id=d604aef282…> *Looking to improve commuter options at your workplace?* Request resources<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/request-information-presentation-or-mee…>on cycling, carpooling, commuting surveys and tracking progress, among others. Book a presentation<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/request-information-presentation-or-mee…>on the various commuting options, as well as fuel-efficient driving, creating a commuter friendly workplace, and greening the workplace. Talk to us about implementing a Smart Trips<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/smart-trips/>program at your workplace. ------------------------------ Upcoming Events *Ciclovia <http://www.downtownwinnipegbiz.com/home/events/ciclovia/> September 11 <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>International Car Free Day September 22* *Moving Planet <http://www.moving-planet.org/events/ca/winnipeg/559> September 24* *iWALK Month <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/iwalk/> October 1-31* * Campus Commuter Challenge October 17-21 Waste Reduction Week<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/waste-reduction-week-2010/> October 17-23 Green Lifestyle & Natural Living Show <http://www.winnipeggreenshow.com/> October 22-23 * ------------------------------ With beach season almost over... ...stay tuned for our winter issue! Like what you read? Become a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> of Green Action Centre (membership is free!), visit our website at greenactioncentre.ca, or make a donation<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/make-a-donation/>. All Charities Campaign It’s back to school and back to work for many Manitobans. The roads swell with traffic. Idling cars wrap around schools. Leaves fall and large plastic bags appear on curbs destined for the landfill. Green Action Centre works to change these scenarios every day. Donate<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/make-a-donation/>to Green Action Centre this fall through your workplace All Charities Campaign <http://www.allcharitiescampaign.ca/>, or online through Canada Helps <https://www.canadahelps.org/DonationDetails.aspx?cookieCheck=true>. Your donation supports: - School<http://greenactioncentre.ca/program/asrts/school-travel-planning/>travel planning in your neighbourhood; - Employee<http://greenactioncentre.ca/program/workplace-commuter-options/>commuting surveys at your workplace; - Master Composter<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/master-composter-program/>training in your community; - And so much more <http://greenactioncentre.ca>! Living Car(e)Free Is it possible to live car-free in Winnipeg? It might be a reach for the majority of folks but many are trying to live with a little less car (car-light?) and a little more bus, walking and biking. When we posed the question <http://greenactioncentre.ca/2011/you-cant-live-car-free-in-winnipeg/>on the Green Action Centre website, we learned that some Winnipeggers are already living without personally owning a car. Find out how they manage here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/2011/myth-busted-you-can-live-car-free-in-winni…>. As one person noted, car-free sounds like "care-free" – from car loan payments, insurance payments, rising fuel costs, parking costs, and so on. Something to think about on* September 22 – International Car Free Day*. Commute with kids Do you face the challenge of dropping your kids off at school or daycare, heading to work, picking your kids up, and also picking up groceries on the way home? You can do all this, and still take the bus or your bike to work. Read our tips<http://greenactioncentre.ca/2011/have-kids-will-green-commute/>, and share your own. Relationship-killer Long-distance commuters might want to rethink their commitment to the road. More money might be up for grabs but so is an increased likelihood of divorce. A Swedish study that looked at data from over two million households over 10 years found commuters travelling 45 minutes or longer by car were 40% more likely to split with their partner than those who lived closer to work. Read more here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/2011/long-commute-relationship-killer/> . Top 10 Safer Cycling Tips [image: Bike on bike lane]One of the most common reasons for not getting around by bike is concern about or discomfort with riding in traffic. Check out our Top 10 handy tips<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/top-10-safer-cycling-tips-2/>to help you ride safer. *Want to increase your city cycling skills and confidence?* Sign up for a half-day course through the Winnipeg Leisure Guide! Choose from a beginner's workshop<http://greenactioncentre.ca/event/city-cycling-for-beginners-workshop/>or commuter's workshop<http://greenactioncentre.ca/event/city-cycling-for-commuters-workshop/> . New bus seats nice fit Keep an eye out for the snazzy new seats on some Winnipeg Transit buses. Replacing the bench style, these "individual" seats provide a little better fit and a little more sense of personal space. See what you think! You are receiving this email because you are an Active & Green subscriber. Unsubscribe<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/unsubscribe?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> jessie_klassen(a)hotmail.com from this list. Our mailing address is: Green Action Centre 3-303 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B4 Add us to your address book<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/vcard?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f…> Copyright (C) 2011 Green Action Centre All rights reserved. Forward<http://us2.forward-to-friend1.com/forward?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&id=d6…>this email to a friend Update your profile<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/profile?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3…> [image: Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp]<http://www.mailchimp.com/monkey-rewards/?aid=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&afl=1>

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City Cycling courses - poster & handbill
by Beth McKechnie 31 Aug '11

31 Aug '11

** Please help promote these City Cycling courses if you are able (poster and handbill attached). Thanks! ** ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Dave Elmore <dave(a)greenactioncentre.ca> Date: Wed, Aug 31, 2011 at 2:53 PM Subject: RE: City Cycling courses ** Cara from The WRENCH was kind enough to produce a poster and handbills thatcan be used to promote the courses. If you feel you can use them, please feel free to print as you see fit. Thanks Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X)

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CanStar Metro: Groups push for AT - Centreport hub should include trails, pathways (Aug.30'11)
by Beth McKechnie 31 Aug '11

31 Aug '11

Groups push for active transportation Centreport hub should include trails, pathways By: Matt Preprost http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/metro/Groups-push-for-acti… A group of west Winnipeg businesses and organizations are joining forces to pressure officials to make active transportation a part of the development of CentrePort Canada. Current plans for the project don’t include the community’s active transportation needs and that is threatening to cut off pedestrian connectivity between several communities, according to Janice Lukes of the Winnipeg Trails Association. "If the province, feds and the city are moving us towards this global multi-modal transportation hub, we need to consider active transportation," Lukes said. "But they’re not looking at it in the big picture." The Red River Exhibition, Assiniboia Downs and the MTS Iceplex in St. James, as well as Friends of the Harte Trail in Charleswood and Adrenaline Adventures and the Headingley Grand Trunk Trail in Headingley have partnered with the Winnipeg Trails Association to lobby for some form of active transportation strategy in the area. They contend the redevelopment of portions of the Perimeter Highway will threaten existing trail developments from connecting to each other, like the Harte Trail and the Headingley Grand Trunk Trail. They would like to see studies and analysis conducted to see how to incorporate a trail system and pedestrian crossings to keep the neighbourhoods connected. "It’s frustrating. You work for years to build these trail systems and hope the government sees the big picture, and when they don’t it’s disheartening," Lukes said. "We don’t want to be riding on cloverleafs with semis but give us something." Lukes pointed to the construction of the Red River Floodway in which there were four studies done on recreation. Officials with CentrePort Canada said creating an active transportation network isn’t mandated in their legislation, which focuses on business development. "We understand the desire to have more bike paths, to have more trails," said Riva Harrison, executive director of communications for CentrePort, adding that recreational areas like the Little Mountain Sportsplex and Prairie Dog Central won’t be displaced. Harrison said CentrePort is supportive of building recreational areas around CentrePort, but that CentrePort won’t lead the development. "Our mandate is to increase trade via transportation. I think there’s no question that we’re supportive of the idea that some trails or recreation can be incorporated into the land use plan, but obviously it has to be carefully done because it’s a truck-oriented expressway." The province said in a statement it’s too early in CentrePort’s development to define specific AT plans. "Active transportation routes will be explored as the more detailed development plans associated with CentrePort Canada evolve," a spokesperson said in a statement. Garth Rogerson, CEO of the Red River Ex, said plans are in the works to develop trails on the Ex grounds and that he would like them to connect into a bigger network, especially along Portage Avenue. Rogerson said he’s noticed school children walking alongside the road and under the Perimeter Highway overpass to get to the park. "There’s a lot of development going on in Headingley and west of the Perimeter," he said. "It’s conceivable that the city will just continue to expand beyond Headingley and we need to start thinking now before we build too many things. "Let’s at least plan for it now so we don’t get caught 20 years from now saying we should have put paths in. Don’t just plan for cars — plan for bicycles and people as well. That’s what we’re pushing for."

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Minneapolis? More like Bike-opolis
by Beth McKechnie 30 Aug '11

30 Aug '11

Minneapolis? More like Bike-opolis <http://www.grist.org/biking/2011-08-25-minneapolis-a-rising-bike-metropolis…> by Tim De Chant 25 Aug 2011 http://www.grist.org/biking/2011-08-25-minneapolis-a-rising-bike-metropolis If you've never been to Minneapolis, you're missing out: It's populated by unrelentingly friendly folk, oodles of lakes surrounded by city parks, and a bike network on its way to becoming second-to-none. Just last month, * Bicycling* magazine named it the top city for bicycling<http://www.bicycling.com/news/featured-stories/1-bike-city-minneapolis>, and a few months before, the League of American Bicyclists gave it a gold medal<http://dc.streetsblog.org/2011/08/22/from-minneapolis-ten-street-design-sol…>. These days, bikes are a big deal in the bigger of the Twin Cities. These accolades aren't exactly unexpected: Minneapolis has put a lot of effort into bolstering its bike-friendliness<http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/bicycles/>. Money from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program has given Minneapolis -- along with Columbia, Mo., Marin County, Calif., and Sheboygan County, Wis. -- a total of $25 million to improve biking and walking infrastructure. But the city deserves much credit for its laser-like focus on improving biking conditions. We can trace much of the city's bike renaissance to the Midtown Greenway<http://www.midtowngreenway.org/>, a 5.5-mile former railroad opened in 2000 that has since has become a non-automotive superhighway. Cyclists and pedestrians can hop on and off at various points with ease, and the striking Martin Olav Sabo Bridge sends cyclists over busy Hiawatha Avenue. The path even has its own dedicated bike shop complete with bike parking, water, bathrooms, and showers for commuters. Basically, it's a cyclist's dream. Beyond the Greenway, Minneapolis has followed a 10-step program of sorts to guide its bike-friendly improvements. Many steps -- like dedicated bike lanes, lanes buffered from traffic, and plenty of bike parking -- are obvious choices, but others draw on ideas culled from around the country. One of my favorites is their adoption of bicycle boulevards (which I remember fondly from my time in Berkeley). Bike boulevards route bicycle traffic down nearly deserted side streets, where car traffic is kept low by including speed humps and "diverters" that block cars but allow bikes to pass through. At busy intersections, bikes even get special sensors beneath the pavement to change traffic signals. They're a great way to get across town in a hurry. On busier roads where there's no space for dedicated bike lanes, Minneapolis has painted "advisory" bike lanes. These lanes are demarcated by dashed lines and run on both sides of the street. Since this takes away space from existing car lanes, the city simply removed the old center line. This gives bikes visual priority on the street, and the narrowed center lane slows car traffic. Where possible, the city has reduced the number of regular lanes on some roads to widen bike lanes. With all these pieces in place, Minneapolis' seems well-poised to overtake Portland as the country's top bike city. Though Portland can still boast that 5.8 percent of its commuting trips happen on a bike, Minneapolis is catching up with an impressive 3.8-percent bike commuter rate. The improvements also encourage more errands by bike, and to lure the uncertain, bike lanes and paths also tie into the city's extensive park system. It's taken a lot of effort to get to this point (including lots of political support from the mayor's office), but Minneapolis is getting ever closer to becoming a two-wheeled paradise. Tim De Chant is the creator of Per Square Mile <http://persquaremile.com/>and an environmental journalist <http://www.de-chant.com/tim/journalism>. You can also find him on Twitter <http://www.twitter.com/tdechant>.

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WFP: Valets ease cyclists' worries - Group seeking bike-minders
by Beth McKechnie 29 Aug '11

29 Aug '11

Valets ease cyclists' worries Group seeking bike-minders By: Erin Madden http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/valets-ease-cyclists-worries-1285773… As an avid cyclist, David Wieser knew he wanted to get involved in making Winnipeg a more bicycle-friendly community. So, while away on a tour of duty in Afghanistan as a member of the Canadian Forces, he spent his free time establishing Bicycle Valet Winnipeg. The program operates like a coat check at large community events such as Winnipeg Blue Bomber games, street festivals and the Red River Exhibition. Cyclists can "check" their bicycles with Valet volunteers who watch over them, free of charge, until they return to retrieve them. Wieser launched the initiative upon his return home from Afghanistan last summer, and the program has served cyclists at nearly 40 events in and around Winnipeg since then. Wieser, a master corporal with the military, said he's been pleased with the initial success of Bicycle Valet Winnipeg but he's convinced there is still room for growth. But any future success will have to come through the hard work of new volunteers, however, as Wieser was transferred from Winnipeg to Petawawa, Ont., earlier this month. Marissa Steindel, 25, is one of the volunteers who are looking to grow the program. She started volunteering about three months ago after learning about it online. She initially signed up to volunteer at one event, but quickly committed to lend a hand at more. "I was so excited when I saw it -- it just made so much sense," said Steindel, a draftsperson at MacDon Industries. "One of the biggest deterrents to cycling in the city is knowing if there is a safe place to leave your bike and if it will still be there when you come back to it. Also, if you're carrying a bunch of gear with you and you're going to events, it's a pain to have to bring it around with you. When I saw Bicycle Valet, I decided I had to support it." Fellow volunteer Sandeep Dhariwal shares that sentiment. She moved to Winnipeg last winter and took up cycling for the first time in her life. Within weeks, she was hooked. A volunteer with Bicycle Valet for the past three months, she said she quickly saw the importance of the program in the community. "I volunteered (at my first event) and it was amazing. It was at Kids' Fest and seeing all these families come out -- families transporting their kids on these carriages -- it was just so inspiring," said Dhariwal, a 29-year-old facilitator with an inner-city youth mentoring program. "For me, volunteering with Bicycle Valet is about the culture and the people you meet and their mindset and how they see the world." She said it's a great opportunity for people looking to meet new people -- both the clients and the fellow volunteers -- and for those who want to explore the city. "A big thing is exposure to these events. We chill out on our breaks -- we get to go and see the events and often partake. "It's a really good way for volunteers, especially those who are new to the city like I was, to see the city highlights." Wieser said he hopes to see the number of events and volunteers continue to grow. He said cyclists have embraced the initiative, as have the approximately 20 volunteers who have donated their time over the first year. He adds that before leaving the city, through the support of sponsors, he was able to hire a part-time staff member to ensure the program's ongoing success, co-ordinating volunteers and events. "I'm very happy that it will continue on in my absence and when I come back to Winnipeg, I look forward to seeing it bigger and better." If you would like more information, or would like to become a Bicycle Valet volunteer, please email volunteer(a)bicyclevaletwinnipeg.ca. You can also learn more online at www.bicyclevaletwinnipeg.ca. -- If you know a special volunteer who strives to make his or her community a better place to live, please contact Erin Madden at erinmadden(a)shaw.ca

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Which types of people choose a walkable lifestyle?
by Beth McKechnie 26 Aug '11

26 Aug '11

Which Types of People Choose A Walkable Lifestyle?Posted August 26, 2011 by *Walkonomics Blog <http://sustainablecitiescollective.com/user/77163>* There’s been plenty of research<http://walkonomics.com/w/index.php/research/19-supporting-research>into how walkable streets and neighbourhoods get more people walking. However what we’re less sure about is: Who are the people that choose to walk more? In an attempt to answer this question, Transport for London have released new research<http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/businessandpartners/walking-segement…>with some interesting findings. By combining a large travel survey with Londoners demographic data, the study attempted to identify which types of people walk more as part of their everyday lifestyle.Women walk more They found that, on average, women make more journey stages on foot than men (females walked 4.1 journey stages while males only walked 3.8). However one consolation for any overly-competitive male is that the study also found that women walk a shorter distance per stage than men. It seems that men walk even less once they are in a relationship and have children, while for women it’s the exact opposite, they walk more once they have children. Perhaps this is partly explained by the fact that, on average, women are still more likely than men to stay-at-home to look after children, including journeys like walking to school. Younger people (aged 20 – 44) walk more stages per day than older people, with young women (aged 20 – 44) walking the most. This rings true with recent reports<http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2011/01/13/no-mcmansions-for-millennials/>that have found that Generation Y (born between 1979 and 2000) are looking to live in walkable urban locations and are embracing the walkable lifestyle. *Is being single good for you?* The study also found that single adults walked more than people in a relationship (regardless of whether they had children or not). So we can now add ‘getting more exercise’ to the list of benefits of being single! Urban location was also found to be key, with ‘Central’ Londoners walking more than ‘Inner’ Londoners and a lot more than those in the ‘Outer’ suburbs. As the built environment becomes more dense, public transport more frequent and driving is more hassle, it seems that people walk more. Unsurprisingly car ownership reduces walking (people without a car made 4.5 journey stages on foot, while those with 2 or more cars only walked 3.2 journey stages). In contrast to this, is the fact that the richer people are, the more likely they are to walk, despite having the option of driving. The research team put this down to ‘narrower travel horizons amongst those on lower incomes’.Marketing walking But why are Transport for London so interested in peoples walking behaviours? It seems that one reason is to better target marketing in order to get people to change their behaviour and walk more. The study even utilises similar approaches that big business use for customer marketing, creating target groups for future behaviour change programmes. This approach found that demographic groups with names like ‘Active Urbanites’ and ‘Cosmopolitan Lives’ (32% of Londons population) were walking more than the average Londoner. It seems that factors such as your stage in life (young and single) and lifestyle (living in a very urban area) influence how much you walk.But peoples attitudes to walking also seem to change as they progress through life, with people classed as ‘Active Urbanites’ and ‘Cosmopolitan Lives’ much more likely to make positive statements about walking such as: “Walking is a method of transport that I would want to be seen using.” While people with families and on lower incomes were more likely to agree with negative opinions on walking, including: “Walking is only for people who can’t afford other ways of getting there.” This highlights an opportunity for Transport for London to try to change attitudes and behaviours in these groups. It would also be interesting to see how this geo-demographic data compares to the walkability of local streets using a dataset such as the Walkonomics London map<http://walkonomics.com/w/index.php/london-map> . While this study has drilled down a bit deeper into the factors behind walking behaviour, the real test will be to see how governments in London and other big cities use this information to get more people walking.

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Ciclovia looking for community displays and volunteers!
by Jessie Klassen 25 Aug '11

25 Aug '11

Hi All, Ciclovia <http://www.downtownwinnipegbiz.com/home/events/ciclovia/>, the huge annual street festival and active transportation event happening Sunday, September 11th, is looking for community and environmental organizations to display in their enviro-block. Last year's festival attracted 10,000 people! The cost is free and a table and chairs are provided. All you need to do is bring your awesome display or activity and staff your booth from 11am - 8pm the day of. Register your community display<https://spreadsheets.google.com/a/greenactioncentre.ca/viewform?formkey=dHF…>. Get more information<http://www.downtownwinnipegbiz.com/home/events/ciclovia/>. Also, Ciclovia needs over 200 volunteers to make the day a success! If you are able to give some time, sign up to volunteer<http://manyfest.volunteerhub.com/SignIn.aspx?ReturnUrl=/Default.aspx>and receive a free t-shirt, meal voucher, and more. It's sure to be a great time! Hope to see you on September 11th! ** *Jessie Klassen* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca>| Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3772 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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Vancouver traffic-enforcement blitz seeks to curb pedestrian deaths & Vancouver slashes speed limits
by Beth McKechnie 25 Aug '11

25 Aug '11

Vancouver traffic-enforcement blitz seeks to curb pedestrian deaths VIVIAN LUK VANCOUVER— Globe and Mail Update Published Monday, Aug. 22, 2011 Vancouver Police, with $30,000 from the province, are launching a three-week traffic enforcement blitz aimed at halting a spike in pedestrian deaths. The new enforcement drive will see the VPD target 10 intersections deemed to be most dangerous, though half of the pedestrian deaths were clustered near Hastings and Main streets. And although the nine pedestrian deaths so far this year are nearly double the count for all of 2010, overall traffic injuries are actually down – particularly in the policing district that includes the Downtown Eastside. Drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists will all be targeted during the blitz. But drivers going through the Downtown Eastside now face an additional hurdle: a 30-kilometre-an-hour speed limit between Jackson and Abbott Streets that was implemented by the city over the weekend. “When you look at the fact that we are barely just 50 per cent of the way through the calendar year, and already we are seeing fatalities of pedestrians that exceed what we’ve seen in recent years … that is something to be concerned about,” said MLA Colin Hansen, who spoke on behalf of Solicitor-General Shirley Bond on Monday. Mr. Hansen said the perception that the intersection between East Hastings and Main Street is much more dangerous than other corridors such as Burrard Street, between Dunsmuir and Davie streets, and Broadway, is inaccurate. Yet four of the nine deaths this year occurred around East Hastings Street. Most of the fatalities occurred in the middle of the night. In July, a pedestrian was struck on East Cordova Street just after midnight. A month before that, a 52-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman were killed within a day of each other while they were crossing East Hastings Street between 3 and 4 a.m. And in January, a 79-year-old man was struck by a car at Main Street and Keefer Street. Marion Allaart, executive director of the Vancouver Area of Drug Users, said speed is one of the biggest contributing factors to pedestrian deaths in the Downtown Eastside. “My experience today is that it’s usually pedestrians that [the police] are [ticketing] the most, which really needs to shift, especially in our neighbourhood,” she said. “There’s less onus on motorists and we’d just like that to be more equal.” According to Inspector Ted Schinbein of the VPD traffic unit, both distracted drivers and pedestrians who were jaywalking or leaving the curb when it is not safe to do so, have been the predominant cause of pedestrian deaths. “For that reason, we will be targeting all road users,” he said, adding that officers will also focus on areas where they’ve seen a trend or increase in traffic injuries or fatalities. Motorists will be targeted for cellphone use, traffic-light infractions, failing to yield to pedestrians and stop-sign offences. Officers will also be watching for pedestrians who are stepping off the curb when it is not safe and jaywalking, as well as cyclists who are riding on the sidewalk or failing to stop at stop signs or traffic lights. * * * * * Vancouver slashes speed limits after nine pedestrian deaths FRANCES BULA VANCOUVER— >From Wednesday's Globe and Mail Published Tuesday, Jul. 26, 2011 With nine pedestrians killed already in Vancouver only halfway through the year, it wasn’t surprising that people started calling for the city to take action. And take action it did on Tuesday. One of the city’s major commuter routes, Hastings Street, will have its speed limit reduced to a school-zone number of 30 kilometres an hour for six blocks through the Downtown Eastside, where three of those deaths occurred. That move prompted applause from Downtown Eastside advocates who came out to council to ask specifically for that change, which they hope will help reduce the number and severity of the accidents near Main and Hastings. “The Vancouver Coastal Health trauma team has identified that intersection as having the highest rate of injuries in the city,” said Medical Health Officer Patricia Daly, in an appearance at council to support the speed-reduction zone. As well, the city, which has made it a priority to promote non-car ways of moving around the city, will spend $150,000 on an education program aimed at making both drivers and pedestrians more aware of being safe. A new advisory committee for pedestrians will be created. New signals with countdown clocks are being put in and other measures will be considered. “We have to make sure that the city's a great city to walk in,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson, as he voted for the measures. The high number of deaths this year – double what the statistic was for the entire year last year – has attracted a lot of attention in a city that takes pride in the way it has transformed its downtown into a livable residential zone where thousands of people walk to work. But that issue is just one that the city is moving on quickly, in what has become the traditional month for getting an extraordinary amount of city business done. This year, however, is different, with an election fast approaching. For Vancouver council, already one of the most activist in recent memory, this July has become the month to drive through many of the big, ambitious policy documents that will set the stage for the fall election. Besides the pedestrian safety report, July has also brought council’s comprehensive plan for becoming the world’s greenest city, a plan for tackling not just homelessness but also affordable housing, a plan for removing downtown viaducts that constitute a major commuter route in the city, and an analysis of the economic impact of downtown bike lanes and how to reduce it. Mr. Robertson acknowledges frankly that the July reports are setting the stage for Vision Vancouver's election platform. “These do set the direction for the next term and beyond,” said the mayor, in a brief break Tuesday between three sets of meetings that extended from 9:30 a.m. to near midnight. “This is an overall framework for the action steps ahead.” But the mayor's biggest critic, the woman running against him for his job, said the problem is that too much of what's being driven through is so vague and lacking in detail as to be meaningless. The housing and homelessness report, says Non-Partisan Association Councillor Suzanne Anton, is muddled and, at points, incomprehensible. “It's a demonstration of how things have been rushed through,” she said, eating a quick soup-and-sandwich lunch at her desk before starting the next meeting. The Greenest City 2020 Action Plan, she said, is meaningless. “They spent two years on that document and I don't know where it takes us. It's a whole bunch of complete unknowables.” But Mr. Robertson said the plans, which range from creating a hub to showcase local green-tech companies to charging lower permit fees for those reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, have plenty of details. It will be enough for voters to get a sense of the direction that the city wants to move in, he believes. In spite of the political fighting, however, one initiative on which the mayor and Ms. Anton agree is the one on pedestrian safety. Ms. Anton said she doesn't see that report as having been rushed through too quickly. She voted against the idea of the 30-kilometre-an-hour trial in the Downtown Eastside until others who use the road heavily – trucks, taxis, limousines and commuters – can be consulted about the impacts. But she supported everything else. Special to The Globe and Mail

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Economic impact of cycling & Increasing participation
by Charles Feaver 24 Aug '11

24 Aug '11

An interesting article on the BBC web site; http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14610857 about a study which measures the economic impact of cycling The bottom of that page includes a link to an article that shows how some efforts to get people cycling can have rather low impact rates. Getting participation up takes effective promotional activity once the facilities are in place...

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CanStar Weekly online: Group's cycling survey reveals some interesting results
by Beth McKechnie 24 Aug '11

24 Aug '11

Group’s cycling survey reveals some interesting results By: Marlo Campbell Posted: 08/24/2011 "If you build it, they will come," seems to be the theory underlying recent investments in local active-transportation infrastructure. Last year saw an unprecedented $20.4 million was spent on upgrades to Winnipeg’s AT network — everything from improved signage and painted bike lanes to new multi-use pathways and those oh-so-controversial traffic-calming circles. One assumes the goal of such investments is to encourage more citizens to cycle by making it safer and more convenient to do so — which begs the question: how do we know whether the improvements are having the desired effect? The answer: count the number of Winnipeggers riding bikes. Bike to the Future, a volunteer-run organization working to promote cycling as a means of transportation, has been doing exactly this for the past five years. Each spring, it stations people at various locations around the city during morning and afternoon rush hours to document the level of bicycle traffic. Because its focus is on commuter cycling, counts are limited to weekdays with special attention paid to routes in and out of downtown, particularly "choke points" (such as bridges) that cyclists can’t avoid. Since 2007, volunteers have completed 312 counts at 86 locations. This year, they completed 96 counts at 45 locations — 21 of which formed a circle downtown, although counts were also done in Fort Garry near the University of Manitoba, in St. Vital at Dakota Street and Bishop Grandin Boulevard, in St. James at Overdale Street and Bruce Avenue, and in West Kildonan at Main Street and the Chief Peguis Trail. The 2011 final report was released Aug. 12 and is available at biketothefuture.org. It estimates 5,600 Winnipeggers commute into downtown by bike on a typical spring weekday — but volunteers recorded other things, too. For example, 61% of cyclists were observed to be wearing helmets (more women than men), while, on average, 53% of cyclists rode illegally on sidewalks. Jeremy Hull, the volunteer co-ordinator/manager of the annual count, says sidewalk riding depends a lot on location. Take the underpass on Pembina Highway near Jubilee Avenue, for example. "People are very afraid of going through the underpass," Hull says. "They’ll cross Pembina and take the sidewalk and then come back — at quite a bit of extra inconvenience to them, in some cases." This year’s most surprising finding is an apparent 20% decline in commuter cycling traffic from 2010 (although it should be noted that overall bike traffic has increased by an estimated 20% since 2007). Hull suggests this could be explained by geography and Bike to the Future’s limited capacity. "Maybe cycling is increasing in general, but maybe, because we’re counting at these places that haven’t been improved, like the bridges, we’re not capturing it. So maybe people are cycling more on those trails within Fort Rouge or within St. James or within other area of the city, but they’re not crossing the bridges; they’re taking short trips and doing things within their neighbourhoods, or going on some of the new trails that we just aren’t capturing." Hull’s hypothesis begs another question: why is the city relying on volunteers to collect such important data? If it’s truly committed to developing Winnipeg’s AT network, shouldn’t it also be committed to documenting cycling trends in order to know where future investments are needed? If you build it, they will come — but only if you build it right. *Marlo Campbell drives a car to work but cycles for fun. There’s no way in hell she’d ride her bike through the Pembina underpass.* http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/column/

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APBP 2011 Professional Development Seminars
by Mark Cohoe 24 Aug '11

24 Aug '11

*APBP 2011 Professional Development Seminar *October 24-27 | Charlotte, N.C. Details and registration: www.apbppds.org <http://www.apbp.org/link.asp?e=markc@biketothefuture.org&job=444708&ymlink=…> *Early registration rates in effect through September 14* Plan to attend the best sustainable transportation conference in 2011! Join a wide cohort of bicycle and pedestrian staff, consultants, engineers, planners, landscape architects, policymakers, advocates, and many others at APBP's Professional Development Seminar in Charlotte, N.C., October 24-27. Complete Streets is the focus of this year's seminar, and Charlotte is a living laboratory where participants can explore textbook policy and exemplary implementation. Three conference tracks will focus on Complete Streets Design and Implementation, Livability and Economic Development, and New Guidelines, Research and Standards. PDS participants may choose from 26 in-depth, three-hour classroom and mobile sessions beginning Tuesday, October 25. Special all-day intensive seminars on Monday, October 24, offer deep classroom learning opportunities about Smart Trips, Healthy Living In Place, and Toward Zero Deaths as well as mobile sessions to Greenville and Spartanburg, S.C. and Davidson, N.C. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from a dream team of bike/ped experts, including Andy Clarke, League of American Bicyclists; Barbara McCann, National Complete Streets Coalition; Dan Burden, Walkable and Livable Communities Institute; exceptional professionals from Charlotte's Department of Transportation; and many other recognized masters. Find the conference agenda and session details at www.apbppds.org <http://www.apbp.org/link.asp?e=markc@biketothefuture.org&job=444708&ymlink=…>. A student poster contest offers five winners the chance to attend the conference through a student scholarship award and travel stipend. Conference Location and Hotel: The Blake Hotel 555 South McDowell Street Charlotte, NC28204 (704) 372-4100 Website: http://www.blakehotelnc.com/ <http://www.apbp.org/link.asp?e=markc@biketothefuture.org&job=444708&ymlink=…> Click here <http://www.apbp.org/link.asp?e=markc@biketothefuture.org&job=444708&ymlink=…> to learn how to make your reservation at the group rate of $95 (king) or $129 (two doubles) per night. The room block is open until 9/23/11 or until full, whichever occurs first. The GSA per diem hotel rate for Charlotte is $95. For exhibit and sponsorship opportunities, contact sponsorship(a)apbp.org <mailto:sponsorship@apbp.org>. Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals PO Box 93 . Cedarburg, WI . 53012 262.228.7025 . info(a)apbp.org <mailto:info@apbp.org> www.apbp.org <http://www.apbp.org/link.asp?e=markc@biketothefuture.org&job=444708&ymlink=…>

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