- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Secure bike corral open downtown
by Jessie Klassen 05 Aug '08

05 Aug '08

Hi All, If you were looking for safe bike parking downtown, a new bike corral is now open in the civic parkade across from Red River College, Princess street campus. The corral uses a card reader for access (fun to use!), and currently has space for 50 bikes. The cost is $50/year, and you can get a card, or get more information, by calling the Exchange District BIZ at 942-6716. The bike corral is the result of a partnership between The Winnipeg Parking Authority, Red River College, Exchange District BIZ, and City Councilor Mike Pagtakhan. Spread the word! Let's show 'em safe bike parking is needed and will be well used. Thanks! Jessie Klassen Workplace TDM Coordinator Resource Conservation Manitoba (204) 925-3772 jessie(a)resourceconservation.mb.ca Resource Conservation Manitoba: Living Green, Living Well. Practical solutions for yourself, your community and the environment Green Commuting, Environmental Education, Reducing Waste, Composting

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More on cycling/ped web maps
by Beth McKechnie 31 Jul '08

31 Jul '08

Hello all: Interesting article on increasing demand for cycling/ped web maps: http://www.technologyreview.com/Wire/21131/page1/ cheers, Beth

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Online bike trip planners
by Beth McKechnie 30 Jul '08

30 Jul '08

Hello everyone: In various conversations, it has been noted that an online bike trip planner that is similar to Winnipeg Transit's Navigo tool would be really helpful. (That is, in addition to an updated cycling map of Winnipeg!) Vancouver recently launched a web-based route planner: http://www.cher.ubc.ca/News/MediaReleases/routeplanner_06-25-08.asp Portland also has an online bike trip planner, which they describe as follows: "The byCycle bicycle trip planner is a free online tool to help both new and seasoned cyclists plan safe trips through the city. This private website was created by cycling enthusiasts volunteering their time, with support from Metro." http://tripplanner.bycycle.org/regions/portlandor Something to think about for Winnipeg. cheers, Beth

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Fw: Job Posting - PACM Fueling Physical Activity Project
by Jessie Klassen 29 Jul '08

29 Jul '08

Hello PACM members Please find attached the job description and job posting for the position of Fueling Physical Activity Project Coordinator. Can you please forward this on through your networks. Thank you. Sandy Millar ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Nancy Pallett <pallettn(a)cc.umanitoba.ca> Date: Jul 25, 2008 9:38 AM Subject: re: Job Posting To: Sandy Millar <smillar.pacm(a)gmail.com> Hi Sandy, Would you please send out the attached Job Posting to the PACM listserv. Thanks, Nancy -- Sandy Millar PACM Fueling Physical Activity Project Coordinator (204) 333- 2958

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Upcoming David Suzuki documentary
by David Wieser 25 Jul '08

25 Jul '08

Should be an interesting Nature of Things coming up. IKEA even has bikes that come with a trailer for taking your purchases home... "He'll be an amazing advocate for bike culture and separated bike infrastructure in Canadian cities." http://www.copenhagenize.com/2008/07/david-suzuki-got-copenhagenized.html David Wieser

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Interesting article
by Stacy Matwick 24 Jul '08

24 Jul '08

http://www.salon.com/mwt/good_life/2008/07/24/sports_utility_bicycle/ "My family car is an SUB and I love it" On my new "sport utility bicycle" I can cart groceries, take my kids shopping, haul a barbecue grill and make a margarita. By Mark Benjamin Cheers Stacy Matwick Information Centre International Institute for Sustainable Development 161 Portage Ave. E., 6th floor Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3B 0Y4 Voice: (204)958-7755 Fax: (204)958-7710 Email: smatwick(a)iisd.ca Website: http://www.iisd.org "Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read" Groucho Marx

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FREE Sustainable Transportation Event - Thursday
by Richard Milgrom 16 Jul '08

16 Jul '08

PN2008 Winnipeg The Planners Network Conference Planning in Challenging Climates July 17-20, 2008 Reminder! FREE EVENT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Sustainable Transportation: Research, Advocacy Realization Date: Thursday July 17, 2008 Time: 7:00pm Location: Red River College Princess Street Campus Speakers: Todd Litman, Victoria Transport Policy Institute Will Toor, Boulder County Commissioner, former mayor of Boulder For speaker biographies, see <http://www.pnmb.org/PN2008Schedule.htm>. This is the opening session of the PLANNERS NETWORK CONFERENCE. For more information about the event or the conference, please contact Richard Milgrom <milgrom(a)cc.umanitoba.ca>. Planners Network is an association of professionals, activists, academics, and students involved in physical, social, economic, and environmental planning in urban and rural areas, who promote fundamental change in our political and economic systems. -- Richard Milgrom Assistant Professor Department of City Planning Faculty of Architecture University of Manitoba Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2 Canada phone: 204.474.6868 mobile: 204.471.1979 fax: 204.474.7532 email: milgrom(a)cc.umanitoba.ca

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Free Public Sustainable Transportation Event - July 17th!
by Jessie Klassen 10 Jul '08

10 Jul '08

Hello All! Next Thursday, July 17th, join the Planners Network for a free public Sustainable Transportation Event, featuring guest speakers Todd Litman from Victoria Transportation Policy Institute, and Will Tour, Former Mayor of Boulder Colorado. The evening includes displays and refreshments. Hope to see you out next Thursday! Date: Thursday, July 17th Location: Red River College, Princess Street Campus, 160 Princess St. Time: 7:00 pm Thanks! Jessie Klassen Workplace TDM Coordinator Resource Conservation Manitoba 303 Portage Ave., 3rd Floor (204) 925-3772 jessie(a)resourceconservation.mb.ca

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Britain invests hundreds of millions to encourage cycling (Jun23'08)
by Beth McKechnie 23 Jun '08

23 Jun '08

[http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jun2008/2008-06-23-01.asp] Britain Invests Hundreds of Millions to Encourage CyclingLONDON, UK, June 23, 2008 (ENS) - Persuading people to climb out of their cars and onto bicycles is a key part of the British government's plan to meet its commitment to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions responsible for climate change. To further this effort, British Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly has named Bristol as the UK's first official Cycling City, and announced a further 11 Cycling Demonstration Towns across England. Bristol and the 11 other towns have each won a share of the record £100 million (US$197.4 million) investment package to pioneer innovative ways to increase cycling in their areas. Proposals include improving cycling infrastructure such as dedicated cycle lanes, increasing bike parking, cycle training for children, and promoting the benefits of cycling. "The UK's first ever Cycling City and 11 new Cycling Demonstration Towns will pioneer new ways of encouraging people to get on their bikes, Kelly said. "A quarter of journeys made every day by car are less than two miles," she said. "Cycling is an alternative that could bring real health benefits to millions of adults and children, as well as helping them save money and beat congestion." Cyclists assemble in Bristol's Millenium Square for the city's 15th annual Biggest Bike Ride. June 22, 2008. (Photo by Rob Green) Bristol was chosen in part because it has hosted a popular cycling event for the past 15 years. On Sunday, the 15th annual Bristol's Biggest Bike Ride attracted thousands who helped the city celebrate its selection as the UK's first Cycling City. Phillip Darnton, who chairs Cycling England, said, "We have learnt from our European neighbours, such as the Netherlands, that increased and sustained investment is the key to getting more people enjoying the benefits of cycling. The funding that Bristol and the other 11 towns have been awarded is designed to create a real step change in levels of cycling, starting in 2008 and for years to come." The 11 other Cycling Demonstration Towns are - Blackpool, Cambridge, Chester, Colchester, Leighton/Linslade, Shrewsbury, Southend on Sea, Southport with Ainsdale, Stoke, Woking and York. Cycling England is the national body co-ordinating the development of cycling across England. It was launched by the Minister for Local Transport in March 2005, replacing the previous National Cycling Strategy Board, and is supported by a number of government departments, including health, education, planning and sport as well as transport. Today's announcement aims to encourage 2.5 million more adults and children to take up cycling, improve their fitness and beat the traffic. Bristol wants to double the number of people cycling over the next three years, by creating the UK's first on-street bike rental network, modeled on the successful Paris scheme. Plans include establishing a 're-cycling' scheme, providing free bikes to those in deprived communities. The city has plans to build a state-of-the-art facility for cyclists in the city center providing showers, bike parking and lockers so commuters can have a wash and brush up before starting work. On the drawing board are plans to create a dedicated cycleway to link the suburbs with the city center, opening up new, safer options for commuters who currently rely on their cars. "The first step in persuading people to leave their cars at home is to offer them a real choice," said the minister. "Providing a step change in cycling facilities, dedicated cycle lanes, more training and information will have a big impact on how people choose to travel." "I look forward to seeing these towns and cities put their plans into action and urge other communities across the country to follow their lead," she said. The further 11 Cycling Demonstration Towns will build on the work of the existing six Cycling Demonstration Towns appointed in 2005, which have seen significant increases in cycling levels. These first six towns are - Aylesbury, Brighton, Darlington, Derby, Exeter and Lancaster. They will receive £7 million of the newly announced funding. "Beyond well co-ordinated, consistent investment in cycling, and the introduction of policy measures to encourage it, cycling crucially needs determined and persistent high-level leadership," said Darnton. "We are delighted that the government has championed this and Cycling England's other projects which aim to increase national cycling levels by 20 percent overall by 2012." The government has already announced it is investing an unprecedented £140 million (US$276.5 million) in cycling to increase the provision of Bikeability training to help half a million children cycle safely by 2012; build 250 new Safe Links to School as well as create the UK's first-ever Cycling City and appoint further Cycling Demonstration Towns, as announced today. Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2008. All rights reserved.

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Monday morning reading
by Stacy Matwick 23 Jun '08

23 Jun '08

More commuters choose to pedal right past pumps Source: Chicago Times via iNSnet.org http://www.insnet.org/ins_headlines.rxml?id=14128&photo= I especially liked the quote from the long time commuter at the end of the article about people thinking of it like a gym membership. I wonder what the numbers are for New Years resolutions? If it's only the four (or so) months of summer that would still be great. Cheers and a big thanks to everyone who worked at putting together a fabulous "Bike to Work Day" The pancakes were delish? Stacy Matwick Information Centre International Institute for Sustainable Development 161 Portage Ave. E., 6th floor Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3B 0Y4 Voice: (204)958-7755 Fax: (204)958-7710 Email: smatwick(a)iisd.ca Website: http://www.iisd.org "Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read" Groucho Marx

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New report on cycling and health benefits
by Beth McKechnie 20 Jun '08

20 Jun '08

Hello everyone: New report on cycling and health, from England, that looks at the specific health benefits from cycling: http://www.networks.nhs.uk/uploads/07/11/cycling_and_health.pdf (Sorry for any duplicate postings) cheers, Beth McKechnie Green Commuting Initiatives Resource Conservation Manitoba www.resourceconservation.mb.ca

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BIKE TO WORK DAY - June 20th
by Deanna Betteridge 11 Jun '08

11 Jun '08

Have you thought about riding your bike to work but you were waiting for the right opportunity? Or maybe you just finished the Commuter Challenge and you are looking for the next challenge. Or maybe you are a veteran cyclist that wants to be apart of something big. Whatever the case - Pull out your bike, stretch your legs, and take part in the 1st Annual Bike to Work Day Winnipeg! The City of Winnipeg and Bike to the Future are hosting the 1st Annual Bike to Work Day Winnipeg 2008 on Friday June 20, 2008. Winnipeg residents are encouraged to register online and ride their bikes to work and back. The day will feature a free pancake breakfast at The Forks, energy stations set-up at at various locations around the city, great prizes and more. The event was announced by the Mayor of Winnipeg on Friday May 9th, and, with over 750 residents already registered, is starting to gain real momentum. Please note that an Energy Station map will be posted on the Bike to Work Day Winnipeg website shortly. Find more information (and to register!) at www.BikeToWorkDayWinnipeg.org See you Friday, June 20th, 2008! Cheers, Deanna ------------------------------------------------------------- Deanna Betteridge, M.Sc. in motion Coordinator 2 - 189 Evanson St. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3G 0N9 204-232-3297 (c) 204-940-8409 (f) E-mail: dbetteridge(a)wrha.mb.ca Web site: www.winnipeginmotion.ca This email and/or any documents in this transmission is intended for the addressee(s) only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and return the original. Ce courriel et tout document dans cette transmission est destiné à la personne ou aux personnes à qui il est adressé. Il peut contenir des informations privilégiées ou confidentielles. Toute utilisation, divulgation, distribution, copie, ou diffusion non autorisée est strictement défendue. Si vous n'êtes pas le destinataire de ce message, veuillez en informer l'expéditeur immédiatement et lui remettre l'original.

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Reminder - Walkin' & Rollin' on the Trail - June 7th
by Deanna Betteridge 04 Jun '08

04 Jun '08

************************************************************************* Walkin’ & Rollin’ on the Trails - International Trails Day Celebration Come out and have a great "in motion" time on Northeast Pioneers Greenway (Corner of Chalmers Avenue and Raleigh Street) to celebrate International Trails Day! Young or old we encourage everyone to come out and experience Winnipeg's newest trail AND see the unveiling of the BRAND NEW Trail Identification and Kilometre signs by Healthy Living Minister Irvin-Ross, Councillor Jeff Browaty, and Mr. Milton Sussman! Saturday, June 7, 2008 10:00 am - 12:00 noon Northeast Pioneers Greenway (Corner of Chalmers Ave & Raleigh St.) ** Rain or Shine ** WIN great prizes - Count Your Trail Kilometres & WIN! Bike Rodeo - Ride (or bring) your bike and participate in the MPI bike rodeo.........kids and adults are welcome! Historic Walk - Experience the history of the community from a local historian. Bike Parking - Ride (or bring) your bike and park it in the secure bike valet service (free) provided by Scouts Canada. Vehicle Parking - Free parking is available on the side streets off of Gateway, Chalmers Community Club and at Elmwood Highschool. Dignitaries - Health Living Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross, Councillor Jeff Browaty and Mr. Milton Sussman (WRHA) will be out to unveil the NEW Trail Identification and Kilometre Signs. For more information on this free event, contact Winnipeg in motion at 940-3648, or visit www.winnipeginmotion.ca or www.WinnipegTrails.com ******************************************************************************* Winnipeg in motion is a community-wide collaboration that encourages Winnipeggers to be physically active for health benefits. Winnipeg in motion coordinating partners, the University of Manitoba, the City of Winnipeg, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and Manitoba in motion are committed to sharing their knowledge and expertise to support communities in developing physical activity strategies that promote the health of their citizens. Have a great "in motion" day, Deanna ------------------------------------------------------------- Deanna Betteridge, M.Sc. in motion Coordinator 2 - 189 Evanson St. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3G 0N9 204-232-3297 (c) 204-940-8409 (f) E-mail: dbetteridge(a)wrha.mb.ca Web site: www.winnipeginmotion.ca This email and/or any documents in this transmission is intended for the addressee(s) only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and return the original. Ce courriel et tout document dans cette transmission est destiné à la personne ou aux personnes à qui il est adressé. Il peut contenir des informations privilégiées ou confidentielles. Toute utilisation, divulgation, distribution, copie, ou diffusion non autorisée est strictement défendue. Si vous n'êtes pas le destinataire de ce message, veuillez en informer l'expéditeur immédiatement et lui remettre l'original.

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Webinar June 12th: Emerging Trends in Bicycle/Pedestrian Work
by Jessie Klassen 03 Jun '08

03 Jun '08

Hello All! Join us in the Eco-Centre boardroom on June 12th for a Bicycle/Pedestrian webinar! See below for details. To register at this location, please contact Jessie Klassen at jessie(a)resourceconservation.mb.ca or 925-3772. There is space for ~20-25 people. <The Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) and the National Center for Bicycling & Walking are pleased to announce the first in a series of professional development webinars. The first webinar is titled Emerging Trends in Bicycle/Pedestrian Work. Seleta Reynolds, Transportation Planner with Fehr & Peers in San Francisco will be the featured presenter in the one-hour webinar. Reynolds is also the President of the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals. WHEN: Thursday, June 12, from 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. (Central Daylight Time) . WHAT: Webinar topic: Emerging Trends in Bicycle/Pedestrian Work. DETAIL: Communities coast to coast are planning for increased levels of bicycling and walking,. Webinar participants can sharpen their competitive edges by learning what's new and what's on the horizon. Topics will include innovative tools, technology, training, and more.> http://www.bikewalk.org/webinar.php Thanks and hope to see you there! Jessie Klassen Workplace TDM Coordinator Resource Conservation Manitoba 303 Portage Ave., 3rd Floor (204) 925-3772 jessie(a)resourceconservation.mb.ca

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Association of Commuter Transportation - Call for Papers - Deadline May 30th
by Sandy Kostyniuk 27 May '08

27 May '08

Hello everyone. For your information if anyone is interested. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Halifax Association of Commuter Transportation - Call for Papers - Deadline May 30th website: http://www.actcanada.com/EN/Conference2008/Default.aspx Sandy Kostyniuk Program Consultant The Public Health Agency of Canada Street Address 7th Floor, 275 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba Mailing Address Manitoba and Saskatchewan Regional Office 1015 Arlington Street Winnipeg, MB Canada R3E 3R2 Phone: 1-204-789-7411 Fax: 1-204-789-7878 Email: sandy_kostyniuk(a)phac-aspc.gc.ca

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Sign up for Bike to Work Day, June 20th
by Anders Swanson 24 May '08

24 May '08

Aah yes, highly embarrassing. Thank you Stacy. : ) There are tons of people who've been working just as hard on this (and for longer) yet I end up in the paper for it. Oh well. I can't even begin to start naming you all - - but a lot of you are on this list and you know who you are. If you appreciate the work that everyone's been doing on the cycling front, please consider registering for Winnipeg's first ever *Bike to Work Day *being held on *Friday, June 20th* (two weeks after Commuter Challenge<http://www.resourceconservation.mb.ca/gci/CC/>). *Note: An official, much better written e-mail is coming later - - one that is more suitable (and explanatory) for sending to colleagues, mailing lists, etc..* But for now, why not try it and sign yourself up? Help us make a big statement by showing what Winnipeg might look like as a cyclist's paradise, even if only for a day. But you must register. Visit the site: http://biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org/ and follow the instructions, it's free. (++ If you register soon, you will win a free t-shirt, and everyone who registers will be eligible to win awesome prizes.) Anders On Mon, May 12, 2008 at 8:33 AM, Stacy Matwick <smatwick(a)iisd.ca> wrote: > He's a trailblazer for cyclists: Founder of One Green City gets things > done > Erin Madden, Winnipeg Free Press-City and Business, B2 > Updated: May 10, 2008 at 08:29 AM CDT > > He could easily be one of Winnipeg's busiest volunteers, donating his time > to more organizations and committees than he can count on his fingers. > > Thirty-year old Anders Swanson is dedicated to helping Winnipeg become a > greener city by improving the cycling network, with more trails, safer lanes > on roads and maps that will get beginner cyclists and veteran cycling > commuters alike, from point A to point B. > > The Mayor's Environmental Committee, the City of Winnipeg's Active > Transportation Committee , Bike to the Future , BIZ Transportation > Committee, and the Winnipeg Trails Association are just a few of the groups > he's involved with. In addition, he helped form the North Winnipeg Commuter > Cyclists, the West Central Commuter Cyclists and was the founder of One > Green City -- a service which liaises cycling groups and encourages them to > connect. > > "I am essentially volunteering with as many cycling related committees and > volunteer groups throughout the city as I can to try to bring them together > around the idea of building a comprehensive network of cycling routes," said > Swanson, a Corydon Village resident who hasn't owned a car for more than > five years. "I really felt I understood why people weren't cycling. I wanted > to address the reasons that they weren't rather than just telling them to." > > His hard work is paying off. Since he became involved just a few years > ago, progress has already been made with a $600,000 commitment from the city > budget now dedicated to building a trail infrastructure and the creation of > the Northwest Pioneer Greenway. > > He said that with a larger budget dedicated to the issue, cyclists will be > safer and the tensions between motorists and those riding bicycles will be > lessened. > > "The more cyclists you have out and the more cycling infrastructure there > is, the less people get hurt," explained Swanson, who works as a bike > mechanic at Natural Cycle. "I think the key is reducing conflict. I don't > drive now, but as a driver I was scared of hitting cyclists. It's > stressful." > > Janice Lukes, co-ordinator for the Winnipeg Trails Association, said the > work done by Swanson for her organization and the many others he volunteers > for, has been nothing short of amazing. > > "I have been involved in trail development since 2001 and have met a ton > of volunteers, all passionate, all motivational," she wrote in an e-mail to > the Winnipeg Free Press. "But Anders Swanson's commitment, dedication and > passion to help others embrace the bicycle as a means of transportation and > source of recreation is simply unprecedented. I know many of the trail and > cycling organizations in Winnipeg would agree that Anders has been > instrumental in helping secure more trails and bike pathways for > Winnipeggers!" > > For more information about the work done by Swanson, visit > www.onegreencity.com. To learn more about the Winnipeg Trails Association, > visit www.winnipegtrails.com. > > > _______________________________________________ > AT-Network mailing list > AT-Network(a)lists.umanitoba.ca > http://lists.umanitoba.ca/mailman/listinfo/at-network >

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Not really about AT except
by Stacy Matwick 20 May '08

20 May '08

That it's a really nice leisurely peddle down Wellington Crescent on a Saturday afternoon and Steve has promised light refreshments. Stacy Matwick Information Centre International Institute for Sustainable Development 161 Portage Ave. E., 6th floor Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3B 0Y4 Voice: (204)958-7755 Fax: (204)958-7710 Email: smatwick(a)iisd.ca Website: http://www.iisd.org "Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read" Groucho Marx _____________________________________________ From: Stephan Barg Sent: Monday, May 19, 2008 5:27 PM To: Winnipeg Staff Subject: Charity Sale of Peruvian Handicrafts - Saturday, May 24. Hello all, My sister has started a Canadian NGO to help support children who are burn victims in Lima, Peru. She became familiar with the needs in Peru, and the organizations that help the children, while she was living in Lima several years ago. She will be here on the coming weekend, and we are holding a sale at our house of handicrafts from Peru in order to raise money for her organization. The sale will include these things: - High quality silver jewellery, such as earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces - Baby sweaters, washable, embroidered, sizes up to about four years - Adult sweaters, alpaca wool (much better, the Peruvians say, than sheep wool) - Cotton scarves in many colours - Wool winter scarves and hats - Table cloths, in small and medium sizes The cause she is supporting is a good one - helping children who have been burned get medical treatment and also counselling, to assist them to lead normal lives. The organization in Peru that she is supporting is called ANIQUEM, which has a staff of doctors, social workers and so on who do their best to help the burn victims. More details are available from its web page, at www.aniquem.org<http://www.aniquem.org>. My sister's NGO is called Canadian Friends of Aniquem or CAFA, and more details are available from its web page, at www.friendsofaniquem.org<http://www.friendsofaniquem.org> . CAFA is a registered charity under the Income Tax Act in Canada. Two final points - CAFA has almost no expenses - for example, my sister pays her own travel expenses when she goes to Peru. Thus over 95% of any profits from the sale of handicrafts go straight to helping the burn victims in Peru. And secondly, both ANIQUEM and CAFA are completely independent of the government of Peru, thereby avoiding various potential problems. Place - 93 Harrow Street, Winnipeg - just down the street from Kelvin High School. Time - 2:00 to 4:00 PM on Saturday, May 24 Phone - 452-8911 We hope to see you there. Coffee, tea and light refreshments will be served. Best regards, Stephan Barg Associate International Institute for Sustainable Development

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If you missed it - from today's Free Press
by Stacy Matwick 15 May '08

15 May '08

Winnipeg is made for bikes and bike lanes (View from the West) Nicholas Hirst Winnipeg Free Press Updated: May 15, 2008 at 12:40 AM CDT (page A13) Winnipeg's and Manitoba's economies appear more robust than they have for many years. As the nation's labour force stagnates, Manitoba's continues to grow. Houses continue to sell at more than their asking price and, while spring always makes Winnipeggers feel better, there is a sense of optimism in the air. This optimism and growth needs sustaining. To do so, the province and the city need to become truly innovative. We need the image of our city to be such that it becomes a magnet for people because it is ahead of the curve. We need to make ourselves one of the most creative places to do business in Canada. As Minneapolis has dubbed itself, Winnipeg needs to be "one cool city." How would we do that? Not so much by big moves but by small gestures. The big moves are developments like the human rights museum. That's going to be a huge attraction adding to the perception that Winnipeg is a city to live in. Other developments have created a cool image for us -- the Louis Riel bridge is one, the continuing success of our arts and culture is another. But it is smaller, non-institutional developments that often really turn the image of city -- its restaurants, clubs, a digital movie theatre, a new festival, a new feeling. The best innovation of this type builds on natural advantages -- winter skating on the Assiniboine is an example -- next year we should get Starbucks to provide stops along route. The restaurants and open spaces and access to the rivers at The Forks are another. The water buses are way cool. In an environment where gas is more expensive than it has ever been and a barrel of oil worth four times what it was a couple of years ago, anything that looks like an answer to the looming energy crisis is worth its weight in image gold. Winnipeg has one key advantage that seems almost to be forgotten about. It's flat. That's why it once had streetcars. Bringing streetcars back would be innovative but is a big ticket item, not one of the smaller gestures that can bring as much notice. Our city has the ideal typography for bicycling. Not just bicycling for recreation along the four designated streets closed to cars in May for the weekend, but bicycling to get to work, visit your friends and run easy errands. Despite an active lobby to encourage commuter bicycling and the city promise of $500,000 for biking and walking trails, true commuter bike paths and lanes are few if not non-existent. There are signs for biking on lesser used roads, but not bike lanes to go with them. Why not? The last place I lived that was as flat as Winnipeg was on the Plain of Holderness in England. The city was Hull and you couldn't move for bikes. Commuter bike lanes in Winnipeg would do all kinds of good, at least in the summer. It would encourage a healthier lifestyle, reduce the number of cars on the road and save energy. In other cities, kids too young to drive and too poor to own cars bike to see their friends, to school and to university. Who in their right mind would bike down Waverley or Pembina at rush hour? With bike lanes, it would be possible. Winnipeg could also follow Washington D.C. and create a public-private partnership to rent bikes by the hour similar to the Zipcar and Autoshare plans I recently wrote about. Why not combine the two? A city that is serious about combating its energy usage takes easy routes to get cars off the road. That has to start somewhere and it is unlikely to get going without a public commitment. So, Mr. Mayor and city council, get going. Create bike lanes for children and commuters. Get in touch with the bike shops and bicycle lobbyists to set up a bike-sharing scheme. Try a pilot plan with bikes located behind the barriers at Portage and Main and at The Forks. Combine the bike-sharing scheme with a car-sharing scheme. Recreational biking is fine. But in Winnipeg, it often means taking your bike on a rack on your car to where the recreational trails start. It doesn't have to be that way. An innovative city sees its natural advantages and takes small measures for big gains. Designated bike lanes and bike and car sharing -- maybe working together -- are the types of innovation that would get our city talked about and put it ahead of the curve. Will we do it? If not, why not? Nicholas Hirst is CEO of Winnipeg-based television and film producer Original Pictures Inc. (c) 2008 Winnipeg Free Press. All Rights Reserved.

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Three interesting short items
by Stacy Matwick 14 May '08

14 May '08

Bicycles Pedaling Into the Spotlight J. Matthew Roney 12 May 2008 Earth Policy Institute The world produced an estimated 130 million bicycles in 2007-more than twice the 52 million cars produced. Bicycle and car production tracked each other closely in the mid-to-late 1960s, but bike output separated sharply from that of cars in 1970, beginning its steep climb to 105 million in 1988. Following a slowdown between 1989 and 2001, bike production has regained steam, increasing in each of the last six years. http://www.earthpolicy.org/Indicators/Bike/2008.htm Bikes Ahoy : UW grad students win $25,000 environmental prize for plan to start innovative sharing program that could be a North American first http://alumni.uwaterloo.ca/alumni/e-newsletter/2008/may/bikes.html and finally the Magic Wheel Foot Scooter http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v96i8ldtdbE&eurl=http://www.treehugger.com/f… Cheers Stacy Matwick Information Centre International Institute for Sustainable Development 161 Portage Ave. E., 6th floor Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3B 0Y4 Voice: (204)958-7755 Fax: (204)958-7710 Email: smatwick(a)iisd.ca Website: http://www.iisd.org "Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read" Groucho Marx

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It's time to sign up for Commuter Challenge!
by Jessie 12 May '08

12 May '08

How did you get to work today? Resource Conservation Manitoba is sponsoring The Commuter Challenge, a yearly event that encourages people to use environmentally friendly forms of transportation from June 1 to 7, 2008 . It is a cross-Canada event that features friendly competition between similar-sized cities, towns, communities and workplaces. Participants log their green kilometers online and are entered to win exciting prizes such as a fantastic bike from Olympia Cycle & Ski and gear from Mountain Equipment Co-op! Participants can be individuals or workplaces. If you would like to coordinate the Challenge in your workplace, we offer training and resources to help you every step of the way! For more information please call Sara at 925-3775, e-mail challenge(a)resourceconservation.mb.ca or visit our website: www.resourceconservation.mb.ca. Sara Perlmutter Commuter Challenge Coordinator Resource Conservation Manitoba 3rd fl., 303 Portage Ave, R3B 2B4 Phone: 925-3775 Fax: 942-4207 sara(a)resourceconservation.mb.ca Resource Conservation Manitoba: Living Green, Living Well Practical solutions for yourself, your community and the environment Green Commuting, Environmental Education, Reducing Waste, Composting

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If you missed Saturdays WFP
by Stacy Matwick 12 May '08

12 May '08

He's a trailblazer for cyclists: Founder of One Green City gets things done Erin Madden, Winnipeg Free Press-City and Business, B2 Updated: May 10, 2008 at 08:29 AM CDT He could easily be one of Winnipeg's busiest volunteers, donating his time to more organizations and committees than he can count on his fingers. Thirty-year old Anders Swanson is dedicated to helping Winnipeg become a greener city by improving the cycling network, with more trails, safer lanes on roads and maps that will get beginner cyclists and veteran cycling commuters alike, from point A to point B. The Mayor's Environmental Committee, the City of Winnipeg's Active Transportation Committee , Bike to the Future , BIZ Transportation Committee, and the Winnipeg Trails Association are just a few of the groups he's involved with. In addition, he helped form the North Winnipeg Commuter Cyclists, the West Central Commuter Cyclists and was the founder of One Green City -- a service which liaises cycling groups and encourages them to connect. "I am essentially volunteering with as many cycling related committees and volunteer groups throughout the city as I can to try to bring them together around the idea of building a comprehensive network of cycling routes," said Swanson, a Corydon Village resident who hasn't owned a car for more than five years. "I really felt I understood why people weren't cycling. I wanted to address the reasons that they weren't rather than just telling them to." His hard work is paying off. Since he became involved just a few years ago, progress has already been made with a $600,000 commitment from the city budget now dedicated to building a trail infrastructure and the creation of the Northwest Pioneer Greenway. He said that with a larger budget dedicated to the issue, cyclists will be safer and the tensions between motorists and those riding bicycles will be lessened. "The more cyclists you have out and the more cycling infrastructure there is, the less people get hurt," explained Swanson, who works as a bike mechanic at Natural Cycle. "I think the key is reducing conflict. I don't drive now, but as a driver I was scared of hitting cyclists. It's stressful." Janice Lukes, co-ordinator for the Winnipeg Trails Association, said the work done by Swanson for her organization and the many others he volunteers for, has been nothing short of amazing. "I have been involved in trail development since 2001 and have met a ton of volunteers, all passionate, all motivational," she wrote in an e-mail to the Winnipeg Free Press. "But Anders Swanson's commitment, dedication and passion to help others embrace the bicycle as a means of transportation and source of recreation is simply unprecedented. I know many of the trail and cycling organizations in Winnipeg would agree that Anders has been instrumental in helping secure more trails and bike pathways for Winnipeggers!" For more information about the work done by Swanson, visit www.onegreencity.com. To learn more about the Winnipeg Trails Association, visit www.winnipegtrails.com.

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PN2008 Opening Event
by Richard Milgrom 03 May '08

03 May '08

PN2008 Winnipeg The Planners Network Conference Planning in Challenging Climates July 17-20, 2008 www.pnmb.org/PN2008.htm Conference Opening Event Open to the Public Sustainable Transportation: Research, Advocacy, Realization Thursday, July 17, 2008, 7:00pm, Red River College Speakers: Todd Litman, Victoria Transport Policy Institute (see http://www.vtpi.org/resume.htm) Will Toor, Boulder County Commissioner (see http://www.bouldercounty.org/bocc/board/toor.htm) Reception to follow. Displays from local organizations. More information soon about Friday and Saturday evening events. Friday July 18th Planning with Aboriginal Communities Saturday July 19th Local Local Local: Food, Music and Art

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PN2008 Winnipeg - Registration Open
by Richard Milgrom 02 May '08

02 May '08

PN2008 Winnipeg The Planners Network Conference Planning in Challenging Climates Registration in now open Website: http://pnmb.org/PN2008Reg.htm Register online, by fax or by mail. Early registration deadline has been extended to May 31st, 2008 Thanks to our partner, the Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNET) for sharing their online registration system!

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PN2008 CFP - DEADLINE EXTENSION
by Richard Milgrom 01 May '08

01 May '08

PN2008 Winnipeg The Planners Network Conference Planning in Challenging Climates CFP Deadline Extended to May 31, 2008 We have receive numerous requests for an extension to the April 30, 2008 deadline, and have now extended it to May 31, 2008. PLANNERS NETWORK is an association of professionals, activists, academics, and students involved in physical, social, economic, and environmental planning in urban and rural areas, who promote fundamental change in our political and economic systems. WINNIPEG and Manitoba have long histories with struggles for social justice. The city was the site of Canada¹s best known general strike in 1919. It played significant roles in the development of the co-operative movement in the mid-twentieth century. This led to the formation of the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) a political party that supported farmers and workers, and called for public health insurance, public housing, and public ownership of major industries. In the early 1960s, with the Canadian Labour Congress, the CCF became the New Democratic Party and Manitoba is currently the only province with an NDP government. There is strong history of community economic development in the city, and it is known for its high rate of volunteerism and its vibrant arts culture. The region is also known for its long winters. Unfortunately this is not the only challenging climate faced by progressive planners and advocates for social and environmental justice. The pervasive neo-liberal climate has undermined social programs; sprawl has created a climate intolerant to active transportation, and competes with the downtown core for amenities; and the growing aboriginal population struggles to overcome a history of oppression. CALL FOR PARTICIPATION: PN2008 will bring together an array of planning practitioners, community and economic development professionals, organizers, policy analysts, designers, students and faculty. They will discuss strategies addressing social and environmental justice in challenging climates - including social, political and economic climates. Topics of interest to the conference include, but are not limited to: models for community economic development inner city community development art and the city planning and aboriginal communities neighbourhood revitalization downtown redevelopment housing and homelessness promoting active transportation urban ecology green buildings and sustainable communities social impacts of sprawl heritage planning progressive planning and the media age-friendly communities. A range of session types are encouraged, from conventional panels to participatory workshops and ³how-to² sessions. Please send proposals for individual contributions or full sessions to <PN2008Sessions(a)pnmb.org>. The deadline for proposals is April 30, 2008. Space is limited. Please include the proposed session content, format and a list of potential speakers, panelists or participants. Additional conference information, including preliminary schedule, accommodations and mobile workshops, is available at <www.pnmb.org>. The web site will be updated regularly as the conference program develops.

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Jane's Walk reminder
by Beth McKechnie 30 Apr '08

30 Apr '08

Looks like the weather will be fantastic for the Jane's Walks this weekend. Hope you'll come out and join us! If you have problems viewing this email, please click here to download the email in pdf. Winnipeggers Invited to get out and Walk! Celebrate the legacy of urban thinker Jane Jacobs on a 'Jane's Walk' May 3 and 4, 2008 Have you ever wondered about the history of that house on the corner, or the little business that has been there for longer than you can remember? Step out this May 3rd and 4th and join a 'Jane's Walk' to learn and share in the vibrant history of Winnipeg's communities and neighborhoods. Jane's Walk is an annual event taking place in Winnipeg, Toronto, New York, and cities across Canada and the United States. These walks will showcase great Winnipeg neighbourhoods in a new and exciting manner while celebrating the legacy of urban activist and writer Jane Jacobs. Jane's Walk is an exceptional opportunity for Winnipeggers to discover their city - both places they think they know well and places they want to explore. Walks are taking place all in communities across Winnipeg. Currently walks are taking place in the Downtown, Riverview, Kingston Crescent, the West End, along Selkirk Avenue, in Point Douglas, the Bois des Esprit in south St.Vital, St. Norbert, West Broadway, West Wolseley, and Wolseley. A full list of walks, start times, locations, and descriptions is available at www.janeswalk.net. Circle May 3rd and 4th on your calendar and get out to enjoy and learn about what makes your community unique and special! Sincerely, The Jane's Walk Winnipeg Team! Where Can I Walk? Winnipeg walks are taking place in St.Norbert, West Broadway, Downtown, Wolseley, West Wolseley, Riverview, the Bois des Esprits, Kingston Crescent, along Selkirk Avenue, in Point Douglas, and the West End. Visit www.janeswalk.net for all of the locations, start times, and descriptions. Share Your Stories The best expert on your community is YOU! Jane's Walk is about meeting and sharing stories with your neighbors. Bring your photos and stories to share about the community. All our walk leaders are local residents and neighbours learning about their community, just like you. Jane Jacobs Jane Jacobs (1916-2006) was an urbanist and activist whose writings championed a fresh, community-based approach to city building. She had no formal training as a planner, and yet her 1961 best-seller, The Death and life of Great American Cities, introduced ground-breaking ideas about how cities function, evolve and fail that are now common sense to today's architects, planners, politicians and activists. Foremost is her simple yet revolutionary idea that dense, mixed use neighborhoods are the key to the health and survival of a city. "No one can find what will work for our cities by looking at ... suburban garden cities, manipulating scale models, or inventing dream cities. You've got to get out and walk." Jane Jacobs, "Downtown is for people", from the Exploding Metropolis A full list of walks, start times, locations, and descriptions is available at www.janeswalk.net.

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