- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

TOMORROW: Webinar on Public Health & Transportation
by Beth McKechnie 23 Mar '20

23 Mar '20

******************************************************** Caution: This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. ******************************************************** Join us on tomorrow at 2pm ET to discuss ways urban planners can collaborate with transportation and public health professionals. WEBINAR Urban Planning, Transportation, and Public Health Collaborations March 24, 2020 from 2:00pm - 2:30pm ET <https://enotrans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2579cc7754f7b743881bff9…> *Join us TOMORROW at 2pm ET for the latest webinar in our series! If you haven't registered yet, be sure to save your spot as space is limited. After the immediate response to the COVID-19 pandemic has occurred, there are ways transportation agencies could benefit from better collaboration with public health agencies in the future. *This webinar will describe several ways in which urban planners are working with data sources and colleagues in public health and healthcare. Case studies show how collaboration is being used to improve planners’ ability to make data-driven decisions, measure the outcomes of a program that expands transit access, and broaden their understanding of how well the built environment and transportation access are helping to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of residents. This webinar will inform planners, DOTs, and researchers of existing resources that can be used in new ways. *Speakers:* *Renee Autumn Ray,* *Strategy and Innovation Leader, Conduent Transportation* *Alice Grossman, Ph.D,* *Senior Policy Analyst, Eno Center for Transportation* March 2020 24 REGISTER <https://enotrans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2579cc7754f7b743881bff9…> *Connect with us and don't miss out on other great resources!* [image: Facebook] <https://enotrans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2579cc7754f7b743881bff9…> Facebook <https://enotrans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2579cc7754f7b743881bff9…> [image: Twitter] <https://enotrans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2579cc7754f7b743881bff9…> Twitter <https://enotrans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2579cc7754f7b743881bff9…> [image: VIEW UPCOMING WEBINARS] <https://enotrans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2579cc7754f7b743881bff9…> VIEW UPCOMING WEBINARS <https://enotrans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2579cc7754f7b743881bff9…> *Copyright © 2020 Eno Center for Transportation, All rights reserved.* You are receiving this email because you opted in to our email list. *Our mailing address is:* Eno Center for Transportation 1629 K St. NW Ste 200 Washington, DC 20006

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WFP: The Unicycle Guy relishes being the most noticeable commuter on the road (Mar21'20)
by Beth McKechnie 21 Mar '20

21 Mar '20

******************************************************** Caution: This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. ******************************************************** The Unicycle Guy relishes being the most noticeable commuter on the road ‘A WEIRD KIND OF FAMOUS’ https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/a-weird-kind-of-famous-568977702.ht… EACH morning, to get to work, most of the city climbs into sedans or minivans, a fair number sit on the bus, some bike, others who live close enough to do so walk — every trip moves along with the flow of traffic, and every commuter somewhat disappears into the thrum of urban movement. Not Daniel Voth. For one thing, he’s deceptively gangly, standing six-foot-three, often towering over the people he meets. And then, there’s that thing he’s sitting on to get to work every winter morning: a 36-inch high unicycle, decked out in neon green decals, in case you weren’t already staring. He wants you to stare. He dares you to smile. He loves your attention. “I call myself Dan, but people can call me the Unicycle Guy,” he says. So we will. The Unicycle Guy lives in an apartment on Garry Street, with his cat Jam Jams and five unicycles, a collection he’s been accruing for nearly three years. Every morning, around 8 a.m., he descends, wheel in the air, passing tenants who know him if not by name, then by his mode of transport. He started riding a unicycle three years ago, when he saw a man riding one along the Assiniboine Park walking bridge. The Unicycle Guy, who was then strictly a Car Man, was intrigued. The next day, he called every bike shop in the city, and bought the cheapest ’cycle he could find. His mother, Debbie-Lee Olfert, is no unicyclist herself — she says she can barely ride a bike. But she was not surprised to find out her son was picking up such a peculiar talent. “He is the most quirky person you’re going to meet,” she says. “And as the mother of grown-ass men, you stop telling them what to do and hope they make choices that aren't illegal, immoral, or life-threatening,” she says. “I say have fun, be safe, be smart.” At the time a Charleswood resident, the Unicycle Guy was determined to learn. He wouldn’t stop practising that first day until he could reach the bottom of the driveway without bailing, and soon enough, he could. “The origin to my interest is that riding a unicycle has always seemed like an impossible task, and I always liked the idea of doing something often perceived as undoable,” he says before a commute one March morning. “I always describe this as the easiest thing to learn that looks the hardest to do.” The Unicycle Guy isn’t wrong: from a distance, and up close, it seems like every moment not spent falling is a miracle, but ultimately, the pursuit of one-wheeled balance is one grounded in patience and trust. When talking about the unicycle, the Unicycle Guy takes on a somewhat spiritual tone: if you will it, you can ride. Soon after he got down the driveway, he aimed higher, and further: he wanted to ride to work. So, last summer, he sold his rattly car, forwent his $100 per month parking expenses, and rode away. The commute was 20 minutes by car, and though Google Maps doesn’t have a unicycle option, it took about an hour from Point A to Point B, an office on Market Avenue. In the summer, the ride was smooth, if not slightly scary. The unicycle shared lanes with its two- and four-wheeled brethren harmoniously, aside from a few heckles from the seatbelted population. Some passersby rolled down their windows to sing circus music — da da dada dada da da dada. The Unicycle Guy was unperturbed. In fact, he was delighted. He started riding his unicycle in even more unconventional ways. To the arena, he lugged his hockey bag. While eating sushi with chopsticks, he pedaled around. Jam Jams has joined him for a ride here and there. “I’m trying to stick out like a sore thumb, because I think the image is funny,” he says. “The looks I’ve gotten — I get a kick out of it.” Later in the year, he moved to Garry Street, where his daily commute shortened to 15 minutes, but the amount of recognition he’s received expanded ten-fold. A woman waiting with her children for the school bus says her kids look forward to seeing him every day. A bus driver on Waterfront Drive waves to him daily. On Broadway, one woman says she’s begun to text friends whenever she sees him roll by. “My friends in the Exchange speak of a unicycle guy,” she says. “He’s sort of a weird kind of famous.” His route shifts, but on this day, he darts across Main, and at the Via Rail station, makes a sharp left turn. As cars sit and wait, jammed bumper to bumper to bumper, the Unicycle Guy floats above it, zooming past a stationary Kia Soul and an idling Volkswagen Golf at nearly 20 kilometres per hour. Soon, he arrives at work, storing his wheel at his desk. This summer, he plans to ride to Kenora on his unicycle to raise money for charities of his choosing; he’s starting to figure out which now. Upon hearing those plans, his mom was once again unsurprised. “It’s such an absurd thing, but if it’s what he wants to do, I am not going to talk him out of it,” she says, adding that she’s proud he’s cut down his carbon footprint. As for riding to work in the winter, “All the power to him,” she laughs. “I always tell people, if I die or get hurt on the way to Kenora, I accept it,” the Unicycle Guy says, taking a serious turn. “But if I’m not doing the things that I enjoy in life, then what am I doing?” “I could just stay at home all day every day and not go out into the world, but if something’s going to happen, something is going to happen doing what I love,” he says. “I don’t walk anywhere unless I have to.” ben.waldman(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Study (US): Most car owners wish they didn't have to drive
by Beth McKechnie 20 Mar '20

20 Mar '20

Most people who get behind the wheel every day don’t want to be there. More than half of drivers wish they had another option for getting around besides their cars, according to a new poll from Data for Progress <http://filesforprogress.org/memos/gnd-for-transit-polling.pdf> — a startling revelation that busts the stubborn myth that most Americans simply *prefer *driving to greener modes of transportation. In fact, the survey suggests that when we put cars at the center of our planning decisions, we’re not truly serving the will of the people. Read article: https://usa.streetsblog.org/2020/03/19/study-most-car-owners-wish-they-didn…

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EOI for bikeshare/e-bikeshare in Winnipeg
by Patman, David 19 Mar '20

19 Mar '20

City of Winnipeg has released an EOI looking for firms operating bikeshare and e-bikeshare systems. https://www.merx4.merx.com/mbgov/solicitations/open-bids/Bicycle-and-E-Bicy… David Patman, P.Eng. Manager - Transportation Public Works City of Winnipeg Sent from my iPhone

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BMJ: People who cycle to work have higher rick of injury but benefits offset this risk (Mar11'20)
by Beth McKechnie 18 Mar '20

18 Mar '20

Commuters who cycle to work are at higher risk of injury compared to those who walk to work, use a car or take public transport. The findings are released today in a study by the University of Glasgow and published in the *British Medical Journal (BMJ)*. Overall, commuting exclusively by bicycle was associated with a 45% higher risk of injury that required a visit to hospital, and cycling commuters were also at a 3.4 fold higher risk of injury where the cause was listed as a transport accident. The risk of injury was higher still in those that cycled longer distances to work. However, the researchers found that the risk of injury is counterbalanced by the lower risk of cancers, heart disease and deaths seen in cycling commuters. Senior author of the study, Dr Paul Welsh, from the University of Glasgow, said: “We know there is a perception that cycling in commuter traffic is dangerous, and that this perception may be putting people off actively commuting by bike to work. “Now, as a result of this research, we can to some extent quantify the risk associated with this form of commuting. If 1000 people incorporate cycling into their commute for 10 years we would expect 26 more injuries, but 15 fewer cancers, 4 fewer heart disease events, and three fewer deaths. So, the benefits offset the risks, and this should be encouraging, but more needs to done to make commuter cycling safe.” https://www.gla.ac.uk/news/headline_714428_en.html

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A Surge in Biking to Avoid Crowded Trains in N.Y.C.
by Beth McKechnie 16 Mar '20

16 Mar '20

A growing wave of New Yorkers are embracing cycling to get to work and around the city as their regular subway and bus commutes have suddenly become fraught with potential perils, from possibly virus-tainted surfaces to strangers sneezing and coughing on fellow passengers. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/14/nyregion/coronavirus-nyc-bike-commute.ht…

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AT Webinar: Implementing Bicycle Infrastructure Quickly in Edmonton & Bellingham (March 18th, 2-3pm)
by Beth McKechnie 16 Mar '20

16 Mar '20

Please join Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg for a group viewing of the monthly APBP webinar in the EcoCentre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/uncategorized/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-o…> boardroom. This will be followed by discussion for those who wish to stay. Will be interesting to hear what Edmonton is doing! * * * * * Implementing Bicycle Infrastructure Quickly in Edmonton & Bellingham *Wed, March 18th | 2:00-3:00 PM* Presenters: - Chris Comeau, Public Works Engineering, Bellingham, WA - Daniel Harman Vriend, City of Edmonton - Olga Messinis, City of Edmonton -- Beth McKechnie (she/her) *| *Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3777 x102 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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MP Andy Fillmore to lead National AT strategy development
by Beth McKechnie 11 Mar '20

11 Mar '20

Minister of Infrastructure and Communities has tasked Andy Fillmore (MP, Halifax) with leading the development of a national active transportation strategy. https://twitter.com/AndyFillmoreHFX/status/1237726425840594944

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Get Moving on Climate | Friday, March 13th
by Beth McKechnie 11 Mar '20

11 Mar '20

This Friday! Register here <https://www.eventbrite.com/e/get-moving-on-climate-a-transportation-event-t…> [image: CAT-Get_Moving_On_Climate-Event-Poster-FIN-683x1024.jpg]

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New Bicycle Registry Established by Portage la Prairie RCMP
by Ian Wassink 10 Mar '20

10 Mar '20

First announced December 15, 2019. The Portage la Prairie RCMP is rolling out a new initiative to help return stolen bikes to their owners. Cst. James Cameron is heading up the program. "I'm a new member to the RCMP, arriving in Portage la Prairie in June of this year," says Cst. Cameron. "During my time here, I saw an opportunity in the community to assist in recovering stolen and lost bicycles. RCMP have responded to over 50 calls of theft of bicycles this year alone." He says you can get your registration card at the detachment and it doesn't take much of your time. The information on the card is entered into a database and they will contact you if your lost bike is found. "The service is free and could assist in getting you your bicycles returned to you," says Cst. Cameron. "I hope that you take part in it, and we encourage that all members of the community that own bicycles to participate." https://www.portageonline.com/local/sign-up-for-the-rcmp-s-bicycle-registry… More info: The RCMP in Portage recently established a bicycle registry. This is voluntary and will assist in recovering stolen, missing, abandoned bicycles to owners. Serial numbers are crucial. RCMP will work with Portage Fire Department to enhance returning bikes to owners. Process to Register a Bike: Person submits Portage la Prairie RCMP Bicycle Registry business card with bike info to RCMP station. Additional info can be added on the back of the card, ex: owner name and address, unique features of bike. RCMP local detachment maintains a database (Excel spreadsheet) with above information. RCMP is open to enhancing this initiative as it rolls out to the public. Bicycle Registry cards are available at Two Tired Boys, The Greasy Chain, and RCMP detachment. It is not mandatory that a bicycle be entered into this registry at point of sale, however, The Greasy Chain will endeavor to do this as much as possible on sold and repaired bicycles. Process to be established for The Greasy Chain.

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WFP: Self-driving cars focus of bill (Mar5'20)
by Beth McKechnie 05 Mar '20

05 Mar '20

Self-driving cars focus of bill THE provincial government has introduced legislation to set the ground rules for the testing of self-driving vehicles in Manitoba. Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler said the proposed Vehicle Technology Testing Act (Bill 23) would create a framework to enable examination of automated vehicles. “It is something that industry has asked for, that they be allowed to test on our roads,” he said of vehicle manufacturers. “They would like to have some kind of structure put in place.” Schuler said the province has considered the move for more than two years. He said following passage of the bill, the government would develop regulations and a permitting system in consultation with stakeholders. “By enabling developers to safely test emerging vehicle technologies on provincial roadways, we are supporting Manitoba’s large agricultural, trucking, heavy-vehicle manufacturing and technology development sectors,” Schuler said. Companies would have to obtain special insurance coverage, he said. “We are not going to ask Manitoba ratepayers at MPI to cover off, should something happen.” — Larry Kusch

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Montreal pulls the plug on e-scooters
by Beth McKechnie 04 Mar '20

04 Mar '20

The Montreal Gazette reported Bird and Lime e-scooters were popular, but compliance with helmet and parking rules was poor. E-Scooters may have had their problems, but they have a huge potential because the average trip on the scooters was just 1.5 kilometers (1 mi), and in 2019, 25% of the trips were linked to public transit. More than 50,000 riders took more than 200,000 trips in 3 months. The city's executive committee recently outlawed self-service rental vehicles following a pilot last summer that saw the vehicles deployed in various locations across the city. While the system called for the scooters to be returned to designated areas after their use, in many cases users simply left them on streets and sidewalks when they were done. Police also issued more than 300 tickets to users who ignored the city regulation requiring they wear a helmet while riding the scooters. https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/montreal-pulls-the-plug-on-e-sc…

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Upcoming Webinars: Health-in-all Policies Approach for Municipalities | Public Health Collaborations with Municipalities
by Beth McKechnie 04 Mar '20

04 Mar '20

Hi everyone, Here are a couple of free webinars that might be of interest to watch from the comfort of your desk: Health in All Policies: The importance and impact of a health-in-all-policies approach for municipalities <https://cc.readytalk.com/registration/#/?meeting=hd41ls8eu2ch&campaign=hitk…> (Friday, March 13th) *Public Health Sector - Collaborating with Municipalities <http://www.ncchpp.ca/182/presentations.ccnpps?id_article=2033>* (Tues, March 31st) cheers, Beth -- Beth McKechnie (she/her) *| *Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3777 x102 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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WFP: City to boost street construction standards (Mar4'20)
by Beth McKechnie 04 Mar '20

04 Mar '20

*City lays down plan for tougher roads * * New construction rules geared to more durability* https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/city-to-boast-street-construction-s… WINNIPEG is adding new road construction rules with an eye to making its streets last longer. The changes should allow concrete construction to last 25 per cent longer and add 15 per cent to the lifespan of asphalt, said Brad Neirinck, City of Winnipeg engineering manager, noting local construction standards have lagged behind those of other Canadian cities. “We’re behind the times. We’re trying to move our specifications up to match what other jurisdictions are doing and improve our life cycle,” he said Tuesday. The new standards would ensure a higher quality of limestone, gravel and concrete are used to build certain roads, which would be stiffer and offer better drainage, helping them hold up better, said Ahmed Shalaby, a civil engineer who works with the city. “The improvement in performance is actually quite significant. Some of these materials can be twice as good as what we were using previously,” Shalaby told reporters. “It will drain faster, it will be stronger, it will have fewer cracks.” During Tuesday’s public works committee meeting, Shalaby warned councillors Winnipeg’s previous road standards were “in a way, obsolete.” The higher standards should also prevent some streets from requiring repairs every five or 10 years, he said. Developers at the meeting raised a series of concerns, including the spectre of increased costs and sending more rejected road materials to the landfill. Other issues about the new material rules could make it difficult for contractors to budget for work, said Chris Lorenc, president of the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association. “We don’t know the extent to which it’s going to be subject to rejection… That creates risk, uncertainty and a potential spike in prices,” he said. However, city council’s public works chairman expects the changes will finally address citizen complaints that local roads haven’t been built to last. “We needed to get with the times and join other jurisdictions in building roads that are going to be built better and last longer,” said Coun. Matt Allard (St. Boniface). Despite industry concerns, it’s not clear if the change would actually increase construction project costs, Allard said. Even though the city would require that higher-quality materials be used, projects may also use smaller amounts of them, he said. “We need to go into the field and apply it to know exactly how much it’s going to cost,” Allard said. After hearing multiple presentations from concerned members of the construction industry, city staff said two key compromises should help address any potential issues: the higher standard for construction work will be implemented this year on contracts and subjected to ongoing review by a working group with industry members, and developers of some private-sector projects will be exempt from the new rules until 2021. In October, the city’s public service is expected to provide an update on how the new standard works out. joyanne.pursaga(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Webinar on cycling in suburban communities
by Orly Linovski 02 Mar '20

02 Mar '20

FYI Webinar: Incubating Cycling in Suburban Canadian Communities Wednesday, March 4th | 1:00 – 2:00 PM EST Learn how to incubate cycling through a community bike hub approach and tap into the cycling potential that exists for short bike trips in suburban environments, where cycling rates remain stubbornly low. TCAT’s approach can be used as a framework to increasing cycling in suburban communities across Canada. Safe infrastructure is a key enabler to more cycling, but it can be difficult to champion in places where a cycling culture doesn’t yet exist. A community bike hub can help to jump-start the process. Discover how unlikely partnerships and a targeted approach can grow cycling, and dig into the potential that exists within your own community. Link to register: incubatingsuburbancycling.eventbrite.ca<https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/webinar-incubating-cycling-in-suburban-canadian…> https://www.tcat.ca/webinar-incubating-cycling-in-suburban-canadian-communi… -------------------------------- Orly Linovski, Ph.D. (RPP, MCIP) Assistant Professor, Department of City Planning University of Manitoba 204-474-6424 / orly.linovski(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:orly.linovski@umanitoba.ca> http://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~linovsko/

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HAPPY CITIES – The Shape of Neighbourhoods and Well-being With Hazel Borys
by Beth McKechnie 28 Feb '20

28 Feb '20

*From:* Lieutenant-Governor of Manitoba [mailto:lgnews@leg.gov.mb.ca] *Sent:* Tuesday, February 25, 2020 10:48 AM *Subject:* HAPPY CITIES – The Shape of Neighbourhoods and Well-being With Hazel Borys [image: Office of the Lieutenant Governor] *News Release* February 25, 2020 *HAPPY CITIES The Shape of Neighbourhoods and Well-being With Hazel Borys* *- - -* *Next Presentation in the Lieutenant-Governor’s Conversations & Celebrations Series of Free Public Events Celebrating Manitoba’s Ceremonial Home* Lt.-Gov. Janice C. Filmon invites Manitobans to join her in engaging in Conversations and Celebrations – a monthly gathering of fascinating and entertaining people from across this great province. Lt.-Gov. Filmon developed this initiative to honour the 135th birthday of Government House during 2018. Based on the overwhelming success of these monthly free public events, the program continues throughout 2020. *The next event will be Tuesday, March 10 at Government House. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.* March’s guest speaker is Hazel Borys, president and CEO of PlaceMakers. With city planning firms operating in Canada and the United States, Borys and her team are passionate about advancing the resilience conversation, and the belief that diverse, character-rich neighbourhoods can actually make us happier. She guides governments around the world through policy and land use law reforms – allowing walkable, mixed-use, compact places to develop by right – and helps developers design and enable liveable, loveable places. In her presentation, Borys will share some of the benefits that cities and provinces can enjoy in supporting these sorts of urban forms, and what Manitobans can do to strengthen our connection to each other and this place we call home. Members of the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra will provide entertainment at the close of the program. In her role as lieutenant-governor, as well as in her private life, Lt.-Gov. Filmon embraces the role of community connector. Her vision for Conversations and Celebrations is to continue to find meaningful ways to bring Manitobans together to learn, and celebrate unique talents, abilities and perspectives by embracing the rich diversity of this province and its people. “I am thrilled with how Manitobans have embraced this initiative and we have lots of great presentations planned throughout Manitoba’s 150th anniversary year,” said Lt.-Gov. Filmon. “People are leaving Government House at the end of the evening with their hearts and minds full, eyes wide open to the great things happening in our province and beyond, and inspired to make a difference.” Events will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. most often on the second Tuesday of each month. *Those wishing to attend must register in advance with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor by calling 204-945-2753. * Registration is now open. There is no cost to attend. - 30 - Media Inquiries Only: Kate Gameiro, 204-945-2752 *Please be advised that this email account is not monitored for inquiries or followup questions. Ce compte de courriel n’est pas surveillé et vous ne recevrez pas de réponse à vos demandes d’information ou questions.*

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Motor vehicle use is unhealthy
by Charles F 17 Feb '20

17 Feb '20

Clever study demonstrates that car ownership reduces physical activity and affects health, especially for older people. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/article-does-owning… When will the car Industry face Censure like the tobacco industry?Sent from my phone.

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AT Webinar: Street Typologies - An organizing framework for more walkable, bikeable streets (Feb 19th, 2pm, EcoCentre)
by Beth McKechnie 13 Feb '20

13 Feb '20

Please join Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg for a group viewing of the monthly APBP webinar in the EcoCentre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/uncategorized/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-o…> boardroom. This will be followed by discussion for those who wish to stay. * * * * * Street Typologies: An organizing framework for more walkable, bikeable streets *Wed, Feb 19th, 2:00 PM * Many cities transportation goals have shifted in recent years – becoming more multimodal, safety-focused, and equitable. While cities transportation goals have changed, many still rely on the Federal Functional Classification System, which prioritizes vehicle mobility and access, as the main framework for organizing, designing, and managing their streets. Recognizing this dissonance, cities are developing new street typology systems that better align their approach to streets with overall transportation goals. This presentation will share strategies used in Des Moines, IA and Phoenix, AZ to develop new street typologies that align with existing and future land use and create more walkable, bikeable streets. Presenters - Alex Hanson, Sam Schwartz Consulting - Brian Fellows, City of Phoenix - Jeff Wiggins, City of Des Moines

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WFP: Transit expansion outside city explored (Feb8'20)
by Beth McKechnie 08 Feb '20

08 Feb '20

*Study to probe bus service to bedroom communities* * Transit expansion outside city explored * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/city-to-study-linking-bedroom-commu… Winnipeg will study the idea of creating new links to bus service for those commuting into the city, possibly through large park-and-ride locations. City hall is working on a new transportation master plan and will review regional transportation as one piece of that effort. It will explore the ways many neighbouring communities — including Stonewall, Selkirk, St. Andrews, Springfield, Headingley and Rosser — might benefit from better links to Winnipeg Transit. "The question is, when they arrive at the city boundary, is there a way to shift their mode, get them out of their cars and perhaps on to our transit system?" said Alex Regiec, city master plan project manager. In addition to possible park-and-ride sites at the city’s boundaries, a consultant will be tasked to explore options to create an inter-governmental regional transportation body, add public transit links between the city and region, and provide advice on active transportation. The consultant must also figure out how much that would cost. Regiec said creating more regional access to Winnipeg Transit could help the city in a few key ways. "The benefits of a park-and-ride program… would be to reduce the amount of single-occupant automobiles on the road, which reduces the wear and tear on our infrastructure. It also gives people an opportunity to find a more economical way to travel within the City of Winnipeg, and it’s also a benefit to our transit system (by) encouraging ridership," he said. The broader transportation master plan is expected in June 2021, which will also weigh in on how infrastructure can be added to support cars, buses and bikes over the next 30 years, as well as the best options to move goods. Regiec said a series of consultant contracts to support the master plan will have a combined cost of about $1 million. He said those contracts should be awarded by early March. While the review is slated to explore extensions of public transit past the Perimeter Highway, the project manager for Winnipeg Transit’s master plan said Transit has not received any formal proposal to do that. "We don’t have the authority to operate transit outside city limits unless we were to operate as a contractor to another municipality," said Kevin Sturgeon. Selkirk Mayor Larry Johannson said he expects new transportation options between Winnipeg and his community would be well-used: "I think if a bus service was predictable, it was efficient, if it was cost-efficient… I truly believe that it could be successful." Coun. Janice Lukes (Waverley West) welcomed the effort to explore regional transportation planning. "When I’m on Pembina Highway and I see a continuous stream of vehicles coming in (each with) one person, one person, one person — (I think) for sure there is a way that we can change this... (We) need to start moving in that direction," she said. The councillor said she believes partnerships and funding from senior governments would be required to successfully implement a regional transportation plan. "This is not something the city can do on its own," Lukes said. Coun. Scott Gillingham, finance committee chairman, said the review’s cost estimates will be a key factor to determine what regional transportation infrastructure the city could actually afford to implement. joyanne.pursaga(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Walking, cycling and public transport remain greener mobility options than e-scooters or ridehailing
by Beth McKechnie 06 Feb '20

06 Feb '20

A new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) finds that, taken together with public transport, walking and cycling for short city journeys provide the greatest benefits for both human health and the environment in urban areas. The introduction and rapid uptake of app-based vehicle sharing schemes can also have benefits. However, the report points to studies which show that their impact on the environment is not always positive. E-scooter sharing schemes especially appear to attract users that would have otherwise walked or used public transport. While the use of shared e-scooters generates few direct environmental impacts, their green credentials can be questioned by the substantial negative impacts associated to their materials, their manufacturing and their frequent collection for recharging purposes. Similarly, studies show that ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Lyft do little to reduce emissions or congestion and actually draw people away from public transport. The transport and environment report ‘The first and last mile — the key to sustainable urban transport <https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/the-first-and-last-mile/>’ assesses how green and sustainable ‘first and last mile’ transport options such as bicycles, scooters or other means of short-distance travel can transform mobility systems in cities. The report also assesses how innovative urban freight and inner city delivery services, including the use of delivery drones, can make urban freight transport more sustainable. Full article: https://www.greencarcongress.com/2020/02/20200204-eea.html

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WFP: One less bump on path to traffic-calming measures (Feb5'20)
by Beth McKechnie 05 Feb '20

05 Feb '20

*One less bump on path to traffic-calming measures * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/city-committee-hopes-reducing-obsta… IT could soon be a little easier to get a speed bump or other traffic-calming measures installed in your neighbourhood. City council’s public works committee approved a new process on Tuesday, after being informed the current method has a low success rate. The proposed policy still requires full council approval. Under the current system, a Winnipegger must persuade at least 70 per cent of homeowners affected by the desired speed bump to sign a petition in support of the change. The new system would reduce that threshold to 25 per cent. While any proposal would still have to satisfy strict engineering requirements to get the green light, city transportation manager David Patman expects the new process will make requests more successful. “We know traffic calming is one of those issues that’s growing in importance. More and more people want to look at traffic calming in their neighbourhoods,” Patman said. “We still want to see that there’s some buy-in, some local support for a project before it goes forward but (the 25 per cent requirement is) a lot less onerous than requiring 70 per cent.” The new process would allow requests to be made by a citizen, 311 inquiry, city councillor or staff. The public service would then screen the proposed site’s speed limits, traffic volume and other factors to ensure they are conducive to the change. Projects that pass that hurdle would be prioritized based on a site’s collision history, traffic volumes and safety concerns. The top priorities would then proceed to a design and public engagement process to determine which type of traffic-calming tool could work best. Finally, a speed bump or other recommended traffic-calming measure could either be tested as a pilot project or permanently implemented. That new process is expected to consider a greater variety of options to slow down traffic, since only speed bumps were considered in the past. Patman said final traffic-calming solutions could now also include speed tables, curb extensions, traffic circles, road-narrowing and other road treatments. “Our new process opens up a big menu of different options for traffic calming,” he said. Patman said each individual project would still require council approval. Coun. Matt Allard (St. Boniface), who chairs the public works committee, said he hopes council will support the changes. Allard noted dozens of Winnipeggers did secure 70 per cent of their neighbours’ signatures to push for a speed bump under the current system only to learn the proposed site didn’t meet city requirements. For example, the city would only add speed bumps on residential streets that don’t also serve as a transit route, a snow route or a residential collector street. A minimum number of vehicles also needed to be seen exceeding the speed limit to qualify the site for a speed bump. As a result, few traffic-calming requests were granted between 2015 and 2018. During that period, 32 of 156 requests for local streets met the 70 per cent petition threshold but none were implemented because the areas weren’t deemed suitable. For back lanes, 14 requests were filed but only two were granted. Allard said he expects simplifying the process could pave the way for more requests. “I think this is going to result in more demand for traffic calming in neighbourhoods,” he said. joyanne.pursaga(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Safe Speeds Open House (Feb 6th)
by Beth McKechnie 30 Jan '20

30 Jan '20

Safe Speeds Open House Thursday February 6 5pm - 7pm Yellow Dog, 386 Donald St 30km/h is the only safe speed limit when people are biking, walking, and driving on the same roads. Drop by to talk with local experts, and community leaders from Safe Speeds WPG. Ask questions, share ideas, and learn how this can work for Winnipeg. Drop in - have a beverage - have a chat Letters to City Council will be available to sign, if you want to demonstrate support. We will hand deliver them for you! https://www.facebook.com/events/2205577959750156/ ----- Thanks! *Denae Penner *(she/her/hers) Active and Safe Routes to School, Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> 204-925-3777 ext. 114 | 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB *Green Action Centre is your green living hub* Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/>. Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/GreenActionCentre/> | Twitter <https://twitter.com/greenactionctr> | Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/greenactioncentre/> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-action-centre/>

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WFP: Residents have say on Wolseley-downtown plan (Jan30'20)
by Beth McKechnie 30 Jan '20

30 Jan '20

Residents have say on Wolseley-downtown plan https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/residents-have-say-on-wolseley-down… A SWARM of Wolseleyites, West Enders, and other Winnipeggers descended on a Wednesday night open house to give feedback on the latest iteration of the Wolseley to Downtown Walk Bike Project — an ambitious plan that promises to transform areatransportation. The event packed the lecture hall at Westminster United Church, with a line of attendees snaking out the door and down the street. Chris Baker, an active transportation co-ordinator with the City of Winnipeg public works department, said the plans, maps, graphics and information on display to the public represented the recommended design for the project, following two previous rounds of public engagement. “But that being said, we’re here to collect meaningful feedback from the public and have meaningful conversations,” Baker said. “So once we collate all this, the online survey and tonight’s feedback, there’s still an opportunity to change the design, make some refinements. If we missed something, or missed the mark, we’ll be able to refine the design and make it the best it can be, and the most palatable for the most people.” Canora Street resident Chris Brown showed up with three pages of detailed notes outlining his concerns about how the plan intends to deal with rush-hour motorists who cut through Wolseley by converting sections of Westminster and Wolseley avenues into westbound, one-way streets. “What everyone I’ve heard say is: leave Westminster alone,” Brown said, explaining the plan will inadvertently shunt shortcutters onto his residential street. James Plett, who lives in West Broadway, was also concerned about the impact of proposed one-way streets in his neighbourhood. “My work location is never in the same location, so sometimes I need to go east and head down to Osborne (Street). And if the one-way is put in, that means I would have to go west onto Broadway, which is already a backed-up street. And this will definitelycause more people to start using Broadway.” Luanne Karn said she took part in previous phases of the consultations, in a successful effort to prevent a Transit bus from being run on Home Street. “It was both a good public engagement process, but also very negative in that it just came out of the blue at us,” she said. “I’m also concerned that they haven’t addressed the issue of cut-through traffic very well.” Marianne Cerelli, chairwoman of the Wolseley Residents Association, said she had some misgivings about the way public consultations had been done. Her group is holding a community meeting to discuss the plan, Feb. 10 at the Westminster Housing Co-op. “But all of that said, I think most people support active transportation,” said Cerelli. “They support having a bike corridor, they want people to be safe on their bicycles, they want people to be safer walking, they want to reduce the speed and the cut-throughs through the neighbourhood. “But the high-interventionist nature of the proposal has caught people off-guard, so I think they need to bring people along a little bit better, through a better engagement process.” Baker stressed the plan is still open to adjustment. An online survey on the project remains open until Feb. 9. solomon.israel(a)freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @sol_israel

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FYI security risks for e-scooters and riders
by Zdan, Terry (MI) 28 Jan '20

28 Jan '20

UTSA researchers review security risks for e-scooters and riders<https://www.greencarcongress.com/2020/01/20200128-usta.html> 28 January 2020<https://www.greencarcongress.com/2020/01/20200128-usta.html> Researchers at the University of Texas San Antonio have published<https://www.utsa.edu/today/2020/01/story/escooter-hacking.html> a review of the security and privacy risks posed by e-scooters and their related software services and applications. We were already investigating the risks posed by these micromobility vehicles to pedestrians' safety. During that study, we also realized that besides significant safety concerns, this new transportation paradigm brings forth new cybersecurity and privacy risks as well. -Murtuza Jadliwala, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science, who led this study According to the review, which will appear in the proceedings of the 2nd ACM Workshop on Automotive and Aerial Vehicle Security (AutoSec 2020<http://www.codaspy.org/2020/AutoSec2020/index.html>), hackers can cause a series of attacks, including eavesdropping on users and even spoof GPS systems to direct riders to unintended locations. Vendors of e-scooters can suffer denial-of-service attacks and data leaks. <https://bioage.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c4fbe53ef0240a4e0cc6e200d-popup> HAPPY TRAILS Terry Zdan, BA MEDes

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WFP: Crosswalk collision leaves man in hospital (Jan23'20)
by Beth McKechnie 23 Jan '20

23 Jan '20

*Crosswalk collision leaves man in hospital * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/crosswalk-collisions-continue-after… FOR the second time in as many months, a pedestrian was hit by a car near a crosswalk on Ness Avenue Wednesday. The crosswalk collisions follow a year that saw the highest number of pedestrian deaths ever in the province. And the city is already looking to see if improvements need to be made at one of the crossings, according to a city councillor. Brian Smiley, a spokesman for Manitoba Public Insurance, confirmed on Wednesday that 17 Manitoba pedestrians — nine in Winnipeg, three in other urban centres and five in rural areas — died after being hit by vehicles in 2019. Until last year, the most pedestrian deaths in a single year in this province was 16 in 2007, Smiley said. “Both pedestrians and motorists are entitled to use the roadways. It’s hoped both groups are safety aware and act accordingly. One death is too many,” he said. According to MPI statistics, on average about 12 pedestrians are killed by vehicles in the province. About half of them are killed at an intersection, while one in 10 deaths occur while they are walking on the road or crossing between intersections. On Wednesday, a man was hit by a car in the Sturgeon Heights area at about 6:30 a.m. The man was rushed from the site in front of Sturgeon Heights Collegiate in critical condition, but later was upgraded to stable, police said. The stretch of Ness Avenue was closed following the accident, but reopened later in the morning. Last month, two teenaged pedestrians were struck by a car as they walked across the street at the crosswalk at Ness Avenue at Woodlawn Street. The teens were taken to hospital in unstable condition, but later upgraded to stable. Area Coun. Scott Gillingham (St. James-Brooklands-Weston) said on Wednesday he will look further into how the latest collision occurred. The city is already exploring whether the crossing where the teens were injured needs to be upgraded with eye-level, flashing LED lights, Gillingham said. That type of system was installed at the crosswalk on St. Anne’s Road in the wake of a 2018 collision where an eight-year-old child was struck and killed while crossing the busy street at Varennes Avenue. “They’ve been installed at a handful of locations,” he said. “The department is looking to see if that is an appropriate place to put them. Now I will be looking into this one to try to understand the events surrounding this collision. “Unfortunately, it is another reminder that motorists really need to be aware while they are driving and that they are driving to conditions, and for pedestrians to always be aware of the vehicles around them.” kevin.rollason(a)freepress.mb.ca

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