- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

UK advocates critical of substandard cycling / walking infrastructure
by Charles Feaver 17 Jun '19

17 Jun '19

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/17/painted-bike-lanes-waste-mo ney-cycling-commissioners?utm_term=RWRpdG9yaWFsX0d1YXJkaWFuVG9kYXlVS19XZWVrZ GF5cy0xOTA2MTc%3D <https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/17/painted-bike-lanes-waste-m oney-cycling-commissioners?utm_term=RWRpdG9yaWFsX0d1YXJkaWFuVG9kYXlVS19XZWVr ZGF5cy0xOTA2MTc%3D&utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=GuardianToda yUK&CMP=GTUK_email> &utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=GuardianTodayUK&CMP=GTUK_email UK AT advocate report critical of transportation investment. Some snippets: Painted bike lanes are waste of money, say cycling commissioners In a letter to the transport secretary, Chris Grayling, the commissioners - including the Olympic champions Chris Boardman (Greater Manchester), Dame Sarah Storey (Sheffield City region) and Will Norman (London) - say painted cycle lanes are a "gesture" and do nothing to make people feel safer on a bike. Recent studies have shown they can actually make people less safe, they argue. "As there are currently no national minimum safety standards for walking and cycling infrastructure, these practices can and will continue wasting public money and failing to persuade people to change their travel habits," the letter says. The commissioners also call for an end to car-centric transport planning and a move towards investment decisions that "account for the true cost of car use to society". They argue that current economic appraisal models used by the Treasury to decide whether to fund a new motorway or a segregated cycle lane "do not take full account of the negative consequences of making private car use easier, nor do they take full account of the benefits of walking and cycling on our health, wellbeing and environment". Charles Feaver <mailto:charles@bikewinnipeg.ca> charles(a)bikewinnipeg.ca 204.293.6332

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WFP: Cyclists say faded bike lanes unsafe (Jun13'19)
by Beth McKechnie 13 Jun '19

13 Jun '19

*Cyclists say faded bike lanes unsafe * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/disappearing-bike-lanes-need-new-pa… JULIE Penner rides her bike to work every day. But lately, she said, she feels less safe on her commute from Wolseley to the Exchange District because the painted bike lane she uses on Sherbrook Street has faded and chipped away . “It’s like this every year. I’m surprised (it) isn’t given more of a priority,” Penner said. The City of Winnipeg did not respond to a request for comment. The city’s website page on lane-marking says the process begins in mid-April, when it’s warm enough for paint to adhere to the road. The page says crews work clockwise around Winnipeg, starting north of the Assiniboine River. Penner said she’s confused about why the city schedules the repainting based on geography instead of how often certain bike lanes are used. Mark Cohoe, executive director of cycling advocacy group Bike Winnipeg, said he would like to see the city make more of an effort to keep cyclists in mind when making the schedules. “The bike lanes should be one of the city’s priorities. If you’re on a bike, you’re one of the most vulnerable people out there,” he said. Cohoe is encouraged by steps the city has taken lately to create roads with expanded bike lanes and bicycle-specific traffic signals that have cyclists in mind, but he would like to see a more proactive approach to maintaining infrastructure that will help keep riders safe on the road. “It definitely does make a difference in terms of safety to have the bike lane there, but it’s only there if it’s painted and visible. If it isn’t there, the drivers are less likely to respect it,” he said. While painted bike lanes don’t give cyclists the same protection from vehicles as lanes that have barriers, they let drivers know to be aware that cyclists could be nearby, Penner said, adding that with the lane on Sherbrook Street disappearing, she has noticed cars inching closer to her on the road. “Cars are used to responding to paint on the road. I’m a driver, too. You respond to that. (If) there’s a solid line, then you don’t cross it,” she said. “They’re either unaware of the bike lane, or they don’t respect it as much because there’s just nothing on the ground.” Recent city actions that support cycling infrastructure are positive moves, but there are still gaps to fill, Penner said. “Right now, there’s bits and pieces where you can get downtown relatively safely in some areas, but not in others. It’s definitely requiring patience from the cycling community, but I do feel hopeful about it,” she said. Because the lanes will get repainted eventually, Penner said it might not seem like a big deal, but in the meantime, she said she’ll feel less safe when riding her bike. “It’s the lowest form of cycling protection, just paint on the ground, but even that is better than having nothing,” she said. “And I do feel like cars notice when it’s there.” caitlyn.gowriluk(a)freepress.mb.ca

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AT Webinar: Finding Common Ground with First Responders (Wed Jun 19, 2-3pm)
by Beth McKechnie 13 Jun '19

13 Jun '19

Please join Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg for a group viewing of the June 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. *Particularly timely topic given concerns around emergency vehicles access and proposed changes to the Wolseley / Westminster cycling route.* cheers, Beth * * * * * *AT Webinar: Wed, June 19th, 2-3pm* Finding Common Ground with First Responders First responders provide the 1st line of defense against emergencies. The notion that “every second counts” has left its mark on our communities, creating wide and fast streets. Though intended to provide efficient access for first responders, this type of street design creates unintended consequences for other roadway users. How can agencies find common ground to address the needs of emergency response while maintaining low speed networks that support safe and convenient active transportation. -- Beth McKechnie (she/her/hers) *| *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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When not to push for bike lanes
by Beth McKechnie 12 Jun '19

12 Jun '19

Very interesting (short) article: https://bikesiliconvalley.org/2019/05/action-alert-when-not-to-push-for-bik…

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WFP: Going Dutch - Plain Bicycle Project aims to fuel bicycling explosion (Jun12'19)
by Beth McKechnie 12 Jun '19

12 Jun '19

*Plain Bicycle Project aims to fuel bicycling explosion with two-wheelers from the Netherlands* * GOING DUTCH* https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/going-dutch-511149792.html ANYONE want a used bike from the Netherlands? They’re going fast. The Plain Bicycle Project unloaded a shipping container crammed with discarded Dutch bicycles Tuesday at a secret location in downtown Winnipeg. Over the next month or so, the local enthusiasts will repair and get the bikes ready for the 221 people who signed up for the so-called omafiets (“grandma bikes”), leaving 19 available for $350 each online at the Plain Bicycle Project. (The price covers the costs of shipping and repairs.) “The whole idea is to create a bicycle culture explosion,” said Plain Bicycle co-founder Anders Swanson, who also heads up the Winnipeg Trails Association and is one of six people who organized the shipment to the Prairie city. “What better way to welcome the bicycle infrastructure being built in Winnipeg and all across North America than by being an early adopter of a plain bike... (which) will probably become the preferred ride,” Plain Bicycle Project’s website says. Safety for cyclists is a perennial issue in Winnipeg, with enthusiasts pressing for more paths to safeguard cyclists navigating busy traffic corridors. On average, two cyclists are killed in the province each year, according to Manitoba Public Insurance. Durable, comfortable and easy to ride, the Dutch bikes come with fenders, upright handlebars, a rack, integrated lock, kickstand and sturdy steel frame with a sloping tube (so you can wear whatever and still get around). Like Winnipeg, the Netherlands is flat, so most of the bikes come with internal gears, which the Plain Bicycle founders claim makes them last longer and stand up to more abuse. “The point is to get people thinking anybody can ride a bike, that it’s a lifelong thing to bike. You can be a kid or a grandma, it doesn’t matter. These bikes grow old with you. They’re the Honda Civics of bicycles,” Swanson said. None of the plain bikes have disc brakes, shocks, knobby tires, carbon fibre, etc. In other words, less bling to draw thieves. Of the 100 bicycles Plain Bicycle organizers shipped over from the Netherlands last year — the first year for the project — two were stolen, organizers said. Earlier this year, three co-founders made the trip to the Netherlands to collect more bikes and stick handle paperwork to export the cargo to Winnipeg. A container weighing more than 8,200 kilograms was loaded onto a cargo ship in mid-April and arrived via the Panama Canal in Vancouver, then was shipped by freight train to Winnipeg. The container was locked with a Dutch bike lock and, without the key, opening the doors proved a problem. “They had to beat the hell out of it,” said trucker Grant Houlden, who hung around after unloading the cargo. The Plain Bicycle people used his hammer to pound the lock apart; it took about five minutes and a lot of exertion for Swanson to finally snap it open. “I’ve never seen a lock like it before. My bolt cutters couldn’t cut it,” Houlden said. The appeal of a Dutch bike, apart from the lock, is its simplicity and its supply, theatre director and former bike courier Leigh Anne Parry said. “The Netherlands have over two bikes per person and a lot of them end up on the side of the streets. There are more bikes than people, so there are a lot of bikes not being used,” the project co-founder said. “It’s an easy, relaxing ride. There’s no pressure on your arms and you can carry all your groceries with these bikes,” she added, before heading into the shipping container to start hauling them out. alexandra.paul(a)freepress.mb.ca

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WFP: Wolseley considers cutting shortcuts (Jun11'19)
by Beth McKechnie 11 Jun '19

11 Jun '19

*Bike plan aims to keep rush-hour traffic on main roads* * Wolseley considers cutting shortcuts * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/cutting-off-shortcuts-wolseley-bike… TAKING a rush-hour shortcut through Wolseley could get more difficult for drivers, thanks to proposed changes to the neighbourhood’s bike infrastructure. Speed humps, vehicle access restrictions and new crosswalks identified in the Wolseley to Downtown Walk Bike Project are all designed to let bikes ride and push cars to thoroughfares, said Mark Doucet, City of Winnipeg transportation facilities planning engineer. “The Wolseley area has got a lot of active community,” Doucet said Monday. “There’s a lot of short-cutting traffic through the Wolseley neighbourhood, so (this is) an attempt to look at that concern and try to just make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists through the area.” For example, during the afternoon rush hour, vehicles cut through the residential neighbourhood, avoiding busy Portage Avenue by taking Arlington Street to Wolseley Avenue. Residents will get to have their say this week about several options for change, including making Langside and Balmoral streets one-ways and eliminating some parking spaces in West Broadway. Westminster Avenue is set to get either a protected bike lane or become a neighbourhood greenway. Protected bike lanes from Langside to Osborne streets are on the table as well, even raised lanes — like the ones the city has installed on Silver Avenue and Chevrier Boulevard in recent years. Bike Winnipeg executive director Mark Cohoe supports the proposed changes to cut back on the number of cars searching for a shortcut. He said he’d like to see protected bike lanes continuing through Maryland and Sherbrook avenues to West Broadway, as well as intersection improvements to help cyclists make safe left turns at major intersections. “We’re not sure what they’re planning between Langside and Maryland, that seems a little open-ended in some of the plans,” Cohoe said. “It just doesn’t seem to have anything. Just through that stretch, which we think is a critical part of the connection, so we want to make sure that’s a strong point and not a weak point in any improvements going forward.” Doucet said he’s heard such concerns and hopes to do something about them for the final version of the plan, which is expected to be released in the fall. Another possible sticking point is vehicle blockades, which Doucet said are modelled on diversions from Lethbridge, Alta. “That’s a tricky one, because we want to discourage short-cutting traffic and encourage cycling and pedestrians, but the fire paramedic group has concerns with a diversion,” he said, noting it could keep ambulances and fire trucks out, as well as passenger vehicles. “It’s a big hurdle for us right now, we’re trying to find ways to balance everyone’s needs.” West End resident Caroline Thiessen was cycling through Wolseley on Monday, and said she spent the ride thinking about how nice it is — not like the West End, where she recently got honked at in a construction zone. “It almost doesn’t feel safe anywhere other than Wolseley,” she said. Her sentiments were echoed by neighbourhood resident and cyclist Tamara Lewis-Jones: “Wolseley’s the safest (place to bike) in the city but it still needs more... I guess the whole city needs to be better.” Other area residents said Monday they notice some people cutting through, but aren’t worried about motorists. “During the week, people should be able to go up Wolseley, people should be able to go up Westminster, if they want to,” Morgan Davis said. “It’s not that difficult to bike there.” Riley Durocher, who cycles and drives through his neighbourhood, said the shortcut problem seems to be worst near Mulvey School. “I have no issues other than Sundays,” Durocher said, noting it can be a tangle to get his car home if he forgets Wolseley is closed to cars. Doucet notes the city plans aren’t set in stone, and hopes to hear more from residents at community consultations being held today through Thursday. tvanderhart(a)freepress.mb.ca @tessavanderhart

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WFP: Cyclist dies after collision with truck (Jun5'19)
by Beth McKechnie 06 Jun '19

06 Jun '19

*Traffic safety audit needed, bike advocate and councillor say* * Cyclist dies after collision with truck * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/cyclists-death-sparks-inquiry-call-… THE death of a bicyclist on Higgins Avenue at King Street — the second such incident in seven years — has sparked calls for a traffic safety audit of the area. The bicyclist died Tuesday at the scene, after colliding with the cab of a transport truck at around 1:45 p.m. A single red bicycle with a mangled wheel was still on the sidewalk hours after the collision. Winnipeg police blocked traffic on Higgins Avenue between Main and Princess streets for a few hours while officers gathered evidence. While no details were released about the age or gender of the deceased — or how the collision occurred — a bike advocate and a city councillor who is a longtime bike path booster said the City of Winnipeg has to look at the intersection and other nearby streets to see how safe they are for bicyclists and pedestrians. Mark Cohoe, executive director of Bike Winnipeg, said he’s upset because it’s not the first bicyclist killed in the area. Violet Nelson, 35, chairwoman of the Native Women’s Transition Centre, was cycling to the grand opening of the Kihiw Iskewock Lodge in May 2012, when she collided with a vehicle and fell in front of a semi-trailer on Higgins Avenue just west of Main Street. Cohoe said there was another fatality a block south, when a pedestrian on her way to work at Siloam Mission was struck and killed by a truck at Logan Avenue and King Street in July 2015. “It is kind of a confusing intersection and you can maintain high speeds there,” he said. “It is a high-flow kind of route, and it is really set up to move people through as quickly as possible, but at the same time, you have people walking and cycling. “It’s high time a safety study is done there. It’s clear we have a major safety issue in these few blocks.” Cohoe said a safety audit would look at all areas of traffic flow, including whether there should be a stop sign (instead of a yield) for northbound vehicles on King Street turning right onto eastbound Higgins Avenue, and whether the speed limit should be slower. “We need to make sure if someone makes a mistake in future it doesn’t end in tragedy. We don’t want it to happen again — it has already happened too much.” Coun. Janice Lukes (Waverley West) said Tuesday she’ll be speaking with Cohoe with the idea of putting forward a motion calling for a safety audit of the area. Lukes sat on the city’s active transportation advisory committee and was appointed the first chair of the province’s active transportation advisory group prior to becoming a city councillor. “I’m just dreading this season, because we’ve done a pathetic job in education,” she said. “We’re good now at putting in more (bike) infrastructure, but with more bikes and more people, we need more education for cyclists and drivers.” kevin.rollason(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Fwd: Employment Opportunity / Bike Bazaar / Wheels of Courage
by Dave Elmore 05 Jun '19

05 Jun '19

Please pass this around Cheers Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X) ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Sarah Thiessen <wrenchvolunteer(a)gmail.com> Date: Tue, Jun 4, 2019 at 7:21 PM Subject: Employment Opportunity / Bike Bazaar / Wheels of Courage To: Hey WRENCH Volunteers! A few exciting announcements to share with you: *1. Employment Opportunity: Summer Programming Assistant * Term Position: 8-week term with flexible starting date 32 hrs/week @ $15.00/hr Must be 18-29 years old to apply. Application deadline: 10 pm, Sunday June 16th, 2019 Please read Job Description (attached) for all the details on this position and how to apply. *2. West Broadway Bike Bazaar <https://www.facebook.com/events/1245477358948421/> is this Sunday!* *When*: Sunday, June 9th 12-3pm *Where:* In outdoor rink behind Broadway Neighbourhood Centre (185 Young St) If you are able to come volunteer, we can always use another set of hands! *We could especially use some more folks helping with:* -Sales (11:30-3) -Bike Repairs (11:45-3) -Tear Down (3-6pm) Please let me know if you are available to help! & Help spread the word by sharing the event on Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/events/1245477358948421/>. *3. Today is the last day to apply for our Wheels of Courage Mentorship Program! <http://thewrench.ca/woc/>* If you are between 14-29 and want to use bikes as a tool for personal growth and social change, Wheels of Courage is for you! *Learn more & Apply now!* <http://thewrench.ca/woc/> Alrighty that is all for now, hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful weather. Kindly, Sarah Thiessen *Volunteer Coordinator & Wheels of Courage Lead Mentor* The *W*innipeg *R*epair* E*ducation '*N*' *C*ycling *H*ub 1057 Logan Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3N8 Treaty 1 Territory & Homeland of the Metis Nation 204.296.3389 www.thewrench.ca <volunteer(a)thewrench.ca>

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Cycling lanes reduce fatalities for all road users, study shows
by Charles Feaver 03 Jun '19

03 Jun '19

Roads are safer for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists in cities with robust bike facilities Date: May 29, 2019 Source: University of Colorado Denver Summary: The most comprehensive study of bicycle and road safety to date finds that building safe facilities for cyclists is one of the biggest factors in road safety for everyone. Bicycling infrastructure -- specifically, separated and protected bike lanes -- leads to fewer fatalities and better road-safety outcomes for all road users. https://www.cudenvertoday.org/cycling-lanes-not-cyclists-lower-road-fataliti es/ In the most comprehensive look at bicycle and road safety to date, researchers at the University of Colorado Denver and the University of New Mexico discovered that it's not the cyclists, but the infrastructure built for them, that is making roads safer for everyone. "Bicycling seems inherently dangerous on its own," said study co-author Wesley Marshall, PhD, PE, assistant professor in the College of Engineering, Design and Computing at CU Denver. "So it would seem that a city with a lot of bicycling is more dangerous, but the opposite is true. Building safe facilities for cyclists turned out to be one of the biggest factors in road safety for everyone." The study published in the Journal of Transport & Health found that bike facilities act as "calming" mechanisms on traffic, slowing cars and reducing fatalities. The effect is similar to the effect of grid blocks found in cities with higher intersection density Researchers looked through 13 years of data from 12 large U.S. cities with high-bicycling mode shares, including Denver, Dallas, Portland, Ore., and Kansas City, Mo. During those years, the United States saw a 51% increase in bicycling to work and the number of protected bike lanes double each year starting in 2009. In a longitudinal study, the researchers investigated over 17,000 fatalities and 77,000 severe injuries. Originally, researchers believed that more bike lanes and the increase in cyclists would lead to a "safety-in-numbers" effect: the more cyclists on the road, the more likely drivers would slow down and be aware of their surroundings. Instead, they found that safer cities aren't due to the increase in cyclists, but the infrastructure built for them -- specifically, separated and protected bike lanes. They found that bicycling infrastructure is significantly associated with fewer fatalities and better road-safety outcomes. Portland, Ore., saw the biggest increase. Between 1990 and 2010, city's bicycle mode share increased from 1.2% to 6%; over the same period, the road fatality rate dropped by 75%. With added bike lanes, fatal crash rates dropped in Seattle (-60.6%), San Francisco (-49.3%), Denver (-40.3%) and Chicago (-38.2%), among others. "The U.S. is killing 40,000 people a year on roads, and we treat it as the cost of doing business," Marshall said. "A lot of the existing research focuses on bicycle safety; with this study, we're interested in everyone's safety." Eliminating fatalities is the goal of Vision Zero cities like Denver. To reduce deaths, cities need more evidence-based research to help them make better policy decisions. "Focusing on fatalities -- not crashes -- is important," said Marshall. "Over the years, my research has found that safer cities have fewer fatalities but more fender benders." The study co-author is Nicholas Ferenchak, PhD, assistant professor in the department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering at the University of New Mexico. Ferenchak studied under Marshall and received his doctoral degree from CU Denver. Overall, Ferenchak hopes this study simplifies the ways in which cities move forward. "When we believed it was the old safety-in-numbers concept, that meant we had to figure out how to get more people on bicycles to make a city safer," Ferenchak said. "That's not easy. But this research has boiled it down for city planners: create cycling facilities, and you'll see the impact." The 12 cities included in this research are Oklahoma City, Memphis, Kansas City, Mo., Dallas, Houston, Austin, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, San Francisco, Minneapolis and Portland. As this study focuses on larger cities, the results are not generalizable to smaller cities. _____ Story Source: <https://www.cudenvertoday.org/cycling-lanes-not-cyclists-lower-road-fatalit ies/> Materials provided by <http://www.ucdenver.edu/> University of Colorado Denver. Original written by Rachel Sturtz. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. _____ Journal Reference: 1. Wesley E. Marshall, Nicholas N. Ferenchak. Why cities with high bicycling rates are safer for all road users. Journal of Transport & Health, 2019 Charles Feaver 11 Harvard Ave Winnipeg R3M 0J6 204.293.6332

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FYI Rules of the Road: Compliance and Defiance among the Different Types of Cyclists
by Zdan, Terry (MI) 03 Jun '19

03 Jun '19

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0361198119844965 Rules of the Road: Compliance and Defiance among the Different Types of Cyclists Nick Chaloux<https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0361198119844965> https://doi.org/10.1177/0361198119844965<https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0361198119844965> Article information <https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0361198119844965> [Full Access] Article Information Article first published online: May 3, 2019 Nick Chaloux<https://journals.sagepub.com/author/Chaloux%2C+Nick>1, Ahmed El-Geneidy<https://journals.sagepub.com/author/El-Geneidy%2C+Ahmed>1 1School of Urban Planning, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada Corresponding Author: Address correspondence to Ahmed El-Geneidy: ahmed.elgeneidy(a)mcgill.ca<mailto:ahmed.elgeneidy@mcgill.ca> Abstract Although cycling has become a more attractive option to commuters in many North American cities recently, significant apprehension remains around its safety. Though risks experienced by cyclists are diverse, the idea that they are because of scofflaw cyclists—cyclists who regularly ignore the rules of the road—remains prevalent. Improving cycling safety requires countering this idea, and therefore an understanding of how different cyclists act under the existing rules. Using a survey of 1,329 cyclists in Montreal, Canada, this study generated a typology of cyclists based on cycling motivations and behaviors and conducted comparisons based on their responses to four cycling rule-breaking scenarios. Our study shows that all cyclist types contravene traffic laws in similar ways, and 0.6% of respondents consistently follow the traffic laws. Breaking the law was often considered the safest option by respondents, which reflects a disconnect between the safety goals of traffic laws and the reality on the streets based on the perspectives of different cyclist types. Although cyclist types may act similarly in response to existing laws, they still respond uniquely to policies aimed at increasing rule adherence. Targeted interventions aimed at educating young cyclists, improving dedicated infrastructure, and prioritizing cycling traffic could increase rule compliance across all types. Through our study, planners, policy makers, and law enforcement could improve cycling safety by better understanding the behavior and rationale taken by cyclists. HAPPY TRAILS Terry Zdan BA MEDes þ Think green, read on screen | Soyez écolo, lisez à l'écran From: at-network-bounces(a)lists.umanitoba.ca <at-network-bounces(a)lists.umanitoba.ca> On Behalf Of Beth McKechnie Sent: June-02-19 10:09 AM To: AT network <at-network(a)lists.umanitoba.ca> Subject: [At-network] WFP: Healing prescription - nature trails (Jun2'19) HEALING PRESCRIPTION City life got you down? A cure for what ails you is as close as the nearest nature trail https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/healing-prescription-510724862.html THE urban grind can grind one down. Being stuck in rush-hour gridlock and inhaling exhaust, hearing the unwelcome roar of a neighbour’s lawn mower too early on a Saturday morning, or fighting crowds in grocery stores and malls can give one the itch to escape. But cutting and running from city life is not always in the cards for those who take umbrage with urban annoyances. The kids have soccer, there’s that dentist appointment, the plumber’s coming to fix the leaky faucet… Luckily, one doesn’t have to cross the Perimeter to access green spaces and nature trails. Opportunities to enjoy the outdoors abound in every neighbourhood. “Our mental health is really at risk when we don’t get outside,” Anders Swanson, active living enthusiast and executive director of the Winnipeg Trails Association, says. “Accessing nature and moving your body is very, very good for you,” especially in the modern world where people are “increasingly stressed out.” “If you think about it, it’s completely obvious,” he adds. “As human beings, we are part of the natural world; we grew up in it. When you take that away or we don’t get out there, you very quickly find yourself lost.” Winnipeg Trails works to make sure Winnipeggers don’t get lost. They’re a coalition focused on accelerating the development and connectivity of Winnipeg’s greenways and cycling paths — “the transportation system underlying Winnipeg that’s built for human beings,” as Swanson puts it. Winnipeg Trails has “done everything,” from helping to fund and build trails to adding amenities to existing ones. They’re also involved in events such as next week’s Commuter Challenge and have scheduled a Plog-a-Thon — where people jog and pick up trash — for June 8. One of Winnipeg Trails’ most popular projects has been its exhaustive list of detailed trail maps, which can be found on their website, winnipegtrails.ca. The maps —more than 30 of them — outline the length of each trail, how they connect with the citywide network, and highlight points of interest along the way. It’s a tremendous resource for those looking to get out and explore new paths. “Those were a pretty important project for us,” Swanson says. “It’s one of the biggest ways that people know about Winnipeg Trails is for those detailed trail maps.” “Our job basically is to make it easy,” he continues. “We just want the easiest choice to be the most active one. That’s how we’re going to make a big difference for society.” Charleswood’s Harte Trail, for example — a 6.5-kilometre path through a tunnel of trees that stretches from Sterling Lyon Parkway and Shaftesbury Boulevard to the west Perimeter Highway — has a crushed limestone surface and connects to five other trails, including the Assiniboine Forest trail network. The key to finding time to spend outdoors, Swanson says, is to integrate it into one’s daily routine. “Recreation is great — it’s great to have a chance to unwind — but you have to find energy, money, basically to do that,” Swanson says, hence Winnipeg Trails’ focus on active commuting. “We only have a certain amount of time that we’re willing to move every day,” Swanson says. “Otherwise, we need to get some work done or go to that class… we have a time budget. “If you live a 45-minute drive away from a city and that’s your commute, people tend to report feeling more unhappy than people who had a half-hour walk, and it’s because the people who had a 45-minute commute still want to get human connection and recreation… but they end up not having enough time to do that and then they feel more stressed out. “People who bike or walk to school or work or out to dinner, or whatever — they integrate it into ways they get around — they tend to report being a lot happier because they managed basically to kill two birds with one stone.” Winnipegger Jen Doerksen has been doing that for years. Doerksen grew up in St. James near Sturgeon Creek and Saskatchewan Avenue. Doerksen cycled the Yellow Ribbon Greenway Trail — which begins at Sturgeon Creek and Hamilton Avenue, terminates at Silver Avenue and Ferry Road, and is named in honour of the Canadian Armed Forces — hundreds of times over six years as part of a commute to the University of Winnipeg and later, Red River College’s Exchange District campus. Winnipeg Trails calls the 5.5-kilometre path a “crucial east-west link,” and it’s been just that to the now-24-year-old Doerksen. “Green space and time in nature is super… important to me for a number of reasons,” Doerksen says. “Primarily, it feels better to be outside, generally, than inside… It feels better on the body and mind and suits our hardware in a way. Our bodies are still getting accustomed to this whole ‘civilization’ thing, evolutionarily I’d say, and the western lifestyle of indoor work and play is somewhat contrary to how we’re built, I think. “If I’m feeling the air, smelling the rain, grass, (and) fart smells of downtown Winnipeg, I’m more actively engaged in what I’m doing and my mind is working better in this way,” Doerksen says. The freelance photographer, videographer and editor now lives in the Corydon area and doesn’t traverse the Yellow Ribbon Trail much these days, but still cycles for transportation and leisure. Swanson, a year-round cyclist, prefers biking over driving to Winnipeg Trails’ Exchange District headquarters. He tries to walk anywhere within a kilometre, cycle anywhere between one and eight kilometres, and takes the bus for longer distances. He owns a vehicle, but uses it “basically to get out into the bush” or to transport things too heavy to haul on two wheels. Just as important as the physical benefits are the social ones. “Try and shake hands with the person next to you in a traffic jam, you know?” Swanson says. “Our meaningful contact with human beings is face-to-face. There’s nothing that human beings like more than watching and seeing other people. “We can’t survive without it. It makes us happy. It makes us stumble into an old friend… share a moment with a stranger… that kind of thing is so instrumental to us. The more time we spend doing it, the happier we are,” he continues, noting people in countries with the highest happiness index tend to spend more time socializing outdoors. Using the trail network helped Doerksen develop social connections. “Basically, my movement from living in the suburbs to developing friends, finding community, and spending time downtown came through travelling the Yellow Ribbon Trail,” Doerksen says. Doerksen found getting to downtown, Osborne Village and Wolseley to visit friends took an hour or more by bus, but “biking that path took 45 minutes every time.” Swanson is careful not to judge anyone who doesn’t make use of green space, acknowledging their life situation, location or physical limitations might make an active commute an impossibility. However, he’d love Winnipeg to reach a broader consensus that walking, bicycle commuting, and active living benefits all. “We want to make that as pleasant and fun and beautiful as possible,” he says of Winnipeg Trails. “Whether that’s biking down a protected bike lane with all kinds of shops you can stop at on your way home from work, or if you’re super lucky and you get to walk or bike to a park or along a riverbank in order to make it there, it’s the kind of quality of life thing that benefits everybody in ways we don’t even think about. “I want everyone to be able to access nature because it’s something you want to share. For me, sharing Winnipeg in that way is really important.” Outdoor cure “THERE’S a reason they say exercise is the best medicine,” Anders Swanson says, and science backs up the claim. If you want to thrive, get outside. Spending time outdoors can reduce one’s risk for a variety of common physical and mental health problems such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stressrelated disorders, and even premature death. That’s according to a 2018 study conducted by researchers from the University of East Anglia’s Norwich Medical School. The England-based research team gathered evidence from nearly 150 studies involving close to 300 million people from 20 different countries to come to their conclusions. “People living closer to nature… had reduced diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and stress,” lead researcher Caoimhe Twohig-Bennett said in a press release outlining the study’s findings last summer. “In fact, one of the really interesting things we found is that exposure to greenspace significantly reduces people’s levels of salivary cortisol — a physiological marker of stress.” “We often reach for medication when we’re unwell,” Professor of Public Health and study co-author Andy Jones added, “but exposure to health-promoting environments is increasingly recognized as both preventing and helping treat disease.” The evidence is so unequivocal that some doctors in the UK are giving patients “nature prescriptions,” eschewing pills for bird watching and beach walking. It doesn’t take long to reap rewards, either. A modest 20 minutes in a park is enough to boost a person’s well-being, a February study by the International Journal of Environmental Health Research found. “It would be lot easier to talk about the kind of medical ailments that aren’t helped by getting outside and using trails,” Swanson says. “Almost everyone stands to benefit making it part of their life.”

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WFP: Healing prescription - nature trails (Jun2'19)
by Beth McKechnie 02 Jun '19

02 Jun '19

*HEALING PRESCRIPTION * * City life got you down? A cure for what ails you is as close as the nearest nature trail* https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/healing-prescription-510724862.html THE urban grind can grind one down. Being stuck in rush-hour gridlock and inhaling exhaust, hearing the unwelcome roar of a neighbour’s lawn mower too early on a Saturday morning, or fighting crowds in grocery stores and malls can give one the itch to escape. But cutting and running from city life is not always in the cards for those who take umbrage with urban annoyances. The kids have soccer, there’s that dentist appointment, the plumber’s coming to fix the leaky faucet… Luckily, one doesn’t have to cross the Perimeter to access green spaces and nature trails. Opportunities to enjoy the outdoors abound in every neighbourhood. “Our mental health is really at risk when we don’t get outside,” Anders Swanson, active living enthusiast and executive director of the Winnipeg Trails Association, says. “Accessing nature and moving your body is very, very good for you,” especially in the modern world where people are “increasingly stressed out.” “If you think about it, it’s completely obvious,” he adds. “As human beings, we are part of the natural world; we grew up in it. When you take that away or we don’t get out there, you very quickly find yourself lost.” Winnipeg Trails works to make sure Winnipeggers don’t get lost. They’re a coalition focused on accelerating the development and connectivity of Winnipeg’s greenways and cycling paths — “the transportation system underlying Winnipeg that’s built for human beings,” as Swanson puts it. Winnipeg Trails has “done everything,” from helping to fund and build trails to adding amenities to existing ones. They’re also involved in events such as next week’s Commuter Challenge and have scheduled a Plog-a-Thon — where people jog and pick up trash — for June 8. One of Winnipeg Trails’ most popular projects has been its exhaustive list of detailed trail maps, which can be found on their website, winnipegtrails.ca. The maps —more than 30 of them — outline the length of each trail, how they connect with the citywide network, and highlight points of interest along the way. It’s a tremendous resource for those looking to get out and explore new paths. “Those were a pretty important project for us,” Swanson says. “It’s one of the biggest ways that people know about Winnipeg Trails is for those detailed trail maps.” “Our job basically is to make it easy,” he continues. “We just want the easiest choice to be the most active one. That’s how we’re going to make a big difference for society.” Charleswood’s Harte Trail, for example — a 6.5-kilometre path through a tunnel of trees that stretches from Sterling Lyon Parkway and Shaftesbury Boulevard to the west Perimeter Highway — has a crushed limestone surface and connects to five other trails, including the Assiniboine Forest trail network. The key to finding time to spend outdoors, Swanson says, is to integrate it into one’s daily routine. “Recreation is great — it’s great to have a chance to unwind — but you have to find energy, money, basically to do that,” Swanson says, hence Winnipeg Trails’ focus on active commuting. “We only have a certain amount of time that we’re willing to move every day,” Swanson says. “Otherwise, we need to get some work done or go to that class… we have a time budget. “If you live a 45-minute drive away from a city and that’s your commute, people tend to report feeling more unhappy than people who had a half-hour walk, and it’s because the people who had a 45-minute commute still want to get human connection and recreation… but they end up not having enough time to do that and then they feel more stressed out. “People who bike or walk to school or work or out to dinner, or whatever — they integrate it into ways they get around — they tend to report being a lot happier because they managed basically to kill two birds with one stone.” Winnipegger Jen Doerksen has been doing that for years. Doerksen grew up in St. James near Sturgeon Creek and Saskatchewan Avenue. Doerksen cycled the Yellow Ribbon Greenway Trail — which begins at Sturgeon Creek and Hamilton Avenue, terminates at Silver Avenue and Ferry Road, and is named in honour of the Canadian Armed Forces — hundreds of times over six years as part of a commute to the University of Winnipeg and later, Red River College’s Exchange District campus. Winnipeg Trails calls the 5.5-kilometre path a “crucial east-west link,” and it’s been just that to the now-24-year-old Doerksen. “Green space and time in nature is super… important to me for a number of reasons,” Doerksen says. “Primarily, it feels better to be outside, generally, than inside… It feels better on the body and mind and suits our hardware in a way. Our bodies are still getting accustomed to this whole ‘civilization’ thing, evolutionarily I’d say, and the western lifestyle of indoor work and play is somewhat contrary to how we’re built, I think. “If I’m feeling the air, smelling the rain, grass, (and) fart smells of downtown Winnipeg, I’m more actively engaged in what I’m doing and my mind is working better in this way,” Doerksen says. The freelance photographer, videographer and editor now lives in the Corydon area and doesn’t traverse the Yellow Ribbon Trail much these days, but still cycles for transportation and leisure. Swanson, a year-round cyclist, prefers biking over driving to Winnipeg Trails’ Exchange District headquarters. He tries to walk anywhere within a kilometre, cycle anywhere between one and eight kilometres, and takes the bus for longer distances. He owns a vehicle, but uses it “basically to get out into the bush” or to transport things too heavy to haul on two wheels. Just as important as the physical benefits are the social ones. “Try and shake hands with the person next to you in a traffic jam, you know?” Swanson says. “Our meaningful contact with human beings is face-to-face. There’s nothing that human beings like more than watching and seeing other people. “We can’t survive without it. It makes us happy. It makes us stumble into an old friend… share a moment with a stranger… that kind of thing is so instrumental to us. The more time we spend doing it, the happier we are,” he continues, noting people in countries with the highest happiness index tend to spend more time socializing outdoors. Using the trail network helped Doerksen develop social connections. “Basically, my movement from living in the suburbs to developing friends, finding community, and spending time downtown came through travelling the Yellow Ribbon Trail,” Doerksen says. Doerksen found getting to downtown, Osborne Village and Wolseley to visit friends took an hour or more by bus, but “biking that path took 45 minutes every time.” Swanson is careful not to judge anyone who doesn’t make use of green space, acknowledging their life situation, location or physical limitations might make an active commute an impossibility. However, he’d love Winnipeg to reach a broader consensus that walking, bicycle commuting, and active living benefits all. “We want to make that as pleasant and fun and beautiful as possible,” he says of Winnipeg Trails. “Whether that’s biking down a protected bike lane with all kinds of shops you can stop at on your way home from work, or if you’re super lucky and you get to walk or bike to a park or along a riverbank in order to make it there, it’s the kind of quality of life thing that benefits everybody in ways we don’t even think about. “I want everyone to be able to access nature because it’s something you want to share. For me, sharing Winnipeg in that way is really important.” Outdoor cure “THERE’S a reason they say exercise is the best medicine,” Anders Swanson says, and science backs up the claim. If you want to thrive, get outside. Spending time outdoors can reduce one’s risk for a variety of common physical and mental health problems such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stressrelated disorders, and even premature death. That’s according to a 2018 study conducted by researchers from the University of East Anglia’s Norwich Medical School. The England-based research team gathered evidence from nearly 150 studies involving close to 300 million people from 20 different countries to come to their conclusions. “People living closer to nature… had reduced diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and stress,” lead researcher Caoimhe Twohig-Bennett said in a press release outlining the study’s findings last summer. “In fact, one of the really interesting things we found is that exposure to greenspace significantly reduces people’s levels of salivary cortisol — a physiological marker of stress.” “We often reach for medication when we’re unwell,” Professor of Public Health and study co-author Andy Jones added, “but exposure to health-promoting environments is increasingly recognized as both preventing and helping treat disease.” The evidence is so unequivocal that some doctors in the UK are giving patients “nature prescriptions,” eschewing pills for bird watching and beach walking. It doesn’t take long to reap rewards, either. A modest 20 minutes in a park is enough to boost a person’s well-being, a February study by the International Journal of Environmental Health Research found. “It would be lot easier to talk about the kind of medical ailments that aren’t helped by getting outside and using trails,” Swanson says. “Almost everyone stands to benefit making it part of their life.”

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Come out Fri noon to kick off the Commuter Challenge!
by Beth McKechnie 30 May '19

30 May '19

Join Green Action Centre tomorrow (Friday, May 31st) at 12:00 pm at True North Square Plaza to celebrate the kick-off of the sixteenth annual Commuter Challenge <https://greenactioncentre.ca/home/commuterchallenge/>! We will be accompanied by Ace Burpee, Minister Squires, and Councillor Allard to discuss sustainable transportation and the environment. Ride your bike to the venue to enjoy our bike valet service, bring a reusable mug for coffee, and help yourself to our array of snacks from Tall Grass Prairie. The event is free and open to the public. We hope you and your colleagues join us at True North Square Plaza for your lunch hours! Event Page here <https://greenactioncentre.ca/event/commuter-challenge-media-launch-2019/>. Facebook Event Page here <https://www.facebook.com/events/310429343187451/> . Register for Commuter Challenge here <https://greenactioncentre.ca/register/>. More information here <https://greenactioncentre.ca/home/commuterchallenge2019/>. *Please share widely! Thanks* -- Beth McKechnie* | *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: Report suggests city lagging in bicycle commuter numbers (May30'19)
by Beth McKechnie 30 May '19

30 May '19

*Report suggests city lagging in bicycle commuter numbers * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/number-of-locals-commuting-by-bike-… WINNIPEG leads the country in the number of commuters putting a key in the ignition instead of a shoe on a bike pedal when their trip is five kilometres or less to the downtown, according to new data from Statistics Canada. The Manitoba capital also has the lowest proportion of commuters living and working in the city’s core walking or cycling to work, with only about one in five doing so. The report compiled by Statistics Canada released Wednesday is based on information gathered during the 2016 census and in comparing much of it to information received during the 1996 census. The report, entitled Commuting Within Canada’s Largest Cities, took a look at the commuting patterns of people in the country’s eight largest metropolitan areas, including Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. Almost 72 per cent of Winnipeggers who live within five kilometres of the downtown use a car, truck or van to get to work each day, compared to 25 per cent in Toronto, 63 per cent in Calgary and 57 per cent in Ottawa. The report found every major city across the country has more people who live and work in the core area walking or bicycling to work each day. However, Winnipeg lags behind in its increase. Toronto reported a jump to 47.4 per cent of commuters in 2016 from 19.3 per cent in 1996, while Montreal went to 38 per cent from 16 per cent and Calgary to 38 per cent from 15 per cent. Winnipeg’s totals rose only slightly: to 19.9 per cent, from 13.2 per cent. In a trend seen in several cities across the country, the number of people walking and cycling in a traditional commute from outside to inside the core, and commuting from one area of the suburbs to another, has dropped. In Winnipeg, it slid to 1.6 per cent in 2016 from 1.9 per cent in 1996 for the former, and to 12.1 per cent from 16 per cent for the latter. Despite this, Mark Cohoe of Bike Winnipeg sees good news in the report: in 2016, there were more commuters cycling and walking from the downtown to jobs elsewhere (3.7 per cent) than commuting the other way (1.6 per cent). “If you’re living downtown, you might have already made the decision to go to areas by bike,” Cohoe said. “You might be more willing to ride (a) bike.” Cohoe said the main difference between Winnipeg and several other cities is the others invested earlier in active transportation, including bicycle paths. Noting the report from Statistics Canada appears to come out every 20 years, Cohoe is hoping for better in 2036. “I’d definitely be hoping there is a substantial increase,” he said. “I’d like to get to 40 per cent cycling within the core and 12 per cent commuting to the downtown. “We’ve seen it in other centres. We need to build the infrastructure.” kevin.rollason(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Statistics Canada Rpt - Commuting within Canada's Largest Cities
by Mark Cohoe 29 May '19

29 May '19

Interesting report on commuter modes in Winnipeg, comparing 1996 and 2016. Gives numbers on walking, biking, public transit, and driving, and breaks it down into core area commuters, suburban to core area commutes, core to suburban commutes. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/pub/75-006-x/2019001/article/00008-eng.p… Jobs are moving avway from the city centre in all eight cities, but Winnipeg and Quebec City were the only cities of the eight which showed a drop in the actual number of core area jobs (we lost 14,000 jobs in our core area). Winnipeg also has the highest percentage of commuters living within 5km of their workplace. " Among those who work and live in the city core, the proportion of those who use active modes of transportation (such as walking and biking) increased—from 19% to 47% in Toronto, from 16% to 38% in Montréal, from 15% to 38% in Calgary, from 17% to 39% in Vancouver and from 22% to 42% in Ottawa–Gatineau." "In 2016, the two CMAs with the largest proportion of within-city core commuters using active transportation were Toronto (47%) and Ottawa–Gatineau (42%). In contrast, Winnipeg had the lowest proportion of within-city core commuters walking or cycling to work, with about 1 in 5 such commuters opting for this commuting type." Cheers, Mark Cohoe Executive Director Bike Winnipeg t: 204-894-6540 e: mark(a)bikewinnipeg.ca

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Fwd: Wheels of Courage Mentorship Program (29 and under) - Apply today!
by Dave Elmore 29 May '19

29 May '19

Just in case you know someone who would like to apply. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Sarah Thiessen <wrenchvolunteer(a)gmail.com> Date: Tue, May 28, 2019 at 7:14 PM Subject: Wheels of Courage Mentorship Program (29 and under) - Apply today! To: Hey volunteers! Just want to let everyone know that there is *only one week left* to apply for the Wheels of Courage Mentorship Program! In case you haven't heard about it via our Facebook page <https://www.facebook.com/theWRENCHwpg/posts/2270586106322775?__xts__[0]=68.…> already... *Wheels of Courage* is an exciting new mentorship program at the WRENCH for *young people (ages 14-29)* focused on skill-building and creating positive change through Community Projects. *If you love bikes* and want to use them as a tool for personal growth and social change – Wheels of Courage is for you! *Learn more @ Apply now at www.thewrench.ca/woc <http://www.thewrench.ca/woc>* *Application Deadline: June 4th, 2019* Let me know if you have any questions, or want to arrange for a phone call or face-to-face chat about the program! Sarah Thiessen *Volunteer Coordinator & Wheels of Courage Lead Mentor* The *W*innipeg *R*epair* E*ducation '*N*' *C*ycling *H*ub 1057 Logan Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3N8 Treaty 1 Territory & Homeland of the Metis Nation 204.296.3389 www.thewrench.ca <volunteer(a)thewrench.ca>

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Job Posting: Green Action Centre
by Beth McKechnie 27 May '19

27 May '19

We're sad to say that our Living Green Living Well Coordinator, Bethany Daman, is moving on to new projects and a new province. Please help us spread the word for this job opportunity: PDF is attached or simply point to the link on our website: https://greenactioncentre.ca/uncategorized/green-action-centre-seeks-projec… thanks! Beth -- Beth McKechnie* | *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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Job Posting: Sustainability Project Coordinator
by Beth McKechnie 25 May '19

25 May '19

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Christie Nairn <Christie.Nairn(a)umanitoba.ca> Date: Fri, May 24, 2019 at 3:59 PM Hi there, We are looking for a new Sustainability Project Coordinator to join the OOS team. If you know of anyone who would fit the bill, please pass this along. Sustainability Project Coordinator posting: https://viprecprod.ad.umanitoba.ca/default.aspx?REQ_ID=06755&Language=1 Thanks and have a great weekend! Christie Christie Nairn Director (Acting) | Office of Sustainability University of Manitoba |501 Fitzgerald Bldg | 204-318-2920 [image: facebook] <https://www.facebook.com/SustainableUofM> [image: insta] <https://www.instagram.com/sustainableuofm/> [image: twitter] <https://mobile.twitter.com/sustainableuofm> @SustainableUofM *Share your commute!* [image: GoManitoba Identity Horizontal BW sm] <http://umanitoba.gomanitoba.ca>

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WFP: Transit backs taxi use of diamond lanes (May24'19)
by Beth McKechnie 24 May '19

24 May '19

*City to decide if pilot project should be made permanent* * Transit backs taxi use of diamond lanes * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/transit-supports-taxis-use-of-diamo… WINNIPEG’S public works committee will vote on whether a pilot project that allows taxis to travel in diamond lanes should be made permanent. Taxis were granted permission to use diamond lanes on March 1, 2018, which is the same date the city paved the way for ride-hailing services to hit the streets of Winnipeg. Diamond lanes are reserved for use by authorized vehicles during peak periods — mostly during weekday morning and afternoon rush hour. Prior to the start of the pilot program, only city buses and bicycles were allowed to use them. Throughout the pilot project, which was scheduled to last a year, Winnipeg Transit monitored whether allowing taxis to operate in diamond lanes — but not stop in them — had a significant effect on bus service. “Based on data analysis, as long as taxis continue to respect the ‘no stopping in the diamond lanes’ provision, the Transit department is supportive with taxis sharing the diamond lanes,” city employee Alex Regiec wrote in a report submitted to the committee. The pilot project was implemented as a concession to the local taxi industry, which organized efforts to block ride-hailing services, such as TappCar and Cowboy Taxi, from coming to the city. The decision to allow taxis to travel in diamond lanes was intended to increase industry efficiency and provide greater incentives for taxi use, the report reads. However, the report notes there could be issues if ride-hailing services seek permission to use the diamond lanes. “There is a risk that other personal transportation providers and private high-occupancy vehicles might desire the same access to, and use of, the diamond lanes as taxis,” Regiec wrote. “Expanding access to diamond lanes diminishes the effectiveness of a reserved lane originally intended to maintain and improve the operation of mass public transit in congested traffic areas.” During the year-long pilot project, there were 74 incidents in which taxis were reported to have stopped in diamond lanes. Early in the pilot project, Winnipeg Parking Authority employees met with the taxi industry to raise awareness about the issue, which led to a significant drop in the number of reported incidents. “Overall, the taxi industry has expressed an appreciation to the city for allowing their taxis to operate in the diamond lanes. They indicate this action has saved time and money for the consumer and increased efficiency,” Regiec wrote. “The Transit department will continue to monitor and collect data related to incidents of taxis stopping in diamond lanes and the parking authority’s vehicles-for-hire office will continue to liaison between Transit and the taxi industry.” ryan.thorpe(a)freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @rk_thorpe

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WFP: Cycling advocates seek to plot safer city routes online (May23'19)
by Beth McKechnie 23 May '19

23 May '19

*Cycling advocates seek to plot safer city routes online* https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/cycling-advocates-seek-to-plot-safe… AN online tool designed to make cyclists feel safer while navigating Winnipeg streets is encouraging them to record collisions and hazards; and BikeMaps.org will make the locations public to help others identify more secure routes. The Winnipeg Trails Association and Bike Winnipeg partnered with BikeMaps.org to crowdsource the data and record incidents that aren’t always reported to police or filed as insurance claims. “You just hit the button and it leads you to a series of questions... that don’t get asked typically if you were reporting an incident to the police or if you make a claim,” association executive director Anders Swanson said Wednesday. The hope is, by making the streets safer, more people will start cycling. “If you look at your life expectancy, someone who rides a bike is going to live longer,” Swanson said. “But you’re (also) exposed to trauma, unnecessarily… There is a big barrier to people who would like to ride, but don’t feel safe.” BikeMaps.org offers cyclists the chance to tell the story of their close calls, Swanson said. People can report collisions, falls, near-misses and thefts on the website or via their smartphones, and cyclists can see where others have reported problems and take precautions, if need be. Eric Reder of Winnipeg had a scare Tuesday that he posted about in detail on Twitter, but the website’s data probably wouldn’t have helped him, he said. “I got hit by a semi while on my bike in downtown Winnipeg yesterday. I’m not hurt. But the semi did it on purpose and the police didn’t much care. So I’m angry,” Reder tweeted. In an interview, Reder said he was on Portage Avenue at Smith Street just before 11:30 a.m. when a trucker honked at him to get out of the way. Reder didn’t; instead, he yelled at the trucker. Reder said the trucker popped his clutch and ran over Reder’s bike — while he was on it. “I jumped off my bike... It’s just lucky it didn’t happen to someone more vulnerable, like my 11-year-old son I’m trying to teach how to ride the roads,” Reder said. Changing to a safer route isn’t an option as the incident happened close to his office, the environmentalist said. Designed by University of Victoria geographers to fill in the gaps in reports on collisions and falls for commuters navigating urban traffic, BikeMaps.org has collected 7,800 reports worldwide since it went live in 2014. Winnipeg is the latest Canadian city to sign on. Trail associations and bike groups have brought the online tool to Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, Whitehorse, Lethbridge, Alta., Guelph, Ont., St. John’s, N.L., and Ottawa. It also used in Reykjavik, Iceland. “The data’s had an impact in cities where it’s used,” said Karen Laberee, executive director of BikeMaps.org at the University of Victoria. “There are some easy wins to be had,” Laberee said. “What we do notice in cities that have been using it is (that) some of them are using the data to identify places where they can make some fixes. Sometimes, they’ve been able to make some easy fixes.” An average of two cyclists are killed in the province each year, figures from Manitoba Public Insurance show. Winnipeg Trails hopes to take the data recorded to the city’s public works active transportation advisory committee to address any concerns. alexandra.paul(a)freepress.mb.ca

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WFP: Other cities have solutions to bike theft (May23'19)
by Beth McKechnie 23 May '19

23 May '19

*Winnipeg’s plan to improve public education falls flat* * Other cities have solutions to bike theft * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/while-bike-thefts-soar-city-spins-i… WHAT, you may ask, is the City of Winnipeg doing to combat bike theft? Interesting question. Unfortunately, to date we mostly know what the city is not doing. Last week, city administrators recommended against a mandatory bike registration program at the point of sale. The city already has an online bike registry, but it is optional. A city committee will still consider making it mandatory, but the thumbs-down from administrators does not bode well for this idea. Of greater concern is the fact the six-page report tabled last week contains virtually no ideas for combating bike theft other than “improving public education.” Given the size and nature of the problem, that is a weak response. Bikes are easy to steal, even easier now that cordless grinders and saws have given thieves the ability to carve through almost any lock, chain or fixture being used to secure a bike. More than 3,000 bikes are reported stolen every year; about 1,000 are recovered, but less than 10 per cent find their way back to rightful owners. The broader concern is bicycle theft is directly connected to the meth crisis. Addicts looking for cash steal and sell bikes because they are relatively easy to grab and unload. Some end up in scrap metal yards, while others are sold in face-to-face transactions or through online classified sites. Faced with these conditions, it’s no wonder hardcore cyclists are frustrated. “It’s a very tough issue to deal with,” said Mark Cohoe, executive director of Bike Winnipeg. “There’s a convergence of things that have made it easier to steal and sell stolen bikes. We really need to do a bit more to deal with this problem, because it will create other problems down the road.” One of the most frequent concerns expressed by cyclists is the apparent indifference of the Winnipeg Police Service. Even when a bike has been registered, and when there is clear evidence suggesting it has been put up for sale in an online classified ad, police lack the resources to pursue the theft. A friend experienced this two years ago after his 18-year-old son’s $400 bicycle was stolen. The day after the bike went missing, my friend and his son found it for sale on Kijiji. It seemed like a slam-dunk opportunity to bust some crime. But after visiting the local community police office, my friend found out that in most instances, there are no resources to track down individual stolen bikes. In my friend’s case, it meant police declined his request to confront the person who had posted the stolen bike online. It should be noted the police service does undertake a number of measures to combat bike theft. It runs a sting program where bikes equipped with GPS trackers are left in high-risk areas. Once stolen, police track the bike’s location and make an arrest, which has happened several times. The police service is also heavily involved in public education, encouraging cyclists to register and lock their bikes and report thefts. However, when it comes to investigating an individual theft, resources run thin. A police spokesman noted that with dramatically increasing call volumes, many of them involving elevated risk to someone’s well-being or life, crimes such as this are constantly pushed down the list of policing priorities. “We can only help when resources allow for it,” the spokesman said. That is not a cop-out, if you’ll pardon the pun. In fact, when you look at all of the things police are asked to do, it’s easy to see how bike theft is given a lower priority. That does not mean there are no solutions. For example, most online classified sites do not require anyone selling a bike to post a registration number with the advertisement. All bikes have a unique, engraved number somewhere on their frames. Being required to include a registration number, or rejecting ads that do not have them, could make it tougher to fence a stolen bike. Rather than create its own online registry, Winnipeg could follow the example of other cities that employ free, third-party apps to create a community watch system for bicycles. Vancouver relies heavily on Garage 529, a free app developed by a private company in the U.S. that allows cyclists to register their bikes on a continent-wide database. For $13, the app sells you a “shield,” a decal that tells would-be thieves your bike is registered. If your bike is taken, you can notify the entire app community, and people can help provide information to aid in its recovery. Proponents believe the app not only allows more stolen bikes to be returned to their owners, but also acts as a deterrent to thieves. Law enforcement and other interested parties agree; hundreds of police services, schools and pro-bike groups across North America support Garage 529 by publicizing it and selling shields. The Brandon Police Service is the only participating agency in Manitoba. It appears to be working. In Vancouver, public education by police and Garage 529 has been credited with a 30 per cent drop in bike thefts. Another possible solution would be for the police service to occasionally track down and punish people who sell stolen bikes online. As is the case with the bike-bait program, a single, well-publicized arrest of an online fence would make for a powerful deterrent. Which brings us back to a single administration report produced for a single civic committee. The city cannot rely solely on the police, and needs to go beyond “public education” to address this problem. Fortunately, there are good ideas out there just waiting to be found. dan.lett(a)freepress.mb.ca

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New NACTO Guide - Don't Give Up at Intersections - Designing All Ages and Abilities Bike Crossings
by Mark Cohoe 22 May '19

22 May '19

Hi, NACTO has released a nice, slick guidebook on intersection design for bikeways. Goes into a lot of detail with detailed graphics and photos. https://nacto.org/publication/urban-bikeway-design-guide/dont-give-up-at-th… Mark Cohoe Executive Director Bike Winnipeg t: 204-894-6540 e: mark(a)bikewinnipeg.ca

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New Bike Cage to Help Curb Theft from Point Douglas School
by Beth McKechnie 22 May '19

22 May '19

New Bike Cage to Help Curb Theft from Point Douglas School https://www.chrisd.ca/2019/05/21/bike-cage-stanley-knowles-school/ Students and teachers who ride their bikes to Ecole Stanley Knowles School now have a new place to safely lock up their rides. A new enclosed bike rage in Stanley Knowles Park officially opened Tuesday in Point Douglas. The K-8 school has seen an increase in bicycle theft and vandalism, so officials are hoping the new cage alleviates some of the risk linked to bringing a bike to school. “With the recent construction of the active transportation routes directly connected to Ecole Stanley Knowles School, there has been an increased need for a safe locking facility for the students and teachers,” said Point Douglas Councillor Vivian Santos. The bike cage is located on city land at 2286 Inkster Boulevard just south of the school. The $15,000 project includes a 15’ x 30’ enclosed cage, a community bike repair stand and new granular path and pad.

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WFP: Portage gears up for Bike Week
by Beth McKechnie 22 May '19

22 May '19

*Portage gears up for Bike Week* https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/headliner/News-briefs-510… Portage la Prairie cyclists are invited to join in the fifth annual Bike Week from May 25 to 31. Portage Active Transportation Committee member Maureen Owens said she hopes that many will join in at least one of the week’s activities. Bike Week kicks off with a scavenger hunt, used bike sale and barbecue on Sat., May 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Greasy Chain, a bike repair workshop at the corner of 1st Street NW and Fisher Avenue. Yoga in the Park is featured near the bandstand at Island Park on Sun., May 26 at 11 a.m. Cyclists can ride out to Fort la Reine Museum (2652 Saskatchewan Ave. E) between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to receive a homemade cinnamon bun and free admission to the museum. A public art tour is set for Mon., May 27 at 7 p.m. and the Junk Yard Dogs Bike Trails will meet at the dump hill at 7 p.m. Families can take part in a cookie ride on Tues., May 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. with cookies available at Portage elementary schools. The cycling grub crawl is being held on Thurs., May 30 starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Splash Island parking lot. Tickets are $25 and are available at the Portage la Prairie Regional Library, 40 Royal Rd. N. Portage students are encouraged to bike to school on Fri., May 31. The full schedule of events is available at facebook.com/activetransportationplap <https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/headliner/facebook.com/ac…>

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WFP: Mandatory bike registration unwieldy: city (May17'19)
by Beth McKechnie 17 May '19

17 May '19

*Further coverage on the bike registry...* *Mandatory bike registration unwieldy: city * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/little-support-for-mandatory-bicycl… A CITY committee will vote next week on implementing a mandatory bicycle registration program at the point of purchase, a measure the city’s administration opposes. In January, the protection, community services and parks committee directed city staff to study the feasibility of operating a mandatory municipal bicycle registry. The city already operates a voluntary bike registry — which aims to help police return recovered stolen bicycles to rightful owners — but it isn’t widely used. In an average year, less than 10 per cent of the roughly 1,000 recovered stolen bicycles are registered. Following consultations with the Winnipeg Police Service, 21 retailers and three cycling organizations, administration staff determined it wouldn’t be feasible or beneficial to force people to register their bikes. “While the inherent value of a bike registry is widely recognized, our engagement with stakeholders pointed to significant challenges related to implementation and enforcement of a mandatory bike registry,” city bylaw officer Winston Yee wrote in a report that was submitted to the committee. “Therefore, the public service is recommending that mandatory bike registration at the time of purchase not be implemented.” The report notes mandatory registration and licensing programs have been scrapped in other cities because the cost outweighs the benefits. The majority of retailers that were consulted were concerned about collecting personal information from customers, adding to their workload and the logistics of passing the information on to the city. Meanwhile, police suggested mandatory registration would add barriers to cycling, in addition to placing extra burdens on retailers. Many of the bicycle retailers surveyed for the report said there was value in the voluntary registry and some said they provide information about the program. The police service said it has identified opportunities to enhance its efforts to curb bike theft, including improving available resources. The report will be voted on at Wednesday’s meeting.

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WFP: Councillor calls for speed reduction (May17'19)
by Beth McKechnie 17 May '19

17 May '19

*Nason wants to slow residential traffic as concerns mount over pedestrian deaths* * Councillor calls for speed reduction * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/councillor-moves-to-reduce-winnipeg… PEDESTRIAN safety took centre stage at city hall as councillors discussed lowering residential speed limits and expanding school-zone driving restrictions. Councillors clashed over whether Winnipeg is doing enough to develop a comprehensive road-safety plan. In the shadow of a deadly first half of 2019 — six pedestrians have been killed in the city thus far — Coun. Shawn Nason (Transcona) said he plans to table a motion on Monday, seeking to reduce residential speed limits throughout Winnipeg. The rookie councillor is also planning to call for an expansion of school-zone driving restrictions that would result in reduced speed limits year-round for 12 hours per day. “With regards to residential (neighbourhoods), I’m open to having dialogue on either reducing it to 40 or 30 (kilometres per hour),” Nason told reporters following Thursday’s monthly city council meeting. “I think that’s a good dialogue to have, and I think that would go towards reducing risks on residential streets and not having a major impact on people getting around the city.” Research shows dropping the speed limit to 30 km/h from 50 km/h would add an additional 48 seconds for every kilometre travelled during a commute, Nason said. That’s not an unreasonable delay, he said. Other Canadian municipalities are looking at similar measures. Vancouver is in the process of piloting 30-km/h speed limits in residential zones, while Edmonton city council is discussing the possibility of lowering its limits in such neighbourhoods. Nason said Winnipeg council has repeatedly looked at it over the years, yet no action has been taken. “I get tired when people use reports as a crutch. As a council, it sounds like we can say, ‘Let’s go this route.’ The reports have been done. I think it’s high time we take some action on this and show some leadership,” he said. So far this year, eight pedestrians have been killed in Manitoba. In an average year, there are 12 pedestrian deaths in Manitoba, officials said. On Wednesday night, a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle in an alleged hit-and-run on Portage Avenue near the Viscount Gort Hotel. The victim was taken to hospital in critical condition, but was subsequently upgraded to stable. The Winnipeg Police Service said a suspect turned himself in shortly after the collision. During Thursday’s meeting, Coun. Janice Lukes (Waverley West) repeatedly questioned Coun. Matt Allard (St. Boniface), chairman of the public works committee, about when the city will have its own “comprehensive road safety strategy.” Three attempts by Lukes to have the question answered — and to get a firm timeline nailed down — were sidestepped. Instead, Allard repeatedly pointed to the fact the city subscribes to the province’s “Towards Zero” strategy, while highlighting piecemeal initiatives the municipal government has been implementing in the past year. Efforts aimed at getting people to drive slower and safer weren’t limited to city hall. Manitoba Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler held a news conference Thursday to warn motorists to slow down while passing construction sites and crews that are working outside. “A lot of pedestrians are becoming fatalities on our roads, and it is a really serious issue that we have to address. We just had two fatalities again on a road in just the last 48 hours,” Schuler said. A man and a woman were struck and killed while crossing Nairn Avenue at Panet Road on Tuesday. kevin.rollason(a)freepress.mb.ca ryan.thorpe(a)freepress.mb.ca

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