- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

WFP: A Jane Jacobs moment for the post-pandemic world (Jul15'24)
by Beth McKechnie 15 Jul '24

15 Jul '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. A Jane Jacobs moment for the post-pandemic world https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/2024/07/15/a-jane-jaco… JANE Jacobs is the most famous name in the history of urban planning, but she wasn’t an urban planner, and was often critical of the profession. She didn’t draw maps or write zoning policy. Her unique skill was observation. She watched how people interacted with their cities, neighbourhoods, and streets, extracting her theories from the complexity of human movements and interconnected relationships that she would call the sidewalk ballet. Her home on Hudson Street in New York’s Greenwich Village would be her classroom, the people living their lives on the sidewalks in front of her would be her study. She went on to become a writer, releasing her most influential book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities, in 1961. The book was a reaction to the explosion of car ownership and suburban growth happening across North America that hollowed out many urban centres. She despised the grand megaproject schemes that promised urban renewal solutions by wiping away older neighbourhoods and replacing them with overscale new buildings, parking lots, and bigger roads for suburban commuters. She challenged the ideas of top-down planning and celebrated the value of unplanned organic growth, and the social connectivity, local economic diversity and architectural complexity of the traditional city. She observed that community fabric was woven most tightly in walkable, mixed-use neighbourhoods with diverse streets, where apartments, houses, parks, schools, corner stores, and shops were all mixed together. This contrasted with the ideals of modern planning that segregated uses into different areas of the city, requiring a private vehicle to access them. She believed that by rejecting what had made cities successful in the past, planners were dooming them for the future. In this post-pandemic world, we arrive once again at a Jane Jacobs moment as cities across North America search for solutions to redefine their downtowns in a work-from-home era. Winnipeg city council votes this week on CentrePlan 2050, a downtown plan that will form an important part of our city’s response to the challenge. Previous renewal schemes have always looked at downtown as a destination whose success hinges on an ability to draw visitors from other areas of the city, often relying on megaproject attractions and promising silver bullet solutions. CentrePlan 2050 differs from this ideal, finally heeding Jane Jacobs’ 60-year-old advice, saying “You can’t rely on bringing people downtown, you have to put them there.” With office work patterns evolving, the traditional drivers of downtown are changing, and we can no longer rely on it being primarily a transient destination. The path to future prosperity will support these destination attractions but within a downtown that is primarily an urban, mixed-use residential community that many people, from all walks of life, call their home. Achieving this goal will be about more than simply building housing. We must more importantly build the type of urban neighbourhood that people want to live in, and in turn developers want to invest in. While Jacobs’ landmark book is most wellknown, her first published work — a 1958 article in Fortune Magazine called, Downtown is for people — has important lessons for cities like Winnipeg as they implement these plans. Although Jacobs was critical of the planning profession, it has an important role to play in creating a framework that allows the kind of places she loved to organically grow over time — the goal of CentrePlan 2050. Jacobs’ article delivers a strong message that successful downtown neighbourhoods should be designed from the viewpoint of the pedestrian eye, lamenting designers’ fascination with scale models and bird’s-eye views. She expressed the importance of diversity and texture in a streetscape that pulls pedestrians along by continually offering new visual experiences, saying, “a sense of place is built from many little things, some so small people take them for granted, and yet the lack of them takes the flavour out of the city.” Jacobs went on to celebrate the value of old buildings, not only for their architectural character, but their ability to offer lower rent opportunities for new and local business that create walkable streets and provide amenities that support an urban lifestyle. She also lamented the often placelessness of modern architecture, designed without individuality, whim or surprise, believing that cities should take advantage of what makes them unique, capitalizing on and enhancing their own particular history, climate, and built traditions. She believed that to attract pedestrians, streets should be narrow and human scale. Cars can be present in a successful downtown, but they can no longer be the dominant force whose priorities overwhelmingly inform the design and experience of the city. Dense and diverse neighbourhoods, with streets that prioritize human experience will naturally bring people to the sidewalks, creating “eyes on the street” that helps improve safety and security in the neighbourhood. Winnipeg’s CentrePlan 2050 is not a megaproject solution. It’s instead a visionary document that creates a planning framework that nurtures and guides private and public development of all sizes and types towards the common goal of creating a vibrant, safe, and prosperous mixed use downtown neighbourhood. A place that Jane Jacobs would have been proud of, and one that all Winnipeggers fall in love with. It will be important as we move forward that we continuously uphold the values and goals of CentrePlan 2050, through supporting policies, project approvals, budgets and design review processes. Expediting new housing is important, but we must have the self-confidence to say no to low quality and incongruent development, demanding all new projects be a quality worthy of our downtown, responding to the plan with beauty, durability, elegance and a seamless connection to the pedestrian experience. As Jane Jacobs said, “designing a dream city is easy; rebuilding a living one takes imagination.” Brent Bellamy is senior design architect for Number Ten Architectural Group.

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CBC: Bike sharing is growing fast in Canada's cities
by Beth McKechnie 11 Jul '24

11 Jul '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/what-on-earth-bike-sharing-1.7260301

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WFP: City bylaw change first stop on Pedal Pub route to on-board liquor licence (Jul3'24)
by Beth McKechnie 03 Jul '24

03 Jul '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. City bylaw change first stop on Pedal Pub route to on-board liquor licence https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/2024/07/02/city-bylaw-change-fir… A POPULAR boozy Winnipeg trek is seeking to take alcohol on the road — and is the force behind new legislation. Pedal Pub cycled into Winnipeg in 2022. Its quadricycles — four-wheeled vehicles that users pedal — has since been traversing down Exchange District streets. Co-owner Brandon Guenther estimates Pedal Pub has pushed more than 500 tours in the last two years. A quadricycle holds 15 people, though the average group books 13 to 14 seats. People travel from bar to bar, drinking at each destination before hopping back on the bike. Pedal Pub hopes the sipping will soon be able to continue on the road — after all, the quadricycle has cup holders. Guenther and his partners applied for a liquor licence through the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba in early 2023, he said. The LGCA wouldn’t comment on whether it had received an application on the matter; it only says if a licence is approved, spokeswoman Lisa Hansen wrote in an email. However, other government agency licences and permits must be in place before the LGCA will issue a liquor service licence, she highlighted. Pedal Pub didn’t fit any vehicle registration class, nor did it need a City of Winnipeg licence in 2022. So in early 2023, Pedal Pub reached out to the provincial government to create laws targeted at quadricycles, Guenther said. A provincial spokesperson did not confirm the relationship, but said Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure “consulted with stakeholders throughout its development” of the regulation. Fast forward to July 31: Manitoba will launch pilot project regulation for large quadricycles. “We’re fairly excited about it,” Guenther stated, adding he doesn’t expect anything to change with Pedal Pub; it’s just a more legitimate way to operate to get a liquor licence. There’s one catch — the City of Winnipeg must adopt the regulations or Pedal Pub will have to close. The city’s public works committee is set to discuss the bylaw change today. Coun. Janice Lukes, chairperson of the committee, figures the change will be approved. “They’re great. They’re a lot of fun,” she said of Pedal Pub, adding it’s good for government to look into quadricycle regulation. Guenther plans on speaking at the meeting. He doesn’t foresee issues, given past clearance from the city. “If it doesn’t pass, that’ll be a huge deterrent to other unique small businesses trying to start in Winnipeg,” Guenther said. “It will also be a huge detriment to downtown Winnipeg tourism.” Pedal Pub employs around 20 part time staff. Each tour elicits an average $1,200 in spending at local businesses, Guenther highlighted. The company has 10 bar, restaurant and distillery partners in the Exchange District. Brock Coutts, Patent 5 Distillery’s cofounder, called Pedal Pub “amazing.” The Alexander Avenue hub is in its third year working with Pedal Pub; it saw 368 cyclists in 2023, Coutts recalled. Most riders are new customers. “Lots of people who … don’t go downtown are quite happy to go downtown in a group, like the Pedal Pub,” Coutts said. “I think … they find a whole area of Winnipeg that they probably don’t frequent very often and are usually shockingly surprised how nice it is. “It’s a great boost for all businesses on the route.” Pedal Pub is a franchise with at least 45 locations. Many of those, including in Alberta and Saskatchewan, allow drinking on their quadricycles. There’s no risk to safety, Guenther maintained — a sober staff member has control of the bike’s steering and they’re trained to ensure customers don’t get out of hand. Patrons can be removed if they’re too rowdy, Guenther added. The quadricycle is equipped with an electric motor, a backup if legs fail. It’s a “great idea,” Paul Larson, a University of Manitoba supply chain management professor, wrote in an email. “I’m not a fan of excessive regulations, but perhaps there should be rules regarding routes and hours of operations — and seat belts.” Pedal Pub will follow any rules necessary to operate responsibly, Guenther told the Free Press. He didn’t answer whether Pedal Pub has seat belts; the quadricycles seemingly don’t. Winnipeg’s Pedal Pub moves slowly and travels through areas often trafficked by pedestrians. The partiers slowing other vehicles is a benefit to the streets, Guenther asserted. He called the past two years in business “very good.” It’s been privy to hundreds of gatherings, including bachelorettes and corporate team building sessions. Pedal Pub offered an Osborne Village route in 2022, but cancelled it because of difficulties transporting the bike, which is stationed in the Exchange District. The Manitoba government isn’t aware of any large quadricycles being used outside of Winnipeg, a spokesperson wrote in an email. The province’s quadricycle pilot project regulation is set to be revoked Jan. 31, 2029. gabrielle.piche(a)winnipegfreepress.com<mailto:gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com>

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WFP: City lengthens crosswalk times for pedestrians (Jul2'24)
by Beth McKechnie 02 Jul '24

02 Jul '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. City lengthens crosswalk times for pedestrians https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2024/07/01/city-lengthens-cr… PEDESTRIANS now have more time to safely cross the entire street at a few signalled crosswalks, while more crossing time limits could be lengthened in future. The City of Winnipeg has upgraded three signalled pedestrian crossings to make them safer and will assess whether additional upgrades are needed during routine maintenance checks at other sites. So far, improvements have been made to the crosswalks at: Jarvis Avenue and Main Street; Dearborn Avenue and Henderson Highway; and Carriere Avenue and St. Mary’s Road. “I really think anything we can do to improve safety for the vulnerable road user, being a pedestrian or cyclist, is really important… We can always do more,” said Coun. Janice Lukes, chairwoman of public works. The changes include extending the crossing time by one second to 29 seconds, adding lower flashing amber lights and removing buttons on the median at Dearborn and Henderson. Lower lights were also added, with median buttons also removed at Jarvis and Main. At Carriere and St. Mary’s, the changes included adding lower flashing amber lights, removing median buttons and increasing the crossing time from 22 to 26 seconds. Lukes (Waverley West) said she’d like to see broader work on the issue but that effort is limited by budget constraints. “We should (continue to do) this where we can and where the budget allows. So, they’ve picked priority crosswalks and that’s a good thing,” she said. City traffic specialists say removing crossing buttons at crosswalks with narrow medians is meant to deter people from stopping in the middle of a crossing, while added crossing time helps them cross the whole road. Pedestrians using the Carriere and St. Mary’s crossing generally welcomed the added time given to pedestrians to cross on foot as well as the lower lights. “We need more of them. I like that the lights are more in your line of vision, so you’re not looking up (for drivers.) That’s a real plus,” said Vicki Harris-Clarkson. Jay Nault said he also found the improved lighting easier to spot but didn’t like the removal of the median light activation buttons. “It doesn’t seem safer at all to me. …My grandma (who is 77), there’s no way she’d make it fully across in 26 seconds, it would never happen… You’ve now lost the control of hitting that light (in the middle),” said Nault. Requests to speak with city traffic experts were not granted. In an email, city spokeswoman Julie Horbal Doole said making pedestrians less likely to stop at narrow medians would address multiple safety issues. “Some medians are quite narrow, so the risk of a vehicle-pedestrian collision increases. Others are wide enough for a single pedestrian to stop, but simply are not large enough for groups of people, wheelchair users, people with strollers, etc. Additionally, someone stopping on a median in winter has a greater risk of slipping into traffic. To keep everyone safe, we want people to change their habits and avoid stopping on the median,” wrote Horbal Dooley. At locations with wider medians, the city could replace some dual-button poles (one pole with a button for each direction of travel) with two poles that clearly show the direction each controls. It’s not clear how many crosswalks will be updated or when that will take place. “At this time, there is no timeline or budget for the change to be implemented as we are still determining where these changes are appropriate as we examine each intersection as part of our routine reviews,” wrote Horbal Dooley. She said the changes aren’t a response to crashes or road safety incidents but are based on “an observation of human behaviour and evolving knowledge of how we can make things easier, safer and more efficient.” An advocate, who is lobbying the city to reduce speed limits on all residential streets to 30 km/h and add pedestrian safety measures, welcomed the changes, though he’d prefer a commitment for all crosswalks to be assessed and improved. “Some people are slower than other people, especially with an aging population… They’ll need a little bit more time to cross the street,” so I think (that change is) great,” said Ian Walker, chairman of Safe Speeds Winnipeg. Walker said he expects motorist safety to improve as well, since pedestrians who are less rushed would be more likely to double-check if vehicles have come to a stop before proceeding into an intersection. “Just allowing time for traffic to stop (helps),” he said. joyanne.pursaga(a)freepress.mb.ca<mailto:joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca> X: @joyanne_pursaga

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WFP: Feds give $1M for active transportation, transit upgrades in rural Manitoba (Jun29'24)
by Beth McKechnie 29 Jun '24

29 Jun '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. Feds give $1M for active transportation, transit upgrades in rural Manitoba https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2024/06/27/feds-give-1m-for-… THE federal government is injecting more than $1 million to fund transportation upgrades for rural Manitobans. The money will be used to build active transportation infrastructure and improve accessible transit service in rural communities throughout the province, the government announced in a news release Thursday. “By investing in transportation infrastructure and services in rural communities in Manitoba, we’re broadening access to essential resources and helping Manitobans get to where they need to go more quickly,” Winnipeg MP Dan Vandal, the minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, said in a statement. The Town of Niverville will use its portion of the funding to build a new sidewalk and extend sections of an asphalt bike path that connect the community’s residential and commercial areas. The municipalities of Glenboro-South Cypress, Oakland Wawanesa, Teulon, Argyle and Piney, as well as Buffalo Point First Nation, will purchase new transit vans and accessible buses. The vehicles will help people with mobility issues travel within their communities. Elsewhere, the municipalities of West Interlake, Grahamdale and Coldwell will purchase a new vehicle and construct a garage to enhance existing transit services and expand the medical shuttle network. Further studies and transit plans are being funded in Berens River First Nation and for a group of municipalities in southwestern Manitoba, including Piney and La Broquerie, the release said. The funding totals $1,051,329 and is sourced from the federal government’s active transportation fund and the rural transit solutions fund. Municipal governments are contributing $159,496, and the Province of Manitoba is providing $7,500. Other sources are providing an additional $160,064, the release said. fpcity(a)freepress.mb.ca<mailto:fpcity@freepress.mb.ca>

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WFP: City could plow ahead on clearing sidewalks sooner (Jun27'24)
by Beth McKechnie 27 Jun '24

27 Jun '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. City could plow ahead on clearing sidewalks sooner https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2024/06/26/city-could-plow-a… RESIDENTIAL sidewalks could be cleared of snow days sooner this winter in an effort to improve accessibility. A proposed policy change would require the city to “normally” complete plowing on its “Priority 3” (residential) sidewalks within 36 hours after the work begins. The current completion target is set at five working days after clearing starts. “That’s huge … We’re hearing what the people want. They want more accessibility on walking with (enhanced) snow clearing and we’re delivering on that,” said Coun. Janice Lukes, chairwoman of council’s public works committee. The Waverley West councillor said the changes will make it easier to walk around during the winter, following repeated requests from residents to ramp up plowing efforts. The work will be funded through money approved during the 2024 to 2027 multi-year budget process, which added $551,803 in 2024 and similar amounts in each of the following three years, according to a city staff report. The city’s total snow-clearing budget is set at $40.45 million for 2024. The new report reveals exactly how much more quickly sidewalk clearing can be completed as a result of that funding, estimates that were not previously available. Some residents say they would love to see the city clear snow off residential sidewalks that much faster but fear the target won’t actually be achieved. “I think if it (proves) true, that would be great. I find it hard to believe that it’s true that they’ll do it in 36 hours,” said Lori Ross, who uses a wheelchair. Delayed sidewalk clearing has triggered complaints in the past, with snow sometimes staying put for several days after a snowfall ends. Ross said the wait can strand people with mobility challenges at home on the worst winter days, especially those who rely on wheelchairs, walkers and other devices. “For a lot of people, that means they don’t get out to get to work, they can’t get out to the doctor’s, they can’t do anything because it’s not like we can levitate over the snow,” she said. City staff tracked sidewalk clearing operations last winter to help determine the new target. Since last winter saw lower-than-average snowfall, the report cautions snowier weather could yield different results. “I will be the first one to cheer if it actually works,” said Ross. The report also highlights the city’s struggles to cope with repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which climate change has made more common in Winnipeg winters. “The mild winter season of 20232024 introduced challenges in keeping sidewalks passable during prolonged melting periods. The melting and lack of proper drainage traps water on the sidewalk, which then freezes again when temperatures drop and causes slippery conditions,” writes Michael Cantor, the city’s manager of streets maintenance. Lukes said she’ll call for a report on how to cope with that problem, which would include gathering feedback on how other winter cities address it. Meanwhile, the city is also set to enhance its online snow-clearing map, which would offer live updates on parking bans and track snow-clearing progress on streets and paths. Lukes said the information for sidewalks and pathways will be updated every 10 to 15 minutes, while road status will be updated at least twice a day, starting sometime this winter. joyanne.pursaga(a)freepress.mb.ca<mailto:joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca> X: @joyanne_pursaga

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WFP: The Forks rolls out bike-check service (Jun26'24)
by Beth McKechnie 26 Jun '24

26 Jun '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. FORKS ROLLS OUT BIKE-CHECK SERVICE A NEW bike-check pilot project is in place at The Forks this summer. The Forks has partnered with the Winnipeg Trails Association to create the secure area, which is being operated out of the atrium space on the south side of The Forks Market. “We’ve heard through our annual public surveys that more and more people are coming to The Forks via active transportation, and many of these folks suggested they’d bike here even more often if there was a managed, secure spot to store their bikes,” The Forks North Portage Partnership CEO Sara Stasiuk said in a news release Tuesday. Other items such as cargo bikes, e-bikes, scooters, e-scooters, rollerblades, skateboards, unicycles and wheelchairs can also be checked. The service is offered for free or by donation, with proceeds raised going to support Winnipeg Trails Association programming. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday, and on the three holiday Mondays this summer.

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WFP: Students pumped by new bike trail (Jun26'24)
by Beth McKechnie 26 Jun '24

26 Jun '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. Students pumped by new bike trail https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2024/06/25/students-pumped-a… A GUIDANCE councillor’s vision of a bicycle trail near his school was almost too much to handle. Luke Barr of École Stanley Knowles School set the wheels in motion for a trail to be built after an open field caught his eye on the way to work one morning. But he quickly started to feel defeated when looking into funding and realizing the logistics needed to maintain the trail. Then, his students got involved. “They really pushed and said, ‘No, keep doing this. We really want this,’” Barr said. The students got their wish Tuesday as plans for the new Fairgrove Park Community Trail at the Tyndall Park-area school were unveiled at a news conference. The trail will run along the perimeter of Fairgrove Park with construction expected to start next summer. The trail is set to open next fall. “We need to have a trail here. We need to have a reason for students to bring their bikes to school and have something for the community to use in the evening,” Barr said. The trail will be funded with $55,000 from the Trails Manitoba grant program, and $100,000 from the city’s land dedication reserve fund. The project is one of 33 recipients for the Trails Manitoba grant this year. Others include a pathway development at the Leaf in Assiniboine Park and enhancing the community trail at Steep Rock. Max Bundoc, a Grade 8 student at Stanley Knowles, believes the new trail will mean a lot to his school and the community. He credits biking and school programs with becoming more confident in himself. “I really found out who I am. And because of Mr. Barr, I’ve been able to learn a lot about biking and now I really have something I’m doing in my life,” Bundoc said. The school offers multiple bike programs for students, including cycling trips to Birds Hill Provincial Park, a bike mechanic program at lunchtime and a bike bus. Bundoc said he’ll be first in line to use the trail when it opens and will probably spend three hours there on the first day. “This new bike trail is not just a physical addition to our park, but it’s a symbol of progress, community spirit and a commitment to our children’s future,” said Point Douglas Coun. Vivian Santos. The Trail Manitoba grant program dedicates $697,365 annually for trails outside of Winnipeg and $190,000 for trails within the city, a government release stated. With the funding, 36 kilometres of new trails will be built and 600 km will be maintained around the province. matthew.frank(a)freepress.mb.ca<mailto:matthew.frank@freepress.mb.ca>

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City of Wpg: Pedestrian crosswalks have a new look
by Beth McKechnie 21 Jun '24

21 Jun '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. https://www.winnipeg.ca/people-culture/our-city-our-stories/pedestrian-cros…

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WFP: Winnipeg celebrates successful 11th Annual Bike Week Amid calls for Safer Cycling Infrastructure (Jun16'24)
by Beth McKechnie 16 Jun '24

16 Jun '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. Winnipeg celebrates successful 11th Annual Bike Week Amid calls for Safer Cycling Infrastructure https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2024/06/15/winnipeg-celebrat… Bike advocates and Sunday cyclers alike gathered at the legislative grounds Saturday to wrap up Winnipeg’s 11th annual Bike Week. Thousands of wheels were spun by thousands of cyclists throughout the week of activities, which ranged from a bike to work day to a scavenger hunt to a kid-centric ride to kick off Saturday’s get-together. This year’s events brought cyclists back in pre-pandemic numbers, Bike Week Winnipeg chair Dave Elmore said Saturday. “It was really, really good this year,” Elmore said. “I think we had great weather. I only know of one ride that got rained on, and it didn’t seem to bother them at all, because we’re not made of sugar.” Whether you bike for sport, bike to work or bike for fun, Elmore said the goal of Bike Week is to create programming for everyone. His dream for the future of Bike Week is to bring in more people from suburban areas and people who may not have considered becoming a regular bike-rider. “In the bigger picture, we’re trying to reach those people who are interested, but concerned,” he said. “What we want to do is get them to make the cross-over to being more interested, and less concerned.” Patty Wiens with Bike Winnipeg has helped set up local bike groups that hold small-scale neighbourhood-based rides that help teach new cyclists how to get around safely. “We show people what exists in their neighbourhood, and we take them safely and say, ‘Hey, it’s kind of tricky crossing here, but we’re working with the city on providing a safer way for you to cross’ … it’s a very educational ride,” she said. This year’s festivities were preceded by tragedy, after 61-year-old cyclist Rob Jenner was struck and killed by a driver in a hit-and-run on Wellington Crescent June 6. Over 100 cyclists shut down the intersection where the collision occurred the next day in protest and mourning. Jenner’s family released a statement calling on the city to invest in safer cycling infrastructure and called cycling “something he loved to do.” Beckham Keneth Severight, 19, has been charged with dangerous driving causing death and leaving the scene of a collision. Jenner’s memory was front of mind for Meghan Gallant, who had taken part in a child-friendly group ride organized by Bike Winnipeg that morning with her six-year-old twins. Gallant’s husband was Jenner’s co-worker. A regular cyclist herself, she said coming out in celebration and support of cycling in Winnipeg Saturday while remembering Jenner was a meaningful, “conscious decision.”

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Equitable Cities | You're Invited!
by Beth McKechnie 13 Jun '24

13 Jun '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. [Ticket banner.png]<https://greenactioncentre.ca/healthy-travel/equitable-cities/> GET YOUR TICKETS!<https://3common.com/equitablecities> On Wednesday, October 9th Green Action Centre and Peg City Car Co-op will welcome Arrested Mobility’s Charles T. Brown to Winnipeg. Tickets are now on sale for Equitable Cities: How to liberate those caged by our transportation system. Charles T. Brown is the founder and principal of Equitable Cities, a minority- and veteran-owned urban planning, public policy and research firm focused at the intersection of transportation, health and equity. He is also an adjunct professor at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. He is the host of Arrested Mobility<https://arrestedmobility.com/>, a podcast that asks: What can we do to change the outcomes when people of colour step out their door to exist in the world? In this keynote presentation, Charles addresses how our transportation system underserves and disproportionately harms those who are most vulnerable. By understanding inequities in our transportation system, Charles identifies potential strategies for action. The audience for this presentation will leave the event with a greater understanding of the history of our transportation system across North America, and be inspired to correct past injustices to bring better health, equity and freedom to all. Following the keynote, attendees will be invited to participate in discussions to bring the themes of the keynote into our local context. Get your Early Bird tickets, available while stock lasts or until July 31st. Use the promo code: ECEARLYBIRD to save! Equitable Cities' Builder and Influencer sponsors: [https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcf4SN9GcXcyTOCxAWs23-U3cRQ…] Thank you to our Advocate and Supporter sponsors: The Johnston Group & Councillor Janice Lukes Would you like to support Equitable Cities? We are still in need of sponsorship and would love your support. We have various levels available. Please reach out to gohappy(a)greenactioncentre.ca<mailto:gohappy@greenactioncentre.ca> for details. Mel Marginet | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 300-286 Smith Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 1K4 | Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> *Note: I work two days a week at Green Action Centre and it may take a few days to respond to you. We are located on Treaty 1 Territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation. The water we drink comes from Shoal Lake First Nation. [https://mail.google.com/mail/images/cleardot.gif] 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/> [https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/mail-sig/AIorK4xnHIzg-oNAxItLMxFnB1HS5HGb…]<http://gomb.ca>

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WFP: Wolseley residents pan Transit plan (Jun12'24)
by Beth McKechnie 12 Jun '24

12 Jun '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. Fear overhaul will trade cars for buses on greenway Wolseley residents pan Transit plan https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2024/06/11/wolseley-resident… WOLSELEY residents are asking Winnipeg Transit to pause their neighbourhood’s portion of a citywide bus network overhaul, arguing the changes could undermine a reduced-speed route designed to safely serve cyclists and pedestrians. A network transformation of bus routes is set to alter almost every city route, bring buses closer to many residents and increase bus frequency, starting on June 29, 2025, with council slated to vote on the exact changes this month. Some residents fear part of a newly proposed No. 28 route that’s set to travel over the Wolseley Avenue neighbourhood greenway and interfere with its objective to welcome active transportation. The greenway recently saw its permanent speed limit drop to 30 km/h and got new speed humps to help slow traffic. “There’s huge support for the new greenway on Wolseley Avenue. Residents want transit to co-exist with Wolseley, not overwhelm it, not undermine its livability, not change it from a walkable and family friendly community into a major bus thoroughfare,” said Rachel Morgan. Morgan said the residents don’t oppose the Transit investment but the proposed path would include old, narrow roads that are well used by pedestrians and cyclists and weren’t designed to handle so many buses, raising the risk of crashes and injuries. “Running 130 buses a day through a residential bottleneck will be neither efficient nor reliable. That’s why residents urge council to pause the plan for Wolseley. Please give us time to properly consult with Transit,” she said. The group’s estimate is based on one bus passing through every 7.5 minutes between 6 a.m. and 1 a.m. the following day. City staff said later the actual frequency would be much lower, often about one bus every 15 minutes. The residents said 467 people signed a petition to support pausing the Wolseley area changes. Daniel McIntyre Coun. Cindy Gilroy suggested relocating the No. 28 route around Wolseley to address the concerns. The currently proposed route would travel south down Arlington Street, then head east down the Wolseley greenway toward Academy Road. Instead, she asked that the route stay off Wolseley entirely by having buses travel south on Arlington, then go east on Broadway before heading south on Academy. The councillor also stressed the greenway isn’t suited to heavy bus traffic. “If you go down there around 8:30 to 8:45 (a.m.) you are going to see a mass of kids, children riding their bikes … And then you see a mass of adults riding their bikes … I think that Wolseley residents would rather walk a little ways to a (high) frequency (transit) line (than have this route),” she said. Another Wolseley resident expressed concerns that the plan’s removal of the current No. 10 bus route would force her to walk 20 minutes further to catch a ride. “I don’t know how that is even a conceivable idea in winter,” said Kathryn Martin Winnipeg Transit officials expect the overall network overhaul to roughly double the number of people who are in walking distance of frequent transit service, with a bus arriving at least every 10 minutes on the most frequent routes during rush hour. A Transit advocate said those changes are desperately needed. “(This) is essentially taking the system we have right now and blowing it up and starting over again, (which) is exactly what needs to be done. It is focused on getting people from where they are to where they want to go more efficiently,” said Brian Pincott, a spokesman for Functional Transit Winnipeg. Pincott urged councillors not to alter specific changes, which he said could result in a less efficient system. “This is an integrated, linked network and the moment you start whittling away at any one of those links, the whole thing could fall apart or not function very well,” he said. Coun. Janice Lukes, chairwoman of public works, told media she does have concerns about increased traffic on greenways, which aim to slow vehicles down. “Do we want buses travelling regularly on a greenway route? Personally, I wouldn’t. But (we also) want to deliver bus service to Wolseley,” she said. Lukes (Waverley West) noted any changes council approves will be reviewed in 2026, about a year after the new routes are expected to take effect. She said there was extensive planning and consultation on the new transit network, though many public meetings were forced online during the pandemic. “This is all because we want to deliver better transit service. We want to have higher frequency. We want to have dependable service,” she said. On Tuesday evening, the public works committee voted to move the new route plan forward, while requiring additional consultation. Any route changes would be subject to a final council vote. joyanne.pursaga(a)freepress.mb.ca<mailto:joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca> X: @joyanne_pursaga

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WFP: Safer roads needed, family of cyclist killed by hit-and-run driver says (Jun11'24)
by Beth McKechnie 11 Jun '24

11 Jun '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. Safer roads needed, family of cyclist killed by hit-and-run driver says https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2024/06/10/safer-roads-neede… A 61-year-old cyclist was on the way to his job at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights when he was killed last week by a speeding driver who fled the scene. The national museum said in a news release sent on behalf of the man’s family Monday that Rob Jenner was its shipper/receiver and had worked there since September 2014. He regularly cycled to work, the CMHR said. Jenner was cycling eastbound on Wellington Crescent near Cockburn Street when he was hit by an eastbound vehicle shortly after 7 a.m. Thursday. “Rob was killed cycling to work, something he loved to do. He knew cycling in this city could be dangerous, but he loved it,” the family said. “The city needs to do more for safer roads for cyclists, and we would ask every driver in Winnipeg reading this to think of Rob and take extra care and patience while passing cyclists. We don’t want another family to experience this grief.” Jenner’s widow, Wendy Van Loon, said in the statement that, “He was my everything. And I know I was his.” More than 100 cyclists blocked a stretch of Wellington Crescent and the adjacent street at a protest late Friday afternoon. Some people in the crowd held signs demanding action to protect cyclists and pedestrians with protected bike lanes and slower speeds. Jenner, a grandfather, was a caring person who was looking forward to retirement, his family said. “He was an artist and writer; his home was filled with art. He was also an incredible chef — his family and friends looked forward to the meals he prepared for them with love,” the statement said. “Rob was friendly, blunt and also very kind. He had a soft spot for people and was quick to connect with everyone. He was a person who treated everyone he knew with respect and dignity.” Beckham Keneth Severight, 19, has been charged with dangerous driving causing death and leaving the scene of a collision. He has had no prior convictions in Manitoba, court records show.

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WFP Editorial: A wake-up call the city shouldn’t need (Jun11'24)
by Beth McKechnie 11 Jun '24

11 Jun '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. A wake-up call the city shouldn’t need https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/editorials/2024/06/11/a-wake-up-c… THE death of a cyclist struck by a speeding vehicle in Winnipeg last week is a stark reminder of the need to reduce speed limits on residential roads and to significantly expand protected bike lanes. A 61-year-old man was cycling eastbound on Wellington Crescent near Cockburn Street North at 7 a.m. Thursday and was hit by a motorist police say was driving erratically. About 100 cyclists staged a protest at the location Friday to demand greater bike safety on city streets. Many of them said vehicles often speed on that stretch of Wellington. They want the city to build more protected bike lanes, not only on Wellington but throughout Winnipeg, to better separate cyclists from motor vehicles. Some of those at the protest also demanded the city lower speed limits on residential roads to reduce the chances of collisions between motor vehicles and cyclists. It should not take a tragic incident like last week’s to effect change. But all too often, that is what is required to motivate politicians to do the right thing. To be fair, city hall has made progress expanding the network of protected bike lanes in Winnipeg, including in the downtown area. There are now more active transportation routes than ever. Many are well used. The edict “build it and they will come” aptly applies to the city’s small but growing network of protected bike routes. But it’s not enough. Cyclists in Winnipeg are routinely forced to switch from protected bike lanes to busy roadways to reach their destinations. They must often compete with fast-moving motor vehicles whose drivers do not always respect or make accommodation for cyclists. Riding a bike on busy roadways can be hazardous. It not only discourages many people from cycling, it can end in tragedy, as we saw last week. City hall can and must do better. City politicians should make active transportation a higher priority. Right now, motor vehicles are still the highest priority for city hall when it comes to transportation budgeting, whether it’s street repairs, snow clearing or the widening of roadways. The car is still king in Winnipeg. That mentality has to change. City hall needs to find a better balance between single occupancy motor vehicle use and active transportation when drafting budgets. There needs to be a shift in resources from the former to the latter. Does the city, for example, really need to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to widen Kenaston Boulevard (the latest cost projection is now over half a billion dollars for that project), or would those resources be better spent on active transportation and transit improvements? These are big picture issues city hall should re-evaluate. The resources are there to improve active transportation and to make cycling and pedestrian traffic a greater priority. But it has to come at the expense of motor vehicle use. That would require a paradigm shift at city hall, something that is long overdue. Tragedies like last week’s cannot be eliminated altogether. There will always be a risk of collision between cyclists and motor vehicles, no matter how many protected bike lanes are constructed. But those risks can be mitigated by lowering speed limits and separating cyclists as much as possible from motor vehicle traffic. Last week’s fatal collision should be a wake-up call for city hall. It’s time for Winnipeg to take the next step on active transportation by making it a much higher priority.

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WFP: Angry cyclists shut down scene of fatal collision (Jun8'24)
by Beth McKechnie 08 Jun '24

08 Jun '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. Angry cyclists shut down scene of fatal collision Advocate: ‘My community is moved and tired’ https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2024/06/07/angry-cyclists-sh… [CBC: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/hit-and-run-fatal-cyclist-crash-win…] MORE than 100 cyclists, angered and saddened over a fatal hit-and-run of a bike rider a day earlier, shut down the intersection where the collision occurred Friday afternoon. A 61-year-old man cycling eastbound on Wellington Crescent near Cockburn Street was hit by a driver police allege was speeding and driving erratically just after 7 a.m. Thursday. The man, who was on his way to work, was taken to hospital in critical condition and later died. Protesting cyclists blocked a stretch of Wellington Crescent and the adjacent street Friday from 4:30-5:30 p.m. The demonstrators forced most drivers to find an alternate route, but allowed Winnipeg Transit buses and a fire truck through the crowd. Most drivers obliged, though some jeered and swore at the protesters. Some in the crowd held signs demanding action to protect cyclists and pedestrians with protected bike lanes and slower speeds. Patty Wiens, who was bestowed the title Bicycle Mayor of Winnipeg by an international active-transportation advocacy group last month, spoke for the group. “My community is moved and tired,” said Wiens. “When I saw that they were getting organized to protest the lack of safety for pedestrians and cyclists in this area, I knew that I had to be here as well, because we’re all in this together, and our community is really feeling hit.” She said news of the hit-and-run spread quickly in the cycling community. “The first thing that happens is we think of, ‘That could have been me; I’ve been on that stretch so many times,’ or, ‘I had a close (call) right at that stretch and I never used it again, because I’m terrified,’” she said. “The first feeling, too, is what is that family thinking right now? What are they feeling? What (are) his co-workers — he didn’t arrive at work — but most of all, it’s how many is too many?” She said many drivers go “very” fast on the stretch of Wellington Crescent, using it as a route out of downtown. She said cycling infrastructure needs to be improved. “Narrowing the streets, putting in a bike lane, protected infrastructure… that would be amazing and ideal, but also slowing down the speeds on side streets is very important, because if we don’t have money for protected bike infrastructure, if we slow down our streets, then maybe people will get the message that they can’t go so fast and maybe we’ll feel a little bit safer,” Wiens said. She said moves on improving cycling infrastructure in Winnipeg have been slow. “It seems like the priority is always for anything to do with cars… the cyclists always kind of fall below,” she said. “It hasn’t been dealt with in so long — and our current administration is trying, our mayor rides a bike to work, our deputy mayor used to be with Winnipeg Trails… but we need buy in from everyone.” She added police enforcement on speeding could also help, but design of streets is the more pressing concern. Investigators determined the driver of a white BMW was speeding and driving erratically when the luxury sedan hit the cyclist, said Winnipeg Police Service spokesman Const. Jason Michalyshen. “It’s incredibly unfortunate,” he said. Beckham Keneth Severight, 19, has been charged with dangerous driving causing death and leaving the scene of a collision. “This person was operating the vehicle erratically, at high rates of speed… this is beyond preventable, this is an individual who clearly had no concern for public safety whatsoever,” said Michalyshen. He said Severight had borrowed the vehicle. Police found the car parked near the owner’s home. “They’ve been very helpful, co-operative,” Michalyshen said, referring to the owner. Severight is in custody. He’s had no prior convictions in Manitoba, court records show. erik.pindera(a)freepress.mb.ca<mailto:erik.pindera@freepress.mb.ca>

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WFP: Arlington Bridge needs $1M in repairs (Jun1'24)
by Beth McKechnie 01 Jun '24

01 Jun '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. Arlington Bridge needs $1M in repairs Replacing bearings necessary, costly but won’t mean reopening span https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2024/05/31/arlington-bridge-… THE City of Winnipeg expects to pay up to $1 million to repair the Arlington Bridge, but the work is only expected to prevent the structure from falling onto the rail yard below it, not to help reopen it. A new tender seeks a company to replace multiple bearings on the bridge, which was suddenly shut down in November after an assessment found significant steel corrosion and structural issues. The traffic closure remains in effect, while an engineering study set to provide recommendations on whether council should demolish, repair or replace the bridge is expected this fall. Coun. Janice Lukes, chairwoman of public works, said the new repair work should take place this summer. “Until we decide to take it down or replace it… the bridge is there. What has degraded are bearings on the bridge that allow the bridge to expand and contract based on the weather. The current ones have rusted and solidified… So they’ve put an order out for these bearings and it’s basically to prevent it from falling down,” said Lukes (Waverley West). The councillor said a report with options for the bridge’s future will come out around October. Lukes said each bearing is expensive and the construction work will be complex, since removing any piece of a bridge must be done with extreme caution, especially at this location. “Even though the bridge is closed, it is over an active rail line. Clearly, we’ve got obligations to the rail line also to be safe,” she said. “If you take out a piece of a bridge, you have to make sure the rest of it doesn’t fall down.” While noting she’s still waiting for the engineering report to make a final decision, Lukes said she believes the bridge will likely be replaced, ideally with access for trucks, buses, pedestrians and cyclists. “I think I’m pretty confident in saying we’re going to be doing a replacement of some kind. It’s a critical link to north and south. If we can start using it more for trucking also, it’s going to relieve some pressures,” she said. The councillor said she’s not sure if the bridge could remain at its current location or if it would have to move. Since the span closed, traffic has ramped up on McPhillips Street and the bridge on Salter Street. A tender document notes the city is seeking a company to replace bearings at three piers of the bridge, which a city spokeswoman said is urgently needed. “We anticipate the repair project to cost up to $1 million. This includes engineering, materials, and construction. The repair is considered urgent to keep the bridge standing and underlying railway property safe… If we do not replace (the bearings) now, unintended stress will build up in the truss; such stress puts bridge stability at risk,” wrote Julie Horbal Dooley, in an emailed statement. Mayor Scott Gillingham said the repair is necessary to keep the area safe. Gillingham said he’ll wait for the engineering report’s recommendations to council before sharing his views on the bridge’s future. “I need to wait for the report to see what the report is recommending. Obviously, traffic in and out of Winnipeg’s North End and the movement of vehicles is very important. So we need to make decisions with that in mind as well,” he said. The city expects to award the construction contract by June 28 and have the winning bidder achieve “total performance” by Sept. 11. The bridge was suddenly closed to all traffic on Nov. 21, after a condition assessment. The inspection was part of a viability study for the 112-year-old structure, which allows traffic to cross over the Canadian Pacific Railway yards. At the time of the closure, a city official told reporters some repairs would be required just to keep railway workers and property under the bridge safe. Brad Neirinck, manager of engineering for public works, said safety risks were rising at the bridge prior to the closure, though it wasn’t in immediate danger. “We don’t want to get to the point that there’s a collapse,” he said at the time. “We’re not near that point… but there’s things (we’ve) got to do to mitigate the risk and make sure that the structural integrity is there.” In 2016, city engineers deemed the bridge, which opened to traffic in 1912, to be near the end of its life. In 2019, a preliminary design estimated a new bridge could cost $319 million. Gillingham said there’s no updated cost estimate for a new bridge, which could be considerably higher now, due to rising construction costs over the past five years. Over the past decade, the city has devoted about $3.6 million for studies on whether to repair or replace the bridge. joyanne.pursaga(a)freepress.mb.ca<mailto:joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca> X: @joyanne_pursaga

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Omand's Creek Crossing & Graham Ave Transition
by Beth McKechnie 17 May '24

17 May '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. Provide input on City projects [Winnipeg Public Library News & Events | Nouvelles et activités de la bibliothèque publique de Winnipeg]<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> Public Engagement News<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> Bulletin d'information sur l'engagement public<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> En français Provide your input [Omand's Creek Bridge in the winter]<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> An Omand’s Creek crossing for everyone<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> The bridge in Omand Park is old and must be replaced. We're exploring how a new pedestrian bridge could serve the community while maintaining the look and feel of the park. Before we begin the design study, we want your feedback to better understand the community, your needs, and how you currently use the park. Join us at a park event May 30 or share your feedback online<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…>. Park event details: Date: Thursday, May 30, 2024* Time: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Location: Omand Park, meeting at the corner of Wolseley Avenue and Raglan Road<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> Format: Drop-in (come and go) *In case of rain or high winds, visit the project webpage<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> for rescheduling updates Take the survey<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> Map your feedback<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> [CentrePlan 2050]<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> CentrePlan 2050<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> CentrePlan 2050 will help transform what Downtown looks like, how we get around, and how we experience Downtown. Unfortunately, the open house ended earlier than scheduled on May 15 due to a power outage affecting most of Downtown. Another open house has been scheduled for Thursday, May 23. We hope you can join us, details are below. Open house #2 Date: Thursday, May 23, 2024 Time: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Location: Carol Shields Auditorium, Millennium Library, 251 Donald St.<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> Format: Come and go (drop-in) Take the survey<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> Take the Re-imagining Graham Avenue survey Share your comments<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> Share your comments about the draft CentrePlan 2050 Attend an information session [Transit bus garage]<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> North Garage Replacement Project<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> We are building a new bus garage in northwest Winnipeg at the intersection of Oak Point Highway and Selkirk Avenue<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…>. Join us at an information session to learn more about the project and speak with the project team. Information session event details Date: Monday, May 27, 2024 Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Location: Tyndall Park Community Centre, 2255 King Edward St.<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> Format: Come and go (drop-in) Upcoming engagement events May 23 * Open house #2: CentrePlan 2050<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> May 27 * Information session: N<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…>orth Garage Replacement Project<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> May 30 * Park event: An Omand’s Creek crossing for everyone<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> We strive to promote public events at least two weeks ahead through other means such as newspaper ads, social media, and direct mail. Contact us Email: City-Engage(a)winnipeg.ca<mailto:City-Engage@winnipeg.ca> Phone: 204-986-4243 [Winnipeg 150 graphic]<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> Winnipeg 150<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> Our shared stories. Our shared future. In 2024, Winnipeg marks 150 years as a city. It is an opportunity for us to reflect on our past, and look ahead to our future. Exprimez-vous [Bridge in Omand Park]<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> Un pont pour tout le monde au-dessus du ruisseau Omand’s<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> (anglais seulement) Le pont du parc Omand est vieux et doit être remplacé. Nous explorons la façon dont un nouveau pont piétonnier pourrait bénéficier à la communauté tout en préservant l’apparence et l’ambiance du parc. Avant d’entreprendre l’étude de conception, nous voulons obtenir vos commentaires pour mieux comprendre la communauté, vos besoins et la façon dont vous utilisez présentement le parc. Joignez-vous à nous lors d’une activité qui aura lieu dans le parc le 30 mai, ou exprimez-vous en ligne<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…>. Précisions sur l’activité qui aura lieu dans le parc : Date : Le jeudi 30 mai 2024* Heure : De 16 h à 19 h Lieu : Parc Omand. Rencontre à l’angle de l’avenue Wolseley et du chemin Raglan<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…>. Format : Entrée libre * En cas de pluie ou de vents forts, visitez la page Web du projet pour savoir si l’activité a été reportée. Répondez au sondage<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> Indiquez vos commentaires sur une carte<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> [CentrePlan 2050]<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> CentrePlan 2050<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> (anglais seulement) CentrePlan 2050 aidera à transformer l’apparence du centre-ville, la façon dont nous nous y déplaçons et notre expérience du centre-ville. Malheureusement, les portes ouvertes du 15 mai ont pris fin plus tôt que prévu en raison d’une panne de courant touchant la plupart du centre-ville. On a organisé d’autres portes ouvertes le jeudi 23 mai. Nous espérons que vous pourrez vous joindre à nous. Des précisions sont données ci-dessous. Précisions sur les portes ouvertes Date : Le jeudi 23 mai 2024 Heure : De 11 h à 18 h Lieu : Bibliothèque du Millénaire, 251, rue Donald<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…>, salle Carol-Shields Format : Entrée libre Répondez au sondage<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> Répondez au sondage sur le projet Repenser l’avenue Graham Exprimer-vous<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> Exprimez-vous sur l’ébauche de CentrePlan 2050 Participez à une séance d’information publique [Transit bus garage]<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> Projet de remplacement du garage nord<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> Nous allons construire un nouveau garage d’autobus dans le nord-ouest de Winnipeg à l’intersection du chemin Oak Point et de l’avenue Selkirk. Joignez-vous à nous lors d’une séance d’information pour en apprendre plus sur le projet et pour discuter avec l’équipe de projet. Précisions sur la séance d’information Date : Le lundi 27 mai 2024 Heure : De 18 h à 19 h 30 Lieu : Centre communautaire du parc Tyndall, 2255, rue King Edward<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> Format : Entrée libre Activités à venir 23 mai * Portes ouverte<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> : CentrePlan 205<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…>0<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> 27 mai * Séance d’information: Projet de remplacement du garage nord<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> 30 mail * A<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…>ctivité qui aura lieu dans le parc: Un pont pour tout le monde au-dessus du ruisseau Omand’s<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> Nous nous efforçons de promouvoir les événements publics au moins deux semaines avant leur tenue par d’autres moyens tels que les journaux, les médias sociaux et le courrier postal. Contactez-nous Courriel : City-Engage(a)winnipeg.ca<mailto:City-Engage@winnipeg.ca> Téléphone : 204-986-4243 [Illustration de Winnipeg 150]<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> Winnipeg 150<https://communications.winnipeg.ca/ext/click/go/71ebfa129fce40624b3653ffef6…> Nos histoires communes. Notre avenir commun. En 2024, la ville de Winnipeg aura 150 ans. C’est l’occasion de réfléchir à notre passé et de regarder vers l’avenir. 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Fwd: A fun way to support cycling advocacy in your community
by Dave Elmore 16 May '24

16 May '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Vélo Canada Bikes <info(a)velocanadabikes.org<mailto:info@velocanadabikes.org>> Date: Thu, May 16, 2024 at 9:27 AM Subject: A fun way to support cycling advocacy in your community To: <daveelmore12(a)gmail.com<mailto:daveelmore12@gmail.com>> 📊 Claim your Pedal Poll/Sondo Vélo counting shift today View this email in your browser<https://mailchi.mp/velocanadabikes/april2024-16197743?e=c0b62fb8ea> [https://mcusercontent.com/d4de63e62b75495d947e15ed4/images/23fdf8ea-af68-de…] Pedal Poll/Sondo Vélo 2024 Canada’s national bicycle count - June 4-9, 2024 Claim a counting shift in your community today<https://velocanadabikes.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4de63e62b75495d9…> Pedal Poll/Sondo Vélo 2024 is taking place June 4 to 9. The count is a chance to evaluate the state of cycling in our communities. Together we get a “snapshot” of what cycling looks like in communities across Canada, at the same time, year over year. [https://mcusercontent.com/d4de63e62b75495d947e15ed4/images/ded0bb90-8105-1a…] The data collected helps build the case for more, and better, cycling infrastructure. This growing data set is there for everyone to use to advocate for access to safe cycling choices for everyone, everywhere. 📆 Count dates You will note that the SignUp pages list Tuesday, June 4 and Saturday, June 8 as the weekday and weekend count dates. These are the ideal count dates, but if the weather is poor or you are unable to count on these days, please conduct your weekday count on Wednesday the 5th or Thursday the 6th and conduct your weekend count on Sunday the 9th. [https://mcusercontent.com/d4de63e62b75495d947e15ed4/images/4b97a529-8092-4e…] Help close the gaps in cycling data<https://velocanadabikes.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4de63e62b75495d9…> 📑 Resources Everything you’ll need to have a successful count. [https://mcusercontent.com/d4de63e62b75495d947e15ed4/images/7519f997-042c-cf…] Count Instructions REVISED! Step by step instructions with answers to frequently asked questions. Get all the details<https://velocanadabikes.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4de63e62b75495d9…> [https://mcusercontent.com/d4de63e62b75495d947e15ed4/images/1ff19b2c-0edb-3e…]<https://velocanadabikes.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4de63e62b75495d9…> Quick Reference Guide NEW! All the basics on how to get started on one page. Learn the basics<https://velocanadabikes.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4de63e62b75495d9…> [https://mcusercontent.com/d4de63e62b75495d947e15ed4/images/c6c2f9ce-28eb-c6…]<https://velocanadabikes.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4de63e62b75495d9…> Webinar Last month our team was hosted by the interdisciplinary research team CapaCITY/É to present the background, methods and key findings of the count. The recording is now available on YouTube. Listen in<https://velocanadabikes.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4de63e62b75495d9…> [https://mcusercontent.com/d4de63e62b75495d947e15ed4/images/f776fd18-4d95-b9…]<https://velocanadabikes.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4de63e62b75495d9…> Promotional material The more people counting the better. You can forward this message to others and access a folder with a number of shareable images, GIFs and videos you can post to your profiles, newsletter and website. Get the word out<https://velocanadabikes.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4de63e62b75495d9…> 📊 Results and analysis from past Pedal Polls The results from the 2022 and 2023 counts have been analysed and are available as a series of tables, infographics and charts for each focus community. You are welcome to download your community’s results and share them widely. [https://mcusercontent.com/d4de63e62b75495d947e15ed4/images/efa14418-38d3-fd…] See what we’ve counted<https://velocanadabikes.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4de63e62b75495d9…> Pedal Poll/Sondo Vélo is a project of Vélo Canada Bikes, funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Active Transportation Fund<https://velocanadabikes.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4de63e62b75495d9…> administered by Infrastructure Canada in 2023 and by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council<https://velocanadabikes.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4de63e62b75495d9…> in 2021. The project has also received in-kind support from local cycling advocacy organizations, the CounterPoint app<https://velocanadabikes.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4de63e62b75495d9…> team, hundreds of community volunteers and the Cities, Health & Active Transportation Research Lab<https://velocanadabikes.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4de63e62b75495d9…> at Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC (2021 and 2023) and the Healthy Populations Institute<https://velocanadabikes.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4de63e62b75495d9…> at Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS (2021 and 2023). Data for the 2022 and 2023 were analyzed by Madeleine Bonsma-Fisher<https://velocanadabikes.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4de63e62b75495d9…>. [Facebook icon]<https://velocanadabikes.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4de63e62b75495d9…> [Twitter icon] <https://velocanadabikes.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4de63e62b75495d9…> [Website icon] <https://velocanadabikes.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4de63e62b75495d9…> [LinkedIn icon] <https://velocanadabikes.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4de63e62b75495d9…> [Email icon] <mailto:info@velocanadabikes.org> [Instagram icon] <https://velocanadabikes.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4de63e62b75495d9…> Copyright (C) 2024 Vélo Canada Bikes. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have opted in or have participated in one of our projects. Our mailing address is: Vélo Canada Bikes 306 Edwin Street Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0Y6 Canada Add us to your address book<https://velocanadabikes.us7.list-manage.com/vcard?u=d4de63e62b75495d947e15e…> Want to change how you receive these emails? 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WFP: Winnipeg’s ‘Bicycle Mayor’ to give city the gears on lack of infrastructure (May10'24)
by Beth McKechnie 10 May '24

10 May '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. Pedal plans Winnipeg’s ‘Bicycle Mayor’ to give city the gears on lack of infrastructure https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2024/05/09/pedal-plans PATTY Wiens refuses to tread lightly in her new role as Winnipeg’s top cyclist. Wiens has been bestowed with the title Bicycle Mayor of Winnipeg by an international organization that advocates for more active transportation and encourages drivers to take up cycling for daily trips. “When you start riding your bike to work, you really start noticing what kind of infrastructure is around bikes for safety, you start noticing how people behave on the road,” she said Thursday afternoon. The year-round cyclist applied for the role to be more involved in advocacy and petition for more, and safer, cycling infrastructure. Wiens, 50, favoured cycling over driving to work in 2021 when she began a new job at the University of Winnipeg to save some cash on parking. After seeing what it did for her mental and physical health, she sold her car and took up the commute full-time. Winter driving made her take notice of the city’s infrastructure she called lopsided towards drivers. “That’s what sent me on a real advocacy journey,” she said. The mayoral title is given to successful applicants by BYCS, an Amsterdam-based non-governmental organization with an international network of bike enthusiasts. Mayors are selected for a period of two years during which they focus on addressing the main barriers to increasing cycling in their cities. Wiens is one of five bicycle mayors in Canada and 147 worldwide. She also serves on the board of directors for advocacy group Bike Winnipeg. The Brazilian transplant speculates the number of cyclists is increasing due to an increased cost of living and price of fuel, but she welcomes the trend and, using her new role, plans to petition the city for slower speeds on side streets where fewer cars tend to drive and active transportation is favoured. “If we would have more of that, we wouldn’t need to worry so much about protected bike infrastructure,” she said. She also wants to raise the profile of cyclists who use bikes for any type of transportation, whether it be for work, grocery shopping, sport or leisure. “That’s who I want to represent … the less cars you have on the road, the better it is for everyone. Cars get around faster and cyclists are safer.” City council’s public works committee recently approved a project that will eliminate vehicle right turns from Assiniboine Avenue onto Main Street and divert eastbound vehicles north on Fort Street, which Wiens calls a win for bike safety. “We have this mentality here that people who drive pay for roads and it’s not true. Everyone pays for roads … yet cars get the priority,” she said. Mark Cohoe, executive director of Bike Winnipeg, lauded Wiens’ new designation as an important step in the organization’s multi-pronged approach to advocating for a bike-safe city. “It’s important that the bike mayor is able to tell the stories of people on bikes to help people overcome barriers to biking,” Cohoe said. The executive director says connectivity between Winnipeg neighbourhoods is a hurdle to getting more bums in bike seats and is top of mind for the non-profit, which has been working with the city on bike infrastructure projects since 2015. Theft is also a deterrent, Wiens and Cohoe say. Although Winnipeg Police Service statistics show an overall decrease in the number of reported stolen bicycles in recent years, 1,452 were still reported pilfered in 2023. That’s compared to 2,098 in 2018. To combat the theft, council announced a new program in which Winnipeggers can register their bikes for free using the city’s cloud-based Garage 529 service. Bikes registered in the database can be used by police when attempting to return recovered bikes. “The next step is to advocate for secure bike parking, especially in the downtown area. If we have more secure parking, more people are likely to ride their bikes instead of their cars,” Wiens said. Wiens will be calling on the city to install secure bike parking in the Exchange District and look for areas to incorporate bikes in the design for the Portage Place overhaul. nicole.buffie(a)freepress.mb.ca<mailto:nicole.buffie@freepress.mb.ca>

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CBC: Drivers wanting to turn at Main and Assiniboine will get new traffic signal in 1 direction, detour in another (May7'24)
by Beth McKechnie 08 May '24

08 May '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. Pilot project OK'd after pedestrians, cyclists raised concerns about close calls with cars https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/assiniboine-main-traffic-safety-pro…

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CentrePlan 2050 and Re-imagining Graham Avenue | Open House Millennium Library May 15 11am-6pm
by Beth McKechnie 08 May '24

08 May '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. We are excited to share the draft CentrePlan 2050 and draft design of Graham Avenue<https://engage.winnipeg.ca/36008/widgets/148212/documents/129629>. To learn more: * Attend the open house May 15 * View the open house boards<https://engage.winnipeg.ca/36008/widgets/148212/documents/129627> Join us May 15 at the open house to ask questions about the project and share your thoughts. Open house Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 Time: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Location: Carol Shields Auditorium, Millennium Library, 251 Donald St(External link)<https://www.google.com/maps/place/Millennium+Library+(Winnipeg+Public+Libra…>. Format: Come and go (drop-in) You can also share your feedback online: * Share your comments<https://engage.winnipeg.ca/centreplan2050?tool=guest_book#tool_tab> on the draft CentrePlan 2050 * Take the re-imagining Graham Avenue survey(External link)<https://winnipeg.surveymonkey.com/r/grahamphase3> Feedback will be accepted until May 23, 2024. https://engage.winnipeg.ca/centreplan2050

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Job Posting: City of Winnipeg Road Safety Outreach Coordinator
by Beth McKechnie 08 May '24

08 May '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. The City of Winnipeg is hiring a Road Safety Outreach Coordinator who will be responsible for developing and implementing road safety educational programming and improving road safety culture in Winnipeg. The position includes strong components of research, program development and evaluation, education, partnerships and outreaching, and community engagement/mobilization. Please see the attached posting for more details. Online applications can be submitted at www.winnipeg.ca/hr<http://www.winnipeg.ca/hr> and the posting closes on May 22, 2024.

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WFP: Seeing how the other half rides in Amsterdam (May4'24)
by Beth McKechnie 04 May '24

04 May '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. Seeing how the other half rides in Amsterdam OPINION https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/2024/05/04/seeing-how-the-o… A CONFESSION: I haven’t been on my bike in two summers. This isn’t my first long breakup with a bicycle. From the ages of 13 to 31, I didn’t go anywhere near a bike following a pretty significant wipeout that left me with an arm studded with bloody pebbles and a contusion at the top of my pelvis. Lately, I’ve been trying to figure out what this recent avoidance has been about because here’s the thing: I love riding my bike. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that cycling is one of my preferred methods of both physical activity and transportation. And then, last month, I went to Amsterdam. The capital of the Netherlands isn’t just one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world; cycling is woven into Dutch culture. I was in awe of not only the sheer number of people out cycling — even in terribly windy, rainy, sleety weather, I will add — but the number of parked bikes crowding every available public space. Most Dutch cyclists I witnessed weren’t clad in spandex or athleisure (or helmets, for that matter); they were dressed for their destinations. Others had clearly taken their bikes to run errands, balancing groceries and, on more than one occasion, bouquets of flowers. I was in awe of how smooth and well-maintained the bike lanes looked. (I was too intimidated to try for myself.) I had never been anywhere like that, a place where cyclists, not motorists, seemed to be the ruling class. A place that’s the diametric opposite of Winnipeg, basically. Of course, this fact doesn’t always make for an idyll. “Watch out for the bikes,” the friend I was travelling with cautioned me and this proved to be good advice. As a pedestrian, it’s not enough to “look both ways” in Amsterdam; you have to look left-right-left again, otherwise you will almost certainly be mowed over by a cyclist. Or at the very least yelled at. But still, I was jealous. I would love to be the kind of person who could ride to the bakery to pick up a loaf of bread and then meet a friend for a coffee. I’d love to be a commuter cyclist, riding to and from work to build some fresh air and fitness into my day. I would love to do all these things without the threat of being run off the road by a car that could injure me or worse. And that’s when I had an epiphany. I love riding my bike. I don’t love riding my bike in Winnipeg. Honestly? I’m scared to ride my bike in Winnipeg. Whenever I do ride my bike — which is never, these days — I stick to paths that do not share the road with vehicles. I can’t bear to be yelled at, again, for turning left from the correct lane because motorists think I shouldn’t even be there. (I only make right-hand turns if I can help it, which is, uh, limiting.) Being a cyclist in Winnipeg feels a bit like being a pedestrian in Amsterdam, except a cyclist probably won’t kill you if they hit you. It’s very hard to adopt any kind of lifestyle when there is no systemic support for that lifestyle. It’s hard to “eat healthy” if you live in a food desert. It’s hard to have work-life balance if your workplace culture punishes you for taking vacation and rewards being the “last to leave.” It’s hard to balance career goals with having a family if childcare is inaccessible. It’s hard to leave your car at home if you don’t live in a walkable neighbourhood. So, I can express a desire, as an individual, to adopt a Dutch attitude towards cycling, but it’s hard to actually live out that desire in a place not built for it. Still, being around all those bikes in Amsterdam has inspired me to get back on mine. One person on one bicycle does not a bicycle-friendly city make, but hey — it’s one more bike out on the road. jen.zoratti(a)winnipegfreepress.com<mailto:jen.zoratti@winnipegfreepress.com>

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WFP: City urges switch to new bike-registry system (Apr30'24)
by Beth McKechnie 30 Apr '24

30 Apr '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. City urges switch to new bike-registry system https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2024/04/29/switch-to-new-bik… THE city is urging cyclists to sign up for a free bike-registry system. Bike data registered with 529 Garage can be accessed by jurisdictions across the world. The City of Winnipeg will use the supplied contact information when a stolen bicycle has been recovered. “I’m proud to have championed this change, and I encourage every cyclist in Winnipeg to register their bike with 529 Garage,” Mayor Scott Gillingham said in a news release Monday. If a bike registered through the app or website has been stolen, the owner is advised to set an alert on 529 Garage and report the theft to Winnipeg police. “The shift to 529 Garage as Winnipeg’s bicycle registration system makes it easier than ever to register a bike,” Bike Winnipeg executive director Mark Cohoe said. “Just as important, the bicycle registry is now linked globally, meaning registry information is available worldwide. Best of all, people purchasing bikes online have a way to check the serial number of a bike against the registry of stolen bikes.” The city previously said 1,452 bicycles were reported stolen in 2023. The City of Winnipeg’s existing registry comes with a $7.35 registration fee and, at times, requires police to email a request to city officials to find the owner of a stolen bike. New registrations under the existing registry will not be accepted after Tuesday. Registrations made before then will be kept on file until May 1, 2026. Bike owners can update their information under the existing registry until that date.

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WFP analysis: Time to talk about River and Osborne (Apr29'24)
by Beth McKechnie 29 Apr '24

29 Apr '24

Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba. City should scramble to transform important Village intersection Time to talk about River and Osborne https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/2024/04/29/city-should-scramble-t… NOW that there seems to be some resolution for the future of Portage and Main, there is another important urban intersection we should talk about. The corner of River and Osborne is the gateway to Osborne Village, Winnipeg’s highest-density neighbourhood and a rare walkable, complete community in the city. In our collective imagination, the Village strip is a street with bustling sidewalks and vibrant public spaces, set around a series of eclectic shops and restaurants. The reality of Osborne, however, is a street that has become a vehicle canyon, with pedestrians anxiously clinging to the edges along narrow and treeless sidewalks. We have intentionally made design choices that prioritize driving through the neighbourhood over creating a place that invites people to walk, shop and linger. Those choices begin with the intersection. Instead of being the anchor that draws people to the heart of the strip, the River and Osborne intersection has become one of the most dangerous places for pedestrians in the city — typically ranking second or third for most pedestrian/vehicle collisions each year. Recognizing that a prosperous future for the Village requires a change in priorities, last year, the Osborne Village BIZ created the Blueprint for a Healthy Neighbourhood. The action plan outlines ways to begin making the Osborne strip a true neighbourhood high street, creating a renewed sense of place and prioritizing the human experience. It proposes to make the River and Osborne intersection safer by adding a pedestrian scramble crossing and closing the right-turn vehicle slip lane. In late 2023, Couns. Janice Lukes and Sherri Rollins introduced a committee motion directing the public service to study these two ideas and develop a pedestrian prioritized pilot project for the intersection. Scramble crossings are becoming popular interventions across the country, where high numbers of pedestrians and vehicles mix. They have been implemented on other urban shopping streets such as Whyte Avenue in Edmonton, Robson Street in Vancouver, and Yonge Street in Toronto. Scramble crossings make intersections safer by creating an exclusive pedestrian crossing phase where vehicles are stopped at every corner and pedestrians cross all at once in all directions, including diagonally. This strategy was felt to be appropriate for River and Osborne because it would mean vehicles and pedestrians never cross the street at the same time, increasing pedestrian comfort, and significantly reducing interactions that result in collisions. Removing slip lanes is something that is happening across North America as cities accept how unsafe and uncomfortable they are for pedestrians and cyclists. Slip lanes are the unsignalized and dedicated lanes at intersections that allow drivers to turn right without stopping, typically creating a small island between it and the corner. Like at River and Osborne, we often locate transit stops on these islands, forcing people to huddle uncomfortably in a whirlpool of vehicles cycling around them. Slip lanes are the physical manifestation of street design that prioritizes vehicle speed over the safety of all other road users. They are highway infrastructure that has no place in urban neighbourhoods. Eliminating slip lanes is not only an important consideration at River and Osborne, but wherever they exist in residential neighbourhoods across the city. As a driver, consider where your eyes are when you move through a slip lane. As you turn right, you are most likely looking left down the street to find an opening in traffic that you can accelerate into. Now, as a pedestrian, consider where you want a driver’s eyes to be as you step into the street and cross in front of their vehicle. You want the driver to look forward and directly at you, but slip lanes are designed to allow cars to maintain their speed while diverting the driver’s attention away from their direction of travel. This is why they are so dangerous. An intersection is where all road users — cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers — are occupying the same space. It is vital at that moment each person is acutely aware of what’s happening directly in front of them. When you cross a street with a slip lane, you are forced to cross through two intersections, and one of them is uncontrolled. You are simply hoping drivers see you in time to stop. Consider a child walking to school across the slip lane at River and Osborne. Is hope enough? If you wouldn’t feel good about letting your kid cross the street in your neighbourhood, we didn’t prioritize the right things when we designed it. That child could instead be a senior with mobility issues or a person in a wheelchair. Unfortunately, the city’s public works committee recently recommended against both initiatives for River and Osborne and no pilot project was put forward. The study suggested a scramble crossing might cause traffic delays at the peak evening rush hour of about half a minute, and removing the slip lane would make the priority transit signal less effective, possibly requiring the bus stop to be relocated. The committee did direct staff to report back with a “scope of work” for options for a scramble pilot in 2025. This disappointing result is yet another instance demonstrating that residents and businesses of the inner city have little control over the design of the streets in their own neighbourhoods. The priorities of commuter traffic have again superseded the wishes of local residents for a safe, livable, and commercially prosperous community. Osborne may be a commuter route to many, but to others, it’s a street in their neighbourhood that their kids cross to go to school, or their grandmother crosses to get groceries. It’s a street of shop owners hoping for more customers. Sometimes saving an extra minute in an evening commute shouldn’t be our priority. Brent Bellamy is creative director at Number Ten Architectural Group.

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