- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Maker Community Embraces Urban Biking
by David Pensato 04 Jun '15

04 Jun '15

Make Magazine is the top resource for the maker and DIY community (think people who are into 3D printers, CNC machines, soldering and/or robotics. This article is where the Maker/Urban Cyclist venn diagram intersect: >From Kickstarter to Collaboration, Taking Urban Biking to the Next Level http://makezine.com/2015/06/04/kickstarter-collaboration-taking-urban-bikin…

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Velo-city
by Anders Swanson 04 Jun '15

04 Jun '15

Please find below a link to a daily roundup of presentations here at Velocity 2016 in Nantes. Proud to present a couple made-in-winnipeg transportation planning solutions from Green Action Centre, as well as represent the Winter Cycling Federation as we prepare for Minneapolis 2016. You can follow me on twitter for some salient points (@SwansonAnders or @counterpointapp). Also note, the exhibitors booths here are expansive and has just about everything in terms of the latest bike parking, bike share, gis analysis tools, encouragement programs, etc. If there is anything you are burning to learn about or a catalogue you'd like to have brought back to Winnipeg, let me know and I'll do my best to look into it for you. Kindly, Anders ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: *ECF Newsletter* <noreply(a)ecf.com> Date: Thursday, June 4, 2015 Subject: Velo-city Roundup Day 2: Opening Plenary, COP21, Bike Parade and more! To: andersswanson(a)gmail.com This is the ECF Newsletter dedicated to the Velo-city Conference 2015 in Nantes. These are the highlights from the second day. Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser <http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=73377cf329…> . *It is Velo-city 2015 and here comes our second news round-up from the conference in Nantes, France!* To keep you up-to-date on all the most relevant news from the world’s largest cycling convention, we will be sending you one edition with daily highlights each day for the rest of the week. This is a news digest – click the ‘more’ links if you’re looking to follow the event more closely. You can also find more information on our special Live website <http://ecf.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=5…> and, naturally, on social media. Here is a selection of what’s been happening on the second day at #velocity15: - We are all future makers <#14dbd2e6d3e516d4_mctoc1> - Opening Plenary - Cycling towards COP21 <#14dbd2e6d3e516d4_mctoc2> - Infrastructure: Innovation, Parking Solutions and Attractive Design <#14dbd2e6d3e516d4_mctoc3> - Bike Parade <#14dbd2e6d3e516d4_mctoc4> - Velo-city Nantes Industry Day <#14dbd2e6d3e516d4_mctoc5> - Change the Rules! Promoting Cycling with More or Less Regulation <#14dbd2e6d3e516d4_mctoc6> We are all future makers Velo-city 2015, the world’s biggest cycling conference, kicks off in Nantes, France with a wide-ranging programme that covers all cycling related topics from cycling infrastructure to cycling culture. This event gathers over 1500 delegates from more than 60 countries to discuss the future of cycling setting a new record in terms of participation. Read more <http://ecf.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=6…> *Opening Plenary - Cycling towards COP21* Velo-city 2015 Nantes is a major event leading up to the COP 21, to be held in Paris in December. Nantes, European Green Capital 2013, has gained recognition for its ongoing commitment to sustainable development and in particular its pro-cycling policy. The Opening Plenary of the 23rd Velo-city conference welcomed over 1500 delegates from all over the world. Read more <http://ecf.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=…> *Infrastructure: Innovation, Parking Solutions and Attractive Design * What type of design could make cycling infrastructure attractive for cyclists? What bike parking facilities have been proved effective? What kind of innovative infrastructure elements are leading to the future? Several sessions on Velo-city Day 2 tried to provide answers for these questions. Read more <http://ecf.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=6…> *Bike Parade* What’s so special about Velo-city? The answer is… the traditional “bike parade” which brought together 7.000 people for a festive bike ride though the city of Nantes. Read more <http://ecf.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=…> Velo-city Nantes Industry Day The second day of the Velo-city was full of industry-related sessions and networking events which can all be found in the Velo-city Industry Day Programme <http://ecf.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=…> put together by ECF. The link between cycling industry and advocacy is stronger than ever and success in one field benefits the other creating positive synergy in advancing cycling. Read more <http://ecf.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=a…> Change the Rules! Promoting Cycling with More or Less Regulation Through orientation and guidance on behaviour and practice, regulation can undoubtedly play a decisive role in travel mode shift. What does pro-cycling regulation entail? More regulation, or less? The discussion highlighted various examples and addressed the changes that are necessary to make more attractive than cars. Read more <http://ecf.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=0…> More... Visit out live page <http://ecf.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=9…> Check out photos on flickr <http://ecf.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=e…> Connect via facebook <http://ecf.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=9…> or twitter <http://ecf.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=2…> follow on Twitter <https://www.twitter.com/EuCyclistsFed/> | friend on Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/626614349> | forward to a friend <http://us2.forward-to-friend2.com/forward?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=73…> *Copyright © 2015 European Cyclists' Federation, All rights reserved.* You receive this email because you are part of our mailing list "ECF Website Sign up" *Our mailing address is:* European Cyclists' Federation Rue Franklin 28 Brussels 1000 Belgium Add us to your address book <http://ecf.us2.list-manage.com/vcard?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=c6a2e6c…> unsubscribe from this list <http://ecf.us2.list-manage2.com/unsubscribe?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=…> | update subscription preferences <http://ecf.us2.list-manage1.com/profile?u=b0c3ff3f53e4c6a8be5677245&id=c6a2…>

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Quebec cycle tourists spend more, stay longer, visit more often
by Beth McKechnie 03 Jun '15

03 Jun '15

*STUDY: QUEBEC CYCLE TOURISTS SPEND MORE, STAY LONGER, VISIT MORE OFTEN * Cycle tourists spend more, take frequent trips and travel for longer periods of time than the typical leisure tourist. And because they schedule their trips as early as June and as late as September, cycle tourists are helping to extend Quebec’s tourist season. These are some of the highlights of a study released by UQAM’s Transat Chair in Tourism. (Study Highlights: http://bit.ly/1Jkrl8s <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Ge_2-y9_Cuk0bgJ2Einl1w1ntGWEDlko0SxuwqciTG8k…> )

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Copenhagenize: The 20 Most Bike-Friendly Cities on the Planet
by Beth McKechnie 03 Jun '15

03 Jun '15

For your reading pleasure from Copenhagenize: The 20 Most Bike-Friendly Cities on the Planet http://www.wired.com/2015/06/copenhagenize-worlds-most-bike-friendly-cities/ Spoiler alert: Winnipeg's not on it but Montreal and Minneapolis are. cheers, Beth -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://canadahelps.org/>

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Parklets: Measuring impact on sidewalk vitality and neighbourhood businesses
by Beth McKechnie 02 Jun '15

02 Jun '15

Interesting study on parklets from University City District of Philadelphia: *"The Case for Parklets: Measuring the Impact on Sidewalk Vitality and Neighbourhood Businesses"* http://www.universitycity.org/sites/default/files/documents/The%20Case%20fo… Couple of key points that jumped out at me: *Parklets are not just for patrons.* A common concern is that Parklets may be interpreted by potential users as private space intended only for patrons of the adjacent businesses. In fact though, Parklets attracted a large number of non-patron users, with the busiest Parklets attracting the most non-patrons. *Parklet installation coincided with a substantial boost in sales*. The majority of host businesses were able to provide sales data for the one to two weeks preceding and following the installation of their adjacent Parklets2. Among them, the sales impact of the Parklets was substantial: following the introduction of the Parklets, sales were up by an average of 20% (the number of transactions increased by an average of 17% at the two businesses reporting that additional statistic). Several of the reporting businesses had been in operation for less than one year, so it was not possible to compare the year over year change in sales. Based on the typical increase in sales, a new Parklet is likely to pay for itself after just one to two seasons, particularly when multiple businesses benefit from its presence and can share in the cost -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://canadahelps.org/>

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Webinar Reminder: Talking Biking - Language that Defuses Bike Backlashes, Wed, June 3, 2-3pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 02 Jun '15

02 Jun '15

*Just a friendly reminder about tomorrow afternoon's webinar...* Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg invite you to join us for a local viewing of the APBP webinar: *Talking Biking - Language that Defuses Bike Backlashes (Protected Lanes #3).* The webinar viewing takes place in the EcoCentre boardroom (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) and will be followed by group discussion of local applications. If you can't join us, please note that this is a free webinar, so you can register to view it on your own <https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1992998232325245954> or watch the recording at a later date. It will be posted a few days later on apbp.org <http://www.apbp.org/?page=Free_Webinars>. RSVPs appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth ** * * * ** Talking Biking: Language that Defuses Bike Backlashes (Protected Lanes #3) *Wednesday, June 3rd, 2-3pm, EcoCentre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Boardroom* Words shape thoughts. Two skilled communicators from cities that have successfully overcome intense backlashes against bicycle infrastructure will share their tactics and experiences and take your questions. Featuring: - Cathy Tuttle, Executive Director of Seattle Neighborhood Greenways, and - Doug Gordon of BrooklynSpoke.com, in conversation with - PeopleForBikes staff writer Michael Andersen. -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://canadahelps.org/>

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WFP: We're No. 4 (in large Canadian cities) and that's OK (Jun2'15)
by Beth McKechnie 02 Jun '15

02 Jun '15

[Note reference to transit and cycling below, highlighted in yellow.] We're No. 4 (in large Canadian cities) and that's OK By: Kevin Rollason <http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/biographies/305362361.html> http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/were-no-4-in-large-canadian-cities-a… WINNIPEG may have slipped a few spots overall on MoneySense magazine's annual list of the best places to live in Canada, but in terms of big cities, it has gone up a notch in the rankings. And for organizations that promote Winnipeg, that is the key finding. MoneySense, a personal finance magazine, lists Winnipeg as the 24th-best place to live in Canada in 2015 -- a drop from 19th last year, and continuing the city's fall from 16th in 2013, and 10th in 2012. But in terms of the survey's 15 large Canadian cities, Winnipeg jumped up to fourth place from fifth, surpassing Edmonton, which plunged to 33rd from eighth overall in 2014. The centres ahead of Winnipeg are Ottawa, Quebec City and Calgary. Marina James, the CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg Inc., said she believes the large city ranking is the more relevant ranking for Winnipeg. "I'm so pleased we moved from fifth to fourth in big cities," James said Monday. "As an economic development agency we will promote that... I do believe any time we are in the top list it is very valuable for Winnipeg." The annual list puts small-sized Boucherville, Que., as number 1 of 209 Canadian cities to live in, edging out Ottawa. Brandon, in 26th place, is the next Manitoba entry after Winnipeg on the list, climbing up from 42nd. Other listed Manitoba communities are Steinbach at 149 (down from 85), Selkirk at 155 (the first time it has appeared on MoneySense's list), Portage la Prairie at 170 (down from 144) and Thompson at 177 (down from 121). Mark Brown, the author of the article, said Winnipeg mainly dropped down in the rankings because other cities popped up. "If another city has improvements, Winnipeg might be just as good as last year, but you can lose ground," he said. Brown said Winnipeg has several things going for it, including a population growth slightly higher than the national average, good access to health care and public transit, and ease in getting around on bicycle or foot. "You are 30th best for public transit -- that's positive," he said. "And two per cent of your population takes a bicycle to work -- that's really good and puts you 27th in the country." Brown said several Alberta cities have dropped because the massive influx in their populations in recent years have left them struggling to provide public services such as accessible health care. Loren Remillard of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce said in itself a drop to 24th place from 19th is not bad news. "Overall, this is more a case of small and medium-sized cities rocketing up the survey," Remillard said. "These aren't the communities Winnipeg is competing against for community investment... we didn't drop so much as smaller cities (went) up. "Being fourth bodes well for Winnipeg." kevin.rollason(a)freepress.mb.ca *Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 2, 2015 A2*

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Fwd: Pedi-Cab Drivers for The Forks
by Anders Swanson 01 Jun '15

01 Jun '15

I have done this before. It's a lot of fun. But my pedicab days are over. Passing along for anyone interested. I hear the $ can be pretty good. See below ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Darren Downey <Darren.Downey(a)tf-np.ca> Date: Mon, Jun 1, 2015 at 6:04 PM Subject: Pedi-Cab Drivers for The Forks To: "andersswanson(a)gmail.com" <andersswanson(a)gmail.com> Hi Anders, Please see the attached job opportunity at The Forks. You may know some bike enthusiastic people interested in this position. Please share with whomever. Thanks *Darren Downey, CAPP* *Manager, Business Operations and Parking* *The Forks North Portage* *259 - 393 Portage Avenue* *Winnipeg, MB R3B 3H6* *t: 204-987-4381 <204-987-4381>* *f: 204-942-5216 <204-942-5216>*

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Job posting: Pedicab Drivers for The Forks
by Beth McKechnie 01 Jun '15

01 Jun '15

Hi everyone, The Forks is hiring 4-6 weekend pedicab drivers (riders?) this summer. Please share widely. thanks, Beth -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://canadahelps.org/>

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WFP: The concrete canvas - A look at how the city paints Winnipeg's streets (May30'15)
by Beth McKechnie 01 Jun '15

01 Jun '15

THE CONCRETE CANVASA LOOK AT HOW THE CITY PAINTS WINNIPEG'S STREETS by Kristen Annable http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/special/featured/The-concrete-canvas-30547… The roads of Winnipeg take a beating every winter, from the layers of sand to the scrapping of snowplows. Then, when the snow melts away, an empty canvas is revealed, one where lane markings have been scrubbed clean. Figuring out where one lane ends and the next begins is Winnipeg’s own version of the video game *Frogger*. Eventually a team of city workers makes its way across Winnipeg and paints over the faded lines, creating a motorist’s masterpiece, where each lane, intersection and bike route is clearly marked. Then winter arrives, erasing their hard work. Come spring, they are back it again. The Free Press set out to examine this annual ritual, by meeting the crews behind the scenes and examining the reality of why Winnipeg’s lane markings disappear. And raising the question: is there not a better way? The short answer? Yes. The long answer? It’s a lot more complex. The nuts and bolts The city is responsible for painting about 1,000 kilometres of road and 1,061 intersections every year, usually once in the spring and again in the fall. Heavy-volume roads such as Main Street or Portage Avenue are often painted three times a year. Winnipeg’s disappearing lane markings are just another product of our harsh winter climate, explains the city’s superintendent of traffic services. Wes Delaney, who has devoted most of his professional life to organizing lane-painting in some capacity, probably understands the science that goes into painting roads and highways better than most Manitobans. "Our climate here sucks for painting. We have a short window to get all this done by November and then, of course, the snow hits and the sanders are out — that is the worst thing for the road paint: the sand," he says. "It is sandpaper grinding it off all winter long, until there is nothing left and then the plows come out and rip it all up." [image: The city paints more than 1,000 kilometres of road each year, going through 66,700 litres of paint.] <http://media.winnipegfreepress.com/images/30d8_road8.jpg> TYLER WALSH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The city paints more than 1,000 kilometres of road each year, going through 66,700 litres of paint. Also, the snow-clearing practice of scraping right to the concrete plays a role, he explains. Like most cities in North America, Winnipeg uses a quick-dry alkyd paint, and what it lacks in durability, it makes up for in low price. With the current technology and a crew of three workers, the city can do about 10 kilometres an hour, at a cost of about 38 cents a metre for the paint. It has an annual budget of about $1.1 million and goes through 66,700 litres of paint. The city tried to experiment with latex paint, which is slightly cheaper and what the province typically uses for its highways; however, the constant criss-crossing traffic created a mess of the roads, Delaney says. The city has one truck devoted to the task. It operates throughout the spring and summer, four days a week, once it gets warm enough for the paint to stick. Since May 4, city crews have been out in full force, beginning with priority routes such as high-traffic parts of Main Street or Pembina Highway and bridges such as Provencher. Next up are the Priority 2 roads, including Henderson Highway and the downtown core, before the rest of the city’s major and minor roads are tackled. It takes the crew until June just to finish the Priority 1 roads. Three times between May 4 and November, Winnipeggers will see the crew back at Main Street and other high-traffic stretches, painting them again and again, in hopes the lines will survive the winter. [image: A truck speeds down Regent Avenue, painting lane markers en route.] <http://media.winnipegfreepress.com/images/150506-STREET_PAINTER1_1920.jpg> PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A truck speeds down Regent Avenue, painting lane markers en route. The crew At first glance, it looks as if only one worker, driving a large truck with two paint guns attached, is responsible for marking Winnipeg’s streets. But it takes more precision and manpower than that. The driver is more like an air-traffic controller to the two "pilots" who are hidden in the back compartment and who make sure the solid lines are painted solid, the dotted lines are dotted and the yellow paint goes where it should go. They are the artists of the roads you drive every day. And some, such as Frank Warenko, have been around for a decade, repainting the same streets every year, sometimes two or three times. "Ten years too long — the grey is starting to come from onto the road and into the hair," the veteran lane-liner operator jokes, one eye focused on the live camera in front of him, letting him know what is ahead. Warenko eases through the job of painting a stretch of Pembina Highway, paint throttle in hand, listening through his headset as the crew chief warns him of shifts in the road up ahead. The truck uses a laser to line up with existing lanes, allowing the crew to put down a fresh new coat, with colour, thickness and length based partially on their institutional knowledge and partially on the warnings of the crew chief. Only a foot separates Warenko and his lane-painting partner Bruce Evans in the cramped back cab, where the large computer system takes up most of the space. <http://media.winnipegfreepress.com/images/150506-STREET_PAINTER2_1920.jpg> PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS "It is all automatic; we have three computers and everything is set by it and you adjust it by values and measures," Warenko says. The truck travels about 20 kilometres an hour, as Corey Bakker, the driver and crew chief, warns Warenko and Evans of upcoming changes, such as a switch from a dotted to solid line. Warenko then turns to his computer in front of him and chooses from multiple options — dotted, yellow, bus lanes, bike paths or double lines — with the turn of dial. Meanwhile, their live cameras can switch from viewing the road ahead or to looking behind at the completed work. Bakker has the lane painter’s bible, a detailed book that can tell him at a glance what colour to use, whether it is a regular lane, a bike lane or a specialty turning lane. It is his job to relay the information to the crews in the back, to make sure the concrete canvas is painted properly. Once it’s the proper road temperature — the paint guns won’t even fire until it’s in the range — and they have reached the right spot in the road, Bakker radios to Warenko that the magic is about to begin. "Now," Warenko says, partially to himself, but also to Evans and Bakker. The system is similar to the way the city’s sanding trucks work, but in this case, it monitors paint and bead levels. [image: Denis Bouchard paints road lines on University Crescent near the Investors Group Field.] <http://media.winnipegfreepress.com/images/150525_LINE_PAINTING013_193.jpg> BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Denis Bouchard paints road lines on University Crescent near the Investors Group Field. Time-delayed glass beads are released after the paint comes out. This gives Winnipeg’s roads their reflective quality — crucial for nighttime visibility. Winnipeg goes through more than 4,000 kilograms of these beads in a year. The paint truck is the only one the city owns and Warenko, Bakker, Evans and Delaney dream of the day the city invests in a second machine. At over $500,000, it is an expensive investment, but a wise one, Delaney says. "We could just get into the city and do a lot of places all at once," he says. "We could have one crew in one area, and one doing the other." A second truck would also cut down on the number of complaints he receives, because it would take less time after the spring melt to get the job done. It takes the crews about 24 weeks to complete the entire process, including eight to 10 weeks just to paint the city’s intersections. A better way? It costs the city $1,100 per kilometre of road it paints every year, a number that will continue to climb as Winnipeg grows. Some cities, such as Calgary and Saskatoon, are experimenting with more durable markings, tape and inlaid thermoplastic that will survive winter’s sand and snow to remain on roads for years at a time. However, the cost difference is astronomical, Delaney says. Saskatoon set out to find just how astronomical the difference is between painting annually versus choosing a durable option that can last five or 10 years. Using a 10-year estimate, the city determined it would cost at least double for a 10-year inlaid thermoplastic or five-year plastic durable marking, compared with painting each year. 'The big advantage is from a safety perspective. Drivers can clearly delineate between the lines, year-round.' — Angela Gardiner, on more durable line markings <http://www.twitter.com/share?text=%27The+big+advantage+is+from+a+safety+per…> Despite that, the city decided to double its durable-paint budget to $500,000 and is doing 27 kilometres of durable five-or 10-year marking this year, targeting its arterial roads. Angela Gardiner, manager of Saskatoon’s transportation branch, says it was not a hard decision — because you can’t put a price on increasing residents’ safety. "The big advantage is from a safety perspective. Drivers can clearly delineate between the lines, year-round," she says. "It is difficult to put a cost on a collision; there is a definitely a benefit to continue to expand." The city will be focusing on various roads and freeway entrances, but it must factor in the city’s road-repair plan, too, because it makes little sense to put a five-year marking on a road that is going to be torn up, she says. "It is a bit of a puzzle putting all this together," Gardiner says. The year-round safety benefits, compared with less disruption to traffic each year, all make switching away from paint an easy-sounding solution, other than the money factor, Delaney says. "It is in the millions, I have never even thought it out yet. But it would astronomical," he says. "If we had the budget to do that, we would definitely do it." It is not just the price per kilometre, but also the intense labour costs involved with either going with a tape or thermoplastic. It would require either several new, expensive trucks or having crews shut down entire sections of roads while they apply the tape manually. In a 2013 trial, a three-kilometre stretch of Pembina Highway south of Bishop Grandin Boulevard was lined with 3M tape, a durable marking that can last about five to seven years. It is holding up well, so far. However, it took about four days to lay down the tape, versus the 20 minutes it would take to paint the same section. The city plans to extend this stretch of 3M tape by a further one to three kilometres this summer. [image: Crews from the City of Winnipeg and Promark Line Painting attended a demonstration by Ennis-Flint, a traffic safety solutions company ,as they applied a green methyl methacrylate (MMA) or durable pavement marking to highlight the bicycle path along Pembina Highway.] <http://media.winnipegfreepress.com/images/150526-ROAD-PAINT-01_193196.jpg> MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Crews from the City of Winnipeg and Promark Line Painting attended a demonstration by Ennis-Flint, a traffic safety solutions company ,as they applied a green methyl methacrylate (MMA) or durable pavement marking to highlight the bicycle path along Pembina Highway. Also, about one kilometre on Pembina Highway, north of Bishop Grandin, is being tested with methyl methacrylate (MMA) paint, a more durable paint similar to the epoxy paint used by Calgary that lasts five years. This week, crews returned to Pembina Highway to further test using MMA by painting a 20-foot green bike path marker near Chancellor Drive. The cost? About $1,000. Eventually, the hope is to use the MMA paint on bicycle lanes downtown, Delaney says. The MMA paint is highly visible — about eight times the reflectiveness of regular paint — and provides added traction for bike tires. "We are going to test it for the summer to see how it pans out and holds up." If the budget allowed for it, Delaney says he would "love" to see heavily travelled roads such as Main Street outfitted with 3M tape. "It’d be great, especially because it is new concrete along Main Street, so the paint really doesn’t stick," Delaney says. "It is always there for you. That is what you want — it is there in spring, summer, winter." In cities where there is less snow, such as Hamilton, road paint tends to last longer, but officials there are still keeping an eye on a more practical solution. Kris Jacobson, Hamilton’s superintendent of traffic operations, says there is a knowledge gap when it comes to installing and maintaining durable markings in a cost-effective manner. "We are beginning to see that the costs are starting to come in line. (But) is the technology advancing to the point where it does make sense to do this? Pricing, expertise with the equipment is starting to get there," he says. "Probably in the next couple of years, we will see a shift and it will become more cost effective." A spokeswoman for CAA Manitoba says they are supportive of using more durable paint, so drivers are better able to "follow the rules of the road." "It could help cut down on driver frustration, confusion and preventable accidents," Liz Kulyk says. "This may mean a larger upfront investment, but if it means lines are visible all year and don’t have to be repainted as often, it’s something CAA would support." Coun. Janice Lukes, the chairwoman for the city’s public works committee, agrees the stretch of her ward on Pembina Highway looks great and is much better for motorists. However, the St. Norbert councillor believes Winnipeggers want to see their roads repaired before the city spends the money on durable paint. Once the city gets a better handle on its infrastructure deficit, she fully supports moving towards more durable markings on the arterial roads. "You give a person a choice: do you want a nicely painted road or do you want a road that actually functions? You are going to want a road that functions," she says. "Right now, where this city is at with infrastructure, I would hazard to say that having functional roads, not full of potholes, is more important than inlaid paint on the road." kristin.annable(a)freepress.mb.ca

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AT Webinar: Talking Biking - Language that Defuses Bike Backlashes, Wed, June 3, 2-3pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 29 May '15

29 May '15

Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg invite you to join us for a local viewing of the APBP webinar: *Talking Biking - Language that Defuses Bike Backlashes (Protected Lanes #3).* The webinar viewing takes place in the EcoCentre boardroom (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) and will be followed by group discussion of local applications. If you can't join us, please note that this is a free webinar, so you can register to view it on your own <https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1992998232325245954> or watch the recording at a later date. It will be posted a few days later on apbp.org <http://www.apbp.org/?page=Free_Webinars>. RSVPs appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth ** * * * ** Talking Biking: Language that Defuses Bike Backlashes (Protected Lanes #3) *Wednesday, June 3rd, 2-3pm, EcoCentre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Boardroom* Words shape thoughts. Two skilled communicators from cities that have successfully overcome intense backlashes against bicycle infrastructure will share their tactics and experiences and take your questions. Featuring: - Cathy Tuttle, Executive Director of Seattle Neighborhood Greenways, and - Doug Gordon of BrooklynSpoke.com, in conversation with - PeopleForBikes staff writer Michael Andersen.

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Active & Green: Commuting with kids, Hit the trails, Commuter Challenge
by Beth McKechnie 28 May '15

28 May '15

In case you haven't seen it, here's the latest issue of Active & Green. If you'd like to subscribe or see back issues, here you go <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/active-green/>. Or please share with your networks: http://eepurl.com/bnrUqX Tucked into one of the stories is a recent popular blog post on avoiding helmet hair <http://greenactioncentre.ca/living-green-living-well/oh-no-helmet-hair/>. thanks, Beth Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. <http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&id=936a2c1984…> *A better way to go* Want to improve commuter options at your workplace? We can help <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> . <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> ------------------------------ Are you registered? It's time for the Commuter Challenge! May 31 to June 6. Be sure that your workplace is registered and that you are signed up as an employee. There are awesome prizes <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> to be won. Visit our website for full details <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>. ------------------------------ *7 excuses not to ride your bike* There are many great reasons to try cycling to work <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. But you may have some concerns or barriers that seem insurmountable. Check out 7 common barriers <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> (and how to overcome them). ------------------------------ *Commuting with kids: Panel discussion* Do you want to try an active or green commute, but feel limited because you also need to transport your children? Join us for a lunchtime panel discussion during Bike Week on Commuting With Kids <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. Hear from folks who face the same hurdles as you, and get some hints and tips to incorporate active transportation into your lifestyle! Lunch hour, Thursday, June 18th, at the Millennium Library. Full details here <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>. ------------------------------ *Share your cycling concerns* Is there a stretch of your bike commute that you find is poorly designed or dangerous? Tell the Free Press about it. They are collecting data and mapping troublesome areas. Check it out <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> and contribute! ------------------------------ *Upcoming Events* *Bike to School Month & Clean Air Day* <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> May 4 - June 3 *Commuter Challenge* <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> May 31 - June 6 *Clean Air Day On The Bridge* <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> 7-9am, Wednesday, June 3 *Bike Week Winnipeg* <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> June 13 - 19 *Commuting With Kids: Panel* <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> Noon-1pm, Thursday, June 18 ------------------------------ Like what you read? Check out some back issues <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> . *Winnipeg Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies* The strategies, which await approval from City Council, will help guide development over the next two decades, making it easier and more comfortable for all ages and abilities to walk and bike in the city. Here are our Top 10 Reasons <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> for Council to officially adopt the plan! *Hit the trails running* Green Action Centre employees are once again taking part in the David Suzuki 30x30 Challenge <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. For the month of May, this challenge encourages individuals to get outdoors for 30 minutes every day. Follow #30x30Challenge, #natureiscalling and #greenaction on Twitter. Staffer Mel Marginet shares why she ditched the treadmill to hit the trails <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> ! *Carpool = sustainable too* If walking, cycling or taking the bus doesn't work for you, how about carpooling? It's easy to do but there are a few guidelines to help ensure you have a good experience. Check out our carpooling tips <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> [pdf] such as how to find a partner and setting expectations. Equally important is figuring out a fair cost sharing arrangement <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>. Not convinced it will work for you? Check out this story <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> of one car pool adventure that was so successful, the co-workers involved decided to buy a van together! *"Back door, please!"* If you've ridden the bus in Winnipeg, you've probably heard it. Possibly numerous times a ride. The panicked rider who can't open the back door and is afraid of being swept to the next stop. "Back door, please. BACK DOOR!" To help, we've put together this post <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>on all of the exiting options and ranked them from best to worst. Give it a read, and recommend it to new transit users. *See you on the bridge* Stop in at our tent on Wednesday, June 3, for Clean Air Day on the Bridge <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>! We'll be out on the Legislative grounds, just north of the Osborne Bridge. Bring your travel mug for some coffee, get some quick tune-ups done on your bike, and grab a tasty treat from Tall Grass Prairie <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. Yum. We'll be there from 7:00-9:00 AM, as part of Commuter Challenge <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> week. You are receiving this email because you are an Active & Green subscriber. Our mailing address is: Green Action Centre 3-303 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B4 Canada Copyright (C) 2015 Green Action Centre All rights reserved. Forward <http://us2.forward-to-friend1.com/forward?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&id=93…> this email to a friend Update your profile <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/profile?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a…> [image: Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp] <http://www.mailchimp.com/monkey-rewards/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm…> -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://canadahelps.org/>

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2 minutes of awesome
by Stacy Matwick 28 May '15

28 May '15

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Please Share
by David Pensato 28 May '15

28 May '15

http://bikeandeat.ca #BikeToOscarsWPG “The owner of Oscar’s Deli worries the protected bike lane will eat up precious parking spots his customers use when coming by for lunch.” According to the CBC, Larry Brown is concerned about a loss of business if Winnipeg beefs up its cycling infrastructure. We get it. Small businesses walk a fine line, and the restaurant business in particular works on really thin margins. And sure, the bike advocates and new urbanists can point to studies and experiences from other cities that claim he shouldn’t have anything to worry about, but at the end of the day, Larry Brown is the guy who has to make sure his staff stay employed. It’s Oscar’s Deli that stands to lose. We believe that biking is good for business, so let’s prove it. Let’s show Winnipeg’s small business owners how much can be gained by becoming more bike friendly. Let’s bike to Oscar’s and grab a bite. Not all at once— 2000 cyclists showing up at lunch wouldn’t be helpful. Here’s what we’d like to try instead. If you ride a bike, we’d like you to Bike to Oscar’s Deli in Winnipeg between May 31st and June 13 for breakfast or lunch with a few friends. Be sure to take a picture and share it on social media with #BikeToOscarsWPG. And when you get there, let them know that you love them, and be sure to tell everyone you know about it too. Seriously, there aren’t many places left in Winnipeg that can make a proper Ruben. We support Oscar’s, and we support good bike infrastructure. It’s not us and them. It’s us and us.

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TOMORROW: Join us for the Commuter Challenge Launch (there's food!)
by Beth McKechnie 27 May '15

27 May '15

We hope you will join us at The Forks tomorrow for the Commuter Challenge media launch. Refreshments will be served! *Time: 11:00-11:30am * *Date: Thursday, May 28th* *Where: The Forks (see map below)* No spoiler alert here: We encourage you to arrive on foot, by bike, transit or carpool. -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://canadahelps.org/>

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Full cost of your commute
by Beth McKechnie 27 May '15

27 May '15

An interesting data journalism project on the full cost of commuting from Metro Vancouver. Get the full details here <http://movingforward.discoursemedia.org/costofcommute/>.

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CBC: Winnipeg tries out bright green strips for safer bike lanes
by Shoni Madden 26 May '15

26 May '15

Great to see the city trying these green strips! http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/winnipeg-tries-out-bright-green-stri… The City of Winnipeg is trying out bright green "anti-skid" strips to boost visibility and safety along bicycle lanes. City crews were out on Tuesday applying the "durable pavement marking" to two tiny sections of the bike lane on Pembina Highway. The idea is to alert cyclists and motorists to high-risk areas where there might be a greater risk of collisions. But it doesn't come cheap. "We are applying this product to two small 14-metre (45-foot) sections," the city's communications officer, Lisa Fraser, said in an email. "Total cost about $2,000 for material and labour." The product applied by the crews is called Mmax green and it is undoubtedly eye-catching. It contains aluminum dioxide to make it anti-skid and is rolled on to create texture. The notion is that the material should last more than five years, making it more cost-effective than the taping now used on bike lanes. City council this month approved a 20-year plan to enhance pedestrian corridors and crossings and connect the city in a network of bike paths, but the plan was subject to further examination after objections, particularly from downtown entrepreneurs who fear the system will eat up rare parking spots near their establishments. - Office of Public Engagement to review $334M Winnipeg bike lane project <http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/office-of-public-engagement-to-revie…> The city says the current bicycle network encompasses nearly 400 km of facilities in various forms. equal to roughly 8% of Winnipeg's 3,100 km of streets and roads, and comparable in scope to other mid-sized cities in the Canadian prairies and U.S. midwest. [image: Inline image 1] -- *Shoni Madden* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3779 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://canadahelps.org/> * Please note that my regular office hours are Tuesdays/Thursdays. I will respond to your communication at this time.

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FW: PACM POSITION DESCRIPTION, please circulate
by Kristine Hayward 26 May '15

26 May '15

Please find attached the position description for the PACM coordinator position. Please share widely. Kristine Hayward Physical Activity Promotion/in motion Coordinator Winnipeg Regional Health Authority 2nd floor - 490 Hargrave Street Winnipeg, MB R3A 0X7 Cell 204 232-7546 Fax 204 940-2690 Email khayward(a)wrha.mb.ca Bike racks are available in front of the building at the corner of Hargrave and McDermot. Plan your Winnipeg Transit trip: http://winnipegtransit.com/en/navigo Follow Winnipeg in motion on Twitter - @wpginmotion Check out our videos on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/Winnipeginmotion This email and/or any documents in this transmission is intended for the addressee(s) only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and return the original. Ce courriel et tout document dans cette transmission est destiné à la personne ou aux personnes à qui il est adressé. Il peut contenir des informations privilégiées ou confidentielles. Toute utilisation, divulgation, distribution, copie, ou diffusion non autorisée est strictement défendue. Si vous n'êtes pas le destinataire de ce message, veuillez en informer l'expéditeur immédiatement et lui remettre l'original.

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PBIC hosting webinar on economic value of nonmotorized transportation
by Beth McKechnie 26 May '15

26 May '15

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Terry Zdan <tjzdan50(a)gmail.com> To: AT network <AT-Network(a)lists.umanitoba.ca>, Anders Swanson < andersswanson(a)gmail.com>, Mark Cohoe <mcohoe(a)casch.com> Date: Tue, 26 May 2015 07:51:58 -0500 Subject: webinar on economic value of nonmotorized transportation AnnouncementsPBIC hosting webinar on economic value of nonmotorized transportation PBIC will hold a webinar on June 4 on how to evaluate the economic benefits of investing in nonmotorized transportation. The webinar is based on FHWA's recent recport: "Evaluating the Economic Benefits of Nonmotorized Transportation," whie documents several economic benefits of these investments and provides a resources for communities who are interested in measuring the economic impact of future projects. You can access the report at: http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/data/library/details.cfm?id=4926. Presenters include Erica Simmons, with the John A Volpe Transportation Systems Center; Sean Quinn, from New York City's Department of Transportation; and Greg Lindsey, from the University of Minnesota. See http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/training/webinars_PBIC_LC_060415.cfm for more information on the webinar and how to register -- Terry Zdan 126 Duncan Norrie Drive Wpg MB R3P 2J9 CANADA tjzdan50(a)gmail.com <tjzdan(a)gmasil.com>

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#BikeToOscarsWPG
by David Pensato 25 May '15

25 May '15

I threw an idea out on Twitter today suggesting that Winnipeg’s cyclists might make a concerted effort to frequent Oscar’s Deli in the next two weeks (partly here: https://twitter.com/pensato/status/601736342511357952 and here: https://twitter.com/pensato/status/601758737448075264). There seems to be some appetite (pardon the pun) to this approach. I think it would serve two purposes: Creatively reinforce the message that accommodating cyclists is good for business. Create a sense of goodwill and (2b?) present the bike-commuter community as the opposite of an angry, belligerent mob. For it to work, we would need some (loose) planning and some public promotion. I don’t think it would take much more than spreading the hashtag above and some mechanism for coordination of (self-organized) groups of cyclists together with a way of communicating that they have come to eat as goodwill ambassadors. If there’s enough interest, I’d be happy to work with one or two people on making this work. So. Are you interested? Anyone willing to help if there is enough interest?

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Kevin Nixon's Retirement Celebration
by Beth McKechnie 25 May '15

25 May '15

Join us to celebrate Kevin Nixon's retirement as AT Coordinator for the City of Winnipeg. Come say thanks to Kevin for his dedicated commitment over the past 8 years to improve walking and cycling in Winnipeg. hope to see you there! Beth -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://canadahelps.org/>

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Sunday street closure signs & letter to residents
by Beth McKechnie 25 May '15

25 May '15

For interest, here are samples of the signage from Scotia Street. Notably, those (irritating) signs reminding cyclists that motorists have the right to use the street have been removed in place of these signs. Also attached is the letter that was sent to residents regarding the Sunday street closures. cheers, Beth -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://canadahelps.org/>

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WFP: Sunday drivers get warning (May25'15) plus photos & letter to residents
by Beth McKechnie 25 May '15

25 May '15

Sunday drivers get warningIn future, tickets will be issued to motorists violating ban By: Jessica Botelho-Urbanski http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/sunday-drivers-get-warning-304884591… Motorists on four Winnipeg streets got off with verbal warnings Sunday, but hefty fines loom for those who drive too far on them on restricted days. A traffic bylaw introduced by the city last August will result in more action in the coming weeks as police begin to ticket those who drive more than one block on Wellington Crescent, Lyndale Drive, Wolseley Avenue and Scotia Street on Sundays and holidays. >From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., those streets are meant to be enjoyed by cyclists and pedestrians with reduced traffic, Const. Jason Michalyshen said Sunday. The dates are fixed, with the restrictions occurring annually from the Sunday preceding Victoria Day to Thanksgiving, including all Sundays and statutory holidays between those dates, regardless of weather. Drivers face a fine of $190.80 for driving more than the allotted one block through the bike routes. There were previously barricades up on the four streets, reminding drivers that roadways were for "local traffic only" on Sundays and holidays. The barricades were removed this year and replaced with white signs at intersections, which read, "Motor vehicle travel limited to one block, 8:00-20:00, Sundays and holidays." "I think over time there was a lot of confusion as to what those barricades meant," Michalyshen said. "We have to realize there are people who live in this community and who have to gain access to their homes and so forth. But also, there are roadways like Wellington Crescent, Lyndale, Wolseley and Scotia, that are streets that people really like to enjoy on those Sundays and holidays, with reduced traffic and a little bit more tranquillity." Wellington Crescent was teeming with cyclists, joggers and pedestrians Sunday as police began their soft launch of the new bylaw program. Two officers stopped nearly 300 vehicles driving down Wellington at Oxford Street, alerting them to the Sunday road rules still in place, regardless of the lack of barricades. All got off with a verbal warning. Chris Frayer was stopped by the traffic unit Sunday and said he didn't know there were new signs replacing the barricades. "I don't know what the problem would be with barricades going up, honestly. It's a pretty profound reminder that you're not supposed to be doing this," he said. Frayer said he is in favour of the Sunday and holiday street closures, but could see police's traffic ticketing being misinterpreted. "They're just going to get criticized as a cash grab, too, when they start cracking down on it, like another revenue generator," Frayer said. "They have to really balance the public message." Laura Lazo and John Markham were walking their dog on Wellington Crescent when they saw police stopping vehicles. They've lived on Montrose Street for 15 years and don't usually see this much action. "Sometimes there will be someone going maybe more than a block, but it's really slow, so it's not a problem. But every now and then, there's someone who's really cruising down," Markham said. "I remember one time somebody swearing at me because I was riding my bike on a Sunday on the street," Lazo said. "For me, this (bylaw) is an asset for Winnipeg." Not having the barricades in place to warn drivers of wrongdoing will take some getting used to, police and pedestrians realize. But having a clear-cut bylaw in place will help police respond to infractions fairly, said Michalyshen. "By getting rid of that ambiguity, we have a little more teeth with respect to what we can do with that particular driver," said Michalyshen. "Every situation is different, but again, this isn't about ticketing. This isn't about handing out a (hand) full of tickets. It's about changing behaviours." *Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition May 25, 2015 0*

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WFP: Plan would redefine downtown - Pedestrians and cyclists key to urban renewal (May25'15)
by Beth McKechnie 25 May '15

25 May '15

Plan would redefine downtownPedestrians and cyclists key to urban renewal On Architecture By: Brent Bellamy <http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/128193938.html> http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/plan-would-redefine-dow… Most mid-sized North American cities have struggled to maintain a healthy downtown retail market. Winnipeg is no different. Shops that once lined Portage Avenue have been replaced by government offices and for lease signs. Longtime anchors such as Eaton's and Holt Renfrew are now only a memory and The Bay is withering away like a fruit clinging to a branch in late autumn. The city's sprawling suburbs are served by big-box stores floating in oceans of asphalt parking. The shape of the city has changed and so have our shopping habits. In the late 1980s, Portage Place mall was constructed as a last-ditch effort to out suburb the suburbs, but it has struggled almost since the day it opened. Even with downtown's large surface parking lots and 35,000 stalls, it is unlikely there will ever be enough parking to compete with the convenience of suburban shopping. Portage Place has demonstrated that even connected to a large, heated parkade, downtown retail struggles as a commuter destination. The perception remains, however, that urban restaurants, services and retailers must cater to drive-up customers to be successful. This issue came into the spotlight two weeks ago as Winnipeg's new bike-and-pedestrian strategy was being presented to city council. Responding to the proposed plan, Coun. Russ Wyatt (Transcona) wrote a letter to downtown business owners, warning them 13 new protected bike lanes to be built over the next 20 years may lead to a loss of some of the city's 2,000 on-street parking stalls. While this is likely true, the notion the success of downtown retail is tied to the availability of parking is one that will likely have to change if businesses are to find long-term success. Almost exclusively, North American cities with prosperous retail cores are those with a dense residential neighbourhood at their centre. One of the few proven models to establish urban commercial viability is to create an active, diverse, pedestrian-oriented neighbourhood that supports the shops as a local market and focuses on growing foot traffic above commuter vehicle traffic. Understanding this and other benefits of a strong downtown population has led to a concentrated effort to attract new residents to Winnipeg's city centre over the last decade. Many excellent initiatives have found success, with 1,800 new residential units being built in that time and 1,650 more currently under construction or being planned. With 17,000 residents, there are more people living downtown today than ever. Despite these gains, almost all of those residential units has been built with government help, through residential development and heritage grants or tax-increment financing programs. To maintain growth in the downtown, the economics of real estate development must be self-supporting. Lower demand means rental and condominium sale prices do not yet match higher construction costs, requiring government assistance to bridge the financial gap. To increase market demand and balance the development equation, the focus of urban renewal must not only concentrate on increasing the population, but on building a neighbourhood that offers the amenities that make urban living a unique and attractive option. The fundamental quality of life incentive to attract urban residents is the ability to connect to amenities such as school or work, restaurants, grocery stores, shopping and services, without the use of a vehicle. Transforming downtown into a walkable city centre that focuses on the pedestrian and cyclist experience first is the most important investment Winnipeg can make to promote an urban lifestyle different from the suburbs. It is an important concept in the creation of a downtown community with a self-sustaining real estate market that will in turn support a prosperous central retail sector. The bike-and-pedestrian strategy will directly respond to this idea by vastly improving Winnipeg's non-vehicular mobility downtown. It will build strong bridges between the islands of existing residential development in the city centre, creating a cohesive multi-modal circulation network that allows residents to easily access amenities across the core area. Few initiatives could be more transformational for the quality of urban living in Winnipeg than implementing a plan to prioritize the pedestrian and cycling experience. The proposed bicycle network is based on a city-wide 'hub and spoke' concept. Almost 80 kilometres of protected bicycle lanes will establish a series of radial arteries along key corridors that connect the central city to a comprehensive set of neighbourhood greenways and off-street paths. The entire system comes with a projected cost similar to that of a single roadway project such as building an underpass on Waverley Street or the widening of Kenaston Boulevard. The vast network of protected bike lanes planned for downtown would cost only $7 million if implemented today. Winnipeg is not alone in fearing the loss of on-street parking and it's affect on downtown business. The debate happens in almost every city when bike-lane plans first emerge. Winnipeg has the advantage of being able to learn from those who have already implemented such plans. From Portland to Vancouver, Toronto, Seattle, Fort Worth, Texas, and Memphis, the economic impact has been studied over and over again. Each time, a similar conclusion is reached: Losing parking to bike lanes has little negative impact on local business and in many cases, improves it. Studies found cyclists spend more than drivers and visit more often. The addition of bike lanes to a street also has a calming effect on traffic, which attracts even more people. It is often found downtown streets with bike lanes become the most successful commercial corridors, commanding the highest property values. After 60 years of designing a city overwhelmingly for the needs of the automobile, the progressive ideas in the bike-and-pedestrian strategy will finally begin to put people first. It is a visionary plan that, if implemented, would redefine the city and instantly make Winnipeg an active-transportation leader in North America. The plan will unify Winnipeg's large and disconnected city centre, improve the quality of life for downtown residents and be a strong catalyst in the establishment of a connected, self-sufficient urban community that is a permanent and local pedestrian market for the businesses that will inevitably lose the parking-convenience war against their suburban competition. Brent Bellamy is senior design architect for Number Ten Architectural Group. bbellamy(a)numberten.com *Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition May 25, 2015 B4*

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WFP: 'Use it or lose it' money rule hurts city - cycling and pedestrian infrastructure (May23'15)
by Beth McKechnie 25 May '15

25 May '15

‘Use it or lose it’ money rule hurts city By: Bartley Kives <http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/33841564.html> http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/Use-it-or-lose-it-money… To opponents of new downtown bike lanes, any expansion of Winnipeg’s cycling and pedestrian infrastructure will push cars off the road, force toddlers to work in salt mines and hasten the coming of the Apocalypse to the point where it’d be unwise to purchase T-bills that mature in more than 90 days. OK, so maybe no one’s actually talking about child slavery or the end of the world, but the hyperbolic chatter about the supposed evils of bike lanes is getting tough to tolerate. This is not just because most North American cities are becoming more like their European counterparts in trying to make movement easier for commuter cyclists. It’s also not just because of the positive economic results of improving pedestrian streetscapes in built-up urban areas. Rather, anti-bike baloney is tough to take because the creation of new bicycle lanes does little to hinder motorists, at least where parking-protected bike lanes are concerned. When the City of Winnipeg moved over a lane of parking on Sherbrook Street in West Broadway, there was initial skepticism. The resulting improvement to the streetscape, however, turned out to be dramatic, as pedestrians now wait for buses on the new transit islands and business has thrived on both side of the road. This demonstrates how people can be drawn to streets designed for human beings as well as cars. The motor-vehicle capacity of Sherbrook Street was barely affected. Now, the city has drawn up plans to create more parking-protected lanes on inner-city streets. These are cheaper and easier to create than building bike lanes that are completely separate from roads. So where, you may ask, is the opposition coming from? The answer lies with previous city mistakes when it comes to creating cycling infrastructure. Opponents of commuter cycling are justified in criticizing the way the city rolled out a $21-million infrastructure upgrade in 2010, when there wasn’t enough time or city staff to properly plan, tender and build an unprecedented package of new lanes for cyclists and pedestrians. The problem at the time, however, had nothing to do with the imagined evils of cycling infrastructure. Rather, it had everything to do with the flawed federal pot of infrastructure money known as the Building Canada Fund. In theory, money from this kitty flows when three levels of government — Ottawa, the province and the city — all agree on the importance of a project. In reality, Ottawa shows up with a pile of money and tells the city and the province they can use it or lose it. As a result, projects go ahead before they’re ready, as panicky municipal politicians hastily sign on the dotted line in fear of losing out on the latest morsel of federal money. The 2010 upgrade turned out to be a mess because the city didn’t have the capacity to implement it. There were no qualified staff on hand because of a previous decision to eliminate dozens of middle managers for the ironic sake of finding efficiencies. But hey, when Ottawa offers money, you take it, right? As a recent scathing audit demonstrated, a similar stupidity was at work with Waverley West arterial roads, which had an original price tag of $55 million. After the project ballooned to $70 million, council demanded to know why. Auditors said the original estimate was so rough, there was no way the city could have predicted the final cost and got lucky it only rose to $70 million. Why would the city proceed with a project without knowing what it would cost? The answer, again, is the Building Canada Fund. Ottawa came to the city looking for a "shovel-ready" project. The Waverley West plan, nowhere near shovel-ready, was identified in vote-rich southwest Winnipeg. So ahead it went, in a format where the city wound up paying for all of the additional costs because the deal locked in the federal and provincial contributions at the outset. Following the Waverley West cost overrun, few Winnipeggers are demanding an end to the expansion of the city’s regional road network. It’s telling that a small but vocal anti-bike contingent wants to put the brakes on new bike lanes and that’s about it. What all Winnipeggers should demand is more freedom for the city to build whatever it needs to build, free of provincial and federal interference. Roads aren’t evil and bike lanes aren’t evil. Politicians who try to use infrastructure money to buy votes are the villains here. bartley.kives(a)freepress.mb.ca

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