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Summer Photo Contest (Please distribute widely)
by Shoni Litinsky 06 Aug '13

06 Aug '13

[image: Inline images 3] Summer is here and with it comes the fun of commuting outdoors! Peg City Car Co-op wants to see photos of your summer commute featuring themes of biking, walking, and busing. It's easy. Check out our Facebook page here <http://a.pgtb.me/7q2dNs> to enter the contest. Enter your photo and get your friends to vote for it. Photos with the most votes will win a MEC gift certificate each week! Enter as many photos as you like to win multiple prizes! Our grand prizes will be awarded to three lucky finalists including: 1. One years worth of Driving Credit with Peg City Car Co-op 2. One $500 Custom Bike from Natural Cycle 3. One Winnipeg Transit Half-Year Bus Pass Grand Prize winners will be chosen by our stellar Jury Panel that boast local artists, Josh Ruth (Art City), Natalie Baird, Lucas Pauls (The Distillery), and Shawna Dempsey. We can't wait to see your snapshots! Peg City Car Co-op -- Emma Bonnemaison *Marketing Coordinator * emma(a)pegcitycarcoop.ca +1.778.891.0337 <http://pegcitycarcoop.ca/> -- *Shoni Litinsky* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>

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G&M: Vancouver's bike lanes have made it a city to watch (Aug2'13)
by Beth McKechnie 04 Aug '13

04 Aug '13

Vancouver’s bike lanes have made it a city to watch FRANCES BULA VANCOUVER — Special to The Globe and Mail Published Friday, Aug. 02 2013 http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/why-vancouvers-bike-la… To many cities, building bike lanes isn’t about serving a small slice of the hipster set. It’s about showing that the city is planning for a different, more sustainable transportation future and serving an increasingly important demographic. City cycling is no fad, say municipal officials and cycling experts around the continent: It’s here to stay and should be embraced. “All of us, in every city around North America, because of demographic forces, are really seeing an increase in cycling,” says Andrew Stober, chief of staff for the mayor’s office on transportation in Philadelphia. “This is not a case of ‘Build it and they will come.’ We are seeing that we need to build something because they’re already here.’” As cities get more dense, more people are coming to the conclusion that a bicycle is often the most efficient and cheapest way to travel within the five-kilometre radius where they increasingly spend most of their time. And businesses, looking around the globe at where to locate, factor in the effort that cities are making to provide for their potential bike-riding employees. Philadelphia recently got shortlisted as a new location for a major brewery’s East Coast base because of its robust bike-route network. As a result, Mr. Stober and many other city officials say they are constantly scanning the horizon to see what other cities are doing. One of the places they always look: Vancouver. Vancouver doesn’t have the biggest cycling network. Montreal has far more concrete barrier-protected lanes; New York has more miles of bike routes overall. It doesn’t have the highest percentage of cycle trips (as opposed to walking, driving and taking transit). Copenhagen, with 40 per cent, and even Berlin, with 15 per cent of trips by bicycle, far outstrip Vancouver, which is currently closing in on 5 per cent. It doesn’t have a bike-share program yet, like other cities aggressively pushing cycling. But Vancouver was one of the first cities in North America to create a low-cost, low-impact network by creating bikeways along residential streets with relatively light traffic volumes – a system that Portland, Ore., copied. That system has helped push cycling trips in some parts of the city – Commercial Drive, Kitsilano – to the 12- to 15-per-cent range. “It really has led the way in North American in local-street bikeways,” says John Pucher, a Rutgers University urban planning professor and author of *City Cycling*. But in the last five years, the city has moved into a tougher phase: increasing barrier-separated lanes and other route improvements that visibly take space away from cars. It’s the kind of cycling infrastructure that Mr. Pucher and other researchers say is the safest and the type most likely to encourage regular people, especially women, to try cycling. Vancouver’s efforts have meant fights with residents, downtown businesses, and political opponents who accuse Mayor Gregor Robertson and his Vision Vancouver councillors of catering to the city’s tiny minority of cyclists. This week, city council’s decision to approve a new section of bikeway alongside some of the city’s most expensive properties – and some of its most vehemently opposed residents – was watched carefully across the continent. “They’re one of the leaders,” says Laura Spanjian, sustainability director for the City of Houston, which has built 300 miles of bikeways recently and introduced a small but enthusiastically welcomed bike-share program this spring. “That huge controversy they had … it’s kind of fantastic for the country. It shows that even when there’s opposition, if you have strong leadership, you can move ahead and show the success later. It helps other cities when you have wins like this.” Vancouver is one of the models for smaller or more car-oriented cities that have decided unilaterally to create a cycling culture. Amsterdam and Copenhagen, the current superstars among cycling cities, are admired, but not always seen as examples that can be emulated. Amsterdam, where 57 per cent of all trips are done by bicycle, has had a strong cycling culture since the bicycle was invented. Its city governments over the years have mostly strengthened that. Copenhagen, which has reached the 40-per-cent mark for cycling trips, made more of a leap, but it had a long history of building separated bike lanes – called “cycle tracks” by the experts – in its central city. As well, like many European cities, its public spaces were never taken over by the car to the extent that North America’s were when cars began fighting for and winning dominance on the roads over pedestrians and streetcars in the 1920s and ’30s. But Vancouver, and other cities like New York, Chicago, Berlin, Seville, Barcelona, Montreal, and Portland that have had to fight to create a cycling culture, are the ones showing the way to cities anxious to transform transportation in their metropolises. Paris and London mayors may have embraced the bicycle, but they didn’t have the problems of New York – taxi drivers, truckers and rich people who fought against bike lanes. With the fierce Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan leading the way since 2007, New York has added nearly 350 miles of on-street bike lanes to its city, including 25 miles of protected lanes, for a total of about 850 miles. It has shut down some streets entirely for car-free days on occasion. But not without some serious skirmishing. Wealthy residents in the Park Slope area of Brooklyn sued over one section of proposed bike lane – a case the city won. Complaints were also in full flood for the bike-share system, introduced this spring, from worries that the docking stations were taking up too much sidewalk space to griping about the technical problems with the stations. But something is working. Statistics show the number of bike riders crossing into Manhattan during a average 12-hour period doubled from 16,000 to 32,000 between 2005 and 2012, a number that is likely to be up again once the 2013 numbers are counted. “New York City’s streets are now the safest they’ve been, with the last five years recording the fewest traffic fatalities since records were first kept in 1910,” adds Department of Transportation spokesman Scott Gastel. As Vancouverites were lining up pro and con to argue about the city’s new Seaside Greenway last week, a University of B.C. researcher pointed out that Vancouver – contrary to public opinion – has been rather timid in its push for separated bike lanes. “Since 2009, Vancouver has added six kilometres of separated bike lanes,” Kay Teschk says. “Seville has built 120 kilometres of separated bike lanes in the same five-year period.” Mr. Pucher, of Rutgers University, calls Seville the most dramatic example of a complete turnaround: Before the city started its cycling improvements, only about 0.5 per cent of all trips were made by bicycle. Now, about 6.5 per cent of trips are bike trips, about 85,000 a day. “Seville is the most interesting because it started with zero tradition of daily, utilitarian cycling,” Mr. Pucher says. That was in keeping with elsewhere in Spain, especially cities like Madrid, where a cyclist on a regular street is a rare sight. Some German cities, like Hamburg and Munich, have been good cycling cities for decades. Hamburg had separated bike lanes, complete with little traffic lights that showed green and red bicycles, back in the 1970s. Not Berlin. “Berlin has turned to it partially because of financial issues,” says Ralph Buehler, an urban affairs professor at Virginia Tech and co-author of *City Cycling*. The city was struggling economically after re-unification. “It found out that building bike infrastructure is much cheaper than highway interchanges or even subways.” Mr. Buehler says. Between 1990 and 2008, the number of cycling trips doubled, accounting by the end of that period for 13 per cent of all trips. The figure is now up to 15 per cent (and as high as 25 in some neighbourhoods), as cyclists now have access to about 620 kilometres of bike lanes. Cycling experts gripe about some aspects of the Berlin system – that it’s inconsistent, with riders sometimes in protected bike lanes, sometimes on the sidewalk, and sometimes on roads with arrows. The group Copenhagenize Design, which rates cities on the cycling facilities, also notes that Berlin is still doing contradictory things, like pouring money into projects for cars. *Related stories*: Bike route approved for Vancouver’s western beaches following passionate debate <http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/vancouver-to-get-bikew…> Vancouver’s bike lanes: Gordon Price on when to ignore the opposition <http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/vancouvers-bike-lanes-…>

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WFP: A little love at the landfill - WRENCH sets out to salvage 900 discarded bikes (Aug.4'13)
by Beth McKechnie 04 Aug '13

04 Aug '13

A little love AT THE LANDFILL WRENCH sets out to salvage 900 discarded bikes By: Bill Redekop http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/a-little-love-at-the-landfill-218259… Pat Krawec once found a $5,000 Italian, handmade bicycle at the Brady Road Landfill, but that's not what drives his passion for repairing and salvaging discarded bikes. "It's just such a waste" said Krawec, executive director of the WRENCH (Winnipeg Repair, Education and Cycling Hub), a local group that is to bicycles what Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was to the 1970s. "We're Winnipeggers. We're thrifty. It's a moral outrage. There's still lots of life left in these bikes," said Krawec. WRENCH held its annual version of the push, pull and drag sale on Saturday but at no charge. Volunteers from Winnipeg's half-dozen community bike shops came by to save and strip parts from bicycles that wound up in the Brady Road Landfill. About 900 bikes were being picked over Saturday, including tricycles, kids bikes, 10-speeds, mountain bikes, trick bikes and even exercise bikes. "The amount of used bikes being thrown away is crazy, and it shows no sign of slowing down," said Krawec. The organization puts a positive spin into the old saying "throw a wrench" into something, which usually means bungling things up. Here, WRENCH fixes the situation. But WRENCH has a larger mission than to just repair bikes. It's more like bicycle maintenance as a "solution" to many of society's ills. Bikes are exercise, fresh air, environmentally friendly, and bicycling helps clear your head. Repairing bikes makes for sustainable cycling. The main component to the non-profit WRENCH is to educate the public to do its own bicycle maintenance. It runs programs for everyone from prison inmates to special-needs people to inner-city kids. WRENCH also runs Build-a-Bike programs for schools and community centres. "One reason the programs work so well is that by working on bicycles, you can get outside yourself. People learn to actually fix stuff," said Krawec. It receives donations from some heavy hitters including the Richardson Foundation and Winnipeg Foundation, and government grants from the Neighbourhoods Alive and waste-reduction programs. Volunteer-run community bike shops that WRENCH assists include The Big Dump, The Bike Dungeon and Bike Lab. "Most of these bikes just need a little love," said Robin Ellis, volunteer co-ordinator for WRENCH, surveying the tangle of bikes at the Brady Road Landfill. Bike culture is growing, said Ellis. For example, she plays in a bike polo league. "It's like hockey on bikes with mallets." It's played on indoor rinks, with a street hockey ball and mallets that are typically ski poles with PVC piping taped to the end. If a player puts a foot down, they have to retreat to an area and touch the boards. One might have predicted everyone at WRENCH pedals to work, as staff don't even own cars. "A lot of people who come to our shops depend on bikes for their transportation," Ellis said. More information is at wrench.ca. bill.redekop(a)freepress.mb.ca *Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition August 4, 2013 A4*

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Fwd: Help divert bikes from the landfill at Empty the Fill - THIS SATURDAY!
by Mark Cohoe 31 Jul '13

31 Jul '13

Help divert bikes from our land fills to our community bike shops by volunteering with the WRENCH this weekend! Mark -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Help divert bikes from the landfill at Empty the Fill - THIS SATURDAY! Date: Wed, 31 Jul 2013 15:10:56 -0500 From: Robin Ellis <volunteer(a)thewrench.ca> To: Robin Ellis <wrenchvolunteer(a)gmail.com> Inline image 1 Hey Folks! This Saturday (August 3rd) is the annual massive landfill diversion blitz: EMPTY THE FILL! We will be heading out to the Brady Road Landfill bicycle compound to STRIP, SORT, STACK and SCRAP bikes to fill the racks and shelves of community bike shops in Winnipeg. Come see what's in our waste stream as we turn garbage into the stuff of dreams! We can use as many volunteers as possible, and no prior bicycle knowledge is necessary! It would also be great to get some more folks with vehicles to transport people, parts or bikes. The WRENCH will be providing bike stands and tools, food, water, and shade for everyone who comes to help out. Be sure to sport sturdy closed toed footwear, a hat, sunscreen, rugged clothing, and a water bottle. Rides will be meeting at the bike dump at 10 am on Saturday morning. Feel free to email/call for more info, and please RSVP via email or phone so we know how many people to expect. Thanks! See you then! -- *Robin Ellis*, Volunteer Coordinator The Winnipeg Repair Education and Cycling Hub 1057 Logan Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3E 3N8 www.thewrench.ca <http://www.thewrench.ca/> 204.296.3389

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Fwd: Cognitive performance is better in girls whose walk to school lasts more than 15 minutes
by Jackie Avent (ASRTS) 31 Jul '13

31 Jul '13

Cognitive Performance Is Better in Girls Whose Walk to School Lasts More Than 15 Minutes Published: July 24, 2013 By University of Granada<http://www.sciencenewsline.com/source/University+of+Granada> http://www.sciencenewsline.com/articles/2013072415030021.html *Cognitive performance of adolescent girls who walk to school is better than that of girls who travel by bus or car. Moreover, cognitive performance is also better in girls who take more than 15 minutes than in those who live closer and have a shorter walk to school.* These are some of the conclusions of a study published in *Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine*. The results come from findings of the nationwide AVENA (Food and Assessment of the NutritionalStatus of Spanish Adolescents) study, in which the University of Granada has participated together with the Autonomous University of Madrid, University of Zaragoza and the Spanish National Research Council in Madrid. They constitute the first international study that associates mode of commuting to school and cognitive performance. The authors analysed a sample of 1700 boys and girls aged between 13 and 18 years (808 boys and 892 girls) in five Spanish cities (Granada, Madrid, Murcia, Santander and Zaragoza). They studied variables of mode of commuting to school, cognitive performance, anthropometrics—like body mass index and percentage of overweight and obesity—and participants' extracurricular physical activity. They also gathered data on their families' socio-economic status using the mother's level of educational achievement (primary school, secondary school or university) and the type of school (state-funded or private) that participants attended. Information on mode of commuting to school came from a question asking participants how they usually travelled to school and giving the following response options: on foot, by bicycle, car, bus or subway, motorcycle, and others. They were also asked how long the journey to school took them. Cognitive performance was measured by applying the Spanish version of an educational ability test. Participants completed this standardized test that measures intelligence and the individual's basic ability for learning. The test assesses command of language, speed in performing mathematical operations, and reasoning. In adolescence, the plasticity of the brain is greatest. The researchers affirm that, during adolescence, "the plasticity of the brain is greater than at any other time of life, which makes it the opportune period to stimulate cognitive function". However, paradoxically, adolescence is the time of life that sees the greatest decline in physical activity, and this is greater in girls. Therefore, the authors of the study think that "inactive adolescents could be missing out on a very important stimulus to improve their learning and cognitive performance". "Commuting to school on foot is a healthy daily habit, which contributes to keeping the adolescent active during the rest of the day and encourages them to participate in physical and sports activities. This boosts the expenditure of energy and, all in all, leads to a better state of health", say Palma Chillón, researcher in the Department of Physical and Sports Education of the University of Granada, and David Martínez-Gómez, of the Department of Physical and Sports Education and Human Movement (Faculty of Teacher Training and Education) of the Autonomous University of Madrid, who have both participated in the study.

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Fwd: PACM Contract position
by Jackie Avent (ASRTS) 31 Jul '13

31 Jul '13

Forwarded on behalf of PACM: Enclosed is the PACM contract position information. Please circulate to candidates who you feel may be suitable. ** ** ** ** ** Casie Nishi**** Executive Director**** Wellness Institute at Seven Oaks General Hospital **** 1075 Leila Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2P 2W7**** Phone: (204) 632-3901 Fax: (204) 697-2412**** Email: cnishi(a)sogh.mb.ca**** www.wellnessinstitute.ca**** ** ** ** ** ** ** This email and/or any documents in this transmission is intended for the addressee(s) only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and return the original. Ce courriel et tout document dans cette transmission est destiné à la personne ou aux personnes à qui il est adressé. Il peut contenir des informations privilégiées ou confidentielles. Toute utilisation, divulgation, distribution, copie, ou diffusion non autorisée est strictement défendue. Si vous n'êtes pas le destinataire de ce message, veuillez en informer l'expéditeur immédiatement et lui remettre l'original.

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News flash for drivers: Cyclists are helping subsidize your ride
by Beth McKechnie 31 Jul '13

31 Jul '13

News flash for drivers: Cyclists are helping subsidize your ride *Local roads and bike lanes are almost exclusively paid for by local property taxes, not fuel taxes* By Peter Ladner Tue Jul 30, 2013 12:01am PST http://www.biv.com/article/20130730/BIV0319/307309939/-1/BIV/news-flash-for… As the “war on bikes” continues in my little corner of our sun-drenched paradise, I’ve been trying to understand the road rage that’s generated every time space for cars is shifted to other uses. Some of it is fear borne out of fertile imaginings of disasters unforeseen by professional traffic engineers. It’s true, the engineers have been wrong before. They initially predicted massive lineups from the east and west to get onto the south end of the Burrard Bridge if a bike lane was put in on the bridge. Those turned out to be only minor delays in one direction at peak travel times. Business organizations recoil at the uncertainties by assuming harm for businesses if a bike lane is put in. Yet in New York City, retail sales along new bike routes jumped by 49% compared with 3% overall. On the Hornby bike route, retail vacancies went down from 10% to 2% after the bike lane was installed. So, yes, businesses along Cornwall should be concerned about a new bike route along York Street – they’ll lose bicycle-riding customers who no longer go by their premises. In a week when the Transport for London reported that 24% of all vehicles in the morning rush in London are now bicycles, many people refuse to believe that cycling is a viable alternative to the automobile, because it wouldn’t work for them. Fine, it doesn’t have to, but it does work for a lot of people – and will work for a lot more when they can do it safely in a protected lane. But the biggest gagging point for many motorists is that they think cyclists are getting a free ride on someone else’s dime. The rude, arrogant and law-breaking attitude of some cyclists only adds to this resentment. Oddly, drivers who endanger lives by breaking the speed limit rarely provoke the same reaction. In fact, the opposite is true. Cyclists subsidize car drivers. Local roads and bike lanes are almost exclusively paid for by local property taxes, not fuel taxes. Yes, some city hall revenue comes from parking fees, but those fees don’t begin to cover the opportunity and maintenance costs of the 30% of the city’s land base that is used for cars, especially for “free” on-street parking. The amount of roadway in Vancouver dedicated to cars is 10 times that dedicated to bicycles, which usually park off-road. Property taxes are paid by everyone who lives in the city, whether they rent or own. Cyclists are more likely to live in the city, since they stay closer to home than motorists who come into Vancouver from all over the region. Cyclists also subsidize motorists when they live in buildings or buy groceries that cost more because of legislated off-street parking spaces they don’t use. City police costs to patrol traffic, enforce drunk driving laws and attend to accidents are paid by cyclists and car drivers alike, even though car drivers use up vastly more of those resources than cyclists. Then there are health-care costs, which everyone pays through provincial income taxes and medical service premiums. Cars are huge health hazards, plain and simple. Pollution from cars generates huge health-care costs – especially diesel cars like my Passat TDI. Accidents and ambulances are an obvious source of those costs, but they only account for 10% of the casualties due to traffic. Three times as many people die from the effects of emissions, and twice as many again die prematurely from lack of exercise and obesity-driven diseases related to time spent driving. Protected green lanes reduce non-fatal cyclist road injuries by 90%, so the return on investment from bike lanes is possibly covered by that health care saving alone. Drivers concerned about unfair tax burdens should welcome more bicycle lanes – especially in pricy waterfront neighbourhoods where the increased property values will lighten the property tax load for everyone else.

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Webinar recording now available: The Latest Spin on University Bike Share Programs
by Beth McKechnie 29 Jul '13

29 Jul '13

In case you missed last week's webinar on University Bike Share Programs, here's a link to the recording along with pdfs of the slides: http://www.bestworkplaces.org/events/best-workplaces-for-commuters-web-conf… I found it particularly interesting that there appears to be a shift in the approach to bike sharing on campuses vs municipal bike share programs. The key difference being that the technology is stored on the bike's rear rack, which means that regular bike racks can be used rather than specialized docking systems. cheers, Beth

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WFP: Long-term planning crucial - Strategic thinking needed with Winnipeg seeing growth (July22'13)
by Beth McKechnie 25 Jul '13

25 Jul '13

Long-term planning crucial Strategic thinking needed with Winnipeg seeing growth ON ARCHITECTUREBy: Brent Bellamy http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/long-term-planning-crucial-216396… Winnipeg's population is nearing 800,000 and is growing by more than 10,000 per year. Property values are rising, construction is happening and the economy is prospering. We have an IKEA, a professional hockey team and a half-dozen new towers rising in our skyline. Winnipeg is without question a progressing city -- but is it a progressive one? After decades of stagnation, Winnipeg is beginning to face the challenges that come with more rapid urban growth. The suburbs are sprawling in every direction, traffic levels are increasing and established neighbourhoods are being redeveloped. The city is evolving and we are at the point of having to ask ourselves: What kind of community do we want Winnipeg to become? Old Winnipeg was a special place, filled with dense, tree-lined, walkable neighbourhoods of grid-pattern streets, community clubs and corner stores. Will new Winnipeg have the same character and soul, or will we look back on this growth period as a lost opportunity to progressively shape our future city? Will we have the same pride and foresight as those who planted our characteristic tree canopy a century ago, or will we leave a legacy of ubiquitous suburbs, unmanageable civic finances and crumbling infrastructure? In 2011, city council voted to accept the Our Winnipeg plan and the Complete Communities Direction Strategy into official civic policy as a response to these very questions. These comprehensive planning guidelines are intended to provide a progressive blueprint for the city's economic, social and physical growth over the next 25 years. Our Winnipeg emphasizes creative ways to guide new neighbourhood design and transform existing areas into "complete communities." It focuses on developing mixed-use, mixed-income and mixed-density neighbourhoods that are walkable, safe, beautiful and vibrant. Perhaps, most importantly, it outlines ways to make the city more economically sustainable by curbing the prevailing model of low-density, expansive growth that has already stressed civic budgets to a point where taxes are rising and public services are declining. Our Winnipeg is a long-term plan, but it is not a law. Without aligning its strategies with current zoning bylaws, the document becomes a fanciful vision without any real method of implementation. Earlier this month, city council chose to defer their vote on a series of recommendations from the planning, property and development department that would align several features of Our Winnipeg with zoning bylaws. The recommendations focused on reducing red tape and streamlining the approval process for desirable development. Densification of existing neighbourhoods is seen as a key strategy for making the city more economically sustainable in the long term, but the provision of parking to meet current bylaw standards can be a barrier to infill development on smaller urban sites. The recommendations addressed this issue by reducing minimum parking levels in mature communities, permitting some on-street parking for multi-family developments and allowing car-share and bike programs to offset parking requirements. To promote the subdivision of larger properties, it was recommended that the minimum required lot areas be reduced while allowing properties to be subdivided as long as newly created lots are no smaller than existing ones located within 60 metres on the same street. These modest changes met with apprehension from council, which cited fears of increased street parking and smaller residential properties that might be considered unappealing to community residents. It is human nature to fear change, but councillors who struggle every year to balance civic budgets likely understand our current urban-development model is not economically sustainable. As Winnipeg grows, promoting density is the only way to ensure a healthy and competitive city in the future. To prosper, we will have to embrace the long-term goals outlined in the Our Winnipeg plan by empowering it with a legal backbone. This resistance to long-term planning as a method of guiding change seems to have recently become a trend in Winnipeg. Last year, the Corydon-Osborne Neighbourhood Plan was stopped in its tracks despite the pressing need to address significant changes happening in the area. Promises to restart the process have gone unfulfilled for almost a year. Recently, the City of Winnipeg cancelled its active-transportation study, indicating its $400,000 cost would be better spent on construction. The complex web of bike and pedestrian paths, intertwined with transit and vehicular networks across the city, will now be implemented without a strategic plan to ensure its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The argument appears to fall flat considering other studies continue, including a $1.2-million plan for the development of the Waverley Street underpass. The lessons of proceeding without planning and public consultation might have been learned when a hotel and water park near The Forks were abruptly proposed, resulting in significant community opposition and the eventual failure of the project. The value of an effective urban plan can be seen as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers implement costly reactive solutions to traffic issues at their new stadium. Winnipeg is at a critical moment in its history. Just as development from the pre-war boom era a century ago continues to inform our city's urban character today, the decisions we make in this growth period will define what kind of city we pass on to future generations. To be a truly progressive city, we must establish long-term goals through comprehensive planning and without fear of change, implement public policy that adheres to plans such as Our Winnipeg and promotes development that effectively realizes the goals they strive to achieve. *Brent Bellamy is senior design architect for Number Ten Architectural Group.* bbellamy(a)numberten.com Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition July 22, 2013 0

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Webinar: The Latest Spin on University Bike Share Programs, Thurs, July 25, 2-3:15
by Beth McKechnie 25 Jul '13

25 Jul '13

Friendly reminder regarding today's FREE webinar on University Bike Share Programs. *PLEASE NOTE the correct local time for the webinar is 2:00-3:15 pm today! * If you like, come join us in the EcoCentre boardroom (303 Portage Ave, third floor) for a group viewing or simply watch from your own desk (no registration required). cheers, Beth ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Bond, Julie <bond(a)cutr.usf.edu> Date: Thu, Jul 18, 2013 at 8:15 AM Join us for an intriguing look at three University Bike Share programs during a FREE Best Workplaces for Commuters (BWC) webinar. **** ** ** *Date*: Thursday, July 25, 2013**** *Time: *2:00 - 3:15 pm (Central / local)** ** ** *Join the Session: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/cutr/join?id=bwcbikeshare&role=attend&pw=web… * * * *Add to your Outlook calendar: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/cutr/meetingICS?id=bwcbikeshare&role=attend&… * * * *Speakers:* * * *Holly Parker, Director ***** *Sustainable Transportation Systems***** *Yale University***** Still unsatisfied with the existing bikeshare models available at the time, Yale started “Y-Bike,” a departmental bikeshare program in 2008—in which a bicycle was provided to a Yale department for anyone in the department (a small, controlled environment) to use. The expense of the kiosk-based bikeshare system was prohibitive, and it was felt that getting staff members—some of whom hadn’t been on bikes since childhood—to use bikes for travel between campus locations would be a good way to build bike culture. In addition to the over 40 Y-Bikes on campus (and 8,000 collective miles pedaled later), Yale now provides 50 shared-use bicycles to anyone who registers with a valid Yale email address. Listen to how Yale designed this 6-month pilot and how they plan on evaluating it. **** **** *Jim Simon, Sustainability Engagement Coordinator***** *University at Buffalo***** When the community bicycle sharing program closed, a search began for alternatives that would meet the needs of the campus in light of their goal of becoming climate neutral by 2030. Counseled by a report prepared by an undergraduate planning class and examined options that would promote synergy in the community with partners working on providing bike share in their city and region, they engaged in a partnership with a start-up company that offers a GPS-enabled bike that can be located and borrowed using your mobile phone. The technology meets students where they are—on their mobile phones and computers—and is accessible at any time. By becoming the first college or university to partner with this company, they have learned and applied several important lessons about innovation, partnership, and the development of learning opportunities for our students. Participants will learn how being on the leading edge of innovation through embracing new technology can benefit the research, teaching, and public service mission of your university. Additionally, participants will learn how to involve students in campus decision making through classroom learning opportunities and how the immediate risk of working with a start-up organization can lead to rewarding opportunities for collaboration with students, the community, and the campus. **** **** *Joshua Cantor, Director* *Parking and Transportation* *George Mason University* George Mason University’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact and fostering a bicycling community on campus has led to a series of new projects, including a bike path that would stretch from the Fairfax campus to the Vienna-Fairfax-GMU Metro Station and Patriot Bike Share, a bike-sharing program on campus. George Mason’s Office of Sustainability has joined with the local bicycling community to create a series of new initiatives to achieve carbon neutrality by 2015. Chief among them is the Patriot Bike Share program on campus, which allows students to rent bicycles for two hours and return them at one of four locations across campus. The program was started by Tyler Orton, bike program manager for the Office of Sustainability, who brought his idea to the Office of Sustainability and was given $36,000 to invest in the project as part of the office’s new “Patriot Green Fund”. Listen to the challenges and opportunities that existed for this customized bike share solution.**** **** *Moderator:* Julie Bond, Program Manager, Best Workplaces for Commuters**** National Center for Transit Research, University of South Florida**** ** ** A Q and A session will follow the presentations. Visit www.bestworkplaces.org for further information, and learn how you can become a member.**** ** ** If you have questions, please email bond(a)cutr.usf.edu.**** ** ** Best regards,**** ** ** ** ** Julie Bond**** Program Manager, Best Workplaces for Commuters**** National Center for Transit Research**** Center for Urban Transportation Research**** University of South Florida**** 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, CUT100**** Tampa, FL 33620**** Direct Line: 813.974.9799**** [image: cid:image002.png@01CE0EB7.27D18690]**** ** ** ------------------------------

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Bicycles - the new conservative enemy (Macleans.ca)
by Beth McKechnie 24 Jul '13

24 Jul '13

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Terry Zdan <tjzdan50(a)gmail.com> Date: Wed, 24 Jul 2013 09:25:52 -0500 http://ca.news.yahoo.com/bicycles--the-new-conservative-enemy-203422964.html Bicycles: the new conservative enemy The rise of bike-sharing programs has created an unlikely new target in the culture wars [image: Maclean's] <http://www.macleans.ca/> By Jaime Weinman | Maclean's – Sat, 20 Jul, 2013 [image: At more than one million rides, Toronto's BIXI service is proving popular with riders but is struggling to cover costs.] <http://ca.news.yahoo.com/photos/more-one-million-rides-torontos-bixi-provin…> CBC/Ivy Cuervo/CBC - At more than one million rides, Toronto's BIXI service is proving popular with riders but is struggling to cover costs. In the 1980s, the conservative humourist P.J. O’Rourke wrote “A Cool and Logical Analysis of the Bicycle Menace<http://www.bikereader.com/contributors/misc/menace.html>.” He was joking. In 2013, *Wall Street Journal* editorial board member Dorothy Rabinowitz said, “the bike lobby is an all-powerful enterprise<http://live.wsj.com/video/opinion-death-by-bicycle/C6D8BBCE-B405-4D3C-A381-…>” and the presence of a bike-sharing program in New York was an example of “the totalitarians running the government of this city.” She wasn’t joking. Rabinowitz’s widely discussed appearance on a Wall Street Journal video, which was picked up by many news outlets and *The Daily Show* (“Slow down, lady, they’re just bikes!” Jon Stewart exclaimed), did more than draw attention to complaints about the effectivness of the Citibike program, New York’s attempt to compete with the bike-sharing in other cities such as Paris and Montreal. It made people aware of just how hostile some conservative commentators are to bikes. Rabinowitz was hardly the first conservative pundit to express scorn for bicycles and the people who ride them. One of the most-publicized recent bike-bashers was Don Cherry, who showed up to meet Toronto Mayor Rob Ford in 2010<http://www2.macleans.ca/2010/12/08/put-that-in-your-pipe-you-left-wing-kook…>wearing a loud pink shirt, explaining: “I’m wearing pink for all the pinkos out there riding bicycles.” Popular southern California radio host John Kobylt, an opponent of plans to build more bike lanes in Los Angeles, recently explained that cyclists are members of “a bizarre cult that worships two-wheel transportation, not a traditional God.” And Rush Limbaugh, the leader in conservative radio punditry, has always been willing to tee off on the pesky pedal-pushers: “Frankly, if the door opens into a bicycle rider, I won’t care,” he once said. “I think they ought to be off the streets and on the sidewalk,” where bike riders aren’t actually allowed. Why would bicycles become a political issue? Partly because things like bike-sharing programs are often placed in opposition to cars and the people who drive them. Lloyd Alter, an adjunct professor at Ryerson University’s school of interior design and the managing editor of *TreeHugger.com<http://www.treehugger.com/> *, says conservatives sometimes associate bikes “with environmentalism and anti-capitalism. Bike riders live in denser places, don’t go to big-box supercentres, lead a suspiciously different lifestyle.” The political splits in cities are often strongest between urban areas and the suburbs or exurbs, and that pits suburb-friendly transportation, mainly cars, against more “urban” vehicles such as bikes and light rail. So just as conservative politicians such as Ford have often won votes for their support of the automobile against non-traditional transportation, conservative pundits often stick up for suburban car drivers in the culture war, and portray bicyclists as elitists. Kobylt, cited by *The Atlantic*’s Conor Friedersdorf as a practitioner of “the paranoid style in bicycle politics,” told his listeners he fears that cyclists are trying to make him feel like, “I’m second class because I drive a car, or I have a commute to work, or I live in a suburban neighbourhood.” Journalist George Will, a prominent opponent of trains, also mocked then-U.S. secretary of transportation Ray LaHood for his support of biking: “Does he think 0.01 per cent of Americans will ever regularly bike to work?” Will sneered. Alter says that, to some pundits, cyclists are “a powerful force trying to squeeze cars off the road,” and “every advance by the cyclists is seen as an attack on the suburban way of life.” But just as there are plenty of liberals who drive SUVs, there are plenty of conservatives who contradict the bike-hating stereotype. Nicole Gelinas, a contributor to the conservative urban policy magazine City Journal, published an article about Citibike that, while critical of the program, also tried to counteract some of the stereotypes about it: “Despite fears to the contrary, especially among the elderly,” she wrote<http://www.city-journal.org/2013/eon0530ng.html>, “bike share won’t harm pedestrians.” Still, as bike-friendly conservative radio host Mitch Berg told the Utne Reader<http://www.utne.com/Politics/Conservative-Cyclists-Republican-Bikes-Transce…>, “people on both sides of the political aisle do ascribe political significance to biking.” Or, as P.J. O’Rourke put it all those years ago, “I don’t like the kind of people who ride bicycles.” -- Terry Zdan 126 Duncan Norrie Drive Wpg MB R3P 2J9 CANADA tjzdan50(a)gmail.com <tjzdan(a)gmasil.com>

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Canstar weeklies: Bike study scrapped (July24'13)
by Beth McKechnie 24 Jul '13

24 Jul '13

Bike study scrapped By: Matt Prepost http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/times/Bike-study-scrapped-… Local councillors and bike advocates are cycling different paths when it comes to building an active transportation network in northwest Winnipeg. Earlier this month, the city confirmed it was suspending a $400,000 consulting study to develop a strategy to build future bike and pedestrian paths in the city. Instead, the city says it will spend that money on a handful of projects which are already underway. Mark Cohoe, executive director of Bike Winnipeg, said the decision means the city is continuing to miss the big picture due to the competing interests and ideas of cyclists, residents and politicians, and will miss out on opportunities that could save the public money down the line. "They’re not looking at how individual projects fit into the whole," said Cohoe. "When we don’t have an overall strategy looking at the whole network, it’s hard to figure out what the role of one route would be in the network and what kind of infrastructure would fit that best. "Sometimes it can be a neighbourhood street with a sharrow (a shared or painted lane on the road). But, if it’s going to be a spine in your network, a sharrow won’t cut it." Cohoe has been developing a proposal for a path that would run through the Manitoba Hydro right-of-way that runs alongside McPhillips Street, from the Perimeter Highway to the McPhillips Street Station Casino. The nine-kilometre stretch passes near several shopping destinations, including a Wal-Mart, Safeway and Superstore, and connects into a number of schools. He sees opportunities along the path for community and butterfly gardens and gathering spots for the community. Cohoe led a group of about 10 people through the area in late May as part of the Jane’s Walk event looking at alternatives to cycling along McPhillips. He plans to hold a series of open houses on the project in the fall. "It really could create that situation of giving people the opportunity to take a short trip by bike instead of by car," said Cohoe, who lives in Corydon Village. Area councillors, however, have different ideas. Mynarski Coun. Ross Eadie wants the city to carve up a pathway along the old Winnipeg Beach rail line owned by CP, which runs along the western edge of Riverbend before bisecting the West Kildonan, Garden City and North End communities. Old Kildonan Coun. Devi Sharma wants to see the city complete a trail connection from Kildonan Park under the Chief Peguis Trail and into Rivergrove. And Point Douglas Coun. Mike Pagtakhan said he’d like to see buffered bike lanes, similar to those built along Pembina Highway earlier this year, placed along Main, Arlington and McPhillips streets. "Without a strategy, where do we go first? Where do we spend the money?" said Eadie, who opposed cancelling the contract. "If we’re not going to have a strategy, it’s just going to be randomly picked." Sharma said the city’s public works committee will put the cycling strategy on its agenda when it resumes sitting in September. "There seems to be some agreement to have the study, but how much do we spend on it?" said Sharma, who sits on the committee. Pagtakhan said the city does need an overall strategy for cycling and pedestrians, but should complete its existing list of projects before committing dollars and embarking on a study. "If we were to ask people, would they rather see a study or would they rather see dollars put on building actual active transportation routes, I believe people would want to see tax dollars put on actual routes," he said. Cohoe believes the city can do both. "You can definitely work on projects and plan for the future," he said.

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MUTCD (U.S.) - Bicycle Facilities - what's in, what's not
by Beth McKechnie 23 Jul '13

23 Jul '13

Please see message below from Terry regarding the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) in the U.S. On a related note, the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) is updating the Canadian MUTCD<http://www.tac-atc.ca/english/projects/trafficcontrol.cfm>. Looks like it will be a while though, as the analysis of what is needed to be updated is not expected to be completed until spring 2014. cheers, Beth ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Terry Zdan <tjzdan50(a)gmail.com> Date: Tue, 23 Jul 2013 12:05:01 -0500 Subject: This is a nice summary of what is in the MUTCD and what is not and the status of some of the "experimental" treatments of late… http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/guidance/design_guid… -- Terry Zdan 126 Duncan Norrie Drive Wpg MB R3P 2J9 CANADA tjzdan50(a)gmail.com <tjzdan(a)gmasil.com>

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Bombers Bike Valet and Great News!
by Janice Lukes 19 Jul '13

19 Jul '13

Just following up on all the great media coverage Anders landed with his Biking to the Bombers video - It's a beautiful day for a bike ride - If anyone finds they have some time and would like to help tonight at the bike valet - pick a time slot and sign up here: http://www.doodle.com/iky46pck2fwbn2yk And back to more south end great news: The Bombers transportation team have 'confirmed' they will be expanding the bike valet to accommodate many many more bikes! We did a walk through on Wednesday and they identified an ideal location. Watch for further details in the very near future! Janice Lukes AT rep on the Stadium Partners - Event Day Stadium Advisory Committee

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Webinar: The Latest Spin on University Bike Share Programs, Thurs, July 25, 1-2:15
by Beth McKechnie 18 Jul '13

18 Jul '13

Hello everyone, Please note this FREE webinar (no registration required) on University Bike Share Programs next *Thursday, July 25, 1-2:15 pm*. If you like, come join us in the EcoCentre boardroom (303 Portage Ave, third floor) for a group viewing or simply watch from your own desk. cheers, Beth ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Bond, Julie <bond(a)cutr.usf.edu> Date: Thu, Jul 18, 2013 at 8:15 AM Join us for an intriguing look at three University Bike Share programs during a FREE Best Workplaces for Commuters (BWC) webinar. **** ** ** *Date*: Thursday, July 25, 2013**** *Time*:1:00 - 2:15 pm (Central / local)** ** ** *Join the Session: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/cutr/join?id=bwcbikeshare&role=attend&pw=web… * * * *Add to your Outlook calendar: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/cutr/meetingICS?id=bwcbikeshare&role=attend&… * * * *Speakers:* * * *Holly Parker, Director ***** *Sustainable Transportation Systems***** *Yale University***** Still unsatisfied with the existing bikeshare models available at the time, Yale started “Y-Bike,” a departmental bikeshare program in 2008—in which a bicycle was provided to a Yale department for anyone in the department (a small, controlled environment) to use. The expense of the kiosk-based bikeshare system was prohibitive, and it was felt that getting staff members—some of whom hadn’t been on bikes since childhood—to use bikes for travel between campus locations would be a good way to build bike culture. In addition to the over 40 Y-Bikes on campus (and 8,000 collective miles pedaled later), Yale now provides 50 shared-use bicycles to anyone who registers with a valid Yale email address. Listen to how Yale designed this 6-month pilot and how they plan on evaluating it. **** **** *Jim Simon, Sustainability Engagement Coordinator***** *University at Buffalo***** When the community bicycle sharing program closed, a search began for alternatives that would meet the needs of the campus in light of their goal of becoming climate neutral by 2030. Counseled by a report prepared by an undergraduate planning class and examined options that would promote synergy in the community with partners working on providing bike share in their city and region, they engaged in a partnership with a start-up company that offers a GPS-enabled bike that can be located and borrowed using your mobile phone. The technology meets students where they are—on their mobile phones and computers—and is accessible at any time. By becoming the first college or university to partner with this company, they have learned and applied several important lessons about innovation, partnership, and the development of learning opportunities for our students. Participants will learn how being on the leading edge of innovation through embracing new technology can benefit the research, teaching, and public service mission of your university. Additionally, participants will learn how to involve students in campus decision making through classroom learning opportunities and how the immediate risk of working with a start-up organization can lead to rewarding opportunities for collaboration with students, the community, and the campus. **** **** *Joshua Cantor, Director* *Parking and Transportation* *George Mason University* George Mason University’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact and fostering a bicycling community on campus has led to a series of new projects, including a bike path that would stretch from the Fairfax campus to the Vienna-Fairfax-GMU Metro Station and Patriot Bike Share, a bike-sharing program on campus. George Mason’s Office of Sustainability has joined with the local bicycling community to create a series of new initiatives to achieve carbon neutrality by 2015. Chief among them is the Patriot Bike Share program on campus, which allows students to rent bicycles for two hours and return them at one of four locations across campus. The program was started by Tyler Orton, bike program manager for the Office of Sustainability, who brought his idea to the Office of Sustainability and was given $36,000 to invest in the project as part of the office’s new “Patriot Green Fund”. Listen to the challenges and opportunities that existed for this customized bike share solution.**** **** *Moderator:* Julie Bond, Program Manager, Best Workplaces for Commuters**** National Center for Transit Research, University of South Florida**** ** ** A Q and A session will follow the presentations. Visit www.bestworkplaces.org for further information, and learn how you can become a member.**** ** ** If you have questions, please email bond(a)cutr.usf.edu.**** ** ** Best regards,**** ** ** ** ** Julie Bond**** Program Manager, Best Workplaces for Commuters**** National Center for Transit Research**** Center for Urban Transportation Research**** University of South Florida**** 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, CUT100**** Tampa, FL 33620**** Direct Line: 813.974.9799**** [image: cid:image002.png@01CE0EB7.27D18690]**** ** ** ------------------------------

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Bike to the Bombers a big hit for cyclists
by Dave Elmore 18 Jul '13

18 Jul '13

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/story/2013/07/17/mb-bombers-bike-cycl ing-game-stadium-valet-paths-infrastructure.html Bike to the Bombers a big hit for cyclists More than 1,200 football fans biked to CFL team's home opener By Leslie McLaren, CBC News <http://www.cbc.ca/news/credit.html> Anders Swanson made a video of his bike ride to Investors Group Field to share the experience and show how many people like to cycle to events. Anders Swanson made a video of his bike ride to Investors Group Field to share the experience and show how many people like to cycle to events. (CBC) A Winnipeg cycling advocate has made a video called "Bike to the Bombers" after more than 1,000 football fans cycled to the team's home opener June 27, far more than expected. Anders Swanson says he counted 1,222 bikes at the game, overwhelming the free <http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/story/2013/07/17/mb-bombers-bike-cyc ling-game-stadium-valet-paths-infrastructure.html> bike valet at the stadium which has a capacity of about half that. Cyclists had to lock up hundreds of bikes along walkways and fences, wherever they could. "It was just a literal sea of bikes," he said. "Winnipeg looked like Amsterdam for a minute there. I was pleasantly surprised to say the least, so basically I just went around the stadium counting every single bike that I could see locked up to either a fence or in the bike valet." Swanson's video had hundreds of hits after it was published on Tuesday. He said he made it to share the experience, and prove a point - people want to cycle to events. "It was really special for me to show up at the stadium and see just how many people rode their bike," he said. "I don't think anybody expected that there was going to be that many people, to the point where they really just weren't prepared for it." Swanson said the bike valet service, which is free, was fantastic. It just wasn't big enough. He took the trouble to count the total number of bikes because "data is important." "I wanted to be able to show that there was that many people, so that they know what to do for next time, to make sure there was enough people in the bike valet, to make sure there's enough bike racks," he said. "All you have to do is make it really easy and people will do it." Bombers plan to expand bike stands Blue Bombers spokesperson Darren Cameron said it's great to hear that the number of people riding their bikes to games has jumped. He said at the old stadium, usually between 60 and 70 cyclists would show up. He confirms that it was 1,200 at the home opener. "Compared to the old place, it's night and day," he said. "One of the things we asked fans to do was to consider biking to the game, and obviously people have taken advantage of that option which is great. We are looking at possible options to expand but at this point do not have anything set in stone." 10K fans cycling to games a 'possibility' Swanson said cyclists had a very different experience getting to the game than motorists, and he wanted to send fans in cars <http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/story/2013/07/17/mb-bombers-bike-cyc ling-game-stadium-valet-paths-infrastructure.html> and buses a message. "There was a lot of stories about the traffic chaos and people stuck in their cars for hours and waiting for the bus," he said. "I just wanted to show them, 'Hey, just hop on a bicycle and you'll have a smile on your face all the way there and all the way back.'" His video is a fast-paced romp along bike paths but it also shows the number of stop signs and busy crossings cyclists encounter. He said Winnipeg has come a long way, but those disruptions show the big gaps in Winnipeg's cycling infrastructure. "I wanted to show that it wasn't perfect yet. That there's a lot of stops, that there's some big, major intersections to cross." Swanson said well-designed bike paths don't have gaps like that. "A true, proper world-class city that has good bicycle infrastructure means that you get on something (and) you know you can get to wherever you need to go. It doesn't matter whether its Polo Park, Northgate shopping centre or the stadium. You know you can get on. with your kids, and they don't have to be experts. They'll be able to get there." Swanson said while he did see a lot of bikes at the stadium, he noted there were few children's bikes. "Theres a lot of kids that like to go to the Bombers game. I think the true test is whether or not anybody can leave from their home with an eight-year-old kid and get to the Bombers game and feel safe about it." He believes even more people would cycle to the stadium with better infrastructure and a secure place to leave their bikes. "You have to look no further than a soccer game in Germany or a field hockey game in the Netherlands. You can get literally 20 to 30 per cent of the people showing up by bicycle, so that means what, 10,000? It's possible. It's just a matter of a city that takes it seriously. It's not rocket science." He said there's no question Winnipeg can be a world-class cycling city. "We're flat. We're fun. We've got lots of trees covering us. There's a lot of things that are very special actually about Winnipeg. And a lot of people are realizing that and jumping on a bike even though there's a lot of work left to be done," he said.

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Handouts for Today's Webinar: From Paint to Preform: Getting the Most from Pavement Markings
by Bike Winnipeg 17 Jul '13

17 Jul '13

For those who were at today's webinar, or those who missed it but would like to have a peak, handouts can now be downloaded from http://www.apbp.org/?page=Webinar_Downloads -- Mark Cohoe Executive Director Bike Winnipeg (formerly Bike to the Future) http://bikewinnipeg.ca <http://biketothefuture.org>

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Portage Daily Graphic - AT gets a boost
by Beth McKechnie 16 Jul '13

16 Jul '13

Active transportation gets a boost By Svjetlana Mlinarevic<http://www.portagedailygraphic.comportagedailygraphic.com/>, QMI Agency | Sunday, July 14, 2013 3:22:13 CDT PM http://www.portagedailygraphic.com/2013/07/14/active-transportation-gets-a-… During the last City of Portage la Prairie council meeting, councilors approved the construction of a 1,500-metre pathway to be built in the north end, July 8. The limestone cycle/walkway will stretch from Berkley Avenue to 3rd Street NE and then at North Memorial Park from Oak Bay to 6th Avenue. “It’s all part of trying to promote active transportation within Portage la Prairie. Not only to allow communities and members of our community to get out and get active, but it brings people together and it ties in all areas of our community,” said Coun. Diane Stasiuk, who spoke on behalf of transportation committee chair Coun. Brent Froese, as he was not in council. The total cost for construction of the pathway is $17,500; $7,500 for labour and $10,000 for equipment. “The $10,000 is an in-kind donation in terms of, it’s what we call an almost rental, to the citizens to be using our equipment. It’s not really a cost to the city. We’re providing the equipment for the work to be done,” she said. Council has also earmarked $10,000 to hire a consultant to develop an active transportation network strategic plan. The plan is expected to be presented to them on Aug. 12. The city has been looking at active transportation since the last election when the committee first approached them. The plan to connect all areas of the city by a pathway system will take years to compete, which will be done in phases, according to Stasiuk. “It takes time. It takes money,” she said, adding there has not been a discussion yet on an on-road aspect of active transportation, such as a cycling path, but that it was clearly needed. “You see that in more cities – Brandon, Winnipeg – bicycle traffic is becoming more popular and people are commuting to and from work and recreational activities and just getting around town on other forms of transportation. We have to get with the program,” said Stasiuk. When asked if a public transportation system will be developed in Portage, Stasiuk said it was something that council has looked into since the last election. The Portage Community Revitalization Committee, seniors and families have also brought up the issue with councillors, according to Stasiuk. “Perhaps we just need to find better ways of utilizing our existing shuttle and taxi service and not look at a public transportation system, per say. We need to look into that and we need to look at the feasibility of it. The city is not committed to it, but it’s certainly something that has been raised and will likely be raised in the next strategic planning process,” she said. The north end pathway is expected to be completed by July 31. svjetlana.mlinarevic(a)sunmedia.ca Twitter@PDGSvjetlana

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VIDEO - Biking to the Bombers: Downtown to the Stadium
by Anders Swanson 16 Jul '13

16 Jul '13

Hi, You may have heard about all the bikes at the first Bomber game (I counted an astounding 1222 bikes parked around the stadium at game time)....but its another thing to see what that looks like. Consider watching this: http://vimeo.com/activetransportation/ biketothebombers-downtown I took a camera with me that day, and put together a short film with the footage I took. I tossed in a little animated bomber dude on a cycling map to help you keep your bearings - and there's some footage of the bike valet in action. Its only 7m47secs. Turn up the sound. Please feel free to share widely...especially with folks who may be going to the football game this friday. After all, friends don't let friends wait in traffic, do they? Cheers, Anders Swanson @SwansonAnders P.S. ..and if they aren't the type to be arriving early, tell them to bring a lock. ; )

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On-street cycling infrastructure in Toronto and Montreal
by Erik Dickson 12 Jul '13

12 Jul '13

Here's an interesting video from the Toronto Centre for Active Transportation that explores the history, differences in and future of on-street cycling infrastructure in Toronto and Montreal. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bMDXOMrzYw <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bMDXOMrzYw&feature=youtu.be> &feature=youtu.be Also in case you missed the news yesterday, a team from the U of T set a new record last month designing the first working bike-powered helicopter. Their next goal is to design bicycles capable of 120 km an hour! http://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/u-of-t-engineers-make-history-with-first-huma n-powered-helicopter-1.1362742 Happy Friday! Regards, Erik Dickson Suite 1120 - 201 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3B 3K6 ph: (204) 927-3444 ext. 242 fax: (204) 927-3443 web: www.scatliff.ca blog: http://scatliff.tumblr.com Please consider our environment before printing this message.

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AT Webinar: Getting the Most from Pavement Markings - Wed, July 17th, 2-3pm, EcoCentre
by Jessie Klassen 11 Jul '13

11 Jul '13

Hope everyone is enjoying this sunny summer weather! Bike Winnipeg and Green Action Centre invite you to join us for a local viewing of the following APBP webinar in the EcoCentre boardroom (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave). This will be followed by group discussion of local applications. RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! Jessie Klassen (204) 925-3772 >From Paint to Preform: Getting the Most from Pavement Markings Wednesday, July 17 | 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CST Most low-cost retrofits for bicycle and pedestrian improvements involve pavement markings, whether striping a crosswalk or a bike lane or colorizing a conflict zone. This presentation will examine the effectiveness of different pavement marking materials including factors like durability, winter maintenance issues, retro-reflectivity, slip resistance and accessibility with a particular focus on application for innovative markings such as colorized paint and specialized symbols. The session includes an overview of MUTCD guidance on pavement marking materials, a presentation from Los Angeles that discusses an evaluation and comparison of different materials for green lanes, and information from Chicago related to the effect of winter conditions on pavement markings. Presenters are Zaki Mustafa, Executive Officer, Project Delivery, LADOT; Nathan Roseberry, Senior Transportation Engineer, T.Y. Lin; and Bill Schultheiss, Senior Engineer, Toole Design Group.

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RE: [At-network] City halts bike/ped planning
by Janice Lukes 11 Jul '13

11 Jul '13

The leadership decision to halt the $200,000 plan to improve safety and walking conditions for pedestrians and the $200,000 plan to do the same for cyclists - while simply unbelievable - may be more strategic than we see at first glance. The completion of the consultation and release of the final report would occur just months before the 2014 fall civic election. The plans would clearly identify 'Active Transportation Corridors' - specific streets that would receive strategic investments to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Odds are, some folks would not be in agreement with the streets chosen for the 'Corridors' - or perhaps not in agreement with the type of infrastructure required to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. If memory serves me correctly from the 2010 election, no candidate wants to be debating pedestrian and cycling infrastructure during an election campaign - therefore better to cancel the planning process now and not have a final report released - just before 2014 election. Is this a strategic move that will benefit AT - or hinder AT. Where are Winnipeggers at on the 'acceptance of AT'? IMO: Discussion = Education = Understanding And will the AT planning process be resurrected post 2014 ? - kind of like a reenactment of the re-emergence that occurred with rapid transit ? - and more cost more than the original $400K? IMO - 'Silly season has started at City Hall' Janice Lukes From: at-network-bounces(a)lists.umanitoba.ca [mailto:at-network-bounces@lists.umanitoba.ca] On Behalf Of Dave Elmore Sent: Wednesday, July 10, 2013 6:06 PM To: at-network(a)lists.umanitoba.ca Subject: [At-network] City haults bike/ped planning http://globalnews.ca/news/705158/city-halts-bike-path-planning/ City scraps bike path study Planning for new bike and pedestrian paths in Winnipeg has reached the end of the line. City officials confirmed Tuesday that a study to develop pedestrian and cycling strategies has been "suspended." Fort Rouge Coun. Jenny Gerbasi says she discovered the change in direction when she asked city staff for an update and received this email from the public works department: "Due to the current and foreseen short to medium term human resource pressures within the Public Works Department, we are suspending the pedestrian and cycling Strategy until further notice. What we have completed to date will serve the citizens of Winnipeg well for many years to come. We look forward to being able to pick up where we left off, sometime in the not too distant future. " Since last December, the city has hired professionals to look at bridging gaps between bike paths across the city along with all other improvements. "The rug has completely been pulled out from under our future transportation network when it comes to walking and cycling," said Gerbasi. "They basically put a stop to all planning." According to Gerbasi, a $400,000 contract to develop pedestrian and cycling routes has been stopped when the work is just starting. The city did not make any officials available for an interview or to answer questions about the change and why it was made. Late in the day Tuesday unnamed officials sent an email with this statement: "The Public Works Department confirms that the only initiative being suspended at this time is a study to develop Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies for Winnipeg. "Currently, there are numerous Active Transportation projects underway in Winnipeg, including as examples, completion of the Disraeli pedestrian and cycling bridge, construction on the west side of the Red River at Fort Garry Bridge (Glengarry Drive to Plaza Drive) and Archibald Street/La Verendrye Street/Mission Street Intersection cyclist enhancements and renewal of paths in Frontenac Park, Chornick Park, Niakawa Trail, Muys Park, Assiniboine Forest." The mayor told Global News the money will go towards building bike paths, not planning them. "There are a lot of people who think we spend too much money on consultants every time the reports come out," said Sam Katz. "What is being suggested is we take the $400,000 and build some active transportation."

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City haults bike/ped planning
by Dave Elmore 10 Jul '13

10 Jul '13

http://globalnews.ca/news/705158/city-halts-bike-path-planning/ City scraps bike path study Planning for new bike and pedestrian paths in Winnipeg has reached the end of the line. City officials confirmed Tuesday that a study to develop pedestrian and cycling strategies has been "suspended." Fort Rouge Coun. Jenny Gerbasi says she discovered the change in direction when she asked city staff for an update and received this email from the public works department: "Due to the current and foreseen short to medium term human resource pressures within the Public Works Department, we are suspending the pedestrian and cycling Strategy until further notice. What we have completed to date will serve the citizens of Winnipeg well for many years to come. We look forward to being able to pick up where we left off, sometime in the not too distant future. " Since last December, the city has hired professionals to look at bridging gaps between bike paths across the city along with all other improvements. "The rug has completely been pulled out from under our future transportation network when it comes to walking and cycling," said Gerbasi. "They basically put a stop to all planning." According to Gerbasi, a $400,000 contract to develop pedestrian and cycling routes has been stopped when the work is just starting. The city did not make any officials available for an interview or to answer questions about the change and why it was made. Late in the day Tuesday unnamed officials sent an email with this statement: "The Public Works Department confirms that the only initiative being suspended at this time is a study to develop Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies for Winnipeg. "Currently, there are numerous Active Transportation projects underway in Winnipeg, including as examples, completion of the Disraeli pedestrian and cycling bridge, construction on the west side of the Red River at Fort Garry Bridge (Glengarry Drive to Plaza Drive) and Archibald Street/La Verendrye Street/Mission Street Intersection cyclist enhancements and renewal of paths in Frontenac Park, Chornick Park, Niakawa Trail, Muys Park, Assiniboine Forest." The mayor told Global News the money will go towards building bike paths, not planning them. "There are a lot of people who think we spend too much money on consultants every time the reports come out," said Sam Katz. "What is being suggested is we take the $400,000 and build some active transportation."

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New report from UBC shows transportation and health closely linked
by Beth McKechnie 09 Jul '13

09 Jul '13

Transit investments lead to healthier people Media Release | July 4, 2013 http://news.ubc.ca/2013/07/04/transit-investments-lead-to-healthier-people/ A new report from the University of British Columbia shows that transportation and health are closely linked and recommends that health outcome be considered in transportation planning. The report, funded by TransLink and Vancouver Coastal Health Authority as part of updates to *Transport 2040*, the regional transportation strategy, presents a range of opportunities for Translink to incorporate health into its planning. “This report documents how prioritizing transit, bike and pedestrian infrastructure will positively impact health,” says the study’s lead author Lawrence Frank, Professor and Director of the Health and Community Design Lab, part of UBC’s School of Population and Public Health<http://www.spph.ubc.ca/>. “It looks at encouraging active transportation, such as walking, cycling and transit, and reducing air pollution and traffic collision risk.” [image: Dr. Lawrence Frank. Photo: Amanda Skuse]<http://news.ubc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/lawrence-frank-150.jpg> Dr. Lawrence Frank. Photo: Amanda Skuse Previous research by Frank has shown that every hour a person spends in a car each day makes them six per cent more likely to be obese, while each additional kilometre a person walks makes them five per cent less likely to be obese. Sedentary lifestyle is a major cause of many chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease and some cancers. Many chronic diseases are preventable and active transportation and other sustainable transportation choices offer the possibility of prevention and even treatment through increased physical activity. The costs of these diseases are projected to increase by more than $1.5 billion in B.C. over the next 2 to 3 years. “TransLink’s consideration of the health impacts of transportation systems could help offset the rising costs of health care in the Vancouver area and promote an active lifestyle that will benefit all Canadians,” Frank adds. The full report is available here<http://www.translink.ca/~/media/Documents/plans_and_projects/regional_trans…> .

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Announcing a NEW weekly no-drop Ride exploring our growing AT Network in the south
by Beth McKechnie 08 Jul '13

08 Jul '13

Sorry, I missed getting this out in time for the first ride but there are plenty more in the works. -cheers, Beth ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: <currieg(a)mymts.net> Date: Sat, Jun 29, 2013 at 3:23 PM Subject: Announcing a NEW weekly no-drop Ride exploring our growing AT Network in the south To: currieg(a)mts.net Hi Folks, Spread the word far and wide, there is a new Group Ride in town. Our Thursday and Friday Road Rides got together and voila! A new ride was born to accommodate all the new riders out there who just want to go slower, see more, talk more and maybe begin an incredible journey. Announcing: *Tuesday evening Bike Path Ride* starting Tuesday July 2nd 2013 will utilize our growing AT Network and will be geared to those who want to ride there bike at a more relaxed pace than our Friday Ride. This will be a fair-weather ride only, so everyone stays dry (we hope). We will gather at Woodcock Cycle, 433 St Marys Rd for a 7 pm departure. Due to the loss in day light we will bump these rides to a 6:30 start in August. For our main ride we will head east on Fifth Ave to Youville and then to Egerton, back onto DesMeurons for a block. We will pick up the bike path at the end of DesMeurons following the Niakwa Trail left over the Seine River and east to Lagimodiere, north to the Bishop Grandin Greenway, West to Dakota to pick up the Dunkirk Multi-use path, North to the Fermor bike path and back to DesMeurons following the same route we took out from the shop. Here is the map link http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/225161215 Here are other possible rides to switch things up: The BDI via Bike Path http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/235855549 (we may want to schedule this one earlier to leave time for an Ice cream break), Whittier Park via Bike Path http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/235866789(we may decide to stop at the forks for some fuel). Seine River Trail bike Path Ride http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/235868695 (we will be joined by Dennis from Save the Seine for a guided tour), Fort White Bike path Ride http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/236375883(we would meet in the north west corner of the theater parking lot McGillivray and Kenaston) These are 20 km to 25 km routes and I expect we will ride it between 17 and 20 kph +/- depending on the group that night. That should put us back at the shop between 8 and 8:30 for July rides.. This is a no pressure no-drop ride suited to those who wish to get more comfortable riding, want to gradually increase their distance and time in the saddle or just want to ride with others in a casual setting. This ride is good for almost all types of bikes. Having said that, you would not want to show up with your carbon bike and full kit. If you are concerned or have any questions please let me know. The Rides will normally be led by me, I am a Can-Bike instructor which means I am nationally certified to teach folks how to safely cycle with others on and off the roadways. I ride about 6000 km per year and ride all 4 seasons. Please ask me any questions from the mechanics of your bike all the way to winter cycling. As the ride progresses and if the skill of the riders warrants it, we may increase the distance and take in more of what our cycling infrastructure has to offer. For those of you who find that this ride is not enough for you, consider joining our Thursday or Friday no-drop Group rides where the speed is a little faster and the distance depends on you (min 30 km to a max of 70 km) 6 pm to 8:30/9:00pm. To join these rides you must wear a bike helmet The first time you join us you will need to sign a waiver, this protects the validity of our insurance through the Manitoba Cycling Association (MCA) The second and subsequent times you join us you will need a MCA General Membership, this membership is $48 and covers you and Woodcock Cycle Works with insurance for the duration of the season. Bye for now, *Currie Gillespie, CHRP* 204.955.5221 Board of Directors, Manitoba Cycling Association City of Winnipeg Active Transportation Advisory Committee 2011, 2012 Can-Bike National Advisory Council Winnipeg Cycling Map Committee Bike to Work Day Committee Ciclovia Committee "*Every Lane Is A Bike Lane*" - City of Los Angeles

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