- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

G&M: Why Toronto is putting pedestrians first (Jun8'13)
by Beth McKechnie 09 Jun '13

09 Jun '13

Why Toronto is putting pedestrians first OLIVER MOORE The Globe and Mail | Published Saturday, Jun. 08 2013, 6:00 AM EDT http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/a-step-toward-safer-streets/art… The car’s status is so established that many question those who get in its way. But after a century-long reign by the automobile, Chicago has overthrown its primacy. The city, whose history and size often leads to comparisons with Toronto, unveiled a new policy this year which says explicitly that pedestrians are most important. Their needs are to be given default priority in the planning, building and maintenance of the city’s streetscape. The formal hierarchy puts transit second and bicycles third. Motor vehicles come last. In Toronto – where huge transit plans threaten to overshadow simpler solutions for moving people, the mayor trumpets a pro-car line, and pedestrian collisions have been largely consistent for years – walking advocates and city staff are watching Chicago’s example keenly. Prioritizing pedestrians is an innovative idea based on a simple reality: Nearly all residents walk. “We’re committing to put the pedestrian first,” explains Gabe Klein, Chicago’s commissioner of transportation. “And that’s not just any pedestrian. That’s children, the elderly and disabled people. You design for them, it’ll inherently be safe for the rest of us.” Mr. Klein was in Toronto recently for a series of events related to active transportation. With time running out on his visit, he sat for an interview on the way to the airport. In the back of the car, the unabashed urbanist discussed his love of ska and Vespas, praised Toronto’s vitality and streetcar network and explained why Chicago takes walking so seriously. “The transit user is also a pedestrian, the cyclist is also a pedestrian, the auto user is also a pedestrian,” he said. “If the pedestrian is safe, the other modes are safe.” As a concrete example of the new approach, Mr. Klein laid out the sorts of physical changes that can be done to narrow a road, minimizing the distance pedestrians must go to cross and also putting a damper on vehicle speeds. More subtly, drivers can also be encouraged to slow down by road striping that creates the illusion of a smaller space. These ideas are among a number of new approaches to pedestrian safety that are emerging around the world. Much of this is rooted in a shift in philosophy: now, walkers’ deaths cannot be dismissed as unavoidable accidents. Many changes stem from research showing that pedestrians have a 95 per cent chance of surviving a collision with a vehicle going 20 miles per hour but only a 15 per cent chance of surviving if hit at 40 miles per hour. The Safe Streets plan in London, England notes that parts of the city where speeds were limited to 20 miles per hour saw a 42 per cent reduction in casualties and says that these lower limits will be coming to more streets. The plan accepts that people can be “unpredictable” and argues for the system to be redesigned so that “road users are not subjected to impact energy levels sufficient to cause fatal or serious, disabling injury.” In Freiburg, Germany, in the neighbourhood of Vauban, speeds are strictly controlled and parking is extremely expensive, to discourage car use. And in the United States, Washington state has made it easier for municipalities to cut speed limits. In Toronto, too, there is a growing recognition that pedestrianism is crucial to a good urban environment. “It’s about offering a really high quality of life,” said Toronto chief planner Jennifer Keesmaat, who is keen to spread density and create more walkable neighbourhoods. “There’s really a whole series of things that we value – like our health, like clean air and water, like having a strong sense of community – that are all linked in together with a pedestrian city or a pedestrian community. So the cool thing about walking is that it responds to, or generates, a whole variety of positive attributes in a community that we generally agree are desired.” Toronto’s walkability varies greatly, though, and in many parts of the city people on foot face a too-risky daily reality. Although pedestrian deaths have been cut in half in the last two decades, the number of people hit by vehicles remains stubbornly steady at around 2,200 annually. City research shows that pedestrians crossing arterial roads outside the downtown core are most likely to be hit. It’s not clear why, but theories point to wider roads, which take longer to cross; faster vehicle speeds, which mean less time to react; and drivers who are less accustomed to pedestrians. Road design may also be a factor. Staff have scoured the data to identify the riskiest spots and are working to craft individual improvements for the 10 most dangerous intersections. And in a small detail that speaks to evolving attitudes, transportation staff who tackle these problems tend to avoid the term “accident.” “Accident implies that … those involved don’t want to take responsibility for it,” said Mike Brady, manager of traffic safety in the city’s transportation department. “Each one of these is preventable. Something has failed.” He prefers the term “collision,” a distinction that is increasingly common among transportation experts and law enforcement, including the Toronto Police Service. Although the difference between an accident and a collision may seem semantic, it gets at the idea of responsibility and blame. The city’s core, which is congested, tends to be safer. Streets are generally narrower, drivers usually can’t go too fast and there’s a greater sense that pedestrians are a legitimate part of the streetscape. Scramble intersections at two key downtown corners give the whole zone over to pedestrians, allowing them to cross in all directions. Pedestrian status reaches its peak in Kensington Market, probably the only area of Toronto where people on foot come close to having full equality. Here, walkers mingle freely with people riding bicycles, on skateboards and driving cars. In a vaguely anarchic dance – one that can, admittedly, bring tensions – the sheer mass of pedestrians spilling onto the road forces other users to slow down. The situation in this neighbourhood bears close resemblance to a *woonerf*. The Dutch concept, which means “living yard,” does away with curbs and essentially turns the roadway into pedestrian space. Motorists are allowed to enter if they drive at walking pace. Although Kensington evolved organically, formally planned *woonerf* –like areas are coming to Toronto. A version of the idea, albeit one with rolled curbs, is being included at a new development in the West Don Lands, and something similar is being installed near St. Lawrence Market. “Enhancements around active transportation … do, in most cases, benefit all users,” said Fiona Chapman, manager of pedestrian projects at the city’s transportation department. “If you have good active transportation options … then maybe people are less likely to take their car for short trips.” *WHERE CARS AND PEDESTRIANS COLLIDE* *Where there are transit stops, and nearby attractions that draw pedestrians.* Sheppard Avenue East at Provost Drive (#1) in North York is an example, with Ikea, other retail, a medical centre and condominium towers all near the corner. *Where “excess capacity” leads to speeding.* Wide, flat roads with little traffic invite faster driving, which is dangerous to pedestrians; this is the case at #2, St.Dennis Drive and Deauville Lane in Flemingdon Park. *Where “elderly demand” is high.* The city assigns a score for the number of elderly people who use an intersection; Neilson Road and McLevin Avenue, in Malvern, scores 4.5 out of 5. *THE CITY’S TOOLKIT: HOW TO FIX THEM* The city is considering some of these changes to improve different intersections. Paint *zebra markings and stop bars* on all four approaches into the intersection. Put *solid lines on the road surface*, to guide drivers into the correct lane as they turn. *Make walk signals longer* to give people more time to cross; add pedestrian-activated traffic signals. *Install signs* to remind drivers to pay attention to pedestrians crossing. Add “ l*eading pedestrian intervals* ” – signals for pedestrians to cross when other traffic must stop. *Move a bus stop *across an intersection to reduce conflicts between pedestrians and drivers.

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John Stewart on the new Citi Bike program in NY
by Dave Elmore 07 Jun '13

07 Jun '13

Thought you might enjoy this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Kz14vP-vUEU Thanks Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X)

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Fwd: North Perimeter Active Transit Consultation
by Anders Swanson 06 Jun '13

06 Jun '13

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: *Sigrun Bailey* Date: Thursday, June 6, 2013 Subject: Fwd: North Perimeter Active Transit Hello Folks,**** ** ** On behalf of Erna Braun, MLA for Rossmere, I’d like to invite you all to a public consultation regarding Active Transit at the North Perimeter Highway. **** ** ** Thursday, June 27, 2013**** 4:30 – 7:45**** Covenant Christian Reformed Church (653 Knowles Ave) **** ** ** Please pass this invite along to anyone who may be interested in attending. **** ** ** We hope to see you there!**** ** ** *Erin Longstaff* **** Constituency Assistant to Erna Braun, MLA for Rossmere**** 3-935 McLeod Ave, Winnipeg MB, R2G 0Y4**** Constituency Office: (204)667-7244 Legislative Office: (204)945-7349**** ** ** -- Sigrun

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MPI NEWS RELEASE Cycling Safety Awareness Campaign
by Reaney, Vicky (MLG) 06 Jun '13

06 Jun '13

http://www.mpi.mb.ca/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/Pages/NR2013June03.aspx Cycling safety awareness campaign aimed at reducing injuries and fatalities ─ Manitoba Public Insurance On average, three cyclists are killed and more than 250 injured yearly in Manitoba as the result of being involved in a crash with an automobile. With the commitment to reduce these numbers, Manitoba Public Insurance, in conjunction with government, launched a comprehensive safety and educational campaign today aimed at both cyclists and drivers. "Road safety is an issue that matters a great deal to Manitobans," said Andrew Swan, minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance. "Enhancing the road safety relationship between cyclists and drivers is a positive step towards the ultimate goal of reducing collisions, fatalities and injuries." Manitoba Public Insurance's website contains detailed safety information for cyclists, in addition to safety materials which are distributed by bike shops throughout the province. "We recognize that sharing the road is a two-way street, used by both cyclists and motorists," said MaryAnn Kempe, vice-president, Community & Corporate Relations, Manitoba Public Insurance. "This campaign will supplement current awareness programs for road users, including our 'Safety on Wheels' presentation, bike safety presentations in classrooms and on-road training through the corporation's Cycling Champion's Program." Over 65 per cent of bicycle/vehicle collisions occur at intersections, according to Manitoba Public Insurance data. The month-long campaign will utilize a variety of advertising and communication tools, emphasizing the importance of drivers and cyclists showing mutual courtesy, respect and good judgment. Motorist Safety Tips · Depending on debris and other road hazards, cyclists may need to ride closer to the middle of the lane. Motorists should exercise extra caution when approaching a cyclist, give them sufficient space, and never tailgate. · Always watch for cyclists when approaching intersections, turning left or right, or when changing lanes. · When passing a cyclist, motorists are encouraged to leave a distance of at least one metre between their vehicle and the cyclist. Depending on circumstances, this may require changing lanes to pass safely. · Additional rules of the road can be found on the Manitoba Public Insurance website<http://www.mpi.mb.ca/en/PDFs/AdultsCyclingBooklet.pdf>. Cycling Safety Tips · Wear an approved cycling helmet. In Manitoba, cyclists under the age of 18 are required by law to wear one. Statistics report that nearly 70 per cent of cyclists killed or injured in a collision with a vehicle were not wearing a helmet. · Stay safe by wearing reflective clothing and using hand signals to indicate their riding intentions. · Observe all traffic signals. · While travelling on the road, be observant at all times of other traffic, including vehicles and pedestrians. Be prepared for the unexpected, including road construction and debris.

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FW: Manitoba News Release: Province Supports Active Transportation Through New Safety and Public Awareness Initiatives: Lemieux, Swan
by Reaney, Vicky (MLG) 06 Jun '13

06 Jun '13

http://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?archive=2013-06-01&item=17511 June 3, 2013 PROVINCE SUPPORTS ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION THROUGH NEW SAFETY AND PUBLIC AWARENESS INITIATIVES: LEMIEUX, SWAN A new road safety public awareness campaign is being launched by the province to encourage drivers and cyclists to be more aware of each other while travelling on Manitoba's streets and roads, Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux and Justice Minister Andrew Swan, minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), announced today. "Our government is committed to ensuring the safety of all road users," said Lemieux. "Any fatality or serious injury is tragic, and we need to continue to find ways to prevent such occurrences. We will continue to improve the safety of cyclists and pedestrians so that more Manitobans enjoy the health, environmental and financial benefits of engaging in active transportation." "The province is committed to making active transportation a safe and viable transportation choice. We work closely with MPI and other stakeholders to raise awareness of safety issues affecting vulnerable road users," said Swan. "This campaign will provide helpful tips to both motorists and cyclists that can make travel safer." The campaign will run through the month of June to create awareness about safe ways to share the road while driving and cycling. It will also promote cycling as a healthy, active form of transportation. The ministers noted that interest and participation in active transportation is increasing. While walking is the most common form of active transportation, the number of people choosing to walk or cycle is on the rise in Canadian cities of all sizes. In Winnipeg, cycling increased 67 per cent between 2007 and 2012. "Sharing the road is a two-way street, used by both cyclists and motorists," said MaryAnn Kempe, vice-president, community and corporate relations, Manitoba Public Insurance. "Whether a motorist or cyclist, we are all expected to show courtesy and respect for our fellow road users. By putting important safety tips into practice, we can do our part to reduce risk and avoid bicycle-vehicle collisions." Provincial initiatives to increase the safety factor of cyclists and motor vehicles sharing the road include: * introducing legislation to require helmets for youth under 18; * updating provincial legislation enabling municipalities to develop a variety of cycle ways and allowing local traffic authorities to establish lowered speed limits in school zones; * providing over 89,000 low-cost helmets to families including over 8,000 no-cost helmets to families in need; * expanding training for drivers and cyclists, and ensuring they have up-to-date information about how to share the road through driver's training and programs such as CAN-BIKE and MPI's Cycling Champions; and * working with safety partners such as school divisions, health authorities, law enforcement and non-profit organizations to deliver programs such as Active and Safe Routes to School, Safe Kids Week and the We Caught You Using Your Head campaign. "Increasing safety and awareness is something we all have to work at together," said Swan. "Education, training, enhanced legislation and infrastructure improvements are all part of a broad strategy to keep our roads safer." "Manitoba has made significant strides in all these areas and will continue to work with our various road safety partners in the public, not-for-profit, private, health and enforcement communities to do so," added Lemieux. In Manitoba in 2010, there were a total of 7,130 victims of traffic collisions. Pedestrians accounted for six per cent of all fatalities and cyclists accounted for four per cent. In 2010, there were 770 nonvehicle occupants injured in traffic collisions and of these 50 per cent were pedestrians and 34 per cent were cyclists.

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The route to commuter happiness? Two wheels
by Dave Elmore 05 Jun '13

05 Jun '13

http://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2011/08/24/the_route_to_commuter_happi ness_two_wheels.html The route to commuter happiness? Two wheels Two-thirds of cyclists are very satisfied with their commute, far more than drivers and transit users. Cyclists are the happiest commuters. And walkers, too. That isn't according to bikers and pedestrians, but to Statistics Canada, which released a study on travel time to work Wednesday. Terri Flinn reflects that study. Only three kilometres separate Flinn from her home and work. She bikes when the weather permits and takes the streetcar during the winter. "I'm happy six months of the year when I'm biking," Flinn said. "And miserable the other six." Two-thirds of cyclists said they were very satisfied with their commute. Only 6 per cent were dissatisfied, according to a Statistics Canada survey of more than 6,000 people across the country. It's a striking difference from their car and transit-riding brethren. Only 32 per cent of drivers and 25 per cent of public transit users were very satisfied with their trip to work. In warm weather, Flinn leaves her place on Bloor St. W. at 8:45 a.m., hops on her bike and cruises down Spadina Ave. to her office at Wellington St. W. She arrives a few minutes before 9 a.m. "It's an eight-minute ride," Flinn says. "I love it - I actually look forward to my ride in and my ride home." During the cooler months, Flinn takes the streetcar down Spadina. She leaves her place at 8:15 a.m., stands in a long line at Bloor station that snakes around pillars and up stairs, and she eventually shuffles onto the streetcar. The streetcar is jammed and a seat is a rare find. About 35 to 40 minutes later, Flinn escapes the streetcar and trundles up to her desk. "In the winter, I don't want to go to work because I dread the streetcar ride." Flinn said. "Once I'm at work, I don't want to leave because it means I have to get back on the streetcar." For Robin Telly, it's all about walking. She lives downtown, about four kilometres from work at Yonge and Dundas Sts. "The only reliable way I can get to work is to walk," Telly said in an email. Telly's commute is 40 minutes on foot. To take transit, she said, she'd have to allocate an hour. "I run the risk of being late if I leave my house the same time I leave when I walk." When Telly's sister left for a week, she borrowed her Metropass. She left at the same time she did when walking and was late the first two days. She decided to walk the next three days, but get on a streetcar when it rolled by. Two of those three days, she made it to work without a streetcar passing her. "Relying on your own two feet is the best way to go," Telly said.

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Bike to Work Day
by Dave Elmore 05 Jun '13

05 Jun '13

Sorry for the additional email, forgot to change the title Thanks Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X) From: Dave Elmore [mailto:delmore@mymts.net] Sent: June-05-13 8:19 PM To: at-network(a)lists.umanitoba.ca Subject: FW: BTWD Meeting tomorrow Wed May 29 - REMINDER Hi all Bike to Work Day is fast approaching and if you haven't already registered, make sure to "Count yourself in." This is the 6th annual Bike to Work Day and we hope the most successful yet. We already have over 40 pit-stops around the city (the map will be up very soon on our website) and now all we need is lots of registered riders. We again this year have sponsorship, this time from Assiniboine Credit Union, providing a donation to the Winnipeg Repair Education and Cycling Hub (WRENCH) based on $ 0.25 for every registered rider up to an upset limit of $ 1000.00. We need at least 4000 registered riders to maximize this donation, so please register <http://biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org/index.php/register/> . Remember that by registering you add your voice to ours and help us build a more bike-friendly Winnipeg. Together we can help promote the bicycle for everyday transportation and advocate for improved cycling infrastructure and awareness. In addition there are prizes to be won, schwag and bike tune-ups at various pit-stops, a free BBQ featuring with Boon Burger cuisine and Half Pints Peddle Pusher Ale (not free, but really good). No place to shower before work, we have the YMCA offering free admission to their facilities so that you can't use that excuse. This year we are also having a number of "count down events" including a student day, employers day, family day, and a movie night. Check out the details at our website <http://biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org/index.php/test-events/> . It's going to be a great day so help us make the 6th annual Bike to Work Day a HUGE success. For more information check out www.biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org. Please distirbute widely and feel free to print and post the attached Bike to Work Day poster.! Thanks Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X)

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FW: BTWD Meeting tomorrow Wed May 29 - REMINDER
by Dave Elmore 05 Jun '13

05 Jun '13

Hi all Bike to Work Day is fast approaching and if you haven't already registered, make sure to "Count yourself in." This is the 6th annual Bike to Work Day and we hope the most successful yet. We already have over 40 pit-stops around the city (the map will be up very soon on our website) and now all we need is lots of registered riders. We again this year have sponsorship, this time from Assiniboine Credit Union, providing a donation to the Winnipeg Repair Education and Cycling Hub (WRENCH) based on $ 0.25 for every registered rider up to an upset limit of $ 1000.00. We need at least 4000 registered riders to maximize this donation, so please register <http://biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org/index.php/register/> . Remember that by registering you add your voice to ours and help us build a more bike-friendly Winnipeg. Together we can help promote the bicycle for everyday transportation and advocate for improved cycling infrastructure and awareness. In addition there are prizes to be won, schwag and bike tune-ups at various pit-stops, a free BBQ featuring with Boon Burger cuisine and Half Pints Peddle Pusher Ale (not free, but really good). No place to shower before work, we have the YMCA offering free admission to their facilities so that you can't use that excuse. This year we are also having a number of "count down events" including a student day, employers day, family day, and a movie night. Check out the details at our website <http://biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org/index.php/test-events/> . It's going to be a great day so help us make the 6th annual Bike to Work Day a HUGE success. For more information check out www.biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org. Please distirbute widely and feel free to print and post the attached Bike to Work Day poster.! Thanks Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X)

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volunteer opportunity at the GO4health EXpo - promoting Active Transporation
by Kristine Hayward 05 Jun '13

05 Jun '13

Hi AT-network and PACM-network folks! Sorry for the cross posting. As part of the physical activity promotion area at the GO4health EXpo at this years' Red River Exhibition (June 14-23, 2013), we are promoting active transportation and active play. As part of our Active Transportation promotion, we are in the process of printing a large (8' x 8') version of the city cycling map. We are intending to use this map to open discussions about active transportation, highlight the many AT possibilities throughout the city and assist potential commuters to identify safe routes, etc. We are looking for volunteers that have general knowledge in the area of active transportation to help staff our booth and engage with folks attending the EX. General duties: - Assist with map distribution (we have a large stash of the 2013 City Cycling map) - Assist with AT route identification - Sharing general tips and advice on AT in Winnipeg Shifts are 3 hours in length. Friday, June 14 - 12:00-3:00; 3:00-6:00; 6:00-9:00p.m. Saturday, June 15 - 12:00-3:00; 3:00-6:00; 6:00-9:00p.m. Sunday, June 16 - 12:00-3:00; 3:00-6:00; 6:00-9:00p.m. Monday, June 17 -3:00-6:00; 6:00-9:00p.m. Tuesday, June 18 - 3:00-6:00; 6:00-9:00p.m. Wednesday, June 19 - 3:00-6:00; 6:00-9:00p.m. Thursday, June 20 - 12:00-3:00; 3:00-6:00; 6:00-9:00p.m. Friday, June 21 - 12:00-3:00; 3:00-6:00; 6:00-9:00p.m. Saturday, June 22 -12:00-3:00; 3:00-6:00; 6:00-9:00p.m. Sunday, June 23 - 12:00-3:00; 3:00-6:00; 6:00-9:00p.m. If you would like to volunteer for a shift or two and share your knowledge, expertise and passion for active transportation, please give me a shout. Thanks! Kristine Kristine Hayward Physical Activity Promotion/in motion Coordinator 2nd floor - 490 Hargrave Street Winnipeg, MB R3A 0X7 Telephone 204 940-1676 Cell 204 232-7546 Fax 204 940-2690 Email khayward(a)wrha.mb.ca<mailto:khayward@wrha.mb.ca> Follow Winnipeg in motion on Twitter - @wpginmotion Sign up to receive updates from Winnipeg in motion @ http://www.winnipeginmotion.ca/signup/ PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVE MOVED (MAY 5, 2012) - our mailing address and fax number has changed. 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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Webinar Handouts - Bikeway Design at Intersections
by Mark Cohoe 04 Jun '13

04 Jun '13

Hi, Sorry this is a bit late, but for those who attended last Wednesday's NACTO webinar - Bikeway Design at Intersections, handouts and screens can be downloaded at http://www.apbp.org/?page=Webinar_Download <http://www.apbp.org/link.asp?e=markc@biketothefuture.org&job=926174&ymlink=…>. The next webinar in the series, *Bikeway Design in Context:**Determining the right facility for the right street* will be held tomorrow from 2:00 - 3:30pm at the Eco-Centre. Handouts and screens for that webinar should also be available at the above link sometime tomorrow. Local viewings of the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide Webinar Series are made possible by the generous sponsorship of Freig and Associates. Cheers, Mark

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Free coffee & cinnamon buns for Clean Air Day tomorrow! 7-9am Osborne Bridge!
by Shoni Litinsky 04 Jun '13

04 Jun '13

It is that special time of year again! Tomorrow is Clean Air Day :) Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca> is hosting breakfast tomorrow morning for active commuters. We will be handing out free coffee (bring your mug!), juice, cinnamon buns, and muffins for folks that bike, walk, skate, or scoot to work. *Where:* North side of Osborne Bridge (Leg side) *When:* 7:00am-9:00am *Why:* Because you work so hard to get to work in an active, and environmentally conscious way and we would like to celebrate that with you. Tomorrow also marks the mid-week point of Commuter Challenge<http://greenactioncentre.ca/program/commuterchallenge/>, if you didn't sign-up please do! See you in the morning - if you are lucky Dave will adjust your bike for you :) Cheers, Shoni & the Green Action Centre crew. [image: Inline image 1] -- *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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Webinar reminder: NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide - Wed, June 5th, 2-3:15pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 04 Jun '13

04 Jun '13

[Friendly reminder about tomorrow afternoon's webinar on bikeway design...] Bike to the Future and Green Action Centre invite you to join us for a local viewing of the following APBP webinar at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave). This will be followed by group discussion of local applications.* *Detailed descriptions provided below. *NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide<http://nacto.org/cities-for-cycling/design-guide/> * *Bikeway Design in Context: Determining the Right Facility for the Right Street **Wed, June 5th | 2:00-3:15 p.m.* RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth (204) 925-3772 * * * * * ** NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide Webinar Series<http://greenactioncentre.ca/event/at-webinar-bikeway-design-at-intersection…> #2, Bikeway Design in Context: Determining the Right Facility for the Right Street Wednesday, June 5 | 2:00 - 3:15 p.m. CDT As bikeway design options have multiplied and evolved, the decision-making process for practitioners has become increasingly complex. What kinds of streets are best suited to cycle tracks? When should an engineer use a buffered bike lane rather than a conventional bike lane? Are shared lane markings appropriate for busy streets or only on local roads? This session will analyze the decision-making process that different cities go through when answering such questions, looking beyond speed and ADT to consider elements as varied as context, parking, transit routes and street width. Presenters are Joshua Benson, Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Director, New York City Department of Transportation and Nathan Wilkes, Associate Traffic Engineer, Neighborhood Connectivity Division, City of Austin.

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Traveler Response to Transportation System Changes Handbook, Third Edition: Chapter 16, Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities
by Beth McKechnie 04 Jun '13

04 Jun '13

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Terry Zdan <tjzdan50(a)gmail.com> Date: Tue, 4 Jun 2013 11:55:17 -0500 ** ** [image: http://www.trb.org/Resource.ashx?sn=covertcrprpt95c16copy] [image: http://www.trb.org/Resource.ashx?sn=viewthispdf]<http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/tcrp/tcrp_rpt_95c16.pdf> [image: http://www.trb.org/Resource.ashx?sn=buythisbook]<http://books.trbbookstore.org/tc095r.aspx> **** [image: http://www.trb.org/Resource.ashx?sn=sponsorbeta]<http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/167122.aspx> **** Traveler Response to Transportation System Changes Handbook, Third Edition: Chapter 16, Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities**** tc095r**** http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/tcrp/tcrp_rpt_95c16.pdf**** 167122**** *Traveler Response to Transportation System Changes Handbook, Third Edition: Chapter 16, Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities* TRB’s Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Report 95: Traveler Response to Transportation System Changes Handbook, Third Edition; Chapter 16, Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities examines pedestrian and bicyclist behavior and travel demand outcomes in a relatively broad sense. The report covers traveler response to non-motorized transportation (NMT) facilities both in isolation and as part of the total urban fabric, along with the effects of associated programs and promotion. The report looks not only at transportation outcomes, but also recreational and public health outcomes. TCRP Report 95, Chapter 16 focuses on the travel behavior and public health implications of pedestrian/bicycle area-wide systems; NMT-link facilities such as sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and on-transit accommodation of bicycles; and node-specific facilities such as street-crossing treatments, bicycle parking, and showers. The report also includes discussion of the implications of pedestrian and bicycle “friendly” neighborhoods, policies, programs, and promotion. The report is complemented by illustrative photographs provided as a “Photo Gallery” at the conclusion of the report. In addition, PowerPoint slides of the photographs<http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/tcrp/tcrp_rpt_95C16.ppt>are available for download.. The Traveler Response to Transportation System Changes Handbook<http://www.trb.org/Publications/TCRPReport95.aspx>consists of these Chapter 1 introductory materials and 15 stand-alone published topic area chapters. Each topic area chapter provides traveler response findings including supportive information and interpretation, and also includes case studies and a bibliography consisting of the references utilized as sources.**** ** ** Project: Project Information<http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1034> **** Project Number: B-12A, Phase II**** E-Newsletter Type: Recently Released TRB Publications<http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs.aspx?fields=ENewsletterType%7CRecently%20Rel…> **** TRB Publication Type: TCRP Report<http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs.aspx?fields=PublicationType%7CTCRPReport> **** **** ** ** ** ** Terry Zdan 126 Duncan Norrie Drive Wpg MB R3P 2J9 CANADA tjzdan50(a)gmail.com <tjzdan(a)gmasil.com>

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Citi Bike debuts in NYC (video)
by Beth McKechnie 04 Jun '13

04 Jun '13

[Fun video of the launch of Citi Bike – warning: cute kids at the end!] Citi Bike Debuts in NYC from Streetfilms <http://vimeo.com/streetfilms> http://vimeo.com/67105887 Memorial Day 2013 marked a milestone in NYC transportation history: the debut of the city's bike-share system, Citi Bike. At 330 stations, 6,000 bikes (of a planned 10,000) were available to more than 13,000 members who signed up for a yearly pass - and many of them couldn't wait to hit the streets! The press conference at City Hall was a media frenzy. Hundreds of reporters and cameras were on hand to watch Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan ring in the launch. Streetfilms was there at this historic moment and put together this fun four-minute film which features a Citibike bike share station along a protected bike lane, David Byrne telling us what he will do with bike share and the best shot anyone got of Commissioner Sadik-Khan test driving the bike at City Hall.

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Metro Article - six ways to kill a cyclist
by Cara Fisher 03 Jun '13

03 Jun '13

Scary article from the Urban Compass Winnipeg section http://metronews.ca/voices/urban-compass-winnipeg/651476/six-ways-to-kill-a…

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Winter Cycling For Everyone - Watch Online and Event Links
by Anders Swanson 31 May '13

31 May '13

Thank you so much to everyone who attended and who helped make this a wonderful event. Wasn't expecting such a turnout. Thank you. For those who asked for an online copy and especially for those who could not attend, please find the film *Winter Cycling For Everyone *online here: http://vimeo.com/activetransportation/wintercyclingforeveryone To find more info on best practices from around the World, or to stay in touch with the *International Winter Cycling Conference* happening in Winnipeg Feb.12-13 2014, please check out: wintercycling.org To register now or to watch for details on *Winter Bike to Work Day* this Feb.14, 2014 please visit: winterbiketoworkday.org Kind regards, Anders

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Designing cities for better health: If you build it, they will walk
by feaver＠mymts.net 30 May '13

30 May '13

A good article in the Globe & Mail: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/architecture/designing-c ities-for-better-health-if-you-build-it-they-will-walk/article12240304/

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FW: International Trails Day
by Kristine Hayward 30 May '13

30 May '13

From: Julie Turenne-Maynard [mailto:exec_dir@riverswest.ca] Sent: Thursday, May 30, 2013 12:46 PM To: Rivers West Subject: International Trails Day Grab your bike, your running shoes or your rollerskates and join us June 1st, 2013 for International Trails Day. It's free, it's healthy, and it's fun! There will be workshops, geocaching, kids' activities and much more. See attachment for more information -- Julie Turenne-Maynard Executive Director Rivers West Red River Corridor Inc. T: (204) 925-2321 F: (204) 237-4618 C: (204) 771-5585 www.riverswest.ca<http://www.riverswest.ca> www.routesonthered,ca<http://www.routesonthered,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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LCI Seminar in June- Register NOW - EUGENE
by Beth McKechnie 29 May '13

29 May '13

For more information see: http://lists.umanitoba.ca/mailman/admin/at-network/bounce ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Terry Zdan <tjzdan50(a)gmail.com> Date: Wed, 29 May 2013 13:05:46 -0500 Subject: LCI Seminar in June- Register NOW - EUGENE Dear Active Transportation Enthusiasts, *This June (21st-23rd) the League of American Bicyclists<http://www.bikeleague.org> is holding an LCI Seminar in Eugene*. The last LAB Seminar in Eugene was over 5 years ago and annually there are fewer than a dozen around the country. Registration so far has been too low to hold this Seminar and *there are only a couple more days to register for this great opportunity*!* If you've ever wanted to take your cycling to the next level and wanted to share your knowledge of safe cycling skills with others this is a great opportunity!* * * Becoming a League Cycling Instructor (LCI) certified to teach Smart Cycling is a great way to help cyclists in your community. Certified instructors can teach Smart Cycling classes (like Traffic Skills 101) to children as well as adults. Help bring the joy of safe cycling to others. If you are an experienced cyclist and would like to teach others please consider taking the next step towards certification. *Becoming a League member and taking Traffic Skills 101 are prerequisites for a certification seminar*. Instructors are trained at seminars held periodically throughout the year. The training is Friday, June 21 (5:30-9pm), Saturday, June 22 (8am-4pm), and Sunday, June 23 (8am-4pm). Cost for the three day training is $300. To register you can download the course registration form<http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/education/LCI_course_application.pdf> or go to the League's website, join <http://www.bikeleague.org/join/> and then register via their Events calendar by clicking on the Eugene LCI Seminar<https://bikeleague.secure.force.com/MN4__mnp_viewevent?id=a0kG0000001ZdfmIAC> . You must be a League member to register for the course (and to maintain the LCI certification). If you have any questions contact Shane MacRhodes ( rhodes_sh(a)4j.lane.edu). [image: LAB Logo] Shane MacRhodes League of American Bicyclists Cycling Instructor (#1050) 541-556-3553 shanerh(a)mac.com -- Terry Zdan 126 Duncan Norrie Drive Wpg MB R3P 2J9 CANADA tjzdan50(a)gmail.com <tjzdan(a)gmasil.com>

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Today! Kick-off Commuter Challenge - 11 am, MB Hydro Plaza
by Beth McKechnie 29 May '13

29 May '13

*Join us TODAY to... * *Kick-off the 2013 Commuter Challenge!* *11 a.m., Wednesday, May 29 * *Manitoba Hydro Building (Outdoor Plaza on Graham Ave)* Celebrate the start of the 2013 Commuter Challenge with the Honourable JimRondeau, Minister of Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs; Stefano Grande, Executive Director of the Downtown Winnipeg Biz; Lloyd Kuczek, Vice President of Customer Care and Energy Conservation, Manitoba Hydro; Commuter Challenge participant Maureen Peniuk; along with Ace Burpee and Green Action Centre. Walk, bike, bus or carpool -- let's celebrate a better way to get to work!

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Edmonton approves Complete Streets Policy
by Beth McKechnie 27 May '13

27 May '13

*Edmonton approves Complete Streets Policy* The Complete Streets Policy was approved by City Council on May 22, 2013. The policy and accompanying guidelines will encourage a holistic approach to roadway design in order to develop a network of roadways that are safe, attractive, comfortable and welcoming to all users. Designing New Neighbourhoods, Edmonton’s Future Residential Communities Policy was approved at the same time. The guidelines for this policy will influence the physical structure and layout of our new neighbourhoods. The Complete Streets Guidelines will be used for planning, designing and constructing streets in new neighbourhoods. They will also guide the design and reconstruction of streets in existing neighbourhoods. Next steps for the Complete Streets projects team will be the implementation of several complete streets pilot projects over the next few years. Three pilot projects have already been identified as priority; including one in a greenfield, a neighbourhood renewal and an arterial renewal. http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/city_vision_and_strategic_plan/compl…

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Fwd: Invitation: Winter Cycling for Everyone - Film and Discussion
by Anders Swanson 27 May '13

27 May '13

[Hi, if you already received a personal message, sorry for any cross-postings....and for accidentally not sending this to the network last week. Note that your first chance to attend is today at lunch. See details below. cheers! anders] ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Anders Swanson <andersswanson(a)gmail.com> Date: Thu, May 23, 2013 at 10:15 AM Subject: Invitation: Winter Cycling for Everyone - Film and Discussion This week, you're "warmly" invited to attend a fun event about magical places and making the most of winter. See details below. Poster attached. * * * * * * * * * * * *WINTER CYCLING * *FOR EVERYONE* * * *Lunchtime Monday May 27th* MPI Theatre downtown in City Place (2nd floor, east side, door north of elevators). 12:00 noon - 1:00pm *OR* *Evening Thursday May 30th * Winnipeg Free Press Cafe in The Exchange. Arthur @ McDermot. Doors at 6:00pm. 6:30pm - 8ish. *Both events feature: * - a short film about experiencing and exploring a landscape full of people and bikes and snow. - "Oulu and the top winter cycling cities of the world": a short presentation by Timo Perälä remote from Oulu, Finland. Mr. Perälä is the CEO of Navico ltd., a small consulting firm specializing in mobility management. He holds a masters degree in civil engineering (construction economics) and has completed several studies and projects related to winter cycling and winter maintenance throughout Finland. Timo directed the 2013 international winter cycling congress - the only event of its kind bringing together experts in the field from around the world - and goes regularly by bike year-round himself (no lycra, just a cruiser). - Refreshments provided. *Thursday Evening Only* - Panel discussion: A big-ideas panel featuring Paul Jordan, COO of the Forks, Councillor Justin Swandel, design whiz Andrea Tetrault and speaker Timo Perälä. Moderated by Bartley Kives. - Exciting event announcements. - Hors d'oeuvres provided. Alcohol available. ---- Seating is limited. RSVPs appreciated but not required. Hope to see you there! Anders Swanson

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NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide Webinars
by Bike to the Future 26 May '13

26 May '13

Bike Winnipeg and Green Action Centre would like to invite you to join us in the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) for a three-part webinar series on the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide<http://nacto.org/cities-for-cycling/design-guide/> . Each webinar will be followed by group discussion of local applications. This is a great opportunity to learn more about this fantastic resource on cycling design and discover how cities across North America are embracing the designs and advice laid out in this guide to improve their cities cycling experience and encourage an ever increasing number of their residents to choose their bikes over their cars. As the city is currently in the process of developing its first cycling and pedestrian strategies, the timing for these webinars could not be better. RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! *#1, Bikeway Design at Intersections* Wednesday, May 29 | 2:00 - 3:15 p.m. CDT Safe, effective intersection design requires visibility and predictability among all street users. In unpredictable urban environments, achieving these goals can be difficult. Bikeway Design at Intersections provides an overview of the intersection treatments in the NACTO guide, including bike boxes, bicycle signals and mixing zones, and analyzes how to resolve and mitigate several complex intersection design problems that commonly arise. Presenters: Roger Geller, Bicycle Coordinator, City of Portland Jamie Parks, Senior Transportation Planner, City of Oakland *#2, Bikeway Design in Context: Determining the right facility for the right street* Wednesday, June 5 | 2:00 - 3:15 p.m. CDT As bikeway design options have multiplied and evolved, the decision-making process for practitioners has become increasingly complex. What kinds of streets are best suited to cycle tracks? When should an engineer use a buffered bike lane rather than a conventional bike lane? Are shared lane markings appropriate for busy streets or only on local roads? This session will analyze the decision-making process that different cities go through when answering such questions, looking beyond speed and ADT to consider elements as varied as context, parking, transit routes and street width. Presenters: Joshua Benson, Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Director, New York City Department of Transportation Nathan Wilkes, Associate Traffic Engineer, Neighborhood Connectivity Division, City of Austin *#3, Next Generation Bikeway Design: Raised cycle tracks * Wednesday, June 26 | 2:00 - 3:15 p.m. CDT While many cities have relied primarily on signs and markings to radically transform their streets, a growing number of bikeways around the country have been improved and made permanent using higher cost materials, curb relocation and complex engineering. This session will look at two facilities that embody long term solutions for city streets. How can cities effectively move the curb without creating drainage problems? What "green” infrastructure solutions can be incorporated into these new bikeways? What are the highest and lowest cost alternatives to these designs? Presenters: Wendy Cawley, Engineer, City of Portland Karen Haley, Executive Director, Indianapolis Cultural Trail Jennifer Tower, Engineer, City of Portland Cheers, -- Mark Cohoe Executive Director Bike Winnipeg (formerly Bike to the Future)

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Millennials lead the trend to less driving, but what happens as they get older? (Atlantic Cities)
by Beth McKechnie 22 May '13

22 May '13

Millennials Lead the Trend to Less Driving, But What Happens As They Get Older?Emily Badger <http://www.theatlanticcities.com/authors/emily-badger/>| May 14, 2013 Find full article and graphs here: http://www.theatlanticcities.com/commute/2013/05/planning-our-transportatio… It is unquestionably true that Americans are driving less today than we did just a few years ago. Sometime around 2004, our addiction to driving – expressed on a graph in the decades-long steep expansion of “vehicle miles traveled” – took a turn in the opposite direction. Per capita, we began to drive fewer miles each year than we had the year before. As the U.S. population has continued to grow, our collective miles traveled by car has begun to stagnate. It’s not entirely clear, though, exactly why this has happened or whether the downturn will continue, two questions intimately tied to the behavior of Millennials as they age. Twenty-something Americans drive about 20 percent less today than their parents did in *their* 20s. But is that because of the recession? High gas prices? A lasting shift in consumer demand? What will happen to today’s 20-year-olds as they enter their 30s, raise families, and consider moving to the suburbs? This question lurks behind every celebrated trend story about the Millennial generation: Will this group really push systemic change (as the baby boomers did) in how Americans live, work and relate to each other (sharing cars, for instance, as opposed to owning them)? Or is this moment – with its associated driving patterns – a hiccup in history? "We've basically assumed in transportation planning for decades upon decades that the amount of vehicle travel and per capita VMT can go in only one direction, and that's up," says Tony Dutzik, a senior policy analyst for the Frontier Group <http://www.frontiergroup.org>, a public interest think tank. "And we have been planning our transportation system based on that assumption." Data from the last few years clearly show that this axiom is no longer true.So what happens next? In an effort to at least sketch out some of the possible scenarios, the Frontier Group and the US PIRG Education Fund<http://www.uspirgedfund.org/>today released a report outlining three alternative futures <http://uspirg.org/reports/usp/new-direction> for America's relationship to the car. One assumes that Millennials will eventually revert to the driving patterns of their parents (the blue "Back to the Future" scenario on the below graph). The second assumes that America is in the midst of an enduring shift toward less driving, brought about in large part by the permanent new preferences of Millennials. And the last scenario assumes that the recent decline we've seen in driving will continue apace. Notably, all three scenarios project car usage well below the status quo we might expect based on the last 50 years of driving trends (even with a growing population). "Thus far in the transportation community, the question of declining vehicle miles traveled and declining gas tax revenues has been thought of as a revenue problem. There’s not enough money coming in to deal with the needs that we think we have," Dutzik says. "There's another important part of that question that we really haven’t addressed: What is it we think we're actually going to need for the future?" What if we don’t need to find funding to for quite so many highway expansions? "If the Millennial trend continues to play out," Dutzik says, "the amount of highway capacity we’re going to need in the future looks far different than it looked in government projections from just a few years ago." Dutzik and report co-author Phineas Baxandall constructed these scenarios by trying to "layer on the unknowable over the knowable." Namely, we don’t how Millennials will behave in the future. But we do know that their parents, from the baby boom generation, will soon begin aging out of the workforce in massive numbers. And when you no longer have to drive to work, that cuts a sizable chunk out of your car consumption (the 2009 National Household Travel Survey estimated that commuting trips accounted for 27.7 percent of household VMT). With these underlying demographic trends in mind, the "Back to the Future" scenario makes the assumption that Millennials will drive about as much at age 35 as their parents did at that same age, and so on as they get older. The other two scenarios are built on something of a mystery. Researchers have not yet been able to disaggregate how much of our current decline in driving has been attributable to gas prices, or the economy, or changing attitudes toward car ownership or urban living. But it’s been driven by * something.* And in these two futures, Dutzik says, “whatever constellation of things it is that has caused the shift in per capita driving over the last decade – we think that’s a real thing.” The way we work has also been changing, alongside the demographic shape of the workforce itself. And this trend, which the report did not address, could drive down VMT even further, as more people telecommute or join the freelance economy. In all of these scenarios, Dutzik assumes that we're unlikely to ever surpass our 2004 peak in per capita driving. Today, we individually drive about 7 percent less than we did in 2004 (or at levels comparable to 1996). It’s plausible we could return to that peak, but many of the factors that drove us there no longer exist: cheap gas, the growing baby boom workforce, women entering the workforce for the first time. Millennials will inevitably wind up driving more than they do today as they age. This is virtually always true of people in their 20s as they enter their 30s and beyond. Certain stages of life demand more use of a car than others. But the question is: by how much? And by how much compared to their parents? Emily Badger is a staff writer at The Atlantic Cities. Her work has previously appeared in *Pacific Standard*, *GOOD*, *The Christian Science Monitor*, and *The New York Times*. She lives in the Washington, D.C. area

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WFP: Remember walking to school? Well, your kids probably don't (May22'13)
by Beth McKechnie 22 May '13

22 May '13

[Follow up to Erik and Shoni's postings yesterday about the Physical Activity scorecard.] Remember walking to school? Well, your kids probably don't By: Lauren La Rose http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/remember-walking-to-sch… TORONTO -- Fewer Canadian kids are commuting by walking or biking as a new report reveals a marked decline among young people using active modes of transportation. Active Healthy Kids Canada released its annual Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth on Tuesday, assigning a "D" grade in the category of active transportation. A "D minus" grade was given for overall physical activity levels. Children who use active transport for commutes to and from school can accumulate up to 45 additional minutes daily of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity compared to kids travelling by car, train or bus. Yet in Canada, a recent survey revealed that while 58 per cent of parents walked to school when they were children, only 28 per cent of their own kids were doing the same today. "That's a reduction of 50 per cent in one generation. That's substantial by any estimate," said Mark Tremblay, chief scientific officer of Active Healthy Kids Canada. >From 2000 to 2010, the percentage of youth aged 5-17 using only inactive modes of transportation for school commutes increased from 51 per cent to 62 per cent. The report found many data sources in different age groups suggested only 25 to 35 per cent of Canadian kids and youth use active transport to and from school. Among youth aged 15 to 17, time spent walking daily dipped from 17 minutes to 11 minutes between 1992 and 2010. Tremblay said active transportation is among "a whole bunch of pieces" that contribute to physical activity levels, along with other key components such as active play, organized sports participation and physical education. Tremblay said there may be instances where schools are too far away for youngsters to commute by their own power. But research shows many examples where high numbers of kids are being ferried to destinations within a walking or biking distance, he noted. "There are kids that live 25 kilometres from the school. They can't walk or bike. And so we get that," said Tremblay, director of Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute. "But can those kids walk or bike to other things that are going on in their community? To their friend's house? To the baseball (diamond), which might be a couple of kilometres down the road? "This isn't just about to and from school.... We're talking about any trips." If kids walked for all trips less than one kilometre in distance, it would translate, on average, to 2,238 additional steps each day -- or around 15 to 20 minutes of walking, the report said. Tremblay said living in an auto-dependent society has made the process of commuting by car the norm. "It's not even part of our consciousness. We just hop into the car and it's not like we ever thought: 'Why didn't we walk there?' Because our frame of reference of distances to walk has reduced so much over time that we don't consider it a possibility. "A kilometre, two kilometres, three kilometres, which are totally walkable (distances) and can be very enjoyable... it just doesn't cross our minds -- and so we don't think of it for our kids, either." Time, money and safety are the three key barriers to kids being more physically active, said Kelly Murumets, president & CEO of ParticipAction. Active transportation offers a simple, cost-effective, accessible way for parents to help ensure kids are getting the activity they need without having to pay for organized sport, she noted. In instances where kids are able to travel on foot, using pedal power or some other means of active transport, Murumets said parents can organize walking school buses or bicycle caravans with a volunteer adult or group of parents convening with youngsters to commute en masse. "Kids are getting physical activity, they have social time, they're with other kids, they're safe because they're supervised, (and) some of the parents who do work are able to make their way to the office," Murumets said. *-- The Canadian Press* *Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition May 22, 2013 D4*

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