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Ciclovia: Coming September 11!
by Jessie Klassen 08 Sep '11

08 Sep '11

*Ciclovia* is back for the third year *Sunday, September 11th from 11am to 8pm*! Ciclovia is a huge street festival and active transportation celebration! There are street closures from Assiniboine Park to The Forks, with many activities, kiosks, and displays on Broadway Avenue. Ciclovia info <http://www.downtownwinnipegbiz.com/home/events/ciclovia/>(including a route map and a list of activities/kiosks/displays) Ciclovia needs over 200 volunteers to make the day a success. If you are able to give some time, sign up to volunteer<http://manyfest.volunteerhub.com/SignIn.aspx?ReturnUrl=/Default.aspx>and receive a free T-shirt, meal voucher, and more. *Also, we are in huge need of marshals for the Ciclovia route. This position was not posted on the Ciclovia hub, given the need for a specific type of volunteer. Please call Stephanie at 958-4621 if you can help with marshalling!* *If you know anyone that would like to take part in our free block-long garage sale on Sunday between 11am-8pm, please have them call Rose at 958-4636.* Also, if you would like to like us on Facebook and share with your contacts, that would be awesome - plus there's a chance to win! *Like us on Facebook…and win!* Like ManyFestWinnipeg on Facebook and enter to win a Downtown Star Treatment. *Like CicloviaWinnipeg on Facebook and enter to win a* *$500-value prize package at Mountain Equipment Co-op.* *http://www.facebook.com/manyfestwinnipeg* *http://www.facebook.com/CicloviaWinnipeg* Thanks for your help and I hope to see you there! ** ** ** ** **** * * *SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11* * * *part of * *MANYFEST: ALL TOGETHER DOWNTOWN!* *SEPTEMBER 9 TO 11 ON BROADWAY!* Join downtown’s biggest street party! Enjoy many events over one weekend this September, with music, light, art, dance, wine, food and fun on Broadway in the heart of downtown ****Winnipeg****! Bring a tin for the bin for Winnipeg Harvest. Cash donations gratefully accepted in support of Change for the Better, providing jobs to the less fortunate. *Last year it was* *Lights on Broadway: Five Events, One Weekend, *this year it's Many Events - ManyFest! The north side of Broadway will be closed to traffic. www.manyfest.ca**** ** ** ** ** *Ciclovia * *Sunday, Sept. 11, 11am-8pm* Walk, jog or cycle all the way from ****Assiniboine** **Park**** to The Forks during this eco-friendly festival. Stop at Broadway to enjoy a farmers’ market, music, fitness demos, kids zone, bike show, garage sale and more!**** ** ** *Featured Ciclovia Actvities* - A Soap Box ****Derby**** by Ace Art **** - RBC Blue Water Zone, with 1,500 collapsible water bottles to give away in their zone **** - 2nd annual Tweed Ride - Wear your newsboy or slouch hat, bring your parasol, knickers, pipe, vest, pantaloons and anything tweed circa early 1900s for a bike ride in Winnipeg! (Departure at 2pm) **** - Bike Show: bring out your old bikes, fancy bikes, pretty bikes! **** - Community groups still wanted for displays! Call Rose at 958-4636. **** - Bike Valet: Leave your bike or stroller for free! (Memorial Park, Broadway at Osborne). Hours: Friday and Saturday: 11:30am – 11:30pm; Sunday: 7:30am – 8:30pm. Location: In Memorial Park on Broadway at ****Osborne Street****. **** ** ** (Music in orange; fitness in black.)**** *Memorial Stage* 11:00am Enjoy Your Pumas**** 11:45 Prenatal/Postnatal Fitness **** 12:30 Fire & Smoke**** 1:15 Belly Dancing**** 2:00 Tom Foolery**** 2:45 Zumba**** 3:30 Craig & Ash**** 4:15 Zumbatonic**** 5:00 Retro Rhythm Review**** 5:45 Body Combat**** 6:30 Mike & The Eastwood Gang**** 7:15 Cha Cha**** ** ** *****Carlton****** Stage* 11:00am Zumba**** 11:45 Flying Fox & Hunter Gatherers **** 12:30 Spin Class**** 1:15 Melissa Plett & These Guys**** 2:00 Spin Class**** 2:45 Drum Cafe**** 3:30 Zumba**** 4:15 Les Jupes**** 5:00 Spin Class**** 5:45 The Kathy Kennedy Blues Band**** 6:30 Zumba**** 7:15 Tree**** *After party at the Pony Corral Downtown!* ** ** **** *SCHEDULE OF MANYFEST EVENTS * ** ** *Giant Movie in the Park – **NEW THIS YEAR!*** *Friday, Sept. 9, starting at sun down, approx 8pm* Roll out your blanket in Memorial Park and watch a movie on a giant outdoor screen under the stars! The movie is Toy Story 3. Sponsored by S&J Construction. **** ** ** *Lights on Broadway * *Saturday, Sept. 10, starting at sun down, approx 8pm* Stroll beneath Broadway’s lit elm trees, and add your own touch of warmth with a complimentary candle – while supplies last! Get a glimpse of what the final permanent, year round tree lighting design could look like, courtesy of Epic Production Technologies, winner of last year’s lighting design competition. Sponsored by ****Manitoba**** Hydro.**** ** ** *Big Dance on Broadway * *Saturday, Sept. 10, 4pm-11pm* It's a dance party like no other with two stages playing various genres of music. Jive, swing, bop and groove beneath a canopy of light. Sponsored by * ***Winnipeg**** Arts Council.**** ** ** *Music on Memorial* 4:00pmTed ****Kernoski Square**** Dancers**** 5:15 Sol James featuring Heitha Forsythe**** 6:45 Tune Raiders**** 7:45 Paradize Band**** 9:15 Big J **Harrison** Big Band **** *Dance on Carlton* 4:00pmTwo Dollar Pistol**** 5:15 Hip Hop lessons with Loa Olafson**** 6:15 Tye Dye Adam**** 7:45 Viva Brasil Capoiera**** 9:00 DJ Penny Lane**** ** ** *After party at the Pony Corral Downtown!* ** ** *****Winnipeg****** 10 & 10 & 5 Race* *Sunday, Sept. 11, 8am-11am* Lace on those runners and enjoy the scenic route of a 5 km, 10 km or 10 mile **** run that starts and ends in Memorial Park. Group discounts of 10% for groups of 6 or more. *NEW THIS YEAR: 5 km run or walk, perfect for families! *Presented by Investors Group.** ** ** *Cost:* 5 km: $25 (to Sept 8), $35 (on Sept 9 & 10); 10 km: $30 (to Sept 8), $40 (on Sept 9 & 10); 10 miler: $35 (until Sept 8), $45 (on Sept 9 & 10)**** *Register: www.events.runningroom.com* *Sept 11, Race Day:* 8:30am - 10 Miler; 9:00am - 10 Km; 9:15am - 5 Km**** ** ** *Broadway Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market * *Saturday, 4pm-11pm & Sunday, 11am-8pm* Stroll among dozens of vendors, browse handmade jewellery, and pick up some fresh home-grown veggies. Sponsored by ****Portage Place****.**** ** ** *Kids’ Zone * *Saturday, 4pm-11pm; Sunday, 11am-8pm* Bring out the whole family to enjoy bouncers, clowns, giant sand boxes, inflatable slides, crafts, buskers, pony rides, bike rodeo by MPI, activities, and much more on Memorial Blvd! Sponsored by Fido.**** ** ** *Taste of Downtown Winnipeg Wine & Cheese Festival **- ALL WEEKEND LONG!* *Friday, Noon-11pm; Saturday, Noon-11pm; Sunday, Noon-8pm* Sip cabernets and chardonnays during this wine and cheese event held in Memorial Park. Free admission. Tasting tickets sold at the event in support of Winnipeg Harvest. Hosted by the Downtown ****Winnipeg**** BIZ. Presented by the Independent Specialty Wine Stores of Manitoba in collaboration with the Manitoba Chefs Association. Also sponsored in part by the Bay Downtown.* *** ** ** *Wine Merchants Include:* • Kenaston Wine Market **** • Fenton’s Wine Merchants**** • De Luca Fine Wines**** • La ****Boutique** **Del**** Vino**** • Banville & Jones Wine Co.**** *Gourmet Foods and Cheese Sponsors:* • Bothwell Cheese • City Bread**** • De Luca’s Specialty Foods**** • Piazza di Nardi**** • Fenton’s Gourmet Foods**** ** ** *For more information, visit www.ManyFest.ca. * ** ** The Downtown BIZ, City of Winnipeg, the Running Room and the Independent Specialty Wine Stores of Manitoba are hosting the festival along with many other partners and sponsors: Investors Group, S&J Construction, Portage Place, Winnipeg Arts Council, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Fido, Manitoba Hydro, Travel Manitoba, Fusion Group, Dental Designs, RBC Blue Water Project, Best Western Charterhouse Hotel, Audioworks, The Bay Downtown, East India Company, the Pony Corral, MPI, MTS Centre, Johnson Waste Management, Bee Clean, Assiniboine Credit Union, Lawton Partners, Neptune Properties, Brad’s Window Cleaning, Winnipeg Parking Authority and the Prolific Group. Media sponsors include the ****Winnipeg**** Sun, CTV, 92 CITI, 102 Clear FM and CBC Radio One 990.**** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** *Stephanie Voyce* Project Manager,* *Image & Transportation *Downtown **Winnipeg BIZ *204.958.4621 office 204.958.4630 fax Visit our website at www.downtownwinnipegbiz.com! This email is intended for the person(s) to whom it is addressed and the contents may contain private and confidential information to which rights are claimed. If you receive this email in error, the review, copy, distribution, or otherwise use of the contents is prohibited and we ask that you notify the sender immediately to advise of the error. Thank you.**** ** ** -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Ciclovia Winnipeg" group. To post to this group, send email to ciclovia-winnipeg(a)googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to ciclovia-winnipeg+unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/ciclovia-winnipeg?hl=en.

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The Economist on Cycle Safety in North America
by Charles Feaver 07 Sep '11

07 Sep '11

A blunt assessment of our safety v. European cyclists, from The Economist: Calm down With a very few exceptions, America is no place for cyclists Sep 3rd 2011 | SEATTLE | from the print edition * DYING while cycling is three to five times more likely in America than in Denmark, Germany or the Netherlands. To understand why, consider the death of Michael Wang. He was pedalling home from work in Seattle on a sunny weekday afternoon in late July when, witnesses say, a brown SUV made a left turn, crunched into Wang and sped away. The road where the 44-year-old father of two was hit is the busiest cycling corridor in Seattle, and it has clearly marked bicycle lanes. But the lanes are protected from motor vehicles by a line of white paint-a largely metaphorical barrier that many drivers ignore and police do not vigorously enforce. A few feet from the cycling lane traffic moves at speeds of between 30 miles per hour, the speed limit for arterials in Seattle, and 40 miles per hour, the speed at which many cars actually travel. This kind of speed kills. A pedestrian hit by a car moving at 30mph has a 45% chance of dying; at 40mph, the chance of death is 85%, according to Britain's Department of Transport. Had Mr Wang been commuting on a busy bike route in Amsterdam, Copenhagen or Berlin, his unprotected exposure to instruments of death-namely, any vehicle moving at 20mph or more-would be nearly nil. These cities have knitted together networks for everyday travel by bike. To start with, motor vehicles allowed near cyclists are subject to "traffic calming". They must slow down to about 19mph, a speed that, in case of collision, kills less than 5%. Police strictly enforce these speed limits with hefty fines. Repeat offenders lose their licences. Calmer traffic is just the beginning. In much of northern Europe, cyclists commute on lanes that are protected from cars by concrete buffers, rows of trees or parked cars. At busy crossroads, bicycle-activated traffic lights let cyclists cross first. Traffic laws discriminate in favour of people on bikes. A few American cities have taken European-style steps to make streets safer for cycling, most notably Portland, Oregon, which has used most of the above ideas. The result: more bikes and fewer deaths. Nearly 6% of commuters bike to work in Portland, the highest proportion in America. But in five out of the past ten years there have been no cycling deaths there. In the nearby Seattle area, where cycling is popular but traffic calming is not, three cyclists, have been killed in the past few weeks.

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WFP: Walking the walk - Winnipeg's trail system thriving thanks to volunteers
by Beth McKechnie 07 Sep '11

07 Sep '11

Walking the walk Winnipeg's trail system is thriving thanks to volunteers who have jumped in feet first By: Shamona Harnett http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/walking----the-walk-129285178… They are hidden worlds in your own city. >From the giant snapping turtles that you might encounter in St. Vital's enchanted Bois-des-Esprit trail; or the colourful wild flowers that will fill your senses on Charleswood's Harte Trail; or even the thrilling roar of landing planes on St. James' Yellow Ribbon Greenway Trail, Winnipeg's system of recreational pathways is thriving. Follow Shamona on Twitter. Have an interesting story you'd like Shamona to write about? Contact her at shamona.harnett(a)freepress.mb.ca Blazing the trails *What's the purpose of Winnipeg's trails?* Trail advocates want Winnipeggers walking, running, cycling, in-line skating, skipping and wandering down city trails. Ideally, the trails will help Winnipeggers become more active and, therefore, fitter. (According to a Active Transportation Advisory Group report, 55 per cent of Manitoba's people are overweight and 45 per cent considered inactive.) Trail proponents hope the trails' increasing connectivity make them a viable, safe way for people to get from one neighbourhood to the other without their cars. *How much money is the government putting into trails?* In the last five years, more than $40 million has been spent on trails and cycling infrastructure around Winnipeg -- $20 million just last year alone. *How many trails are in Winnipeg?* It depends on what you define as a trail. There are many bits and pieces that are too small to have an official name. The Winnipeg Trails Association has mapped out nearly 40 city trails. *How is the trail system organized?* In 1993, the city came up with the idea to divide the city into six parkways -- essentially consisting of land along both sides of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. The goal is to hook up the parkways to form a continuous trail system. This web of parkways joins one park to another. Trails mainly curve around the riverbanks and, when necessary, wind onto residential streets. *What is the Trans Canada Trail?* A project the federal government touts as the world's longest network of trails. Today, more than 15,500 kilometres' worth of Trans Canada trail has been developed nationwide, 1,400 kilometres of which is in Manitoba. *Is there a way for the city to profit from its trails?* Advocates say Winnipeg's trails will attract tourists and lead to growth in the city's economy. *How do I find out more about Winnipeg's trails?* Log onto the Winnipeg Trails Association Website at www.winnipegtrails.ca *How do I help bring a trail to my community?* Contact local trail associations, your city councillor and your MLA. What makes these magical places what they are? One reason is the legion of tireless volunteers. There are hundreds of trail volunteers in Winnipeg -- some who, for 20 years, have worked to create the interconnected network of paths you see today. Here are four inspirational volunteers who help make it happen: LEONE BANKS *Claim to fame:* Co-founder of the Prairie Pathfinders, a trail-exploring walking group that now boasts around 500 members. Twice a week, Banks and her colleagues take Winnipeggers on treks that help them get to know the most beautiful trails, pathways and green spaces in their own city. Banks, 76, is also co-author of Winnipeg Walks, a book she wrote 12 years ago with Kathleen Leathers, Sheila Spence and Wendy Wilson. The book has since sold more than 10,000 copies. *How she fell in love with Winnipeg's trails:* It happened when she would walk from her home in Wolseley to her job at St. Boniface Hospital and back again. "I started thinking about walking in Winnipeg," says Banks, who now lives in Fort Garry. *On identifying her favourite Winnipeg trail:* "There are just so many of them," says Banks, who loves forest trails such as Bois-des-Esprit. "It's pretty nice. It is so truly wild. You can walk along the Seine River or you can go through the forest." *On her recent Friday-night group walk:* She took more than 70 people out to the Bridgwater Forest Trails, a new development in Waverley West. "The purple gentian -- there were about 12 of them just along the trail (as well as high bush cranberry). (The developers) just left wonderful pieces of the forests," says Banks. "When there's a new development and you have any influence on it, tell people you want it to look like Bridgwater Forest." *On seeing someone purchase her book:* "If I'm at a bookstore, I've hardly seen anybody ever buy one," says the retired grandmother. "It gives me a big thrill the few times I have." *On her pet peeve:* "I don't like the world trails. I hate it. It's a word that's being used for so many different types of places people might go," says Banks, who prefers the term "pathways." *On what makes her work so worthwhile:* Many people in her group "believe it or not, have been to more places in the world than most people," explains Banks. "They have learned to value their own city and appreciate it more. I think our books have done that for people." PAUL JORDAN *Claim to fame:* Chief executive officer of the Forks Renewal Corporation. For a decade, headed the Winnipeg Trails Association (WTA). Now, advises every trail group in the city. Many consider him a trail "visionary." *On when he first discovered Winnipeg had a trail system:* It was 2000 when he was asked to chair the WTA. "Lo and behold, I met all of these people -- these volunteers -- who had been working away on their trails for years. I thought there were no trails in Winnipeg until I met these folks," says Jordan. *How often does he use the trails?* For the past decade, Jordan has walked to work and back everyday. In the winter, the Corydon Village resident, and father to four grown sons, often skates to work and back down the frozen river walk trail. *What it's like to skate down the frozen Assiniboine River:* "It's cool because in the dead of winter, it's darker in the mornings than in the afternoons. Once you get moving you're not cold," says Jordan, who relishes the serenity of the route. "As you go under the car bridges -- they're all backed up with rush-hour traffic and people fearing the elements -- you realize just how pleasant winter can really be, how peaceful it is down at the river level." *On the fact that the river walk at the Forks has been underwater for the whole year:* "It's just beyond frustrating," says Jordan, who is used to it being flooded out in the spring, but never for this long. *On how trail volunteers give him the zeal to fight for the cause:* "They are a very dedicated lot. I remember two years ago we called a meeting and it turned out there was a massive blizzard on that night so I expected no one to show up. More than 100 people showed up in this blizzard," says Jordan. *Why trails are here to stay:* "I think recreational trails and bike commuting will become more and more important. Never mind the economics -- just for health reasons. It's a way of building that exercise into your daily routine so you don't have to go to the gym." JANICE LUKES *Claim to fame:* An outspoken trails activist who is a co-ordinator with the Winnipeg Trails Association and advisor to many other trail committees in the province. *How often does she use Winnipeg's trails?* Every day in the summer. "Trust me. When you have nine-year-old triplets, you do everything you can to get out and get moving. It's cheap and it burns the energy off," says Lukes, 50, who likes to trail-hop from neighbourhood to neighbourhood with her kids and husband. *How she got started advocating for trails:* It happened a decade ago when the St. Norbert resident was pregnant with her sons. "We didn't have a trail close by. That's when I started knocking on the neighbours' doors. I said, 'Look, people are walking on the road. And it's dangerous to walk on the road. There's no lights,'" recalls Lukes, who ended up raising $200,000 to build the Sentier Cloutier Trail. *On the obstacles of trail advocacy:* "At the time, there were days when I was bawling, 'Why does the government move so slow? Why does everything take 52 phone calls?' I didn't get it." *What are her favourite trails?* "I don't know. It depends on the season. It depends on the temperature of the day. My favourite trails are the ones that don't make me feel like I'm in the city," says Lukes, who grew up on a farm in rural Manitoba. On the most satisfying part of trail building: "No one knows the blood, sweat and effort that goes into building a trail. But when you see other people enjoying it and using it and pushing their kids and jogging 24/7 around the clock... that's a very rewarding feeling." SIGRUN BAILEY *Claim to fame:* A North Kildonan mother, wife and retired government worker who, since 2005, has helped build the Northeast Pioneers Greenway, a 5.5-kilometre trail built over the Marconi Spur rail line. The long stretch of smooth asphalt in the middle of the Gateway Road is now one of Winnipeg's most used trails. *What prompted her to care about trails?* For 30 years, Bailey cycled to work from her home in North Kildonan to her downtown office. She also took her kids for bike rides down Wellington Crescent when they were young and before Winnipeg had official trails. A few years ago, she donated money to helped build part of the Trans Canada Trail near the Chief Peguis Bridge. When she discovered it hadn't been completed, she decided to find out why. Later, she joined a group dedicated to building the Northeast Pioneers Greenway. *What drives her?* Her mother's lack of fitness. "My mom had a hard time making it across the street. She was breathing heavy and she was in her 60s. And I thought, 'Oh my God. That's ridiculous," says Bailey, who moved to Canada with her parents from Germany when she was just a baby. "If people are active and they are doing things, then they will stay healthier into their older age." *Her pet peeve:* "The bottom line is when I see these people driving around, one person in a car, it just drives me nuts," says Bailey, who limits her driving time in favour of walking, cycling or taking the bus. "We have to get out of that mindset. People complain about parking. Well, why are you taking your car and parking in the first place?" *A source of pride:* As soon as the asphalt went down on the Northeast Pioneers Trail four years ago, people started using it. "There was still steam coming off it and there was people out there. It was just amazing. People are using it. They feel safe and it's convenient," says Bailey, who raised $150,000 to help build the canopies and benches located at every kilometre of trail. She's also proud that her grown sons and husband use the trail often.

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Active & Green Fall: Relationship killer, commuting with kids, and more
by Jessie Klassen 06 Sep '11

06 Sep '11

Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.<http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&id=d604aef282…> *Looking to improve commuter options at your workplace?* Request resources<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/request-information-presentation-or-mee…>on cycling, carpooling, commuting surveys and tracking progress, among others. Book a presentation<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/request-information-presentation-or-mee…>on the various commuting options, as well as fuel-efficient driving, creating a commuter friendly workplace, and greening the workplace. Talk to us about implementing a Smart Trips<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/smart-trips/>program at your workplace. ------------------------------ Upcoming Events *Ciclovia <http://www.downtownwinnipegbiz.com/home/events/ciclovia/> September 11 <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>International Car Free Day September 22* *Moving Planet <http://www.moving-planet.org/events/ca/winnipeg/559> September 24* *iWALK Month <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/iwalk/> October 1-31* * Campus Commuter Challenge October 17-21 Waste Reduction Week<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/waste-reduction-week-2010/> October 17-23 Green Lifestyle & Natural Living Show <http://www.winnipeggreenshow.com/> October 22-23 * ------------------------------ With beach season almost over... ...stay tuned for our winter issue! Like what you read? Become a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> of Green Action Centre (membership is free!), visit our website at greenactioncentre.ca, or make a donation<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/make-a-donation/>. All Charities Campaign It’s back to school and back to work for many Manitobans. The roads swell with traffic. Idling cars wrap around schools. Leaves fall and large plastic bags appear on curbs destined for the landfill. Green Action Centre works to change these scenarios every day. Donate<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/make-a-donation/>to Green Action Centre this fall through your workplace All Charities Campaign <http://www.allcharitiescampaign.ca/>, or online through Canada Helps <https://www.canadahelps.org/DonationDetails.aspx?cookieCheck=true>. Your donation supports: - School<http://greenactioncentre.ca/program/asrts/school-travel-planning/>travel planning in your neighbourhood; - Employee<http://greenactioncentre.ca/program/workplace-commuter-options/>commuting surveys at your workplace; - Master Composter<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/master-composter-program/>training in your community; - And so much more <http://greenactioncentre.ca>! Living Car(e)Free Is it possible to live car-free in Winnipeg? It might be a reach for the majority of folks but many are trying to live with a little less car (car-light?) and a little more bus, walking and biking. When we posed the question <http://greenactioncentre.ca/2011/you-cant-live-car-free-in-winnipeg/>on the Green Action Centre website, we learned that some Winnipeggers are already living without personally owning a car. Find out how they manage here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/2011/myth-busted-you-can-live-car-free-in-winni…>. As one person noted, car-free sounds like "care-free" – from car loan payments, insurance payments, rising fuel costs, parking costs, and so on. Something to think about on* September 22 – International Car Free Day*. Commute with kids Do you face the challenge of dropping your kids off at school or daycare, heading to work, picking your kids up, and also picking up groceries on the way home? You can do all this, and still take the bus or your bike to work. Read our tips<http://greenactioncentre.ca/2011/have-kids-will-green-commute/>, and share your own. Relationship-killer Long-distance commuters might want to rethink their commitment to the road. More money might be up for grabs but so is an increased likelihood of divorce. A Swedish study that looked at data from over two million households over 10 years found commuters travelling 45 minutes or longer by car were 40% more likely to split with their partner than those who lived closer to work. Read more here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/2011/long-commute-relationship-killer/> . Top 10 Safer Cycling Tips [image: Bike on bike lane]One of the most common reasons for not getting around by bike is concern about or discomfort with riding in traffic. Check out our Top 10 handy tips<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/top-10-safer-cycling-tips-2/>to help you ride safer. *Want to increase your city cycling skills and confidence?* Sign up for a half-day course through the Winnipeg Leisure Guide! Choose from a beginner's workshop<http://greenactioncentre.ca/event/city-cycling-for-beginners-workshop/>or commuter's workshop<http://greenactioncentre.ca/event/city-cycling-for-commuters-workshop/> . New bus seats nice fit Keep an eye out for the snazzy new seats on some Winnipeg Transit buses. Replacing the bench style, these "individual" seats provide a little better fit and a little more sense of personal space. See what you think! You are receiving this email because you are an Active & Green subscriber. Unsubscribe<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/unsubscribe?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> jessie_klassen(a)hotmail.com from this list. Our mailing address is: Green Action Centre 3-303 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B4 Add us to your address book<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/vcard?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f…> Copyright (C) 2011 Green Action Centre All rights reserved. Forward<http://us2.forward-to-friend1.com/forward?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&id=d6…>this email to a friend Update your profile<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/profile?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3…> [image: Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp]<http://www.mailchimp.com/monkey-rewards/?aid=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&afl=1>

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City Cycling courses - poster & handbill
by Beth McKechnie 31 Aug '11

31 Aug '11

** Please help promote these City Cycling courses if you are able (poster and handbill attached). Thanks! ** ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Dave Elmore <dave(a)greenactioncentre.ca> Date: Wed, Aug 31, 2011 at 2:53 PM Subject: RE: City Cycling courses ** Cara from The WRENCH was kind enough to produce a poster and handbills thatcan be used to promote the courses. If you feel you can use them, please feel free to print as you see fit. Thanks Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X)

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CanStar Metro: Groups push for AT - Centreport hub should include trails, pathways (Aug.30'11)
by Beth McKechnie 31 Aug '11

31 Aug '11

Groups push for active transportation Centreport hub should include trails, pathways By: Matt Preprost http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/metro/Groups-push-for-acti… A group of west Winnipeg businesses and organizations are joining forces to pressure officials to make active transportation a part of the development of CentrePort Canada. Current plans for the project don’t include the community’s active transportation needs and that is threatening to cut off pedestrian connectivity between several communities, according to Janice Lukes of the Winnipeg Trails Association. "If the province, feds and the city are moving us towards this global multi-modal transportation hub, we need to consider active transportation," Lukes said. "But they’re not looking at it in the big picture." The Red River Exhibition, Assiniboia Downs and the MTS Iceplex in St. James, as well as Friends of the Harte Trail in Charleswood and Adrenaline Adventures and the Headingley Grand Trunk Trail in Headingley have partnered with the Winnipeg Trails Association to lobby for some form of active transportation strategy in the area. They contend the redevelopment of portions of the Perimeter Highway will threaten existing trail developments from connecting to each other, like the Harte Trail and the Headingley Grand Trunk Trail. They would like to see studies and analysis conducted to see how to incorporate a trail system and pedestrian crossings to keep the neighbourhoods connected. "It’s frustrating. You work for years to build these trail systems and hope the government sees the big picture, and when they don’t it’s disheartening," Lukes said. "We don’t want to be riding on cloverleafs with semis but give us something." Lukes pointed to the construction of the Red River Floodway in which there were four studies done on recreation. Officials with CentrePort Canada said creating an active transportation network isn’t mandated in their legislation, which focuses on business development. "We understand the desire to have more bike paths, to have more trails," said Riva Harrison, executive director of communications for CentrePort, adding that recreational areas like the Little Mountain Sportsplex and Prairie Dog Central won’t be displaced. Harrison said CentrePort is supportive of building recreational areas around CentrePort, but that CentrePort won’t lead the development. "Our mandate is to increase trade via transportation. I think there’s no question that we’re supportive of the idea that some trails or recreation can be incorporated into the land use plan, but obviously it has to be carefully done because it’s a truck-oriented expressway." The province said in a statement it’s too early in CentrePort’s development to define specific AT plans. "Active transportation routes will be explored as the more detailed development plans associated with CentrePort Canada evolve," a spokesperson said in a statement. Garth Rogerson, CEO of the Red River Ex, said plans are in the works to develop trails on the Ex grounds and that he would like them to connect into a bigger network, especially along Portage Avenue. Rogerson said he’s noticed school children walking alongside the road and under the Perimeter Highway overpass to get to the park. "There’s a lot of development going on in Headingley and west of the Perimeter," he said. "It’s conceivable that the city will just continue to expand beyond Headingley and we need to start thinking now before we build too many things. "Let’s at least plan for it now so we don’t get caught 20 years from now saying we should have put paths in. Don’t just plan for cars — plan for bicycles and people as well. That’s what we’re pushing for."

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Minneapolis? More like Bike-opolis
by Beth McKechnie 30 Aug '11

30 Aug '11

Minneapolis? More like Bike-opolis <http://www.grist.org/biking/2011-08-25-minneapolis-a-rising-bike-metropolis…> by Tim De Chant 25 Aug 2011 http://www.grist.org/biking/2011-08-25-minneapolis-a-rising-bike-metropolis If you've never been to Minneapolis, you're missing out: It's populated by unrelentingly friendly folk, oodles of lakes surrounded by city parks, and a bike network on its way to becoming second-to-none. Just last month, * Bicycling* magazine named it the top city for bicycling<http://www.bicycling.com/news/featured-stories/1-bike-city-minneapolis>, and a few months before, the League of American Bicyclists gave it a gold medal<http://dc.streetsblog.org/2011/08/22/from-minneapolis-ten-street-design-sol…>. These days, bikes are a big deal in the bigger of the Twin Cities. These accolades aren't exactly unexpected: Minneapolis has put a lot of effort into bolstering its bike-friendliness<http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/bicycles/>. Money from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program has given Minneapolis -- along with Columbia, Mo., Marin County, Calif., and Sheboygan County, Wis. -- a total of $25 million to improve biking and walking infrastructure. But the city deserves much credit for its laser-like focus on improving biking conditions. We can trace much of the city's bike renaissance to the Midtown Greenway<http://www.midtowngreenway.org/>, a 5.5-mile former railroad opened in 2000 that has since has become a non-automotive superhighway. Cyclists and pedestrians can hop on and off at various points with ease, and the striking Martin Olav Sabo Bridge sends cyclists over busy Hiawatha Avenue. The path even has its own dedicated bike shop complete with bike parking, water, bathrooms, and showers for commuters. Basically, it's a cyclist's dream. Beyond the Greenway, Minneapolis has followed a 10-step program of sorts to guide its bike-friendly improvements. Many steps -- like dedicated bike lanes, lanes buffered from traffic, and plenty of bike parking -- are obvious choices, but others draw on ideas culled from around the country. One of my favorites is their adoption of bicycle boulevards (which I remember fondly from my time in Berkeley). Bike boulevards route bicycle traffic down nearly deserted side streets, where car traffic is kept low by including speed humps and "diverters" that block cars but allow bikes to pass through. At busy intersections, bikes even get special sensors beneath the pavement to change traffic signals. They're a great way to get across town in a hurry. On busier roads where there's no space for dedicated bike lanes, Minneapolis has painted "advisory" bike lanes. These lanes are demarcated by dashed lines and run on both sides of the street. Since this takes away space from existing car lanes, the city simply removed the old center line. This gives bikes visual priority on the street, and the narrowed center lane slows car traffic. Where possible, the city has reduced the number of regular lanes on some roads to widen bike lanes. With all these pieces in place, Minneapolis' seems well-poised to overtake Portland as the country's top bike city. Though Portland can still boast that 5.8 percent of its commuting trips happen on a bike, Minneapolis is catching up with an impressive 3.8-percent bike commuter rate. The improvements also encourage more errands by bike, and to lure the uncertain, bike lanes and paths also tie into the city's extensive park system. It's taken a lot of effort to get to this point (including lots of political support from the mayor's office), but Minneapolis is getting ever closer to becoming a two-wheeled paradise. Tim De Chant is the creator of Per Square Mile <http://persquaremile.com/>and an environmental journalist <http://www.de-chant.com/tim/journalism>. You can also find him on Twitter <http://www.twitter.com/tdechant>.

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WFP: Valets ease cyclists' worries - Group seeking bike-minders
by Beth McKechnie 29 Aug '11

29 Aug '11

Valets ease cyclists' worries Group seeking bike-minders By: Erin Madden http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/valets-ease-cyclists-worries-1285773… As an avid cyclist, David Wieser knew he wanted to get involved in making Winnipeg a more bicycle-friendly community. So, while away on a tour of duty in Afghanistan as a member of the Canadian Forces, he spent his free time establishing Bicycle Valet Winnipeg. The program operates like a coat check at large community events such as Winnipeg Blue Bomber games, street festivals and the Red River Exhibition. Cyclists can "check" their bicycles with Valet volunteers who watch over them, free of charge, until they return to retrieve them. Wieser launched the initiative upon his return home from Afghanistan last summer, and the program has served cyclists at nearly 40 events in and around Winnipeg since then. Wieser, a master corporal with the military, said he's been pleased with the initial success of Bicycle Valet Winnipeg but he's convinced there is still room for growth. But any future success will have to come through the hard work of new volunteers, however, as Wieser was transferred from Winnipeg to Petawawa, Ont., earlier this month. Marissa Steindel, 25, is one of the volunteers who are looking to grow the program. She started volunteering about three months ago after learning about it online. She initially signed up to volunteer at one event, but quickly committed to lend a hand at more. "I was so excited when I saw it -- it just made so much sense," said Steindel, a draftsperson at MacDon Industries. "One of the biggest deterrents to cycling in the city is knowing if there is a safe place to leave your bike and if it will still be there when you come back to it. Also, if you're carrying a bunch of gear with you and you're going to events, it's a pain to have to bring it around with you. When I saw Bicycle Valet, I decided I had to support it." Fellow volunteer Sandeep Dhariwal shares that sentiment. She moved to Winnipeg last winter and took up cycling for the first time in her life. Within weeks, she was hooked. A volunteer with Bicycle Valet for the past three months, she said she quickly saw the importance of the program in the community. "I volunteered (at my first event) and it was amazing. It was at Kids' Fest and seeing all these families come out -- families transporting their kids on these carriages -- it was just so inspiring," said Dhariwal, a 29-year-old facilitator with an inner-city youth mentoring program. "For me, volunteering with Bicycle Valet is about the culture and the people you meet and their mindset and how they see the world." She said it's a great opportunity for people looking to meet new people -- both the clients and the fellow volunteers -- and for those who want to explore the city. "A big thing is exposure to these events. We chill out on our breaks -- we get to go and see the events and often partake. "It's a really good way for volunteers, especially those who are new to the city like I was, to see the city highlights." Wieser said he hopes to see the number of events and volunteers continue to grow. He said cyclists have embraced the initiative, as have the approximately 20 volunteers who have donated their time over the first year. He adds that before leaving the city, through the support of sponsors, he was able to hire a part-time staff member to ensure the program's ongoing success, co-ordinating volunteers and events. "I'm very happy that it will continue on in my absence and when I come back to Winnipeg, I look forward to seeing it bigger and better." If you would like more information, or would like to become a Bicycle Valet volunteer, please email volunteer(a)bicyclevaletwinnipeg.ca. You can also learn more online at www.bicyclevaletwinnipeg.ca. -- If you know a special volunteer who strives to make his or her community a better place to live, please contact Erin Madden at erinmadden(a)shaw.ca

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Which types of people choose a walkable lifestyle?
by Beth McKechnie 26 Aug '11

26 Aug '11

Which Types of People Choose A Walkable Lifestyle?Posted August 26, 2011 by *Walkonomics Blog <http://sustainablecitiescollective.com/user/77163>* There’s been plenty of research<http://walkonomics.com/w/index.php/research/19-supporting-research>into how walkable streets and neighbourhoods get more people walking. However what we’re less sure about is: Who are the people that choose to walk more? In an attempt to answer this question, Transport for London have released new research<http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/businessandpartners/walking-segement…>with some interesting findings. By combining a large travel survey with Londoners demographic data, the study attempted to identify which types of people walk more as part of their everyday lifestyle.Women walk more They found that, on average, women make more journey stages on foot than men (females walked 4.1 journey stages while males only walked 3.8). However one consolation for any overly-competitive male is that the study also found that women walk a shorter distance per stage than men. It seems that men walk even less once they are in a relationship and have children, while for women it’s the exact opposite, they walk more once they have children. Perhaps this is partly explained by the fact that, on average, women are still more likely than men to stay-at-home to look after children, including journeys like walking to school. Younger people (aged 20 – 44) walk more stages per day than older people, with young women (aged 20 – 44) walking the most. This rings true with recent reports<http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2011/01/13/no-mcmansions-for-millennials/>that have found that Generation Y (born between 1979 and 2000) are looking to live in walkable urban locations and are embracing the walkable lifestyle. *Is being single good for you?* The study also found that single adults walked more than people in a relationship (regardless of whether they had children or not). So we can now add ‘getting more exercise’ to the list of benefits of being single! Urban location was also found to be key, with ‘Central’ Londoners walking more than ‘Inner’ Londoners and a lot more than those in the ‘Outer’ suburbs. As the built environment becomes more dense, public transport more frequent and driving is more hassle, it seems that people walk more. Unsurprisingly car ownership reduces walking (people without a car made 4.5 journey stages on foot, while those with 2 or more cars only walked 3.2 journey stages). In contrast to this, is the fact that the richer people are, the more likely they are to walk, despite having the option of driving. The research team put this down to ‘narrower travel horizons amongst those on lower incomes’.Marketing walking But why are Transport for London so interested in peoples walking behaviours? It seems that one reason is to better target marketing in order to get people to change their behaviour and walk more. The study even utilises similar approaches that big business use for customer marketing, creating target groups for future behaviour change programmes. This approach found that demographic groups with names like ‘Active Urbanites’ and ‘Cosmopolitan Lives’ (32% of Londons population) were walking more than the average Londoner. It seems that factors such as your stage in life (young and single) and lifestyle (living in a very urban area) influence how much you walk.But peoples attitudes to walking also seem to change as they progress through life, with people classed as ‘Active Urbanites’ and ‘Cosmopolitan Lives’ much more likely to make positive statements about walking such as: “Walking is a method of transport that I would want to be seen using.” While people with families and on lower incomes were more likely to agree with negative opinions on walking, including: “Walking is only for people who can’t afford other ways of getting there.” This highlights an opportunity for Transport for London to try to change attitudes and behaviours in these groups. It would also be interesting to see how this geo-demographic data compares to the walkability of local streets using a dataset such as the Walkonomics London map<http://walkonomics.com/w/index.php/london-map> . While this study has drilled down a bit deeper into the factors behind walking behaviour, the real test will be to see how governments in London and other big cities use this information to get more people walking.

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Ciclovia looking for community displays and volunteers!
by Jessie Klassen 25 Aug '11

25 Aug '11

Hi All, Ciclovia <http://www.downtownwinnipegbiz.com/home/events/ciclovia/>, the huge annual street festival and active transportation event happening Sunday, September 11th, is looking for community and environmental organizations to display in their enviro-block. Last year's festival attracted 10,000 people! The cost is free and a table and chairs are provided. All you need to do is bring your awesome display or activity and staff your booth from 11am - 8pm the day of. Register your community display<https://spreadsheets.google.com/a/greenactioncentre.ca/viewform?formkey=dHF…>. Get more information<http://www.downtownwinnipegbiz.com/home/events/ciclovia/>. Also, Ciclovia needs over 200 volunteers to make the day a success! If you are able to give some time, sign up to volunteer<http://manyfest.volunteerhub.com/SignIn.aspx?ReturnUrl=/Default.aspx>and receive a free t-shirt, meal voucher, and more. It's sure to be a great time! Hope to see you on September 11th! ** *Jessie Klassen* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca>| Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3772 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/>

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