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Toronto doctor's 'magic pill' goes viral
by Anders Swanson 13 Jan '12

13 Jan '12

If you watched enough Mr.Dressup as a kid, or simply like watching people draw, you might like this video. You wouldn't be alone; it's got over a million hits. Not bad for a video with no cats. It was made by a doctor/professor in Ontario and is about finding "the single best thing" we can do for our health. Can you guess what that is? Hint: I posted it to this list. I won't ruin the suspense, and you might have heard the message before. Nonetheless, this video includes some pretty clear and compelling research, and presents the facts in a nice simple way. For the time being, it even lets the smokers, drinkers and overweight folks in the crowd off the hook (somewhat)... Watch the video: 23 and 1/2 hours: What is the single best thing we can do for our health?<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUaInS6HIGo> Read the CBC Story: An illustrated video with a simple message about health has received more than a million hits on YouTube, much to the delight of the Toronto doctor who created it. "My bankability with teenagers has increased significantly," Dr. Mike Evans told CBC News on Wednesday. Evans is a doctor at St. Michael's Hospital and professor at the University of Toronto. People all over the world are linking to his month-old video from Facebook and Twitter. Evans says his message — to complete a half-hour of exercise every day — is like a magic pill to cure aches and pains. "I've got a pill that's going to help with your arthritis, help with your depression, help with your anxiety, help with your obesity, help prevent cancer," he said. The video cites studies from the world, including research that shows even overweight people have fewer health problems when active. Watch the full video above. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/story/2012/01/11/toronto-viral-video-… - - - - Anders Swanson Active Transportation Project Coordinator Physical Activity Coalition of Manitoba | www.pacm.ca activetransportation(a)pacm.ca

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Cycle like the Danes to cut carbon emissions, says study
by Beth McKechnie 12 Jan '12

12 Jan '12

Cycle like the Danes to cut carbon emissions, says study *EU could cut its transport greenhouse gas emissions by more than 25% if every country's cycling rate was the same as Denmark's* Europe could cut its transport greenhouse gas emissions by more than 25% if every population cycled as regularly as the Danes, according to a pioneering study (http://www.ecf.com/wp-content/uploads/ECF_CO2_WEB.pdf) which tracks the environmental impact of cycling down to the extra calories consumed by riders. If the EU cycling rate was the same as it is in Denmark, where the average person cycles almost 600 miles (965km) each year, then the bloc would attain anything from 12% to 26% of its targeted transport emissions reduction, depending on what forms of transport the cycling replaced, according to the report by the Brussels-based European Cycling Federation (ECF). This figure is likely to be a significant underestimate as it deliberately excludes the environmental impact of building road infrastructure and parking, or maintaining and disposing of cars. The ECF is urging politicians to focus less on technologically complex solutions to emissions, such as electric cars, and instead think about the potential for increased cycling, especially given that around a third of motorised journeys within the EU are 1.25 miles or less. "There's this rhetoric going about that technology is going to save the day. In the end it's going to have to be the political decisions which make the difference in emissions, and it's not just going to be technology," said Julian Ferguson of the ECF, one of the report's authors. "Things like e-cars will need a massive investment in new infrastructure. But that's almost part of the problem. Politicians like having those massive, awe-inspiring projects, something to change the face of transport. The big advantage of the bicycle is that it exists as a vehicle, it's not just a projected attempt to reduce emissions." The European commission requested that the ECF carry out the research to provide the first specific figures for emissions produced by bicycles over their lifespan, as against motorised vehicles. The calculations for bikes included manufacture – the ECF took a heavier, European-style bike as its model, assuming each used 14.6kg of aluminium, 3.7kg of steel and 1.6kg of rubber – maintenance and even the impact of producing extra calories consumed by someone cycling rather than driving, estimated at 175 an hour, on average. This came up with a total of 21g of carbon emissions per passenger kilometre travelled for a bike, as against 271g for people in a car and 101g for a bus. The impact of electric-assisted bicycles, a boon for older or infirm riders, was almost as low, at 22g. In real life these figures would most likely be biased far more towards cycling, Ferguson said: "We were pretty conservative. We were worried, being a cyclists' federation, that if the figures looked too amazing for a bicycle we wouldn't be taken seriously. So we didn't include infrastructure for cars, or things like parking, maintenance for cars – while maintenance for bikes was included." Increasing continent-wide cycling to Danish levels would, nonetheless, be quite an enterprise. The EU average is just under 120 miles per person per year, while in the UK it is a mere 46 miles, less than 8% of that in Denmark. But the ECF says that if the EU is to meet its emissions target, which calls for a drop of between 80% and 90% on 1990 levels by 2050, major changes will be required somewhere, and that transport is a the ideal place to start. From 1990 to 2007, transport-based emissions on the continent rose 36%, while those from other sources fell 15%. It also points to the example of cities such as Seville in Spain<http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/ecf-chooses-seville-to-host-2011-velo-city…>, where the construction of segregated bike lanes and other policies saw cycling increase tenfold in just three years. "It is possible," said Ferguson. "It just takes a bit of political will and a good dose of cultural change." http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/dec/12/cycle-like-danes-cut-emis…

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Winnipeg Transit testing new Rapid Transit Corridor, public advised to stay off Transitway
by Beth McKechnie 11 Jan '12

11 Jan '12

If everyone could help share the word on this, it would be greatly appreciated. A lot of people used the actual Transitway for walking and cycling during construction but now need to stay clear as the buses are on the road. thanks! Beth ------------------------------ *From:* City-MediaInquiry *Sent:* Wednesday, January 11, 2012 10:47 AM *Subject:* City of Winnipeg News Release - Winnipeg Transit testing new Rapid Transit Corridor, public advised to stay off Transitway [image: Description: Description: Description: cid:image001.png@01CC88E0.FA0A1B80]**** ** ** For Immediate Release**** Wednesday, January 11, 2012**** ** ** *Winnipeg Transit testing new Rapid Transit Corridor, * *public advised to stay off Transitway* ** ** *Winnipeg, MB.* – The City of Winnipeg is advising the public to stay off the newly constructed 3.6 km Southwest Rapid Transit Corridor Transitway and to exercise caution at street intersections along the corridor. **** ** ** Winnipeg Transit officials are reminding residents to be safe and avoid trespassing on the Transitway, which is now an active roadway with test buses approaching speeds of 80 km/h. Pedestrians and cyclists are at risk if they enter the Transitway and are advised to stay on public rights-of-way adjacent to the corridor. Strict adherence to all Transitway signs and signals is equally important for motorists also, as they will be sharing intersections with the test buses at certain times of the day.**** ** ** Winnipeg Transit has been conducting driver training on the corridor since December 16, 2011. The Southwest Rapid Transit Corridor is scheduled to open on Sunday, April 8, 2012.**** ** ** For more information on Rapid Transit or the Southwest Rapid Transit Corridor, visit http://winnipegtransit.com/en/rapid-transit/ **** ** ** - 30 -**** Media inquiries should be directed to the City of Winnipeg Media Inquiry Line at 204-986-6000 or via email at MediaInquiry(a)winnipeg.ca**** ** ** Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/cityofwinnipeg<http://www.facebook.com/cityofwinnipeg> **** ** ** Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/cityofwinnipeg<http://www.twitter.com/cityofwinnipeg> **** ** **

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Bike Challenge Volunteers Sought
by Beth McKechnie 10 Jan '12

10 Jan '12

Are you interested in helping out with the Actif Epica bike race from St. Malo to Winnipeg on February 18th? Volunteering is a great way to be a part of this unique event—your help will make this a fun and safe bike challenge for everyone. We’d appreciate your help with: - *Course setup* – set up a few signs and flags on the Friday before the race - *Checkpoint race officials* – timing and communications to race headquarters - *Checkpoint hosting* – helping riders with food and water, general oversight - *Roving support* – on-course support in a vehicle or on a snowmobile (we’ll cover your gas) No experience is necessary – we’ll train you up and various shifts and locations are available. Volunteer briefing meetings will be held from 4-5 p.m. on Saturday February 11 (St. Pierre) and Sunday February 12 (Winnipeg), please plan to attend one or the other. If you are interested in giving a couple of hours or more please contact Hal Loewen <halloewen(a)gmail.com> or Ian Hall <ian.hall.204(a)gmail.com>, we’ll find a way for you to be an important part of the Actif Epica experience and have some winter fun. http://actifepi.ca/2012/01/bike-challenge-volunteers-needed/

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The Intersector: A traffic light that knows when bicycles are coming
by Beth McKechnie 10 Jan '12

10 Jan '12

[Not sure what happens with buses when there's transit signal priority but interesting concept. -Beth] The Intersector: A Traffic Light That Knows When Bicycles Are Coming *It’s time for some intelligent design in our traffic management. A new device can change light times to make things safer for oncoming bikes, and more convenient for impatient drivers.* It’s a problem even in the most bike-friendly cities: cars move faster than bikes, which means cyclists are put in danger when traffic lights change. To cut down on the danger of deadly crashes, a handful of California cities, including Pleasanton, Redding, and Monterey, are installing the Intersector<http://www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/services/traffic/intersector.html>, a smart traffic signal that can differentiate between bikes and cars--and then times traffic light changes accordingly. The Intersector uses a microwave radar gun that can calculate the speed and length of approaching objects, so it knows whether a bike or car is rolling up. The device then decides how long the light should stay green so that both cars and bikes have enough time to pass through. Cars get four seconds to roll through, while bikes get 14 seconds. If a cyclist pedals through a light that’s already green when they arrive, the Intersector tacks on an extra five seconds of green. If no cars are coming, it can shorten the length of a green light to let people needlessly waiting at a red go ahead sooner. Check out a video of the Intersector in action and full story at: ** http://www.fastcoexist.com/1679087/the-intersector-a-traffic-light-that-kno…

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Webinar - Emerging Technologies for Ped and Bike Planning (Wed, Jan.18, 2-3:15, EcoCentre)
by Beth McKechnie 10 Jan '12

10 Jan '12

Green Action Centre and Bike to the Future invite you to join us for a local viewing of the APBP webinar* "*Emerging Technologies for Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning*" *at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) followed by group discussion. RSVPs appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth 925-3772 Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) presents: Emerging Technologies for Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning Wednesday, January • 2:00 to 3:15 pm CST Through a series of short presentations, this webinar will survey several applications with the potential to help engineers and planners improve conditions for bicycling and walking. [image: gps]The examples covered in this session will offer an overview of a range of situations where technological advances can aid professionals in their work to develop plans and programs. Due to the number of examples, attendees should plan to be in the webinar for 75 minutes. The session will include: 1. An overview of the newest web and mobile apps and devices, with suggestions for their application to the 5 Es. 2. A description of Cycloplan, an application in development at the University of Minnesota that will leverage data collected in the geo-wiki Cyclopath to create a tool for analyzing cycling networks and managing bikeways. 3. An example from St. Louis' new Gateway Bike Plan of using technology to engage the public and help build a new regional bicycle master plan. 4. Information about GPS-enabled data collection equipment used for pedestrian access inventories, plus pedestrian access shed analysis methodology. Presenters are James Andrew, Senior Transportation Planner, Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul; Terra Curtis, MCRP candidate, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill; RJ Eldridge, Director of Planning, Toole Design Group; and Julie Padberg-White, Principal, FPA Group. -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3772 | Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/>

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Bike, Walk, Bus. And sometimes, Drive. Peg City Car Co-op Video Series
by Shoni Litinsky 09 Jan '12

09 Jan '12

Peg City Car Co-op <http://pegcitycarcoop.ca> is working to change the way people think about getting around Winnipeg. Bike, walk, bus, and use a vehicle only when you need it. Peg City recently received a grant from Assiniboine Credit Union to create four short videos that feature our co-op members and why they choose to carshare. Enjoy this video that features Amanda's story on how the car co-op supports her do the things she loves: http://vimeo.com/34035273 Stay tuned over the next four weeks to follow their personal stories. Co-ops build a better world - International Year of the Co-op 2012<http://www.copac.coop/iyc/index.html> . Thank you, Shoni

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FW: Winter Use of Wheeled Mobility Devices survey please take part in this
by Anders Swanson 09 Jan '12

09 Jan '12

FYI. This is some timely and interesting research and they are looking for participants. See the request below. If you know anyone or any organization willing to share this survey with their members, please forward it along with the attachments. Hello, We are occupational therapy researchers at the University of Manitoba, who are interested in learning about how winter weather affects the ability of people who use wheeled mobility devices (i.e. wheelchairs and scooters) to take part in activities that are meaningful to them. The purpose of this study is to answer the question “What challenges arise with wheelchair/scooter use in cold weather climates?”, and to identify what aspects of wheelchair/scooter products, natural and built environments (e.g. public buildings and parks or the home), social attitudes, and policy-level environment are most problematic in the wintertime in Manitoba. The results will be used to guide future research and address change needed in these areas. As one part of a broader research study, we have developed the Winter Use of Wheeled Mobility Devices survey that takes about 35-40 minutes to complete. It will be available to for people to complete throughout the winter months (January - May 2012), and is available to be done on-line, on paper, or over the phone. We are using posters, hand-outs, mail-outs, and word-of-mouth advertising to recruit people to participate in completing our survey. We are looking for a variation of wheeled mobility types (manual and power wheelchairs and scooters), geographic locations, age, and employment status. We greatly appreciate any and all help in getting the word out about our study, helping us to reach a broad group of people to better represent this population with our research. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Pam Whaley by email at winterweather.research(a)gmail.com or by phone at 977-5617. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, The Winter Weather Research Team -- Anders Swanson Active Transportation Project Coordinator Physical Activity Coalition of Manitoba | www.pacm.ca activetransportation(a)pacm.ca

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If you build it...?
by Beth McKechnie 09 Jan '12

09 Jan '12

[Thanks to Ian Hall for sending this along...] ** "More Twin Cities residents than ever are getting around by bike or on foot. Bicycling in the Twin Cities has increased by 52 percent since 2007, and walking by 18 percent. Twin Cities bicycling, in particular, experienced a sharp year-over-year increase - up 22 percent from 2010 to 2011." http://www.bikewalktwincities.org/news-events/bicycling-and-walking-counts-…

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A Traffic Engineer's Lament
by Beth McKechnie 06 Jan '12

06 Jan '12

Engineering News-Record (ENR.com) - From the Transportation Front... * A Traffic Engineer's Lament* *Sam Schwartz, former New York City traffic commissioner and head highway and bridge engineer, is chief executive of Sam Schwartz Engineering in New York City. He writes about everything related to transportation and engineering practice.* Traffic engineers are being marginalized and viewed as anachronisms, like Mad Men from a bygone age. As Christopher B. Leinberger, senior fellow at The Brookings Institution and professor of planning at the University of Michigan, writes in a recent *NY Times* op-ed<http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/26/opinion/the-death-of-the-fringe-suburb.ht…>, “traffic engineers dismissively call [bus and light-rail systems, bike lanes and pedestrian improvements] ‘alternative transportation.’” In saying so, he, and planners around the world, are being dismissive of me and my profession. We are the GEICO Neanderthals of society. And who’s to blame? Yes, we deserve a lot of it. We, as a profession, continued to build more roads, wider roads, and faster roads while knowing full well we were running out of capacity and making transport systems less efficient. An example I've used time and time again in New York City is that the Brooklyn Bridge, when it was largely a rail and walking bridge, handled 430,000 people daily. In the 1940’s, we ‘modernized’ it by removing the rail; its daily person carrying volume dropped to 180,000. During my lifetime, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge between Brooklyn and Staten Island was built with 12 car lanes but no bikeway, walkway or transit right-of-way. As a teenager I was able to bike from Brooklyn to Staten Island by taking a ferry. Once the bridge opened, the ferry stopped running and driving was the only choice—here in transit-rich New York City. Most of the Interstate System built in the past half-century had no provisions for walkers, bike riders or transitways. Why weren’t we as engineers screaming, “This is folly!”? It’s no wonder the transportation leadership of cities around the country is no longer in the hands of transportation engineers. In fact, we haven’t had an engineer at the helm of USDOT in nearly 20 years. Now is the time to re-assume a leadership role in planning of our future for cities, towns and suburbs. We can do it by joining the medical professionals by demanding and designing healthy communities. It turns out that healthy neighborhoods are transportation efficient and safe. I stumbled across the field of Active Transportation a couple of years ago and now I preach it. Here’s what it’s about: Active transportation is any method of travel that is all or partly human-powered. The term refers to transportation that supports walking, stair use, cycling, and transit. It includes long-term land use and transportation planning to encourage alternate (non-motor vehicle) forms of transport. The proven health benefits of active transportation are overwhelming: prevention of weight gain, lowered risk of type-2 diabetes, lower high blood pressure and cholesterol, decreased risk of colon and breast cancers, and increased life expectancy. We as engineers have the technical know-how to implement active transportation. The methods are deceptively easy: Build good transit systems and integrate them into existing infrastructure. Design transportation systems with pedestrians and cyclists in mind. Construct multiple, direct connections within dense, mixed land-use developments. Coordinate transit, walking, cycling, and automobile networks. For far too long, we’ve considered these concerns outside of our job descriptions, even though we know better. If we continue to stand by when politicians like Senator Tom Coburn, R-Okla., deride pedestrian and bicyclist funding as wasteful extravagances<http://coburn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=2feae725-00…>, we deserve all the derision that planners like Leinberger can throw at us. Worse yet, we risk getting pushed out of the transportation planning process entirely. * * Co-written with Laura MacNeil http://enr.construction.com/opinions/blogs/schwartz.asp?plckController=Blog…

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