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Canstar - Wolseley: Walk Bike project creates debate, concern
by Beth McKechnie 28 Apr '21

28 Apr '21

[Note: This same group is raising funds to try to stop the Wolseley Bike Walk Project https://ca.gofundme.com/f/halt-the-wolseley-walk-bike-project-now] Walk Bike project creates debate, concern BY TONY ZERUCHA SPECIAL TO CANSTAR WOLSELEY Not everybody is convinced increased active transportation measures are a good idea for Wolseley, but all sides agree that more public consultation should be done on the issue. The City of Winnipeg is currently designing the Wolseley to Downtown Walk Bike Project to improve travel choices, accessibility and connectivity in the area. The areas affected by the project include Wolseley Avenue, Westminster Avenue, Balmoral Street and Granite Way. According to the current plan, the interconnected section of Balmoral Street, Young Street and Westminster Avenue between Langside Street and Granite Way will see dedicated 1.8-metre bike lanes on both sides protected by adjustable curbs along with two 3.3-metre-wide traffic lanes. Beginning at Young Street, these will switch to one two-way bike lane on the south side of the street. Westminster Avenue between Langside and Chestnut streets will see two traffic lanes ranging in width between 3.2 and four metres, along with dedicated bike lanes on each side of the street. Some people in the neighbourhood believe the inconveniences of the changes far outweigh any benefits they provide. Ray Hignell, who’s lived in Wolseley for 40 years, is spokesperson for the Wolseley West Broadway Coalition, which recently delivered flyers throughout the neighbourhood. He believes the project will have negative net impact. “People are using the pandemic to promote this thing to say we should all ride bicycles,” Hignell said. “It’s a great inconvenience for everybody.” The WWBC fears the changes will make Wolseley a “car-unfriendly” neighbourhood with unintended side effects. With the narrower lanes, Hignell suspects traffic will back up on already busy streets during peak periods if it cannot move around cars waiting to turn. That will drive people to use side streets more frequently and take longer routes in a bid to avoid slowdowns. Pollution will increase and counter what some of the measures are supposed to address. The changes will also require the removal of 48 parking spots and loading zones. According to the City of Winnipeg, peak parking rates on Westminster occur between 10 a.m. and noon, when 70 per cent of spaces are full. Midday parking percentages on Chestnut, Walnut and Furby are 34, 60 and 75. The problem is worse on weekends and when events are held at area churches, Hignell said. The loss of parking spots will increase scarcity. “How would you like it if your street banned parking and you have friends over and there is nowhere to park?” Hignell asked. “It is a terrible deal. It’s a lot of parking spots to get rid of. Parking’s already tight there.” Wolseley Residents Association president Marianne Cerilli said her organization supports the open streets concept as a needed step to combat climate change. “The reason why we’re in support of open streets and the move to improve bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure is because we realize we have to change our transportation methods from individual car trips as much as possible,” Cerilli said. “Many understand the climate crisis and they want to bring a climate justice agenda to the neighbourhood.” Cerilli said cars are the second-highest emitters of greenhouse gases in the area and that society needs to understand the significant role they play in pollution. She disagrees with Hignell’s concerns about increased traffic. “They’re based on the assumption people won’t mode-shift,” Cerilli said. Cerilli said Wolseley is a very walkable neighbourhood with a good mix of residential development and small shops. She believes that addressing the issue of vehicles using the neighbourhood as a shortcut to Maryland Street would significantly reduce traffic volumes. Adrian Challis is the chair of the WRA’s transportation committee. He believes there is no way of knowing what the impact of the changes will be until they are made, even if only for a trial period. “I don’t see how anyone can have such a crystal ball to say those things will happen,” Challis said. “This is all highly speculative and is hard to know.” Like Cerilli, Challis said he is concerned about the climate and anything we can do to persuade people to use their cars less is a good thing. “I am a car driver, too,” Challis said. “But we can’t just use our cars, we have to make the neighbourhood conducive to walking and biking. “If I have to experience a little inconvenience (as a driver) I am OK with that.” The WWBC is also concerned about the impact of moving the No. 10 Wolseley bus route away from the area around Balmoral Hall School. The current route takes riders down Westminster from Evanson all the way to Broadway via Balmoral, but a proposed new route uses Wolseley and Maryland/ Sherbrook to connect to Broadway. That will affect many of the 2,000 people living near Balmoral Hall, Hignell said. “Many people have low incomes and they need the bus. That bus has been there for 93 years,” Hignell said. “This is going to be a great disservice to a lot of people.” Cerilli and Challis said moving the bus route is a legitimate concern but the impacts have not yet been studied. But this, too, may be an instance in which Winnipeg Transit tries the change to see what the effects are. “I don’t think anybody can confidently say that putting it on Wolseley is a good or bad idea. I think we have to try it,” Challis said. While the City of Winnipeg has held open houses, workshops and surveys, both the WRA and WWBC feel meaningful dialogue is lacking. Hignell believes more than half of residents do not know what changes are being considered as they did not receive notices or surveys. Many of those most affected by the changing bus route had no idea it’s coming. Longtime Wolseley resident Ray Hignell believes the costs of planned active transportation measures will do more harm than good, while Leona Fontaine says a proposed new route for the No. 10 bus will negatively affect many in the neighbourhood.

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Neighbourhood Greenway Streets Pilot Designs and Public Engagement
by Mark Cohoe 28 Apr '21

28 Apr '21

Hi, In case you missed this (I did), the city has opened up public engagement on the Neighbourhood Streets Pilot, complete with traffic calming plans. https://engage.winnipeg.ca/neighbourhood-greenway-reduced-speed-pilot?tool=… Mark

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Fwd: Thank you for attending Using Indicators to Track Walking and Cycling Progress
by Mark Cohoe 28 Apr '21

28 Apr '21

Hi Everyone, Here is the recording from the April APBP Webinar: Using Indicators to Track Walking and Cycling Progress. It gives details on a program put in place by Perburough, Ontario. A couple of interesting notes from the webinar: - They use a Transit Convenience Indicator based on an indicator they saw used in Winnipeg - They have someone dedicated to transportation demand management - Vehicle Kms travelled have remained - They saw a fairly sizable increase in cycling, which they link to an expanded cycling network Cheers, Mark Cohoe Executive Director Bike Winnipeg t: 204-894-6540 e: mark(a)bikewinnipeg.ca ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: APBP Webinars <customercare(a)gotowebinar.com> Date: Wed, Apr 21, 2021 at 6:01 PM Subject: Thank you for attending Using Indicators to Track Walking and Cycling Progress To: <mark(a)bikewinnipeg.ca> Thank you for attending the APBP webinar. We hope you found the content interesting and helpful. To claim AICP credit with the American Planning Association for viewing this live webinar, search for event ID #: 9214792 Please help APBP improve the webinar program by taking quick 2-minute survey. Click on this link or copy and paste it into your browser: https://apbp.memberclicks.net/webinar-evaluation-form Watch the webinar recording: https://login.filesanywhere.com/fs/v.aspx?v=8c6b658f5b657377aea0 AICP event number for viewing the on-demand recording: 9214795 Download the slides in PDF format: https://login.filesanywhere.com/fs/v.aspx?v=8c6b658f5b64747da3a5 Report PDF: https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ATI-Repo… If you need an attendance certificate, the form is available for download: https://www.apbp.org/webinar-downloads Please forward these links to others who viewed the webinar at your site. Thank you again for participating! Please send your questions, comments and feedback to: webinars(a)apbp.org. You are receiving this email because you registered for this webinar. Your email address and personal information will be used by the Webinar organizer to communicate with you about this event and their other services. To review the organizer's privacy policy or stop receiving their communications, please contact the organizer directly. Stop GoToWebinar emails <https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/subscription.tmpl?organizer=10000000000057…> | Report spam <https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/reportSpam.tmpl?organizer=1000000000005727…> This email is sent on behalf of the organizer by GoToWebinar. 333 Summer Street | Boston, MA 02210 Privacy Policy <https://secure.logmein.com/home/en/policies/overview> | Anti-spam Policy <https://secure.logmein.com/home/en/policies/anti-spam-policy> | www.gotowebinar.com ©2021 LogMeIn, Inc.

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Upcoming webinars on behavior change and bicycle-friendly facilities
by Beth McKechnie 27 Apr '21

27 Apr '21

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Anna Walters <0000012ea70457d7-dmarc-request(a)listserv.usf.edu> Date: Tue, Apr 27, 2021 at 10:34 AM Hi there, Bikes Make Life Better is hosting or participating in two upcoming webinars that may be of interest to you. Both are free and open to all. *Upcoming Online Bike Forum: From Reticent To Regular Rider — Using A Behavior Change Model To Design Effective Bike Programs* As transportation professionals, we know motivating someone to ride a bike once — let alone for their daily commute — is tough. But what if we could use behavior change theory to help us design bike programs? At our next Online Bike Forum, Jessica Roberts, Principal at Alta Planning + Design, will share insights gleaned from the Stages of Change model, including how to deliver the right interventions at the right times; measuring program success; and more. DATE: April 29, 2021 TIME: 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM PT *REGISTER <https://bikesmakelifebetter.com/online-bike-forum-from-reticent-to-regular-…>* [image: OBF_alta+planning_intro_slide.png] *San Francisco Bicycle-Friendly Facilities Forum* Join Bikes Make Life Better Director Kurt Wallace Martin and other panelists for a lively presentation and discussion on bike-friendly facilities and how to prepare for the influx of new bike commuters at your workplace. Led by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and hosted by the SF Spare the Air Team. DATE: May 11, 2021 TIME: 11:00 AM – 12 PM PT *REGISTER* <https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlfumgrjkoGNT80Gxs87578BGkLCrRZc…> [image: 176033610_4454571777890665_5104912781397308090_n.jpeg] Any questions, please let me know. :) Thanks, Anna -- <https://bikesmakelifebetter.com/animated-video/> Bikes Make Life Better <http://bikesmakelifebetter.com/> | 360.918.1109 <3609181109> Anna Walters | Marketing and Communications Manager ------------------------------

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WFP: Open Streets - route list (Apr22'21)
by Beth McKechnie 22 Apr '21

22 Apr '21

Where to make use of enhanced routes IF city council concurs, the following street sections will serve as enhanced summer cycling routes during a pilot program this year: ● Lyndale Drive: Cromwell to Gauvin streets ● Scotia Street: Anderson (at St. Cross Street) to Armstrong avenues (Sundays, holidays only) ● Wellington Crescent: Academy Road (at Wellington Crescent) to Guelph Street ● Wolseley Avenue: Raglan Road to Maryland Street ● Churchill Drive: Hay Street to Jubilee Avenue ● Egerton Road: Bank to Morier avenues ● Kildonan Drive: Helmsdale Avenue to Irving Place ● Kilkenny Drive/Kings Drive: Burgess to Patricia avenues ● Rover Avenue — Hallet to Stephens streets (Sundays, holidays only) ● Alexander Avenue: Arlington to Princess streets ● Ravelston Avenue: Wayoata to Brewster streets ● Linwood Street: Portage to Silver avenues ● Harbison Avenue West: Henderson Highway to its eastern end ● Rose Lake Court surrounding Rose Lake Green ● Assiniboine Avenue: Ferry to Winston roads ● Wellington Avenue: Maryland to Strathcona streets (Sundays, holidays only) ● Youville Street: Eugenie Street to Haig Avenue (Sunday, holidays only, once construction of Des Meurons Street is completed)

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WFP: City moves toward open summer streets (Apr22'21)
by Beth McKechnie 22 Apr '21

22 Apr '21

EPC votes to devote parts of 17 roadways to giving cyclists extra room this year City moves toward open summer streets https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/city-steps-toward-open-summer-stree… THE City of Winnipeg could offer even more open streets for cyclists this year, but it’s unclear if it will find a way to reopen them to pedestrians. Council’s executive policy committee voted Wednesday to devote sections of 17 roadways, up from a previously proposed 14, to provide extra room for cyclists this year. The seasonal active transportation routes would limit vehicle access to just one block of travel at set hours and are currently slated to open as early as May 3 and last until Nov. 5. If council approves, a pilot program for most of the now-labelled “enhanced summer cycling routes” would operate that way from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Four of the routes are currently slated for weekend and holiday hours only, with exact times still being sorted out. The “open streets” concept was widely welcomed on 10 different street sections in 2020, as a way for both pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy safe, socially distanced recreation during the COVID-19 pandemic. To the disappointment of many, the current proposal doesn’t include pedestrians — because the city has since learned it violated the provincial Highway Traffic Act by inviting them to use last year’s routes. The act prohibits pedestrians from walking on roadways where a “reasonably passable” sidewalk is present. Coun. Matt Allard, public works committee chairman, said he’s hopeful the city can work out some kind of pedestrian access solution with the province, and pursue the cycling routes in the meantime. “In terms of this report (on) enhanced bicycle routes, I think it’s a step in the right direction that opens many new streets to cyclists and will calm the streets because of the limited vehicle traffic,” said Allard (St. Boniface). The councillor noted the current motion calls upon civic staff to report back on pedestrian access discussions with the province next month. A provincial minister has publicly stated the Manitoba government will “never” change the Highway Traffic Act to let a municipality mix pedestrians with vehicle traffic on such routes. Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler said Winnipeg could instead close a section of a street or lane to vehicles to reserve it for pedestrians and cyclists. He said the city would need to use road paint and add signs at every affected block to make the rule obvious. So far, councillors have not officially called for that change, though some believe the city should consider it. Coun. Markus Chambers (St. Norbert-Seine River) said all options should be explored to invite pedestrians back to the routes. “The success of this last year, the ability to have people out and about on the streets, that’s what we want to promote. So, if there’s a way we can do that safely, that’s our objective,” said Chambers. Mayor Brian Bowman stressed Winnipeggers should obey the current “rules of the road,” despite the fact they could walk on the active transportation routes last year. “The Highway Traffic Act is there to protect the safety of residents… and I think it’s important that we, as a municipal government, and citizens respect the legislation,” said Bowman. The mayor declined to weigh in on whether he thinks police should ticket pedestrians who walk on this year’s cycling routes. He also stopped short of stating whether or not he personally wants to restore foot traffic on the routes, only noting he supports discussing that option with the province. “We’re doing our best to navigate the legislation in a way that provides more recreation amenities for our residents.” joyanne.pursaga(a)freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga

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Free Webinar Next Week: Jeff Speck on Walkability Studies
by Beth McKechnie 21 Apr '21

21 Apr '21

What is a Walkability Study, and Why Should You Do One? WEBINAR, THURSDAY, APRIL 29 – 2:00 P.M. EDT ------------------------------ [image: What is a Walkability Study, and Why Should You Do One?] <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVy…> What is a Walkability Study, and Why Should You Do One? *Thursday, April 29 at 2:00 p.m. EDT* *Participants of this live webinar are eligible for 1.5 AICP CM credits.* Join the Maryland Department of Planning and the Smart Growth Network as Jeff Speck, one the nation’s leading pedestrian experts, explains his approach in Oklahoma City and other communities, how walkability studies are conducted, and how local planners can work with neighborhoods, business groups and citizens to complete similar studies of their own. *Please note* that this webinar is an hour later than our usual time. *Find out more and register for this free webinar via the link below.* Register for "What is a Walkability Study, and Why Should You Do One?" <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVy…>

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Canstar - The Times: Better active transportation options urged (Apr19'21)
by Beth McKechnie 19 Apr '21

19 Apr '21

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/times/Better-active-trans… Organizations are advocating for a connected walking and cycling network throughout Winnipeg. Organizers from Green Action Centre, Winnipeg Trails, Safe Speeds Winnipeg and Bike Winnipeg, along with fellow signatories, say an improved active transportation network would promote physical and mental well-being, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and address transportation inequity. Letters <https://greenactioncentre.ca/> stating the request were sent to Mayor Brian Bowman, Premier Brian Pallister, and Saint Boniface-Saint Vital MP Dan Vandal earlier this month. Fearless R2W, a North End-based group concerned with child welfare, was one of the letter signatories. "Fearless R2W has a network of families who rely heavily on public transportation, walking, active transportation, and being able to have a safer way for themselves and their children to transport themselves in between home and school and work and leisure," spokesperson Michael Redhead Champagne told *The Times*. He said area residents praised the City of Winnipeg’s open streets project — which saw some streets blocked off for pedestrian and cyclist use only — last year and were hoping to see it expanded this summer. The city was planning to reboot the program in May of this year; however, a legal technicality may rule out pedestrians from using the open streets. Earlier this month, the public works department released a report that said Manitoba’s Highway Traffic Act prohibits pedestrian use of a roadway when a sidewalk is present. So, the "open" streets would be welcome to cyclists only. Mel Marginet, co-ordinator of the Green Action Centre’s sustainable transportation team, said the city needs to start implementing permanent solutions rather than temporary and recreational-based options. "At this point, we really need to move beyond a recreation response towards real transportation choice … and we just see that a connected walk/bike network is the logical next step that they need to do," Marginet said. "We really need to see some clear action, some political motivation and to just really get moving on offering all Winnipeggers transportation choice." Traffic volumes have been down at least 20 per cent during the pandemic. Organizers say now that the streets are emptier, it’s the ideal time to form new travel habits. The city released the Winnipeg Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies report in 2014. The document outlines opportunities to improve connectivity, convenience, safety and accessibility throughout the city. Marginet said the groups want the city to return to the strategies, identify gaps, and use temporary infrastructure to provide solutions until permanent change can be implemented. "As part of a modern growing city, the (m)ayor has and continues to support active transportation and the City’s Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies with significant annual investments since he was first elected in 2014," a spokesperson from the mayor’s office said in an email, adding that the mayor is optimistic about the federal government’s new active transportation fund. In March, the Canadian government announced an investment of $400 million over five years to help build new and expanded networks of pathways, bike lanes, trails and pedestrian bridges across the country. At press time, the federal government had not revealed how the funding will be allocated.

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WFP: Province refuses to amend law to let pedestrians and cyclists share Winnipeg roads (Apr17'21)
by Beth McKechnie 17 Apr '21

17 Apr '21

Province refuses to amend law to let pedestrians and cyclists share Winnipeg roads Back to Square 1 on open streets https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/provincial-law-blocks-citys-open-st… THE province has rejected calls to change the law to let Winnipeg welcome back pedestrians to “open streets” this year, arguing the city can mark out separate spaces for vehicles and foot traffic instead. However, a city councillor fears that option would force Winnipeg to start the entire concept over from scratch. Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler said the province would never alter the Highway Traffic Act to let the city mix pedestrians with vehicle traffic. “The law is very clear and we’re not going to budge on the law…. We are not contemplating an exemption, either,” Schuler said. “We do not believe, as a government, that pedestrians and traffic are a good mix.” Last year, Winnipeg designated 10 sections of local streets where vehicle access was restricted to one block between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily to create space for pedestrians and cyclists to get outside for some fresh air at a safe social distance. Council is considering a proposal to test 14 more routes this year. But the new routes would be reserved for cyclists only, after the city discovered including pedestrians violated the Highway Traffic Act. The act prohibits pedestrians from walking on roadways where a “reasonably passable” sidewalk is present. Schuler said the city can offer active transportation access to both pedestrians and cyclists by closing a section of a street or lane to vehicular traffic. He said the city would need to use road paint and add signs at every affected block to make the rule obvious. Coun. Matt Allard, council’s public works chairman, said that concept isn’t a good fit for “open streets” because it would cut off vehicle access entirely. “We would have to look at every street, at how parking and traffic would be impacted. So it really would be a starting-from-scratch scenario,” said Allard. Ideally, Allard said he’d like to find a legal way to allow pedestrian access. Jim Berezowsky, Winnipeg’s public works director, said the city would need to complete a new round of public consultation before it could implement the province’s option. “We engaged with the public last year…. We would have to go back to that same community and ask these new questions,” said Berezowsky. Several groups are urging the city to find a way to restore pedestrian access. “People walking really did make up such a large percentage of the people who took part in our open streets program,” Mel Marginet, a co-ordinator with the Green Action Centre’s sustainable transportation team, told council’s public works committee Friday. “In Winnipeg, our sidewalks are narrow, they are often in poor shape where they exist at all. So relegating people to walking during a pandemic on narrow spaces fails in terms of accessibility and public health.” Marginet said it would be difficult for the city to keep pedestrians off cycling only routes. “This is going to create a lot of confusion and we don’t think it’s really possible or equitable to start ticketing people for walking,” she said. Emma Durand-Wood, an active transportation advocate, called it “mind-boggling” that pedestrians could suddenly lose this access. “We saw last year that (this) more or less worked fine,” said Durand-Wood. “This (change) just lacks common sense.” If the proposal is approved as is, this year’s seasonal active transportation routes would serve only cyclists and limit vehicular traffic to one block from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. That’s expected to begin as early as May 3 and continue until Nov. 5, pending consultation. The changes require full council approval. Council’s public works committee will vote on the matter Tuesday. joyanne.pursaga(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Wpg Sun: Winnipeg should follow Edmonton's lead for active transportation routes: Schuler (Apr15'21)
by Beth McKechnie 17 Apr '21

17 Apr '21

https://winnipegsun.com/news/news-news/winnipeg-should-follow-edmontons-lea… Manitoba Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler says it’s possible for the city to move forward with its spring and summer Open Streets active transportation routes, but only under certain conditions that conform to the law and preserve safety. <http://www.gomanitoba.ca> Last year, to encourage residents to get outside during the pandemic, the City opened up multiple streets for cycling, walking and running. Vehicles, which were limited to one block at a time from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., mixed with pedestrians and cyclists. However, a recent Winnipeg public service report said mixing pedestrians and vehicles is a contravention of section 143 (1) of Manitoba’s Highway Traffic Act. According to the City, the act prohibits pedestrians from using roads when sidewalks are present. As a result, this year’s Open Streets initiative will only be able to accommodate cyclists — relegating pedestrians to sidewalks. “There’s a little bit of confusion on the Highway Traffic Act and what it says in regards to what the city would like to do,” said Schuler, a regular active transportation route user who sometimes cycles 40 km a day. “We are not advocating the City does, or not does something. That has nothing to do with us. The question is, how do you mix pedestrians and traffic?” Schuler said where there’s a sidewalk, the usual recommendation is pedestrians use the sidewalk and cyclists share the road with vehicles. But there’s another way, he said. As demonstrated by the city of Edmonton, Winnipeg can section-off a piece of road, which could then be dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists. “It would have to be marked off by a painted line,” Schuler said. “We would recommend you do like Edmonton. I believe they bought 1,500 traffic cones and some planters, so that you really differentiate road traffic from pedestrian and cyclist traffic. But it can be done. The Highway Traffic Act does allow for it, but it has to be very clearly signed each and every block.” Schuler said the City has the authority to block off roads, like Wellington Crescent. Local traffic would be allowed, but he’s recommending a separate lane, exclusively for cyclists and pedestrians. “The mixing of traffic and pedestrians is a very dangerous situation,” he said. “So the Highway Traffic Act is very clear. When it comes to pedestrians, they must be separated, and it must be clearly marked and has to be done every block. The City of Winnipeg has the ability to do this, as does any municipality.” In a statement, a spokesperson for the city said they’re aware of their authority in terms of full or partial lane closures to restrict vehicle access. They said the city is committed to investigating safe, long-term solutions for shared streets, and would consider physical separation as a potential future, safe solution. jsnell(a)postmedia.com Twitter @JamesWestgateSn

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