- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

WFP: Majority don't want Portage and Main open to pedestrians - CAA poll (Aug.25'16)
by Beth McKechnie 25 Aug '16

25 Aug '16

Probably not surprising that results from a CAA survey of 1500 motorists would be against opening Portage and Main to pedestrians, especially given their demographics skew older and do not likely include many folks who are trying to cross this intersection on foot. ------ Majority don't want Portage and Main open to pedestrians: CAA poll http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/majority-dont-want-portage-and-main-… People don't want the iconic intersection at Portage Avenue and Main Street open to foot traffic, CAA Manitoba found in a survey of about 1,500 of its members. The survey found that 60 per cent of people polled cited pedestrian safety as a major concern if the intersection were to be opened. More than three-quarters of the survey's respondents believed traffic congestion would be a significant problem if people could cross on foot at Portage and Main. "With much discussion lately on this topic, we wanted to know what our members think," Mike Mager, CAA Manitoba president, said in a media statement. "Not surprisingly, survey results show traffic congestion and pedestrian safety are top concerns at Portage and Main, and the majority of our members worry it will worsen if the barricades are removed." CAA said its survey results showed that 20 per cent of its members aged 18 to 29 believe the city should allow pedestrian traffic to cross at the downtown corner. That result was in contrast to Probe Research data which indicated younger Winnipeggers were more likely to support the plan. Fewer than one in four of those polled by CAA indicated that they believe Mayor Brian Bowman has done enough public consultation on the issue. The majority of respondents said they would be open to participating in more consultation through online polling, written surveys by mail and open houses. "Many people suggested a simpler, safer way to reduce confusion for tourists and locals at this intersection would be to install better signage at street level and underground in Winnipeg Square to guide people to their destination. This should be a priority before any talk of opening the intersection," Mager said in the statement. "It’s nice for Mayor Brian Bowman to talk about making Portage and Main great again, but safety and public opinion must be part of the conversation, too. It will be interesting to see the results of the City of Winnipeg’s research; but when it comes down to it, opening the intersection is not a priority for Winnipeggers." The CAA media release listed other notable survey results: - Over 70 per cent of respondents said they felt opening the intersection should not be a priority for the City of Winnipeg. - One-third of members surveyed believe opening the intersection to pedestrians would not have any effect at all on making Portage and Main a tourist destination. - People cited current traffic congestion and the intersection being confusing as the main reasons why they avoid driving through the corner at any given time. - This issue matters to more than just drivers: over 30 per cent of members polled who currently work downtown reported that they typically take the bus, bike or walk to the office. Improving accessibility at the intersection for all Winnipeggers can be done more affordably than taking down the barricades. Wheelchair ramps, elevators and signage should be greatly enhanced.

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New FHWA resource: Achieving Multimodal Networks - Applying Design Flexibility and Reducing Conflicts
by Beth McKechnie 24 Aug '16

24 Aug '16

Announcing FHWA’s new planning and design resource on *Achieving Multimodal Networks: Applying Design Flexibility and Reducing Conflicts*. This report will help practitioners address topics such as intersection design, road diets, pedestrian crossing treatments, transit and school access, freight, and accessibility. It highlights ways to apply design flexibility, while focusing on reducing multimodal conflicts and achieving connected networks. The document is available at: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_ pedestrian/publications/multimodal_networks. FHWA is planning initial national outreach on this new resource at the Pro Walk/Pro Bike/Pro Place and NACTO Designing Cities conferences and the USDOT Safer People, Safer Streets Summit in September. For additional pedestrian and bicycle resources, please visit: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian. -- *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 green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/>

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One more reason to eat dark chocolate
by Beth McKechnie 22 Aug '16

22 Aug '16

Okay, I don't really understand what this means other than another excuse to eat dark chocolate: Chronic supplementation with [dark chocolate] resulted in a higher GET and enhanced TT performance. Consequently, ingestion of [dark chocolate] reduced the oxygen cost of moderate intensity exercise and may be an effective ergogenic aid for short-duration moderate intensity exercise. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26674253 -- *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 green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/>

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Fwd: News Release - Winnipeg Police Service - Bike safety
by Cynthia Otfinowski 22 Aug '16

22 Aug '16

Hi, I received this email and thought it is worth sharing. Sincerely, Cyndi Otfinowski > Begin forwarded message: > > From: "City of Winnipeg" <no_reply(a)cityofwinnipeg.ca> > Date: August 22, 2016 at 10:59:00 AM CDT > To: cotfinowski(a)gmail.com > Subject: News Release - Winnipeg Police Service > > <http://winnipeg.ca/police/> > Monday, August 22, 2016 > > > Bicycle Theft Awareness/Prevention: Lock it, or lose it > Cycling has gained tremendous popularity. Whether for fitness, economical or environmental reasons, cycling has great benefits. > > The Winnipeg Police Service offers tips to mitigate the risk of someone stealing your bicycle, increasing the chances of recovery, and arresting the perpetrator responsible. > > - Record your serial number - typically on the underside of your pedal (crank) shaft. Keep this number in a safe place > > - Register It Community Services with the City of Winnipeg. Other internet web-sites, and bike shops offer registration as well > > - Secure It the best way to protect yourself against bike theft is to park your bike in a secure bike parking facility. Other good choices include monitored parking facilities and locations, and high-visibility racks along retail store-fronts > > - Lock it Well prevent bike theft with good locking techniques > > - Use 2 Locks invest in a U-lock and a cable lock, and use both whenever possible > > - Report it if your bike is stolen, report it to your local police ASAP. Its your best chance for safe return > > - Broadcast It- post a photo and details of your bike on Facebook, Twitter, Kijiji and Instagram increase the chance of recovery > > - Look for It- watch online marketplaces, and report or flag suspicious listings > > > > For further information contact either: > Constable Jason Michalyshen, Public Information Officer > Constable Rob Carver, Public Information Officer > Kelly Dehn, Manager of Public Affairs > > Phone: (204) 986-3061 | Fax: (204) 986-3267 | Email: WPS-PIO(a)Winnipeg.ca <mailto:WPS-PIO@Winnipeg.ca> > Share this mailing with your social network by clicking on the appropriate link: <http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3a%2f%2fcowsvpelms01%2ecityofwinn…> <http://twitter.com/home?status=http%3a%2f%2fcowsvpelms01%2ecityofwinnipeg%2…> > > Related > > Winnipeg Police Service <http://winnipeg.ca/police/> > Report a Crime Online <http://winnipeg.ca/police/coplogic/default.stm> > Crime Stoppers <http://winnipeg.ca/police/tblofcontents/crimestoppers.stm> > CrimeStat <http://winnipeg.ca/crimestat/about/disclaimer.aspx> > Unsubscribe > > If you do not want to receive these emails anymore, unsubscribe <http://cowsvpelms01.cityofwinnipeg.ca/t/513777/271921/86/0/>. > > Please do not reply to this email. This e-mail was sent from a notification-only address and replies are not monitored. > > Mailing address: City of Winnipeg, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3B 1B9 > > Privacy Statement > > The City of Winnipeg values your privacy. We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties. You are receiving this email as a result of your signing up for the Winnipeg Police Service Email News list offered on the City of Winnipeg website <http://winnipeg.ca/interhom/SocialMedia/>. You may unsubscribe or change your subscription options <http://winnipeg.ca/wpgmail/unsubscribe_all.stm> at any time. > >

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Webinar reminder: Street Design and Planning in Suburban Contexts (Wed, Aug 17, 2-3pm, EcoCentre)
by Beth McKechnie 16 Aug '16

16 Aug '16

*** Friendly reminder about tomorrow's (Wed) webinar *** Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg invite you to join us for a local viewing of this month's APBP webinar. Should be an interesting perspective given our usual focus on urban areas. The webinar viewing takes place in the EcoCentre boardroom (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) and will be followed by group discussion of local applications. RSVPs appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth * * * * * *Street Design and Planning in Suburban Contexts* *Wednesday, August 17 | 2-3pm CDT* Amelia Costanzo, Jennifer Noll and Letty Schamp will examine Active Transportation, Building Type Preferences and Changing Demographics: The ABC's of Street Design Considerations. They will discuss demographic trends based on population projections and predict the impact of demographic changes on residential and commercial development trends. Amelia, Jennifer and Letty will identify how an Active Transportation Plan can help communities to coordinate multi-modal transit planning efforts across jurisdictional boundaries to design safe and functional streets. *Presenters:* - Amelia Costanzo, Principal Planner, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission - Jennifer Noll, Associate Planner, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission - Letty Schamp, Transportation/CIP Engineer, City of Hilliard -- *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 green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/>

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Study: Even drivers prefer protected bike lanes
by Beth McKechnie 12 Aug '16

12 Aug '16

Good news on a Friday: http://www.streetsblog.net/2016/08/12/study-even-drivers-prefer-protected-b… cheers, Beth -- *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 green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/>

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AT webinar: Street Design and Planning in Suburban Contexts (Wed, Aug 17, 2-3pm, EcoCentre)
by Beth McKechnie 11 Aug '16

11 Aug '16

Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg invite you to join us for a local viewing of this month's APBP webinar. Should be an interesting perspective given our usual focus on urban areas. The webinar viewing takes place in the EcoCentre boardroom (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) and will be followed by group discussion of local applications. RSVPs appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth * * * * * *Street Design and Planning in Suburban Contexts* *Wednesday, August 17 | 2-3pm CDT* Amelia Costanzo, Jennifer Noll and Letty Schamp will examine Active Transportation, Building Type Preferences and Changing Demographics: The ABC's of Street Design Considerations. They will discuss demographic trends based on population projections and predict the impact of demographic changes on residential and commercial development trends. Amelia, Jennifer and Letty will identify how an Active Transportation Plan can help communities to coordinate multi-modal transit planning efforts across jurisdictional boundaries to design safe and functional streets. *Presenters:* - Amelia Costanzo, Principal Planner, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission - Jennifer Noll, Associate Planner, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission - Letty Schamp, Transportation/CIP Engineer, City of Hilliard

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I am Not a Cyclist - Tomorrow at 6:30 at the Handsome Daughter
by Anders Swanson 10 Aug '16

10 Aug '16

Shameless promotion only because folks on this list might find this evening very interesting: https://www.facebook.com/events/1762435217302043/ There will be a guided artist talk, and we'll be sharing some video and who knows what exactly...Definitely talking about the flip side of bicycle politics and policy. The purpose of the evening, if it has a purpose, is for the crew who made it to celebrate the making of the Bike Week movie, to raise awareness of the Plain Bicycle project and to describe, catalyze and promote everyday bike culture.Please join us. -anders

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CBC: Calgary's separated bike lanes
by Dustin Dilts 10 Aug '16

10 Aug '16

Callers weigh in on Alberta@Noon, as cycling experts from Calgary and Edmonton compare cities' infrastructure http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/tom-babin-conrad-nobert-alberta-at-no… from the first audio clip: "...we have a moral obligation to protect our residents who just want to get out and move around in active healthy ways." well said.

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How to drive if you don't want to kill people
by Jeremy Hull 09 Aug '16

09 Aug '16

An article from Momentum Magazine: https://momentummag.com/drive-like-dont-want-kill-people/?utm_source=WhatCo…

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Transportation planner posting at UofM
by Beth McKechnie 09 Aug '16

09 Aug '16

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Ian Hall <Ian.Hall(a)umanitoba.ca> Date: Tue, Aug 9, 2016 at 10:24 AM Good morning, For your possible interest or that of your networks, there is a term posting for a transportation planner at UofM open right now: https://umanitoba.hua.hrsmart.com/ats/js_job_details.php?reqid=15853 This is an exciting time at UofM for transportation with a range of new activities underway (new campus plans, U-Pass, new Trans Canada Trail alignment through Fort Garry Campus, development of McDermot cycletrack by City of Winnipeg, planned development of a new student bike shop, new campus active transportation wayfinding coming), and a lot of positive energy around sustainable transportation. If you’re a creative thinker interested in joining a high-energy team and working in a dynamic environment, this would be a great position for you. Ian Ian Hall | MPA | MCIP Director | Office of Sustainability | University of Manitoba 501 Fitzgerald Bldg | Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 | 204-474-7995 [image: http://www.sirpizzamadison.com/facebook_symbol.jpg] <https://www.facebook.com/SustainableUofM> [image: http://scm.ulster.ac.uk/~B00555559/images/twitter_symbol.jpg] <https://twitter.com/SustainableUofM> [image: Insta] <https://instagram.com/um_sustainability/>[image: Stars_Seal_Silver_email_size] <https://stars.aashe.org/institutions/university-of-manitoba-mb/report/2015-…>

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Metro News bike lane & count articles
by Beth McKechnie 04 Aug '16

04 Aug '16

In case you didn't see these... http://www.metronews.ca/views/winnipeg/urban-compass/2016/08/02/winnipeg-cy… http://www.metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/2016/07/11/winnipeg-cyclists-choose-s… -- *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 green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/>

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WFP: Number of cyclists seriously injured in Manitoba increased in 2015 (Jul28'16)
by Beth McKechnie 28 Jul '16

28 Jul '16

Number of cyclists seriously injured in Manitoba increased in 2015 http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/number-of-cyclists-seriously-injured… Cyclists hospitalized by road injuries increased 19 per cent last year in Manitoba, a Canadian Institute for Health Information study shows. The number of cyclists sent to hospital for a stay -- not just to the emergency ward and released -- climbed from 100, to 119 in 2014-15. As bad as that sounds, the rate is actually an improvement over both 2011-12 and 1012-13, when 138 and 133 cyclists had stays in hospitals due to road injuries. Serious injuries while cycling also jumped sharply in Saskatchewan (33 per cent), British Columbia (16 per cent), and Nova Scotia (15 per cent). Cycling injuries are still too high, said Mark Cohoe, executive director of cycling advocacy group, Bike Winnipeg. "The number one reason (for cycling collisions) is really just people not paying attention," said Cohoe. That includes cyclists as well as drivers. "We're getting more texting while driving. Texting has overtaken drunk driving as the main cause of collisions" according to insurance statistics, Cohoe said. Zach Fleisher, 23, recently wound up in hospital with a mild concussion when he hit a pothole "and went flying." "I tasted concrete. The helmet saved my life," he said. "It's my fault but I mean, what you see in other jurisdictions is they keep streets up to grade. You shouldn't be at risk." Cohoe said better road design would go a long way to preventing collisions, like the bike lanes on Sherbrook Street, where bike lanes are between the parking lane and curb. Cement blocks divide the bike lanes from parking lanes. Portland, Oregon, is regarded as a leader in urban cycling. Bike collisions have stayed the same or dropped, while the number of cyclists has risen, Cohoe said. Manitoba Public Insurance figures for 2010-14 show Redwood and Main to be the worst intersection for cyclists with seven crashes. Next highest is the five crashes at five intersections: Arlington and Logan; Dalhousie and Pembina; Main and Sutherland; Moray and Portage; and Sherbrook and Westminster. bill.redekop(a)freepress.mb.ca

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WFP: Bringing down the barriers is just the beginning (Jul17'16)
by Beth McKechnie 21 Jul '16

21 Jul '16

Bringing down the barricades is just the beginning http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/bringing-down-the-barri… I should be happier. A *Free Press-*Probe Research survey of Winnipeg adults shows 53 per cent oppose the removal of pedestrian barriers at Portage and Main. It was the first time in 40 years Probe surveyed Winnipeggers on the subject, and remarkably, support for bringing down the barriers has not grown. Although I haven’t lived in Winnipeg for as long as 40 years, I certainly have counted myself among the majority on this issue for as long as I have been here. As such, the poll results should be a cause of mild celebration. In short, I believed reopening the intersection to pedestrians would be a mostly meaningless gesture. That it would do nothing to attract people downtown or encourage people who live in the suburbs but work downtown to support above-ground businesses. That having pedestrians toddling across that intersection would snarl traffic and cripple downtown. Those fortunate — or unfortunate enough as the case may be — to cross swords with me on this issue can attest to the fact I stridently enforced my opinion whenever I had the chance. After several cocktails at a dinner party earlier this year, I may have even told one of my best friends that his support for removing the barriers was the stupidest thing I had ever heard him say. For reasons still unknown to me, he remains a friend. However, something funny happened on the way to a lifetime of disparaging the idea of re-opening Winnipeg’s iconic downtown intersection to pedestrians: I changed my mind. The epiphany started during an interview with Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, who was in town for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference, and joined me for a webcast chat at the Free Press News Café. Nenshi was staying at the Fairmont Hotel on the east side of Portage and Main. At a late stage of the interview, Nenshi demanded that I ask him about the pedestrian barriers at Portage and Main. As he was a visitor to the city, I complied. "It is, in fact, the most hostile pedestrian environment I have seen in any place in Canada. And boy, oh boy, it is the main intersection of Canada, Portage and Main. Let’s get people on it." In that moment, I had a change of heart on the whole Portage and Main debate. I’m as convinced as ever that there is little concrete benefit from tearing down the concrete barriers. However, I cannot argue with Nenshi’s assertion that the image of those barriers is a disheartening sight for citizens and visitors alike. But there’s more. Following the Nenshi interview I had another seminal conversation about Portage and Main with a fellow I will describe as a charter member of the "suburbs rule" fan club. This fellow suggested the city could not remove the barriers based only on the effect it would have on traffic. As we talked, it became patently obvious that despite working there, this fellow had no interest in downtown people or culture. He told me that every day he worked downtown, he wanted to get in and out as soon as possible. Anything that slowed him down — such as pedestrians crossing Portage and Main — was unacceptable. I suddenly found myself wishing the barriers had been removed and that the intersection had been flooded with pedestrians. I imagined that while stuck in traffic, Mr. Suburbs might notice a new restaurant or have time to contemplate some of the architecture. I then started to think about whether this fellow was smart enough to grab a bite to eat or a small cocktail after work and wait out the height of rush hour. As I thought about all these things, I realized there were just as many reasons to tear down the barriers as I have traditionally harboured for leaving them where they are. To be perfectly honest, I would still prefer the city take a different approach altogether when it comes to reopening the intersection. Remove the barriers if you must, but also take the time to consider alternatives for the pedestrian traffic: a pedestrian overpass, for example. At Re-imagining Winnipeg, a series of forums held at the News Café in partnership with StorefrontMB, a number of fascinating proposals came forward to reinvent the intersection as a public space. Some of the proposals reimagined the intersection as a park. Although impractical, it would certainly solve the traffic problem if there were no traffic passing through the intersection. Other architects dreamed of building pedestrian crossings above the intersection, with perhaps a small observation deck that would allow people to enjoy a unique view of Winnipeg’s two major thoroughfares. Imagine the wedding photos and selfies a place like that would produce. The point of all this dreaming is that if Portage and Main is to reopen, it should be as a public attraction, not just another crosswalk. Simply taking down the barriers is not transformative; to accomplish that goal would require much more imagination on the part of the city and support from the other levels of government. Unfortunately, that’s an awfully big task for a city that is not long on bold thinking. So, if I could be allowed to amend my position, I would like to see the barriers come down. But in their place, I want the city to do something spectacular to make Portage and Main a unique and compelling attraction. Dare to dream. dan.lett(a)freepress.mb.ca

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WFP: Younger people support opening up Portage and Main to pedestrians (Jul21'16)
by Beth McKechnie 21 Jul '16

21 Jul '16

Younger people support opening up Portage and Main to pedestrians'More people walking downtown is a good thing' http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/younger-people-support-openin… Mayor Brian Bowman’s dream of opening up Winnipeg’s iconic intersection to pedestrian traffic faces a generational roadblock. A poll by Probe Research shows a clear age split on the issue — 68 per cent of people 55 and older are against reopening Portage and Main to pedestrians, while 61 per cent of people aged 18 to 34 are in favour. Overall, a slight majority of Winnipeggers (53 per cent) remains opposed to removing the pedestrian barriers. "I think the Probe survey is very much in line with what we know," Downtown BIZ CEO Stefano Grande said. "There is a segment of the population, the future generation, that understands for our generation to be vibrant we have to be able to walk from district to district. We have to be able to easily walk from our homes to our offices, our offices to our restaurants, and that means crossing streets. "The people who are starting to live here, the younger people who are starting to work here, we get it." Grande and Bowman said they aren’t troubled a majority of Winnipeggers remains opposed. They say reopening the intersection is integral to downtown growth and its transformation into a vibrant neighbourhood. "The property owners in the immediate area as well as the surrounding areas, in our view, are overwhelmingly in support of (reopening)," Bowman said. "We want to ensure when it’s opened, it’s done in a way that respects traffic flows as well as pedestrian safety but also supports the increasing number of residents and businesses downtown." The poll found there has been a slight shift in support of reopening the intersection during the past 20 years Probe has been gauging public interest on the question. In 1997, 36 per cent supported opening the intersection. The most recent findings put that number at 42 per cent. For Bowman, it’s not a question of if the barricades will come down, but when. It must be done in a way that maintains traffic flow and protects pedestrians. He has pledged to have it open in time for the 2017 Canada Summer Games, which Winnipeg will host. Tourists don’t like the barriers, he said, adding they find it difficult to find their way around the underground shopping mall. "Tourists want to be on street level," Bowman said. "They don’t understand how to migrate (underground)." Lennard Taylor, owner of Lennard Taylor Design Studio on nearby McDermot Avenue, agreed. "People from out of town, they come to my shop and they say, ‘What’s with that underground thing? I got lost,’" he said. "And there are a lot of people from Winnipeg who get lost in the underground. I think the signs are poor; it’s just confusing for people. "I know it because I’ve lived downtown for 10 years, but I think it’s difficult for people to understand the underground and why they can’t just cross the street." Another young businessman, Peter Takis, who runs three businesses within blocks of Portage and Main, said he’s "all for" opening up the intersection to pedestrians. "I would like to see it," Takis said, adding he supports "any innovative development or change in the Exchange or downtown that can create convenience for downtown." Takis’s businesses include the List on McDermot, Blackli$t Boutique on Albert and Blackli$t Studios on Portage. He suggested tearing down the barriers "could help business." When Bowman hosted the Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference last month, other mayors added their voices to the debate. Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi called it the most hostile pedestrian environment he’s seen. Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson said the barriers are counter-productive to what the city’s objectives should be — creating a downtown hub of pedestrian activity. Bowman said new developments such as True North Square and The Forks’ Railside multi-use project will attract more residents downtown but leaving the barriers in place will stop the flow of people. "We are seeing a big increase in pedestrian traffic," Bowman said. "More people walking downtown is a good thing." Bowman said there are several intersections in the city that are busier and wider than Portage and Main, but he hasn’t heard a call to ban pedestrians from those crossings. "There are (other intersections) with more lanes, higher traffic volumes and currently allow pedestrian to cross. We’re not hearing an outcry of people wanting to close those to pedestrians," Bowman said. "We want to ensure we’re doing everything we can to ensure the safety at all the intersections but those that oppose (re-opening), we don’t hear from them they want those other intersections closed to pedestrians." — with files by Alexandra De Pape aldo.santin(a)freepress.mb.ca Talk on the street about Portage & Main PROBE Research surveyed 404 members of its proprietary Manitoba online panel from June 30 to July 4. Because this is a non-probability sample, no statistical margin of error can be ascribed. Probe put the following question to its online panel: “The intersection of Portage and Main in downtown Winnipeg has been closed to pedestrians for almost 40 years. There has been ongoing discussion about reopening the corner to pedestrians. All things considered, do you support or oppose reopening the corner to pedestrians?” The results: Strongly oppose: 38 per cent Moderately oppose: 15 per cent Moderately support: 23 per cent Strongly support: 19 per cent Unsure: 6 per cent The results by age: Ages 18-34: 61 per cent support; 27 per cent oppose Ages 35-54: 38 per cent support; 59 per cent oppose Ages 55-plus: 28 per cent support; 68 per cent oppose The results historically: In 1997: 36 per cent support for reopening intersection to pedestrians In 2001: 39 per cent In 2006: 40 per cent In 2016: 42 per cent Portage and Main may be the country’s most famous intersection, but it’s not Winnipeg’s busiest. The mayor’s office says in 2015, there were five intersections with more lanes of traffic and greater traffic volumes over a 24-hour period than Portage and Main. Here’s how they rank: Lagimodiere Blvd and Regent Avenue West — 86,900 vehicles Moray Street at Portage Avenue — 83,300 vehicles Waverley Street at Bishop Grandin Blvd — 80,000 vehicles Century Street at Ness Avenue — 79,500 vehicles Kenaston Blvd at Sterling Lyon Parkway — 78,900 vehicles Portage and Main — 77,500 vehicles

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CBC: Southwest Transitway public info session coverage
by Beth McKechnie 20 Jul '16

20 Jul '16

Here's some coverage of yesterday's Southwest Transitway public information session yesterday, including the story boards, for those who weren't able to attend: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/southwest-transitway-update-1.3683930 cheers, Beth -- *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 green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/>

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Webinar reminder: Performance Measures to Evaluate Street Design, Wed, July 20, 2-3pm
by Beth McKechnie 19 Jul '16

19 Jul '16

*** Friendly reminder about tomorrow's (Wed) webinar *** Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg invite you to join us for a local viewing of the APBP webinar: Performance Measures to Evaluate Street Design – New and Established Practices. The webinar viewing takes place in the EcoCentre boardroom (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) and will be followed by group discussion of local applications. RSVPs appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth * * * * * *Performance Measures to Evaluate Street Design – New and Established Practices* *Wednesday, July 20 | 2-3pm CDT* *Speaker*: Peter Koonce, City of Portland Bureau of Transportation Peter Koonce of the Portland Bureau of Transportation will explore performance measures that are used in all contexts (urban, suburban, rural) and how traditional analysis practices are biased against making more effective walking and cycling. Three case studies will highlight the applicability of these measures and provide examples for how the measure was communicated to the public. -- *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 green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/>

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Reminder: SW Rapid Transitway - Public Information Session (July 19, 4-7pm)
by Beth McKechnie 18 Jul '16

18 Jul '16

*Southwest Rapid Transitway (Stage 2)* *July 19, 2016 4:00pm-7:00pm Canad Inns Fort Garry (1824 Pembina)* On behalf of the City of Winnipeg, you’re invited to attend a public information session for the Southwest Rapid Transitway (Stage 2) Project. The project is comprised of significant infrastructure components in the southwest quadrant of the city, including: the Southwest Rapid Transitway (Stage 2); the addition of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure adjacent to the Transitway, through the Pembina Underpass, and into the Southwood lands; the renewal and expansion of the Pembina Underpass; and connections to the University of Manitoba and Investors Group Field. The project improvements will allow citizens to move in a more sustainable and integrated manner. Construction of the Southwest Rapid Transitway (Stage 2) Project is scheduled to begin in summer 2016, with completion expected in late 2019. Transit operations on the new Transitway are expected to begin in April 2020. You are invited to meet with members of the project team to learn more. *Public Information Session Details:* *Date* *Event* *Time* *Location* July 19, 2016 Information Session 4:00pm-7:00pm Canad Inns – Fort Garry 1824 Pembina Highway, Winnipeg Ambassador F Room (lower level) -- *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 green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/>

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City of Winnipeg hiring Active Transportation Planner
by Beth McKechnie 18 Jul '16

18 Jul '16

*Active Transportation Planner <https://careers.winnipeg.ca/psc/cgext/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJ…>* Job ID 114169 The City of Winnipeg is a vibrant and dynamic organization with many opportunities! We offer a diverse and welcoming work environment that delivers quality services to our citizens. *Closing date: July 27, 2016 * Under the general supervision of the Active Transportation Coordinator, the Active Transportation Planner is responsible for research, planning, consultation, and review in support of the delivery of pedestrian and cycling initiatives. This position works collaboratively, and in consultation with, all relevant departments of the City, consultants, stakeholders and the public to deliver a range of planning work related to the implementation of Winnipeg's Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies. The position must have a demonstrated ability to interpret and apply policy, bylaws, standards and guidelines in research and planning. The Active Transportation Planner position requires participation in major planning and project initiatives. Responsibilities include research, preparation of reports, responding to inquiries and applications, and facilitation of community consultation. The position is required to participate in interdepartmental planning and development, and to provide recommendations in relationship to transportation planning and policy. The Active Transportation Planner works directly to engage the community in a collaborative manner to facilitate the delivery of programming and services related to pedestrian and cycling activity. *As the Active Transportation Planner you will*: - Participate in pedestrian and cycling project planning, programs and special initiatives. - Assist in the administration of planning services related to the development and implementation of pedestrian and cycling facilities and programs. - Promote pedestrian and cycling transportation in support of the priorities and strategic goals of Winnipeg's Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies report. - Research new initiatives and trends in pedestrian and cycling planning, policy, programs and infrastructure. - Attendance at evening and weekend meetings may be required. *Your education and experience includes:* - Bachelor's degree in a related area (Planning, Engineering, Public/Business Administration) or an equivalent combination of education and experience. - Master's Degree in Planning, Engineering, or Public/Business Administration is desirable. - Minimum 12 months professional experience in the field of transportation planning, urban planning, active transportation engineering. - Knowledge of City and Provincial regulations and policies such as the Highway Traffic Act, Traffic By-Law, OurWinnipeg, Transportation Master Plan, Winnipeg's Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies. *Conditions of employment:* - Physically able to perform the duties of the job, which may include, but are not limited to: working outdoors in potentially extreme weather conditions, and ability to work alone. - Possession and maintenance of a valid Manitoba Driver's License Class 5 is an asset. - Attendance at evening and weekend meetings may be required. If YOU are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application, including a detailed resume, online at winnipeg.ca/hr OR, by mail quoting Posting No. 114169, Active Transportation Planner position by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 to: Recruitment Clerk, Public Works Department, Human Resources Division, 1155 Pacific Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3P1. The salary range for this position is $2,190.01 - $2,678.55 Bi-Weekly. We have great benefits and competitive salaries, and we are committed to ongoing learning and career development! For more information on this opportunity and other careers within the City, visit: http://winnipeg.ca/hr/

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WFP: Lane it on the line - Developing alleys could breathe new life into the city (Jul18'16)
by Beth McKechnie 18 Jul '16

18 Jul '16

Lane it on the lineDeveloping alleys could breathe new life into the city http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/lane-it-on-the-line-387204271.html As a kid, the back lane was a perfect spot to play street hockey. The narrow alley was enclosed and protected, houses were close-set, allowing our parents to maintain a watchful eye. The occasional slow-moving vehicle could be accommodated simply with an enthusiastic howl of ‘car!’ The intimacy and human scale that makes residential alleys so great for street hockey are characteristics shared with the narrow urban lanes found throughout many downtown areas. These attractive qualities are leading cities around the world to explore the potential of re-engaging these forgotten urban connectors. Streets with a similar personal scale inspire the vibrant sidewalk culture that makes European city centres an attractive vacation destination for so many, but in our downtown we demand wide, straight roadways designed primarily to funnel cars as quickly as possible into the suburbs. Any efforts to narrow these thoroughfares and improve the pedestrian experience are often met with strong opposition. The city’s back lanes, however, might provide an opportunity to efficiently create this welcoming pedestrian environment within existing infrastructure. These narrow, enclosed spaces, generally used for loading and garbage collection, are being reimagined in many cities as an alternate pedestrian network superimposed on the larger street grid, introducing lively, people-first, public space. The city that pioneered reclaiming downtown laneways is Melbourne, Australia. In the early 1980s, that city’s downtown was a homogeneous business centre with fewer than 2,000 residents, two outdoor sidewalk patios and 300 metres of active laneways. To breathe life back into downtown, the city developed a strategy to increase the residential population to 10,000 in 15 years. Investments were made in initiatives that would make urban living more attractive. They focused on improving the pedestrian experience by widening sidewalks, planting trees, creating green space and redeveloping their dormant urban laneways. The design approach was to consider the lanes as a cohesive secondary network that would provide pedestrian mobility and connectivity throughout the downtown. Lanes were either shared with low-volume vehicle traffic or made pedestrian-only, with deliveries and building servicing co-ordinated at off hours. Alleys were named to help create an identity, and physical improvements were made. New paving, awnings, plants, street furniture and lighting were installed. The improvements carefully retained the gritty, industrial quality of the alleys, preserving the underworld character that provides an enticing and unique experience from other urban environments. Many walls were left adorned with graffiti, and a program of continually evolving public art was established to make each alley a unique gallery of artistic expression. Most importantly, local businesses were encouraged through financial incentives, promotion and policy change to locate in new storefronts created along the alleyways. Small spaces were carved into the ground floors of existing buildings, creating new revenue opportunities for owners and encouraging low-rent startups and small business opportunities. The result has been transformational for Melbourne. The intimate and sheltered qualities of the back lane network provide a finer grain to the city, breaking it down to a personal scale. Like European medieval cities, the narrow lanes, today lined with eateries, bars and boutiques, connect people to each other in a safe and stimulating environment, filled with rich sensory experiences. The attraction of these new public spaces has made downtown Melbourne a desirable place to live, inspiring significant residential development, many with entrances to the laneways. New buildings often incorporate arcades and alleys within their plan to connect to the success of the existing network. Melbourne’s city centre has far surpassed its urban-renewal goals, today home to more than 100,000 people, 500 outdoor patios and 3.5 kilometres of animated lanes. The city now consistently appears at the top of global quality-of-life rankings. The success of rediscovering urban laneways in Australia is enticing cities in New Zealand, California and even Vancouver and Toronto to begin studying and implementing similar initiatives. Winnipeg’s downtown, which lacks human scale in many areas, would seem to be an ideal candidate for such a transformation. The central lanes dividing the oversized blocks south of Portage Avenue were once an important secondary pedestrian grid, before density was replaced with parking lots. In the Exchange District, lanes and covered passageways are still commonly used as pedestrian connections throughout the neighbourhood. Awareness for the potential of our downtown laneways has been growing. A number of recent festivals have held parties and pop-up design installations in the alleys of the Exchange District. The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ is currently working through an international design competition called the Backlane Public Art Project for the space behind Mountain Equipment Co-op on Portage Avenue. The winning scheme will be announced and installed this fall. A series of evening outdoor markets has also been happening in various Exchange District alleys this summer (www.alleywaysmarket.ca) to bring attention to these underused spaces. These events coincide with the construction start of a back lane development project for John Hirsch Place, a former rail spur running behind the buildings on Bannatyne Avenue near Waterfront Drive. Designed by HTFC Planning and Design, the lane will be transformed into Winnipeg’s first Woonerf, a Dutch term meaning ‘living street’, where cars, pedestrians and cyclists all share public space without physical separation. A perfect place for a game of street hockey. The lane will be curb-less, with large paving stones running in a dynamic geometric pattern from building edge to building edge. These will be supported on an innovative series of underground storage cells that control stormwater and provide trees with ample soil volumes to ensure they grow healthy and large. Planters, public art and seating will be positioned to slow vehicular traffic to walking speed and make the alleyway a beautiful green finger extending from the riverbank into the Exchange District. The hope is one day shops or restaurants might open into the lane to further activate the space. This progressive laneway initiative will stand as an example of what these intimate hidden spaces can become and will hopefully be the catalyst for a larger network of active laneways winding through the city centre. The future health of downtown Winnipeg depends on our ability to create safe, vibrant, walkable neighbourhoods with the interest and amenities that make urban living attractive. Simply subsidizing the construction of residential units will be a lost investment if we don’t also build the conditions that make people want to choose to live downtown. Increasing active public space is crucial to achieving this, but in low-density cities such as Winnipeg, it must be appropriately scaled. Smaller, far-reaching laneway redevelopment that weaves through the disconnected neighbourhoods of downtown would likely find more success than large plazas and green spaces that often remain empty and under-used. Forward-looking initiatives like the John Hirsch Place redevelopment are a starting point for looking at urban renewal in a new way, taking advantage of downtown’s natural assets to create intimate, pedestrian-focused public space that provides unique experiences not found in the suburbs. With the success of Melbourne in mind, envisioning an active web of green laneways spread through the downtown is a tantalizing image for the future of our city. Brent Bellamy is creative director at Number Ten Architectural Group. bbellamy(a)numberten.com

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The war with drivers will only end when bikes are as common as cars
by Dave Elmore 16 Jul '16

16 Jul '16

- http://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/the-war-with-drivers-will-only-end-w… The war with drivers will only end when bikes are as common as cars Last month, while sitting on a porch overlooking one of Toronto’s busy north-south roads, I witnessed an increasingly common sight: A car and a bike going at it as if they were on the set of *Mad Max Fury Road*. There’s no bike lane on this street, more’s the pity. The cyclist was cut off by the driver and responded by screaming at the car, which he sped up to and passed. Here’s the crazy part. Instead of sighing or shaking his head or going home to his partner and vowing to move to the country, the driver put pedal to the metal and chased the cyclist up the street at an alarming speed. He was going so fast I couldn’t get his licence, or I would have called the police. I asked on Twitter if anyone else had witnessed the incident; no one responded, perhaps because we’ve all become so blasé about street rage. Never mind Pokemon Go, the primary game this summer is Death Race 2016. Around the corner from my house, another cyclist was chased by an enraged driver onto a sidewalk and hit, an act of aggression that was witnessed and reported to police. Two blocks away there is a ghost bike – one of the all-too-common *memento mori* of city streets – marking the death of a 71-year-old cyclist killed earlier this month when he hit a parked van. Initially, police blamed his death on cyclist error, then backtracked and admitted he’d had the right of way. I’ve driven, walked and cycled in this city for more years than I care to admit, and this summer seems like a low moment in car-bike relations, the point where the Hatfields and the McCoys retreated to their houses and started counting ammunition. A toxic blend of heat, increased traffic and construction has taken a nasty situation and made it worse. Perhaps I feel this way because my son was recently forced off the road by a speeding driver and crashed his bike, and I was nearly doored as I rode to work, saved only by my reflexes. (And I have the reflexes of someone who’s been dead for 10 years.) Or perhaps I feel this way because 412 cyclists were hit by cars in Toronto in the first six months of the year, according <http://globalnews.ca/news/2824632/41-people-have-been-seriously-hurt-or-kil…> to Global News. Cyclists continued to be killed by cars across the country. Yet, somehow, we’re stuck in a ridiculous blame cycle that has not changed much since Rob Ford was mayor of this city, removing bike lines with a stroke of his pen and saying, “there’s this huge animosity between motorists and cyclists, and it’s never going to go away.” Rob Ford, seer. There’s a scary thought. Yes, most cities and urban planners now acknowledge the need to make room for cyclists in order to build thriving communities (Toronto just voted to double its cycle routes over the next 10 years.) But this has done little to change the intransigent, bull-headed psychology of drivers, who so clearly view the roads as their property it might as well have been the 11th commandment on Moses’s tablet: “Thou shalt share the lane with none but the van and the SUV.” The animosity that exists certainly cuts both ways: Talk to a driver (even one who’s also a cyclist) and you’ll hear that riders are sanctimonious jerks who disobey all the rules of the road; cyclists sometimes see every car with Terminator behind the wheel. Things will change only when sharing the road is not seen as a war, but simply as an efficient way to get things done, and a bicycle is as common a sight on a road as a car. *But first, we have to get kids on their bikes.* In Canada, fewer than 2 per cent of children ride to school. They aren’t taught to ride as part of the curriculum, the way kids are in the Netherlands (where they have to take a safety exam at the age of 12). They don’t, for the most part, ride with their parents from the age of three or four, the way children do in Denmark. Imagine if children were taught road safety and good cycling habits as part of each province’s health curriculum – I know the school day is already crowded, but it could be slipped in there between the assembly about bullying and the assembly about bullying. In Britain, public health officials have been advocating for cycling as part of the national curriculum for years, though it hasn’t happened yet. If we did it here, it would require an investment in infrastructure, like racks and crossing guards and bicycles for kids who don’t have them, but the long-term benefits (not least, peace on the road) would outweigh the costs. *Bikes vs. Cars*, a 2015 documentary, features a wonderful scene with cycling teacher Liliana Godoy leading children through the streets of Bogota on their bikes, pointing out traffic rules and hazards as they ride. “I want to plant a seed in children, a sense that they are able to move freely in life,” she says. “Doing it in their childhood makes it a habit. As an adult, you never forget it. Children by nature are not afraid of anything. It’s adults that imprint fear in them.” Those are words you can take to the bank – as long as you ride there, of course.

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Toronto to add $52 million to road safety plan
by Charles Feaver 15 Jul '16

15 Jul '16

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/toronto-city-council-approves-52 -million-boost-for-road-safety/article30933165/ Toronto City Council backed a $52-million boost for road safety over the next five years, beating back an attempt to speed up the plan and in the process calling for a ban on pedestrians using electronic devices while on the road. . Council also voted to request the head of the transportation department "consider" accelerating the five-year plan to two years, rejecting a motion by Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam that effectively instructed him to do so. The road-safety plan is Toronto's version of Vision Zero, a Swedish approach that aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries. It calls for about $80-million in safety-related spending over five years, up from the $68-million proposed by staff a few weeks ago. The plan is bulked out by the addition of efforts that would have happened anyway, though, with about $52-million of the funds being new money. "This council has spent billions of dollars ... to get people from A to B five minutes faster," Ms. Wong-Tam said. "We're struggling to find a little bit of money to keep people safe." The plan comes amid a worsening toll for pedestrians in Toronto. A recent Globe and Mail investigation into the more than 160 people run down since 2011 found that seniors were disproportionately affected, and that drivers were at fault in the majority of cases. Cycle Toronto executive director Jared Kolb said the current road safety plan has "some good building blocks" but that it remains too hesitant and has too little funding. ...

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AT webinar: Performance Measures to Evaluate Street Design, Wed, July 20, 2-3pm
by Beth McKechnie 14 Jul '16

14 Jul '16

Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg invite you to join us for a local viewing of the APBP webinar: Performance Measures to Evaluate Street Design – New and Established Practices. The webinar viewing takes place in the EcoCentre boardroom (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) and will be followed by group discussion of local applications. RSVPs appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth * * * * * *Performance Measures to Evaluate Street Design – New and Established Practices* *Wednesday, July 20 | 2-3pm CDT* *Speaker*: Peter Koonce, City of Portland Bureau of Transportation Peter Koonce of the Portland Bureau of Transportation will explore performance measures that are used in all contexts (urban, suburban, rural) and how traditional analysis practices are biased against making more effective walking and cycling. Three case studies will highlight the applicability of these measures and provide examples for how the measure was communicated to the public.

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The Metro: Cycling to work a learning experience (Jul13'16)
by Beth McKechnie 13 Jul '16

13 Jul '16

Cycling to work a learning experience By: Scott Gillingham http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/metro/Cycling-to-work-a-le… Last week I cycled to work. Now I realize that many residents of St. James bike to work every day, some even do so year-round. So while perhaps mildly commendable, my announcement is hardly newsworthy. But there were practical reasons that prompted me to pedal the 35-minute morning commute from Silver Heights to City Hall. First, cycling is good exercise. As a city councillor, many hours in my days are spent sitting in meetings or working at my desk. Cycling to the office is a great workout that combats the sedentary hours to come at the office. Second, our family currently has more drivers than vehicles. The rest of the family’s schedule on that day necessitated that I get around on two wheels or take Winnipeg Transit. After checking the weather forecast that morning, I chose my bike. Third, and perhaps most importantly in my role as councillor, biking to work afforded me the opportunity to experience the cycling routes between St. James and downtown. The City of Winnipeg has a master plan for active transportation that includes key cycling corridors. This plan is regularly reviewed with an aim to improve and build upon these routes where necessary. The ultimate goal is to encourage more people to cycle or walk by providing infrastructure dedicated to those activities. This will reduce traffic congestion and foster a healthier lifestyle. My morning trek from Silver Heights included Portage Avenue, the foot bridge to Assiniboine Park, Wellington Cres, Sherbrook, Ellice and King to City Hall. I felt safe along the route and experienced very limited interaction with automobiles for most of the way. I chose a different way home: King, Ellice, St. Matthews, the Yellow Ribbon Trail, and Sharp to my house. The late afternoon route did not feel as safe and even included a close call with a truck. The experience impressed upon me the importance of dedicated routes, protected where possible. I learned three lessons that day: First, I need a softer bike seat. Second, a cyclist needs to check the forecast for the entire day, not just the morning forecast. On my ride home the heavens opened near Polo Park. I think I wrung a cup of water out of my socks. Third, there are gaps in the current cycling routes between St. James and downtown. I am focused on closing those gaps in the coming years, especially connecting St. Matthews and the Yellow Ribbon Trail. I recently met with the City’s active transportation co-ordinator to discuss plans to improve the cycling route on St. Matthews and build an extension on the Yellow Ribbon Trail to close the gap. I will be advocating for the necessary funding in the 2017 budget. I welcome your ideas and observations, especially from those of you who regularly cycle in and around the ward. Contact me at scottgillingham(a)winnipeg.ca or 204-986-5848.

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Improving safety for cyclists (as we've done for vehicle occupants)
by Beth McKechnie 11 Jul '16

11 Jul '16

Powerful argument from Anne Lusk that it's time to pay the same attention to protecting cyclists as has been done for vehicle occupants, i.e. cars and roads have been designed to protect motorists anticipating there will be driver error. cheers, Beth ----- From: "Lusk, Anne" <annelusk(a)hsph.harvard.edu> To: "members(a)lists.apbp.org" <members(a)lists.apbp.org> Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2016 15:30:58 +0000 Subject: [apbp] Washington Post article that mentions building bike facilities using the public health method Dear All, Though I know I am quoted in this article, I still thought to send it to you because of the mention of applying the public health method to designing bike facilities. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/meet-the-two-wheel… A bike lane was recently painted in Cambridge in which the individual bicyclist is responsible for watching ahead and seeing the great neck down and the obstruction in the pathway of the bike lane (raised concrete air duct for a nearby park and fountain). Vehicles now are much safer for the vehicle occupants because the design of the vehicle has been built to protect the occupant - roll bars, higher head rests, more crash proofing on the sides, smaller windows, etc.). Instead of blaming the individual vehicle operator for a driver error (driving while intoxicated, sleepy, etc.) the vehicle has been designed for the populations, knowing there will be individual errors. Thus, the car now better protects the driver who might be intoxicated or sleepy. With the bicycle environment, we still insist that the bicyclist, who has no crumple zone, has to be fully responsible for any action they take, any action that someone takes against them, or any obstruction (a car being parked in a bike lane, a driver swerving into a bike lane, or a concrete barrier in a bike lane). https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/07/08/cambridge-bike-lane-design-get… CDC mentions the greatly improved safety of vehicle occupants in their web site about the History of the Public Health Approach (on the below web site, click on “Public Health Functions Project” lists as the 10 essential services of public health <http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/temp/pilots-201208/pilot1/online/ph-approach/p…> ) but there is no mention of greatly improved safety of bicyclists. http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/temp/pilots-201208/pilot1/online/ph-approach/s… Just as we improved safety for vehicle occupants, it is time to be equally protective of bicyclists. We need to apply the public health approach to designing bike facilities instead of saying a crash was the bicyclists fault (they were at the intersection and didn’t know the tractor trailer flatbed turning radius, they were in a bike lane and didn’t know the tractor trailer in the far left lane would turn right and cut across the other lane, they didn’t know the driver of the parked car would exit then - the list goes on but all you know this list). Thanks, Anne

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SW Rapid Transitway - Public Information Session (July 19, 4-7pm)
by Beth McKechnie 06 Jul '16

06 Jul '16

Invitation to Attend a Public Information Session: *Southwest Rapid Transitway (Stage 2)* *July 19, 2016 4:00pm-7:00pm Canad Inns Fort Garry (1824 Pembina)* On behalf of the City of Winnipeg, you’re invited to attend a public information session for the Southwest Rapid Transitway (Stage 2) Project. The project is comprised of significant infrastructure components in the southwest quadrant of the city, including: the Southwest Rapid Transitway (Stage 2); the addition of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure adjacent to the Transitway, through the Pembina Underpass, and into the Southwood lands; the renewal and expansion of the Pembina Underpass; and connections to the University of Manitoba and Investors Group Field. The project improvements will allow citizens to move in a more sustainable and integrated manner. Construction of the Southwest Rapid Transitway (Stage 2) Project is scheduled to begin in summer 2016, with completion expected in late 2019. Transit operations on the new Transitway are expected to begin in April 2020. You are invited to meet with members of the project team to learn more. *Public Information Session Details:* *Date* *Event* *Time* *Location* July 19, 2016 Information Session 4:00pm-7:00pm Canad Inns – Fort Garry 1824 Pembina Highway, Winnipeg Ambassador F Room (lower level) -- *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 green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/>

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Fwd: Register now for Bikeway Design Workshops and Open Streets this summer!
by Mark Cohoe 30 Jun '16

30 Jun '16

Some excellent training opportunities. I've been very impressed with IBPI courses in the past, and have taken a lot of lessons from them. Mark ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: IBPI <ibpi(a)pdx.edu> Date: Thu, Jun 30, 2016 at 12:03 PM Subject: Register now for Bikeway Design Workshops and Open Streets this summer! To: Mark Cohoe <mark(a)bikewinnipeg.ca> <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…> <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…> Comprehensive Bikeway Design 2.0 still has open spots! Comprehensive Bikeway Design 2.0 July 25 - 29, 2016 Room 315, Engineering Building <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…>, Portland State University Course Faculty: Peter Koonce <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…> , Nick Falbo <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…> , Rob Burchfield <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…> , Jessica Roberts <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…> , Dana Dickman <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…> ,Drusilla van Hengel <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…> , Deven Young <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…> , Shelley Oylear <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…> , Steve Hoyt McBeth <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…> This IBPI advanced course covers the fundamentals of bikeway design and planning through an intensive week of interactive classroom and field experience and one-on-one problem solving with instructors. The course primarily focuses on improving existing bicycle networks. The course will highlight the latest research and innovative practice and provide you with skills and diverse perspectives to take your bike network to the next level. Who Should Attend: Transportation engineers, urban planners, past participants of the 1.0 course, and others interested in in-depth engineering and planning examples of bikeway design and innovation. This course best serves people from communities who already have a developed bicycle network, particularly municipal staff and other transportation professionals who have worked for a few years in their roles and are continuing to work on implementing bicycle facilities. View course web page <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…> | Register <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…> Comprehensive Bikeway Design 1.0 also has a few spots still available Comprehensive Bikeway Design 1.0 August 16 - 21, 2016 Room 315, Engineering Building <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…>, Portland State University Course Faculty: Peter Koonce <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…> , Nick Falbo <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…> , Roger Geller <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…> , Jessica Roberts <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…> , Dana Dickman <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…> , Rebecca Sanders <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…> <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…> The field of bikeway planning and design has been evolving rapidly over the last decade. As communities have put bikeway plans into effect, we've learned what works and what doesn't; how to plan effectively, design correctly and make investments that get results. We've distilled those lessons into our comprehensive bikeway planning and design course. The pioneers and leading practitioners in the field will teach the fundamentals of bikeway planning and design through an intensive week of classroom sessions and tours. The instruction and interaction with other participants will bring you up to speed on innovative practice and research and teach you the skills and techniques you need to get started on your next project. Who Should Attend: People interested in nurturing cycling in their communities, including urban planners, advocates, policymakers, transportation engineers and other transportation professionals. People looking to make low-risk investments in proven bicycle plans and facilities. This class has a planning focus, with some engineering issues covered. View course web page <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…> | Register <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…> Early Bird Deadline Extended to July 15 for Open Streets Summit <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…> The Early Bird Registration deadline for the 2016 International Open Streets Summit <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…> has been extended to July 15, to give you more time to register. Early bird rate includes: - $55 savings - Unlimited access to mobile tours* We recommend registering for lodging as soon as possible. Hotel rates can get quite high in Portland in August. *If you register after July 15, you can still participate in the mobile tours by purchasing a Tour Pass for an additional $25. <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…> If you would like to update your e-newsletter preferences, click here <http://transportation.acemlna.com/lt.php?s=54abf69e3dc35204ad69cfbc768fea67…>. If you do not want to receive further emails, unsubscribe through the link at the bottom of this email. Sent to: mark(a)bikewinnipeg.ca Unsubscribe <http://transportation.acemlna.com/proc.php?nl=8&c=263&m=299&s=54abf69e3dc35…> TREC, P.O. Box 751, Portland, OR 97207, United States

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German cycle highways
by ian_toal＠mymts.net 30 Jun '16

30 Jun '16

This is kind of interesting. Not sure if it would work in Winnipeg, but.. "Germany is building the world’s biggest ‘bicycle autobahn’ to connect 10 cities and remove 50,000 cars from the road every day. With the popularity of e-bikes growing too, is Europe about to see a new era of long-distance cycle commuting?" https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2016/jun/30/intercity-cycle-highways-rev… Ian

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Metro News: BRT at the cost of AT? Bike Winnipeg concerned about crossing plan changes (Jun29'16)
by Beth McKechnie 29 Jun '16

29 Jun '16

BRT at the cost of AT? Bike Winnipeg concerned about crossing plan changesThe city's contractor for phase two of the Southwest Rapid Transitway found millions in savings, but cut out two bike and pedestrian crossings in the process. http://www.metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/2016/06/28/bike-winnipeg-worried-acti… The city says they've found ways to save $120 million for the next phase of rapid transit, but it comes at the cost of active transportation plans for the design. Winnipeg Transit director Dave Wardrop told council at a special meeting Tuesday that two tunnels for walkers and cyclists have been eliminated from the city’s plans to help reduce costs. Bike Winnipeg’s executive director Mark Cohoe said he has “big concerns” with what losing those below-grade crossings means for the city’s fledgling cycle corridor. “We’ll be watching to see how connectivity is impacted,” Cohoe said. “Without looking at the actual plans (expected in July) it’s hard to say if it’s at the cost of active transportation.” The two crossings affected are at Jubilee Avenue and Plaza Drive at the Pembina Highway. Cohoe said the Plaza Drive rail crossing being at-grade isn’t a big issue, but the Jubilee crossing is especially important to ensure safe passage into surrounding neighbourhoods. He said the approved path alignment provides access to Beaumont, Daniel, Rockman and Panet neighbourhoods, as well as future developments. “Those are important connections we want to see maintained,” Cohoe said. The tunnel beneath the Jubilee off-ramp would have connected the path network to both sides of Pembina Highway while avoiding a potentially dangerous, high-speed lane of vehicle traffic which Cohoe “would hope does not now have to be crossed.” “We want to make sure we’re not losing connections through the Pembina underpass for that North-South connectivity,” he said. Coun. Janice Lukes, a long-time active-transportation advocate, said she’s confident the replacement crossings will be “suitable,” and that any paths crossing the transitway will be separated and protected. “And the project itself is 30 to 40 per cent designed, so that means there’s still room for improvements and tweaks, right?” Lukes said. Cohoe also finds it “a bit frustrating being out of the loop,” and how—despite attending an active-transportation stakeholder meeting with city officials Monday night—he’s learning about active-transportation changes during transit discussions in City Hall. “It would have been more appropriate to meet and discuss what has been changed,” Cohoe said. “I’m not thrilled with how it’s come out.” Moving forward, he said he’d like to see a way for the savings identified in the BRT project to be put towards active-transportation paths between the Oak Grove station and Grant Park Pavilion developments, to benefit users of multiple transportation modes and city development overall. “The transitway would undoubtedly gain ridership and value from such a connection, as would retailers on the north side of the tracks,” he said.

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bike helmet newsletter
by Cynthia Otfinowski 29 Jun '16

29 Jun '16

Hello, I am not sending this to take a side, but as a physiotherapist, I encourage people to wear a bike helmet. I found an article in a newsletter written by Physiotherapy Works. I am not promoting their business but I thought the information was helpful. If interested follow this link for photo, video and article. http://www.bmetrack.com/c/v?e=31CDEF&c=2F8D&t=1&l=E120A1F&email=MbDOnDULivW… Otherwise, I have copied the essential elements that I thought were extremely helpful. Sincerely, Cyndi Otfinowski Newsletter Disclaimer by Physiotherapy Works! The information found within this newsletter is for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for medical advice from your own Doctor or any other health professional. Physiotherapy Works is not responsible or liable for any injuries that occur by performing any of the exercises given or diagnosis made by a user based on the information shown within our website or newsletter. Always consult your Medical Doctor, physiotherapist or other health professional if you are in any way concerned with your health and wellness. <>More Helmets, Fewer Injuries No matter what your age or level of experience, whenever you ride a bike, in-line skate, ski, or engage in other activities during which your head is vulnerable to injury, a helmet should be worn. Wearing a bike helmet reduces the risk of serious head and brain injury by 85%. Helmets should be worn during every ride, no matter how short. Many accidents happen near home. There are two basic types of helmets: single-impact and multiple-impact. It’s important to select a helmet that fits you properly and that is appropriate to the activity you’re doing. Single Impact (example: bicycle helmets) – designed to protect against ONE impact; Must be replaced after a crash or hard hit, even if it does not appear to have any damage Multi Impact (example: hockey helmets) – designed to protect against more than one impact. Multi Sport – does not mean multi impact but that the helmet is approved for more than one activity. Check the manufacturer’s label for the list of activities for which the helmet can be worn safely Note: Always check the manufacturer’s label for an expiration date and replace as required. Hockey helmets expire 5 years from the date of manufacture. During a fall or crash, a helmet absorbs much of the force of impact that would otherwise be directed to the head. Thick plastic foam (firm polystyrene) inside the hard outer shell of a helmet provides protection that cushions the blow. A new helmet should be purchased after a crash. Even if the helmet appears fine, the interior may be damaged. Children 5 to 14 years of age have the highest injury rate of all bicycle riders, and bike accidents are a leading cause of death for children. Tips to help children understand the importance of wearing helmets: Teach by example. Adults should always wear helmets when doing activities that have potential for collision. Be aware that your child is more likely to wear a helmet if he or she likes the way it looks. Bike helmets save lives and prevent injuries, but in a few instances they are not appropriate: Children should not wear helmets when they climb trees or play on playground equipment. A helmet may get stuck on a tree or piece of equipment and strangle a child. Because a baby's neck muscles may not be strong enough to support a helmet, do not ride a bike at all with a child under the age of 1 year. 7 Tips to help you choose: 1. Make sure there is a safety sticker inside (look for CSA, ASTM, CPSC or SNELL). 2. There should not be any decorations, paint or stickers on the helmet. 3. There should not be any cracks, dents or other damage. 4. Pads should touch the head at the front, sides, back and top. 5. No more than two fingers should fit between the wearer’s eyebrows and the helmet. 6. The V-strap must fit tightly under each earlobe. 7. Only one finger should fit under the chin strap. The Right Fit is Crucial Proper fit is just as important as choosing the right helmet. It should comfortably touch your head all the way around, and be snug enough to stay firmly in place. Your helmet should sit level on your head and ride as low as possible to protect the sides of your head. Never wear a high ponytail with a helmet. And Never wear a hat under a helmet. Remember, head injuries can cause long-term disabilities and impairments. Wearing a helmet is an easy way to help prevent head injuries. Have a safe and enjoyable summer.

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Fwd: Winter Cycling Congress 2017 | Call for proposals
by Anders Swanson 29 Jun '16

29 Jun '16

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: *Vélo Québec* <info(a)veloquebec.info> Date: Wednesday, 29 June 2016 Subject: Winter Cycling Congress 2017 | Call for proposals To: andersswanson(a)gmail.com Submission deadline: September 25, 2016. Read online <http://bulletin.veloquebec.info/c/443/7942ab90543ae9e6a5ba602167b070af9220c…> VOIR LA VERSION FRANÇAISE <http://bulletin.veloquebec.info/c/443/7942ab90543ae9e6a5ba602167b070af9220c…> [image: Winter Cycling Congress 2017] *WINTER CYCLING CONGRESS* *February 8-10, 2017 | Montréal* *CALL FOR PROPOSALS* *We invite researchers, policymakers, professionals and technicians, as well as enthusiasts of all stripes, to share their experiences and pool their knowledge in order to take winter cycling to new heights.* *Winter Cycling Congress 2017 <http://bulletin.veloquebec.info/c/443/7942ab90543ae9e6a5ba602167b070af30b35…> *participants will try to find answers to several key questions, such as: - What can be done to increase winter bicycle use? - How can we make year-round cycling the norm rather than the exception? - What are the barriers involved, and how can we overcome them to reach out to potential users? - What kind of challenges are municipalities that are trying to enable winter cycling facing? Whether your point of view is local or global in scope, we welcome your input on how to promote and broaden the appeal of winter cycling. * Details and proposal form <http://bulletin.veloquebec.info/c/443/7942ab90543ae9e6a5ba602167b070af9220c…>* *ABOUT* The *Winter Cycling Congress 2017* is organized by Vélo Québec in collaboration with the Winter Cycling Federation and the City of Montreal. The Winter Cycling Congress was created by the Winter Cycling Federation. Previous editions were held in Oulu (Finland – 2013), Winnipeg (Canada – 2014), Leeuwarden (Netherlands – 2015) and Minneapolis – Saint Paul (USA – 2016). [image: Ville de Montr�al] <http://bulletin.veloquebec.info/c/443/7942ab90543ae9e6a5ba602167b070af9220c…>*[image: Winter Cycling Federation] <http://bulletin.veloquebec.info/c/443/7942ab90543ae9e6a5ba602167b070af9220c…>[image: V�lo Qu�bec] <http://bulletin.veloquebec.info/c/443/7942ab90543ae9e6a5ba602167b070af30b35…>* *This message has been sent to you at andersswanson(a)gmail.com <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','andersswanson(a)gmail.com');> because your address is currently on our mailing list. If you no longer wish to receive our electronic updates unsubscribe here <http://bulletin.veloquebec.info/u/443/7942ab90543ae9e6a5ba602167b070af23f1f…>. To make sure our messages are delivered straight to your inbox, please add info(a)veloquebec.info <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','info(a)veloquebec.info');> to your address book or contact list.* *VÉLO QUÉBEC ASSOCIATION * 1251, rue Rachel Est, Montréal, Québec H2J 2J9, Canada 514-521-8356

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Portland policy - preserving access for peds & cyclists during construction
by Beth McKechnie 28 Jun '16

28 Jun '16

Closing sidewalks, bike lanes for construction a 'last resort' under new Portland policy The Portland City Council will vote on a resolution this week, formalizing a policy the city has already applied in recent months. It requires construction firms to create a traffic management plan that preserves access for pedestrians and cyclists. Full article: http://www.oregonlive.com/commuting/index.ssf/2016/06/closing_sidewalks_bik… -- *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 green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/>

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Small businesses benefiting from downtown bike lanes
by Charles Feaver 27 Jun '16

27 Jun '16

Good article about small businesses in Calgary and Vancouver learning to profit from downtown bike lanes in the Globe's Report on Business: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/sb-managing /small-businesses-are-changing-their-tune-on-bike-lanes/article30365164/ Here's a snippet: .. small businesses in cities across Canada are increasingly catering to cyclists. Yes, businesses publicly denouncing bike lanes are still common, but shops, bars and restaurants are starting to back bike infrastructure and reach out to a new and growing customer base. "There's been a sea change in the attitude about cyclists and frankly the value that the cycling community and the cycling consumer is bringing to the marketplace," says Charles Gauthier, president and chief executive officer of the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association. "Businesses are responding by making it clear they're catering to them." .

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Cyclist safety in numbers, not helmets
by Charles Feaver 27 Jun '16

27 Jun '16

Excellent article in the Free Press by Brent Bellamy with the broader perspective of how helmet legislation affects cyclist safety for urban commuters and public health. http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/cyclist-safety-in-numbers-not-helm ets-384483011.html Some quotes: Wearing a helmet when you ride a bike will reduce your risk of injury in an accident. The mandatory helmet law currently proposed by Winnipeg city council likely will not. This seems like a contradictory statement, but unlike motorcycle-helmet and automobile-seatbelt laws, bike safety relies on a set of unique variables that require a more complex response than simply forcing everyone to wear a helmet. A 2015 study by the University of British Columbia is the most comprehensive resource for this assertion. It looked at 11 cities in Canada over a five-year period, comparing hospitalization rates between jurisdictions with and without helmet laws. The study was one of the first to pro-rate injuries with the number of bike trips taken. Its conclusions could not find a definitive correlation between helmet legislation and hospitalization rates. . The effects on participation rates may be the most important factor when considering the effectiveness of legislation and is the reason many cycling advocates oppose mandatory helmet laws. Although results are inconsistent, many jurisdictions find mandatory helmet use has a negative impact on the number of cyclists on the road. After implementing helmet laws, several Australian cities reported a drop in cycling rates of between 20 per cent and 40 per cent. Vancouver saw a 30 per cent reduction in adult cyclists, Halifax dropped by 50 per cent and child helmet laws in Alberta resulted in a decrease in adolescent participation by 27 per cent, while adult cycling, which was exempt from the law, grew by 21 per cent. Almost all research, including the UBC study, concludes one of the most important factors in bike safety is high levels of participation. It has been consistently proven the number of riders has a far greater impact on bike-injury statistics than wearing a helmet. This strength-in-numbers concept simply means motorists are less likely to hit cyclists when there are more of them around, indicating doing anything to discourage participation is counterproductive to achieving safety goals. With greater bike presence, drivers become more aware of the complexity of road movements, adjusting behaviour by slowing down, passing cautiously and shoulder-checking. It has been found when bike use doubles in a city the risk of a motorist hitting a cyclist typically goes down by about one-third. Another significant factor reducing participation rates has been the obsessive public focus on helmet use. The stigma against not wearing one has become wildly disproportionate to the actual risk, creating the common perception cycling in cities such as Winnipeg is inherently unsafe. .

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WFP: Winnipeggers get a peek at downtown cycling route plans (Jun23'16)
by Beth McKechnie 25 Jun '16

25 Jun '16

Garry Street makeover has something for everyone http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/winnipeggers-get-a-peek-at-downtown-… Downtown Winnipeg is about to become a lot more friendly for cyclists, pedestrians, motorists, transit users and patio enthusiasts. If that sounds like a lot of people to keep happy, welcome to Scott Suderman's world. Suderman, the city’s transportation facilities planning engineer, was among several city officials meeting and talking with members of the public at a two-hour "pop-up engagement event" at The Forks Thursday to introduce a makeover to Garry Street that aims to have something for everyone. "This project is really about balancing all the users' needs," Suderman said. "It's important for the city to see everyone's perspective and balance the needs for everyone walking, cycling, driving, taking the bus, the businesses downtown, visitors, the people living there." The Garry Street makeover is a significant project that includes a three-metre cycling lane, two southbound lanes, a parking lane, a metre-wide curb separating cyclists from traffic, wider sidewalks, street paving, new traffic signals, new underground water mains and more. "The bicycle lanes will have a raised concrete barrier. It will be about a metre wide and about six inches (15 cm) tall. This option creates the widest physical separation (from traffic) and we heard from the public that was an important consideration," said Suderman. "There will be two travel lanes available full-time for motorists and for emergency vehicle mobility and access. There's also going to be a full-time parking, loading, transit lane and even for seasonal patio opportunities." The Garry Street design is the result of year-long consultations that started with several options and was chosen because it was deemed the safest for cyclists and it will allow bike travel in both directions. For vehicle traffic, Garry Street is already a one-way street. The space for the two-way bike lane would be created by removing about 16 per cent of street parking for vehicles on the east side of Garry Street. The new design, called the Downtown Bike Lane System, will include a separate cycling lane that will be a 1.5-kilometre route that will run from Assiniboine Avenue to Ellice Avenue/Notre Dame Avenue, and then north into the Exchange District along Arthur Street to McDermot Avenue. Evan Proulx, 26, said cycling is his main mode of transportation and he has felt unsafe at times in downtown traffic so the Garry Street plan is "a good start." "I think I have just become accustomed to it because I have been cycling downtown so much but there are those times where I would like to be separated (from vehicle traffic) slightly," he said. "In Winnipeg, it's been haphazard to this point." Proulx said he has cycled in numerous cities in the U.S., such as Portland, Ore., which has a lot of infrastructure dedicated to cycling. "I'm not sure yet how this connects to other parts of the city, but downtown, this is a good start." Bruce Quesnel, who lives on Tache Avenue, said now that he is retired he frequently walks or cycles in the downtown area. He said it appears the Garry Street plan could help both pedestrians and cyclists. "It's good, mostly. It's good that there are separated paths (for cyclists and vehicles) and that's really important for us," said Quesnel, 69. "There's going to be concrete barriers, which will be very good, and this will separate it. It's very important. Right now, only some (cyclists) use the street and the rest use the sidewalk and you don't blame them. They're terrified." He said the dedicated bike path will encourage him to cycle more through downtown. The separated bike lane will be extended along Notre Dame Avenue to Adelaide Street. However, the existing bike lane on Fort Street will remain in place after the Garry Street project is completed, Suderman said. Bike Winnipeg executive director Mark Cohoe told the Free Press in an earlier story that his group would prefer single bike lanes on two one-way streets — one on Fort and one on Garry — and see single-lane vehicle traffic on both those streets. Cohoe said his group is concerned the lanes for cyclists aren't wide enough in the Garry Street plan. Also at Thursday's event at The Forks, proposed designs were introduced for the West Alexander Cycling Corridor projects, including a protected bike lane in the West Alexander neighbourhood along McDermot Avenue — deemed a natural extension of the Garry corridor – and an enhanced cycling crossing at Assiniboine Avenue at Main Street into The Forks. Suderman said construction on the upgrade to the signal light at Assiniboine Avenue and Main Street crossing has already begun and is expected to take only a few weeks to complete. The Garry Street project will begin construction in spring of 2017 but will go on hiatus during the 2017 Canada Summer Games, which are being hosted in Winnipeg from July 28 to Aug. 13, 2017. It is expected the Garry corridor will be completed near the end of the 2018 construction season. The spring of 2017 is also projected for the start of the West Alexander Cycling Corridor. ashley.prest(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Fall in Love With Where You Live - Bike to Work?
by Anders Swanson 23 Jun '16

23 Jun '16

Please allow me the opportunity to share the just-released Bike Week Winnipeg video for 2016 with you <https://www.facebook.com/BikeWeekWinnipeg/posts/1211296125548566>. The entire team who worked hard on it would love to see it shared widely. We think that the message it sends is an important one. Please enjoy. ...and a reminder that tomorrow is *the 9th annual Bike to Work Day <http://www.bikeweekwinnipeg.com/bike-to-work-day/>! *[You probably don't need a reminder though at this point. Nine years... I remember when this AT list served as the primary method of getting the word out for the very first one. How far we've come....] See you out there. Anders

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Healthy Built Environment Specialist - job opening
by Kristine Hayward 23 Jun '16

23 Jun '16

Hi AT folks - I just wanted to let you know that the Healthy Built Environment - program specialist position has been posted with the WRHA. Posting is open until June 30. More info at.... https://www.brainhunter.com/frontoffice/jobDetailDispatchAction.do?sitecode… Kristine Hayward Physical Activity Promotion/in motion Coordinator Winnipeg Regional Health Authority 2nd floor - 490 Hargrave Street Winnipeg, MB R3A 0X7 Cell 204 232-7546 Fax 204 940-2690 Email khayward(a)wrha.mb.ca Bike racks are available in front of the building at the corner of Hargrave and McDermot. Plan your Winnipeg Transit trip: http://winnipegtransit.com/en/navigo Follow Winnipeg in motion on Twitter - @wpginmotion Check out our videos on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/Winnipeginmotion This email and/or any documents in this transmission is intended for the addressee(s) only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and return the original. Ce courriel et tout document dans cette transmission est destiné à la personne ou aux personnes à qui il est adressé. Il peut contenir des informations privilégiées ou confidentielles. Toute utilisation, divulgation, distribution, copie, ou diffusion non autorisée est strictement défendue. Si vous n'êtes pas le destinataire de ce message, veuillez en informer l'expéditeur immédiatement et lui remettre l'original.

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Fwd: PACM - ParticipACTION Releases the 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity and Children and Youth
by Lea G 16 Jun '16

16 Jun '16

This year's report card looks at how daily walking and biking improves society's "sleepidemic" as well as an overall AT grade for Canada again. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Physical Activity Coalition of Manitoba (PACM) <info(a)pacm.ca> Date: Thu, Jun 16, 2016 at 10:02 AM Subject: PACM - ParticipACTION Releases the 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity and Children and Youth To: asrts(a)greenactioncentre.ca Please share this survey widely with co-workers, colleagues and networks that support and promote physical activity as part of their work and/or mandate! Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser <http://us3.campaign-archive2.com/?u=470531fad062627cd92cba782&id=dc930591ea…>. <http://pacm.us3.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=470531fad062627cd92cba782&id…> *Canadian kids are inactive and may be losing sleep over it ParticipACTION releases 2016 Report Card and for the first time, assigns a sleep grade* *TORONTO (ONTARIO) June 16, 2016* – If you think kids can get a little physical activity and then play video games into the wee hours, yet remain healthy, you’re in for a rude awakening. There are important relationships among sleep, physical activity and sedentary behaviour and new research shows that sedentary lifestyles are connected to a creeping ‘sleepidemic’ in Canadian children and youth. That is why, for the first time, the *2016 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth* assigns a grade to sleep and includes new *Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth*. A first of their kind in the world, the guidelines outline what a healthy 24-hour period looks like for children and youth. *For more information on the 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth including the Highlight Report, Full Report, Fact Sheet, Social Media Kit and more, *CLICK HERE <http://pacm.us3.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=470531fad062627cd92cba782&id…> The Physical Activity Resource Centre (PARC) is hosting a webinar on the Report Card results being presented by Allana LeBlanc the Knowledge Manager at Participaction at 10 am on June 28th. To get more information on the webinar click here <http://pacm.us3.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=470531fad062627cd92cba782&id…>. (Note: To register for this webinar you must either have or sign up for an OPHEA account.) *PACM Mission* The Physical Activity Coalition of Manitoba (PACM) mission is to support increased physical activity among Manitobans through collaboration, promotion and educations. PACM host organization (to 2017) is the Manitoba Fitness Council. PACM is supported by Manitoba Health, Healthy Living and Seniors/Manitoba *in motion*. *Our mailing address is:* PACM c/o Manitoba Fitness Council 219 Provencher Ave. Winnipeg, MB R2H 0G4 Visit the PACM website at www.pacm.ca <http://pacm.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=470531fad062627cd92cba782&id=…> PACM Coordinator: Roy Mulligan Email: info(a)pacm.ca Phone: 204-235-1245 This email was sent to asrts(a)greenactioncentre.ca *why did I get this?* <http://pacm.us3.list-manage.com/about?u=470531fad062627cd92cba782&id=bb551b…> unsubscribe from this list <http://pacm.us3.list-manage1.com/unsubscribe?u=470531fad062627cd92cba782&id…> update subscription preferences <http://pacm.us3.list-manage.com/profile?u=470531fad062627cd92cba782&id=bb55…> Physical Activity Coalition of Manitoba · 219 Provencher Blvd. · Winnipeg, MB R2H 0G4 · Canada [image: Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp] <http://www.mailchimp.com/monkey-rewards/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm…> -- *Lea Grzenda* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3774 *| *Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/program/asrts/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/program/asrts/> **Please note I am away from the office on Fridays** Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/>

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Winnipeg Walk Bike Projects - Pop-up Engagement Event
by Beth McKechnie 14 Jun '16

14 Jun '16

*** Please share widely *** ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Segal, Ryan <SegalR(a)mmm.ca> Date: Fri, Jun 10, 2016 at 4:02 PM Subject: Winnipeg Walk Bike Projects - Pop-up Engagement Event To: "Segal, Ryan" <SegalR(a)mmm.ca> Hello, In September 2015, the City of Winnipeg initiated a public engagement process to receive input on the *Downtown Bike Lane System Study *and *West Alexander Pedestrian and Cycling Corridor Study*. Feedback received during this process has been incorporated into preferred designs. Please visit us at a pop-up engagement event and online to view the preferred designs and provide your feedback. *Pop-up Engagement Event* Drop-by format (come and go). Visit us to view the preferred designs, speak with project team members, provide your feedback and ask questions regarding the study. *The Forks Market* Thursday, June 23, 2016 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM 1 Forks Market Road South Atrium *Share Your Input Online* View the preferred designs and provide feedback through an online survey. *www.winnipeg.ca/walkbikeprojects <http://www.winnipeg.ca/walkbikeprojects>* Please find an invitation attached. Please feel free to distribute this invitation to anyone else who might be interested. Thank you! *Ryan Segal*, MCP Junior Planner *MMM Group* 111 - 93 Lombard Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 3B1 Canada T +1 204-943-3178 #3909 F +1 204-943-4948 segalr(a)mmm.ca www.mmmgrouplimited.com | www.wspgroup.ca

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Webinar reminder: Economic Impacts of Street Design Considerations, Wed, Jun 15, 2-3pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 14 Jun '16

14 Jun '16

*** Friendly reminder regarding tomorrow's webinar *** Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg invite you to join us for a local viewing of the APBP webinar: *Economic Impacts of Street Design Decisions*. The webinar viewing takes place in the EcoCentre boardroom (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) and will be followed by group discussion of local applications. RSVPs appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth * * * * * *Economic Impacts of Street Design DecisionsWednesday, June 15 | 2-3pm CDT* This webinar will explore how rethinking land use and transportation can create prosperous, resilient communities. *Speakers: * - Chuck Marohn, Strong Towns - Tom Bertulis, Design Consultants, Inc.

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WFP Editorial: Proposed helmet law misguided (Jun10'16)
by Beth McKechnie 11 Jun '16

11 Jun '16

Proposed helmet law misguided http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/editorials/proposed-helmet-law-mis… Winnipeg city council is considering making helmets mandatory for adult cyclists. As a safety move, wearing a helmet is a good idea; a helmet, obviously, protects a person’s head should they be thrown from a bicycle. But a mandatory helmet law only addresses part of the problem. According to data compiled by Transport Canada, increased helmet use among cyclists from 1975 to 2010 had no effect on traffic-related fatality trends. When compared against pedestrians, fatalities among cyclists decreased at roughly the same rate. Better driving practices among motorists were credited as having a greater effect. According to the Canadian Automobile Association, most bicycle injuries and crashes occur during afternoon rush hour, while one in three cyclist fatalities occur at night or in places where there’s artificial lighting. Cyclists are most likely to be killed or injured at an intersection or location where there are traffic signals. Sixty-four per cent of cyclist deaths resulting from traffic crashes took place on city roads with a speed limit up to 70 km/h. Common collisions between a motor vehicle and cyclist involve drivers cutting off a cyclist when making a right turn, colliding with an oncoming cyclist when the motorist makes a left turn, and passing a cyclist with insufficient clearance. Not much that helmets are going to do about that. But if the city is considering mandatory helmet use, maybe it can mandate some other things to address these factors. Let's start with bike lanes on all streets. If the problem is motorists and cyclists in the same lane, separate them. For a city such as Winnipeg, that is constantly ripping up its streets for repair, would this expense really be much different if phased in with existing repair work? Or perhaps the city should extend its dedicated cycling infrastructures, such as the paved bike paths in Quebec City, Edmonton, and Calgary? (Oh wait, a $300-million cycling and pedestrian infrastructure plan for Winnipeg was axed by city councillors, as Robert Galston has noted on these pages. Perhaps cyclists’ safety isn’t the top priority.) We can also address cyclist and motorist behaviour. Cyclists should ride on the street and obey traffic laws. Motorists should change lanes to pass cyclists. Motorists should not be passing cyclists in their own lane, running the risk of clipping them with a mirror or blowing them off balance through turbulence. (The one-metre rule should be the bare minimum, but it’s not specified in the Highway Traffic Act; it’s at a motorist’s discretion how much room to give when passing a cyclist.) The city should promote the practice that motor vehicles must change lanes to pass a bicycle, as they must do to pass a car, truck, bus or motorcycle. This isn’t even mentioning the upside to actual cycling infrastructure, be it bike lanes on existing roads or dedicated bike paths. Safer conditions for cyclists mean more people on bikes and fewer in cars, lightening traffic congestion. And cycling infrastructure makes urban life more attractive, as Brainerd, Minn., found out. That community invested heavily in a bike path system and in addition to encouraging more people to live there, its tourist numbers have increased as well. Before the "it-could-never-work-here" howls begin, consider it wasn’t seatbelt requirements alone that have addressed motorist deaths. Airbags and innovations in vehicle design that help absorb impact are factors, as is better road design and road-clearing practices, and better education for drivers. Helmets, while a good idea, are like seatbelts: they minimize damage but don’t solve the problem. Winnipeg drivers and cyclists can tackle part of the solution together, through safer driving practices; but for real change, city hall has to stop giving cyclists the evil eye and actually do something about infrastructure.

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AT Webinar: Economic Impacts of Street Design Considerations, Wed, Jun 15, 2-3pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 09 Jun '16

09 Jun '16

Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg invite you to join us for a local viewing of the APBP webinar: *Economic Impacts of Street Design Decisions*. The webinar viewing takes place in the EcoCentre boardroom (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) and will be followed by group discussion of local applications. RSVPs appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth * * * * * *Economic Impacts of Street Design DecisionsWednesday, June 15 | 2-3pm CDT* This webinar will explore how rethinking land use and transportation can create prosperous, resilient communities. *Speakers: * - Chuck Marohn, Strong Towns - Tom Bertulis, Design Consultants, Inc. -- *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 green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/>

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WFP Analysis: Bike lanes, not helmets, make cycling safer (Jun9'16)
by Beth McKechnie 09 Jun '16

09 Jun '16

Bike lanes, not helmets, make cycling safer By: Robert Galston http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/bike-lanes-not-helmets-ma… One morning last spring I walked down Sherbrook Street with my young children when they noticed the new protected bike lane that lines four blocks of the street. Lifelong Winnipeggers, my children saw cycling as something they did up and down a leafy sidewalk of a residential block, and maybe on riverbank trails to The Forks. On Sherbrook that morning, they realized that even a busy street in the middle of the city can rightfully be a place where they are able to ride their bikes in safety and enjoyment. Not everyone shares this perceptiveness. Earlier this week, city hall’s protection, community services and parks committee passed a motion raised by Transcona Coun. Russ Wyatt to have city staff study mandatory helmet use for all adult cyclists. Mandatory bike lights and a sound device such as a bell or horn will also be looked at. The motion passed unanimously. At its heart, the motion was not a nanny-state attempt at protecting cyclists, but spiteful retaliation by council’s frustrated anti-cycling minority. Last summer, Wyatt, as well as his colleague on the protection committee, Mynarski Coun. Ross Eadie, voted against the city’s long-term pedestrian and cycling strategy, which calls for more than $300 million worth of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure to be built in the coming years. Research shows that any one of the strategy’s protected bike lanes will do more for cyclists' safety than making it illegal to ride without a helmet and assorted other bells and whistles. The Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians recently took the position that while helmets should be mandatory, designing streets so that they are safe for cyclists is the best way to reduce head injuries. Real safety is determined by environmental conditions. While clearly useful, mandatory seatbelts do not reassure me that driving on highways during a blizzard is a smart idea. In the same way, mandatory helmets would not reassure me that navigating Regent Avenue on a bike ever is. Other research suggests that helmets are not effective enough to be required. One study undertaken at the University of British Columbia found that helmet legislation is a waste of time. Cities should instead build protected routes for cyclists, which reduce risks and create "numbers in safety": the more dedicated infrastructure for cyclists, the more cyclists there will be. To borrow from French economist J. B. Say’s law of economics, new supply will create new demand. Bigger and more diverse numbers of cyclists would deflate local cycling opponents’ worn-out narrative that only a handful of recklessly impetuous weirdos are crazy enough to cycle in Winnipeg. Protected bike lanes would mean more people — especially women, seniors and children — would take to the road. A supposed love of driving and Winnipeg’s long winters are two common arguments advanced to explain why making streets less hostile for cyclists is just not worth it here. But these are becoming conspicuously outmoded and flimsy excuses; most car-dominated and winter cities in North America are getting serious about cycling. Last week, the sprawling city of Atlanta dedicated $1 billion to build a cycling and pedestrian network over the next 20 years. Los Angeles, a city that embodied American car culture in the 20th century, passed a similar long-term plan to slow car traffic on a number of its fabled boulevards by making room for bike lanes and wider sidewalks. Calgary recently opened a 6.5-kilometre network of protected bike lanes in its predominantly car-oriented downtown. Last month, Minneapolis adopted a complete streets policy that will give pedestrians, cyclists and transit just as much priority as cars in new street designs. Fargo, a city of 113,000, implemented a bike-share program last year that has, so far, seen higher per-capita usage than bike shares in New York and Paris. Change is often slow in Winnipeg, but it is occurring. Wholesale opposition to making Winnipeg streets safer for all users will sound more shrill and intellectually hollow over time, and will soon be clung to by a small number of citizens who are staunchly anti-cycling as a matter of quixotic principle. Certainly, not every Winnipegger will give up commuting by car, but making some room on city streets for those who do will become an accepted fact of life here. A protected bike lane on a busy street in Winnipeg may have been a new discovery for my young children, but it won’t be for theirs.

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Fwd: Velo-city 2017 - Call for Abstracts is now open!
by Anders Swanson 08 Jun '16

08 Jun '16

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Velo-city 2017 <newsletter(a)velo-city2017.com> Date: Mon, Jun 6, 2016 at 10:51 AM Subject: Velo-city 2017 - Call for Abstracts is now open! To: andersswanson(a)gmail.com Call for Abstracts is now open! The Velo-city 2017 newsletter [image: Velo-city 2017] <http://velo-city2017.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6feb92cec2109dfa908…> Call for Abstracts is now open! Velo-city 2017 Arnhem-Nijmegen invites you to share with us your experiences, studies, projects, and reports that may enrich the program of the conference. Taking as a starting point our motto ‘The Freedom of Cycling’, we are looking for abstracts that show us the way to the future of cycling and how it brings freedom in our lives. Abstracts can be submitted until September 30. For further information please navigate to the Call for Abstracts page <http://velo-city2017.us13.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=6feb92cec2109dfa90…>. Partner Plan and Expo *Get noticed at Velo-city 2017! The Partner Plan is now available.* The time is now to sign up as a Velo-city 2017 Partner and receive exclusive benefits to maximize your investment at Velo-city 2017 Arnhem-Nijmegen! There are still positions left to receive exclusive benefits and to draw extra attention from the 1.700 – 2.000 attendees from over 80 countries! Please review the Partner Plan and the various possibilities to book your booth at the Velo-city 2017 Expo at: Velo-city2017 Partner Plan <http://velo-city2017.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6feb92cec2109dfa908…>. For further details and contact, please mail us at sales(a)velo-city2017.com. Velo-city 2017 Expo *GAZELLE and BATAVUS are Platinum Partners at Velo-city 2017!* We are proud to announce that our Platinum Partners have already signed for 2017. The leading bicycle brands GAZELLE and BATAVUS will be our Partners for the conference from June 13th –June 16th 2017! In the coming year you will see GAZELLE and BATAVUS a lot as the Platinum Partners of Velo-city 2017! Velo-city 2017 organizers [image: ECF] <http://velo-city2017.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6feb92cec2109dfa908…> [image: ECF] <http://velo-city2017.us13.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=6feb92cec2109dfa90…> [image: ECF] <http://velo-city2017.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6feb92cec2109dfa908…> [image: ECF] <http://velo-city2017.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6feb92cec2109dfa908…> Platinum partners [image: Gazelle] <http://velo-city2017.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6feb92cec2109dfa908…> [image: Batavus] <http://velo-city2017.us13.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=6feb92cec2109dfa90…> [image: Velo-city 2017] <http://velo-city2017.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6feb92cec2109dfa908…> [image: Velo-city 2017] <http://velo-city2017.us13.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=6feb92cec2109dfa90…> [image: Velo-city 2017] <http://velo-city2017.us13.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=6feb92cec2109dfa90…> [image: Velo-city 2017] <http://velo-city2017.us13.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=6feb92cec2109dfa908…> [image: Velo-city 2017] <newsletter(a)velo-city2017.com>

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WFP: City hall considers mandatory bike helmets for adults (Jun7'16)
by Beth McKechnie 07 Jun '16

07 Jun '16

City hall considers mandatory bike helmets for adultsReview also examines compulsory horn or bell, and lighting http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/city-hall-considers-mandatory-bike-h… City hall has moved closer to a mandatory bicycle helmet law that would include adults. Councillors on a civic committee have instructed the administration to review the need for a mandatory bike-helmet law, despite opposition from a cycling advocacy group that opposes the concept. Bike helmets have been mandatory for riders younger than 18 years since 2013 but the committee wants the administration to consider making them compulsory for all riders. Coun. Russ Wyatt said the city needs to consider imposing the law as it proceeds to spend millions of dollars building dedicated bike lanes across the city. "If you want a cycle, wear a helmet," Wyatt (Transcona) said. The administration is expected to bring back its report at the September meeting of the protection, community services and parks committee. The review will also examine the need for requiring all bikes to have a horn or bell and proper lighting. Mark Cohoe, executive director of Bike Winnipeg, opposed the review, arguing making bike helmets mandatory would discourage bike riding. Cohoe said the added safety from wearing a helmet is unproven and purchasing a helmet becomes another obstacle for those on low incomes. Cohoe said the city would make more improvements on cyclist safety by building more dedicated bike lanes. If people are discouraged from riding bikes, Cohoe said, then the overall health of the community is put at risk. "Where mandatory helmet laws have gone into place, it’s been shown that often the number of people biking decreases when the mandatory helmet law comes into place," Cohoe said. "So, while you might get fewer head injuries, you’re getting less health benefits – you’re trading fewer head injuries for more heart attacks, for more kidney disease, for more diabetes." Wyatt said he doubted a mandatory helmet law would result in fewer bike riders, adding he hopes the bike lobby will come around and support it. Licences for cyclists? Cyclists riding in Assinboine Park Monday offered divided opinions on helmets. "I'm a volunteer at the park and it's mandatory in the park to wear a helmet," said Wayne Hewitt. "I'm always amazed at the people who don't wear helmets." Hewitt's friend, who only gave her name as Janice, said she has always worn a helmet — partly because it's a safety practice and partly to model the behaviour for her children. "As a parent I always made my kids wear helmets and I know I went against the trend. I got harassed by other adults for it but I did it anyway," Janice said. On the other side of the issue was Peter Chrzanowski from Toronto. He was cycling through Winnipeg Monday on his way to Vancouver. Chrzanowski's bicycle was loaded with gear, including a helmet, hanging from his saddle gear. "It won't really save you if you're on the highway. It's more for decoration," he chuckled. He said drivers' licences for cyclists would be a better idea. "You know the highest number of collisions with cars and cyclists is in North America," he said, pulling out his smartphone displaying handy websites showing collision rates. In many European countries, there's no debate on mandatory use of helmets and many cyclists will never wear them. But then again drivers and cyclists are better educated about sharing the road in Europe than they are on this continent, said Chrzanowski, who immigrated from Poland. "I'm European and Europeans think helmets are an American scam," he added. "If you get hit by a car going 60 to 80 kilometres an hour, I don't think you have a chance at survival anyway." And then there are the cyclists like Sylvie Roy. Law abiding, she dismounted and walked her bike across the footbridge in Assiboine Park. "I haven't decided yet what I want to buy," Roy said, adding that bike helmets aren't very flattering. "I don't like them. They don't look good on you," she said. aldo.santin(a)freepress.mb.ca alexandra.paul(a)freepress.mb.ca -- *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 green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/>

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Job posting: Manitoba Eco-Network Coordinator
by Beth McKechnie 06 Jun '16

06 Jun '16

** Please share widely ** The Manitoba Eco-Network is seeking an energetic, team player. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to establish a place for themselves in Manitoba’s environmental community as a key part of a dynamic organization. *Manitoba Eco-Network* We collaborate, educate, and advance sustainability to the benefit of the environment and society through our members, networks, and programs. We are a non-profit charity which promotes positive environmental action by connecting people and groups in our communities and aims to be an environmental resource for all. Since 1988, the Manitoba Eco-Network has been carrying out public education on matters concerning the environment. *Position Summary* The Eco-Network Coordinator is a critical first point of contact and supports interaction between Manitoba Eco-Network staff and members, tenants, as well as the general public. The Eco-Network Coordinator works under the supervision of the Executive Director, collaborating with the ED to manage the EcoCentre and to provide membership services. Website and social media management, as well as assisting with various forms of fundraising, are integral to this position. *Qualifications* The successful candidate will have a minimum of 2 years administrative or customer relations experience, strong organizational skills, and keen attention to detail. Post-secondary education in environment or administration and knowledge of Manitoba’s environmental community is desirable. Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communications skills; the ability to respectfully manage multiple priorities in a demanding environment; computer proficiency and experience in website content and database management are essential. *Terms of Employment* This is a full-time position, 35 hours per week – typical hours are 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with some evening and weekend work required. Starting salary $18.00/hr. *To Apply* Please submit your resume with 3 references and cover letter to Curt Belton, Executive Director, at curtb(a)mbeconetwork.org by no later than 12 PM on Thursday, June 9, 2016. We thank you for your submissions, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please. *Application deadline:* 09 / 06 / 2016

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WFP: Selkirk-Winnipeg bus line saved (Jun4'16)
by Beth McKechnie 06 Jun '16

06 Jun '16

Selkirk-Winnipeg bus line saved http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/selkirk-winnipeg-bus-line-saved-3… The Walt Morris Group of Companies is picking up the route Beaver Bus lines dropped with commuter service between Selkirk and Winnipeg. The announcement Friday of a partnership between Exclusive Bus Lines and Selkirk Transit was released was made on Twitter. The news came as welcome relief to Selkirk. "People will be excited about that. There’s no other way of getting to Winnipeg from Selkirk unless you have a car," Selkirk resident Ian Kathwaroon said. The owner of the Walt Morris Group of Companies, which includes Exclusive Bus Lines, said he’s delighted to have struck a partnership with Selkirk Transit to keep the service going. "We are very excited, and we’re looking forward to this new endeavour," Walt Morris said in a phone interview. The partnership will dovetail the existing transit service in Selkirk with the new commuter service to Winnipeg, Morris said. "Two heads are better than one and it really helps to streamline the public transit with the commuter service, to make it easier for the ridership," Morris said. The commuter service is due to start at the beginning of July, Morris said, adding he expected there would be no interruption in service. "The schedule will come out very shortly," Morris said. Beaver Bus Lines announced a couple of months ago it was the end of the line for its commuter service as of July 1. It runs a week-day service Monday to Friday between Winnipeg and Selkirk. The biggest difference between the old service and the new one are the departure locations. Riders currently catch the Beaver bus from at the Selkirk Bus Depot on Main Street. And in Winnipeg, commuters depart from the Balmoral Street and Ellice Avenue bus stop. Exclusive Bus Lines will operate an express from Selkirk to St. Andrews which will go on directly to the downtown campus of the University of Winnipeg on Portage Avenue. The Walt Morris Group of Companies is a transit and auto conglomerate in Winnipeg. It includes Winnipeg Dodge, Winnipeg Collision and Auto Glass, Winnipeg Auto-Spa, Winnipeg Rent-A-Car, Walt Morris Auto, Walt Morris Powersports, Red River Co-op Speedway and Exclusive Bus Lines.

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WFP: Mayors approve of opening Portage & Main to pedestrians (Jun4'16)
by Beth McKechnie 06 Jun '16

06 Jun '16

Mayors approve of opening Portage & Main to pedestrians http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/mayors-approve-of-opening-portage--m… Mayor Brian Bowman has found some strong support from visiting mayors to the controversial proposal to re-open Portage and Main to pedestrians. Bowman told reporters Friday that he hopes the intersection can be opened by next summer, in advance of the Canada Summer Games which are being held in Winnipeg. Bowman took some of the visiting mayors on a walk Thursday night through the East and West exchange districts, city hall and around Portage and Main. "Some were just shocked that you couldn’t walk across Portage and Main," Bowman said. "There was unanimity from all who were walking with us that it’s just ridiculous in this day and age, when you have so much positive growth going on around that intersection, not to open it to pedestrians." Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi took a tour of Winnipeg’s downtown on Wednesday and described the concrete barriers at Portage and Main as the most hostile pedestrian environment he had ever seen. Edmonton mayor Don Iveson said the barriers are counter-productive to what the city’s objectives should be. "It’s not a great pedestrian experience," Iveson told reporters Friday. "When you’re trying to create a downtown that’s vibrant and has a great street life to it, your major intersections have to be a hub of pedestrian activity – not a zone to be avoided." Bowman said he is continuing discussions with property owners at the intersection and expects to get unanimous agreement to remove the barriers. "We’re having good discussions with the property owners," Bowman said. "It would be wonderful the next time we have so many people here for such a huge event, it would be great for them to be able to cross." aldo.santin(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Fwd: Weather looks sunny and the prizes look great! Commuter Challenge starts on Sunday!!
by Dave Elmore 03 Jun '16

03 Jun '16

Don't forget to register and log your commutes ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Green Action Centre <commuterchallenge(a)greenactioncentre.ca> Date: Fri, Jun 3, 2016 at 3:14 PM Subject: Weather looks sunny and the prizes look great! Commuter Challenge starts on Sunday!! To: daveelmore12(a)gmail.com The Commuter Challenge is off to the races (June 5-11th) View this email in your browser <http://us13.campaign-archive2.com/?u=f93515e0084306ab5cc7339c7&id=c8c215af2…> Hello Commuter Challenge-ers! Get ready to go! Sunday June 5th is the commencement of the 2016 *Commuter Challenge*! Plan ahead for the week and make walking, biking, busing, part of your day! Or any other creative and sustainable way of getting to work (rollerskating, canoeing, hang-gliding, etc.). You can even bring your work home with you and "telecommute" (sounds fancy), and the kilometers you save on driving count as green commute kilometers. Remember you need to have commuted in a green way at least *once* to be entered to win prizes. The Challenge officially* starts on Sunday June 5th*, and you can begin logging all of your green commutes to and from work on the Commuter Challenge website. Login <http://greenactioncentre.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f93515e0084306a…> and track your commutes! Keep us posted with the hashtag *#commuterchallengemb* and use these graphics <http://greenactioncentre.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f93515e0084306a…> to get others involved! If you use the hashtag, you will also be *entered into a special prize draw* for a framed Honey Dill <http://greenactioncentre.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f93515e0084306a…> print! Find us on Facebook <http://greenactioncentre.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f93515e0084306a…> , Twitter <http://greenactioncentre.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f93515e0084306a…>, and Instagram <http://greenactioncentre.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f93515e0084306a…> . One last detail and I'll leave you to it! All next week Dave Turnbull (@TurnbullDave) and Trevor Dineen (@TrevorCBC) are making an effort to bring you an alternative traffic report! Feel free to tweet them with updates, photos or any other information that pertains to your Commuter Challenge friendly commute! Let's get together to help make Manitoba and Manitobans a little bit healthier! Happy commuting, Christey :-) -- *Christey Allen* | Commuter Challenge Coordinator Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f93515e0084306a…> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3775 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.us13.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=f93515e0084306…> Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f93515e0084306a…> . Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://greenactioncentre.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f93515e0084306a…> <http://greenactioncentre.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f93515e0084306a…> <http://greenactioncentre.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f93515e0084306a…> <http://greenactioncentre.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f93515e0084306a…> *Copyright © 2016 Green Action Centre, All rights reserved.* Thank you for Registering for the Commuter Challenge! *Our mailing address is:* Green Action Centre 303 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, Mb R3M 0A1 Canada Add us to your address book <http://greenactioncentre.us13.list-manage.com/vcard?u=f93515e0084306ab5cc73…> Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences <http://greenactioncentre.us13.list-manage.com/profile?u=f93515e0084306ab5cc…> or unsubscribe from this list <http://greenactioncentre.us13.list-manage1.com/unsubscribe?u=f93515e0084306…> [image: Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp] <http://www.mailchimp.com/monkey-rewards/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm…>

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New Portage Community Bicycle Repair Shop
by Ian Wassink 02 Jun '16

02 Jun '16

A group in Portage la Prairie is starting a new Community Bicycle Repair Shop. Based on The WRENCH's model of recovering parts and donations, people will learn to fix their bikes. Slated to open end of June 2016 with grand opening in summer/fall 2016. *Some recent news coverage can be found here:* 1) http://www.portageonline.com/local/49390-bike-shop 2) http://www.communitynewscommons.org/our-city/health-safety/new-community-bi… *Media release found below:* Portage AT Committee Announces new Community Bicycle Shop Project *Portage la Prairie MB – May 30, 2016* – Portage la Prairie cyclists of all ages will soon have a place to fix their own bicycles at a newly established Community Bicycle Repair Shop. The Community Bicycle Repair Shop is a partnership between the Portage Active Transportation Committee and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Central Region. The shop will provide access to repair space, bicycle repair tools, bicycle parts, and educational programming. Tools are being donated and purchased now for an end of June 2016 opening. Use of tools will be on a donation basis with everyone welcome to use the tools and space. All donations will support the not-for-profit charitable project. “The Community Bicycle Repair Shop project is a profound community building idea,” said Jordan Friesen, Executive Director of CMHA-Central Region. “This project will help enhance people’s lives, and it fits well with CMHA’s mental health initiatives of supporting people who are marginalized, at-risk, or vulnerable.” “This project is truly for everyone,” said Ian Wassink, Project Steering Committee Chair for the Community Bicycle Repair Shop and Portage AT Committee member. “Portagers – from kids to seniors - will have access to specialized bicycle tools, bike stands, parts, oil and grease, and educational programming. We are going to bring in bike experts to lead repair workshops, and have Open Shop hours for drop-in repair time. Volunteers can also help maintain the shop during Volunteer Shop.” In recent years, the number of bicycles and Active Transportation initiatives have risen in Portage la Prairie. In addition to pathways, the Portage Fire Fighters Annual Bike Auction, and the annual Bike Week events each June, Portage will now have a volunteer-based bike repair shop. The timeline for the shop includes organization and initial tool purchase in June 2016 with a soft opening end of June. Educational programming will hopefully roll out in the summer and into the fall. The use of space is being donated by CMHA-Central Region at a new garage built near the Tupper St. Bridge/Overpass. A grand opening will occur in the summer or fall of 2016. The Portage AT Committee is looking for anyone who knows anything about bicycle repair or tools to come forward and assist. Donations of tools, bicycles, bike parts, skills, money, and volunteer time are welcome. People are encouraged to join the project steering committee to help guide the initial set-up and operation of the shop. To assist further, please contact Ian Wassink at ianwassink(a)gmail.com For media inquiries and interview opportunities, please contact: Ian Wassink Project Steering Committee Chair Portage Active Transportation Committee member Community Bicycle Repair Shop 204-249-0088 ianwassink(a)gmail.com

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