- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

TRB: Pedestrians 2012, A Distance-Based Method to Estimate Annual Pedestrian and Bicyclist Exposure
by Beth McKechnie 10 Jan '13

10 Jan '13

1 0

Local Job Opportunity: volunteer coordinator position The WRENCH
by Anders Swanson 09 Jan '13

09 Jan '13

Please see the attached document for further info on this exciting position. Thanks, Anders

1 0

AT Webinar: Best Practices in Pedestrian Wayfinding, Wed, Jan.16th, 2:00-3:30 pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 09 Jan '13

09 Jan '13

Green Action Centre and Bike to the Future invite you to join us for a local viewing of the following APBP webinar at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) followed by group discussion of local applications.* *Detailed description provided below. *Best Practices in Pedestrian Wayfinding Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013 | 2:00-3:30 p.m. CST* RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth 925-3772 * * * * * * * Best Practices in Pedestrian Wayfinding This is a 90-minute webinar [image: image]Walking benefits a city’s transportation system, economy, and public health. Wayfinding designed specifically for walkers encourages pedestrian traffic by helping people navigate—whether they are tourists, residents, new walkers or persons with disabilities. During this 90-minute webinar, agency staff and consultants who pioneered legible city wayfinding projects in London and Bristol describe state-of-the-art programs in Philadelphia, Vancouver and New York City. Planners, engineers, and elected officials should attend this webinar to explore the principles of legible city wayfinding and learn how to create a complete movement and information system for walkers. Information included in this session: - How wayfinding requirements for pedestrians differ from other modes - The concepts and principles of legible city wayfinding, including the need to shape universal ideas to the local context - Steps to build a program, from policy through design, finance and implementation - The architecture and elements of a wayfinding system, including the role of social and digital media - How to maintain and manage a system - Ways to add value by connecting to transit and other modes and leveraging GIS data to serve multiple systems and partners Presenters: - Adrian Bell, Partner, Applied Information Group North America (Vancouver, B.C.) - Wendy Feuer, Assistant Commissioner of Urban Design and Art, NYC Department of Transportation - David Kanthor, AICP, Transportation Initiatives Manager at the Center City District, Philadelphia - Mike Rawlinson, Design Director, City ID (Bristol, UK) - Keri Tyler, City Planner/Project Manager at NYC Department of Transportation

1 0

Mark your calendars! upcoming AT webinars
by Beth McKechnie 08 Jan '13

08 Jan '13

Hello everyone, Given the number of excellent webinars coming up, please mark your calendar to ensure you don't miss any that you'd like to see. We will be providing group viewings of all of these at the EcoCentre boardroom (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) with the exception of the Jan. 30th Public Health and Walking interactive discussion forum. Here's the schedule with details to follow the week before each webinar: * Best Practices in Pedestrian Wayfinding (APBP)* Wed, Jan. 16th, 2:00-3:30 pm Co-hosted locally by Green Action Centre & Bike to the Future *Pedestrian and Bicycle Engineering 101 for School Travel (Green Action Centre)* Fri, Jan. 18th, 12:30-1:30 pm Presenter: Anders Swanson. Find more details here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/walking-and-wheeling-webinar-series/> . *Bicycle Parking Webinar Series #1 of 4 : The Basics (APBP)* Wed, Jan. 23rd, 2:00-3:30 pm Co-hosted locally by Green Action Centre & Stantec Consulting * Public Health and Walking: Turning Programs and Policy into Action (America Walks)* Wed, Jan. 30th, 1:00-2:00 pm **NOTE** This is an interactive discussion forum by phone for individual participants. Find more details and register here<http://americawalks.org/2013/01/forum-public-health-and-walking-turning-pro…> . *Promoting Safe Use of Roads & Pathways for Vulnerable Road Users - A Review of Canadian Promising Practices (Public Health Agency of Canada & Centre for Health Promotion)* Fri, Feb. 8th, Noon-1:00 pm Join us for a group viewing of this free webinar or register individually here<http://www.chnet-works.ca/index.php?option=com_rsevents&view=events&layout=…> . *Driving Deaths Down: Proven Countermeasures that Work (APBP)* Wed, Feb. 20th, 2:00-3:30 pm Co-hosted locally by Green Action Centre & Bike to the Future *Bicycle Parking Webinar Series #2 of 4 : Municipal Bicycle Parking Programs (APBP)* Wed, Feb. 27th, 2:00-3:30 pm Co-hosted locally by Green Action Centre & Stantec Consulting *Bicycle Parking Webinar Series #3 of 4 : Bicycle Parking and Transit (APBP) * Wed, March 13th, 2:00-3:30 pm Co-hosted locally by Green Action Centre & Stantec Consulting * * *Dynamics of Effective Advisory Committees (APBP)* Wed, March 20th, 2:00-3:30 pm Co-hosted locally by Green Action Centre & Bike to the Future cheers, Beth

1 0

Report urges no speed reduction in residential neighbourhoods
by Beth McKechnie 07 Jan '13

07 Jan '13

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Terry Zdan <tjzdan50(a)gmail.com> Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2013 12:48:55 -0600 Subject: Re: Report urges no speed reduction in residential neighbourhoods Report urges no speed reduction in residential neighbourhoods > > By: Staff Writer > > Posted: 11:33 AM | *Comments: 14*<http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/Report-urges-no-speed-reduction-in-r…> > > *<http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/Report-urges-no-speed-reduction-in-r…> > * > > Winnipeg drivers may not have to further reduce their speed in residential > neighbourhoods. > > A new city report, released this morning, recommends Winnipeg not lower > the residential speed limit to 40 km/h. The report said many studies > conducted throughout North America have shown that driver speed is affected > by the context of the road and not by speed limit signs. > > > "Lowering the posted speed limit in isolation without concurrent changes > to the physical characteristics of the road can have negative > consequences," the report said. "Speed limits that are inconsistent with > driver expectation can lead to driver frustration." > > > In September, council's public works committee voted to review whether > Winnipeg should lower the posted speed limit on two-lane road in > residential neighbourhoods by 10 km/h. Such a move would require provincial > approval. > > > Other cities such as Montreal and Edmonton have lowered the speed limit on > some residential streets. An administrative report said a study in Montreal > concluded there was no significant difference in the average speeds after > reducing the speed limit from 50 km/h to 40 km/h. Similarly, the report > said the results of a pilot project in Edmonton were inconclusive. > > > Council's public works committee will review the report at a meeting this > Friday. > > > > > > > http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/Report-urges-no-speed-reduction-in-r… > > > > > -- > Terry Zdan 126 Duncan Norrie Drive Wpg MB R3P 2J9 CANADA tjzdan50(a)gmail.com <tjzdan(a)gmasil.com>

2 1

Jan. 9th Open House - Capital Region Transportation Master Plan
by Beth McKechnie 07 Jan '13

07 Jan '13

*Have your say on the Capital Region Transportation Master Plan<http://www.manitobacapitalregion.ca/> !* Okay, it may not sound very exciting, but it could have a major impact on active transportation opportunities between and within communities surrounding Winnipeg. Please consider sharing with your networks and participating in the discussion. *Open House*<http://www.manitobacapitalregion.ca/notices_detail.asp?notice_ID=196>: Wed, Jan. 9th, from 4:30-7:30 pm*,* City Hall in the Mayor's Foyer (510 Main St) *Storyboards* from the three open houses held to date can be found at: http://manitobacapitalregion.ca/_assets/downloads/story_boards.pdf *Can't make the Open House? Fill out the online survey instead*: http://surveymonkey.com/s/CRTMP Note that a workshop was also held in December in West St. Paul, which included representatives from the Province, various municipalities in the Capital Region, and a number of organizations and associations (including Janice Lukes from the Winnipeg Trails Association, Anders Swanson and Shoni Litinsky for Green Action Centre's Active & Safe Routes to School Program, Mark Cohoe from Bike to the Future, and Jason Carter representing the Manitoba Cycling Association). For consideration, here are the main points that I focused on during group discussion at our table at this workshop: - Ensure variety of transportation options - don't assume that, due to distances, people will only drive and will always drive - Make it feasible for residents to choose not to drive whether it's between communities or within their community - Ensure multi-modal options (residents able to combine bike and bus, regional connections, etc) - Need for regional transit strategy and collaboration between communities - Concerns around changes to Perimeter for increased and faster speeds of freight goods movement (CentrePort) – barrier that cuts off communities and makes it that much more challenging for AT users - Recognize the tourism opportunities in developing the plan – transit to Birds Hill Park and Grand Beach; cycle tourism in the area with popularity of cycling route to Lockport and to / within the provincial parks - Potential role that a Regional Transportation Authority could play - Potential tool - regional subscription to carpooling/ridematching service (e.g. RideShark, Pathway Intelligence, Carpool.ca) cheers, Beth

2 1

ANF20 Committee on Bicycle Transportation: Bicycle Related Sessions at Annual Meeting
by Beth McKechnie 07 Jan '13

07 Jan '13

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Terry Zdan <tjzdan50(a)gmail.com> Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2013 09:26:44 -0600 -----Original Message----- From: Ralph Buehler [mailto:ralphbu@vt.edu] Sent: January-07-13 9:16 AM Subject: ANF20 Committee on Bicycle Transportation: Bicycle Related Sessions at Annual Meeting Dear Friends of ANF20 (TRB Committee on Bicycle Transportation), Happy New Year! The TRB annual meeting is only one week away! Here is a link to a list of sessions that involve ANF20 and/or bicycling! http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/trbbike/conferences.cfm See you in a week! Greetings from Alexandria, VA Ralph Buehler ANF-20 Chair http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/trbbike/ http://www.spia.vt.edu/people/spiafacultybios/buehlerspiabio.html -- Terry Zdan 126 Duncan Norrie Drive Wpg MB R3P 2J9 CANADA tjzdan50(a)gmail.com <tjzdan(a)gmasil.com>

1 0

Interesting article on why cyclists are not seen
by Dave Elmore 07 Jan '13

07 Jan '13

http://www.fatcyclerider.co.uk/2012/11/what-raf-pilot-can-teach-us-about-bei ng.html?utm_source=feedburner <http://www.fatcyclerider.co.uk/2012/11/what-raf-pilot-can-teach-us-about-be ing.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+FatCycleRi der+%28The+Fat+Cycle+Rider%29&m=1> &utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+FatCycleRider+%28The+Fat+Cycle+Rider%29& m=1 What an RAF pilot can teach us about being safe on the road Guest post from the London Cyclist Blog <http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/> . What an RAF pilot can teach us about being safe on the road <http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/raf-pilot-teach-cyclists/> : "Sorry mate, I didn't see you". Is a catchphrase used by drivers up and down the country. Is this a driver being careless and dangerous or did the driver genuinely not see you? According to a report by John Sullivan of the RAF, the answer may have important repercussions for the way we train drivers and how as cyclists we stay safe on the roads. John Sullivan is a Royal Air Force pilot with over 4,000 flight hours in his career, and a keen cyclist. He is a crash investigator and has contributed to multiple reports <http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/CorporatePublications/Boards OfInquiry/ServiceInquiryInvestigatingTheAccidentToTutorAircraftGbyutAndGbyvn .htm> . Fighter pilots have to cope with speeds of over 1000 mph. Any crashes are closely analysed to extract lessons that can be of use. Our eyes were not designed for driving We are the result of hundreds of thousands of years of evolution. Our eyes, and the way that our brain processes the images that they receive, are very well suited to creeping up on unsuspecting antelopes and spotting threats such as sabre-toothed tigers. These threats are largely gone and they've been replaced by vehicles travelling towards us at high speeds. This, we've not yet adapted to deal with. Why? Light enters our eyes and falls upon the retina. It is then converted into electrical impulses, that the brain perceives as images. Only a small part of your retina, the centre bit called the fovea, can generate a high-resolution image. This is why we need to look directly at something, to see detail. The rest of the retina lacks detail but it contributes by adding the peripheral vision. However, a mere 20 degrees away from your sightline, your visual acuity is about 1/10th of what it is at the centre. Try this scary test to see quite how much detail you lose in your peripheral vision 1. Stand 10 metres away from a car. 2. Move your eyes and look just one car's width to the right or left of that car. 3. Without moving where you eyes are now looking, try and read the number plate of the car. 4. Try the test again from 5m. The test shows you quite how little detail you are able to truly capture from the side of your eyes. That's not to say that we cannot see something in our peripheral vision - of course we can. As you approach a roundabout, you would be hard pressed not to see a huge lorry bearing down upon you, even out of the corner of your eye - obviously, the bigger the object, the more likely we are to see it. But would you see a motorbike, or a cyclist? To have a good chance of seeing an object on a collision course, we need to move our eyes, and probably head, to bring the object into the centre of our vision - so that we can use our high-resolution vision of our fovea to resolve the detail. Here's when things get really interesting <http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/clip_image005.png > Your brain fills in the blanks When you move your head and eyes to scan a scene, your eyes are incapable of moving smoothly across it and seeing everything. Instead, you see in the image in a series of very quick jumps (called saccades) with very short pauses (called fixations) and it is only during the pauses that an image is processed. Your brain fills in the gaps with a combination of peripheral vision and an assumption that what is in the gaps must be the same as what you see during the pauses. This might sound crazy, but your brain actually blocks the image that is being received while your eyes are moving. This is why you do not see the sort of blurred image, that you see when you look sideways out of a train window. The only exception to this, is if you are tracking a moving object. Another test to try If you are not convinced, try this test. 1. Look in a mirror. 2. Look repeatedly from your right eye to your left eye. 3. Can you see your eyes moving? You can't. 4. Repeat the test with a friend and watch them. You will see their eyes moving quite markedly. You can't see your own eyes move because your brain shuts down the image for the instant that your eyes are moving. This is called Saccadic masking <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saccadic_masking> . In the past, this served us well. It meant we could creep up on antelopes without our brain being overloaded by unnecessary detail and a lot of useless, blurred images. However, what happens when this system is put to use in a modern day situation, such as a traffic junction? Why we miss motorbikes and bicycles At a traffic junction all but the worst of drivers will look in both directions to check for oncoming traffic. However, it is entirely possible for our eyes to "jump over" an oncoming bicycle or motorbike. The smaller the vehicle, the greater the chance it will fall within a saccade. <http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/clip_image003.png > motorbike in a saccade This isn't really a case of a careless driver, it's more of a human incapacity to see anything during a saccade. Hence the reason for so many "Sorry mate, I didn't see you" excuses. The faster you move your head, the larger the jumps and the shorter the pauses. Therefore, you've got more of a chance of missing a vehicle. We are effectively seeing through solid objects, with our brain filling in the image. Additionally, we tend to avoid the edges of the windscreen. The door pillars on a car therefore create an even wider blindspot. This is called windscreen zoning <http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/E0E50D54-8A9E-4F21-9AC4-102A1453308F/0/Servi ceInquiry_TutorAircraft_Part_1_5_Causes.pdf> . The danger of playing music Our ears help us build up a picture of our surroundings. However, inside our cars or with music playing, our brain is denied another useful cue. Additionally, bicycles are almost completely silent, so won't be heard by car drivers. How accidents happen Let's say you are driving along. You approach a junction and you notice a lack of traffic. You look left and right and proceed forward. Suddenly you hear the blast of a horn, as a motorbike flashes in front of you, narrowly avoiding an accident. What just happened? On your approach, you couldn't see there was another vehicle on a perfect collision course. With a lack of relative movement for your peripheral vision to detect and the vehicle being potentially hidden by being near the door pillar, you miss it entirely. Lulled into a false sense of security you looked quickly right and left, to avoid holding up the traffic behind you, and your eyes jumped cleanly over the approaching vehicle, especially as it was still close to the door pillar in the windscreen. The rest of the road was empty, and this was the scene that your brain used to fill in the gaps! Scary, huh? You were not being inattentive - but you were being ineffective. Additionally, if you didn't expect there to be a cyclist your brain is more likely to automatically jump to the conclusion that the road is empty. Now that you've been warned. What can you do? <http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/clip_image002.jpg > motorbike can't be seen Forewarned is forearmed, so here's what we can do. Drivers: * Slow down on the approach of a roundabout or junction. Even if the road seems empty. Changing speed will allow you to see vehicles that would otherwise be invisible to you. * A glance is never enough. You need to be as methodical and deliberate as a fighter pilot would be. Focus on at least 3 different spots along the road to the right and left. Search close, middle-distance and far. With practise, this can be accomplished quickly, and each pause is only for a fraction of a second. Fighter pilots call this a "lookout scan" and it is vital to their survival. * Always look right and left at least twice. This doubles your chance of seeing a vehicle. * Make a point of looking next to the windscreen pillars. Better still, lean forward slightly as you look right and left so that you are looking around the door pillars. Be aware that the pillar nearest to you blocks more of your vision. Fighter pilots say 'Move your head - or you're dead'. * Clear your flight path! When changing lanes, check your mirrors and as a last check, look directly at the spot which are going to manoeuvre. * Drive with your lights on. Bright vehicles or clothing is always easier to spot than dark colours that don't contrast with a scene. * It is especially difficult to spot bicycles, motorbikes and pedestrians during low sun conditions as contrast is reduced. * Keep your windscreen clean - seeing other vehicles is enough of a challenge without a dirty windscreen. You never see a fighter jet with a dirty canopy. * Finally, don't be a clown - if you are looking at your mobile telephone then you are incapable of seeing much else. Not only are you probably looking down into your lap, but your eyes are focused at less then one metre and every object at distance will be out of focus. Even when you look up and out, it takes a fraction of a second for your eyes to adjust - this is time you may not have. Cyclists and motorcyclists: * Recognise the risk of being in a saccade. High contrast clothing and lights help. In particular, flashing LED's (front and rear) are especially effective for cyclists as they create contrast and the on-off flashing attracts the peripheral vision in the same manner that movement does. There's nothing wrong with leaving these on during the day. (Especially if they are rechargeable <http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/best-cycle-commuter-lights/> ) * The relatively slower speed of bicycles means that they will be closer to a point of collision if a vehicle begins to pull into their path. Turn this to advantage - when passing junctions, look at the head of the driver that is approaching or has stopped. The head of the driver will naturally stop and centre upon you if you have been seen. If the driver's head sweeps through you without pausing, then the chances are that you are in a saccade - you must assume that you have not been seen and expect the driver to pull out! * Recognise that with a low sun, a dirty windscreen or one with rain beating against it drivers are likely to have less of a chance of seeing you. * Cycle instructors have been saying it for years: Ride in a position further out from the kerb as a driver is more likely to be looking in this location. See: How to make your next bike ride safer than the last <http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/safe-bike-ride/> . What should we do with our human weakness? John Sullivan's findings and suggestions are excellent. However, they rely on drivers changing well embedded habits. Personally I believe that, unlike RAF pilots, a driver is very unlikely to change their behaviour. Therefore, I'd suggest that this is another reason we should be looking at building safety in to our roads, with Dutch style cycling infrastructure. Two important takeaways for cyclists: Increasing your contrast helps you be seen. Think flashing bike lights. Also, remember the importance of good road positioning.

1 0

Webinar Feb 8 - Promoting Safe Use of Roads & Pathways for Vulnerable Road Users - A Review of Canadian Promising Practices
by Shoni Litinsky 04 Jan '13

04 Jan '13

Free webinar provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada and Centre for Health Promotion. Unfortunately I am not able to host this one at Green Action Centre, but have provided the registration information below! *Date: *February 8th, 2013 *Time: *12:00pm-1:00pm CST *Registration:* Can be done for free here. <http://www.chnet-works.ca/index.php?option=com_rsevents&view=events&layout=…> Many small, medium and large Canadian municipalities are proactivity promoting more active lifestyles and transportation to curb obesity, reduce greenhouse gases, and address the economic costs of vulnerable road user (VRU) injuries and deaths. The safe use of roads and pathways by VRUs (e.g. pedestrians and cyclists) is important to enable and encourage communities that are more socially, environmentally and economically sustainable. The Fireside Chat presentation will highlight the results from a comprehensive review of Canadian promising practices that promote the safe use by VRUs of off/on-road facilities, especially shared-use facilities, as well as identify successful VRU safety education and enforcement programs. It will highlight communities across Canada that are successfully educating and enforcing the proper use of new built environment features intended to promote active transportation. *Advisor on Tap:* *Dr. Gordon Lovegrove, PEng, MBA* Associate Professor, School of Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science, University of British Columbia Dr. Lovegrove is the UBC’s School of Engineering’s expert in applied sustainable civil engineering. Dr. Lovegrove was awarded a grant by the Canada Foundation for Innovation to set up his Sustainable Road Safety (SRS) Research Lab. He has worked variously as a project and transportation engineer and consultant for over 20 years in communities throughout BC, and is regularly asked to speak on sustainable communities and transportation at conferences across the world. His leadership has facilitated research, planning, and implementation of projects emphasizing the promotion of sustainable land use and transportation. -- *Shoni Litinsky* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>

1 1

MyPeg Video - Transportation Choices in Winnipeg
by Shoni Litinsky 04 Jan '13

04 Jan '13

Just wanted to share a great video from the Peg <http://www.mypeg.ca/>project that focuses on transportation choices and well-being in Winnipeg. This video features the story of a graphic designer Lucas Pauls and shows how he goes about getting around our city in Winter by walking, using transit, and the carshare. Beautiful footage of winter transportation in our city! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wznZAdRwEGc -- *Shoni Litinsky* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>

1 0

Manitoba Capital Region Transportation Master Plan - Winnipeg Open House
by Shoni Litinsky 03 Jan '13

03 Jan '13

For those interested to attend, or share this open house information with colleagues, an additional open house has been added. Details below from the consultants MMM group: Good Morning,**** ** ** An additional Public Open House has been added for the *Manitoba Capital Region Transportation Master Plan*. We would like to invite everyone who was unable to attend our previous open houses held in late November 2012, throughout the Capital Region. The Open House will present the same information as the previous events and will be an opportunity to view information boards, map out transportation issues, ask questions and provide feedback and opinions. The open house is scheduled for:**** ** ** *Date:* Wednesday, January 9, 2013**** *Location:* Winnipeg City Hall – Mayor’s Foyer, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba**** *Time:* 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.**** *Format:* Drop-In**** ** ** As well, please feel free to forward this email on to any other people who you think may be interested in attending or were unable to attend one of the previous open houses for the project. Thank you to everyone who has attended already and provided their feedback on the project.**** ** ** Regards,**** **** *Natalie Henault, B.Env.Sc., EPt* Environmental Planner** MMM Group Limited**** Suite 111-93 Lombard Avenue**** Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3B 3B1**** t: 204.943.3178 ext. 3849 | f: 204.943.4948 | c: 204.451.3054**** henaultn(a)mmm.ca | www.mmm.ca**** * *

1 0

A Few Surprises in New Bike Scores
by Beth McKechnie 02 Jan '13

02 Jan '13

A Few Surprises in New Bike ScoresRichard Florida and Sara Johnson | Dec 19, 2012 The website Walk Score <http://www.walkscore.com/> announced Tuesday the extension of its "Bike Score" rankings for neighborhoods and places to 25 cities. (See The Atlantic's initial coverage of the launch<http://www.theatlanticcities.com/commute/2012/05/walk-score-launches-bike-s…>.) The cities are scored on a 100-point scale<http://www.walkscore.com/bike-score-methodology.shtml>based on four factors: bike lanes, hills, destinations and road connectivity, and bike commuting mode share. It was developed in collaboration with researchers at Simon Fraser University and The University of British Columbia. Here's how the scoring<http://blog.walkscore.com/2012/12/bike-score-expands-to-25-cities/>breaks down. *Read the article here*: http://www.theatlanticcities.com/neighborhoods/2012/12/few-surprises-new-bi… **Canadian cities** – surprisingly, and rather oddly, the scores fall in the lowest category of "somewhat bikeable", even for Montreal and Vancouver, but maybe it's a function of the data provided by these municipalities (and there's no score for Winnipeg, boo! we'd do really well on the hills rating): - Toronto <http://www.walkscore.com/bike/Canada/ON/Toronto> - Vancouver <http://www.walkscore.com/bike/Canada/BC/Vancouver> - Montreal <http://www.walkscore.com/bike/Canada/QC/Montreal> - Calgary <http://www.walkscore.com/bike/Canada/AB/Calgary> - Ottawa <http://www.walkscore.com/bike/Canada/ON/Ottawa> - Halifax <http://www.walkscore.com/bike/Canada/NS/Halifax> - Victoria <http://www.walkscore.com/bike/Canada/BC/Victoria> - Saskatoon <http://www.walkscore.com/bike/Canada/SK/Saskatoon> - Charlottetown <http://www.walkscore.com/bike/Canada/PE/Charlottetown> - St. John's <http://www.walkscore.com/bike/Canada/NL/St_Johns> - Moncton <http://www.walkscore.com/bike/Canada/NB/Moncton>

1 0

Walking to Work: U.S. Cities Map
by Zdan, Terry (MIT) 21 Dec '12

21 Dec '12

Scroll over the dots to see more info. http://www.governing.com/gov-data/transportation-infrastructure/walk-to-wor…

1 0

Cyclist turns New York into giant GPS holiday card
by Zdan, Terry (MIT) 20 Dec '12

20 Dec '12

http://www.cbc.ca/news/yourcommunity/2012/12/cyclist-turns-new-york-into-gi… Season's Greetings Terry Zdan BA MEDes Policy & Service Development Manitoba Infrastructure & Transportation 1520 215 Garry Street Winnipeg MB R3C 3P3 please note this is my only phone C 204 227 3724 E Terry.Zdan(a)gov.mb.ca

1 0

AT Webinar: Wayfinding Options for Cyclists, Wed, Dec.19th, 2:00-3:15 pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 19 Dec '12

19 Dec '12

Green Action Centre and Bike to the Future invite you to join us for a local viewing of the following APBP webinar at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) followed by group discussion of local applications.* *Detailed description provided below. *Wayfinding Options for Cyclists Wednesday, Dec.19, 2012 | 2:00-3:15 p.m. CST* RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! Sounds like a good one. cheers, Beth 925-3772 * * * * * * * Wayfinding Options for Cyclists Bicycle wayfinding signs are different than other signs placed in the right of way because they are part of a system of sequential destination information; thus, planning, [image: image]placement and maintenance are critical to maintaining the system. This webinar will go beyond the guidance found in the MUTCD and the 2012 AASHTO Bicycle Guide to consider the details of developing and implementing a city-wide bicycle sign system. Planners, engineers, municipal staff and consultants should attend this webinar to gain a better understanding of an increasingly common bicycle facility. The presentation will cover these topics: - The value of providing wayfinding for urban cyclists - Approaches to planning and implementation - Strategies to determine and prioritize signed bicycle routes - Issues of planning, placement and maintenance of signs, including sign design and placement within the right of way that integrates guidelines from the 2009 MUTCD, the 2012 AASHTO Bicycle Guide, and the AASHTO Green Book - Special issues related to trails Examples from Seattle, Baltimore, and other locations will be included. (Note that the APBP webinar on January 16 will address the topic of Best Practices in Pedestrian Wayfinding.) Presenters: - Virginia Coffman, Senior Planner, Toole Design Group - Robert Patten, Senior Planner, Toole Design Group.

1 1

WFP: Traffic woes at schools 'universal complaint' (Dec.18'12)
by Beth McKechnie 19 Dec '12

19 Dec '12

[Hmmm, School Travel Planning anyone?! Bike, walk, anyone? -Beth] Traffic woes at schools 'universal complaint' By: Nick Martin http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/traffic-woes-at-schools-universal-co… TRAFFIC can be a nightmare around every school in the Winnipeg School Division. No, not just the speeders who treat a school zone as a freeway -- it's caused primarily by parents dropping off and picking up their kids. There's often nowhere to park, no loop in front of the main doors and nowhere for kids to get in and out of cars easily and safely. "It was a universal complaint about every school," said trustee Mark Wasyliw, but "no two schools are similar." Earlier this year, trustee Mike Babinsky requested a staff report on traffic problems around Meadows West School, near Keewatin Street in northwest Winnipeg. Wasyliw had already heard and seen lots of problems in southern schools, so he got board support to amend Babinsky's request to cover every school in the division. The results were staggering -- not one school reported itself free of traffic problems, said Wasyliw. "This is the No. 1 issue that is universal in every school. "No one realized this is a large and difficult issue," he said. "The transportation department is reviewing it with each and every school." Residents complain about cars parked and stopping all over the area of Kelvin High School, he said. J.B. Mitchell in River Heights is kitty-corner to St. Jean Brebeuf School, a Catholic school, creating double the chaos. At Robert H. Smith School, also in River Heights, residents park on the street, forcing parents to double- and triple-park, often letting their kids out of the car straight into traffic. "Grosvenor's fast," Wasyliw said. "They're (Grosvenor School) worried about putting grades 4 and 5 out as crossing guards." Several schools are asking for adult crossing guards, which adds to the division's budget dilemma, said Wasyliw. "We're looking at possibly doing staggered bell times," to ease congestion, and so buses could pick up and drop off kids for more than one school. Many older schools have no area in which parents can pull in, Wasyliw said. "Bus loops and cutouts, they're 100 grand each. We have 13 schools (that) want them." nick.martin(a)freepress.mb.ca

2 1

Dear Santa
by Zdan, Terry (MIT) 19 Dec '12

19 Dec '12

[cid:image002.jpg@01CDDDC3.862F2410] Season's Greetings Terry Zdan BA MEDes Policy & Service Development Manitoba Infrastructure & Transportation 1520 215 Garry Street Winnipeg MB R3C 3P3 please note this is my only phone C 204 227 3724 E Terry.Zdan(a)gov.mb.ca

1 0

"30km/h - making the streets liveable!". EU
by Zdan, Terry (MIT) 18 Dec '12

18 Dec '12

http://en.30kmh.eu/ About the initiative 30 km/h (20 mph) limits are an inexpensive and popular way to improve safety, cut pollution and encourage smarter travel choices. They lead to improved traffic flow and less congestion. People can move without fear. We want to achieve these benefits for the whole of the European Union. What is our vision? 30 km/h shall become the standard speed limits for villages, towns and cities with local authorities being able to decide on exemptions. Therefore, we will set the agenda for the European Commission. We want the commission to come up with a proposal to introduce 30 km/h speed limits. We are organising a "European Citizen´s Initiative" - a fascinating, brand-new policy instrument in the European Union. That includes a huge effort as we must collect more than 1 million signatures within one year from at least 7 different member states of the EU. Season's Greetings Terry Zdan BA MEDes Policy & Service Development Manitoba Infrastructure & Transportation 1520 215 Garry Street Winnipeg MB R3C 3P3 please note this is my only phone C 204 227 3724 E Terry.Zdan(a)gov.mb.ca

1 0

Grist: Chicago likes bikes – and it's about to prove it in a big way
by Beth McKechnie 18 Dec '12

18 Dec '12

Chicago likes bikes — and it’s about to prove it in a big way By Lori Rotenberk <http://grist.org/author/lori-rotenberk/> http://grist.org/cities/chicago-like-bikes-and-its-about-to-prove-it-in-a-b… Look over your shoulder, Portland, Minneapolis, and Washington, D.C. Chicago is about to roll out plans to lay down 645 miles of bike lanes by 2020. If you’re not careful, the Windy City is going to pedal off with the title of Most Bikeable City in the U.S. Today, the city’s bike-loving mayor, Rahm Emanuel, will unveil the Streets for Cycling Plan 2020 <http://www.chicagobikes.org>, an aggressive bicycling blueprint that was a year in the making. With 30 miles of protected bike lanes already completed and another 70 promised before the end of Emanuel’s first term in 2015, the city’s new cycling infrastructure will weave through every neighborhood, assuring a path within a half-mile of every Chicagoan’s home. The unveiling takes place on Chicago’s once taxi-, auto-, and bus-infested Dearborn Street. The city spawned a wave of envy<http://streetsblog.net/2012/12/05/chicago-bike-lane-envy-sweeps-the-nation/…>among national bike bloggers this month when it removed a motor vehicle lane from the downtown artery, replacing it with a two-way protected cycling lane complete with bike traffic signals<http://grist.org/news/traffic-signals-for-cyclists-pop-up-nationwide/> . Michael Amsden, a project manager for the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) Bike Program says swiping a lane from drivers took “lots of political know-how,” adding that “no other city has cut through dense traffic” in that manner. While other cities have been putting in bike infrastructure for years, what sets Chicago apart, Amsden says, is the sheer super-speed at which the city has laid down protected bike lanes, going from “zero to second-most in the country in just 18 months.” City officials hint that converting car lanes into bike lanes is the way of Chicago’s future. The mastermind of all this action is Chicago transportation czar Gabe Klein<http://grist.org/transportation/2011-12-15-zen-and-the-art-of-urban-transpo…>, known for cruising town on his Dutch-style two-wheeler sporting vintage linen suits. In many areas of the city, Klein says, lane installation is tied with planned infrastructure improvements, which will make the work less expensive. And while initial funding for the project is local, next year the city will work with federal funds awarded through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program. But the plan’s strongest asset, say supporters, is its backing from the public: It’s a grid designed by the people for the people. To create it, CDOT teamed up with the Active Transportation Alliance<http://www.activetrans.org/>, a local nonprofit advocacy group that set up community meetings in nine areas of the city. Alliance volunteers met monthly for a year with residents in neighborhood bars, restaurants, and homes to discuss where they wanted to see the bike lanes installed. Major obstacles included the city’s numerous rail lines, waterways, and high-crime areas. Large maps detailing the routes were delivered to CDOT engineers. “To my knowledge,” says Lee Crandell, the Alliance’s director of campaigns, “no other city has involved the public as much as Chicago has.” Klein hopes to see the number of cars on the roads — and their speed — decrease. (According to the 2010 census, only 1.3 percent of Chicagoans bike to work, but studies show more would if they felt safe.) Future engineering includes more pedestrian crosswalks, bus-only lanes, and digital speed signs for motorists along busy thoroughfares. Over time, Amsden envisions the Windy City becoming less frenetic as the “Mary Poppins Effect” <http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/the-mary-poppins-effect/> kicks in – that is, as racing bikes and Spandex give way to more casual cruisers and street clothes. “When motorists see someone dressed in their work clothes riding a bike with a bell and a basket, while sitting upright, they seem to slow down because the cyclist’s look calls for respect,” Amsden says. “Drivers in Amsterdam, for example, know how to drive next to a person on a bicycle.” There’s been little opposition to Emanuel’s quest to transform Chicago’s driving habits. One of the few outspoken critics is John Kass, a plump (“readers tell me that bicycling to work would seriously improve the sculpt of my buttocks”)*,* car-driving *Chicago Tribune* columnist who has often painted cyclists and their protected lanes as either hipsters or snobs. When Emanuel gushed about progressive transportation and the need for sustainability in times of environmental shifts, Kass wailed that bike riders are the “One Percenters of the Commuter Class.”<http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-08-22/news/ct-met-kass-0822-2012082…> “We thought we’d be able to get through the summer without reading a nakedly antagonistic-to-bicyclists story,” moaned a writer on the Chicagoist<http://chicagoist.com/2012/08/22/john_kass_bullshit_bike_lanes_post.php>blog. “Leave it to Tribune curmudgeon John Kass to piss in our Corn Flakes yet again.” Pete Scales, spokesman for CDOT, estimates the city spent $4 million on the 30 miles built in 2012. City Hall considers it a small investment with a large return. Bike lanes, Emanuel and Klein believe, will attract new and young entrepreneurs and high-tech companies to Chicago. Crandell adds that studies have proven that bike lanes help fuel the local economy. “It is said that the faster a credit card goes by your door, the less likely it is that card will be used in your store,” he explains. “When someone is on a bike, they can just pull over, hop off, and park. And biking creates more bike-related businesses.” Last year *Bike Magazine* listed Chicago as the 10th most friendly city for riding. This year it rose to No. 5. CDOT hopes that the Dearborn improvements will put the city in the lead. But can Emanuel really make good on such ambitious promises, given Americans’ love affair with the automobile? Word is that in Emanuel-speak, he’s f#!*ing determined. “I’m a big believer in getting things done versus talking about them,” says Klein. “So is the mayor. We have a moral responsibility to make change as soon as possible.” Lori Rotenberk is a Chicago-based journalist whose work has appeared in the *New York Times*, *The Boston Globe*, *Chicago Wilderness Magazine*, and the *Chicago Sun-Times*. She is also also wild about nature. Follow her on Twitter <http://www.twitter.com/@loriandwhillie>.

1 0

cyclelogistics - Moving Goods by Cycle
by Zdan, Terry (MIT) 14 Dec '12

14 Dec '12

http://cyclelogistics.eu/index.php?id=4 cyclelogistics - Moving Goods by Cycle Running from May 2011 until April 2014 and spanning 12 countries, the EU-funded project CycleLogistics aims to reduce energy used in urban freight transport by replacing unnecessary motorised vehicles with cargo bikes for intra-urban delivery and goods transport in Europe. CycleLogistics will expand its niche market position and be regarded as a serious alternative for the transportation of light goods in inner cities. This will be achieved by: * Communicating topic and potential to the transport sector in order to shift more goods transport from cars to cargo bikes. Existing cycle couriers will also be encouraged to transport heavier loads by utilising electric assist. * Motivating municipalities to create a favorable regulatory framework and policies for cycle logistics, to analyze the internal potential to employ cargo bikes for municipal services, and to encourage business services to take advantage of cycle logistics. * Encouraging private individuals to use cargo bikes, trailers and baskets to transport shopping and leisure time equipment, while at the same time ensuring that retailers provide customers with incentives and necessary infrastructure. * Testing and reporting on various cargo bike transport products (cargo bikes, trailers, electric motors and bags & baskets), and therefore promoting their uptake by providing potential consumers - private, business and government - across Europe with access to valuable information. FYI the Ikea store in Winnipeg has bike racks but no cargo trailers for bikes. Season's Greetings Terry Zdan BA MEDes Policy & Service Development Manitoba Infrastructure & Transportation 1520 215 Garry Street Winnipeg MB R3C 3P3 please note this is my only phone C 204 227 3724 E Terrry.Zdan(a)gov.mb.ca

1 0

Cyclists and Pedestrians Can End Up Spending More Each Month Than Drivers
by Dave Elmore 14 Dec '12

14 Dec '12

http://www.theatlanticcities.com/commute/2012/12/cyclists-and-pedestrians-ca n-end-spending-more-each-month-drivers/4066/ Cyclists and Pedestrians Can End Up Spending More Each Month Than Drivers Kelly Clifton <http://kellyjclifton.com/> has heard this stereotype a number of times: "Cyclists are just a bunch of kids who don't have any money," says the professor of civil and environmental engineering at Portland State University. "They ride their bikes to a coffee shop, they sit there for four hours with their Macintoshes, they're not really spending any money." If you're a shopkeeper with such suspicions, you're probably not on board with any plan that would cut down on parking right outside your door. Cyclists are the ones with time to kill; drivers are the ones with money. This perception is problematic in a place like Portland, where the bike-friendly city government is now looking to extend the reach of bike infrastructure - and the appeal of bikes themselves - to newer riders and neighbourhoods farther afield from the urban core. "As we move out beyond those areas into more auto-oriented areas," Clifton says, "we start to see businesses say, 'Hey, wait a minute. You're taking away on-street parking to put in bike lanes, you're taking away the one parking spot in front of my store to put in a bike corral. I don't see many bikers around here. So what does this mean for me?" Until now there hasn't been much empirical evidence to allay such concerns. Clifton and several colleagues have attempted to fill that research gap in a project for the Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium <http://www.otrec.us/> (read a PDF of the draft report here <http://kellyjclifton.com/Research/EconImpactsofBicycling/OTRECReport-ConsBe havTravelChoices_Nov2012.pdf> ). They surveyed 1,884 people walking out of area convenience stores, restaurants and bars, and another 19,653 who'd just done their supermarket shopping. Some of the results are unsurprising: Drivers still make up a plurality of customers to all of these businesses. And, with greater trunk capacity, they far outspend people who travel to the grocery store by foot, bike or transit. But for all of the other business types examined, bikers actually out-consumed drivers over the course of a month. True, they often spent less per visit. But cyclists and pedestrians in particular made more frequent trips (by their own estimation) to these restaurants, bars and convenience stores, and those receipts added up. This finding is logical: It's a lot easier to make an impulse pizza stop if you're passing by an aromatic restaurant on foot or bike instead of in a passing car at 35 miles an hour. Such frequent visits are part of the walkable culture. Compare European communities - where it's common to hit the bakery, butcher and fish market on the way home from work - to U.S. communities where the weekly drive to Walmart's supermarket requires an hour of dedicated planning. "It's not just a phenomenon born of the need to carry things," Clifton says. Walkable (and bikeable) communities by definition facilitate a more frequent interaction between patrons and businesses. This means these bikers and pedestrians are also more regular customers. "That also says something about marketing," Clifton says, "about customer loyalty, about neighborhood-based businesses." The study examined 89 businesses across the region, 11 of them grocery stores. At the bars, convenience stores and restaurants (all high-turnover sit-down pizza and Mexican spots), researchers snagged consumers on their way out between June and early October of last year. They gave them a 5-to-10 minute tablet questionnaire about their demographics and travel behavior, how they'd traveled that day, what they'd spent, and how often they estimated they visited the business each month. The researchers coordinated with a local grocery store chain to survey customers there during a single week this April. Their findings are neatly summarized in these three graphs. This first one shows how much consumers spent on average per trip, by transportation mode: Here, people estimated how many trips they took per month: And this is the total estimate of consumer spending per month: There are obviously some other factors at play here. Families with cars are less likely to eat out than single young professionals on a bike. And we'd all prefer that drivers run up smaller bar tabs than pedestrians. Clifton also raises another possibility (although this particular study can't verify it): "Does Portland have a green dividend?" she asks, citing a concept coined by economist Joe Cortright <http://www.ceosforcities.org/city-dividends/green/special-reports/portland/ > . Cars are costly. And Portland's green infrastructure means many people don't have to foot that expense. "Do we then have more money in our pockets," Clifton asks, "to spend on other things?" As Portland begins to make tougher decisions about bike infrastructure, this is an intriguing point. The "young and fearless," as Clifton calls them, are already biking there. These are the riders who will happily dodge cars and thunderstorms without much dedicated infrastructure. Now the city needs to coax what Clifton calls the "interested but concerned." These are the people who will require a higher level of accommodation - separated bike lanes, actual bike parking - and therefore some tougher conversations about what that might mean for scarce resources and roadway (and for the drivers who might be impacted by reallocating them). "If only we had asked these questions when we invested in the automobile," Clifton says. "On the one hand, we're asking the right questions. But we're also holding non-motorized modes up to a different standard than we have held the automobile."

1 0

UPDATE: TOPIC CHANGE! (Presentation on The New Pedestrian Control Guide) Fwd: ITE Manitoba monthly lunch Presentation on Thursday, December 13th
by Anders Swanson 12 Dec '12

12 Dec '12

[ Hi folks, quick note: the topic for this lunch and learn had a last minute change, and now may not be quite as relevant to active transportation (although I imagine the lunch would still be tasty.) The Pedestrian Control Guide topic has been deferred to 2013. - Anders] Hi everyone,**** ** ** The topic of the December ITE Manitoba monthly lunch meeting has changed. *Dr. Jeannette Montufar* will still be presenting, but the new topic will be *CITE National Initiatives*. The presentation on The New Pedestrian Control Guide will likely be done sometime in 2013. Sorry for the sudden change! The information at www.itemanitoba.ca has been updated.**** ** ** We would also like to remind everyone that the ITE Manitoba Executive elections will take place at the December meeting. The details of the meeting are:**** ** ** Date: Thursday, December 13th**** Time: 12 noon**** Location: The Round Table (800 Pembina Highway)**** ** ** We still hope to see everyone come out next Thursday!**** ** ** *Björn Rådström,** **BSc**(CE), P. Eng.***** ITE Manitoba Secretary**** ** ** ** ** ** ** Hello everyone,**** **** It is finally here, the first ITE Manitoba monthly lunch presentation will be on Thursday, December 13th! As usual, it will take place at 12 noon at The Round Table at 800 Pembina Highway. Our presenter this month is *Dr. Jeannette Montufar, P. Eng.*, of the University of Manitoba. Dr. Montufar’s presentation is on *The New Pedestrian Control Guide*.**** **** Dr. Montufar is a professional engineer registered in Manitoba and Alberta, and Associate Professor in Civil Engineering at the University of Manitoba. She is also Principal of Montufar Group, a transportation consulting firm specializing in road safety and freight transportation. Dr. Montufar has done extensive work in the U.S. and Canada on projects dealing with road safety, freight transportation, the application of advanced technologies to commercial vehicle operations, truck size and weight policy, goods movement in urban areas, traffic information systems, and the automation of data collection systems. She has worked for the Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio; the Texas Transportation Institute in College Station, Texas; and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute in Ann Arbor, Michigan.**** **** The cost for the presentation and lunch is $20 for members and guests, and $15 for students. This notice can also be found at www.itemanitoba.ca. We hope to see you all there next week!**** **** *Björn Rådström,** **BSc**(CE), P. Eng.***** ITE Manitoba Secretary****

3 2

PUB orders MPI to improve cycling safety
by Charles Feaver 11 Dec '12

11 Dec '12

This fall, Bike to the Future collaborated with the Manitoba Cycling Association to make its first ever presentation to the Public Utilities Board identifying concerns that MPI fails to teach motorists how to drive safely near cyclists, both in their Driver Education booklet and in their public advertising. The PUB picked up on several points we emphasized in their Order [http://www.pub.gov.mb.ca/pdf/mpi07/157-12.pdf .]. 1. Section 10.0: "It is therefore recommended that: 3. MPI review and act upon the recommendations put forward by the presenters from Bike to the Future and the Manitoba Cycling Association with respect to road safety and messaging to motorists regarding cyclists." 2. Section 11: "It is therefore ordered that: A Road Safety Research Technical Conference take place to discuss Road Safety matters, involving interveners and community partners, to be held on or before March 31, 2013." ... that the PUB expects MPI "would seek to involve scientist and experts from North America on road safety issues such as . roadway bicycle safety, and the role of other road safety investments" and will include in the conference interveners and community partners, among others. Further, "The Board anticipates that at the next GRA [General Rate Application] proceeding, MPI will come forward with new road safety initiatives, including with respect to . bicyclists ., in addition to its ongoing initiatives relative to unsafe speed, impaired driving and seatbelt usage. 3. The PUB noted the Corporation's goal, as stated in its Strategic Plan, that it will become a community leader and act as a central repository to facilitate the sharing of data amongst stakeholders for research and making informed decisions, and to take a more active role in road safety research. This responds to Bike to the Future's request for more and better data relating to cycling safety. The Road Safety Technical Conference could have a huge impact on cycling and safety if it brings in experts from cities that have successfully increased cycling traffic, and develops a consensus among leaders of government departments and police forces on how to manage circulation in order to increase the safety of cyclists.

1 0

Pro Walk Pro Bike link to videos and presentations
by Beth McKechnie 11 Dec '12

11 Dec '12

The bi-annual *Pro Walk Pro Bike* is the premier conference for everything walking- and cycling-related in North America. Even if you weren't able to attend the 2012 conference in Long Beach, CA (alas, I am among that group), you can check out videos of keynote presenters and powerpoints from breakout sessions here: http://www.pps.org/pwpb2012/presentations/ I haven't watched it yet but the rousing keynote by Mark Gorton that closed the conference was apparently quite popular: video - http://www.pps.org/we-are-the-majority-the-cars-dont-vote/ presentation - http://rethinktheauto.org/national-presentation/ Note that the next PWPB conference<http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/pittsburgh-to-…>takes place Sept 8-12, 2014, a little closer to home -- Pittsburgh. cheers, Beth

1 0

Cycling Health and Safety - An overview of research
by Beth McKechnie 11 Dec '12

11 Dec '12

Cycling Health and Safety An overview of cycling health and safety research Prepared By: *Chris Cavacuiti BA, MD, CCFP, MHSc, ASAM* Staff Physician, St. Michael's Hopsital, Department of Family and Community Medicine Toronto, Ontario Introduction In my cycling-related research work with Share the Road and the St. Michael’s Dept. of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto, I’ve been truly impressed with the breadth and quality of the studies that have been published on this topic. As anyone who has an interest in cycling health and safety research will tell you, there are some incredibly smart and dedicated researchers out there who have made this topic their life’s work. When I speak to other cycling researchers and advocates, one of the biggest challenges they tell me that they face is finding and organizing the wealth of data that is already out there. I am often approached by journalists, researchers and advocates who are looking for more information on a particular area of cycling research, but there was usually nowhere I could send them for quick and easy access to the information they wanted. These experiences made me realize that what I and many others needed was a well-organized, well cited and text-searchable overview of key cycling research that would contain many of the most important facts, figures and findings in this field. I approached Eleanor McMahon at Share the Road with this idea and asked her if Share the Road would be interested in helping to organize this overview and host it on their website. Share the Road thought this was a great idea and kindly agreed to help. So in the summer of 2012, Share the Road and I hired a very bright and capable young summer student (Matthew Cheah), to help us put together this overview. I’d like to personally thank Eleanor McMahon and Matthew Cheah for all their work in helping make this overview a reality. I’d also like to thank Cary Moretti for his IT input and support with this project (…and for putting up with me talking about this project on more than a few of our long rides together!) One final word - we’ve made every effort to keep the statistics and wording in this overview as close to the original documents as possible and to correctly cite each and every fact, figure and quotation we’ve included. However, this document is no replacement for reading the original articles and we’d encourage those who are using this overview to cross-reference our statistics with the original documents. Believe us - they are well worth the read! Happy searching! http://www.sharetheroad.ca/files/Cycling_Safety_Overview___2012_12_05.pdf

1 0

(Presentation on The New Pedestrian Control Guide) Fwd: ITE Manitoba monthly lunch Presentation on Thursday, December 13th
by Anders Swanson 06 Dec '12

06 Dec '12

---------- Forwarded message ---------- Hello everyone, It is finally here, the first ITE Manitoba monthly lunch presentation will be on Thursday, December 13th! As usual, it will take place at 12 noon at The Round Table at 800 Pembina Highway. Our presenter this month is Dr. Jeannette Montufar, P. Eng., of the University of Manitoba. Dr. Montufar’s presentation is on The New Pedestrian Control Guide. Dr. Montufar is a professional engineer registered in Manitoba and Alberta, and Associate Professor in Civil Engineering at the University of Manitoba. She is also Principal of Montufar Group, a transportation consulting firm specializing in road safety and freight transportation. Dr. Montufar has done extensive work in the U.S. and Canada on projects dealing with road safety, freight transportation, the application of advanced technologies to commercial vehicle operations, truck size and weight policy, goods movement in urban areas, traffic information systems, and the automation of data collection systems. She has worked for the Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio; the Texas Transportation Institute in College Station, Texas; and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The cost for the presentation and lunch is $20 for members and guests, and $15 for students. This notice can also be found at www.itemanitoba.ca< http://www.itemanitoba.ca>. We hope to see you all there next week! Björn Rådström, BSc(CE), P. Eng. ITE Manitoba Secretary

1 0

RFP - City of Winnipeg Cycling and Walking Master Plan NOW OUT
by Anders Swanson 05 Dec '12

05 Dec '12

Of interest to all planning/engineering/consulting firms with expertise in cycling/walking facilities: http://www.winnipeg.ca/MatMgt/FolderContents.asp?FOLDER_ NAME=891-2012&YEAR=2012

1 0

Bicycling Infrastructure: Don't Let the Perfect Become the Enemy of the Good
by Dave Elmore 05 Dec '12

05 Dec '12

http://www.chicagonow.com/easy-as-riding-a-bike/2012/12/perfect-become-the-e nemy-of-the-good/ Bicycling Infrastructure: Don't Let the Perfect Become the Enemy of the Good By Brent Cohrs, Monday at 10:19 am When it comes to safe and efficient bicycling infrastructure, few nations can rival the Netherlands. It really seems that the Dutch have thought of everything. As this video shows, a transportation system that gives equal consideration to those choosing to travel under their own power by bike and purposely addresses the differences of speed and mass between bicycles and motor vehicles can result in a win-win for all road users. We need only look at the number of fatalities to see the proof. The Netherlands experiences 1.1 deaths per 100 million kilometers traveled versus the US average of 5.8 for the same distance. I pointed out in last week <http://www.chicagonow.com/easy-as-riding-a-bike/2012/11/wearing-a-bike-helm et/> 's post about helmet usage that the remarkable aspect of Dutch bicycling being five times safer is that their number of trips taken by bike is also twenty-seven times greater than ours. Success like this heartens bicycle advocates who truly believe in the Field of Dreams approach; "if you build it, they will come." In a perfect world - or more precisely a perfect United States - citizens would come together and demand a transportation system that accommodates all users equally. Whichever mode an individual chose for him or herself - personal vehicle, mass transit, bicycle, or own two feet - would be equally safe by design. There would still be trade-offs and sacrifices among choices, but personal safety wouldn't be one of them. As we cycling advocates talk amongst ourselves and admire the Dutch (and the Danes), we're all painfully aware that they didn't become ultra bike-friendly overnight. Political will for major changes began in the 1970s when the nation became fed up with the number of children killed by automobiles, the leveling of historic buildings to create parking spaces, growing traffic congestion, and worsening smog. They vowed to nip their problem in the bud and today have a much different flower to show for their efforts. We're not so lucky in the US. Our love affair with the car grew unabated through two oil shortages and volatile swings in gasoline pricing over the past 40 years. Vehicles didn't shrink in size like they did in Europe, they grew larger! Mass transit has had to fight tooth and nail for federal transportation funding. Bicycling and pedestrian advocates have only held a seat at the table for the past decade and we're still sitting on folding chairs. As much as we bicycling advocates would like to achieve the perfect, we'll be lucky if we can attain the "good enough". Not that we won't keep striving and pushing the general public toward that tipping point when not riding a bike will be viewed as more hazardous to one's health than riding a bike. We just need to stay patient, remain persistent, and continue to win little battles, savoring our victories and inspiring our troops. But we also have to be realistic. We need to acknowledge that right now and for the foreseeable future, we have an incomplete infrastructure. Too few protected bike lanes. Too many lanes that end abruptly or deliver us to unsafe intersections. Too much inconsistency with sharrows <http://gridchicago.com/2012/cdot-fast-to-build-new-bikeways-but-needs-to-re ctify-existing-ones/> , bike lanes, and cycle tracks. Lanes that put us in the door zone or subject us to the hazard of the right-hook. We all know the system's shortfalls. In the meantime, we still need to ride the streets we have and stay safe doing so. The best thing we Illinois cyclists have going for us is Public Act 095-0231 <http://ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=095-0231> or as I like to refer to it, the Three-Foot Law. In this 2008 transportation act, motorists must give a minimum of three feet of clearance when passing a bicycle traveling in the same direction. We are not only required to stay as far to the right as is practicable, but as is safe. This means that we may pass other cyclists on the left, move left to avoid potholes, ride clear of the door zone, cross to the left turn lane, and move to the left of the right turn lane at intersections. This is the law and these are our rights. While we wait for the good to become the perfect through the efforts of our advocacy groups, we can all learn to adjust our riding to the incomplete infrastructure we have in place right now.

1 0

Close passing and edge hazard zones for cyclists (Gutierrez)
by Beth McKechnie 05 Dec '12

05 Dec '12

Hello everyone, The link below takes you to a series of slides that clearly articulate the space required for cyclists on the road. Thanks to Bob Kurylko for forwarding. Please note that it was identified as "a work still in progress by Dan Gutierrez." In my mind, Dan's diagrams and explanations perfectly capture why so many people are too scared to cycle in traffic. Being trapped riding in the edge hazard combined with the close pass zone creates a scary and dangerous situation that current standards for bicycle facilities don't address adequately. https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B-Gu4I2V0ZScbTR0MHhoZHh2RzQ<https://docs.google.com/a/greenactioncentre.ca/file/d/0B-Gu4I2V0ZScbTR0MHho…> cheers, Beth

1 1

FW: AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities [ including Bicycle Transportation Networks]
by Zdan, Terry (MIT) 03 Dec '12

03 Dec '12

FYI In my opinion much better than the Canadian TAC document “...1.1. PROBLEM STATEMENT AND RESEARCH OBJECTIVE The objective of this project was to prepare a comprehensive update to the 1999 AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities. The Guide is recognized and accepted throughout the United States as the national guideline for bicycle facility planning and design. It has evolved over time - the 1981 edition of the Guide was 31 pages long and had only four pages of guidance on designing on‐road bicycle facilities. By the time the 1999 edition was published, the Guide had more than doubled in length, with considerably more information on planning, on‐road bicycle facility design, shared use path design, and operations and maintenance. Usage of the Guide has grown rapidly as nationwide spending on bicycle facilities has increased. Each successive federal transportation bill since ISTEA in 1991 has increased funding for bikeway construction in the U.S. Despite its popularity and utility, however, the 1999 edition of the Guide lacks important information, and does not reflect significant research findings of the past decade. Additionally, parts of the Guide need to incorporate changes from updated national references such as the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices" (MUTCD) and the AASHTO "Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets," (AASHTO "Green Book"), among others. In 2004, the NCHRP Task 187 Report entitled "Updating the AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities" conducted initial research, interviews, and a literature review to determine the recommended scope and content of the next edition of the Guide. That report made recommendations for numerous changes to the 1999 Guide. The new draft of the Guide incorporates these recommendations, along with new guidance and research, and practical experience gained through the design and construction of bikeways throughout the United States....” http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/docs/NCHRP_15-37_FR.pdf 204.488.8988

1 0

Bikeway traffic control guidelines for Canada - Second edition (2012)
by Beth McKechnie 03 Dec '12

03 Dec '12

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Zdan, Terry (MIT)" <Terry.Zdan(a)gov.mb.ca> Date: Mon, 3 Dec 2012 08:55:27 -0600 Subject: Bikeway traffic control guidelines for Canada - Second edition (2012) Top of Form**** *Bikeway traffic control guidelines for Canada - Second edition (2012)***** **** Product Code: PTM-BIKEGD2-E**** *Bikeway Traffic Control Guidelines for Canada* outlines the appropriate traffic control for the installation of signs and pavement markings on bikeways and contains diagrams of typical installations. Many of the guidelines may be applicable to both on-road and off-road bikeways. **** This 118-page document was produced with the intention of providing guidance in the application of bicycle-related traffic control devices on bikeways that are within the public right of way. Signs and pavement markings must be designed carefully and installed properly to maximize their effectiveness. It is important that agencies responsible for the application of these guidelines use sound engineering judgement and principles when implementing bicycle-related traffic control devices. **** These guidelines are expected to evolve over time, depending on prudent engineering judgement, experimentation and testing which is anticipated to take place in an effort to continue addressing the needs of cyclists in Canada. **** Member Price: $150.00 *Regular Price: $199.50***** Bottom of Form**** ** ** ** ** Thank you and regards**** ** ** Terry Zdan BA MEDes**** ** ** Policy & Service Development**** Manitoba Infrastructure & Transportation**** 1520 215 Garry Street**** Winnipeg MB R3C 3P3**** P 204 945 7381**** C 204 227 3724**** E Terrry.Zdan(a)gov.mb.ca**** ** ** ** **

1 0

Ontario seeks public input for cycling improvements
by delmore＠mymts.net 01 Dec '12

01 Dec '12

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/business/Province+seeks+public+input+cycling+i… seeks public input for cycling improvements The Ontario government wants to hear from you about how to improve cycling in the province. At a news conference Friday in Ottawa, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation Bob Chiarelli said the province is looking for public input to form the basis of a draft cycling strategy. The public has until Jan. 29, 2013, to offer comments on such things as improvements to cycling infrastructure, public education and legislation.Chiarelli said that starting in January, municipalities can also apply for funds under the new Municipal Infrastructure Program as it pertains to supporting the development of local cycling networks. Cycling infrastructure funds were not available to municipalities under the program in the past, but now they can apply for funds up to $2 million, he said.The draft cycling strategy will also look to create a provincial cycling network to connect destinations and recreational cycling and tourism routes, run public education campaigns with groups such as Share The Road, update the Driver’s Handbook to include better guidelines for cycling and sharing the road with other vehicles, and provide cycling safety and bike maintenance information with new bikes sold. “This means that what was in some respects a series of ad hoc initiatives that existed in Ontario by various stakeholders or municipalities and sometimes the province is (now) going to be much more comprehensive,” Chiarelli said in an interview.“It’s going to be better funded and it’s going to make a significant difference for cyclists, they’re going to be safer on the road, they’re going to have better infrastructure, and cycling will be more exciting for a lot of people because part of the policy is related to tourism so that we’re going to be connecting regions with cycling paths.”Chiarelli sad Ontario has “the safest roads” in North America, although cycling fatalities still do happen in the province. He said he hopes the new initiatives will help reduce the number of cycling fatalities in Ontario. “We’re going to have better infrastructure, more bike lanes and we’re going to have better educated drivers and cyclists. We think of cyclists becoming more educated, but automobile drivers need to be more educated and they need to know where the cyclists have the right to go on the road — they’re not only restricted to driving along the curb. They have access to the road under the appropriate circumstances and there are lot of drivers who don’t understand that,” he said.The announcement was welcomed by the Share the Road Cycling Coalition, a provincial cycling policy and advocacy organization, adding it was Ontario’s first cycling policy update in 20 years. “I think you are seeing a quantum leap forward in terms of parties in the legislature supporting this in each of their different ways,” Eleanor McMahon, founder of Share The Road Cycling Coalition, said at the news conference held at retailer Bushtukah. She founded the coalition after her husband, an OPP officer, was killed in 2006 by a motorist while cycling.“This is not the time for partisanship, it is the time for focusing on the safety of our most vulnerable citizens and making sure that there is clarity on our roadways so that motorists and cyclists can share the road in a safe way,” McMahon said. She said the coalition’s 2010 green paper on bicycling in the province, which was based on the responses of 1,200 people, outlined priorities on how the government could make Ontario more bicycle friendly. The coalition also endorsed the 2012 Coroner’s Review of Cycling Deaths in Ontario which called for cycling infrastructure and education investments.She said she hopes the province can meet municipalities “halfway” in coming up with a comprehensive cycling strategy.“Some of this stuff can seem quite mundane but it affects everybody in our day-to-day lives, if we want to cross an intersection and it doesn’t feel safe, or as cyclists we don’t have the proper turning opportunities,” McMahon said. “We’re taking about signage, infrastructure, bike lanes, and sometimes segregated bike lanes if at all possible. I know that any change creates opposition, but (public) education is important,” she said. Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/travel/Province+seeks+public+input+cycling+imp…

1 0

Metro Wpg: Idea to reduce residential speed limits gets more time (Nov.27'12)
by Beth McKechnie 29 Nov '12

29 Nov '12

Idea to reduce residential speed limits gets more timeBy Bernice Pontanilla | Metro Winnipeg http://metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/455414/idea-to-reduce-residential-speed-l… A City committee has ordered more study into a motion requesting a decrease to 40 km/h on Winnipeg’s residential streets. Councillors on the infrastructure renewal and public works committee voted in favour of a 60-day extension on the motion, which was originally brought to the July city council meeting by Coun. Harvey Smith (Daniel McIntyre) and Coun. Ross Eadie (Mynarski). Cycling and walking advocate Anders Swanson delivered a detailed PowerPoint presentation to committee members, stating that in collisions between cars, pedestrians and cyclists, speed is a huge determinant of the outcomes. “What chance do you give people?,” Swanson said. “Pedestrians have a less than 50% chance of surviving an impact at 45 km/h, pedestrians have almost no chance of surviving an impact at 80 km/h.” Swanson used pictures from his travels in Europe to demonstrate different methods of handling traffic, be it vehicles, bikes or pedestrians. He also showed what a street beside a Winnipeg school would look like if these European methods were used. Committee member Coun. Jenny Gerbasi (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry) said she’d like the City’s administration to do a cost benefit analysis, with ideas on phased-in approaches or pilot projects. This motion has no bearing on the speed limit in school zones, which is 30 km/h.

1 0

Which really is more deadly: cycling or sitting down watching TV?
by Dave Elmore 28 Nov '12

28 Nov '12

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/bike-blog/2012/nov/28/deadly-cycling-s itting-watching-tv Which really is more deadly: cycling or sitting down watching TV? New scientific guidance about the 'invisible danger' of inactivity puts cycle safety in perspective Sometimes, it seems, to get some perspective on the vexed issue of cycling <http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/cycling> and particularly cycle safety you need to chat not to a transport expert, let alone a government official, but a scientist. This occurred to me earlier this week as I watched three fairly eminent scientists with a specialism in public health unveil new recommendations by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence <http://www.nice.org.uk/> . Our news story on it is here <http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/nov/28/cycle-walk-maintain-health-ad vises-nice> , but in essence it calls for walking and cycling to become the norm for short trips as a way to combat the increasingly desperate extent of health problems connected to inactivity and obesity <http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/obesity> . After they'd introduced the report the floor was open for questions. One of the first was on cycle safety: had they taken into account the potential perils of riding a bike? The answer from Dr Harry Rutter <http://www.noo.org.uk/about/NOO_team> , lead author of the report and an adviser at the National Obesity Observatory - they gather data on obesity, as opposed to peering at the big-boned from a very great distance - is worth quoting in full: All activities carry a risk. For some reason there seems to be strong focus on the risk of injury associated with cycling. Clearly, when deaths do takes place that's tragic, and we need to do all we can to avoid them. But I think there is a perception that cycling is much more dangerous than it really is. This focus on the dangers of cycling is something to do with the visibility of them, and the attention it's given. What we don't notice is that if you were to spend an hour a day riding a bike rather than being sedentary and driving a car there's a cost to that sedentary time. It's silent, it doesn't get noticed. What we're talking about here is shifting the balance from that invisible danger of sitting still towards the positive health benefits of cycling. It's something most cyclists know about but it's worth reiterating. Plus, I like the notion of an "invisible danger". People go on at exhaustive length about the perils of cycling because cycling remains niche. Sitting around on one's arse watching EastEnders and eating Pringles is, however, a national pursuit, and not enough people make the connection between that and an impact on health which is, the scientists told us, now on a par with that from smoking. In the collection of quotes assembled for the press pack there was a good one on this point from Philip Insall, head of health for the active transport charity Sustrans <http://www.sustrans.org.uk/> : If a virus was this deadly it would fill the front pages and dominate debate in parliament. The second point that caught my attention came in response to a slightly carping question from me. Such advice, I asked, is all very well but will it really change much in the absence of concerted government action over safe walking and cycling routes? Professor Mike Kelly <http://www.nice.org.uk/aboutnice/whoweare/seniormanagementteam/professormik ekelly.jsp> of Nice sighed very slightly and presented me with a parallel: efforts to curb smoking. It took a full 60 years after the proof of cigarettes' harm to reach the relative nirvana of a ban on smoking in public places. View the report, he said, not as an end in itself but as "one further accumulation of the evidence", part of a long-term process, albeit one he hopes will take less than 60 years. Good advice, particularly for a semi-professional cycle policy malcontent such as me. Perhaps the best point, however, came again from Rutter as he was asked what more could be done to promote active travel. He replied: There are two interventions that we know increase walking and cycling: living in the Netherlands and living in Denmark. Behind the half absurd statement lies this central truth: there's no magic behind getting people on their feet or on their bikes, it just takes sufficient political will. If the Dutch and Danish did so in the 1960s and 70s, so can we now.

1 0

New Active Transportation Fund Launched
by Beth McKechnie 27 Nov '12

27 Nov '12

[In case you haven't seen it yet: http://www.gov.mb.ca/chc/press/top/2012/11/2012-11-27-130900-15693.html] November 27, 2012 MANITOBA SUPPORTS ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT IN RURAL COMMUNITIES– – – *New Active Transportation Fund Launched* Winnipeg, Manitoba, November 27, 2012 – New Active Transportation funding is now available to help rural communities start projects and improve local infrastructure designed to encourage people to use alternatives to motor vehicle transportation. Municipalities and northern communities with populations of fewer than 50,000 residents are eligible to apply to the Active Transportation Fund, made possible by a $1-million investment from the federal Gas Tax Fund. “This program builds on the Small Communities Transit Fund launched in 2010, making $1 million in federal Gas Tax funding available to cost-share active transportation projects with eligible municipalities over the next two years,” said the Honourable Ron Lemieux,Local Government Minister. “People are becoming more health and environmentally conscious and are switching to public transportation, bicycles and walking. As these activities increase, people will see improved health benefits, lower transportation costs and fewer cars and trucks on the road. Reducing greenhouse-gas emissions is good for us and for our environment.” “Our Government is committed to supporting infrastructure projects in municipalities across Canada,” said the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport) and Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia. “We are proud of our $1-million investment in this program which will help municipalities across Manitoba promote environmentally friendly transportation. The Gas Tax fund is just one of the ways our Government is carrying out our promise to help create jobs and stimulate economic growth across the country.” The program provides 50 per cent cost-shared funding for eligible projects up to a maximum of $50,000 per project. Eligible projects include: - bike racks/lockers; - bike paths; - sidewalks and other pathways for pedestrian use; - lighting and signage on trails, sidewalks and bike paths; and - active transportation design/project plans that lead to future active transportation development. “The benefits of active transportation for Manitoba communities are wide ranging,” said Association of Manitoba Municipalities President Doug Dobrowolski. “This initiative will reduce pressure on our over-burdened municipal streets and roads. The health of our citizens is also important to local governments. That’s why active transportation options are a win-win – they reduce costs and improve our quality of life.” The Manitoba government is launching a dedicated active transportation website to promote and support small communities in developing sustainable active transportation options. The website offers Manitoba success stories; resources and tools for municipalities, schools and community groups; information on safety; maps of trails and pathways around the province; and information on programs and agencies that support active transportation. The new provincial government web address is www.gov.mb.ca/ia/index.html. Together, all these tools and resources will help municipalities integrate active transportation planning, design and implementation with land use and transportation planning. Today’s commitments are part of the Manitoba government’s three-year action plan to promote and improve active transportation across Manitoba. The Government of Canada’s Gas Tax Fund provides long-term funding to local governments to help them build and revitalize public infrastructure. In December 2011, the Government of Canada passed legislation to make the Gas Tax Fund a permanent annual investment of $2 billion per year. Through this fund alone, the federal government provides $66,157,000 in funding annually for municipal infrastructure in Manitoba. The Government of Canada has engaged provinces, territories, municipalities and key stakeholders in a series of roundtables to guide the development of a new long-term infrastructure plan that will support job creation, economic growth and prosperity. To improve infrastructure across Canada and ensure affordability and sustainability over the long term, the Government’s new plan will encourage greater use of public-private partnerships. This will help leverage new investments in infrastructure, while respecting Canadian taxpayers’ ability to pay. Lemieux noted the Action Plan on Active Transportation is part of Manitoba’s green plan called TomorrowNow, which sets out an eight-year strategic action plan for mobilizing Manitobans to work together to protect the environment, while ensuring a prosperous and environmentally conscious economy. More information can be found at: www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/tomorrownowgreenplan/. - 30 -

1 0

Reminder: Manitoba's Walking and Wheeling Webinar Series
by Shoni Litinsky 27 Nov '12

27 Nov '12

Hi Everyone, This message is just to remind you about our Active and Safe Routes to School Program's upcoming Walking and Wheeling webinars. The first two webinars of the series are this Friday, November 30th. - 11:30am-12:30pm - How to start a bike repair program and shop in your school or community. Presented by Geoff Heath, mechanical director at The WRENCH. - 12:30-1:00pm - 10 Bike Safety Tips for kids age 9-11. Presented by Dave Elmore of Green Action Centre If you would like to register or learn more about any of our five sessions, please visit this page. <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/walking-and-wheeling-webinar-series/> Please circulate to interested friends and colleagues! Thank you, -- *Shoni Litinsky* | Active and Safe Routes to School Green Action Centre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Avenue* | *(204) 925-3773 Green Action Centre is your non-profit hub for greener living. Support our work by becoming a member<http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/memberships/> Find us here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/>

1 0

Re: [At-network] Green Action Centre's submission regarding proposed speed limit increases
by Zdan, Terry (MIT) 27 Nov '12

27 Nov '12

For your consideration google "vulnerable road users" ________________________________ From: at-network-bounces(a)lists.umanitoba.ca <at-network-bounces(a)lists.umanitoba.ca> To: AT network <at-network(a)lists.umanitoba.ca> Sent: Tue Nov 27 08:51:17 2012 Subject: [At-network] Green Action Centre's submission regarding proposed speed limit increases Hi everyone, In the spirit of sharing, here's the letter that Green Action Centre is submitting to The Highway Traffic Board regarding the proposed speed limit increases on four-lane divided roadways. cheers, Beth

1 0

Green Action Centre's submission regarding proposed speed limit increases
by Beth McKechnie 27 Nov '12

27 Nov '12

Hi everyone, In the spirit of sharing, here's the letter that Green Action Centre is submitting to The Highway Traffic Board regarding the proposed speed limit increases on four-lane divided roadways. cheers, Beth

1 0

30 km zones - Copenhagenize analysis
by Beth McKechnie 26 Nov '12

26 Nov '12

In the spirit of current discussions, here's some analysis [pdf attached] from Copenhagenize regarding the impact on pedestrians and cyclists of raising/decreasing posted speed limits. cheers, Beth

1 0

BttF position against proposed higher speed limits
by Charles Feaver 26 Nov '12

26 Nov '12

Please find attached the policy position Bike to the Future will be presenting to the Highway Traffic Board hearing Tuesday opposing the raising of certain speed limits in the City of Winnipeg We are very concerned that higher speed limits on any residential or commercial streets would make those streets more dangerous and would put another barrier in the way of Manitobans choosing to make short trips on foot or by bike. Sign up to the Bike to the Future mailing list to be part of upcoming campaigns to push for lower speed limits and safer streets. http://biketothefuture.org/get-involved/email-list

1 0

Oregon Scenic Bikeways --is something like this possible in Manitoba?
by Zdan, Terry (MIT) 26 Nov '12

26 Nov '12

Oregon's innovative Scenic Bikeways program offers the very best of Oregon's scenic, historic, natural and cultural experiences - from the seat of a bike. Learn more about the Oregon Scenic Bikeways program<http://rideoregonride.com/inspiration/scenic-bikeways/>. Oregon: The land of dreamers. And the land cyclists dream about. The concept of the Ride Oregon site emerged from the creative energy of hundreds of cyclists who gather each year for the Oregon Bike Summit<http://www.oregonbikesummit.com/> with the goal of making Oregon the premier cycling state. The need for a site like this was identified years ago, but in 2008 the #1 recreation and tourism strategy targeted at the Summit was to develop an online epicenter for information on cycling in Oregon, to continue progress toward making our state the best place in America to ride a bike. Travel Oregon is the agency charged with encouraging economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in Oregon by strengthening the economic impact of tourism throughout the state. The agency stepped up to the plate and brought the site to life between 2008 and 2009 with the help of a diverse and robust work group (see Partners<http://www.rideoregonride.com/partners/>) and a brilliant digital branding firm, Substance.<http://findsubstance.com/> What you find on this site is the result of years of exploring. Years of building. And years of dreaming. Thank you and regards Terry Zdan BA MEDes Policy & Service Development Manitoba Infrastructure & Transportation 1520 215 Garry Street Winnipeg MB R3C 3P3 P 204 945 7381 C 204 227 3724 E Terrry.Zdan(a)gov.mb.ca

1 0

Fw: International Transport Forum recommends 12 ways for governments to make roads safer for pedestrians
by Zdan, Terry (MIT) 24 Nov '12

24 Nov '12

________________________________ From: Dr. Lane <dr.lane(a)shaw.ca> To: Zdan, Terry (MIT) Sent: Sat Nov 24 11:20:57 2012 Subject: International Transport Forum recommends 12 ways for governments to make roads safer for pedestrians http://www.greencarcongress.com/2012/11/itf-20121122.html Key recommendations of the report are: 1. Integrate the needs of pedestrians at the earliest stages of urban planning projects and transport investments. 2. Establish clear administrative responsibilities at all levels of government for coordination of initiatives to promote walking. 3. Improve knowledge about walking: Create a standardized methodology for measuring, reporting and monitoring pedestrian mobility. Create national pedestrian observatories and encourage international comparisons. 4. Treat public transport services as an integrated part of the development of new urban areas. This can support a shift towards higher-density, mixed-use walking and transit-oriented urban environments. 5. Give more space to non-motorized traffic in city centres: Provide easy, safe, well-maintained pedestrian access to public transport and city center destinations. Develop car-free areas, discourage over-use of cars in city centres, and prevent parking on pavements and pedestrian crossings. 6. Develop national pedestrian planning guidance for local administrations. Plans should routinely consider the impact of projects on pedestrians and cyclists. They should also include targets for future levels of walking. 7. Encourage employers to create incentives for employees to walk and cycle to work. 8. Adopt a “safe system” approach for the design of walking environments. (The “safe system” approach recognizes that road users make mistakes and requires road design to take account of this to reduce the risk of serious injury). 9. Implement traffic-calming zones and generalize 30 km/h zones (19 mph) in areas with high pedestrian activity. 10. Introduce high-quality road safety education in schools and local community centres. 11. Review current traffic codes to strengthen the legal and financial protection of pedestrians. 12. Commission more research to better understand mobility behavior and trends. http://www.oecdbookshop.org/oecd/display.asp?sf1=identifiers&st1=9789282103… Terry Zdan 126 Duncan Norrie Drive Winnipeg, MB R3P 2J9 204.488.8988

1 0

AT Webinar: Data and Resources to Propel Local Walking Programs and Solutions - Thurs, Nov. 29, 1-2:30, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 23 Nov '12

23 Nov '12

Green Action Centre invites you to join us for a local viewing of the upcoming America Trails webinar at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) followed by group discussion of local applications.* *Detailed description provided below. *Data and Resources to Propel Local Walking Programs and Solutions Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 | 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. CST* RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! Please note that this is a free webinar, so you can also register individually if you prefer (https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/886842880) . cheers, Beth 925-3772 * * * * * * * All Things Walking Webinar Series *Webinar Topic #1: Data and Resources to Propel Local Walking Programs and Solutions* ** ** *Have you wondered how to keep up with all the tools and data available for successful local walking initiatives?* This webinar, the "kickoff" of a new series, will provide you with in-depth information and resources to support your work at the state, tribal and local levels. *Presenters* - Tom Schmid, Sr. Evaluation Specialist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Physical Activity and Health Branch - Laura MacNeil, Planner II, Sam Schwartz Engineering - Scott Bricker, Executive Director, America Walks *Tom* will talk about how the CDC has a growing interest in promoting walking as a critical intervention to improving public health, their recent Vital Signs<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001kaXRK9MspmNDCEyxIqMYkILiFxmAMjWzyMnv43jzxwcA…> report that highlights encouraging trends in walking among adults, and exciting work that addresses walking. *Laura,* whose engineering firm partnered with America Walks to develop the new Steps to a Walkable Community Guide<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001kaXRK9MspmMb-eT7xnBe9FeMvMNQbBQmBlUifO6Xjuh9…>, will talk about the Guide and how to use this book and our "soon-to be-launched" on-line resource to develop strategies toward walkable communities. * * *Scott* will give an overview of how America Walks is working to develop multi-sector partnerships to advance walking initiatives. He'll also talk about our on-line technical resources, community Walking Action Network workshops, and give an update on our national campaign strategy.

1 0

Metro Winnipeg: Winnipeg cyclists not sold on speed limit increases (Nov.20'12)
by Beth McKechnie 22 Nov '12

22 Nov '12

Winnipeg cyclists not sold on speed limit increasesBy Shane Gibson | Metro Winnipeg http://metronews.ca/news/winnipeg/447360/winnipeg-cyclists-not-sold-on-spee… While the province’s Highway Traffic Board considers increasing the speed limit on a number of Winnipeg streets a group of city cyclists who advocate for bike safety say not so fast. Bike to the Future executive director Mark Cohoe told Metro the group would meet Tuesday night to discuss the changes proposed for many four-lane divided streets in Winnipeg. “It’s really seems they haven’t thought about cyclists,” said Cohoe. “They are just thinking about how to get cars moving quicker but they have to put the context of all road users into consideration as well.” The Highway Traffic Board has reviewed all the existing 50-km/h four-lane divided roadways within the city and is considering increasing them to 60-km/h. Board chair Al Rivers explained the idea is to eliminate sections where speed limits suddenly change—which have become popular spots for cops to set up speed traps. “It’s just far too confusing,” said Rivers. “Our job is to make everything as consistent as possible, and when you do that the roadways become safer.” Among the dozens of roadways being considered for increases are University Crescent between Chancellor Matheson Road and Pembina Highway, Broadway between Osborne Street and Main Street and Moray Street between Portage Avenue and Ness Avenue. Cohoe is also worried about pedestrian safety on roadways like Waverly Street between Taylor Avenue and Grant Avenue that have residential houses on both sides. “It seems like they’ve gone with the decision that if a roadway is divided it automatically goes to a higher speed limit, and for some of the areas that doesn’t really make a lot of sense,” he said. The board has three public hearings planned for Nov. 27, Dec. 4, and Dec. 11 to go over the proposed changes with Winnipeggers, and Rivers said it’s too soon to say if or when limits will increase. *A breakdown of streets under consideration for speed limit increases in Winnipeg*: On *November 27/12* the Board will be hearing the following streets: - Dugald Road, between a point 400 metres east and west of Plessis Road; - Grant Avenue, between Kenaston Boulevard and Stafford Street - Pembina Highway, between Ducharme Avenue and the bridge crossing the La Salle River (also under consideration is increasing the speed zone from 60 km/h to 80 km/h between rue des Trappistes to south of Turnbull Drive and increase the 90 km/h to 100 km/h between Turnbull Drive and the City limit); - Waverley Street, between Taylor Avenue and Grant Avenue. On *December 4, 2012* the Board will be hearing the following streets: - Corydon Avenue, between Kelvin Boulevard and Cambridge Street; - Roblin Boulevard, between Haney Street and Wexford Street; - University Crescent, between Chancellor Matheson Road and Pembina Highway. On *December 11, 2012* the Board will be hearing the following streets: - Broadway, between Osborne Street and Main Street; - Memorial Boulevard/Colony Street/Balmoral Street, between Broadway and Qu’Appelle Avenue; - Isabel Street/Salter Street, between William Avenue and Stella Avenue; - Main Street, between Assiniboine Avenue and Manitoba Avenue; - Inkster Boulevard, between Lansdowne Avenue and Main Street; - Moray Street, between Portage Avenue and Ness Avenue; - Wellington Avenue, between the east limit of James Armstrong Richardson International Airport and St. James Street. Additional streets not yet advertised: - Kenaston Boulevard; - Taylor Avenue; - Provencher Boulevard.

2 2

Winnipeg Open House - Manitoba Capital Region Transportation Master Plan
by Janice Lukes 21 Nov '12

21 Nov '12

Just off the phone with Chris Baker, MMM group. Chris is organizing the Manitoba Capital Region Transportation Master Plan consultations <http://www.manitobacapitalregion.ca/downloads/Newsletter-November2012.pdf> . Chris assured me the decision has been made to hold an Open House IN Winnipeg - Date and Location to be announced. Currently the three open houses being held are outside of Winnipeg but due to multiple requests - MMM Group will be holding one in Winnipeg. SEE THE SURVEY posted - please respond - there are multiple active transportation questions: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CRTMP located on this website: http://www.wmcrp.com/ thanks Janice Lukes

1 0

Life in the curb lane
by Dave Elmore 21 Nov '12

21 Nov '12

This is a pretty interesting perspective of life on 2 wheels. Can’t agree with the reference to “hugging the curb” but it unfortunately what many cyclists believe to be safe. http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/life-in-the-curb-lane-1798475… Life in the curb lane A grandmother spends a summer as a bike courier -- and lives to tell the tale By: Bev Watson Bev Watson learned an important lesson in her summer of cycling: Bike couriers don't cry. Bev Watson learned an important lesson in her summer of cycling: Bike couriers don't cry. The traffic on St. Mary's Road didn't seem as busy one morning as I neared Fermor Avenue to head back to the Exchange District. I can pedal at a fairly fast clip when my legs feel like it. I was making good time; I could feel the strength in my quadriceps, and I smiled. I was becoming quite proud of the shape my legs were in and how many miles they could take me on my bike. As I cruised along, I became aware of the roar of a loud engine coming up behind me. That sound seems to spark a "spidey-sense" in cyclists; it usually means a large vehicle is approaching, and you automatically double check to make sure you're hugging the curb. Turning my head slightly to the left, I could see out of the corner of my eye a large dump truck gaining on me at a good clip, but he moved to the left lane. Suddenly, a second dump truck was speeding up to pass him in the curb lane; he was at my side in a split second: engine roaring in my ears, wheels up to my shoulder spinning in a blur, passing me by a whisper. I screamed out loud. And then swore. Out loud. It's my third week as a bike courier. I'm 51 years old. And I'm a grandmother. If I could have caught up with that truck driver, who was probably my son's age or younger, he would have had some finger wagging like never before. What if it were his grandmother, I'd say. How would you feel if someone did that to her? I'd ask him. She could be horribly hurt or even dead, all because someone was in a hurry, I'd nag, shaking my finger in his face. I'm sure he would no more than roll his eyes and drive away shaking his head at the crazy old lady. I worked for Natural Cycle Courier for four months this summer. They deliver anywhere in the city, 12 months a year. They use no cars; larger items are towed behind the bike on a trailer. And they're all very young. I swear I have 10 years on their mothers. But they took me on, and I had a summer like no other. My new job as a bike courier opened my eyes to life in the curb lane. I've heard that cyclists are a nuisance. I've heard sneers at their "saving the environment" and their young, granola-thinking attitudes. I've heard comments that they ride bikes because they just can't afford cars. I know otherwise. We're young; we're old. We're rich; we're poor. We're fit; we're fat. We do indeed "save the environment" to some degree every time we don't use a car, but we do own cars. A few of us weave in and out of traffic; most of us follow the rules of the road, and don't like to be lumped into the same group as the weavers. We are horrified when another cyclist -- stranger or not -- is injured or killed on the streets. And we don't like the "you're just asking for it" responses that we hear. The cyclist you see every day throughout the city is a student saving money to get through university. She's a girl who wants to play her part in doing something "green." He's a janitor making a few extra dollars working as a courier. It's a business woman taking a hiatus for a summer to take her mind off things. It's a grandmother wanting to get into better shape. And none of us want to lose our lives for a dump truck in a hurry. In my four months of pedalling, I've been hit by two cars and wiped out three times. I've cut my knee, scraped my legs and bruised my hips. I've been yelled at: "Get on the sidewalk!" "Get off the sidewalk!" "You're in my lane," and "Get your fat ass off the road." I've discovered a real camaraderie between bike couriers and bike commuters alike. "Girl power!" yelled one cyclist with her long thick red hair flowing out from under her helmet. "Good for you!" calls out one man with a salt-and-pepper beard as he pedals along with his own deliveries. We talk about our bikes, we brag of miles travelled, and we share stories of those close calls. I grew to love the painted bike lanes on the downtown one-way streets. There's something about that solid white line embracing that large white bicycle decal that seems to keep vehicles at a safe distance from our handle bars. Diamond lanes create somewhat of a safe haven for us, even though we share the lane with the biggest vehicles out there -- the city buses. Transit drivers may get frustrated with our speed, but most are amazingly patient. Unpainted streets create a different feel for a cyclist; at times we get crowded out for being "in the car's lane." While some drivers give us no space at all and even speed up to pass, others give us such a wide berth that it causes a danger to cars in the neighbouring lanes. Just take your foot off the gas for a few seconds, squeeze to your left, and you'll be on your way, and so will we. I shake my head at the poorly thought out bike lanes over the Main Street Bridge. If I take the bike lanes within the cement barrier, they force me onto the sidewalk with no safe way to get back onto the road. If I stay on the road, drivers yell at me to get on the other side of the barrier. And the positioning of the southbound bike lane? Thousands of cars headed into St. Vital are forced down to one lane due to a barricaded bike lane that I can't get on to or off of when I'm cycling. This makes no sense for cyclists or for motorized vehicles. I've seen it from both sides of the barrier. You quickly learn of roadways in our city that are not bike friendly, or even worse: downright dangerous. St. Anne's Road in South St. Vital has manhole covers in cement four inches higher than the road's surface. At a minimum, that's a horribly bruised crotch. At its worst, it's a deadly wipe-out waiting to happen. In St. James, the streets are roughest right along the curb. Add that to the very narrow lanes in the congested area and the impatience of the drivers, and it becomes one of the most difficult areas for deliveries. Lagimodiere is simply off limits for cyclists. There's nowhere to go; no paved shoulders and no sidewalks as a safe alternative, legal or not. Travelling in gravel does not work. Just ask my front tire. In my desperation to meet a delivery deadline, I tried to travel along the side of Highway 59 when my tire sunk into the dirt and threw me down hard. My helmet-covered head hit the dirt just a few feet from the white lined edge of the road. My leg slammed into the gravel, the bike chain ripped my skin and the handlebars stabbed into my side. I got up, brushed the dirt off my bleeding leg and straightened out my handlebars, while tears welled up in my eyes. I remember thinking "bike couriers don't cry!" So I walked along the gravel with my beat up bike and hurting body; blinking away tears until I reached the next paved intersection. Then I climbed back on my bike, and cycled away. Making my delivery on time. Bev Watson is a 51-year-old grandmother who has recently hung up her helmet and parked her bike for the winter. She is now driving her car to her much safer office job. Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition November 18, 2012 A8

1 0

WFP: 'Painful' limits reviewed - Manitoba Traffic Board slates public hearings on speed zones (Nov.20'12)
by Beth McKechnie 20 Nov '12

20 Nov '12

'Painful' limits reviewed Manitoba Traffic Board slates public hearings on speed zones By: Bill Redekop http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/painful-limits-reviewed-180094781.ht… There's a stretch of Pembina Highway just outside St. Norbert where there's nothing but open highway in front of you... and a 60-kilometre-per-hour speed limit. "It's painful" trying to keep to 60 km/h, said Todd Dube of WiseUp Winnipeg, who argues the limit should be 80 km/h. "There are horses on one side, a wide-open field on the other, and it's a divided highway." Dube and other Winnipeggers can have their say next week when the Manitoba Traffic Board opens public hearings on several four-lane divided streets where some people think the speed limits are too low and inconsistent with other speed limits. The Manitoba Traffic Board sets speed limits throughout Manitoba, including Winnipeg. The first public hearing is slated for Nov. 27 at 204-301 Weston St. starting at 10 a.m. Two of the disputed sections are on Pembina Highway in St. Norbert. Officials are studying whether to increase the speed limit from 60 km/h to 80 km/h on the aforementioned stretch from Rue des Trappistes to south of Turnbull Drive. It is also studying raising the speed from 50 to 60 km/h on Pembina Highway from north of Ducharme Avenue to south of the bridge crossing La Salle River. "It's long overdue" on both scores, said Dube. "We get calls from people from out of town and from the U.S. (driving into the city on Highway 75) who just can't believe the City of Winnipeg would allow this." Another generator of speeding tickets to be reviewed is a stretch along Dugald Road east and west of Plessis Road. The four-lane divided highway's speed limit is 70 km/h, then drops suddenly to 50 km/h for just 400 metres, then shoots back to 70 km/h. Police are often seen hiding in a forested yard with a radar gun at the start of the 50 km/h stretch. "That is so egregious. We got a call from an RCMP officer who was so outraged at getting a ticket there that she said she was going to fight it," Dube said. WiseUp considers the stretch along Grant Avenue between Kenaston Boulevard and Stafford Street as the worst area in terms of the high volume of photo-radar tickets it generates. A dispute over the accuracy of a photo-radar mobile unit on Grant near Nathaniel Street launched the anti-photo-radar group. Also being debated next week is increasing the speed limit on Waverley Street between Taylor and Grant avenues to 60 km/h. A proposal is also being made to increase the limit to 100 km/h from 90 km/h between a point 300 metres south of Turnbull Drive and the southern city limit. CAA Manitoba also thinks Winnipeg has some questionable speed limits on some four-lane divided roads. "We think (the review) is a really good thing," said Liz Peters, communications manager for CAA Manitoba. "There are some areas where it's been a long time coming, St. Norbert in particular. But even places like on Kenaston, there isn't much reason why the speed limit couldn't be raised a bit." That would improve traffic flow, she said. At the same time, CAA wonders how higher speed limits will mesh with current attempts to reduce speeds in school zones to 30 km/h. CAA is for some higher speed limits "as long as it's not in conflict with things like schools," Peters said. The review is "not just about motorists. It's pedestrians and cyclists and thinking of kids in school zones, too." The Manitoba Traffic Board will hold a second public hearing on Dec. 4 at the same time and place to discuss proposals to increase the speed limit from 50 to 60 km/h on the following streets: -- Corydon Avenue between Kelvin Boulevard and Cambridge Street. -- Roblin Boulevard between Haney and Wexford streets. -- University Crescent between Chancellor Matheson Road and Pembina Highway. Speed limits on Kenaston Boulevard, Taylor Avenue and Provencher Boulevard are already under review. bill.redekop(a)freepress.mb.ca

1 0

Invest in Less: Peg City Car Co-op new Video!
by Shoni Litinsky 19 Nov '12

19 Nov '12

Are you interested in seeing more sustainable transportation options in Winnipeg? Do you want to see less congestion, fewer cars, less parking pressure and less pollution? We share your vision, and that is why as a group of volunteers, we started Peg City Car Co-op which now has 4 vehicles in three neighbourhoods that meet the needs of more than 100 members. We can create more opportunities for biking, busing, and walking in our city and enable individuals to live car-free or car-light. Over the next* 2 years*, our co-op would like to expand into new neighbourhoods and have* 11 vehicles *that serve the transportation needs of *350 members. * *You can help get us there* **Peg City now has investment shares available for purchase! If you would like to see carsharing grow in Winnipeg, and help us reach our expansion goals, this will make it happen. We have been approved as an eligible enterprise under the Province of Manitoba’s *Community Enterprise Development (CED) Tax Credit Program. *<http://pegcitycarcoop.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=6e29483972e08a58af…> *What does this mean, you ask? Well it means that come tax time, *you will be eligible to claim a tax credit of *30% of the amount of* your investment. This is an opportunity to do good for your community (while getting something in return). How great is that? *Learn about the investment shares, and view our new video: * www.vimeo.com/pegcitycarcoop/invest www.pegictycarcoop.ca/invest Thank you, Shoni Litinsky Board Member, Peg City Car Co-op

1 0

Dr Karen K Lee MD MHsc FRPCPC
by Zdan, Terry (MIT) 19 Nov '12

19 Nov '12

http://www.iuhpe.org/uploaded/Regions/NARO/20110608_Symposium/1_FitCity_KLe… Thank you and regards Terry Zdan BA MEDes Policy & Service Developemnt Manitoba Infrastructure & Transportation 1520 215 Garry Street Winnipeg MB R3C 3P3 P 204 945 7381 C 204 227 3724 E Terrry.Zdan(a)gov.mb.ca

1 0

FW: Pedestrian LOS for Unsignalized Crossings (plus Spreadsheet Tool)
by Zdan, Terry (MIT) 19 Nov '12

19 Nov '12

Tools you can use. This compliments the US 2010 Highway Capacity Manual. From: Parks, Jamie Sent: Friday, November 16, 2012 10:13 AM To: members(a)lists.apbp.org<mailto:members@lists.apbp.org> Subject: Pedestrian LOS for Unsignalized Crossings (plus Spreadsheet Tool) Hi All, Apologies in advance for a long, but hopefully helpful email. Most of you are likely aware of the new multimodal LOS procedures in the 2010 Highway Capacity Manual that produce LOS A-F scores for pedestrians and bicycles along street segments and at signals. Fewer people (or so it seems to me) know that the HCM also has a new method for Pedestrian LOS at Unsignalized Crossings (found in Chapter 19: Two-Way Stop-Controlled Intersections). The method uses traffic volumes, crossing distance, and the likely yielding behavior resulting from any traffic control devices that may be present (e.g., rapid flash beacons) to estimate pedestrian delay which in turn determines the LOS grade. Default yield rates for common treatments are provided based on NCHRP 562 and other research, but can be supplemented/adjusted based on local experience. The intent is to complement the NCHRP 562: Pedestrian Safety at Unsignalized Crossings and FHWA Safety Effects of Marked versus Unmarked Crosswalks studies to (1) provide positive guidance on what treatments are likely to be most effective for a given location and (2) demonstrate the need for/impact of crossing investments using a readily understood metric (i.e., LOS). A quick example of how this works for a road diet and rapid flash beacon applied to a 4-lane undivided highway: Before Conditions: 4-lanes, undivided 44 foot crossing distance 2,000 vehicles per hour 10% yield rate (based on standard marked crosswalk) Results: Delay = 600s, LOS = F Note: actual pedestrians would not wait 10 minutes to cross here. They would likely walk to the nearest signal, pick a small gap in traffic and run, or cross "frogger-style" where they do not wait for the entire roadway is clear to begin crossing. The point is that any of these results are extreme inconveniences to pedestrians, and potential safety hazards. Conversion to 3-lane section with median island: 2-lanes, divided 11 foot crossing distance (x2 for each stage) 1,000 vehicles per hour (x2 for each stage) 10% yield rate Results: Delay = 15s, LOS = C Conversion to 3-lane section with Median Island (plus Rapid Flash Beacon): 2-lanes, divided 11 foot crossing distance (x2 for each stage) 1,000 vehicles per hour (x2 for each stage) 80% yield rate (based on rapid flash beacon research) Results: Delay = 4s, LOS = A The results show dramatic improvements for pedestrians from the road diet, which could be used to justify the expense or demonstrate the benefits of such a conversion (especially useful if the conversion were to degrade auto LOS). Compared to the urban streets Ped LOS, the methodology is easy to apply and generally provides intuitive results (for instance, road diets actually DEGRADE urban streets ped LOS in many cases). Of course I may be biased, since I helped develop the unsignalized methodology! Anyway, the biggest downside to the unsignalized methodology is that is requires a lot of math (probability associated with yielding across multiple lanes, etc.), and it recently came to my attention that unfortunately none of the 2010 HCM software yet includes the methodology. To that end, I have created what I hope is a user-friendly spreadsheet/computational engine to implement the procedures. With this spreadsheet, getting results takes only a couple minutes (I spent 4 minutes putting together the example shown above). I've placed a copy of the spreadsheet on my Dropbox here: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/92064587/Ch19_PedLOS.xlsx. Please take a look, play around with it, and see what you think. I've left everything unprotected so that people can what's going on, check the formulas, and alter it for their purposes, but please use caution not to disrupt the calculations! If you've read this far, thanks for bearing with me. Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions. Best, Jamie Jamie Parks, AICP Complete Streets Program Manager City of Oakland | Public Works Agency | APWA Accredited Agency 250 Frank H Ogawa Plaza, Ste 4314 | Oakland, CA 94612 (510) 238-6613| (443) 235-6873 Mobile Report A Problem | Public Works Agency Call Center | (510) 615-5566 www.oaklandpw.com<http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/PWA/Connect/ReportaProblem/index.htm> | pwacallcenter(a)oaklandnet.com<mailto:pwacallcenter@oaklandnet.com> | Mobile app: SeeClickFix<http://www.seeclickfix.com/oakland/>

1 0