- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Winter Bike to Work Day Results, Registration, Photos, etc.
by Anders Swanson 01 Mar '13

01 Mar '13

[ Not sure if this info got posted to the listserv already or not, but here's the super-interesting results from Winnipeg's (and quite a few other places') first ever Winter Bike to Work Day. This info was in an email that went out to all the registrants last week. If you want to be the first to get info for next year, feel to register anytime<http://winterbiketoworkday.org/registe-to-ride/>. - Anders ] - - - Winter Bike to Work Day 2013 was a success! Six communities officially took part, with 492 winter cyclists taking the time to register from 31 different communities across 3 continents. Almost 15% of you rode for the first time! For full details, check out your community's results and the revealing answers from the opinion surveys<http://winterbiketoworkday.us6.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=f147afc96aebc…>. Also, see what 391 of you had to say about "what I love most about biking in thewinter<http://winterbiketoworkday.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f147afc96aebc6…> ...". And, have a look at some fabulous photos, including the contest winners.<http://winterbiketoworkday.us6.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=f147afc96aebc…> Want to help grow the event next year? Fill out a quick form to state your interest in volunteering or organizing<http://winterbiketoworkday.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f147afc96aebc6…> . See you in 2014! winterbiketoworkday.org

1 0

Active School Travel Webinar Series
by Shoni Litinsky 01 Mar '13

01 Mar '13

Looks like our Walking and Wheeling webinar series<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/walking-and-wheeling-webinar-series/>was such a success that our Active and Safe Routes to School partners in Ontario will be doing one as well! We will not be able to host all of them here at the Eco-Centre, but when we can I will send a reminder and invitation. Please register with Sandra Jones to watch from your own computer: scjones(a)telus.net Please check your own access to the WALKS room on this link below. Click 'Allow' when promoted, or follow the instruction; for instance to update JAVA. Guest Link here<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001txjSoZpK2mCKvai5APqy9DIcNLkRylU3EDFTaS3mOGEE…> . *Wednesday March 6 - 11am-1:30pm CST * *THE REALITY OF WORKING WITH HIGH SCHOOLS* This active school travel webinar will include presentations and discussion of the rewards and challenges of working with high school students. These are the projects and presenters: *Adapting School Travel Planning for High Schools *Jamie Stuckless will present findings of a Green Communities Canada-directed pilot in Ottawa that took place between September 2010 and December 2012. *Experiences Engaging High School Students *Omar Bhimji with HASTe BC will share his insights. *Making Tracks With High School Students *Jen McGowan will present on programs offered through the Ecology Action Centre, Nova Scotia *Supporting Our High Schools *Share The Road representative Jamie Stuckless will update on their latest work. * * *Wednesday April 3 - 11:00am-12:30pm CST* *PROGRESS IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES* We are pleased to have municipal planners and other community professionals join us to present on School Travel Planning and active school travel projects in: - The City of Vernon, BC - The City of Edmonton, AB - Rural Yukon communities - Bridgewater, Nova Scotia (to be confirmed) - Case study highlights from Ontario *Tuesday April 30 - 11:00am-12:30pm CST* *TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENTS IN STP AND ASRTS* Developers of unique active school travel apps for web and mobile devices will share their latest findings and updates. The presenters are: - Anders Swanson. Background information is at www.greenactioncentre.ca<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001txjSoZpK2mDWbaAyS3pX5W1K9BKtlMIkmvj_hKjj1VsQ…> Bike, Walk Roll Project mapping app development - Ken Martin. A link for app use is at iSchoolTravel: Active Travel and Emissions Calculator<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001txjSoZpK2mC4JuEOKTwu146CR934GtkXL2wN0_Seu2uD…> *Wednesday June 19 - 11:00am-12:30pm CST* *LOCAL AIR QUALITY AND CHILDREN'S MOBILITY* This session will provide results and highlights from the Hamilton, Ontario air quality monitoring project at St. Lawrence Catholic School. The project, a joint effort of Green Venture, Rotek Environmental, Clean Air Hamilton and Green Communities Canada, with support from Environment Canada's Air Quality Health Index, has involved elementary students in the collection and analysis of air quality data around the school and in action planning. St. Lawrence has been an active participant in the Stepping It Up (School Travel Planning) project with Metrolinx as well as Share the Road and Green Communities' Wheeling to School pilot. Funding for the above webinar series is provided by the Ontario Ministry of Health. 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

Whose Winnipeg?
by Beth McKechnie 01 Mar '13

01 Mar '13

Thought this might be of interest from an AT perspective, among others of course. Apologies for cross-postings. Please see attached, and circulate widely: *Whose Winnipeg? A forum to discuss public process and city decisions* Thursday March 14, 6-8pm Carol Shields Auditorium Millennium Library 251 Donald St Hosted by the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg in partnership with Planners Network Manitoba OURS Winnipeg For the Love of Winnipeg For more information, call the Social Planning Council: 204-943-256<204-943-2561>

1 0

Stay safe, take transit
by Dave Elmore 01 Mar '13

01 Mar '13

http://www.theprovince.com/Stay+safe+take+transit+says+study+revealing+great er+risks+driving+cycling+especially+motorbikes/8032362/story.html Stay safe, take transit, says study revealing greater risks of driving, cycling and especially motorbikes By Ian Austin, The Province February 28, 2013 The lead author of a new study endorses Vancouver's efforts to make cycling and walking safer, with a growing network of greenways and separated bike paths. If you want to be safe, take the bus - and leave the motorbike on blocks. That's the conclusion from a new study on the relative safety of the car, bicycle and motorcycle as opposed to walking and public transit. Buses and public transit are much, much safer than any other mode of transport, while motorbikes are much, much more dangerous than anything else. Canada is about twice as dangerous as the model transportation nation - tiny Holland, with its hordes of cyclists - and considerably safer than the most dangerous nation, the car-crazed United States. Meghan Winters led a group of Simon Fraser University and University of B.C. researchers who found that 200 B.C. lives would be saved each year if we could emulate the safe streets of the Netherlands. "Lower speeds, and put in separate areas dedicated for cyclists and walkers," said Winters, when asked where she'd start to make Vancouver safer. "Public transit, cycling and walking are all sustainable modes of transport we should be encouraging." Buses and public transit were far and away the optimum choice for the safety conscious - 20 times safer than cars, bicycles and walking, which all scored roughly the same. For those who live on the wild side, riding a motorcycle is fully 25 times as dangerous as driving, cycling or walking. Rehabilitation facilities such as G.F. Strong are full of the victims of tragic motorbike crashes, with lengthy regimens for bikers who are particularly vulnerable to crashes. Winters endorses Vancouver's efforts to make cycling and walking safer, with a growing network of greenways and separated bike paths along with traffic calming roundabouts. Concerned about a spike in pedestrian deaths, Vancouver also recently lowered the speed limit to 30 km/h on a high-volume Downtown Eastside corridor as a pilot project. "Speed kills," said Winters, an SFU assistant professor of health sciences. "Reducing speeds lowers the severity of the injuries." - See more at: http://www.theprovince.com/Stay+safe+take+transit+says+study+revealing+great er+risks+driving+cycling+especially+motorbikes/8032362/story.html#sthash.lTV egH6n.dpuf

1 0

Request for literature - built environment impact in rural, remote and northern communities
by Beth McKechnie 27 Feb '13

27 Feb '13

Request for Literature: We are conducting a literature review (academic and grey) on the impact of built environment features on physical activity and/or healthy eating and/or health equity in rural, remote, and northern communities. This project is funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada. The final product will be a knowledge synthesis report that includes an annotated biography. This report has the potential to provide guidance in addressing the unique challenges and needs that these communities face in improving the health outcomes of their populations. In addition to conducting a search for peer-reviewed literature in databases (e.g. PsychoINFO, MEDLINE) we are also seeking practitioner and/or academic input. REQUEST: If you are aware of academic literature OR grey literature (reports, conference proceedings, dissertations and theses and white papers) on this topic, please send us a link or reference information to Kim Bergeron @ kim(a)buildingbetter.biz by March 8, 2013. Please disseminate this request widely. Sincerely, Kim Bergeron and Sue Cragg Research Consultants Kim Bergeron, Ph.D. Sue Cragg Bergeron Consulting suecraggconsulting.ca

1 0

Invitation to participate in GMF's next webinar: Shifting Gears — The Road to Sustainable Transportation, Friday, March 1st
by Beth McKechnie 27 Feb '13

27 Feb '13

We are not around to host this FCM Green Municipal Fund webinar at the EcoCentre on Friday afternoon but if you're interested in viewing it, you can register (for free) at the link below. cheers, Beth ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Stéphanie Bohdanow <sbohdanow(a)fcm.ca> Date: Wed, Feb 27, 2013 at 8:04 AM Subject: Invitation to participate in GMF's next webinar: Shifting Gears — The Road to Sustainable Transportation, Friday, March 1st Hello, Given your past participation in one of GMF’s transportation-focused webinars, I’d like to invite you to participate in our upcoming webinar entitled “*Shifting Gears — The Road to Sustainable Transportation*<http://fcm.ca/home/events/upcoming-events/webinar-shifting-gears-the-road-t…> *”*. The webinar will be taking place this *Friday, March 1, 2:30–4:00 p.m. EST*. A description of the webinar can be found below. Registration is free and can be done online by clicking *here*<http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=N5dd7OTOVNSXu9qU_2foLBew_3d_3d> . I hope you’ll join us! Kind regards, Stephanie Voir la version française<https://vem.fcm.ca/elink.aspx?edb0457d-6180-e211-ba40-005056bc2614Q1JNUFJPR…>. | View email in your browser.<https://vem.fcm.ca/elink.aspx?eeb0457d-6180-e211-ba40-005056bc2614Q1JNUFJPR…> [image: cid:vem_e2efa84b-63ac-43d0-aa57-20ade57c6bd2] [image: cid:vem_cfc28f5f-d3f1-4ff6-826e-c76300043729]<http://www.facebook.com/pages/FCM/201746766534992> [image: cid:vem_b999b53e-1af3-46df-9e88-3201edbdc5a5]<http://www.linkedin.com/company/federation-of-canadian-municipalities> [image: cid:vem_dc6c16a7-0e9d-4b41-a0b1-03c5b80fc778]<http://twitter.com/#!/FCM_online> [image: cid:vem_aa9f2929-0bcb-4aaa-859a-9b452fea8615] February 26, 2013 Register for our March 1 webinar: Shifting Gears — The Road to Sustainable Transportation FCM is pleased to announce a new free Green Municipal Fund<http://www.fcm.ca/gmf>(GMF) webinar: *Shifting Gears: The Road to Sustainable Transportation** Part 4 of GMF’s Leading Trends in Municipal Sustainability webinar series* *Friday, March 1, 2012, 2:30–4:00 p.m. EST* *Speakers* - Damien Forbes, P.Eng., Senior Project Engineer, Toronto Transit Commission <http://www.ttc.ca/> - Erik Backstrom, Senior Planner, Transit Oriented Development Planning, City of Edmonton <http://www.edmonton.ca/> - Malcolm Shield, Climate Programs Engineer, Sustainability Group, City of Vancouver <http://www.vancouver.ca/> Communities of all sizes are encouraging the use of alternative transportation to help reduce local greenhouse gas emissions, promote active lifestyles, and ensure accessibility for citizens of all ages and abilities. This webinar will feature innovative municipal initiatives that support the transition to electric vehicles and help create built environments that encourage active living and increased use of public transit. Speakers will share the keys to their success and the insights gained from their experiences, and provide participants with valuable knowledge, which can be applied to their own communities. Register<http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=N5dd7OTOVNSXu9qU_2foLBew_3d_3dhttp://…>for this webinar online. You will receive a confirmation within one working day. *Questions?* Please contact Stephanie Bohdanow <sbohdanow(a)fcm.ca> at 613-907-6262. For more great sustainability resources, visit our website<http://fcm.ca/home/programs/green-municipal-fund/program-resources.htm> . ------------------------------ *What is a webinar? *A webinar is an interactive, web-based workshop that will inform and inspire you from the comfort of your home or office. *How much does it cost? *FCM’s Green Municipal Fund webinars are free of charge. *Learn with your colleagues.* Book a meeting room with a phone and an Internet connection and invite your colleagues to participate. Webinars are a great opportunity to discuss how the featured topics relate to your community. The Government of Canada endowed the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) with $550 million to establish the Green Municipal Fund™. The Fund supports partnerships and leveraging of both public and private-sector funding to reach higher standards of air, water and soil quality, and climate protection. [image: cid:vem_75c737af-06e8-4ff7-83a6-cc5b7234fb57] [image: cid:vem_6ba54ce8-d664-44c8-a766-f5b9e2fb932c] Green Municipal Fund Update is a publication of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities <http://www.fcm.ca/>. ©2013. Comments, inquiries and suggestions can be directed to Lorie Boucher<lboucher(a)fcm.ca> . 24 Clarence Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5P3 • T. 613-241-5221 • F. 613-241-7440 | Privacy Policy <http://www.fcm.ca/home/privacy-policy.htm> | Unsubscribe<velferink@fcm.ca?subject=Please%20unsubscribe%20me%20from%20your%20mailing%20list> [image: https://vem.fcm.ca/elink.aspx?efb0457d-6180-e211-ba40-005056bc2614Q1JNUFJPR…] Stéphanie Bohdanow Program Officer, Capacity Building | Agente de programme, Renforcement des capacités Green Municipal Fund Fonds municipal vert <http://www.fcm.ca> 24, rue Clarence Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5P3 T. 613-907-6262 | F. 613-244-1515

1 0

Parker lands BRT route news fails to mention AT benefits
by Beth McKechnie 26 Feb '13

26 Feb '13

(Please see message below) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Terry Zdan <tjzdan50(a)gmail.com> Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:48:14 -0600 Subject: Parker Lands BRT route news fails to mention AT benefits http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/Committee-OKs-rapid-transit-corridor… -- Terry Zdan 126 Duncan Norrie Drive Wpg MB R3P 2J9 CANADA tjzdan50(a)gmail.com <tjzdan(a)gmasil.com>

1 0

WFP: Walk this way - Pedestrian signals, street redesigns helping to make intersections safer (Feb.23'13)
by Beth McKechnie 23 Feb '13

23 Feb '13

Walk this way Pedestrian signals, street redesigns helping to make intersections safer By: Bruce Owen http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/walk-this-way-192666351.html It's been blinking for less than a year, but already it's being trumpeted as one of the best ways to make busy city intersections safer for pedestrians and drivers. It's called a pedestrian countdown signal and it sits at the corner of Portage Avenue and Donald Street across from the MTS Centre. Like its name, it counts down the number of seconds pedestrians headed to a Jets game or an arena concert have to safely cross the street before the traffic signal for the oncoming lane turns green. It was installed in June by the city as a way to introduce Winnipeggers to something more common in other cities. The countdown signal is just one tool traffic experts use to make streets safer, but how soon we'll see more of them in the city is unknown. They can only be installed where existing software and wiring can support them, and more importantly, when the city's budget process supports it. The cost of the countdown signal is about $10,000 per intersection. "There's no plan with timeline," Winnipeg traffic signals engineer Michael Cantor said of future installations. "We're trying to push for it. There's a benefit from them. It gives pedestrians an enhanced feeling of safety when they're crossing. They know exactly how much time they have to cross." Pedestrian countdown signals are now mandatory in the United States -- any new or replacement pedestrian signals being installed must include countdowns unless the pedestrian change interval (flashing upraised hand) is seven seconds or less. In Canada, they are not, but many cities (Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary) have installed them anyway, simply because of the safety benefit. Asif Iqbal, senior traffic safety engineer with the City of Edmonton, said the benefit of countdown signals is best seen in that city's downtown area, where there is a lot of foot traffic. He said Edmonton's policy is that any new interaction location or reconstruction is considered for a countdown signal. The city's first countdown signal was installed about five years ago. "Drivers like them too, because it gives them an idea on how much time they have before the light is going to turn amber," Iqbal said. "Our message, though, is that these are for pedestrians, and drivers should not rely on them." Cantor said the single countdown signal at Portage and Donald has already sparked several requests from city councillors and members of the public to have them installed at other locations, mostly in the downtown. He said there is mixed research on the cost-benefit of the signals -- do they reduce pedestrian collisions and costs to the health-care system? Cantor said the research isn't decisive and that in some jurisdictions, people get used to the countdown signals and their novelty runs out, so any safety benefit is temporary. "Different studies say different things," he said. "We want to put them in because we feel that it will give more of a safety component and better decision-making tool for pedestrians before they cross. It just feels safer when you know how many seconds you have to cross." Traffic engineers are also looking at other ways to make intersections safer but still maintain traffic flow. Edmonton's Iqbal said the most common crashes at intersections are rear-enders, mostly caused by the trailing vehicle following too closely. By re-engineering the geometry or design of some intersections, Edmonton has found it can lessen the chances of those collisions and also reduce the possibility of more severe right-angle or side crashes. Iqbal said a re-designed intersection makes it easier for drivers making right turns to turn their head sideways to see opposing traffic. "If the angle is such that when you are going through that right turn, it moves you away from that stream of traffic, it becomes difficult to turn your head, because you have to turn your head almost 180 degrees so that you can see if someone is coming," Iqbal said of older intersections. What Edmonton has done at some of its intersections is reduce the size of the right-turning lane or eliminate it, making oncoming traffic more visible to drivers going right. "What we did was when you are making a right turn now, the angle is such that when you go into the intersection, you basically make a 90-degree right turn," he said. "We call it a high-entry angle." By its design, a high-entry angle not only improves visibility for drivers turning right, but forces them to slow down before entering the intersection, he said. "If you look at statistics for most major cities, intersections are overrepresented for most collisions," said Gerry Shimko, executive director of Edmonton's Office of Traffic Safety. "Typically, more than 50 per cent of all collisions are intersection-related." An example of a change of intersection design in Winnipeg is at Salter Street and Jefferson Avenue. Last year, the four-way stop signs were replaced by traffic signals. They were installed as a way to better control an increasing amount of traffic on both streets during rush hour. In the process, a right-turning lane northbound off Salter to go east on Jefferson was eliminated. A small pedestrian island also disappeared. That was done more to realign the intersection and facilitate the installation of the traffic signals, city road engineer Stephen Chapman said. However, the road change now makes it easier for drivers turning right onto Jefferson from northbound Salter to see oncoming traffic and pedestrians. The change has also "calmed" traffic down. Chapman said traffic signals were also installed at Sinclair Street and Inkster Boulevard at the same time to reduce right-angle crashes. "We had a pattern of westbound with southbound right-angle collisions," he said -- there were 19 over a three-year period. Chapman said other busy intersections don't get traffic signals -- they get turned into roundabouts, which also reduce the chance of right-angle collisions. The most recent examples are Grassie Boulevard at Molson Street, and Lakewood Boulevard at Beaverhill Boulevard. For the worst intersections in the city, such as Leila Avenue and McPhillips Street, they see more crashes simply because of the high volume of traffic. Most collisions are fender-benders, such as rear-end crashes. "That's not necessarily something that can be engineered out," Chapman said. Shimko said Edmonton is also targeting high-risk drivers as a way to reduce collisions. That includes identifying drivers with a high number of traffic violations -- 12 or more over a two-year period. It's those drivers, who also tend to have criminal records, who are typically involved in serious collisions. "There are high-risk drivers that need to be dealt with and identified for police intervention, because that will be the only thing that will basically deal with them," he said. "Police go out and target the registered owners of these cars to deal with the offending drivers. They've had some initial good success." What Edmonton also does is divert some of the proceeds from its automated or photo-enforcement program back into traffic safety, including road redesign to lessen right-angle collisions. In Winnipeg, photo-enforcement revenue goes into policing. "We made a conscious choice that traffic safety is important," Shimko said. *bruce.owen(a)freepress.mb.ca* ** *TOP 10 worst intersections for vehicle collisions, June 2002-June 2012* Leila Avenue and McPhillips Street 1,736 Kenaston Boulevard and McGillivray Boulevard 1,719 Lagimodiere Boulevard and Regent Avenue 1,347 Grant Avenue and Kenaston Boulevard 1,343 Bishop Grandin Boulevard and St. Mary's Road 1,162 Bishop Grandin Boulevard and St. Anne's Road 1,077 Archibald Street and Marion Avenue 1,017 Portage Avenue and Moray Street 986 Portage Avenue and Main Street 943 Bishop Grandin Boulevard and Waverley Street 919 * * *TOP five worst intersections for vehicle-pedestrian collisions over five-year period 2007-11:* Portage Avenue and Cavalier Drive 9* Henderson Highway and McLeod Avenue 8 McPhillips Street and Jefferson Avenue 8* Isabel Street and William Avenue 7* Osborne Street and River Avenue 7 *denotes location of one of city's photo-enforcement intersection cameras *Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 23, 2013 A4 *

1 0

WFP: Review of speed limits planned - Province to soon begin wide probe seeking consistent, safe standards (Feb.14'13)
by Beth McKechnie 21 Feb '13

21 Feb '13

Review of speed limits planned Province to soon begin wide probe seeking consistent, safe standards By: Bruce Owen http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/review-of-speed-limits-planned-19117… The Selinger government is days away from announcing a provincewide review of speed limits on Manitoba's roadways. Infrastructure and Highways Minister Steve Ashton said Wednesday the goal of the review is to devise more consistent standards of how speed limits are set on Manitoba's highways and streets, including in Winnipeg and Brandon. That includes addressing the "patchwork-quilt" application of speed limits by municipalities and taking into account newer, better-designed roadways that can handle higher speeds. "You're not going to get one-size-fits-all," Ashton said. "But there are certain basic parameters that do apply and there are ways of dealing with things. "What we're trying to get here, and the balance of the review will reflect that, is making sure that we get the recognition of local realities, but at the same time have some consistent speed limits and guidelines." He said the two basic speed-limit guidelines in Manitoba are that when driving in the city, the speed limit is 50 km/h unless otherwise posted and when driving on the highway, the speed limit is 90 km/h or 100 km/h unless otherwise posted. "We'll look at all those elements," he said. "We're going to look at the general parameters in terms of speed limits and a combination of everything from the convenience side of it to safety. Safety will always be paramount." CAA Manitoba and the Manitoba Trucking Association welcomed the upcoming review, saying it's badly needed to address inconsistencies in how speed limits are determined. "A lot of development has been done over the last 10 to 20 years and as they've added roads, Bishop Grandin and Kenaston, I don't think there's been a lot of consistency," CAA Manitoba vice-president of marketing and sales Tim Scott said. "A lot of roads have been developed from single lanes to two lanes and that makes a big difference. "But the litmus test is always safety." Terry Shaw, general manager of the Manitoba Trucking Association, said more consistent speed limits would mean better efficiencies for the trucking industry. "Efficiency comes through setting speeds based on an informed decision, which comes from a legitimate study," Shaw said. "Our concern is the inconsistencies -- the 60 to 50, the 70 to 50, items like that, the inconsistencies without legitimate reasons or legitimate purpose or inconsistent signage." Ashton said the review -- which will include public consultation -- will not alter the province's position on reduced speeds in school zones. Last year, Ashton introduced legislation to give local authorities the power to create reduced-speed zones for schools. Last August, Winnipeg city council voted unanimously to reduce the speed limit to 30 kilometres per hour in elementary school zones. Last month, a city committee rejected a call to reduce the residential speed limit in Winnipeg from 50 km/h to 40 km/h. A city report said many studies conducted throughout North America showed driver speed is affected by the road conditions and not by speed-limit signs. Ashton said the provincial review is separate from the work of the province's Highway Traffic Board, which is considering raising speed limits on selected stretches of city streets, including sections of Dugald Road, Grant Avenue, Pembina Highway and Waverley Street. The board held public hearings late last fall. However, he added the provincial review will examine the role of both the Highway Traffic Board and the Motor Transport Board. The boards were amalgamated more than a decade ago and serve different functions: The wHighway Traffic Board is responsible for the administration of speed limits, and the Motor Transport Board is responsible for the licensing of truck operations and intercity buses, plus regulating rates for intra-provincial bus operations. The province last increased the speed limit on certain sections of twinned roadways in Manitoba to 110 km/h in July 2009, including the Trans-Canada Highway from the Saskatchewan border to Virden and Highway 75 from the Emerson border crossing to St. Jean Baptiste. bruce.owen(a)freepress.mb.ca *A DRIVING FORCE*: CAA Manitoba recently questioned 8,628 of its members on driving and speeding *How acceptable do you personally feel it is for a driver to drive above the speed limit on a highway?* Completely acceptable 5.8% (498) Somewhat acceptable 43.6% (3,755) Somewhat unacceptable 25.1% (2,161) Completely unacceptable 25.0% (2,155) I don't know 0.04% (34) *How acceptable do you personally feel it is for a driver to drive above the speed limit on a residential street?* Completely acceptable 2.0% (169) Somewhat acceptable 4.7% (400) Somewhat unacceptable 17.2% (1,478) Completely unacceptable 75.8% (6,496) I don't know 0.3% (29) *When on a residential street, how often do you drive over the speed limit?* All the time 0.6% (49) More than half the time 1.5% (130) On occasion 13.8% (1,172) Very rarely 48.0% (4,080) Never 36.0% (3,064) Not applicable 0.1% (12) *When on a highway, how often do you drive over the speed limit?* All the time 6.2% (525) More than half the time 23.6% (2,006) On occasion 38.4% (3,266) Very rarely 24.0% (2,045) Never 7.5% (636) Not applicable 0.4% (34) *Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 14, 2013 A3 *

1 0

WFP online: Lower vehicle speeds, separated bike lanes lower risk of cyclist injuries - study (Feb.20,13)
by Beth McKechnie 21 Feb '13

21 Feb '13

Lower vehicle speeds, separated bike lanes lower risk of cyclist injuries; study By: The Canadian Press http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/reduced-vehicle-speeds-separated-bi… TORONTO - Some simple changes to the infrastructure of Canadian cities could go a long way towards keeping the country's biking enthusiasts safe from harm, a team of researchers suggested Wednesday. Erecting physical barriers between traffic and bicycle lanes, ensuring relatively flat commuting surfaces and regulating vehicle speeds all have the potential to curtail cycling injuries on city streets, they said. The findings came from a cross-country team of researchers and was published in the Journal Injury Prevention. The team's objective was to explore the factors that contribute to Canada's strikingly high rate of cycling-related injuries, according to the study's lead author. Anne Harris, assistant professor with Ryerson University's school of Occupational and Public Health, said several previous studies have established that North American cyclists are eight to 30 times more likely to be injured on the road than their counterparts in European countries such as Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands. The figures could not simply be chalked up to cycling volumes, she added. "In the cycling countries of northern Europe, you see a much larger proportion of trips taken by bicycle and much lower injury rates," Harris said in a telephone interview. "We thought one of the reasons that there might be differences is because of the availability of bicycling infrastructure." Harris and her team interviewed 690 cyclists who were injured badly enough to require a trip to a hospital emergency room between May 2008 and November 2009. The injuries came on either the streets of Vancouver or Toronto. Researchers compared the point at which the interview subject got hurt with earlier intersections along the route that were passed without incident. The findings, Harris said, allowed the team to draw some conclusions about potential safety innovations for Canadian city streets. One comparatively simple measure would be the introduction of bike lanes that are physically separated from the street, she said. "Just as we know that separating pedestrians from motor vehicle traffic is a really important thing to do with sidewalks, we're seeing evidence that we need to separate bicyclists from motor vehicles with the use of segregated facilities." Those facilities need not be elaborate or expensive, she said, adding rows of planters are often enough to provide a protective barrier between cars and bikes. Such lanes are the norm in Europe, she said, adding designated bike paths marked out only by a painted line do not offer the same degree of protection. Regulating traffic speeds could also prevent injuries, Harris said, adding accidents were 50 per cent less likely to take place at intersections where traffic moved at 30 kilometres an hour or less. Traffic circles also posed additional dangers to cyclists, the study suggested. Harris said researchers also noted certain types of terrain that were more likely to result in a trip to the hospital. Upward slopes were safer than downward ones, she said, adding flat surfaces offered the most protection of all. Canada's naturally hilly cities would be powerless to address this concern, she conceded, but added centres such as Toronto are ideally equipped to implement infrastructure changes that could have benefits beyond road safety. Increased cycling use, she argued, could have positive ramifications on everything from gridlock to the environment. "Much of the infrastructure changes that would make things safer are also attractive to bicyclists, so it would encourage more people to ride," she said. "It's a public health issue."

1 0

AT Webinar: Municipal Bicycle Parking Programs, Wed, Feb 27, 2-3 pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 21 Feb '13

21 Feb '13

Green Action Centre and Stantec Consulting invite you to join us for a local viewing of the *second* of four APBP webinars on bicycle parking. It takes place at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) and will be followed by group discussion of local applications. * Municipal Bicycle Parking Programs** Wed, Feb. 27, 2013 | 2:00-3:00 pm CST* RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth 925-3772 * * * * * * * Municipal Bicycle Parking Programs This session focuses on the application of the basic principles to develop a municipal or regional bicycle parking program. A particular point of the presentation involves the development of an on-street parking program with both sidewalk and high capacity components. The APBP guide to development of codes and policies is discussed, as are funding and delivery methods for public bicycle parking programs. The session also covers differing requirements for residential, civic, commercial and industrial programs and the impact of bike share programs on bicycle parking. Who should attend? Municipal staff, transit agency staff, managers of educational, corporate and healthcare campuses, and members of Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committees (BPACs), as well as elected officials and staff of bicycle advocacy organizations. Both the experienced agency manager and those new to developing bicycle parking solutions will benefit. *For future dates and topics in the Bicycle Parking Webinar series, see: * http://greenactioncentre.ca/event/apbp-bicycle-parking-webinar-series/

1 0

Webinar Handouts - Driving Deaths Down: Proven Countermeasures that Work
by Mark Cohoe 19 Feb '13

19 Feb '13

Hi, Just a reminder that Bike to the Future and the Green Action Centre are hosting the APBP webinar Driving Deaths Down: Proven Countermeasures that Work tomorrow @ 2pm in the MB Eco-Centre. Handouts for the webinar can be downloaded here <http://www.apbp.org/?page=Webinar_Downloads>. See you there, Mark

1 0

From the WFP
by Stacy Matwick 15 Feb '13

15 Feb '13

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION Winter cycling no longer weird in Winterpeg Numbers seem to be slowly rising By: Bartley Kives Posted: 1:00 AM | Comments: 0<http://www.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?expire=&title=Winter+cycling+n…>g [JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A cyclist rides on the pedestrian bridge towards Jubilee Avenue this week. There are no hard numbers on a rise in winter biking.] Enlarge Image<http://media.winnipegfreepress.com/images/4746248.jpg> JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A cyclist rides on the pedestrian bridge towards Jubilee Avenue this week. There are no hard numbers on a rise in winter biking. As recently as the 1990s, the only people brave enough to ride bicycles throughout a Winnipeg winter were a half-dozen crazy couriers and a few other Lycra-clad diehards willing to endure hostile road conditions and even more hostile motorists. Two decades later, Winnipeg winters remain almost just as frigid. Yet, seeing Winnipeggers bike to work in February is no longer any weirder than watching a lineup of cars snake out of a Tim Hortons drive-thru. Like almost every other North American city, Winnipeg has witnessed a rise in the number of people who commute by bike during the winter. The precise nature of this increase is unknown, however, as there are no reliable recent statistics regarding Winnipeg commuter-cyclist numbers. Seven years ago, the City of Winnipeg's seminal Active Transportation Study found 2.3 per cent of all Winnipeg workers and university students rode their bikes to their jobs or classes on a regular basis. The belief is that proportion has grown, as the cost of filling up and maintaining automobiles has only risen since 2006, along with the awareness of the health and environmental benefits of cycling. But no one has a clear handle on the number of regular Winnipeg winter cyclists, aside from anecdotal evidence. "Even among avid cyclists, winter cycling is an oddity," said Andrea Tetrault, a regular summer bike commuter and occasional winter cyclist who blogs at winnipegcyclechick.com. This morning, she'll be among the Winnipeggers taking part in Winter Bike To Work Day, an international event intended to encourage more people to try the once-unusual pursuit. While it may seem counterintuitive, she finds riding her bike in temperatures below -20 C way easier than cycling when it's just below zero, as extreme cold transforms the ice and snow on city streets into a harder, more predictable riding surface. Warmer winter weather creates sloppier conditions that demand more bike maintenance in the form of cleaning. Staying warm on a bike during the winter isn't all that difficult when you're moving, provided you take care to insulate your hands. Cleaning your bike during the winter is a bigger annoyance, which is why some cyclists just buy a garage-sale beater and ride it into the ground over the course of one season. The real limiting factor is road maintenance, suggests Anders Swanson, an avid cyclist who travelled to Oulu, Finland, this week to attend the world's first Winter Cycling Congress. Somewhat optimistically, Swanson titled his presentation Winnipeg, Winter Cycling Capital of North America, and immediately got called out on Twitter by an indignant Edmontonian. Oulu, which sits at 65 degrees north, is almost as cold as Winnipeg but quite a bit darker during the winter. Oulu also resembles Winnipeg in that it's not particularly dense, yet it still enjoys an extremely vibrant winter-cycling culture. "The first thing that's immediately apparent is everybody rides -- your grandma, teenagers and stylish young women," Swanson said over the phone from Oulu, where he said the McDonald's has more bicycle parking than motor-vehicle stalls. "Until you've seen something like that, it's hard to fathom." Swanson said the key to winter cycling's popularity in Oulu and other European cities is regular snow-clearing on all bike paths. Successful winter-cycling cities also clear their bike paths and pedestrian walkways before they clear their streets, he said. Such a move would provoke riots in automobile-centric Winnipeg. But Swanson said it's not that far from what this city already does, given that Winnipeg clears sidewalks long before residential streets are plowed. During the winter, Winnipeg clears snow off 130 kilometres of bike lanes on streets and also plows 75 kilometres of active-transportation corridors at a cost of $250,000 a year, city spokeswoman Tammy Melesko said. Clearing more paths may encourage more winter ridership. But the actual need remains unknown, even though it appears Winnipeg now has more winter riders. Motorists, meanwhile, have become more accommodating of winter cyclists, Tetrault said. "I think people are getting more used to it and are resigned to the fact we're not going away," she said. "In challenging conditions, I know I'm an inconvenience to get around, yet generally people are really courteous." bartley.kives(a)freepress.mb.ca<http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/mailto:bartley.kives@freepress.mb.ca>

1 0

Lance Article from 1972 about cyclists
by Jackie Avent (ASRTS) 13 Feb '13

13 Feb '13

Hey Folks! Take a look at "The Tip" article from 1972 below (and attached). Has anything changed? Jackie [image: Inline images 1]

1 0

AT Webinar: Driving Deaths Down, Wed, Feb. 20, 2-3 pm, EcoCentre
by Jessie Klassen 13 Feb '13

13 Feb '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. *Driving Deaths Down: Proven Countermeasures that Work Wednesday, Feb. 20th | 2:00-3:00 p.m. CST* RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth beth(a)greenactioncentre.ca 925-3772 * * * * * * * Driving Deaths Down: Proven Countermeasures that Work This is a 60-minute webinar [image: hawk]The U.S. Federal Highway Administration has identified countermeasures that research has proven effective in driving down injuries and deaths from crashes. This webinar will provide detailed case studies of countermeasures that improve safety for vulnerable road users: the pedestrian hybrid beacon (HAWK), the pedestrian refuge or crossing island, and road diets. Tamara Redmon, Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Team Leader at FHWA, will provide an introduction that highlights research, guidance and key resources related to these facilities. In Scottsdale, Arizona, a HAWK beacon was installed in conjunction with a pedestrian crossing island on Scottsdale Boulevard, a busy commercial corridor that is also the boundary between Phoenix and Scottsdale. In Orlando, Florida, Edgewater Drive was an early road diet; 1.5 miles of 4-lane roadway (ADT approximately 20,000) were converted to 3 lanes plus bicycle lanes. Presenters will discuss project design details and information about cost and outcomes, including data related to the benefits to adjacent businesses and property owners. Presenters: - Jeffrey Arms, Project Manager, City of Orlando Public Works - Susan Conklu, Transportation Planner, City of Scottsdale - Tamara Redmon, Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Team Leader, FHWA

1 0

Winnipeg to Oulu: Update prior to International Winter Cycling Conference
by Anders Swanson 12 Feb '13

12 Feb '13

Good morning at-network: As you may know, I am in Oulu, Finland, about to attend the first ever international winter cycling conference <http://www.ibikeoulu.com/>, here to make a presentation about the Winnipeg experience and seeking to learn from the latest research into what makes a winter cycling city tick. I will be absorbing and bringing back as much as possible, and there are formal follow-ups planned. But, since it has taken so much effort to get here, I wanted to take a moment to give one solid update to you folks beforehand. I know you will find it interesting. *Note: If you don't have time to read the "first impressions" story, skip ahead and tune in at your leisure. I want to be sure that you know that there are a few ways that you can follow along and learn along with me. Its in a more bite-size format too (Flickr, Twitter, etc..). See the end of this message for more info.* - - - First impressions of Oulu This is my first day in the northern Finnish city of Oulu. I have been in Finland for almost two weeks now, filming, documenting, interviewing and observing, visiting mainly two urban areas so far: Helsinki<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helsinki>and Turku <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turku>. People from Helsinki and Turku - at least the ones whom I had a chance to meet / asked what I was doing in Finland in February / had been to Oulu - were all effusive: they all told me that I hadn't seen anything yet. "Wait for Oulu, if you want to see bikes.", they said. "This is nothing.", they said. And they were right. * * I spent this morning wandering around with a camera, and I didn't have to wander far, or look for long, to find evidence. One step outside the hotel and it became clear. Everywhere you look, there are people on bikes. Tall people, short people. Fat people, skinny people. Old people, young people. Men, women, children. Able-bodied people and people with disabilities. Fashionable people (and not-so-fashionable people, me included). Keep in mind its the middle of winter... The typical bike they are riding is what we might call a dutch bike. Mostly black ones. The typical city bike. Sporting fenders and a rack and not much else. The occasional mountain or road bike appears, but they are in the minority. For some reason a lot of the city bikes are pink or red too. The next most popular colour seems to be light blue - like the Finnish flag. More importantly: Plain old steel frame. Comfy seat. No studded tires that I can see. No special equipment at all, really. Helmets are very rare. Maybe 1 in 20 or so. About the only special equipment I have seen are bike trailers (stuffed with kids), and an old adult trike for a gentleman that, when he parked it, clearly had mobility issues. My bike, its old steel frame sporting fancy wheels, shiny cranks and touring rack, looks almost spiffy here. Baskets full of groceries and shopping bags are common. No room in the basket? Wup: The bread, the cheerios and the roll of toilet paper bags go on the handlebar and off we go. The bikes in the racks seem to outnumber parked cars. Riding with one hand on the handlebars is quite possible (more than a few young people are carrying a handbag, smoking a cigarette or chatting on cellphones while riding - possibly too self-conscious to wear a backpack, sneaking in one last drag at the last minute before work or arranging an a after-class meeting-point before heading to university.Not sure. You know: the things people do when they are on their way to work and not out to set a record. You get the impression that the bike is an afterthought here, not a intrinsic item. Simply a bit quicker than walking. No higher purpose. Exercise and environmentalism by association only. And it must be safe. Most people are cycling alone, but more than a few are cycling along, side-by-side, as a couple or in groups, having conversations. They tend to stop often, entering stores. No joke. Not trying, yet again, to explain how bikes are good for business. I know because it is difficult to sometimes predict their behaviour when taking a video. They change their mind often, perhaps glancing into windows. It certainly is a lot quicker than trying to park a bike than a car. It's funny to watch and compare the too trying to park. It's also funny that people back home sometimes find it surprising that people can cycle in the winter. Here, it is even more apparent that cars are equally out of their element come wintertime. They get easily stuck in the icy, snowy parking spots, lose traction often and, when faced with throngs of bikes and pedestrians, seem to move about like frustrated, drugged-up, unwieldy rhinos. It is cold here too. Colder, actually, than home. I compared the weather in YWG <http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/camb0244> and OUL<http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/fiol0000> on the internet, just to be sure I hadn't gone soft. Yes, Oulu is on the ocean, which moderates things a bit - but this seems to be more than offset by the fact that it's super far up north!<http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=oulu+map&ll=63.548552,-2.8125&spn=131.974924,3…>. There is snow too. Lots of it. It has been snowing constantly in Finland since I arrived - not sure about Oulu necessarily (because I just got here and because it seems like they make an extra effort to clear the pedestrian malls, sidewalks and bike paths) but definitely Helsinki and Turku were a snowy, blustery mess, and the snowbanks are fairly high at the moment, so I can only assume. The landscape here in Oulu is quite similar to Winnipeg. In fact, compared to Helsinki, which feels very "continental European" and is so packed with stuff that it makes more sense to most people to just walk, the main part of Oulu doesn't seem any more dense than, say, Osborne village. There certainly aren't any skyscrapers, and the biggest building is certainly a lot smaller than Polo Park. It's a university town, but so is Winnipeg. Like Winnipeg, Oulu is extremely flat. The images in the Flickr album (link below) should give you some idea of "what" is going on, if not the "why" it is happening. I hesitate to draw any conclusions as to why winter cycling is happening in abundance here - or get into the numbers. Not yet, anyway. That will have to come later. I am here to learn after all. And for now, I am content to simply watch what's going on. - - - *Next steps* * * Tomorrow, the conference starts. On Thursday, I make my presentation. It was rather idealistically entitled "Winnipeg Winter Cycling Capital of North America <http://www.ibikeoulu.com/Program_WCC_2013.pdf>". Admittedly, that title should have been followed by a pretty big question mark. Crafted as it was at the last minute (with help from my generous compatriots at the Forks who likely have a more optimistic view on things thanks to the constant reinforcement of the nearby and very busy river trail), it might be a tough statement to pull off for someone who collects and analyzes (and ideally helps improve upon) bicycle and pedestrian data! I am a bit sheepish about trying to back up that statement in a room full of the world's leaders in this department - and with some Canadians and Americans in the room to boot. Even Yellowknife, with it's much higher winter mode share, may be miffed, for example. I already got called out on Twitter by someone from Edmonton. Oh well. Too bad. A theoretical capital is something you get to self-declare, and if someone wants to fight for the title, they can. There is no doubt that there is something special happening in Winnipeg - and I am glad people are paying attention. I will be quite proud to share what we are all working on. We can fight over who is truly the "capital" later. The recent summer mode share jump here is just one example of what is possible. And, if usage numbers on the one-of-a-kind Forks' River Trail<http://www.theforks.com/events/signature-events/river-trail>, the made-in-Winnipeg Winter Bike to Work Day's expanding list of communities<http://winterbiketoworkday.org/event-info/> and the physical/climatological similarities to Oulu are all indications, then there are some very good reasons to think that Winnipeg just might emerge as a leader. Anyway, I will be sure to bring along some good homegrown ideas to share on our behalf - and feel that they are indeed worth sharing with an international audience. ________________________________________________________________________________ *Staying in touch:* *Photos* See for yourself what cycling looks like in Oulu. I started a photostream. Most of the photos are only hours old. I will keep it updated with the other stuff when possible: Flickr Photostream - Winter Cycling in Finland<http://www.flickr.com/photos/andersswanson/sets/72157632747750585/> *Twitter* I started a Twitter account just for folks who might like to "virtually" tag along. It's @SwansonAnders. Yes, I know. Twitter is a stretch for me too. But, there are, I think, already a few interesting tidbits on there (see the bicycle/cross country skis storage setup they have on trains here, for example). The main purpose was to "live tweet" the salient points during the conference - so feel free to tune in. I hope you find it interesting. I will try to last longer than, say, Pat Martin<http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/12/20/rat-faced-whores-ndp-mp-pat-martin-…> or Neil Macdonald<http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/02/16/f-rfa-macdonald-twitter.html> . *Video / Audio* I have taken rather few photos, actually. Taking video is more fun. Thus, the good stuff is on video. I have collected some audio from some folks I've talked to, too. I plan to make a mini-documentary, but need the good computer back home. Stay tuned. *Conference Webcast* I have been colluding with Timo, the lead conference organizer, to try and beam back a live feed of the conference. We'll see if we can pull it together. Because of the time difference, it may not be worthwhile. Send me a message letting me know if a Winter-Cycling-Conference-Pyjama-party is in the cards for you. If so, I will try a bit harder. If not (perhaps watching the World Junior Championships over the holidays exhausted your willingness to stay up late anyway; the conference day starttime is at 01:00am CST), no need to worry: The City of Oulu is taking care of video-documenting the conference and I am told it will be available as an archive afterward. *I will share the archive link, at the very least. * *A Get-Together in Winnipeg Later* More importantly, as part of the deal with this trip's generous sponsors, I will both collect and then *share* and discuss the most important lessons learned - in some format, probably workshop/presentation/film night - when I get back. If you have input or would like to help organize, let me know. Otherwise, stay tuned. * * *Ask me anything* Got a question? I am taking requests. Wondering about something specific about what makes Oulu tick? Always wanted to talk to the city manager from Prague and ask her/him a question? Let me know. If they are at the conference, or if the answer is out there, I will try and find out for you over the next couple days. I am already on a mission for a few people/organizations and I will try and learn what I can for you. Yours, Anders Swanson *Acknowledgements* Many many thanks to the fine people and organizations that have been contributing to making this possible including Setu, the PHD student at Helsinki Polykopury (Helsinki Bikes) for sitting down with me to give me the latest on the state of Helsinki, Sari, Cecilia and Marjo at the Finnish Meteorological Institute for introducing me to their work on pedestrian issues, the City of Oulu and Timo Perälä and the rest of the team for putting on the conference.. AND .. the Manitoba Cycling Association, Travel Manitoba, Economic Development Winnipeg / Destination Wpg, Bike to the Future, Green Action Centre, Natural Cycle, Bikes and Beyond, The Forks, Rivers West – Red River Corridor Inc, the Winnipeg Trails Association, and Janice Lukes for contributing/helping to raise funds to get me here. Thank you, and I, of course, very much appreciate the support. (note: there are probably some others, but I will be sure to thank the final list at the presentation/workshop planned for my return). YOU can help too: No, I am not asking for money. *If you want to help, just go ride your bike. *Preferably during *Winter Bike to Work Day*<http://winterbiketoworkday.org/> * this Friday* <http://winterbiketoworkday.org/>.* *I probably need at least 1000 people to start winter cycling just to offset the carbon from this plane trip, so if you've got a nice route, and feel up for it, help me out. If you fall in love with it, you can thank me later. : ) If you can't ride, but support the idea, just like our Facebook page<https://www.facebook.com/WinterBikeToWorkDay> .

1 0

Winter Walking Day - Provincial Proclamation & SOS scores $28, 000
by Janice Lukes 11 Feb '13

11 Feb '13

A couple interesting updates - PROVINCIAL PROCLAMATION - WINTER WALKING DAY: This past Saturday, at The Forks Minister Rondeau made a short speech at The Forks to 75+ hikers and 'proclaimed' the second Saturday in February as Winter Walking Day! (proclamation and photos attached). Minister Jim Rondeau and James Allum, MLA joined the Prairie Pathfinders on their annual special 'Winter Hike'. This year the 9 km hike was on the Red River, along Churchill Parkway and then into Fort Garry. The Prairie Pathfinders are Manitoba's largest organized hiking club - with over 600 members who hike weekly on planned outings. Complete details on the club can be found here <http://www.meetup.com/Prairie-Pathfinders-Walking-Club-Meetup-Group/events/ past/> . SAVE OUR SEINE to receive $28,000 of COUNCILLORS WARD ALLOWANCE: A recently elected Councillor fulfilling an election promise. See the full story here: http://www.winnipegsun.com/2013/02/09/mayes-seeks-to-give-28k-to-seine-our-s eine Save our Seine has been 'saving' the Seine for over 20 years - their winter river walk is a magical experience - check it out if you've never tried it! http://www.saveourseine.com/ Janice Lukes

1 0

How one km of bike lane sparked a revolution in Vancouver
by Dave Elmore 11 Feb '13

11 Feb '13

How one km of bike lane sparked a revolution in Vancouver VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 8, 2013/ Troy Media/ - As anybody who has seen astronaut Chris Hadfield's incredible images from space can attest, the single most prominent human-made features of cities like Toronto, Windsor or Edmonton are roads. Ever since the 1950s the car has been the accidental architect of our cities. Billions of dollars have been dedicated to roads, overpasses, tunnels and other car infrastructure. But this single-minded dedication to making sure cars got to where they wanted to go as fast as they could has had some pretty serious unintended consequences. As Andrew Coyne says in Macleans "Traffic is slowly strangling our cities." Cars in traffic use more fuel, pollute more and simply aren't productive. Coyne also quotes a German study which finds that "being in heavy traffic triples your risk of a heart attack within an hour." Enter the bicycle. It is the most efficient form of transportation on the planet. You can move five times faster than walking and go three times as far on the same amount of caloric energy. The benefits of the bicycle certainly were not lost on the City of Vancouver when it decided to flip the traditional urban script. "Since 1997 we established priorities with walking being the highest priority, cycling second, transit third, and the automobile is at the bottom of the list," says Jerry Dobrovolny, the director of transportation with the City of Vancouver. And unlike cities that dabble in making their cities more bike-friendly Vancouver has actually dramatically increased the use of bikes and decreased traffic congestion in downtown Vancouver. According to Dobrovolny, bike trips have gone up by 180 per cent over the past 15 years and the amount of people cycling to work has grown from 3.5 per cent to 4.5 per cent. Today, 12 out of every 100 trips in Vancouver are done via bicycle. And they did it not by focusing on the middle-aged-man-in-lycra (MAMIL) but by building bike infrastructure that kids, grandmas and people that aren't super proficient bike riders would feel comfortable using. "We know that there's many people that are interested in cycling, but they're not comfortable riding next to cars," says Dobrovolny. Nearly all cities have bike lanes, but paint on the road just isn't safe enough for these non-MAMILs. Instead, Vancouver is using separated bike lanes and bike boulevards. Separated bike lanes are dedicated lanes built only for cyclists that are physically separated from cars. Bike boulevards are repurposed residential streets that have been made bike friendly. "It's a regular street, but it's been designed so that bikes generally have the right of way," says Erin O'Melinn, the executive director of Hub, Vancouver's largest cycling advocacy organization. Separated bike lanes are the real game changer. On the Dunsmuir Viaduct four times more cyclists are using the road thanks to the separated bike lane. Safety has improved as well. "Since the separated lanes have gone in downtown we've seen a big reduction in the number of collisions of all types, including the number of people riding on sidewalks, so pedestrians feel much more comfortable," says O'Melinn. Reducing pollution and improving health are great reasons to invest in cycling, but another reason is that it's cheap like borscht. "Whereas heavy trucks and buses and automobiles break down the road infrastructure and result in a lot of added costs in terms of maintenance. When we build a pedestrian or bike facility they last for 100 years," says Dobrovolny. In 2010, Vancouver's city council approved a $25 million 10-year bike plan. For comparison, the Canada Line, the new rapid transit line from Vancouver to Richmond that was built in time for the Olympics, cost $2 billion dollars. Heather Deal is a Vancouver city councilor who says the decision to convert a whole lane of traffic on the Burrard Bridge into a bike lane was a real turning point. "That was the first time we took space away from cars. I was assigned the media, I thought this is the last time I'll ever get elected because I'm going down over one kilometre of one lane for traffic," says Deal. "We cut that ribbon and we cycled across that closed lane and nothing happened. There was no traffic backup. There was no Armageddon. Chaos did not ensue. The city survived and so did we. We went on to get reelected and build more bike lanes after the next election." http://www.troymedia.com/2013/02/08/how-one-km-of-bike-lane-sparked-a-revolu tion-in-vancouver/ Thanks Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X)

1 0

Winter Cycling - One Million Kilometers & Mainstream Winter Cycling
by Janice Lukes 05 Feb '13

05 Feb '13

One Million Kilometers of Cycling: A follow up on Lindsay Gault’s One Million Kilometer of Cycling Celebration on Saturday - with photos: - Upwards of 100 cyclists & walkers showed up the Fork port to be there for Lindsay - Lindsay the Legend! - There were bikes of every description on the river - fat tires / skinny tires / the yellow Velo banana bike cover and more! Lindsay graciously accepted a plaque recognizing his millionth from Paul Jordan, COO of The Forks - - and spoke of preparing for his second Iditarod race <http://iditarod.com/> coming up later in February. The legend continues! The wind-chill on the river trail was not as bad one would expect - and the huts were outstanding! A great day - Congratulations Lindsay!! Mainstream Winter Cycling: Do the words mainstream & winter cycling even belong in the same sentence? Add on ‘in Winnipeg’ and perhaps they do! Are we seeing more folks winter cycling than in previous years? I am. Who are these people ? Why do they cycle in the winter ? Is it easier than it looks ? Why is it that in so many cities around the world with climates similar to Winnipeg’s - people of ALL AGES are cycling in the winter ? Winnipeg has lots to learn about winter cycling - from trail maintenance to attitudes and more! And LEARN WE WILL ! The Forks, in partnership with partnership with the Winnipeg Trails Association, Bike to the Future, Green Action Centre, Natural Cycle Worker Co‐Op Limited submitted a paper to attend the first International Winter Cycling Congress occurring in Oulu, Finland (Feb 13 / 14) to share and learn. The paper was accepted and Anders Swanson, local cycling advocate - is flying off to Oulu (located just below the Arctic Circle). Anders will present “Winnipeg - Working towards becoming the Winter Cycling Capital of North America” and will learn about global best practices and the how and whys that work towards making winter cycling a mainstream activity. See conference schedule <http://www.ibikeoulu.com/programme> Currently over 100 people from around the world are attending the Winter Cycling Congress, from 10 different countries and 32 different cities. We have many organizations supporting our local quest to learn more - Tourism Manitoba, Destination Winnipeg, Economic Development Winnipeg, Manitoba Cycling Association, Rivers West - Red River Corridor, The Forks and more to be announced soon! The Forks communications team will be working with Anders to develop a couple ‘Lesson’s Learned’ presentations that will then be presented to various organizations - and to the general public - watch for dates and times. Janice Lukes

1 0

Reminder: Webinar - Feb 8th, Promoting Safe Use of Roads & Pathways for Vulnerable Road Users
by Shoni Litinsky 04 Feb '13

04 Feb '13

Just a reminder that Green Action Centre will be hosting this webinar at the Eco-Centre Boardroom (3rd Floor - 303 Portage Avenue). We hope you will join us! Time: 12:00pm-1:00pm (CST) RSVPs appreciated, but not necessary. *Promoting Safe Use of Roads & Pathways for Vulnerable Road Users: <http://chnet-works.ca/index.php?option=com_acymailing&ctrl=url&urlid=384&ma…> *A <http://chnet-works.ca/index.php?option=com_acymailing&ctrl=url&urlid=384&ma…>Review of Canadian Promising Practices <http://chnet-works.ca/index.php?option=com_acymailing&ctrl=url&urlid=384&ma…> *This Fireside Chat is in collaboration with the Centre for Health Promotion, Public Health Agency of Canada* 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. *This Fireside Chat will be of interest to* *community decision-makers,* such as councillors, planners, engineers, public health practitioners, and other road safety stakeholders, with a goal to help them facilitate safer walking and cycling in increasingly crowded spaces. *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 0

INVITATION REMINDER - BIG CELEBRATION TOMORROW !
by Janice Lukes 01 Feb '13

01 Feb '13

CELBRATE Lindsay Gauld's ONE MILLIONTH CYCLING KILOMETER! Saturday Feb 2nd - TOMORROW 11:30 am MEET: The Forks - IN the Port - ON THE RIVER OR meet at 11:00 on the Assiniboine River at the Middlegate / Hugo Docks access point and join Lindsay as he and others cycle to The Forks. Tomorrow is going to be a balmy day in Winnipeg - compared to today! While many of you may be die hard WINTER CYCLISTS - I hazard to say some of you aren't !?! SO . . . . how about trying something new and ride the river trail tomorrow! Dig out your bike tonight - check the air in the tires - and head on down to The Forks River Trail tomorrow am. For sure this will be a once in a lifetime experience - Peter and Paul Jordan will be MC's at the podium - and we all will be hoping Lindsay will stop cycling for a few minutes to receive some well-deserved recognition ! Janice Lukes

1 1

Call for Delegates - 2013 Leading the Way Youth Summit on Sustainable Urban Transportation
by Shoni Litinsky 01 Feb '13

01 Feb '13

Hi All, ** ** ** If you know of anyone in Manitoba between the ages of 18-28 that is studying, passionate about, or working in the field of sustainable transportation, please forward them the following information to apply as a delegate to the 2013 Canadian Urban Transit Association - Leading the Way Youth Summit on Sustainable Urban Transportation. Calgary Transit will be hosting the conference this year from May 10-12, 2013. The deadline for delegate applications is Monday February 25th. Please help to get the word out to, we would love to have some great representatives that want to make our cities better for cycling, walking, transit, and carsharing. Thanks!**** Shoni ** ** ** ** *Subject: Call for delegates: Leading the Way Youth Summit on Sustainable Urban Transportation - Calgary, Alberta May 10-12, 2013***** ** ** If you are 18 - 28 years old with a keen interest in transit and sustainable transportation, apply to be a delegate at the *Leading the Way Youth Summit on Sustainable Transportation* taking place May 10-12, 2013 in Calgary. This regional youth summit event is presented by the Prairies and Territories Chapter and the BC Committee of the Canadian Urban Transit Association and hosted locally by Calgary Transit.**** ** ** Delegates will have the opportunity to learn, share ideas, network, and explore career paths with like-minded peers and professionals in transit and related industries. Inspiring speakers, sessions on best practices in transit and sustainable transportation, a career fair and social activities round out this weekend summit.**** ** ** *Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity! Accommodation, travel and meals are provided for delegates who are selected. * *Application deadline is Monday February 25, 2013. Apply early, space is limited.***** ** ** *To find out more about the event or to put in your application, go to* **** http://www.leadingthewayyouthsummit.com/**** ** ** To find out what exciting things are happening in Calgary in regards to walking, cycling, transit, TOD and why you should apply to the youth summit please check out our YouTube video:**** ** ** http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kO0Rj7dK-4s**** ** ** If you have any questions please feel free to contact us by email at questions(a)leadingthewayyouthsummit.com **** ** ** ** ** ** ** *David Cooper* RPP, MCIP Senior Transit Planner Calgary Transit The City of Calgary | Mail code: 8124 *T* 403.268.5224 |* F* 403.268.1874 | www.calgary.ca David.Cooper(a)calgary.ca P.O. Box 2100, #8124, Station M, Calgary, AB Canada T2P 2M5 **** *_____________________________***** **** ** ** ------------------------------ NOTICE - This communication is intended ONLY for the use of the person or entity named above and may contain information that is confidential or legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient named above or a person responsible for delivering messages or communications to the intended recipient, YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that any use, distribution, or copying of this communication or any of the information contained in it is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by telephone and then destroy or delete this communication, or return it to us by mail if requested by us. The City of Calgary thanks you for your attention and co-operation. -- *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

Commuting > obesity
by feaver＠mymts.net 01 Feb '13

01 Feb '13

http://www.vancouversun.com/touch/story.html?id=7888381 This article identifies commuting by car as a cause of obesity. Refreshing. All too often articles point to the benefits of being active, v. The health consequences of going everywhere by motor vehicle. When will we have health warnings on cars & trucks like we have on cigarettes? from my phone

1 0

Improved Roundabout Design for Cyclists, Rightsizing Streets, PBIC YouTube Channel
by Beth McKechnie 31 Jan '13

31 Jan '13

*Evaluation of the C-Roundabout – an Improved Multi-Lane Roundabout Design for Cyclists* http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/research/reports/510/docs/510.pdf<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001JH1tBLwlsSK2D7Ib2o6ldGTQgMn-MbSTqPyGu04EA_k7…> Research Report: *New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA)* The NZTA research report evaluates field operations of the C-roundabout design, a new design to improve the safety of bicyclists at multi-lane roundabouts. The concept of the design is to decrease vehicle speeds through the roundabout by increasing the deflection of the roundabout and by reducing the widths of approach lanes and circulating lanes so that cyclists are required to travel in the center of the lanes. * * * * * *NEW RIGHTSIZING STREETS GUIDE RELEASED http://www.pps.org/reference/rightsizing/ * Rightsizing is the process of reallocating a street’s space to better serve its full range of users. Picture a four lane road that was built thirty years ago in an undeveloped area, but that now has housing, shops, and an elementary school in close vicinity. The needs of the community surrounding that road have changed over three decades – and the design of that road may need to change to meet those needs as well. It may need a sidewalks or a median to help people cross safely, or on-street parking for folks who want to frequent local shops, or other safety features to prevent injuries. * * * * * PBIC creates new YouTube Channel The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center <http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/> has created a new YouTube Channel for hosting and promoting its archived webinars, as well as other relevant PBIC videos. The site, www.youtube.com/pedbikeinfo<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?UNCHighwaySafetyRese/3224560524/e535421c0a/f578a7d7…>, features many of the center’s recent webinars including all webinars from the series on the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials newly updated “Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities” and from the series on the intersection of public health and transportation co-hosted with the American Public Health Association. Webinar recordings also remain available on the PBIC website, www.walkinginfo.org/webinars<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?UNCHighwaySafetyRese/3224560524/e535421c0a/61a803c1…> .

1 0

Active & Green: Jack Frost Challenge, Creative Commuting, and a Trip to Finland!
by Jessie Klassen 29 Jan '13

29 Jan '13

I hope you enjoy this Winter 2013 issue of Active & Green. Please feel free to share with friends and colleagues. ** *Jessie Klassen* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre<http://www.greenactioncentre.ca> Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.<http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&id=4414f5a9df…> Looking to improve commuter options at your workplace? Request resources<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> on cycling or carpooling tips, surveys, awards, secure bike parking, and more. Book a presentation<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> on living greener at the workplace, school or at home. Attend a Creative Commuting Ambassador<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> workshop. It’s free! ------------------------------ Upcoming Events *Lindsay Gauld's One Millionth KM at The Forks*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> February 2, 2013 *BTTF Fundraiser Concert*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> February 2, 2013 *Jack Frost Challenge*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> February 9-15, 2013 *Snow Trek*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> Sunday, Feb. 10 *Creative Commuting Ambassador Training*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> Thursday, Feb. 14 *Winter Bike to Work Day*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> Friday, Feb. 15, Winnipeg *Ice** It To Work Day*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> Friday, Feb. 15 *Actif Epica*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> Saturday, Feb. 16 *Snow Trek*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> Sunday, Feb. 24 *Commuter Challenge*<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> June 2-8, 2013 ------------------------------ Like what you see? If you are not already a member of Green Action Centre, take a moment to join us<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. Membership is FREE. Please also pass this along to your friends and family. And if you like what we do, make a secure donation online easily and quickly at CanadaHelps<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. Make a one-time donation or contribute monthly. Even small monthly donations make a big difference for Green Action in Manitoba. *Help us grow our membership and activities.* ------------------------------ *Call for Nominations: 2013 Commuter Friendly Workplace Awards * Does your workplace make it easy, convenient and affordable to bus, carpool, bike, walk or telecommute? Have improvements been introduced that merit recognition? If so, consider applying for the 2013 Commuter Friendly Workplace Award<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. The application form also acts as a handy idea list for possible projects to improve commuting options at your workplace. Check out what Assiniboine Credit Union, last year's winner, accomplished here<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>. Sign up your team for The Jack Frost Challenge! Winter offers a whole new array of active ways to get around (besides our favourites of walking and cycling) – snowshoeing, skating, x-country skiing. Try 'em all during The Jack Frost Challenge<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>, Feb. 9-15, 2013. Sign up your team of 1-5 participants with the goal of logging 130 km that week. Last year<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>, 10,372 total km were completed by 67 teams, such as the Three Abominable Snowmen, The Fast and Flurriest, and the West End Winter Woolies to name a few. Sign up co-workers, classmates, friends or family. Prizes and bragging rights are up for grabs! Become a Creative Commuting Ambassador You are invited to a FREE, half-day interactive workshop on becoming a Creative Commuting Ambassador at your workplace! Get the tools and guidance to help improve commuter options on-site and support your coworkers to get the most out of their commutes. Receive training in bike route planning, Winnipeg Transit Tools, evaluating your workplace, and planning your own simple project. Thurs, February 14, 2013, from 12:45-4:00 p.m. Sign up here<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> Cycling in Winterpeg Ever been to Oulu, Finland<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>? Probably not. Neither has Anders Swanson but that will change when he attends the first international Winter Cycling Congress<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>taking place on Feb 13 & 14, 2013. It’s certainly a fitting location given that cycling accounts for 12% of all trips made in winter in Oulu (23% in summer). Anders will be presenting Winnipeg as a city where winter cycling is or can be "for everyone". Afterward, he will return to Winnipeg to share empirical, anecdotal and visual proof that this is, in fact, the case! Learn more here<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>. On a related note, a group of Manitoba Hydro employees prove that 360 Portage Avenue is the place to ride<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>, even in winter. Walkable Communities If you're interested in living in a more walkable community (and who isn't?), search the new online guide from America Walks and Sam Schwartz: Steps to a Walkable Community<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>. The guide has case studies from across North America, and is organized in categories such as advocacy, policy, land use, and encouragement & education. New Technologies: Heated Roads and Smart Cards The Dutch, once again, are leading the way in terms of new technology for cycle commuting. To improve biking in winter, they are using reflective crystals to increase the visibility of lane markings and underground heating on some roads. See the BBC video report<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> . Here in Winnipeg, Transit will begin updating its fare collection system<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…>in February 2013. The spiffy new fareboxes will have an electronic display and automatic coin counter. They will also print a coded transfer slip that will be electronically read when you get back on the bus. Later in the year, transit will introduce a Smart Card<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>to replace its paper tickets and passes. Riders will be able to preload cash or a variety of passes onto their card, and the scanner on the farebox will deduct the correct amount just by tapping the card to the box. Sweet! Saving Money and Making Friends: Ridesharing Imagine saving $100,000 pounds (that's $158,000 to us Canadians) by sharing your commute with friends. That's why this story caught our eye. Five fellows in the UK <http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…>have shared their daily commute for over 20 years and become fast friends. In addition to saving a ton of money, they slashed their individual commuting emissions and found a way to take turns snoozing on the ride home to boot. You are receiving this email because you are an Active & Green subscriber. Unsubscribe<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a1…> jessie_klassen(a)hotmail.com from this list. Our mailing address is: Green Action Centre 3-303 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B4 Canada Add us to your address book<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage1.com/vcard?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f…> Copyright (C) 2013 Green Action Centre All rights reserved. Forward<http://us2.forward-to-friend2.com/forward?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3f55cc&id=44…>this email to a friend Update your profile<http://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/profile?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a183a3…> [image: Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp]<http://www.mailchimp.com/monkey-rewards/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm…>

1 0

Invitation: Lindsay's Cool Million @ Sat Feb 2, 2013 11:30am - 12:30pm (at-network@lists.umanitoba.ca)
by Anders Swanson 28 Jan '13

28 Jan '13

You have been invited to the following event. Title: Lindsay's Cool Million When: Sat Feb 2, 2013 11:30am – 12:30pm Central Time - Winnipeg Where: The Foks Port Calendar: at-network(a)lists.umanitoba.ca Who: (Guest list has been hidden at organizer's request) Event details: https://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=VIEW&eid=dG50YTZrcWVxYzQzanB0d… Invitation from Google Calendar: https://www.google.com/calendar/ You are receiving this courtesy email at the account at-network(a)lists.umanitoba.ca because you are an attendee of this event. To stop receiving future notifications for this event, decline this event. Alternatively you can sign up for a Google account at https://www.google.com/calendar/ and control your notification settings for your entire calendar.

1 0

EVENT INVITATION: Saturday February 2nd: Lindsay's Cool Million
by Anders Swanson 28 Jan '13

28 Jan '13

Dear At Network, You are cordially invited to take part in an historic event. *This Saturday, February 2nd at 11:30 am<http://www.theforks.com/events/calendar-of-events/date:2013-02#event_1631_2…> *, Lindsay Gauld will be riding his *1 000 000th* kilometer as he rides down the frozen Rivertrail into the Forks port. There will be a celebration honoring this achievement (*this is the equivalent of riding around the world 25 times*). As part of the celebration, The Forks is hoping to have *1000 riders on their bikes in the Forks port* to welcome Lindsay as he rides in. For those of you who don't know who Lindsay is...well...he's gotta be Winnipeg's only former-Olympian-turned-successful-bikeshop-owner-turned-year-round-bike-courier. He's also been meticulously documenting his kilometers ridden from a young age. While certainly many of those "kilometers-biked" haven't strictly been "for transportation", many of them have been (he's a bike courier after all) and, more importantly, Lindsay has been inspiring people and demonstrating what's possible - rain or shine, snow or sleet, no matter what your age - for a long time. One million kilometers is an incredible achievement of incredible scale. IMO, Lindsay is also a rather nice fellow too! If you've never ridden in the winter before, this is also your chance: The River Trail provides a nice well-packed, safe place to try it. Consider it an ideal place for a Winter Bike to Work Day<http://winterbiketoworkday.org>or Ice it to Work Day practice run, a chance to test your fortitude for Actif Epica <http://actifepi.ca/> or an opportunity to add a few kilometers to your team's Jack Frost Challenge<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/bougeons-en-hiver/>tally. Whatever your reason, get out there. It took Lindsay a million 'clicks' to get here, so it's probably the least we could do! Hope you can make it. Please invite any and all who would like to be there at this historic event. The Forks has asked that you please twitter, facebook, email, write letters but most of all, show up on your bike on the 2nd. Sincerely, Anders Swanson Lindsay's Cool Million *When* Sat, February 2, 11:30am – 12:30pm GMT-06:00 *Where* The Foks Port *Who* (Guest list has been hidden at organizer's request)

1 0

Take on The Jack Frost Challenge!
by Beth McKechnie 24 Jan '13

24 Jan '13

Hi everyone We would really appreciate if you could share the following with your networks and consider signing up your own team of your co-workers, friends or families! Event poster attached and also available online<http://greenactioncentre.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Bougeons_JackFrost_2…> . thanks, Beth ---------- *Registrations are now open for: Bougeons en hiver: The Jack Frost Challenge<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/bougeons-en-hiver-the-jack-frost-challe…> !** * Frolic in the snow and celebrate winter Manitoba-style. *SIGN UP*<http://jf.macroelite.ca>your team of friends, co-workers or classmates to skate, bike, ski, snowshoe, run or walk a combined total of 130 km the week of *February 9-15, 2013*. Prizes and bragging rights up for grabs. Check out a few of the stories<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/stories-from-jack-frost-challenge-2012/>from last year! Bougeons en hiver: The Jack Frost Challenge is a Co-Actif Epica<http://actifepi.ca/>event. * * * * * *Vous pouvez maintenant vous inscrire à l'édition 2013 de * *« Bougeons en hiver : The Jack Frost Challenge !<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/bougeons-en-hiver-the-jack-frost-challe…>» * Amusez-vous dans la neige, tous en célébrant l’hiver manitobaine ! * Inscrivez-vous*<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/bougeons-en-hiver-the-jack-frost-challe…>en équipe avec vos collègues de travail, membres de famille, amis ou camarades de classe pour faire le patinage, la bicyclette, le ski, la raquette, la course ou la marche d’un total collectif de 130km sur une durée d’une semaine, du *9 au 15 février, 2013*. Courez la chance de gagner des prix et de vous mériter le droit de vous vanter! Lisez des histoires<http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/stories-from-jack-frost-challenge-2012/>de nos participants de l'année dernière. Bougeons en hiver : The Jack Frost Challenge ! est un co-événement d’Actif Epica <http://actifepi.ca/>.

1 0

Winnipeg ranks 6th in Walkscore's most walkable Canadian cities
by Beth McKechnie 23 Jan '13

23 Jan '13

Walk Score's latest top 10 ranks <http://www.walkscore.com/rankings/canada/>Canadian cities by walkability: 1. Vancouver (Walk Score: 78) 2. Toronto (Walk Score: 71) 3. Montreal (Walk Score: 70) 4. Mississauga (Walk Score: 59) 5. Ottawa (Walk Score: 54) 6. Winnipeg (Walk Score: 53) 7. Edmonton (Walk Score: 51) 8. Hamilton (Walk Score: 51) 9. Brampton (Walk Score: 48) 10. Calgary (Walk Score: 48) [source: http://www.treehugger.com/public-transportation/vancouver-crowned-most-walk… ] [ http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1103091/vancouver-toronto-and-montreal-top-… ] "The ratings were tabulated by the [WalkScore] app, which generates a score out of 100 based on the proximity of amenities like grocery stores, cafes and libraries. To achieve a city-wide score, the data was calculated by applying the score of each block then factoring in population density." [source and chart: http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/1318764--toronto-ranked-second-most… ]

1 0

Call for Expressions of Interest and Qualifications | School Travel Planning Web App
by Anders Swanson 23 Jan '13

23 Jan '13

Hello, See the unique and exciting opportunity attached. Please forward to tech-savvy folks with a background in software development (and perhaps a penchant for active transportation) whom you think might be interested. Thank you, Anders Swanson Project Manager Active and Safe Routes to School Program | Green Action Centre 303 Portage Ave, 3rd Floor | Winnipeg, MB | R3B 2B4 c. 1-204-797-1962 | anders(a)greenactioncentre.ca

1 0

Six creative options for the bridge plaza (see #2)
by Anders Swanson 21 Jan '13

21 Jan '13

source: http://metronews.ca/voices/urban-compass-winnipeg/517196/five-creative-opti… Six creative options for the bridge plaza January 20, 2013 ** *_______________* ** I never thought placing a Salisbury House on the Esplanade Riel was a great idea. Nothing against the restaurant chain, which serves reasonable food at a reasonable price, but the idea always seemed terribly uninspired. After all, there was nothing “reasonable” about building a restaurant plaza in the middle of a bridge in the first place. It was a bold, expensive gambit to create a unique attraction for our city, and filling the space with another outlet of an ordinary restaurant chain didn’t come close to achieving that goal. And while a reasonable argument could be made that the plaza never should have been built, reality is that it exists now, and with the Salisbury House lease ending, the city has an opportunity to pursue more creative ideas. So with that in mind, let’s explore a couple of options: *1. Pop-up retail/restaurant.* Winnipeg has been typically slow to adopt the worldwide trend of pop-up commercial spaces. However, a group of entrepreneurs will soon open a pop-up restaurant along the river trail, and if all goes well then that could spark new opportunities. Having a flexible space on the bridge available for short-term rent could help get more ideas off the ground, whether it’s seasonal food concepts, art exhibits or even major retailers who want to test the Winnipeg market (like what Lululemon recently did with its pop-up retail store in Regina). *2. Urban cycling centre.* Inspired by the Midtown Bike Center in Minneapolis (which has the exact same square footage), the bridge plaza could be converted into an all-purpose bike retail/rental/repair/storage outlet that could serve as a hub for community outreach activities for the city’s cycling community. And as an added bonus, the lack of an adjacent parking lot isn’t a concern for this group. *3. Ice cream/burger mecca.* For decades, Winnipeggers have been lining up at the BDI and Sargent Sundae for a chance to buy ice cream and walk across a bridge. Combine that idea with some classic White Top/Mrs. Mike’s/VJ’s-style burgers, and you’re guaranteed success … for at least six months of the year. *4. Event centre.* Given its unique location, it’s easy to imagine the bridge as a French-Canadian-themed bar during Festival du Voyageur, a venue with a view for Folklorama, a spot for swanky cocktail parties during fireworks shows at The Forks, or even a cool site for wedding photos and small receptions. *5. French restaurant.* The original idea when the bridge plaza was built a decade ago was for it to become a bistro or creperie that provides a culinary complement to the bridge’s physical connection between downtown and St. Boniface. Maybe now the city would be willing to provide more of an economic incentive (free rent? no business taxes?) to make it happen. *6. Winnipeg Jets… something.* I don’t even have an idea here, but put the logo of our most recognized team on our most recognized piece of architecture, and it’s certain to draw a crowd at any time during the year. News Worth Sharing: <http://metronews.ca/author/cfast/>By Colin Fast<http://metronews.ca/author/cfast/> Metro Winnipeg Connect with Colin

1 0

WFP: Cyclists, drivers can't point fingers (Jan.19'13)
by Beth McKechnie 19 Jan '13

19 Jan '13

Cyclists, drivers can't point fingers Collision data show both parties need to take better care on road By: Bruce Owen http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/cyclists-drivers-cant-point-fingers-… It's time to call a truce in Winnipeg's war between cyclists and drivers. It turns out both are at fault for crashes, injuries and even cyclist fatalities during the past decade, according to data released by Manitoba Public Insurance. The continuing rate of collisions between bikes and vehicles is one reason Manitoba's Public Utilities Board told MPI late last year to put together a more comprehensive public education campaign on road safety and messaging to motorists regarding cyclists, such as giving cyclists one metre of space when passing them. "We're both to blame," said Dave Elmore, director of safety and education for the cyclist lobby group Bike to the Future. "There's equal fault on both sides. The numbers that we've had in the past from MPI really show that at least 50 per cent of cyclists are at fault for most of their own collisions." MPI's numbers from 2001-10 appear to back that up. MPI spokesman Brian Smiley said 13 cyclists were killed and 68 seriously injured in that period, and there were 2,144 less-serious injuries to cyclists. Almost 68 per cent of reported collisions happened at intersections, as did 61 per cent of the 13 fatalities. In 63 per cent of those collisions, the cyclist was pedalling straight ahead and 20 per cent of the vehicles involved were turning right, meaning the driver likely turned into the cyclist without shoulder-checking. Of the cyclists in a collision with a motor vehicle: -- 10 per cent reported they were distracted or confused; -- 4.3 per cent failed to yield the right-of-way; -- three per cent disobeyed a traffic-control device. Of the motor vehicle drivers in a collision with a cyclist: -- 4.1 per cent said they were distracted; -- 4.8 per cent failed to yield the right-of-way; -- 1.1 per cent were speeding. "Everyone is expected to share the road," Smiley said. "Cyclists are entitled to be on the road. They are also expected to observe the rules of road, meaning stopping at stop signs, observing traffic lights and yielding when appropriate. Vehicles are also expected to share the road with cyclists." The numbers were compiled from claims filed with MPI. City police do not record these statistics. Elmore said the numbers he has show there is an overall downward trend in the number of car-cyclist collisions in the past decade, but that the numbers have edged up in the past two years. "I think that's really a result of the fact that we have more and more cyclists on the road these days, and fewer of them actually understand how they should be behaving on the road," he said. "In some cases, they don't possess the skills, and in some cases, they don't have the knowledge and understanding. "It's easy for drivers to point to cyclists who shoot through red lights and at stop signs, but they're by far the minority of cyclists. And the same holds true for cyclists, who say that drivers speed and also roll through stop signs." What's needed is a more rigorous public education campaign on cyclist safety, run by MPI and the province, as dedicated bike lanes on streets are slow in coming and costly. "People believe that there's this war between cyclists and drivers, but ultimately, I don't believe it's a war," Elmore said. "I think that really it's just a misunderstanding and it's created because of the knowledge gap. There's a huge gap in knowledge on both sides of the coin. Education is unfortunately overlooked as a solution." Smiley said MPI has met with cyclist groups to rework the information MPI gives to the public in brochures and on the Crown corporation's website. He said the worst months for cyclist fatalities are June and July, with 23 per cent of such deaths happening in those two months. June and July were also the worst months for injuries. No cyclist deaths were recorded in December, January and February. The worst day of the week for cyclist-car collisions is Wednesday, with 18 per cent recorded, and the worst time of day is the 3 p.m.-to-6 p.m. rush hour, during which 30 per cent of such crashes occurred. Smiley said 90 per cent of all bicycle-vehicle mishaps were reported, and 10 per cent were classified as hit-and-runs. *bruce.owen(a)freepress.mb.ca* ** *To avoid it, you have to see it* EVER wonder why motor-vehicle drivers don't see the person on the bicycle until the last second, if at all? It's not so much because they're not paying attention, it's because the human brain can only process the images the eyes see directly in front of them, not what's around them. It's another way of saying your eyes weren't designed for driving. Your peripheral vision is only as good as the size of the object approaching you from the side, such as a truck. Your peripheral vision would not necessarily pick up a cyclist, especially when lost momentarily in the blind spot of a car-door pillar. The lesson here is drivers should always look right and left at least twice before going into an intersection. It also means fully turning your head so your brain processes what your eyes see. For cyclists, it means wearing high-contrast clothing so they can be seen. Flashing lights front and back are a must at dusk and during the night. It also means not only looking at vehicles around you, but at the drivers. If a driver doesn't appear to notice you, or worse, is on a cellphone, play it safe and assume you have not been seen. Also be predictable in your riding. "A lot of people look at it like it's that old expression, 'it's just like riding a bike.' That's not true," said Dave Elmore, director of safety and education for Bike to the Future. "That's balancing a bike. Riding a bike in traffic is a totally different world." *For more information, go to www.londoncyclist.co.uk/raf-pilot-teach-cyclists* Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition January 19, 2013 A4

1 0

AT webinar: Basics of Bicycle Parking, Wed, Jan.23, 2-3 pm, EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 17 Jan '13

17 Jan '13

Green Action Centre and Stantec Consulting invite you to join us for a local viewing of the first of four APBP webinars on bicycle parking. It takes place at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) and will be followed by group discussion of local applications.* *APBP strongly recommends viewing this first webinar as a prerequisite to others in the bicycle parking series. *Basics of Bicycle Parking Wed, Jan. 23, 2013 | 2:00-3:00 pm CST* RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then! cheers, Beth 925-3772 * * * * * * * The Basics of Bicycle Parking APBP presents a series of four webinars that covers all aspects of bicycle parking. The first session reviews some of the basic principles of accommodating bicycles in both public and institutional environments. We will review types of parking in current use for both short and long term parking, and describe the conditions and constraints which guide selection of parking strategies and equipment. The session will look globally at the organization of the APBP Bicycle Parking Guidelines and preview the following sessions. Topics include core concepts, rack design and features, site planning and innovations. Who should attend? Municipal staff, transit agency staff, managers of educational, corporate and healthcare campuses, and members of Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committees (BPACs), as well as elected officials and staff of bicycle advocacy organizations. Both the experienced agency manager and those new to developing bicycle parking solutions will benefit. *For future dates and topics in the Bicycle Parking Webinar series, see: * http://greenactioncentre.ca/event/apbp-bicycle-parking-webinar-series/

1 0

FW: Active Transportation - Request for Documents
by Kristine Hayward 16 Jan '13

16 Jan '13

Hi AT folks - see below the request from the Leisure Information Network (LIN) for additional resources on Active Transportation. Kristine Hayward in motion Coordinator 2nd floor - 490 Hargrave Street Winnipeg, MB R3A 0X7 Telephone 204 940-1676 Cell 204 232-7546 Fax 204 940-2690 Email khayward(a)wrha.mb.ca Follow Winnipeg in motion on Twitter - @wpginmotion Sign up to receive updates from Winnipeg in motion @ http://www.winnipeginmotion.ca/signup/ <http://www.winnipeginmotion.ca/signup/> PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVE MOVED (MAY 5, 2012) - our mailing address and fax number has changed. From: LINNEWS [mailto:acroxford@lin.ca] Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2013 1:01 PM To: Kristine Hayward Subject: Active Transportation - Request for Documents <http://r20.rs6.net/on.jsp?t=1112166007465.0.1101653690364.795&ts=S0859& o=http://ui.constantcontact.com/images/p1x1.gif> LINNews Banner<http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs074/1101653690364/img/20.png> Find us on Facebook Find LIN on Facebook <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0019cgJmpIvtKzwel6kNElk0pFN5rJRxUkDS4tQbhmE I8H42xaRE8tkdJyLffX7fMVrjCF4sYischyFm8J9yBUYibfBVhF3akuKFYzVbplPX7FVWRtG Ctt8xCIBDnuwopNLkjjCd2VvuDzoiR9IVtSkOIjQvrv7I1HN2gr-GEuAv946gkJsNP2widGK NEYMyuuEDw6Gw5Nnrn_p_DF_c0fhS9QOvnaiDO_C> LIN maintains a database of all messages sent out on LINNEWS and most of the responses. You can search it at any time by going to: http://www.lin.ca/index.cfm?fa=resource.linnews <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0019cgJmpIvtKwJcSBJeYtRwpbFY0c6dzS01zIBJeYs lePaMvGsBU3Xe2L2qVWa8SkYInjcvQshmwPWGDWYBhrGoUmQMBNF_ILRtI0Aev1dJ1noqiKN g1gW5fTZD_Vi3iUU0PW6gQzLrTM3XXUDZXDVHQ==> To help us, please make sure that your replies to messages are copied to archive(a)lin.ca <mailto:archive@lin.ca> (there will be a reminder on every message we send.) To post a message to this listserv, address your email to linnews(a)lin.ca Active Transportation Request for Documents for the National Recreation Database Happy New Year everyone In our recent survey on the National Recreation Database, the vast majority of respondents said they would submit documents to the database, if they were asked for specific items... so now we're asking! Many specific examples were given and we will be making requests on a regular basis. Those who submit documents will have their names entered in a draw for prizes at the end of the year (we don't know what the prizes will be yet, but we're working on finding some really good ones). This week we're looking for active transportation plans, research, policies etc., so if your organization has anything like this, please take a few minutes to send them along. You can send us the full document, or a link to something on your own website (if you think it will remain there permanently). Let's see how quickly we can make the database grow in 2013! By the way, you can see a report on the survey results on our home page: www.lin.ca <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0019cgJmpIvtKyOz8cXoAiUjuhmtowvKb036tn2PYxR BlbW1KIqE46ieaBTDNlGvZ_kwDzfAxmJqdsg_kv4puqgLu_vgzqu9df1F1k_bQSsYGI=> Forward email <http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?llr=74r994bab&m=1101653690364 &ea=khayward%40wrha.mb.ca&a=1112166007465> <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&mse=001ytzJgXCdPi6eNDPx28rAn dQIGyfgIfxy&t=001Ej9Ta588qOPUr0htbZk9bA%3D%3D&lang=001FCSs65SMrsI%3D&rea son=001y5KaVlBn7_Y%3D&llr=74r994bab> This email was sent to khayward(a)wrha.mb.ca by acroxford(a)lin.ca | Update Profile/Email Address <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=oo&mse=001ytzJgXCdPi6eNDPx28rAn dQIGyfgIfxy&t=001Ej9Ta588qOPUr0htbZk9bA%3D%3D&lang=001FCSs65SMrsI%3D&rea son=001y5KaVlBn7_Y%3D&llr=74r994bab> | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe <http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&mse=001ytzJgXCdPi6eNDPx28rAn dQIGyfgIfxy&t=001Ej9Ta588qOPUr0htbZk9bA%3D%3D&lang=001FCSs65SMrsI%3D&rea son=001y5KaVlBn7_Y%3D&llr=74r994bab> (tm) | Privacy Policy <http://ui.constantcontact.com/roving/CCPrivacyPolicy.jsp> . Leisure Information Network | 1 Concorde Gate, Suite 302 | Suite 502 | Toronto | ON | M3C 3N6 | Canada This email and/or any documents in this transmission is intended for the addressee(s) only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and return the original. Ce courriel et tout document dans cette transmission est destiné à la personne ou aux personnes à qui il est adressé. Il peut contenir des informations privilégiées ou confidentielles. Toute utilisation, divulgation, distribution, copie, ou diffusion non autorisée est strictement défendue. Si vous n'êtes pas le destinataire de ce message, veuillez en informer l'expéditeur immédiatement et lui remettre l'original.

1 0

U.S. Federal Safe Routes to School Program reduces child injuries by more than 40 percent in New York City
by Beth McKechnie 16 Jan '13

16 Jan '13

[Sold evidence of the positive impacts of the Safe Routes to School program. If you're not aware of the program in Manitoba, check it out here<http://greenactioncentre.ca/program/asrts/>. Thanks to Terry Zdan for sharing! -cheers, Beth] U.S. Federal Safe Routes to School Program Reduces Child Injuries by More Than 40 Percent in New York City http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130114092702.htm Jan. 14, 2013 — The national Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program was funded by Congress in 2005 in an effort to create safe environments for American children to walk or bike to school. Has the program been effective? In New York City, most definitely, according to a new study conducted at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health that evaluated the program here. Researchers found that the annual rate of injury to school-age pedestrians ages 5-19 fell 44% during the peak times for walking to school, in neighborhoods where the program was implemented. Significantly, the injury rate did not drop in parts of the city where the SRTS safety program was not in place. Findings of the report are published online in *Pediatrics*. The researchers analyzed motor vehicle crash data for 169,000 pedestrian injuries between 2001 and 2010 for different age groups and neighborhoods with and without SRTS interventions to assess the program's effectiveness. Interventions for reducing pedestrian injury included new traffic and pedestrian signals, the addition of exclusive pedestrian crossing times, speed bumps, speed boards, high-visibility crosswalks, and new parking regulations. More than 120 NYC schools were selected by the NYC Department of Transportation for the interventions because they had the highest rates of pedestrian injury. The researchers created a school-travel time indicator variable to further identify crashes that occurred during days and hours when school-aged children would be traveling to or from school. This time period was defined as 7 AM to 9 AM or 2 PM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday between September and June. "Our data show that interventions to make the built environment safer can greatly reduce injuries to children as they walk to school," says the lead author of the study, Charles DiMaggio, PhD, associate professor of Epidemiology and research director of the Center for Injury Epidemiology and Prevention at Columbia. The Safe Routes to School program was funded through 2012, and is now in place in all 50 states at approximately 10% of elementary and secondary schools. Under the current federal transportation bill, MAP-21, the Safe Routes program will no longer have dedicated funding. It is now one of a number of possible programs eligible for funding based on state and local priorities, making it "even more important to evaluate and demonstrate the effectiveness of programs like Safe Routes to School," according to Dr. DiMaggio. "Our study provides compelling empirical evidence that is essential to guiding policy makers," says senior author Guohua Li, MD, DrPH, Mailman School professor of Epidemiology and Anesthesiology and director of the Center for Injury Epidemiology and Prevention. "It indicates that the Safe Routes to School program has made a marked difference in improving the safety of school-age children in New York City."

1 0

WFP: Lower speeds on residential streets rejected (Jan.12'13)
by Beth McKechnie 12 Jan '13

12 Jan '13

Lower speeds on residential streets rejected By: Jen Skerritt http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/lower-speeds-on-residential-streets-… A city committee decided to put the brakes on a call to reduce speeds on Winnipeg's residential streets. On Friday, council's public works committee rejected a push to do a further study on the issue. An administration report released earlier this week examined whether Winnipeg should reduce the residential-street speed limit from 50 km/h to 40 km/h to improve safety, especially for pedestrians and cyclists. The report said many studies conducted throughout North America have shown driver speed is affected by the road, not speed-limit signs. Other cities that have lowered the speed limit on some residential streets, including Montreal and Edmonton, did not see a significant drop in the average speeds, according to the report. It said some drivers will follow the lower speed limit but others will ignore it, which may increase the potential for collisions between slower and faster drivers. The report recommended Winnipeg not move ahead with proposed speed-limit changes. Several councillors said they were disappointed by the report's conclusions. River Heights Coun. John Orlikow said to refuse to calm traffic on residential streets is a "tragic mistake." On Friday, health officials, cycling advocates and politicians told council's public works committee to further review how the city could reduce driver speeds and improve road safety. Winnipeg Regional Health Authority medical officer of health Dr. Sande Harlos said reducing speed is key for lowering the risk of serious injury for pedestrians and cyclists, noting speed is a factor in 25 per cent of all fatal collisions. But Harlos told the committee lowering speed limits alone is not the most effective strategy, and she urged the city to consider combining it with enforcement, public education and other ways to calm traffic. She said the report did not include statistics from other cities that have seen significant reductions in injuries and fatalities after lowering speed limits, including those in Norway that saw a 45 per cent drop in fatal crashes. "It's the least we could do," Harlos said of lowering the speed limit in residential areas. "When it comes to the health of the public, we should be doing the best we could do, so I think we could do more than that." Public works director Brad Sacher said lowering the speed limit to 40 km/h alone will not reduce vehicle speeds, as drivers typically use other factors, such as the number of pedestrians and the width of the road, to determine how fast they should drive. Sacher said Winnipeg has not had a widespread problem of residential collisions, and the city continues to investigate ways to cut drivers' speeds in problem areas, such as with traffic-calming circles or speed bumps. The committee decided against further study of the subject and voted against reducing the residential speed limit to 40 km/h. Public works chairman Coun. Dan Vandal (St. Boniface) said the bulk of reported vehicle collisions occur on regional streets, and he's more concerned about a provincial initiative to raise the speed limit on roadways such as Provencher Boulevard. Coun. Harvey Smith (Daniel McIntyre) initiated the push for lower speeds and said the committee should have consulted the public before voting on the issue. Smith said he plans to meet with Harlos and bring forward another motion on road safety. "To me, it's just saying status quo and we don't care," he said. jen.skerritt(a)freepress.mb.ca How bad is that crash? Medical experts say when a pedestrian gets hit by a car, speed can make a huge difference in the severity of injuries. - Injuries sustained in a 50 km/h collision are equivalent to falling from a three-storey building. - Injuries sustained from a 75 km/h crash are equivalent to falling from a seven-storey building. - Injuries sustained from a 100 km/h crash are equivalent to falling from a 12-storey building. Likelihood of surviving a crash: - At 30 km/h, five per cent of pedestrians struck by a vehicle will die. - At 40 km/h, 25 per cent of pedestrians struck by a vehicle will die. - At 50 km/h, 55 per cent of pedestrians struck by a vehicle will die. *-- source: Putting the Brakes on Speed / Bike to the Future*

1 0

[VIDEO] Dutch try heated cycle tracks and glow in the dark roads - BBC
by Anders Swanson 11 Jan '13

11 Jan '13

*See the brief video report from BBC news at: * http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20942340 "A team of Dutch designers is pioneering technology to make winter journeys even safer for and more attractive to cyclists. Reflective crystals make lines in the road more visible in poor light, while other roads are getting underground heating. Anna Holligan reports from Zwolle."

1 0

Job Opportunity, 3-4 Bike mechanics req'd
by Natural Cycle T1 10 Jan '13

10 Jan '13

NOW HIRING! Natural Cycle is a cooperatively owned and operated commuter-focused bicycle shop specializing in custom work and performing regular repairs and maintenance. Established in 1999, we started in a small room in the back, and thanks to the overwhelming support of our customers, we have since taken over the whole lower level of the building. As the only bike shop in downtown Winnipeg, we wanted to create a fair place to work, and shop. We get a lot of satisfaction from empowering our customers to ride their bikes, fix them, then ride them some more. For more information about Natural Cycle, please visit our website: www.naturalcycle.ca. We are currently hiring for full-time and part-time seasonal positions beginning in March 2013 and ending in the beginning of August 2013. Responsibilities and tasks will first focus on bicycle repair and customer service and will include other aspects of running a small business. Assets: - Skills or experience related to running a small business. - Experience with bicycle repair or other mechanical aptitude is preferred but not necessary. - Experience with worker cooperatives or other experience with group decision making. - Passion for cycling or involvement in the Winnipeg cycling community. - Customer service experience - Self-motivation and creativity - Ability to attend weekly staff meetings on Wednesday evenings. To apply, please drop off or mail a resume and cover letter. Cover letter should include interest in full-time or part-time. Natural Cycle at 91 Albert St, lower level, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 1G5 email us at cycleworks(a)naturalcycle.ca Applications will be reviewed upon receipt.

1 0

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