- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

WFP: Walk to store keeps weight down: study (Apr.7'09)
by Beth McKechnie 07 Apr '09

07 Apr '09

Canada News Walk to store keeps weight down: study By: Joanne Hatherly VICTORIA -- Want to lose weight? Try moving closer to a grocery store. A new study from the University of B.C. shows people who live within a kilometre of a grocery store are half as likely to be overweight, compared to those living in neighbourhoods without grocery stores. The study shows that old-style urban planning that mixes retail with residential zones gets people out of their cars, onto the sidewalks, and helps them keep their weight down. And if one grocery store is good, two or more is even better, the report released Monday showed. Researchers found that every additional store within a kilometre translated into an 11 per cent reduction in the likelihood of being overweight. "People have to access food," said study author Lawrence Frank. "It's a marker for other commercial uses, as well, so it's not just grocery stores that matter." The research found that people walked more often when they lived in neighbourhoods with good street lighting, continuous sidewalks and a variety of shops, services, schools, parks and workplaces within walking distance. The study also linked body mass to urban design, showing that people who live in suburb-style neighbourhoods that force them to drive to the store makes them more likely to be overweight. -- Canwest News Service

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Sharrows webinar - Wed, Apr. 15, 2-3 p.m., EcoCentre
by Beth McKechnie 06 Apr '09

06 Apr '09

Resource Conservation Manitoba invites you to... SHARED ROADWAY MARKINGS (SHARROWS) WEBINAR Date: Wed, April 15th Time: 2-3 p.m. CST Location: EcoCentre Boardroom (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) In a one-hour webinar, Mike Sallaberry, a registered [U.S.] traffic engineer, will discuss the Shared Roadway Marking, or "Sharrow." The sharrow has been accepted in the California MUTCD [Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices] and proposed for inclusion in the next MUTCD; it is becoming a popular addition to a bicycle engineer/planner's toolbox. Mike will provide information about placing and installing the marking on a variety of street types, and will present findings of the San Francisco-sponsored experiment, showing what the marking was and was not able to accomplish. Mike will also provide examples of less-obvious situations where sharrows can be used to address design challenges where other markings, signage, facilities, etc. are inappropriate or insufficient. The Sharrows webinar is part of the Professional Development webinar series , co-hosted by the National Center for Bicycling & Walking (NCBW), the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP), and Cullbridge Communications. Please RSVP as space is limited. cheers, Beth Green Commuting Initiatives Resource Conservation Manitoba (204) 925-3772 www.resourceconservation.mb.ca www.LivingGreenLivingWell.ca

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Jane's Walk 2009 - Lead a walk in your neighbourhood!
by Beth McKechnie 06 Apr '09

06 Apr '09

Jane's Walk Winnipeg - May 2 & 3, 2009 Winnipeg's first year (2008) was a huge success! Over 500 people came out for the 13 walks that were offered in Winnipeg - in spite of snow on the second day! Nationally, over six thousand people took part in Jane's Walk 2008, wandering through 141 neighbourhoods in eleven Canadian cities - Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Guelph, London, Toronto, Thornbury, Ottawa, Charlottetown and Halifax plus Salt Lake City Utah. Be part of Jane's Walk 2009 ! This series of neighbourhood strolls, given and taken for free on the first weekend of May, offers an insider's take on this city's vibrant and fascinating neighbourhoods. The walks showcase great Winnipeg neighbourhoods in a new and exciting manner while celebrating the legacy of urban activist and writer Jane Jacobs. Jane's Walk is an exceptional opportunity for Winnipeggers to discover their city - both places they think they know well and places they want to explore. We welcome you to lead a walk as part of this event - in a Winnipeg neighbourhood that you're involved with or where you live, work or play. We already have 8+ walks confirmed with more in the hopper, ranging in neighbourhoods from the West End to Transcona to Gilbert Park to St. Boniface and more. Find out more at: http://www.wolseleypost.mb.ca/janeswalk09invite.pdf Please forward to any friends, family, colleagues or distant acquaintances that you think might be interested. Thank you from the Jane's Walk 2009 volunteer organizers! (Apologies for any cross postings.) Beth, Joel & Jino

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WFP: Winnipeggers race toward sustainability & Symposium on Sustainability (Apr.4'09)
by Beth McKechnie 06 Apr '09

06 Apr '09

Winnipeg Free Press Winnipeggers race toward sustainabilityStaff Writer A sustainability symposium to be held by Mayor Sam Katz later this month will coincide with a green-themed race that will take participants all over downtown Winnipeg. Sprinting Towards Sustainability: An Amazing Race Adventure will let up to 10 teams of two people cycle, walk or run around the course in a bid to win two bicycles worth $600 each. After finishing off five mystery sustainability tasks, participants can check out an eco-pavilion at The Forks Market, where activities will include a composting demonstration, vehicles on display and green prize giveaways. Registration for Katz's Symposium on Sustainability kicks off Monday at 9 a.m. The city says people who want to take part should call early, as the attendance is capped at 100. To sign up, call 986-7367 or visit www.winnipeg.ca/MayorsSymposium. The day-long symposium is happening Saturday, April 25 at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, 300 Memorial Blvd., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's aimed at launching a year-long process to come up with a new official 25-year plan for the City of Winnipeg. The plan would be a successor to Plan Winnipeg, the city's long-term blueprint for land-use and planning. Participants will share their views, take part in round-table discussions and hear from a panel of experts at the symposium. The mayor's environmental reputation took a hit in recent months, with the chair and most members of his environmental advisory committee quitting in February over what they said was a lack of political clout and money. Katz revived the panel later that month and put Transcona Coun. Russ Wyatt in charge.

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Activate your Commute - TWO in motion @ the Library Sessions!
by Deanna Betteridge 03 Apr '09

03 Apr '09

Hello, Can you please assist Winnipeg in motion by publicizing the following FREE events and forwarding this information on to your networks? Deanna ******************************************************************************* in motion @ the Library - TWO different dates - TWO different locations! Activate your Commute - to work, school and around your neighbourhood. Tonnes of great ideas on ways that you and your family can get from point A to point B by human powered physical activity! Join Winnipeg in motion, Resource Conservation Manitoba, Olympia Cycle & Ski and the Winnipeg Public Libraries this month for two great in motion @ the Library sessions. Join in the discussion on how walking and cycling to work, school and in and around your neighbourhood is the perfect way to incorporate regular physical activity into your busy schedule. Learn how to stay safe while walking and cycling in Winnipeg and tips to choose the best route for you - safe & scenic or safe & direct. Come and check out the latest equipment to make getting around easier and more enjoyable. TWO SESSIONS TO CHOOSE FROM: Session 1 Activate your Commute - to work, school and around your neighbourhood Friday, April 17, from 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. Jessie Klassen of Resource Conservation Manitoba and Scot Miller of Olympia Cycle & Ski Carol Shield Auditorium on the second floor of the Millennium Library (251 Donald Street) Session 2 Activate your Commute - to work, school and around your neighbourhood Saturday, April 25, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Deanna Betteridge & Kristine Hayward of Winnipeg in motion Louis Riel Library (1168 Dakota St.) Admission is FREE of charge and registration is NOT required. For more information contact Winnipeg in motion at 940-3648 or visit http://www.winnipeginmotion.ca/resources/in_motion_library. Unable to attend? Visit winnipeginmotion.ca for some commuting tips & ideas. Please pass this information on to your co-workers, family and friends. ******************************************************************************* Activate your Commute - to work, school and around your neighbourhood is part of "in motion Fridays", a series of monthly workshops that promote physical activity for better health. The in motion @ the Library series is sponsored by Winnipeg in motion and the Millennium Library. For a complete list of workshops, visit http://www.winnipeginmotion.ca/resources/in_motion_library or http://wpl.winnipeg.ca/library/. See you at the Library! ** Sign-up to receive Winnipeg in motion email updates www.winnipeginmotion.ca/signup/ ** ------------------------------------------------------------- Deanna Betteridge, M.Sc. in motion Coordinator 2 - 189 Evanson St. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3G 0N9 204-940-3264 (w) 204-232-3297 (c) 204-940-8409 (f) E-mail: dbetteridge(a)wrha.mb.ca Web site: www.winnipeginmotion.ca This email and/or any documents in this transmission is intended for the addressee(s) only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and return the original. Ce courriel et tout document dans cette transmission est destiné à la personne ou aux personnes à qui il est adressé. Il peut contenir des informations privilégiées ou confidentielles. Toute utilisation, divulgation, distribution, copie, ou diffusion non autorisée est strictement défendue. Si vous n'êtes pas le destinataire de ce message, veuillez en informer l'expéditeur immédiatement et lui remettre l'original.

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National Survey of Bicyclist and Pedestrian Attitudes and Behavior (U.S.)
by Beth McKechnie 02 Apr '09

02 Apr '09

[I'm not sure if this report dated August 2008 has already been circulated but just in case...] National Survey of Bicyclist and Pedestrian Attitudes and Behavior This report presents findings from the National Survey of Bicyclist and Pedestrian Attitudes and Behavior, jointly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) and administered by The Gallup Organization. The goals of the survey were to ascertain the scope and magnitude of bicycle and pedestrian activity and the public's behavior and attitudes regarding bicycling and walking. Summary report: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/staticfiles/DOT/NHTSA/Traffic%20Injury%20Control/A… For the Findings and Methods reports, go to: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/template.MAXIMIZE/menuitem.3d620… cheers, Beth Green Commuting Initiatives Resource Conservation Manitoba www.resourceconservation.mb.ca www.LivingGreenLivingWell.ca

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Dutch study: Bike commuters can save employers 27 million euros in absenteeism
by Beth McKechnie 02 Apr '09

02 Apr '09

[Snipped from The National Center for Bicycling & Walking's newsletter CenterLines, Issue 224, April 1'09] BIKE COMMUTERS CAN SAVE EMPLOYERS 27M EUROS IN ABSENTEEISM According to a Jan. 26th TNO article, "Employees who cycle regularly to work are less frequently ill, with on average more than one day per year less absenteeism than colleagues who do not cycle to work. If employers in the Netherlands were to encourage employees to cycle to work more, annual savings could reach 27 million euros." Download the 2-page summary at: http://www.tno.nl/downloads/reduced_sickness_absence_kvl_l_09_02_978Em_laag… -cheers, Beth Green Commuting Initiatives Resource Conservation Manitoba www.resourceconservation.mb.ca www.LivingGreenLivingWell.ca

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New resource: A Resident's Guide to Creating Safe and Walkable Communities (U.S.)
by Beth McKechnie 02 Apr '09

02 Apr '09

[Snipped from: http://www.walkinginfo.org/library/details.cfm?id=4163] A Resident's Guide to Creating Safe and Walkable Communities includes information, ideas, success stories, and resources to help neighborhood residents learn about issues that affect walking conditions; find ways to address or prevent these problems; and promote pedestrian safety. The Guide also contains fact sheets, worksheets, and sample materials that can be distributed or adapted to meet the needs of a community. The guide contains 5 major sections: 1.. Chapter 1: How can I identify problems with walking conditions in my neighborhood? 2.. Chapter 2: Who can help me make my neighborhood a safer place to walk? 3.. Chapter 3: How can the safety of my neighborhood be improved? 4.. Chapter 4: I need more information! 5.. Resource Materials Download the entire guide or sections at: http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/ped/ped_walkguide/ cheers, Beth Green Commuting Initiatives Resource Conservation Manitoba www.resourceconservation.mb.ca www.LivingGreenLivingWell.ca

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BRT and Bicycle Lanes
by David Wieser 31 Mar '09

31 Mar '09

This is another terrific streetfilm that was just added. This film is about the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Curitiba, Brazil. http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/curitibas-brt/ They talk about the use of bike lanes in that they omitted them in the original design and are now incorporating bicycles in the planning of new BRT lines. Perhaps the City of Winnipeg should pay attention to Curitiba's city planners and ensure an Active Transportation corridor is included in the entire route out to the U of Manitoba. David Wieser

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CBC News: Transit use associated with better fitness, say Canadian Researchers (Mar.27'09)
by Beth McKechnie 30 Mar '09

30 Mar '09

Transit use associated with better fitness, say Canadian researchers http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/03/27/transit.html Last Updated: Friday, March 27, 2009 | 11:12 AM ET People who use public transit are three times more likely to meet fitness guidelines than those who don't, say researchers at the University of British Columbia. That conclusion comes from an examination of telephone travel surveys from metropolitan Atlanta, Ga., showing transit riders met requirements by walking to and from stops. Researchers used the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada's suggested daily minimum of physical activity of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day, five days a week. The survey also suggests the more people drove their cars, the less likely they were to get their 30 minutes of daily physical activity. "The idea of needing to go to the gym to get your daily dose of exercise is a misperception," associate professor Lawrence Frank, who teaches community and regional planning, said in a release. "These short walks throughout our day are historically how we have gotten our activity. "Unfortunately, we've engineered this activity out of our daily lives." The report, published in the current Journal of Public Health Policy, does not examine motivation, but its authors suggest some possibilities. "Whether these results may be caused by transit users' preference for an active lifestyle, travel constraints, or choice of residential location warrants further analysis," they write. The researchers conclude that making transit incentives more broadly available may produce indirect health benefits by getting people walking, even if it's just in short bouts. The survey was based on interviews with 18,326 people who were asked to keep diaries of their modes of travel over the course of two consecutive days in 2001 and 2002.

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Active Transportation - Canada: March 21, 2009
by Beth McKechnie 24 Mar '09

24 Mar '09

----- Original Message ----- From: Michael Haynes To: undisclosed recipients: Sent: Saturday, March 21, 2009 11:23 AM Subject: Active Transportation - Canada: March 21, 2009 Active Transportation - Canada features a regular posting of news articles, studies, reports, and other items that have relevance in this field, with previous postings available in an archive. In addition, pictures of existing Active Transportation infrastructure from communities across Canada will be profiled each week. The following items have recently been posted to the Active Transportation - Canada Blog. To view in more detail, go to: http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.com **************************************************************************************************** AT Infrastructure Example: Bike Ramps on Stairs 1.. Press Release - US: 'Complete Streets' Bill Introduced to Help Americans Save on Transportation Costs, Cut Congestion 2.. Video - Bicycle Counters in Vanacouver 3.. Report - Creating Walkable and Transit-Supportive Communities in Halton 4.. Ontarians Walking NOW: Pickpockets, Placemakers, and Planning 5.. Article - The secret Canadian exercise weapon: Walking 6.. Article - Edmonton cyclists to lobby for $100M bike plan 7.. Article - Bike, sidewalk plans get support 8.. Article - Active Transportation Plan Being Developed 9.. Article - City plans to get active at last 10.. Article - Plateau unveils plan to ease congestion 11.. Article - US: Traffic, safety committee scrutinizes Portsmouth's skateboard ordinance 12.. Article - In Markham, the dream of an urban village that never was 13.. Study - Walk 100 Steps a Minute for 'Moderate' Exercise 14.. Article - The benefits of walking around your neighborhood 15.. Article - US: Salt Lake City plans for bicycle transit station **************************************************************************************************** A reminder e-mail of new postings will be sent no more often than once per week. To continue to receive these updates, you need take no action. Should you not wish to receive updates, please return this e-mail with "Unsubscribe" in the Subject area. Interested in an AT workshop in your community? For more information, please contact: Michael Haynes Director TransActive Solutions activetransportation(a)rogers.com 613.424.2803

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Job posting: Centre for Sustainable Transportation
by Beth McKechnie 24 Mar '09

24 Mar '09

Employment opportunity: The Centre for Sustainable Transportation FYI: Attached is a job posting with CST. Please pass it along if you know someone who might like the work. --------------------------------------------------------------- Marika Olynyk Researcher The Centre for Sustainable Transportation at The University of Winnipeg (204) 982-1152 m.olynyk(a)uwinnipeg.ca

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March 25th webinar: Bike Lanes, On-Street Parking and Business
by Beth McKechnie 22 Mar '09

22 Mar '09

---------- Forwarded Message ----------- From: Jackie Avent <co-chair2(a)biketothefuture.org> Hi Folks, Just a reminder that Bike to the Future is hosting this webinar in the Eco-Centre boardroom (3rd Floor, 303 Portage Avenue) at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, March 25th. Please spread the word to folks from the various Biz's, your interested colleagues, and other listserves you know about. There is space for about 25 people. Thanks! Jackie EVIDENCE SHOWS BIKE LANES ARE GOOD FOR BUSINESS * Upcoming webinar: March 25, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. CST Is your community considering investing in its public realm through an improved pedestrian environment or increasing transportation options through the installation of on-road bike lanes? Often, such proposals involve removing some on-street parking and are met with opposition from merchants who fear that the reallocation of road space would hurt business. A recent study in Toronto found that contrary to common public perception, the evidence shows that removing on-street parking to install a bicycle lane or widened sidewalk would likely increase not decrease commercial activity. The study conducted in July of 2008 surveyed the opinions and preferences of merchants and patrons on Bloor Street and analyzed parking usage data in the Annex area. Among the studys findings: · Only 10% of patrons drive to Bloor-Annex neighbourhood; · Even during peak periods no more than about 80% of parking spaces are paid for; · Patrons arriving by foot and bicycle visit the most often and spend the most money per month; · There are more merchants who believe that a bike lane or widened sidewalk would increase business than think would reduce it; · The reduction in on-street parking supply from a bike lane or widened sidewalk could be accommodated in the areas off-street municipal parking lots. The Clean Air Partnership is pleased to invite you to participate in a webinar profiling the findings of the study, the tools and methodology used and a discussion on how a similar study could be conducted in your community. The findings of this study will also be presented in May at Velo-City 2009 in Brussels the worlds largest conference devoted to bicycling. Date: March 25th, 2009 Time: 2:30 pm Eastern Standard Time Host: The Clean Air Partnership Presenter: Fred Sztabinski The studys lead researcher is an urban planning and policy researcher currently based in Amsterdam. Prior to this, Fred worked as the Project Coordinator and Active Transportation Researcher for the Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation and the Clean Air Partnership. Fred has a Masters in Planning from the University of Toronto. Fred's previous work experience, including time spent with the provincial government, the transit industry, and a transportation demand management association, has consistently aimed at raising the profile of more sustainable modes of transportation and promoting travel choice alternatives to the private car. To read the study report please click here. Support has been provided by a grant from the Toronto Community Foundation. The Clean Air Partnership would also like to thank Transport Canada and the City of Toronto for their generous support. ------- End of Forwarded Message -------

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2009 Wpg Bike Map Preview - Tues, Mar. 24, 5-7 p.m., Library
by Beth McKechnie 22 Mar '09

22 Mar '09

Friendly reminder to come out this Tuesday evening for an advance look at the NEW Winnipeg Bike Map. The map provides suggested cycling routes in Winnipeg based on the City's Active Transportation Network. Stop by the Carol Shields Auditorium on the second floor of the Millennium Library between 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24th. Thanks to all who have contributed to date. Hope to see you on March 24! cheers, Beth On behalf of the 2009 Winnipeg Bike Map steering committee: * Curt Hull, Climate Change Connection * Anders Swanson, One Green City * Janice Lukes, Winnipeg Trails Association * Ted Mann, Bike to the Future * Beth McKechnie, Resource Conservation Manitoba * Kevin Nixon, City of Winnipeg * Ron Brown, Manitoba Cycling Association * Tim Woodcock, Manitoba Cycling Association

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NEW Winnipeg Bike Map Preview - March 24, Millennium Library, 5-7 p.m.
by Beth McKechnie 16 Mar '09

16 Mar '09

Come see the 2009 Winnipeg Bike Map! Sneak a peek at the **NEW** Winnipeg Bike Map before it goes public. Stop by the Carol Shields Auditorium on the second floor of the Millennium Library between 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24th. Thanks to all who have contributed to date. See you March 24th! cheers, Beth On behalf of the 2009 Bike Map Steering Committee: * Curt Hull, Climate Change Connection * Kevin Nixon, City of Winnipeg, Public Works * Anders Swanson, One Green City * Ron Brown, Manitoba Cycling Association * Janice Lukes, Winnipeg Trails Association * Ted Mann, Bike to the Future * Beth McKechnie, Resource Conservation Manitoba * Tim Woodcock, Manitoba Cycling Association

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Active Transportation in River Heights - Fort Garry By Election - Candidates comments
by Janice Lukes 13 Mar '09

13 Mar '09

RIVER HEIGHTS - FORT GARRY BY ELECTION CANDIDATES FEEDBACK related to ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION: http://biketothefuture.org/news/archives/2009/03/05/river-heights---fort-gar ry-by-election-candidates-meetings Over the next 2-4 years, the majority of Active Transportation infrastructure spending will occur in the River Heights - Fort Garry ward due to significant projects (Bus Rapid Transit, Bishop Grandin Trail expansion, potential Kenaston Expansion, etc.) The Winnipeg Trails Association and Bike to the Future held two separate meetings for members and general public with the candidates. We presented a PowerPoint overview of Active Transportation in Winnipeg and the River Heights - Fort Garry ward, and then had question period. If you live in River Heights, I encourage you to look over the feedback. The PowerPoint and candidates feedback have been posted to the Bike to the Future website (link above) and I've attached a PDF of the candidates summary. It makes for an interesting read. thanks Janice Janice Lukes Winnipeg Trails Coordinator Winnipeg Trails Association 202 - One Forks Market Road Winnipeg, MB R3C 4L9 Cell (204) 952-4222 Fax (204) 943-7915 <mailto:jlukes@shaw.ca> jlukes(a)shaw.ca winnipegtrails.com

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Active Transportation Plan Winnipeg - IKEA and surrounding lands
by Janice Lukes 09 Mar '09

09 Mar '09

fyi _____ From: Elizabeth Fleming [mailto:enfleming2006@hotmail.com] Sent: March 7, 2009 12:20 PM To: Elizabeth Fleming Subject: Meeting re Kenaston/Sterling Lyon Parkway Plan Winnipeg amendment Dear Winnipeggers, You are invited to a meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 9th at the University Women's Club, 54 Westgate, to discuss the huge Plan Winnipeg amendment to permit redevelopment of land at Sterling Lyon Parkway and Kenaston Boulevard that was announced Thursday, March 5th. This application is being rushed prior to an open house being held on Wednesday, March 11th at the J.B Mitchell School Gymnasium (4:00 to 8:00 p.m.) and a hearing by the Executive Policy Committee at 510 Main Street on Wednesday, March 18th beginning at 9:00 a.m. The application and recent media reports can be found at these links: <http://www.winnipeg.ca/ppd/planning/SterlingLyon/> http://www.winnipeg.ca/ppd/planning/SterlingLyon/ <http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/ikea_project_to_add_6m_to_cit y_taxes-40835312.html> http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/ikea_project_to_add_6m_to_city _taxes-40835312.html <http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story/2009/03/05/mb-city-ikea.html> http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story/2009/03/05/mb-city-ikea.html MMM is proposing, on behalf of Winnipeg Intermodal and 5083851 Manitoba Ltd., to redesignate 196.3 acres of land at the south west and north west corners of Kenaston and Sterling Lyon Parkway from industrial to neighbourhood policy area to create a "super regional" commercial "destination centre" larger than Polo Park. IKEA is to be the 350,000-square-foot anchor tenant. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg for a much larger development that will also include a separate 200,000-square-foot big-box store, two stores in the 140,000 to 200,000 square-foot range, numerous smaller stores, a 500-unit condo development, a 100-room hotel, a 16-screen movie theatre and a 150,000-square-foot office park. The citizens of the bordering River Heights-Fort Garry ward will feel the traffic affects. They have been without a representative at city hall for almost a year and will have cast their votes for a new, rookie councillor the day before the EPC hearing. We were hoodwinked on one Plan Winnipeg amendment - "Hoodwinked? Winnipeggers were promised a utopian suburban Waverley West, but scaled-back plans have dashed expectations and created a very different reality." Winnipeg Free Press, February 15, 2009. <http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/hood-winked-39632472.html> http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/hood-winked-39632472.html Are we prepared to stand by to be hoodwinked on another Plan Winnipeg amendment? The priority in Plan Winnipeg - approved by City Council and the province - is Downtown First. Who is standing up for downtown and planning in Winnipeg? City Council has also made a commitment to facilitate a reduction in community-wide greenhouse gas emissions. Although transportation is the largest source of GHG emissions in Winnipeg, they appear poised to approve what will likely be the most auto-dependant large retail development in Winnipeg's history. Hope to see you Monday evening. Elizabeth Fleming

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Active Transportation - Canada: March 2, 2009
by Beth McKechnie 03 Mar '09

03 Mar '09

----- Original Message ----- From: Michael Haynes To: Michael Haynes Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 9:00 AM Subject: Active Transportation - Canada: March 2, 2009 Active Transportation - Canada features a regular posting of news articles, studies, reports, and other items that have relevance in this field, with previous postings available in an archive. In addition, pictures of existing Active Transportation infrastructure from communities across Canada will be profiled each week. The following items have recently been posted to the Active Transportation - Canada Blog. To view in more detail, go to: http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.com **************************************************************************************************** 1.. Press Release - US: Trails, Walking and Biking Earn $800 Million in Stimulus 2.. Article - Korea: Commission lays out detailed plan for green growth 3.. Article - Australia: Melbourne to get more bike lanes 4.. Article - US: Is 1-mile bike path worth $9.2 million? 5.. Report - Policy and Action for Cancer Prevention, Food, Nutrition, and Physical Activity: A Global Report 6.. Article - Federal government missing the boat on green opportunities 7.. Article - Elite sports facility ridiculous waste of public money 8.. Article - Calgary plans two bridges - but not for cars 9.. Article - Long-awaited bicycle transportation plan finally goes to city council 10.. Article - Bike Racks to be Installed on Four City Bus Routes 11.. Blog - The impact of unsupportive parents in skateboarding 12.. Article - US: City aims to build center for bike commuters 13.. Article - London 2012 aims for step change in walking and cycling habits with publication of new plans 14.. Article - UK: Full extent of school 20mph zones revealed today 15.. Article - Bluesky computer modelling maps easier walking routes around Britain’s cities **************************************************************************************************** A reminder e-mail of new postings will be sent no more often than once per week. To continue to receive these updates, you need take no action. Should you not wish to receive updates, please return this e-mail with "Unsubscribe" in the Subject area. Interested in an AT workshop in community? For more information, please contact: Michael Haynes Director TransActive Solutions activetransportation(a)rogers.com 613.424.2803

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Candidates meetings focused on Active Transportation River Heights - Fort Garry by election
by Janice Lukes 02 Mar '09

02 Mar '09

fyi Candidates Meetings River Heights - Fort Garry By-Election: Bike to the Future ( <http://www.BiketotheFuture.org> www.BiketotheFuture.org) and the Winnipeg Trails Association (www.WinnipegTrails.com) have arranged separate meetings at the Manitoba Eco-Centre with both of the candidates in the upcoming River Heights - Fort Garry by-election. The meetings will allow the candidates to engage members of the community in a discussion about Active Transportation in River Heights - Fort Garry, and learn about opportunities for improvements to active transportation infrastructure and programming within the ward and throughout Winnipeg as a whole. WHY ATTEND ? Of all the wards in Winnipeg, River Heights - Fort Garry will be receiving a significant % of Active Transportation infrastructure funding over the next 2-5 years for the following projects: * Bus Rapid Transit & AT Corridor * Jubilee Overpass rehabilitation * Proposed widening of Kenaston Blvd. * Burlington Rail Line crossing * Ikea & surrounding roadway expansion * Bishop Grandin Trail WEST expansion * Pembina & Bishop Grandin intersection AT accommodations River Heights - Fort Garry by way of physical location is a key linkage in north / south - east / west - critical to quality AT development. DATES / TIMES: Geoff Currier: Tuesday March 3rd, 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM John Orlikow: Wednesday March 4th, noon to 1:30 PM LOCATION: The Manitoba Eco-Centre is on the 3rd floor in the Mountain Equipment Building. Please use the entrance door on Portage Avenue just east of the MEC store entrance. RSVP: If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Mark Cohoe (mcohoe(a)mts.net) or Janice Lukes ( <mailto:jlukes@shaw.ca> jlukes(a)shaw.ca) so we will have an idea of how many people will be attending. Everyone is welcome to attend.

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BRILLIANT SUMMARY of who is really moving Active Transportation forward in Winnipeg
by Janice Lukes 26 Feb '09

26 Feb '09

This appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press, letter to the editor section on Monday, Feb. 23rd. SUPER SUPER letter Stephanie! on my behalf also - a HUGE thank you to all the volunteers, organizations and activists who are moving AT forward in Winnipeg - Janice Lukes Winnipeg Trails Association Coordinator * * * * * * * Mayor should ride to work Re: Environment panel that quit is replaced, Feb 13. With all due respect to Mayor Sam Katz, it is not difficult to point out dozens of mayors who have done more for active transportation in their cities. Try Mayor David Miller in Toronto, an avid cyclist and transit user, or Enrique Peñalosa, the former mayor of Bogotá, Colombia, who transformed his city into a healthier and more enjoyable place to live. While progress has been made in Winnipeg in the last few years on active transportation, it is largely due to the many volunteers, organizations and activists working tirelessly on this issue. Far from being a visionary, Mayor Katz has much to learn. If Mayor Katz is sincere in his commitment to the environment and active transportation, surely we will soon see him leaving his vehicle at home, and joining the thousands of other Winnipeggers who walk, take transit or ride their bikes to work. STEPHANIE FULFORD

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Interesting article
by Stacy Matwick 13 Feb '09

13 Feb '09

on transit-oriented development (TOD) http://daily.sightline.org/daily_score/archive/2009/02/10/how-transit-orien… How Transit-Oriented Development Works Posted by Eric de Place 02/10/2009 02:30 PM Sightline Daily Cheers And have a great weekend. Stacy Matwick Information Centre International Institute for Sustainable Development 161 Portage Ave. E., 6th floor Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3B 0Y4 Voice: (204)958-7755 Fax: (204)958-7710 Email: smatwick(a)iisd.ca Website: http://www.iisd.org "Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read" Groucho Marx "Life is like a bicycle, to keep your balance your must keep on moving" Albert Einstein

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Active Transportation - Canada: February 11, 2009
by Beth McKechnie 12 Feb '09

12 Feb '09

----- Original Message ----- From: Michael Haynes To: undisclosed recipients: Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009 1:52 PM Subject: Active Transportation - Canada: February 11, 2009 Active Transportation - Canada features a regular posting of news articles, studies, reports, and other items that have relevance in this field, with previous postings available in an archive. In addition, pictures of existing Active Transportation infrastructure from communities across Canada will be profiled each week. The following items have recently been posted to the Active Transportation - Canada Blog. To view in more detail, go to: http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.com **************************************************************************************************** 1.. Lectures - BC: Shifting Gears II, Lectures on transportation, health and the built environment 2.. News Release - Walk to School in Winter - It's Cool 3.. Article - BC: Active Transportation Plan looks at local desires and designs 4.. Article - Australian's Buy More Bikes Than Cars 5.. E-Documentary - UK: The Bicycle Diaries 6.. Website/Blog - Cycling: TOTOBOBO mask 7.. Article - US: Bike Sharing Is Denver’s Effort To Keep Residents In The Pink and The Sky Blue 8.. Article - Paris Velib Crushed by Vandalism? 9.. Article - India: Peddling an eco-friendly, cost-effective ride for cities 10.. Article - US: Bicycle Commuter Act and Rep. McHenry 11.. Article - US: Drive-throughs cause friction with Beach's Laskin plan **************************************************************************************************** A reminder e-mail of new postings will be sent no more often than once per week. To continue to receive these updates, you need take no action. Should you not wish to receive updates, please return this e-mail with "Unsubscribe" in the Subject area. Interested in an AT workshop in community? For more information, please contact: Michael Haynes Director TransActive Solutions activetransportation(a)rogers.com 613.424.2803

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U of M Bridge - study team
by Janice Lukes 09 Feb '09

09 Feb '09

fyi - Feb 5th Lance (area community paper) Janice Lukes Student, teacher team study benefits of pedestrian bridge By Matt Powers Feb. 5, 2009 As someone who regularly cycles from St. Vital to the U of M campus, James Blatz has long been in favour of a pedestrian bridge linking the two. The civil engineer professor estimates a bridge would cut down his commute by 30 minutes a day. It would also reduce the demand for student parking on campus, according to Blatz and third-year student Mark Reimer, who recently conducted a study of the role such a link could play in active transportation. "What we did is looked at what the benefit would be just to the university if people decided to use that bridge instead of bringing their cars across and we were quite pleased to see that it is notable," Blatz said. By comparing the percentage of parking permit holders of students and staff living in the southwest of the city with those in the southeast, the pair discovered a noticeable difference. Within a six-kilometre radius of University Centre there were 48 more parking permit holders living in the southeast. "It suggests that with a pedestrian bridge, there would be a decrease in parking permit holders from the east side to a value closer to that of the west side of the river, where there is no travel hindrance," Reimer said. "What it would do is basically create 5% more space on the U of M campus, which is a significant amount to reduce parking by," Reimer said. Reimer also applied data obtained from a 2006 Statistics Canada study of commuting patterns, to predict that a pedestrian bridge linking St. Vital and the campus would attract 200 to 600 potential users. "The majority of these users would be students, who on average can be generalized as low income and young, both of which fall into the higher end of active transportation users," Reimer said. Blatz says the study doesn't take into account the number of users who would use the bridge to cross over to St. Vital Mall or St. Vital Park. "There is tremendous potential there. We should also be taking into consideration the possibility of a new stadium on the campus and the creation of the Bus Rapid Transit Line," Blatz said. Paul Hesse, of Winnipeg's Rapid Transit Coalition, says he sees the bridge benefiting active transportation in a number of ways. "The City has already committed to building a rapid transit line, but what we would like to see included is commuter cycling paths all the way from downtown to the U of M. A pedestrian bridge would be a key piece of that integration," Hesse said. "Secondly, it would give students the better option of walking or cycling to the university which would not only save them money, but also save the environment by reducing traffic congestion along the St. Vital Bridge," he said. Hesse is hopeful that some of the money contributed from the 2009 federal budget for infrastructure projects will be be set aside for the bridge's construction. Winnipeg City Council included $250,000 in its annual budget to study the bridge. The estimated total cost to build the bridge is $15 million. Back <javascript: history.go(-1)> Top of <http://www.canstarnews.com/page/story/the_lance/3639#top> Page

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River trail parade set for Sunday
by Beth McKechnie 30 Jan '09

30 Jan '09

Winnipeg Free Press Latest News River trail parade set for SundayAll the world loves a parade - even if it's on the longest naturally frozen river trail in the world. On Sunday at noon, "The Longest Soul Rhythm Hip Hop Pied Piper Skate Dance Party Parade in The World" begins on the river trail at The Forks and ends at Assiniboine Park. The parade will be led by a Zamboni and all the assorted equipment used to create and maintain the Assiniboine Credit Union River Trail. Music will be blasting from "Soul On Ice" DJs Hunnicutt and Co-op who will spin and play music for the full 9.34 km. Winnipeg Transit will be available at Assiniboine Park to take skaters back to The Forks for the regular transit fare. "We're billing it as the longest soul rhythm hip hop pied piper skate dance party parade in the world and we want the whole city to join us," Paul Jordan, The Forks chief operating officer, said in a press release. Assiniboine Park officials will be waiting at the end of the parade to provide hot chocolate, coffee and cookies, while supplies last. Noon: Parade leaves The Forks Historic Port 12:30 pm: Arrives at Hugo access point 1:00 pm: Arrives at Dominion access point 1:30 pm: Arrives at Bourkevale access point 2:00 pm: Arrives at Assiniboine Park

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Fw: Active Transportation - Canada: January 27, 2009
by Beth McKechnie 30 Jan '09

30 Jan '09

----- Original Message ----- From: Michael Haynes To: activetransportation(a)rogers.com Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2009 8:52 AM Subject: Active Transportation - Canada: January 27, 2009 Active Transportation - Canada features a regular posting of news articles, studies, reports, and other items that have relevance in this field, with previous postings available in an archive. In addition, pictures of existing Active Transportation infrastructure from communities across Canada will be profiled each week. The following items have recently been posted to the Active Transportation - Canada Blog. To view in more detail, go to: http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.com **************************************************************************************************** 1.. AT Grants - BC: Built Environment & Active Transportation Initiative 2.. Website - walkON 3.. Article - Toronto: City faces slip-and-fall lawsuits 4.. Article - Dutch Bicycle Production Increases 5.. Document - Nova Scotia’s Climate Change Action Plan 6.. Article - For cyclists, a bright solution 7.. Job Posting - Peel ON 8.. Newsletter - Victoria: Bike Walk News Vancouver Island 9.. Bicycle User Survey - US: Idaho 10.. Document - BC Cycling Budget Submission **************************************************************************************************** A reminder e-mail of new postings will be sent no more often than once per week. To continue to receive these updates, you need take no action. Should you not wish to receive updates, please return this e-mail with "Unsubscribe" in the Subject area. Interested in an AT workshop in community? For more information, please contact: Michael Haynes Director TransActive Solutions activetransportation(a)rogers.com 613.424.2803

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Job Posting! Green Leap Forward Coordinator
by Jessie Klassen 28 Jan '09

28 Jan '09

Hello All! We are hiring a coordinator for an exciting new collaborative project entitled the Green Leap Forward. The job posting is attached. Please circulate widely through your networks. The deadline for applications is Friday, January 6th. Thanks! Jessie Klassen Workplace Transportation Demand Management Resource Conservation Manitoba jessie(a)resourceconservation.mb.ca (204) 925-3772 Resource Conservation Manitoba: Living Green, Living Well Practical solutions for yourself, your community and the environment Green Commuting, Environmental Education, Reducing Waste, Composting Resource Conservation Manitoba is a registered charity. Please consider making a donation.

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River Party & Parade Sunday, February 1 2009
by Janice Lukes 27 Jan '09

27 Jan '09

* * Please pass this on to your contacts * * its official - rain? slush or snow ! join us for a 9.34 km " Longest Soul Rhythm Hip Hop Pied Piper Skate Dance Party Parade - in The World ! " CONFIRMED DATE: Sunday, February 1 2009 Timing as follows: 12pm - Parade leaves The Forks Historical Port 12:30pm - Arrives at Hugo docks 1:00pm - Arrives at Dominion access point 1:30pm - Arrives at Bourkevaile access point 2:00pm - Arrives at Assiniboine Park City of Winnipeg Transit bus will be waiting to return people to The Forks (bring your own fare) Watch for additional info here: http://www.rivertrail.ca/wp/ Janice Lukes Winnipeg Trails Coordinator Winnipeg Trails Association 202 - One Forks Market Road Winnipeg, MB R3C 4L9 Cell (204) 952-4222 Fax (204) 943-7915 jlukes(a)shaw.ca winnipegtrails.com

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Healthy Living Fund & AT mileage rates policy or norm
by Beth McKechnie 27 Jan '09

27 Jan '09

[Forwarded on behalf of Mike Tuthill, Health in Common] Greetings PACM & AT Folks! We've just been discussing some new policy for our organisation . . . has anyone had a mileage rate for on the job AT? Was it included in policy or part of an event? Has anyone heard of such a policy in place elsewhere? Also does anyone have a fund at their place of employment that covers healthy/active living expenses for employees (gym memberships, bicycle tune ups, sports fees, etc.)? Please let me know of any leads you may have, Thanks, Mike Mike Tutthill Information & Access Coordinator HEALTH in COMMON 100-6 Donald Street Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6 tel: 204.949.2002 1.800.731.1792 fax: 204.284.2404 email: mtutthill(a)healthincommon.ca web: www.healthincommon.ca +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ March E-Newsletter deadline is February 20. ü Please consider the environment before printing this email.

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Walkability Roadshow Webinar - Tuesday, Feb. 3, 11am
by Jessie Klassen 27 Jan '09

27 Jan '09

Hi All, There is an interesting webinar coming up on Tuesday, February 3rd, from 11-12:30pm, the Walkability Roadshow. "The Canadian "Walkability Roadshow" is both a model for how to engage communities of all sizes in promoting walking, and a program available to Canadian communities interested in doing so. It involves a questionnaire completed my municipal staff in related departments, a needs analysis workshop, subsequent homework, site visits by international experts, the development of local pedestrian action plans, and the securing of commitments from key decision makers." "The structure of the pedestrian strategy framework is based on the International Walking Charter, adopted by the Melbourne Walk21 conference in October 2006. Communities participating in the Roadshow were audited against the Charter to assess what was being done locally to help achieve more walking, to recognize what the priorities and barriers are for future policy and investment, and to identify what external supports would assist communities to develop and implement effective local pedestrian strategies." Speaker: Jacky Kennedy, Director, Walking Programs, Green Communities Canada Please join us in the Eco-Centre boardroom at 303 Portage Ave, 3rd Floor. To register, please contact Beth McKechnie at 925-3772 or beth(a)resourceconservation.mb.ca. Hope to see you there! Jessie Klassen Workplace Transportation Demand Management Resource Conservation Manitoba jessie(a)resourceconservation.mb.ca (204) 925-3772 Resource Conservation Manitoba: Living Green, Living Well Practical solutions for yourself, your community and the environment Green Commuting, Environmental Education, Reducing Waste, Composting Resource Conservation Manitoba is a registered charity. Please consider making a donation.

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Dr. Catherine O'Brien speaking at Millennium Library - Wed, Feb. 11, 7-8:30 pm
by Beth McKechnie 26 Jan '09

26 Jan '09

Come out for a heartwarming evening in the middle of winter! Please forward to any friends, family or colleagues who you think might be interested. (Full bio for Dr. Catherine O'Brien can be found below the event poster.) Catherine O'Brien is an Assistant Professor in the School of Education, Health & Wellness at Cape Breton University, a Research Associate of the Centre for Sustainable Transportation, and co-author of Child and Youth Friendly Land Use and Transport Planning Guidelines. In addition, Dr. O'Brien has drawn from the fields of positive psychology and sustainability to develop a new concept: sustainable happiness. She defines this as the pursuit of happiness that is respectful of other people, the natural environment, and future generations. Her work emphasizes the significance of creating communities that meet the needs and aspirations of children, and planning for sustainable happiness.

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on HOLD - waiting for more COLD Parade & Party on River Trail
by Janice Lukes 22 Jan '09

22 Jan '09

good morning! Last night's decision was to put the Parade & Party on the River Trail on HOLD till NEXT SUNDAY, Feb. 1st. only in Winnipeg can you have near record braking cold temperatures followed by above average temperatures ! The river trail snow removal has been completed to Assiniboine Park, but with this week's mild weather, the new ice is in very poor condition. Paul wants to wait one more week. BOTTOM LINE: there absolutely will be a parade & party celebrating the river trail from The Forks to Assiniboine Park - some Sunday in the very near future :) ! I will keep you updated on this 'fluid' event ! (this gives you more time to prepare a parade outfit ! ) thanks! Janice Lukes Winnipeg Trails Coordinator Winnipeg Trails Association 202 - One Forks Market Road Winnipeg, MB R3C 4L9 Cell (204) 952-4222 Fax (204) 943-7915 <mailto:jlukes@shaw.ca> jlukes(a)shaw.ca winnipegtrails.com

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HEADS UP - Parade & Party - if . . if . . .if . . .
by Janice Lukes 19 Jan '09

19 Jan '09

HEADS UP Parade & Party on longest river trail in the World ! . . . . if . . . . . if . . . . . if . . . if - the weather cooperates - the kids can shovel through to Assiniboine Park Bridge this week - if the Zamboni doesn't konk out DATE: Sunday, January 25th TIME: 12:00 noon departing from The Forks through to Assiniboine Park We will kick off a parade & party departing from The Forks and travel along the river trail to Assiniboine Park. Dress up in your winter finery - lace on skates, hiking boots, or whatever and join in at any of the many access points. The decision to party will be made this Wednesday and I will send a confirmation email. Information will also be posted at: http://www.rivertrail.ca/wp/ Paul Jordan, COO of The Forks, and also known nationally at the 'dweeb in the snowsuit' when talking of Winnipeg's river trail, is also the Chair of the Winnipeg Trails Association. Janice Lukes Winnipeg Trails Coordinator Winnipeg Trails Association 202 - One Forks Market Road Winnipeg, MB R3C 4L9 Cell (204) 952-4222 Fax (204) 943-7915 <mailto:jlukes@shaw.ca> jlukes(a)shaw.ca winnipegtrails.com

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Warming Hearts in Winnipeg: Dr. Catherine O'Brien to present in Winnipeg
by Beth McKechnie 14 Jan '09

14 Jan '09

Hello AT Network partners! Dr. Catherine OBrien, Canadas leading expert on planning for sustainable happiness, will be in Winnipeg for a consultation in early February (10th, 11th or 12th we still have to work out the specific details). She has agreed to speak to members of Winnipegs AT Network for a reduced rate of $500 (down from $1500, as she will already be in town), and we are currently looking for partners to help share the cost of her speaking fee. She is a Research Associate of the Centre for Sustainable Transportation, and she is the co-author of Child and Youth Friendly Land Use and Transport Planning Guidelines for Canadian Provinces and Territories. In addition, Dr. OBrien has drawn from the fields of positive psychology and sustainability to develop a new concept: sustainable happiness. She defines this as the pursuit of happiness that is respectful of other people, the natural environment and future generations. Her work emphasizes the significance of creating communities that meet the needs and aspirations of children and planning for sustainable happiness (see attached studies). Please contact me as soon as possible if you are able to contribute! best, Jackie Jackie Avent Active and Safe Routes to School Program Coordinator Resource Conservation Manitoba 3rd Floor - 303 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3B 2B4 (204) 925-3773 www.resourceconservation.mb.ca Resource Conservation Manitoba: Living Green, Living Well Practical solutions for yourself, your community and the environment Green Commuting, Environmental Education, Reducing Waste, Composting Resource Conservation Manitoba is a registered charity. Please consider making a donation.

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Winnipeg's Winter Wonderland - TWO in motion @ the Library Sessions!
by Deanna Betteridge 13 Jan '09

13 Jan '09

******************************************************************************* In motion @ the Library - TWO different sessions - TWO different dates - TWO different locations! Tonnes of options for you and your family this Winter! Join Winnipeg in motion and the Winnipeg Public Libraries this month for two great in motion @ the Library sessions. As the mercury plunges and the snow piles high, your first instinct may be to hibernate until spring. Get up off the couch, put down the remote and discover the real potential of Winnipeg's winter. Join Greg Rubell of Mountain Equipment Co-op and Scot Miller of Olympia Cycle and Ski to learn how to turn the long winter months into an opportunity for family fun! TWO DIFFERENT SESSIONS TO CHOOSE FROM: Session 1 Winnipeg's Winter Wonderland...so many options Friday, January 23, from 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. Carol Shield Auditorium on the second floor of the Millennium Library (251 Donald Street) Session 2 Discover Winnipeg's Winter Wonderland...on skis Saturday, January 24, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. St. James Assiniboine Library (1910 Portage Avenue) FREE admission and NO registration is required - just wear comfortable clothing to join in the activities or come to watch. Contact Winnipeg in motion at 940-3648 or visit http://www.winnipeginmotion.ca/resources/in_motion_library for more information. Unable to attend? Visit winnipeginmotion.ca for winter activity options in your neighbourhood. Please pass this information on to your co-workers, family and friends. ******************************************************************************* Winnipeg's Winter Wonderland is part of "in motion Fridays", a series of monthly workshops that promote physical activity for better health. The in motion @ the Library series is sponsored by Winnipeg in motion and the Millennium Library. For a complete list of workshops, visit http://www.winnipeginmotion.ca/resources/in_motion_library or http://wpl.winnipeg.ca/library/. See you at the Library! This email and/or any documents in this transmission is intended for the addressee(s) only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, copying or dissemination is strictly prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and return the original. Ce courriel et tout document dans cette transmission est destiné à la personne ou aux personnes à qui il est adressé. Il peut contenir des informations privilégiées ou confidentielles. Toute utilisation, divulgation, distribution, copie, ou diffusion non autorisée est strictement défendue. Si vous n'êtes pas le destinataire de ce message, veuillez en informer l'expéditeur immédiatement et lui remettre l'original.

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Active Transportation - Canada: January 6, 2009
by Beth McKechnie 06 Jan '09

06 Jan '09

----- Original Message ----- From: Michael Haynes To: activetransportation(a)rogers.com Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2009 10:26 AM Subject: Active Transportation - Canada: January 6, 2009 Active Transportation - Canada features a regular posting of news articles, studies, reports, and other items that have relevance in this field, with previous postings available in an archive. In addition, pictures of existing Active Transportation infrastructure from communities across Canada will be profiled each week. The following items have recently been posted to the Active Transportation - Canada Blog. To view in more detail, go to: http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.com **************************************************************************************************** 1.. Article - Announcing Ontario Communities walkON! 2.. Article - US: Trail Campaign 3.. Article - Tim's lineups spark halt to new St. John's drive-thrus 4.. Article - Winter biking challenges the hearty cyclist 5.. Article - Winnipeg prepares to make river skating trail even longer 6.. Article - Skater[boarder]s shovel out Marina Park site for winter use 7.. Website - freewheelinwaytogo.com 8.. Website - Bike Route Toaster 9.. Article - 50 Ways to Improve Your Life: Ride Your Bike to Work 10.. Article - US Survey: People think biking is dangerous **************************************************************************************************** A reminder e-mail of new postings will be sent no more often than once per week. To continue to receive these updates, you need take no action. Should you not wish to receive updates, please return this e-mail with "Unsubscribe" in the Subject area. For more information, please contact: Michael Haynes Director TransActive Solutions activetransportation(a)rogers.com 613.424.2803

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NYC's Ciclovia success story
by Jessie Klassen 05 Jan '09

05 Jan '09

Hi All, Here is a beautiful story of the success of New York City's Ciclovia-type events held last summer. http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/08/30/fashion/20080830-street/index. html Enjoy (I did!), Jessie Klassen Workplace Transportation Demand Management Resource Conservation Manitoba jessie(a)resourceconservation.mb.ca (204) 925-3772 Resource Conservation Manitoba: Living Green, Living Well Practical solutions for yourself, your community and the environment Green Commuting, Environmental Education, Reducing Waste, Composting Resource Conservation Manitoba is a registered charity. Please consider making a donation.

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Sign up for free upcoming transportation webinars!
by Jessie Klassen 05 Jan '09

05 Jan '09

Hi All, There are a number of interesting webinars coming up in the next few months, including: 1) Cycle Zone Analysis: A New Bicycle Planning Tool - January 21st, 2-3pm 2) The Urban Transportation Emissions Calculator - January 27th, 11-12:30pm 3) The Canadian Walkability Roadshow - February 3rd, 11-12:30pm 4) Individualized Marketing: Where do we go from here? - March 3rd, 11-12:30pm The Eco-Centre boardroom will be a host site for the above webinars. If you are interested in attending any of these webinars, please RSVP to jessie(a)resourceconservation.mb.ca or 925-3772. The first webinar is already filling up fast, with only 5 seats left. More information follows on each of the webinars. Thanks, and hope to see you there! Jessie Klassen Workplace Transporation Demand Management Resource Conservation Manitoba jessie(a)resourceconservation.mb.ca (204) 925-3772 Resource Conservation Manitoba: Living Green, Living Well Practical solutions for yourself, your community and the environment Green Commuting, Environmental Education, Reducing Waste, Composting Resource Conservation Manitoba is a registered charity. Please consider making a donation. January 21, 2009: Cycle Zone Analysis: A New Bicycle Planning Tool Learn about Portland's (Ore.) new bicycle planning tool, Cycle Zone Analysis. Find out how this tool helps planners more accurately assess bicycling micro-environments and fine-tune improvements to cycling conditions. Register at www.bikewalk.org/webinar.php January 27, 2009: The Urban Transportation Emissions Calculator (UTEC) UTEC is a free, user-friendly, web-based tool developed by Transport Canada that estimates greenhouse gas and criteria air contaminant emissions from urban transportation. It can be used in a wide variety of contexts involving different vehicle types (e.g., cars, commercial trucks, buses, light rail), fuel technologies (e.g., gasoline, diesel, hybrid, ethanol, biodiesel, etc.), and planning horizons (2006-2031). The Tool has recently been upgraded with a new user interface, more recent emission factors and fuel efficiencies, and additional vehicle and fuel technologies. This webinar will provide an introduction to the upgraded tool and case studies of how it can be used to estimate emissions and emissions savings for different transit and transportation projects. Transport Canada's Urban Transportation Showcase Program is paying for the first 85 Canadian connections to participate at no cost. Register at: www.webinars.cullbridge.com February 3, 2009: The Canadian Walkability Roadshow The Canadian "Walkability Roadshow" is both a model for how to engage communities of all sizes in promoting walking, and a program available to Canadian communities interested in doing so. It involves a questionnaire completed my municipal staff in related departments, a needs analysis workshop, subsequent homework, site visits by international experts, the development of local pedestrian action plans, and the securing of commitments from key decision makers. Transport Canada's Urban Transportation Showcase Program is paying for the first 85 Canadian connections to participate at no cost. Register at: www.webinars.cullbridge.com March 3, 2009: Individualized Marketing: Where Do We Go From Here? (Discussion Panel and Case Study) Individualized Marketing has proven highly effective across North America, as well as in Europe and Australia, for reducing vehicle trips and increasing walking, cycling and transit use. This special 90-minute webinar features a case study of one such program, followed by a discussion panel on how to engage additional audiences and increase the cost-effectiveness and practicality of the approach for a wider range of communities. The case study is on the TravelSmart pilots conducted in six different Vancouver neighbourhoods with differing urban environments and levels of transit service. The result was an 8% reduction in vehicle trips and a corresponding increase in walking, transit use and cycling. Members of the discussion panel have been selected from municipalities across North America (Portland, Raleigh/Durham, Seattle, and Vancouver) that have implemented and evaluated the approach. Transport Canada's Urban Transportation Showcase Program is paying for the first 85 Canadian connections to participate at no cost. Register at: www.webinars.cullbridge.com

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Active & Green Winter 2008
by Jessie Klassen 18 Dec '08

18 Dec '08

Hi All! (Apologies for cross-postings) Our new holiday issue of Active & Green has arrived! Visit the link below at: http://www.resourceconservation.mb.ca/news/pdfs/Active%20&%20Green%20Winter% 202008.pdf We hope you will share it widely with your colleagues, family and friends. Have a very Happy Holiday and New Year! Here are a few highlights from the Active & Green Winter 2008 issue: * Tips for Greening Your Holidays * "Living Car Free" Story Contest Winner * Green Travel During the Holidays * New Bike Map for Winnipeg * Winter Cycling Tips from the Pros * Skating the Assiniboine * GC Highlights from Elsewhere * AT Holiday Greeting Cards If for some reason you are not able to access the link, please contact me and I will email the pdf file directly or provide a hard copy for posting at your workplace. Stay Active & Green (and warm!), Jessie Klassen Workplace Transporation Demand Management Tel: (204) 925-3772 Email: jessie(a)resourceconservation.mb.ca Resource Conservation Manitoba 303 Portage Ave, 3rd Floor Winnipeg, MB R3B 2B4 Fax: (204) 942-4207 web: www.resourceconservation.mb.ca www.LivingGreenLivingWell.ca

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Transport Canada offers webinar series
by Beth McKechnie 17 Dec '08

17 Dec '08

TRANSPORT CANADA OFFERS WEBINAR SERIES Transport Canada's Urban Transportation Showcase Program is underwriting a series of new webinars. The first, on January 27th, 2009, covers 'The Urban Transportation Emissions Calculator' (UTEC), a free, user-friendly web-based tool developed by Transport Canada that estimates greenhouse gas and air contaminant emissions from urban transportation. This webinar will provide an introduction to the upgraded tool and case studies of how it can be used to estimate emissions and emissions savings for different transit and transportation projects. A February 3rd webinar will feature the Canadian "Walkability Roadshow," introducing a model for how to engage communities of all sizes in promoting walking, and a program available to Canadian communities. And on March 3rd, the topic will be "Individualized Marketing: Where Do We Go From Here?", featuring a discussion panel on how to engage additional audiences and increase the cost-effectiveness and practicality of the approach for a wider range of communities. Transport Canada's Urban Transportation Showcase Program is paying for the first 85 Canadian organizations to participate in each of the webinars above at no cost. You can learn more about the webinars and register at: http://www.webinars.cullbridge.com/

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WFP: Council refuses to budge on funds for bicycle paths (Dec.17'08)
by Beth McKechnie 17 Dec '08

17 Dec '08

Local News Council refuses to budge on funds for bicycle paths By: Joe Paraskevas Cycling activists left city hall disappointed Tuesday, having come up short in their attempts to increase capital budget spending on bike paths and pedestrian trails. City council passed the 2009 budget Tuesday over appeals from community groups and some councillors who called for more substantial investment in Winnipeg's so-called active transportation network. Council voted 11-4 to approve the $476.1-million budget, which earmarks $3.5 million to be spent directly on bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Community activists, some of whom lobbied repeatedly before city hall committees in the three weeks since the budget was released, were exhausted. "I don't know what else to say," said Anders Swanson, project co-ordinator of the cycling group One Green City, told councillors at the end of his five-minute presentation. "The bicycle is very, very, very, very, very, very good for you," Swanson added, drawing laughter from council members and an audience of about 75 people in the council chamber galleries. Despite public efforts to convince councillors that investments in active transportation could contribute to everything from friendlier neighbourhoods to healthier workers, the majority on council resisted. "There is nobody on the floor of council who believes we can't do more," Mayor Sam Katz assured onlookers. "We will get there." Other councillors pointed out that in addition to the money the budget committed directly, bike and pedestrian paths were also part of some large public works projects, such as the Chief Peguis Trail extension and the planned Disraeli Freeway overhaul. Councillors rejected a last-minute motion to increase active-transportation spending and sidewalk renewal by $2 million. The motion was tabled by Point Douglas Coun. Mike Pagtakhan and seconded by Transcona Coun. Russ Wyatt. "We have come into the dawn of a new era here in Winnipeg where the young people are looking for creative choices," Pagtakhan told council during the three-and-a-half-hour debate. Besides finding jobs, young Winnipeggers wanted to roam their city on foot, by bicycle or on inline roller skates, Pagtakhan said. "If we want people to get out of their cars, we've got to give them a reason to get out of their cars," he added. The motion was defeated, but Pagtakhan and Wyatt, who last week were the two councillors in Mayor Sam Katz's six-member executive policy committee to vote against the budget, turned around and supported the document at yesterday's council session. The two councillors said they had made their points at a cabinet meeting last week and would take their opposition no further. Councillors Jenny Gerbasi (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry), Harvey Smith (Daniel McIntyre), Lillian Thomas (Elmwood-East Kildonan) and Dan Vandal (St. Boniface) voted against the budget, however. Gerbasi bemoaned what she perceived was the limited time allocated for budget debate and the relatively little chance ordinary Winnipeggers had to influence budget decisions. She and Vandal called for the city to hold public meetings to gather input before it released the final budget document. The afternoon was also marked by tributes from councillors and Katz to Brenda Leipsic, the former councillor for River Heights-Fort Garry, who passed away last week from lung cancer. A red rose in a vase and a framed 8x10-photograph of Leipsic were on her council chamber desk throughout the budget debate and a book where the public could sign condolences was outside the chamber. The city's flag was also draped over Leipsic's empty black leather armchair. joe.paraskevas(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Making Cycling Irresistible: Lessons from The Netherlands, Denmark and Germany
by Beth McKechnie 15 Dec '08

15 Dec '08

Transport Reviews, Vol. 28, No. 4, 495-528, July 2008 Making Cycling Irresistible: Lessons from The Netherlands, Denmark and Germany www.policy.rutgers.edu/faculty/pucher/Irresistible.pdf by John Pucher and Ralph Buehler, Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA ABSTRACT: This article shows how the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany have made bicycling a safe, convenient and practical way to get around their cities. The analysis relies on national aggregate data as well as case studies of large and small cities in each country. The key to achieving high levels of cycling appears to be the provision of separate cycling facilities along heavily travelled roads and at intersections, combined with traffic calming of most residential neighbourhoods. Extensive cycling rights of way in the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany are complemented by ample bike parking, full integration with public transport, comprehensive traffic education and training of both cyclists and motorists, and a wide range of promotional events intended to generate enthusiasm and wide public support for cycling. In addition to their many pro-bike policies and programmes, the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany make driving expensive as well as inconvenient in central cities through a host of taxes and restrictions on car ownership, use and parking. Moreover, strict land-use policies foster compact, mixed-use developments that generate shorter and thus more bikeable trips. It is the coordinated implementation of this multifaceted, mutually reinforcing set of policies that best explains the success of these three countries in promoting cycling. For comparison, the article portrays the marginal status of cycling in the UK and the USA, where only about 1% of trips are by bike.

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WFP: Councillors fight for more bike trail cash (Dec. 13'08)
by Beth McKechnie 13 Dec '08

13 Dec '08

Winnipeg Free Press Local News Councillors fight for more bike trail cash By: Bartley Kives and Joe Paraskevas Two members of Mayor Sam Katz's cabinet plan to take another crack at putting more cash in the city's bike-and-pedestrian kitty at a Tuesday city council meeting that promises to be packed with cyclists and other trail-building activists. Earlier this week, Transcona Coun. Russ Wyatt and Point Douglas Coun. Mike Pagtakhan annoyed fellow members of council's executive policy committee by voting against the 2009 capital budget, a $476-million blueprint for city infrastructure spending next year. Wyatt and Pagtakhan voted against Katz and finance chairman Justin Swandel to protest what they felt was insufficient cash for bike trails, sidewalks and other active-transportation corridors in 2009. Katz and Swandel proposed spending $2.75 million on trail creation next year, while Wyatt and Pagtakhan tried to increase that figure to $5.75 million. The duo will try again to amend the trail budget, this time by asking all members of council at Tuesday's special capital-budget meeting to support a total spending of $4.75 million on trails, sidewalks and other active-transportation corridors next year. "We can fix part of the problem right now," Wyatt said of the extra $2 million. "Why wait until next year?" Regardless of what happens, Wyatt and Pagtakhan are promising not to vote against the capital budget, a move that would suggest a lack of confidence in Katz and other EPC members . The mayor had no choice but to reappoint Pagtakhan to EPC and retain the outspoken Wyatt during an October cabinet shuffle, thanks to Mike O'Shaughnessy's desire to leave the committee and the late Brenda Leipsic's absence from council. But since EPC functions like a cabinet, a genuine rift between left-leaning and centre-right factions could not be tolerated for long. "Mike and I, we made our point on Wednesday," Wyatt said. "No one likes to have a gun held to their head." No matter how council votes, Wyatt and Pagtakhan will have a cheering section on Tuesday. The Winnipeg Trails Association, the Manitoba Cycling Association and Bike To The Future have called on all "cyclists, wannabe cyclists and anyone who uses a sidewalk" to attend the capital budget meeting in an effort to place pressure on council to increase active-transportation funding. WTA director Janice Lukes intends to present council with a list of 10 projects that could be completed next year with the extra $2 million. "We're going to compare this city to what other cities are doing now," Lukes said. "What do the people of Winnipeg want to see? Do we want to see a car culture or more active transportation?" Winnipeg has increased its trail-creation budget significantly during Katz's current term as mayor. The city only devoted $200,000 to trails and sidewalks in 2006, when council adopted the recommendations of a groundbreaking active-transportation study. bartley.kives(a)freepress.mb.ca joe.paraskevas(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Fw: Cycling advocacy action on Tuesday December16th at 1:00 PM at City Hall
by Beth McKechnie 12 Dec '08

12 Dec '08

[From Jackie Avent, Bike to the Future, Co-Chair] http://biketothefuture.org Please spread this far and wide to anyone you know who would like to see safer and more accessible cycling routes in Winnipeg. Winnipeg has never been as close as we are today in seeing a significant increase in funding for Active Transportation (AT) to go towards complete routes throughout the city. You may have read in the Free Press about efforts by Bike to the Future and partners like the Winnipeg Trails Association, Resource Conservation Manitoba, One Green City, and other local AT supporters [ed. note: Physical Activity Coalition of Manitoba] advocating for an increase in AT funding in the City's 2009 Capital Budget. In an unprecedented move, two of the mayor's Executive Policy Committee members voted against the proposed 2009 Capital Budget because of limited funding for cyclists and other AT users. We need to show the councillors that cycling is not a fringe issue, but that safe, enjoyable, accessible, and convenient cycling infrastructure is in everyone's best interests. Tuesday December 16th at 1:00 PM at City Hall We are asking all cyclists to come out -– bring your bike bells -- and support Mark Cohoe from Bike to the Future and Janice Lukes from the Winnipeg Trails Association who will be doing a joint presentation to City Council opposing the 2009 Capital Budget and advocating for equality for cyclists. Your attendance will help make a difference. What else can you do to help? 1. Pass this message on to all the people you know who are interested in having better facilities for cycling in Winnipeg. 2. Contact your city councillor (http://winnipeg.ca/council/) and ask him/her to increase the funding for active transportation. Share your reasons why you want to see more and safer infrastructure; if it existed, you would use it. 3. There may be an opportunity to speak on Tuesday at City Council if you feel strongly about increasing funding. Currently only two presentations opposing the budget are allowed, but by-laws can be waived if there are enough people wanting to be heard. Call your city councillor and tell him/her you want to speak to this issue. Thank you.

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WFP: Bike paths split civic committee (Dec.11'08)
by Beth McKechnie 11 Dec '08

11 Dec '08

Winnipeg Free Press Local News Bike paths split civic committee By: Joe Paraskevas In a surprising rebuke of the city's 2009 capital budget, two of six councillors in Mayor Sam Katz's cabinet rejected the $476.1-million public works plan Wednesday, saying the city could do much more to build bike paths and pedestrian trails. At a meeting of executive policy committee, Point Douglas Coun. Mike Pagtakhan and Transcona Coun. Russ Wyatt voted to turn the budget down, signalling a split on council between bike-riding advocates and others. Last year, EPC councillors unanimously supported the budget. A city hall source said Katz was "shocked, surprised and disappointed" at Pagtakhan and Wyatt's actions. EPC did add $2.35 million to the budget, including $500,000 for biking infrastructure and pedestrian trails and the same amount for sidewalk and curb renewals. It also committed $250,000 for a study into a pedestrian-cyclist bridge across the Red River from the University of Manitoba to south St. Vital. The additions brought the budget's commitment to city cyclists to $2.25 million and its plans for sidewalk and curb repairs to $1 million -- pending the approval next week before city council. But the $1.25 million the committee pencilled in for cyclists and pedestrians wasn't enough for Pagtakhan and Wyatt. The additions came a day after several community groups lobbied the same committee for more spending on bike paths and bike lanes. One activist suggested the city commit $80 million over 10 years to build 50 kilometres of bike paths and three cyclist-pedestrian bridges. With that in mind, Pagtakhan tabled a motion calling for the city to spend $2 million on active transportation in 2009. And Wyatt echoed that demand by proposing $2 million for sidewalk and curb renewals, saying the extra money for cyclists would only build one kilometre of bike paths. "Basically, we're adding one kilometre of asphalt," he said. "I think we can do more." Winnipeg has about 190 kilometres of bike paths and bike lanes on streets across the city, Wyatt said. Calgary has more than 900: 635 kilometres of bike paths and 290 kilometres of bike lanes. And yet, Wyatt and Pagtakhan's motion failed. Their committee colleagues didn't share their devotion to cyclists and pedestrians. "We have an obligation not to throw money at the squeakiest wheel," St. Norbert Coun. Justin Swandel, the city's budget architect, told his fellow committee members. "We are doing a budget for the entire city of Winnipeg. we are not doing a budget for active transportation." Katz urged Pagtakhan and other active transportation advocates to come up with a five-year plan for cycling infrastructure. He said he was "extremely embarrassed" that parts of Winnipeg lacked proper sidewalks and back lanes as well as bike paths. The divide created by Pagtakhan and Wyatt is likely not large enough to stop the budget from passing before the full city council next week. But others interpreted it as a sign of conflicting visions of the city among councillors. "In all my years on council I don't recall two members of EPC voting against the final recommendations of a budget," said Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry Coun. Jenny Gerbasi, who was first elected in 1998. "This may be a sign that there are two very different visions of our city and council is more polarized than ever." Mark Cohoe, chairman of the community group Bike to the Future, said in a news release "total funding for active transportation will drop from $2.35 million in 2008 to $2.15 million in 2009, just 1 per cent of the city's budget for roads and bridges. "At this rate of expansion it will take several hundred years to complete the city's bikeway network," Cohoe said. Mynarski Coun. Harry Lazarenko, a city councillor for almost three decades and a former member of EPC, called the budget rejections "irresponsible." "They voted in retaliation because they could not get their amendments approved," Lazarenko said, of Pagtakhan and Wyatt. "that's not what EPC is supposed to do." joe.paraskevas(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Boulder, Colorado - Platinum Bike Status
by David Wieser 05 Dec '08

05 Dec '08

Yet another spine tingling feel good video from streetfilms. Just posted today. It has something for everyone, biking, walking, safe routes to school, bike co-ops... http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/boulder-goes-bike-platinum/ Add Boulder, Colorado to the League of American Bicyclists' cities to achieve Platinum Bike Status. This Fall, they were bestowed the nation's highest rank for U.S. cities and joined Portland, Oregon and Davis, California as the only three cities to have that honor. My favorite line... 3 mile ride to work and no stop signs or stop lights, one continuous ride to work. Another feature is that kids can earn ipods by biking to school with a computer chip in the kids helmet to count their trips and encourage them to wear their helmets. David Wieser

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Active Transportation - Canada: December 5, 2008
by Beth McKechnie 05 Dec '08

05 Dec '08

Active Transportation - Canada features a regular posting of news articles, studies, reports, and other items that have relevance in this field, with previous postings available in an archive. In addition, pictures of existing Active Transportation infrastructure from communities across Canada will be profiled each week. The following items have recently been posted to the Active Transportation - Canada Blog. To view in more detail, go to: http://activetransportation-canada.blogspot.com **************************************************************************************************** 1.. Resource - BC Built Environment Summit Proceedings 2.. Article - Open house for wheeling walking and cycling in Golden 3.. Article - Now is the time to reshape our cities 4.. Job Opportunity - Regional Municipality of York ON 5.. Job Opportunity - Smart Commute North Toronto 6.. Article - Winnipeg dramatically increases spending on AT 7.. Upcoming Event - Kelowna BC: Building SustainAble Communities Conference 8.. Interesting Website - Team Wonderbike 9.. Links - Cargo Bikes 10.. Video - David Suzuki cycles in Copenhagen **************************************************************************************************** A reminder e-mail of new postings will be sent no more often than once per week. To continue to receive these updates, you need take no action. Should you not wish to receive updates, please return this e-mail with "Unsubscribe" in the Subject area. For more information, please contact: Michael Haynes Director TransActive Solutions activetransportation(a)rogers.com 613.424.2803

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Free Press Article
by Stacy Matwick 03 Dec '08

03 Dec '08

Pedestrians, cyclists win small victory By: Joe Paraskevas Winnipeg Free Press Dec. 3, 2008 B4 People who walk or cycle around Winnipeg won a small but significant victory in a city hall committee room Tuesday. They lined up to demand the city's $476-million 2009 capital budget be amended to provide more funding for bike paths, bike commuting lanes on roads, better sidewalks and even a new pedestrian bridge across the Red River between the University of Manitoba and south St. Vital. And they succeeded -- though more hurdles remain before city councillors vote on the budget Dec. 16. After hearing delegations for the better part of four hours, members of the Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works committee voted to re-allocate $4.7 million in the budget to cover projects associated with cycling, walking and in-line skating -- so-called active transportation. City hall should not squander the steps it has taken to improve its network of pathways and bikeways in the last two years, community activists said. "The city's got really good momentum. It's showing vision," said Janice Lukes, trails coordinator for the Winnipeg Trails Association. "When you come up with these numbers," Lukes added, referring to the budget released last week, "it's not showing vision." The budget targeted $1.75 million for bike paths and other active transportation works -- as opposed to $95 million for road and bridge construction. Committee members agreed to add $4.25 million for active transportation projects, leaving it to administrators to decide how such funds should be distributed. To cover the added spending, St. Boniface Coun. Dan Vandal said the city could tap its $300-million reserve funds or $3 million set aside in the budget for what Vandal said was unallocated spending. The committee also agreed to shift $250,000 from $1.9 million earmarked for land acquisition to pay for a study into building a pedestrian bridge across the Red River from the University of Manitoba into south St. Vital. That project had the backing of St. Norbert Coun. Justin Swandel, the city's Finance committee chairman and budget architect. Swandel appealed in person to the committee. A deal struck with the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corp. had freed some of the money the city had meant to use to acquire land for the expansion of Waverley Street in south Winnipeg, Swandel said. The public works committee also agreed to spend an additional $200,000 on sidewalk repairs. The budget had allocated $250,000 in 2009 to new sidewalks on major streets. The Executive Policy Committee, which reviews the capital budget next week, could still overturn today's decision. joe.paraskevas(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Bike lanes work
by Beth McKechnie 27 Nov '08

27 Nov '08

Interesting article about research in Portland showing cyclists will go out of their way to use bike infrastructure (such as bike lanes): http://www.portlandtribune.com/sustainable/story.php?story_id=1224022968389…

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Roundabouts
by Janice Lukes 27 Nov '08

27 Nov '08

As the city and province set about to spend even more money on Hwys - I find the attached TIME article very interesting. Janice Lukes Winnipeg Trails Coordinator Winnipeg Trails Association 202 - One Forks Market Road Winnipeg, MB R3C 4L9 Cell (204) 952-4222 Fax (204) 943-7915 <mailto:jlukes@shaw.ca> jlukes(a)shaw.ca <http://www.winnipegtrails.com/> www.WinnipegTrails.com

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WFP: Pedestrians rule! (Nov.20'08)
by Beth McKechnie 27 Nov '08

27 Nov '08

Winnipeg Free Press a.. Winnipeg Free Press View from the West Pedestrians rule! (Or they would if the law were enforced) Val Werier Updated: November 20, 2008 at 06:40 AM CST Now that winter is upon us, we must examine the perilous state of the pedestrian. Is there anything more unequal than the conflict between the pedestrian and the car? The car is the bully, big and powerful, equipped to stop in comfort, but it refuses to give the pedestrian the right of way. In Winnipeg, considered as one of the coldest capitals in the world, this is an atrocious display of bad manners. Pedestrians may freeze waiting to cross, but this is the way it is in Winnipeg. The civility of a city can be judged by the importance and respect given to pedestrians. On that basis, the standard of civility is poor indeed. Pedestrians are treated in a shabby manner. The law places them in an exalted position. A motorist must stop once a pedestrian starts crossing the street. That rarely happens. The pedestrian is regarded by drivers as a ne'er-do-well. That does not seem to bother all the agencies concerned with the rules of the road, safety and welfare of citizens. Rarely, if ever, is a word heard about the rights of pedestrians from the provincial Transportation department, Manitoba Public Insurance, automobile associations or city council and police. They are silent on the flagrant denial of the status of pedestrians. The safety and priority of the pedestrian is raised so seldom it creates a climate that may be a factor in this bizarre case. On a bright morning in April 2007, Shep Shell, a blind man of 62, led by his seeing-eye dog Page, crossed Cordova Street at Grant Avenue, a special pedestrian corridor. They were proceeding south and stopped at the median. There Shell pressed the button to reactivate the beeping sound and flashing yellow lights. The car in the first lane had stopped, as he had heard it do. Shell held out his arm to present a larger profile and proceeded into the second lane when he heard a car approaching quickly. He didn't dare to move back in case the car in that lane was moving. "I felt helpless," he told me. "I knew I was going to be hit." He swung Page behind him to save her from injury. He was struck and thrown to the street, suffering cuts, bruises and a severely swollen right hand. This is an extreme case -- a blind man with a seeing-eye dog struck in a pedestrian corridor with flashing lights in a school zone. Still, it does speak of the blatant disregard of the pedestrian. The record shows few drivers are charged for not yielding to pedestrians. The pedestrian must use common sense and not barge across an intersection. Most make certain it is safe to do so. In the period from 2004 to 2007, only an average of 16 tickets per year were issued for not yielding the right of way to a pedestrian or passing another vehicle stopped for a pedestrian. An average of 48 drivers per year were charged for failure to yield in a pedestrian corridor or passing in a corridor. The existence of special pedestrian corridors conveys the impression that here only pedestrians have the right of way. The law makes it clear the motorist must give way to the pedestrian at any intersection whether marked or not by lights. But that is not the way it turns out in Winnipeg. I am dumbfounded as I listen to a discussion on CBC radio about the hazards facing pedestrians. Callers say it is impossible to cross south Osborne. There is no let up in traffic to allow crossing. They want the city to establish another pedestrian corridor because the closest one is a few blocks away. I heard no one raise the point that pedestrians have priority and the law should be enforced. Other cities give pedestrians the break they deserve. Rosemarie Cloutis came to Winnipeg 12 years ago from Edmonton with her husband, Ed, and family. "I was shocked that drivers gave no regard to pedestrians," she recalls. "In Edmonton, pedestrians crossing the street at corners expect and are given the right of way." In Europe, the place of the pedestrian is so respected that an act of parliament was framed to focus on their rights. This is the Charter of Pedestrians' Rights, adopted by the European Parliament in 1988. One clause states: "The pedestrian has the right to live in urban or village centres tailored to the needs of human beings and not the needs of the motor car and to have the amenities within walking or cycling distance." Today, there are no champions for the pedestrian as such figures of the past as Coun. Joe Zuken, who denounced the closure of Portage and Main to pedestrians. There is no greater affront to pedestrians in Canada than the decision to make the symbol of Winnipeg the exclusive precinct of cars. It is a blot on Winnipeg that next year will mark the 30th anniversary of the scandal of Portage and Main. It reinforces the subordinate status of the pedestrian. Portage and Main must be opened to the people. The disrespect for pedestrians, I submit, is out of character. As a whole, Winnipeggers are a decent, caring lot as shown by the high number of volunteers in a multitude of services. We rate near the top in Canada. This is the spirit of civility that must be restored to our public streets. Val Werier is a Winnipeg writer. a.. b.. © 2008 Winnipeg Free Press. All Rights Reserved. Powered by McClatchy Interactive

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