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G&M: Why Toronto is putting pedestrians first (Jun8'13)
by Beth McKechnie 09 Jun '13

09 Jun '13

Why Toronto is putting pedestrians first OLIVER MOORE The Globe and Mail | Published Saturday, Jun. 08 2013, 6:00 AM EDT http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/a-step-toward-safer-streets/art… The car’s status is so established that many question those who get in its way. But after a century-long reign by the automobile, Chicago has overthrown its primacy. The city, whose history and size often leads to comparisons with Toronto, unveiled a new policy this year which says explicitly that pedestrians are most important. Their needs are to be given default priority in the planning, building and maintenance of the city’s streetscape. The formal hierarchy puts transit second and bicycles third. Motor vehicles come last. In Toronto – where huge transit plans threaten to overshadow simpler solutions for moving people, the mayor trumpets a pro-car line, and pedestrian collisions have been largely consistent for years – walking advocates and city staff are watching Chicago’s example keenly. Prioritizing pedestrians is an innovative idea based on a simple reality: Nearly all residents walk. “We’re committing to put the pedestrian first,” explains Gabe Klein, Chicago’s commissioner of transportation. “And that’s not just any pedestrian. That’s children, the elderly and disabled people. You design for them, it’ll inherently be safe for the rest of us.” Mr. Klein was in Toronto recently for a series of events related to active transportation. With time running out on his visit, he sat for an interview on the way to the airport. In the back of the car, the unabashed urbanist discussed his love of ska and Vespas, praised Toronto’s vitality and streetcar network and explained why Chicago takes walking so seriously. “The transit user is also a pedestrian, the cyclist is also a pedestrian, the auto user is also a pedestrian,” he said. “If the pedestrian is safe, the other modes are safe.” As a concrete example of the new approach, Mr. Klein laid out the sorts of physical changes that can be done to narrow a road, minimizing the distance pedestrians must go to cross and also putting a damper on vehicle speeds. More subtly, drivers can also be encouraged to slow down by road striping that creates the illusion of a smaller space. These ideas are among a number of new approaches to pedestrian safety that are emerging around the world. Much of this is rooted in a shift in philosophy: now, walkers’ deaths cannot be dismissed as unavoidable accidents. Many changes stem from research showing that pedestrians have a 95 per cent chance of surviving a collision with a vehicle going 20 miles per hour but only a 15 per cent chance of surviving if hit at 40 miles per hour. The Safe Streets plan in London, England notes that parts of the city where speeds were limited to 20 miles per hour saw a 42 per cent reduction in casualties and says that these lower limits will be coming to more streets. The plan accepts that people can be “unpredictable” and argues for the system to be redesigned so that “road users are not subjected to impact energy levels sufficient to cause fatal or serious, disabling injury.” In Freiburg, Germany, in the neighbourhood of Vauban, speeds are strictly controlled and parking is extremely expensive, to discourage car use. And in the United States, Washington state has made it easier for municipalities to cut speed limits. In Toronto, too, there is a growing recognition that pedestrianism is crucial to a good urban environment. “It’s about offering a really high quality of life,” said Toronto chief planner Jennifer Keesmaat, who is keen to spread density and create more walkable neighbourhoods. “There’s really a whole series of things that we value – like our health, like clean air and water, like having a strong sense of community – that are all linked in together with a pedestrian city or a pedestrian community. So the cool thing about walking is that it responds to, or generates, a whole variety of positive attributes in a community that we generally agree are desired.” Toronto’s walkability varies greatly, though, and in many parts of the city people on foot face a too-risky daily reality. Although pedestrian deaths have been cut in half in the last two decades, the number of people hit by vehicles remains stubbornly steady at around 2,200 annually. City research shows that pedestrians crossing arterial roads outside the downtown core are most likely to be hit. It’s not clear why, but theories point to wider roads, which take longer to cross; faster vehicle speeds, which mean less time to react; and drivers who are less accustomed to pedestrians. Road design may also be a factor. Staff have scoured the data to identify the riskiest spots and are working to craft individual improvements for the 10 most dangerous intersections. And in a small detail that speaks to evolving attitudes, transportation staff who tackle these problems tend to avoid the term “accident.” “Accident implies that … those involved don’t want to take responsibility for it,” said Mike Brady, manager of traffic safety in the city’s transportation department. “Each one of these is preventable. Something has failed.” He prefers the term “collision,” a distinction that is increasingly common among transportation experts and law enforcement, including the Toronto Police Service. Although the difference between an accident and a collision may seem semantic, it gets at the idea of responsibility and blame. The city’s core, which is congested, tends to be safer. Streets are generally narrower, drivers usually can’t go too fast and there’s a greater sense that pedestrians are a legitimate part of the streetscape. Scramble intersections at two key downtown corners give the whole zone over to pedestrians, allowing them to cross in all directions. Pedestrian status reaches its peak in Kensington Market, probably the only area of Toronto where people on foot come close to having full equality. Here, walkers mingle freely with people riding bicycles, on skateboards and driving cars. In a vaguely anarchic dance – one that can, admittedly, bring tensions – the sheer mass of pedestrians spilling onto the road forces other users to slow down. The situation in this neighbourhood bears close resemblance to a *woonerf*. The Dutch concept, which means “living yard,” does away with curbs and essentially turns the roadway into pedestrian space. Motorists are allowed to enter if they drive at walking pace. Although Kensington evolved organically, formally planned *woonerf* –like areas are coming to Toronto. A version of the idea, albeit one with rolled curbs, is being included at a new development in the West Don Lands, and something similar is being installed near St. Lawrence Market. “Enhancements around active transportation … do, in most cases, benefit all users,” said Fiona Chapman, manager of pedestrian projects at the city’s transportation department. “If you have good active transportation options … then maybe people are less likely to take their car for short trips.” *WHERE CARS AND PEDESTRIANS COLLIDE* *Where there are transit stops, and nearby attractions that draw pedestrians.* Sheppard Avenue East at Provost Drive (#1) in North York is an example, with Ikea, other retail, a medical centre and condominium towers all near the corner. *Where “excess capacity” leads to speeding.* Wide, flat roads with little traffic invite faster driving, which is dangerous to pedestrians; this is the case at #2, St.Dennis Drive and Deauville Lane in Flemingdon Park. *Where “elderly demand” is high.* The city assigns a score for the number of elderly people who use an intersection; Neilson Road and McLevin Avenue, in Malvern, scores 4.5 out of 5. *THE CITY’S TOOLKIT: HOW TO FIX THEM* The city is considering some of these changes to improve different intersections. Paint *zebra markings and stop bars* on all four approaches into the intersection. Put *solid lines on the road surface*, to guide drivers into the correct lane as they turn. *Make walk signals longer* to give people more time to cross; add pedestrian-activated traffic signals. *Install signs* to remind drivers to pay attention to pedestrians crossing. Add “ l*eading pedestrian intervals* ” – signals for pedestrians to cross when other traffic must stop. *Move a bus stop *across an intersection to reduce conflicts between pedestrians and drivers.

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John Stewart on the new Citi Bike program in NY
by Dave Elmore 07 Jun '13

07 Jun '13

Thought you might enjoy this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Kz14vP-vUEU Thanks Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X)

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Fwd: North Perimeter Active Transit Consultation
by Anders Swanson 06 Jun '13

06 Jun '13

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: *Sigrun Bailey* Date: Thursday, June 6, 2013 Subject: Fwd: North Perimeter Active Transit Hello Folks,**** ** ** On behalf of Erna Braun, MLA for Rossmere, I’d like to invite you all to a public consultation regarding Active Transit at the North Perimeter Highway. **** ** ** Thursday, June 27, 2013**** 4:30 – 7:45**** Covenant Christian Reformed Church (653 Knowles Ave) **** ** ** Please pass this invite along to anyone who may be interested in attending. **** ** ** We hope to see you there!**** ** ** *Erin Longstaff* **** Constituency Assistant to Erna Braun, MLA for Rossmere**** 3-935 McLeod Ave, Winnipeg MB, R2G 0Y4**** Constituency Office: (204)667-7244 Legislative Office: (204)945-7349**** ** ** -- Sigrun

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MPI NEWS RELEASE Cycling Safety Awareness Campaign
by Reaney, Vicky (MLG) 06 Jun '13

06 Jun '13

http://www.mpi.mb.ca/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/Pages/NR2013June03.aspx Cycling safety awareness campaign aimed at reducing injuries and fatalities ─ Manitoba Public Insurance On average, three cyclists are killed and more than 250 injured yearly in Manitoba as the result of being involved in a crash with an automobile. With the commitment to reduce these numbers, Manitoba Public Insurance, in conjunction with government, launched a comprehensive safety and educational campaign today aimed at both cyclists and drivers. "Road safety is an issue that matters a great deal to Manitobans," said Andrew Swan, minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance. "Enhancing the road safety relationship between cyclists and drivers is a positive step towards the ultimate goal of reducing collisions, fatalities and injuries." Manitoba Public Insurance's website contains detailed safety information for cyclists, in addition to safety materials which are distributed by bike shops throughout the province. "We recognize that sharing the road is a two-way street, used by both cyclists and motorists," said MaryAnn Kempe, vice-president, Community & Corporate Relations, Manitoba Public Insurance. "This campaign will supplement current awareness programs for road users, including our 'Safety on Wheels' presentation, bike safety presentations in classrooms and on-road training through the corporation's Cycling Champion's Program." Over 65 per cent of bicycle/vehicle collisions occur at intersections, according to Manitoba Public Insurance data. The month-long campaign will utilize a variety of advertising and communication tools, emphasizing the importance of drivers and cyclists showing mutual courtesy, respect and good judgment. Motorist Safety Tips · Depending on debris and other road hazards, cyclists may need to ride closer to the middle of the lane. Motorists should exercise extra caution when approaching a cyclist, give them sufficient space, and never tailgate. · Always watch for cyclists when approaching intersections, turning left or right, or when changing lanes. · When passing a cyclist, motorists are encouraged to leave a distance of at least one metre between their vehicle and the cyclist. Depending on circumstances, this may require changing lanes to pass safely. · Additional rules of the road can be found on the Manitoba Public Insurance website<http://www.mpi.mb.ca/en/PDFs/AdultsCyclingBooklet.pdf>. Cycling Safety Tips · Wear an approved cycling helmet. In Manitoba, cyclists under the age of 18 are required by law to wear one. Statistics report that nearly 70 per cent of cyclists killed or injured in a collision with a vehicle were not wearing a helmet. · Stay safe by wearing reflective clothing and using hand signals to indicate their riding intentions. · Observe all traffic signals. · While travelling on the road, be observant at all times of other traffic, including vehicles and pedestrians. Be prepared for the unexpected, including road construction and debris.

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FW: Manitoba News Release: Province Supports Active Transportation Through New Safety and Public Awareness Initiatives: Lemieux, Swan
by Reaney, Vicky (MLG) 06 Jun '13

06 Jun '13

http://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?archive=2013-06-01&item=17511 June 3, 2013 PROVINCE SUPPORTS ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION THROUGH NEW SAFETY AND PUBLIC AWARENESS INITIATIVES: LEMIEUX, SWAN A new road safety public awareness campaign is being launched by the province to encourage drivers and cyclists to be more aware of each other while travelling on Manitoba's streets and roads, Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux and Justice Minister Andrew Swan, minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), announced today. "Our government is committed to ensuring the safety of all road users," said Lemieux. "Any fatality or serious injury is tragic, and we need to continue to find ways to prevent such occurrences. We will continue to improve the safety of cyclists and pedestrians so that more Manitobans enjoy the health, environmental and financial benefits of engaging in active transportation." "The province is committed to making active transportation a safe and viable transportation choice. We work closely with MPI and other stakeholders to raise awareness of safety issues affecting vulnerable road users," said Swan. "This campaign will provide helpful tips to both motorists and cyclists that can make travel safer." The campaign will run through the month of June to create awareness about safe ways to share the road while driving and cycling. It will also promote cycling as a healthy, active form of transportation. The ministers noted that interest and participation in active transportation is increasing. While walking is the most common form of active transportation, the number of people choosing to walk or cycle is on the rise in Canadian cities of all sizes. In Winnipeg, cycling increased 67 per cent between 2007 and 2012. "Sharing the road is a two-way street, used by both cyclists and motorists," said MaryAnn Kempe, vice-president, community and corporate relations, Manitoba Public Insurance. "Whether a motorist or cyclist, we are all expected to show courtesy and respect for our fellow road users. By putting important safety tips into practice, we can do our part to reduce risk and avoid bicycle-vehicle collisions." Provincial initiatives to increase the safety factor of cyclists and motor vehicles sharing the road include: * introducing legislation to require helmets for youth under 18; * updating provincial legislation enabling municipalities to develop a variety of cycle ways and allowing local traffic authorities to establish lowered speed limits in school zones; * providing over 89,000 low-cost helmets to families including over 8,000 no-cost helmets to families in need; * expanding training for drivers and cyclists, and ensuring they have up-to-date information about how to share the road through driver's training and programs such as CAN-BIKE and MPI's Cycling Champions; and * working with safety partners such as school divisions, health authorities, law enforcement and non-profit organizations to deliver programs such as Active and Safe Routes to School, Safe Kids Week and the We Caught You Using Your Head campaign. "Increasing safety and awareness is something we all have to work at together," said Swan. "Education, training, enhanced legislation and infrastructure improvements are all part of a broad strategy to keep our roads safer." "Manitoba has made significant strides in all these areas and will continue to work with our various road safety partners in the public, not-for-profit, private, health and enforcement communities to do so," added Lemieux. In Manitoba in 2010, there were a total of 7,130 victims of traffic collisions. Pedestrians accounted for six per cent of all fatalities and cyclists accounted for four per cent. In 2010, there were 770 nonvehicle occupants injured in traffic collisions and of these 50 per cent were pedestrians and 34 per cent were cyclists.

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The route to commuter happiness? Two wheels
by Dave Elmore 06 Jun '13

06 Jun '13

http://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2011/08/24/the_route_to_commuter_happi ness_two_wheels.html The route to commuter happiness? Two wheels Two-thirds of cyclists are very satisfied with their commute, far more than drivers and transit users. Cyclists are the happiest commuters. And walkers, too. That isn't according to bikers and pedestrians, but to Statistics Canada, which released a study on travel time to work Wednesday. Terri Flinn reflects that study. Only three kilometres separate Flinn from her home and work. She bikes when the weather permits and takes the streetcar during the winter. "I'm happy six months of the year when I'm biking," Flinn said. "And miserable the other six." Two-thirds of cyclists said they were very satisfied with their commute. Only 6 per cent were dissatisfied, according to a Statistics Canada survey of more than 6,000 people across the country. It's a striking difference from their car and transit-riding brethren. Only 32 per cent of drivers and 25 per cent of public transit users were very satisfied with their trip to work. In warm weather, Flinn leaves her place on Bloor St. W. at 8:45 a.m., hops on her bike and cruises down Spadina Ave. to her office at Wellington St. W. She arrives a few minutes before 9 a.m. "It's an eight-minute ride," Flinn says. "I love it - I actually look forward to my ride in and my ride home." During the cooler months, Flinn takes the streetcar down Spadina. She leaves her place at 8:15 a.m., stands in a long line at Bloor station that snakes around pillars and up stairs, and she eventually shuffles onto the streetcar. The streetcar is jammed and a seat is a rare find. About 35 to 40 minutes later, Flinn escapes the streetcar and trundles up to her desk. "In the winter, I don't want to go to work because I dread the streetcar ride." Flinn said. "Once I'm at work, I don't want to leave because it means I have to get back on the streetcar." For Robin Telly, it's all about walking. She lives downtown, about four kilometres from work at Yonge and Dundas Sts. "The only reliable way I can get to work is to walk," Telly said in an email. Telly's commute is 40 minutes on foot. To take transit, she said, she'd have to allocate an hour. "I run the risk of being late if I leave my house the same time I leave when I walk." When Telly's sister left for a week, she borrowed her Metropass. She left at the same time she did when walking and was late the first two days. She decided to walk the next three days, but get on a streetcar when it rolled by. Two of those three days, she made it to work without a streetcar passing her. "Relying on your own two feet is the best way to go," Telly said.

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Bike to Work Day
by Dave Elmore 06 Jun '13

06 Jun '13

Sorry for the additional email, forgot to change the title Thanks Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X) From: Dave Elmore [mailto:delmore@mymts.net] Sent: June-05-13 8:19 PM To: at-network(a)lists.umanitoba.ca Subject: FW: BTWD Meeting tomorrow Wed May 29 - REMINDER Hi all Bike to Work Day is fast approaching and if you haven't already registered, make sure to "Count yourself in." This is the 6th annual Bike to Work Day and we hope the most successful yet. We already have over 40 pit-stops around the city (the map will be up very soon on our website) and now all we need is lots of registered riders. We again this year have sponsorship, this time from Assiniboine Credit Union, providing a donation to the Winnipeg Repair Education and Cycling Hub (WRENCH) based on $ 0.25 for every registered rider up to an upset limit of $ 1000.00. We need at least 4000 registered riders to maximize this donation, so please register <http://biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org/index.php/register/> . Remember that by registering you add your voice to ours and help us build a more bike-friendly Winnipeg. Together we can help promote the bicycle for everyday transportation and advocate for improved cycling infrastructure and awareness. In addition there are prizes to be won, schwag and bike tune-ups at various pit-stops, a free BBQ featuring with Boon Burger cuisine and Half Pints Peddle Pusher Ale (not free, but really good). No place to shower before work, we have the YMCA offering free admission to their facilities so that you can't use that excuse. This year we are also having a number of "count down events" including a student day, employers day, family day, and a movie night. Check out the details at our website <http://biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org/index.php/test-events/> . It's going to be a great day so help us make the 6th annual Bike to Work Day a HUGE success. For more information check out www.biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org. Please distirbute widely and feel free to print and post the attached Bike to Work Day poster.! Thanks Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X)

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FW: BTWD Meeting tomorrow Wed May 29 - REMINDER
by Dave Elmore 06 Jun '13

06 Jun '13

Hi all Bike to Work Day is fast approaching and if you haven't already registered, make sure to "Count yourself in." This is the 6th annual Bike to Work Day and we hope the most successful yet. We already have over 40 pit-stops around the city (the map will be up very soon on our website) and now all we need is lots of registered riders. We again this year have sponsorship, this time from Assiniboine Credit Union, providing a donation to the Winnipeg Repair Education and Cycling Hub (WRENCH) based on $ 0.25 for every registered rider up to an upset limit of $ 1000.00. We need at least 4000 registered riders to maximize this donation, so please register <http://biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org/index.php/register/> . Remember that by registering you add your voice to ours and help us build a more bike-friendly Winnipeg. Together we can help promote the bicycle for everyday transportation and advocate for improved cycling infrastructure and awareness. In addition there are prizes to be won, schwag and bike tune-ups at various pit-stops, a free BBQ featuring with Boon Burger cuisine and Half Pints Peddle Pusher Ale (not free, but really good). No place to shower before work, we have the YMCA offering free admission to their facilities so that you can't use that excuse. This year we are also having a number of "count down events" including a student day, employers day, family day, and a movie night. Check out the details at our website <http://biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org/index.php/test-events/> . It's going to be a great day so help us make the 6th annual Bike to Work Day a HUGE success. For more information check out www.biketoworkdaywinnipeg.org. Please distirbute widely and feel free to print and post the attached Bike to Work Day poster.! Thanks Dave o _ ( \ _ (X)\ /(X)

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volunteer opportunity at the GO4health EXpo - promoting Active Transporation
by Kristine Hayward 05 Jun '13

05 Jun '13

Hi AT-network and PACM-network folks! Sorry for the cross posting. As part of the physical activity promotion area at the GO4health EXpo at this years' Red River Exhibition (June 14-23, 2013), we are promoting active transportation and active play. As part of our Active Transportation promotion, we are in the process of printing a large (8' x 8') version of the city cycling map. We are intending to use this map to open discussions about active transportation, highlight the many AT possibilities throughout the city and assist potential commuters to identify safe routes, etc. We are looking for volunteers that have general knowledge in the area of active transportation to help staff our booth and engage with folks attending the EX. General duties: - Assist with map distribution (we have a large stash of the 2013 City Cycling map) - Assist with AT route identification - Sharing general tips and advice on AT in Winnipeg Shifts are 3 hours in length. Friday, June 14 - 12:00-3:00; 3:00-6:00; 6:00-9:00p.m. Saturday, June 15 - 12:00-3:00; 3:00-6:00; 6:00-9:00p.m. Sunday, June 16 - 12:00-3:00; 3:00-6:00; 6:00-9:00p.m. Monday, June 17 -3:00-6:00; 6:00-9:00p.m. Tuesday, June 18 - 3:00-6:00; 6:00-9:00p.m. Wednesday, June 19 - 3:00-6:00; 6:00-9:00p.m. Thursday, June 20 - 12:00-3:00; 3:00-6:00; 6:00-9:00p.m. Friday, June 21 - 12:00-3:00; 3:00-6:00; 6:00-9:00p.m. Saturday, June 22 -12:00-3:00; 3:00-6:00; 6:00-9:00p.m. Sunday, June 23 - 12:00-3:00; 3:00-6:00; 6:00-9:00p.m. If you would like to volunteer for a shift or two and share your knowledge, expertise and passion for active transportation, please give me a shout. Thanks! Kristine Kristine Hayward Physical Activity Promotion/in motion Coordinator 2nd floor - 490 Hargrave Street Winnipeg, MB R3A 0X7 Telephone 204 940-1676 Cell 204 232-7546 Fax 204 940-2690 Email khayward(a)wrha.mb.ca<mailto:khayward@wrha.mb.ca> Follow Winnipeg in motion on Twitter - @wpginmotion Sign up to receive updates from Winnipeg in motion @ http://www.winnipeginmotion.ca/signup/ PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVE MOVED (MAY 5, 2012) - our mailing address and fax number has changed. 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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Webinar Handouts - Bikeway Design at Intersections
by Mark Cohoe 04 Jun '13

04 Jun '13

Hi, Sorry this is a bit late, but for those who attended last Wednesday's NACTO webinar - Bikeway Design at Intersections, handouts and screens can be downloaded at http://www.apbp.org/?page=Webinar_Download <http://www.apbp.org/link.asp?e=markc@biketothefuture.org&job=926174&ymlink=…>. The next webinar in the series, *Bikeway Design in Context:**Determining the right facility for the right street* will be held tomorrow from 2:00 - 3:30pm at the Eco-Centre. Handouts and screens for that webinar should also be available at the above link sometime tomorrow. Local viewings of the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide Webinar Series are made possible by the generous sponsorship of Freig and Associates. Cheers, Mark

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