- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

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

28 Nov '12

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

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

27 Nov '12

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

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

27 Nov '12

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

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

27 Nov '12

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

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

27 Nov '12

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

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

26 Nov '12

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

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

26 Nov '12

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

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

26 Nov '12

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

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

24 Nov '12

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

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

23 Nov '12

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

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