I just wanted to spread some exciting (!!!) news...Three inspirational women from our community have been recognized this year as YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction for the endless hours they have dedicated to the programs and policies that help meet Winnipeg's/Manitoba's active transportation needs. With incredible vision and passion Janice Lukes, Beth McKechnie, and Jan Schmalenberg have contributed to almost everything A/T you can find around these parts, if you have not met them already, please take a minute to read their details below. Congratulations to all of you, and thank you for all of the amazing things you do!

Trailblazing is actually a literal description of Janice’s accomplishments increasing safe active living, recreation and

transportation opportunities in Manitoba. Over the past decade, she has been directly involved in securing upwards

of $56 million towards trail and cycling infrastructure in Winnipeg. Janice’s advocacy for active living started shortly

after she found out she would be expecting triplets – she tells the story of being petrified with fear over the pending

arrival of three boys, knowing the unbridled energy they would unleash, while living on a street that didn’t even have

a sidewalk. She can often be found, triplets in tow, at City Hall or the Legislature educating about the importance of

having safe places to walk and ride bikes. She routinely provides advice and recommendations on active

transportation to the City of Winnipeg and Province of Manitoba, and is also an advocate for the development of

innovative natural playgrounds.

Beth McKechnie

Beth is a leader in the area of active transportation (AT), working tirelessly to improve opportunities for all aspects of

cycling and walking in our community. She is an integral part of the City’s active transportation advisory committee, a

member since its inception in 2007. Virtually every AT initiative has her stamp on it – from the Cyclist Map of

Winnipeg that she first developed in 1999 to the growing success of the annual Commuter Challenge, to the sections

of the Trans-Canada Trail in her neighbourhood – Beth’s work has meant many thousands of Winnipeggers are better

able to enjoy walking and cycling for recreation or commuting. Beth is also a co-founder of Peg City Car Co-op, which

emphasizes AT through its tagline: "Bike. Walk. Bus. And Sometimes, Drive."

Jan Schmalenberg

Jan has a vision for a more active Winnipeg, and as the Manager of Physical Activity Promotion for the WRHA, it is a

vision that she realized through the development of Winnipeg in motion. Winnipeg in motion represents a

collaboration of the WRHA, the University of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg and Jan’s leadership in bringing

these partners and other organizations together to share resources, knowledge and expertise has helped all

Winnipeggers. Her focus is on building the capacity of groups and communities to support sustainable change

through the promotion of physical activity and healthy lifestyles. Jan also embodies active living, which all of her

colleagues point to as something that really sets her apart – from finding time in her hectic day to work out to holding

walking meetings or leading others in true activity breaks – she is someone who walks the walk.

Shoni Litinsky | Active and Safe Routes to School

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