E-book: Cyclists & Cycling Around the World

Cyclists & Cycling Around the World is an inspiring literary contribution to the development of cycle-friendly cities throughout the whole world. The book contains articles on city planning and the benefits of cycling and also on the enormous work carried out by cycling organisations around the world promoting cycling and training children. Read more.

London Is Showing How Cities Should Treat Dirty Cars in the 21st Century

London is already the biggest city in the world to have any form of tax that restricts driving in the center—the congestion charge is currently £11.50 ($18.60) per day to travel into central London during the working week. Exemptions from the scheme include lower-emitting vehicles, motor bikes, and electric cars. The city also has a Low Emission Zone, which applies to the whole of Greater London throughout the year, and charges up to £200 a day for heavy-polluting trucks and buses that come into the capital. Read more.

'Sidewalk to nowhere’ in Edmonton’s north end called unsafe

“It just basically ends. It's a sidewalk to nowhere,” said Sippel while on a walk in the area with CBC.
“Every day you see people running across, just trying to make it in time.Usually what will happen is that they wait for the light to turn red and once it does, and the cars kind of break up, they'll run across.” Read more.

Hamilton - Active Transportation Roundup, October 2014 Edition

It has been a beautiful autumn in Hamilton, but with cold weather approaching, the City is winding down its outdoor Public Works so this will probably be the last roundup until next spring. Read more.

WHO/Europe and ECF join forces for a training webinar on the updated WHO HEAT

The World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe and the European Cyclists’ Federation are collaborating to provide a free training webinar that will present the updated WHO HEAT (Health Economic Assessment Tool) with a focus on cycling. The webinar will take place on the 12th November at 1pm. Read more.

Halifax - Cycling coalition seeks truck side guards

A local cycling group wants Halifax to follow Boston and Montreal’s lead and consider new safety equipment for its trucks. At least one municipal contractor is a step ahead of the Halifax Cycling Coalition’s proposal to mandate side guards on city and city-contracted trucks. Side guards, which are useful in the kind of collision that killed 30-year-old Johanna Dean in May, appear to be an option for some of Royal Environmental Inc.’s fleet, said general manager Al Abraham. Read more.

Halifax - Committee tasked to create plan for development of Halifax core

Halifax’s urban design manager Jacob Ritchie told the committee that the centre plan will also reflect other plans the municipality recently updated, including ones for active transportation, transit services and economic strategy. Read more.

Barrie - Healthier road diet includes more walkers and cyclists

Did you ever wonder what a better ‘diet’ for our roads would be? Given what we know about physical activity and human health, and the pollution from cars and trucks, a healthier road diet would include a greater proportion of pedestrians and cyclists sharing the road with motor vehicles. Read more.

How Memphis Became a Great Bicycle City

When you think of Memphis, you probably think of Elvis, FedEx, or maybe on a more somber note, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. So you might be surprised to learn that Memphis is also becoming one of America's great bicycle towns. Read more.

Toronto Election Report Card: Transportation

While big ticket transit plans have been the most talked-about aspect of this election, they’re not the only part of the transportation equation. Torontonians get around on foot, by bike and in cars. So which candidate has the best plan to get the city moving? Read more.

Are LA’s Walkable Neighborhoods and Bike Lanes Only for the Creative Class?

The “Complete Streets” concept in urban planning and design has been hailed as nothing less than a revolution. “North America is on the verge of a new paradigm,” writes Mobility magazine. “At the forefront of the ‘street revolution’ is the concept of Complete Streets.” The concept, which focuses on making streets safe and accessible to everyone, is supposed to challenge both our auto-dominated mindset and our sprawling urban form by reimagining “streets for people.” The promised result: cities that are more walkable, cyclable, livable—and more sustainable. Read more.

Taipei to widen sidewalks to make lanes for bicycles

Taipei is to tilt the balance of space available on the city’s streets toward cyclists, Taipei City Government Traffic Engineering Office Director Tiger Chen (陳學台) said yesterday. The roadways are to be narrowed to make room for more sidewalk space, which is to be partly lined with trees and include bicycle paths, benches and public art. Read more.

Manitoba - The future of U-Pass, public transportation on campus

In light of the upcoming referendum in which students will vote to determine the outcome of the universal transit pass (U-Pass), the U-Pass referendum forum was held to shed some light on the evidence and issues on each side of the debate. The Manitoban, University of Manitoba Graduate Students’ Association (UMGSA), and the University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) collaborated to host the forum about the future of public transportation on campus. Read more.

Hymne à la lenteur du piéton

Feux de circulation qui ne laissent pas le temps de traverser, voitures qui coupent les piétons au feu vert… Voilà des scénarios typiques qui posent la question de la place accordée aux piétons. Aux yeux de plusieurs, la gestion de la circulation privilégie avant tout l’automobile, et il est temps que les choses changent. Read more.

Is it possible to look stylish while cycling to work?

This is the big question, dividing the lycra-clad and the lycra averse. Read more.

Russian cyclists bringing bike culture to Moscow

Harsh winters and the world’s worst road congestion make the Russian capital an inhospitable place for cyclists. So why does the number of riders keep on rising? Read more.

Province gives $62,000 for seven-kilometre trail development from Hardwood Hill to Scotsburn

On behalf of Energy Minister Andrew Younger, Stroink announced that government would provide $62,000 to the Pictou County Trails Association to help complete seven kilometres of the multi-use Short Line Trail. The trail will connect with the existing five kilometres to form a path that is about 12 kilometres long. Read more.

Your U-Lock Is Basically Worthless, but Don't Worry

Thieves can quickly pop open the lock with a car jack or pipe, but there are ways to protect yourself. Read more.

Will Seattle’s Helmet Law Be a Drag on Its New Bike-Share System?

This bike-share launch is a little more complicated than most, because Seattle has a mandatory helmet law for riders of all ages. Riding a bike in Seattle without the proper head gear can land you an $81 ticket. Pronto bike-share will eventually have helmet rental equipment, but that won’t be available for about six months, so instead the city is loaning helmets on the honor system. Read more.

Bicycles as Business Tools at Facebook

One of the perks of working at Facebook is access to a free, full-service, bike repair shop located in the middle of campus. Commonly referred to as “The Hub”, the shop opened a year and a half ago as a place to help employees get to and from work efficiently. Activities at The Hub are overseen by Kurt Martin, a consultant hired by Facebook and owner of Bikes Make Life Better. While Martin oversees, the day- to-day operations are run by Shea Mack, the bike shop manager. Read more.

Victoria city staff call for end to downtown skateboarding ban

Victoria’s ban on skateboarding downtown should be lifted and bylaw officers should no longer be allowed to seize skateboards, say city staff. If the changes are adopted, skateboarding on sidewalks would still be prohibited. Skateboarders would be required to use the roads just like cyclists, according to the report to be considered by councillors Thursday. Read more.

Moving Ahead: The Economic Impact of Reducing Physical Inactivity and Sedentary Behaviour

According to a report by The Conference Board of Canada, getting just 10 per cent of Canadian adults to sit less and move more would reduce Canada’s health care costs by $2.6 billion and inject $7.5 billion into the Canadian economy by the year 2040. This report, Moving Ahead: The Economic Impact of Reducing Physical Inactivity and Sedentary Behaviour, was released today with a joint media release by the Conference Board and ParticipACTION. Read more.

Orange joins call to support new London Cycle Superhighways

Communications giant Orange, as well as big name companies Unilever and Deloitte, have joined calls to support London’s next generation segregated cycle superhighways proposed to crisscross the capital, including the 18 mile ‘Crossrail for bikes’. Read more.

The City of Paris' New Bike Plan Focuses on Infrastructure Projects for 2014-2020

More parking spots for bikes, new bike paths on major streets, extension of zones with 30km/h speed limits, and perhaps wider bike paths or the prohibition of cars at temporary markets. These are just some of the measures that are a part of the new “Bike Plan” put forth by the Mayor of Paris. Read more.

Mapping website highlights the pitfalls of cycling routes

A new crowdsourced mapping website — called Bikemaps.org — aims to supplement crash data from the Insurance Corp. of B.C. with personal experiences of local cyclists’ near-misses, hazards — including black ice or potholes — and bike thefts. An app also is being developed to allow cyclists to receive automated texts on potential pitfalls along their routes, such as construction. Read more.

Challenges to Citizen Advocacy for Healthy Communities

Of course, no one is opposed to making our neighbourhoods more healthy and age-friendly. They just oppose all the specific actions we need to take to do it. Let me start by arguing that municipal government exists first and foremost to protect and promote public health. Read more.

Drivers who door cyclists, use phones face tougher fines in Ontario

Careless drivers who hit cyclists when opening their doors will be dinged for $300 to $1,000 – up from the previous range of $60 to $300. They will also be slapped with three demerit points. That higher fine range and demerit point hit will also apply to people caught texting or talking on their phones behind the wheel – the toughest law in the country. Read more.

Kelowna - Central Green Development a Done Deal

Plans have been finalized and construction is scheduled to begin for the development of an LEED certified neighborhood on the property where the old Kelowna Senior Secondary School once was. Read more.

Flying Cars Instead of Bikes? Let’s Talk Real Solutions. Now

I really enjoyed this week’s “Fix My Commute,” the inaugural forum in the Washington Post’s America Answers series. And while it was acknowledged again and again that our infrastructure is often operating at third-world levels, one major way to “fix” our commutes was sorely missing from the conversation. Read more.

Bike-Share Is (Still) Struggling to Reach Poor People Across North America

The rise of bike-share as a popular mode of city transportation has been swift and impressive. A new report on the state of North American bike-share, which gives new meaning to the word "comprehensive," puts the total number of users at more than 1.1 million as of 2012. And that's before the launch of new systems in major cities like Chicago, San Francisco, and New York. Read more.

Toronto - Cyclists pedaling Minimum Grid in election

Cycle Toronto has asked candidates to support 100 kilometres of protected bike lanes and 100 kilometres of cycling boulevards by 2018. Read more.

Meaford council candidates talk about their top priorities

Ensuring 'Health in all policies.' I am in alignment with Dr. Hazel Lynn's, Medical Officer of Health for Grey Bruce, call to incorporate 'Health in all policies', as we strive for a healthy community. This includes: supporting and creating employment and business opportunities to address unemployment and underemployment, building healthy homes, improving and maintaining good air and environmental quality, such as through the promotion of active transportation to reduce vehicle emissions, working towards zero waste, incorporating green infrastructure such as renewable energy systems, building healthy, sustainable, food systems and healthy transportation networks and improving accessibility by removing participation barriers, ensuring access to food, recreation and sport opportunities and becoming an 'all-ages-friendly' community. Read more.

Albermi - Cyclists tout green crossing over ravine

While a $5 million dollar vehicle bridge connecting both sides of Port Alberni is already on the Nov. 15 ballot, some residents are looking for a greener option. John Mayba, an avid cyclist and member of the Alberni Valley Transition Town Society (AVTTS) thinks that the city needs to see the Roger Creek ravine as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. Read more.

Citi Bike operator bought up by new company

REQX Ventures will own all of Alta Bicycle Share once the deal is completed and plans to double the number of bikes to 12,000, sources told Capital New York. Read more.

Is Walking the New Running?

We often see data on runners and cyclists, but what about walkers? How about this – did you know MapMyWalk is our fastest growing brand? It’s true. We took a closer look at our walking community and found some pretty interesting statistics. Read more.

Iran’s largest Pedestrian Bridge Inaugurates in Tehran

      

The opening ceremony of the Iran’s largest pedestrian bridge called “Tabiat Bridge” (Nature Bridge) was held in Tehran attended by Tehran’s Mayor Mohammed-Baqer Qalibaf. The design of this three-level pedestrian bridge is inspired by ancient Iranian architecture in which, bridge was not just a crossing path, linking 2 sides of a river or valley, but It was a place to stay, relax and enjoy beautiful views. Read more.

Walking on air: The most mind-blowing glass floor skywalks in the world

After a $38 million face-lift, the first floor of the Eiffel Tower is now made of glass! Millions of visitors who flock to the landmark each year can look down through the tower’s central void to the ground about 200 feet below. To make things even scarier, the glass safety barriers around the edge incline outward. In honor of the Eiffel Tower's new look, here are the scariest glass-bottomed attractions around the world. Read more.

Improving a City's Disaster Response–With Bikes

Organizers of San Francisco's first Disaster Relief Trials think cyclists can play a critical role in times of emergency. Read more.

Montreal Diary: Cycling has a distinguished history in this city

Cycling for the simple enjoyment of the pastime or for its usefulness as a means of transportation through the congested streets of the city has long been discussed. Read more.

Ottawa - Workshop: Shared Space Design Solutions for Thirty Kilometre Zones

Thirty kilometre zones are quickly becoming known as an efficient and effective way to improve traffic safety, cut pollution and provide new travel choices. But creating a new thirty kilometre zone requires more than simply changing a few signs.


Workshop: Friday, 14 Nov. 2014, 0830-1730 EST, Ottawa, ON Read more.

This Bicycle Gadget Makes Red Lights Turn Green

Electronics buried underneath the road are supposed to detect vehicles at traffic lights. Some magnetic sensors, however, can't detect bikes due to their relative lack of ferrous metals. Other "inductive loop sensors" can detect aluminum, but still might not sense a bike if it's not stopped over the right spot or if the sensor has poor sensitivity. Read more.

Pro Walk/Pro Bike Presentations Online

Presentations from the conference are now available online: View here.

Peterborough’s first Action Transportation and Health Indicators Report

Peterborough’s first Action Transportation and Health Indicators Report has been released! This report showcases the connection between rates of walking and cycling, infrastructure, policy, programming, human and environmental health, and safety. Containing hundreds of unique infographics, this report is among first and most comprehensive benchmarking publications developed in a Canadian municipality. Read more.

Winnipeg - Seven new councillors elected

Janice Lukes has graduated from St. Norbert’s councillor assistant to its representative. In addition to her part-time work for Swandel, Lukes is the former director of the Winnipeg Trails Association and has lobbied for years for increased funding for active transportation trails. Read more.

‘Groundbreaking’ new study gives big thumbs up to U.S. protected bike lanes

The 179-page report includes detailed analysis of nine different bike facilities (see above) including NE Multnomah Street in Portland. Researchers used a combination of video (204 hours of it), count data, and surveys of users and nearby residents. Read more.

Protected bicycle lanes' safety, livability benefits worth cost of removing car lanes, Portland State study says

Portland transportation planners have ditched a controversial plan to remove auto parking along Northeast and Southeast 28^th Avenue to build a separated bike lane. But a new Portland State University study outlining the safety and quality-of-life benefits of so-called "protected bike lanes" will likely give the Portland Bureau of Transportation the push it needs to try the strategy on other busy streets. Read more.

When Planning for Retirement, Consider Transportation

During retirement planning, transportation is often an afterthought. Yet, figuring transportation into plans is essential, experts say. According to the American Journal of Public Health, Americans are outliving their ability to drive safely — a woman, on average, by 10 years, a man by seven. Read more.

Cycling: the benefits of complete networks

A group of New Zealand researchers recently published an excellent paper on the costs and benefits of investing in a complete cycle network and safe street design. Their paper is available online. Read more.

West side traffic a challenge in Waterloo

Regional Coun. Jane Mitchell, who is seeking reelection, said the Ira Needles work should alleviate some traffic. She said active transportation infrastructure will help ease some congestion. "I think when we do (Erb) we have to start looking at the complete streets again — looking at the Grand River Transit route, looking at the bike lanes and sidewalks," Mitchell said. Read more.

Horton (ON) opens stretch of CN Trail

In August, the township undertook a project to upgrade the 6.25 kilometres of trail within its municipal boundaries from the Town of Renfrew to McNab-Braeside. Horton originally purchased the abandoned Canadian National Railway line in 1999. Read more.

Video - The Reverse Toll: Should Governments Pay People Who Walk or Bike?

In his Big Think interview, Tesla's Elon Musk argues that innovation must bridge the technology gap for the time being. That means taking practical decisions to save energy use. See video.

Boston - Pedestrian, cycling access often overlooked

There's been a lot of talk over the years about the importance of a truly multi-modal transportation system, but progress eludes us. Sure, there are “one-offs” that people can point to where transportation projects take a more multi-modal perspective, but the overall approach to transportation planning is still stuck in auto-centric twentieth-century thinking. Many transportation policy makers still behave as if it’s 1960, not 2014.  Read more.

Halifax - St. Mary’s plans Boo Bash bike helmet giveaway

The St. Mary’s University Student Health Center and Office of Residence Life want to help ensure the well-being of children and students by giving away bicycle helmets. Through a grant from the Texas Medical Association and the Texas Academy of Family Practice, the “Rattlers Have Heart” organization will distribute and properly size 150 helmets to children at Boo Bash on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 6-9 p.m. Read more.

Province Introducing New Legislation to Make Ontario’s Roads Safer

Ontario is introducing legislation that, if passed, would help keep the province's roads among the safest in North America by reducing collisions, injuries and fatalities:

Requiring drivers to wait until a pedestrian has completely crossed the road before proceeding at school crossings and pedestrian crossovers.

Increasing fines and demerits for drivers who door cyclists, and requiring all drivers to maintain a distance of one metre when passing cyclists, where practicable.

Read more.

Saskatoon hosts meetings on protected bike lanes

One method to make cycling a little safer, protected bike lanes will be the topic of two open house meetings. This is the second time the city has attempted to launch a protected bike lanes test project to assess their value. The original attempt failed, as business in the downtown raise concerns about parking. Read more.

Toronto - Road Pricing and Parking Workshop

The Transport Futures Road Pricing and Parking Workshop is a must-attend event if you work in or have an interest in transportation policy/planning/engineering, transit, cycling, walking, energy, climate change, infrastructure, P3s, asset management, engineering, law, health, social justice, taxation, business/trade, finance/economics, education, social marketing, politics and/or sustainability. Read more.

U.K. - New evidence highlights the value of cycling to health

The parliamentary debate on cycling last Thursday (16 October 2014) was a wake-up call to government on cycling. The coalition government has been floundering, with a botched timeline for release of their Cycling Delivery plan. In a dramatic and unexpected move, this was finally released just hours before the debate began. Read more.

How to safely bike to school

The grant spurred a group of eight parents to form a bicycle committee to plan opportunities for children to bicycle. The parent bicycle committee organized several events in spring 2013 such as Bike to School Days and "Learn to Ride" class at the school. Read more.

A New Tool for Cost-Benefit Analysis of Transportation Projects

Although the above examples have discussed the potential application of unit costs to active transportation projects, they can be readily applied to monetize the transportation impacts of various infrastructure projects or transportation strategies, across many different modes. This, therefore, makes them a very useful tool for practitioners and governments to add an additional and very important dimension to the analysis of such initiatives – especially since existing methods to monetize transportation impacts are so scarce. Read more.

A Norwegian Town Paid People A "Reverse Toll" If They Walked Or Biked

A few weeks ago, as cyclists and pedestrians passed a certain point on the main street in the town of Lillestrøm, Norway, they were pulled over by local officials--not to be ticketed or warned about wearing a bike helmet, but to be handed cash. Read more.

Canada Needs To Adopt a 'Health In All Policies' Approach

In countries like Finland, the idea of Health in All Policies has been influencing public policy for some time. This approach to policy applies a social determinants of health lens in sectors from education and finance to housing, transportation and social assistance. Read more.

Zurich: Where People Are Welcome and Cars Are Not

When it comes to smart transportation options and city planning, Zurich can credibly claim to be the global champ. This Swiss city has enacted a number of policies and practices that have produced streets where people come first. Getting around and simply experiencing the city is a pleasure. Read more.

Commute too long? Ditch the car and pay more for transit

Congestion costs the city between $6 billion and $11 billion a year in economic losses, according to Metrolinx and the C.D. Howe Institute, respectively; but, as Global News has reported, only half of Torontonians say they’re actually willing to pay more to expand or improve transit. Read more.

Revelstoke Poverty Reduction: Creating Shared Prosperity — Part 6: Low cost transportation

Transportation costs can affect people’s ability to access everything available in our community that can help meet needs and reduce poverty. Access to low cost transportation is a critical link, and improving low cost transportation options is a community goal in our Poverty Reduction Strategy. Read more.

Millennials Sticking With Transit, Boomers Sticking With Cars

There is evidence that Millennials grew up in their early years under a car-centric umbrella but have switched to public transportation and may stick with it into middle age. Meanwhile, evidence supports that Baby Boomers grew up in a transit-friendly environment but are now very accustomed to their suburban, auto-centric lifestyles and won’t change their ways. Read more.

Castlegar - Residents upset with pathway project

With the Connors Road Pedestrian/Cyclist Pathway project nearing completion, neighborhood residents are still upset with the city over the way the project has been handled, and with the finished product. A group of 10 home owners from the area recently met with the Castlegar News to express their frustrations. Read more.

Digby - Walking to school gets day off on right foot

If children walked to school every morning, they would gain about 20 minutes of daily physical activity, and studies show that children do not get the recommended daily amount of physical activity. Read more.

Groups look for ways to grow bicycle culture in Nova Scotia

The theme of this year’s summit, organized by Bicycle Nova Scotia and attended by cyclists, recreation directors, engineers and active living coordinators, was how to grow and develop bike culture around the province. On that front, various jurisdictions around the province are making inroads. Read more.

A Majority of Americans Are (Technically) Multi-Modal

Only 28 percent of Americans solely rely on a car during a week. The majority of Americans are multimodal car users who drive and make at least one weekly trip by foot, bicycle, or public transportation. Read more.

Edmonton - Councillor floating idea of bringing back bike licences

One City Councillor has brought forward the idea to bring back bike licences for cyclists in Edmonton, but some members of the city’s bicycle community doubt it would be a success. Read more.

Election candidates take the Active Communities Pledge

In a community as small as Mississippi Mills we are encouraged with the amount of support, by a large number of candidates, regarding the importance of Active Transportation infrastructure for our town. Read more.

Kitchener - Two crossrides and sharrows over the Grand River on Bridge Street will be tested for about a year

Region of Waterloo councillors approved two cycling pilot programs, including sharrows over the Grand River on Bridge Street and crossrides — modified crosswalks for cyclists and pedestrians — at University Avenue at the Trans Canada Trail and Erb Street at Peppler Street in Waterloo. If successful, after being monitored for a year or two, more could be rolled out on regional roads. Read more.

U.K. - MPs won't take cyclists seriously until they pay tax

Clearly, few MPs are attracted by the idea of tackling the cycling issue by asking the taxpayer to foot the bill. The whole sad episode demonstrates painfully that cycling is stuck at a crossroads, and our infrastructure will remain inadequate until someone agrees to put their hand in their pocket. Read more.

What We Can Learn from a Dutch Bike Traffic Jam

From afar, the Netherlands may look like a cycling utopia, where everyone rides in harmony along state-of-the-art bicycle infrastructure, hair fluttering in the breeze. The reality, as is so often the case, is a bit more complicated. Read more.

Can This Man Bridge Two Disparate D.C. Communities—and a River?

More than sewers, subways, and the other conduits of the modern city, bridges tend to nurture creator myths. No crossing is complete without a self-destructive genius, power-hungry planner, or mad colonel at its helm.


Scott Kratz, director of the 11th Street Bridge Park, a planned green crossing in southeast Washington, D.C., emphatically does not fit the mold. His single-minded pursuit during more than 400 meetings? Trying to hear what everyone else had to say. Read more.

U.K. - Are number plates for cyclists inevitable?

Cyclists must either join the “People’s Cycling Liberation Army” and fight for abolishing all forms of motor transport, or be branded an ally of the enemy, who are an alleged ruthless band of mostly lorry drivers I like to refer to as the “Toecutter Automobile Club” in special tribute to the psychotic character from the film Mad Max who runs people down without mercy. Read more.

Gunter: Edmonton needs to give up on bike lanes

Here’s a tip for city councillors who are committed to adding more bike lanes to city streets: Give it up. You can build all the cycling infrastructure you want; Mother Nature is still going to foil your plans. Read more.

Edmonton city councillor wants to get rid of bike lanes on busy roads

Coun. Michael Oshry wants the city to get rid of bike lanes on busy roads outside the city core. Oshry said Wednesday that lanes on streets like 95 Avenue in the west end should be eliminated while the city refocuses its bicycle commuting plans. Read more.

Guelph Wellbeing report suggests many locals find traffic congestion a problem

Among recommendations in the physical connectivity report is advocating policy changes, co-ordinating efforts to support existing active transportation, like walking, cycling and public transit, as well as further research into how residents get from place to place. Read more.

How to Combat “Bikelash?” Embrace It

To a person on the receiving end of bikelash, it’s tempting to respond reasonably, with data and facts. But as bike advocates and planners know, using logic to combat those who fight progress can be frustrating. Naparstek and Gordon said, “The minute you’re explaining, you’re losing.” A better strategy, Naparstek and Gordon claim, is to get in front of the issues, through organization, particularly with the use of advocacy organizations. Read more.

Red-Light Cameras Put People at Risk at Intersections, Let’s Fix That

Red-light cameras don’t produce better drivers and have been shown to put people at intersections at a higher risk. Simple road markings would be the first step in protecting drivers from accidents and could, in time, begin to make it easier to encourage people to bike and walk, especially around stoplight intersections that are frequently congested. Read more.

Why not walk to school?

October is International Walk to School Month and students at Basinview Drive Community School took to the sunny streets of Bedford on Oct. 2 for the official launch. Read more.

Would You Take the 'Walk to Get Your Groceries' Challenge?

While they had gotten good at delivering the type of economic argument that might resonate with bureaucrats or elected officials, the conversation was not expanding the way they wanted it to. They needed to find a way to reach ordinary Americans and change the way they see the places they live. Read more.

Chicago - Tribune editorial stirs up anti-bike sentiment again

Every day in metro Chicago, an average of nearly 14 pedestrians are injured or killed as a result of getting hit by people driving cars. That’s nearly 5,000 injuries and fatalities each year. You wouldn’t know that car traffic poses such a serious danger to people walking if you read Chicago Tribune columnist Ron Grossman’s recent musings about banning bikes for a day to improve pedestrian traffic safety. Read more.

Haliburton - County council candidates weigh in on issues

Candidates were asked by local health promoter Sue Shikaze about active transportation and how they plan to make our community healthier. Read more.

Here’s why narrower streets are safer

Think about it: When you’re driving down a wide, straight road with a generous buffer on all sides, you are more likely to nudge past the speed limit. Whereas a narrow road, hemmed with trees, separated bike lanes, and other traffic-calming features, might be more likely to make you slow down and keep a sharper lookout for fellow bipeds. Read more.

Step Forward: A Strategic Plan for Improving Walking in Calgary

The City of Calgary is pleased to bring Jeff Speck (city planner and urban designer) to Calgary for the launch of the pedestrian strategy. Join us for two free presentations with Speck to discuss the General Theory of Walkability - what it takes to get more people out of their cars - and a range of best practices to make cities more walkable. Read more.

More Employers Forced To Offer Commuter Benefits

Wish your employer offered a commuter benefits program so you could snag the federal commuter tax break? Most large employers do, but small companies are less likely to. So public transportation advocates have been working a new angle—getting localities to mandate that employers offer it. The New York City Council is the latest to pass such a law; it’s just waiting for Mayor Bill De Blasio’s signature. Read more.

As Boston Encourages Biking, More Suburban Cyclists Are Getting Struck

Boston's bike lanes have grown from less than one mile in 2007 to more than 60 miles today. Over 22,000 people bike to work each morning. Yet, in Boston's surrounding suburban communities—those with many city commuters—town officials may need to rethink their own cycling infrastructure: Cyclists traveling the outskirts of Boston are being struck by vehicles at alarming rates. Read more.

London needs more women on bikes as 'macho' cycling culture causes accidents, says Mayor’s Cycling Commissioner

Cycling in London is too macho and needs more women on bikes to “reduce the testosterone”, a top Boris Johnson advisor has said. Read more.

U.K. - Commons debate to discuss UK cycling's future

In a sign of cycling’s growing importance, this Thursday’s 2½ hour debate on cycling will be held in the Main Chamber of the House of Commons, the same place where the major business of Government is debated and Prime Minister’s Questions are held every Wednesday. Read more.

Montréal - McGill to study shared-space model for cycling

McGill will conduct research on the concept of adopting a shared-space model that could pave the way to allow cycling on the downtown campus under certain conditions, after the senior administration accepted the recommendations put forward by a Working Group tasked with addressing the question of cycling on campus. Read more.

Conquering the Unbearable Whiteness of Bike Advocacy: An Equity How-To

Many bicycle advocacy groups find themselves in a sticky position today: They’re increasingly aware that their membership doesn’t reflect the diversity of the broader population, but they’re not sure how to go about recruiting new members, or how to do it in a way that doesn’t amount to tokenism. Read more.

Scientific study: “an active commuter is a happier person”

The research team took in an unprecedented 18 years of data on 18,000 commuters in the United Kingdom, integrating factors that already have an impact on well-being such as income, having children, employment status, etc. The study, published in the Journal of Preventive Medicine, can be found here. Read more.

10 ways to get 10 minutes of exercise

Struggling to get the recommended amount of daily exercise? Research shows that three 10-minute sessions are just as beneficial as one 30-minute block. So dust off your bike and figure out a route that’s five minutes long. Time yourself going that far — then try to beat that time on your way back. Read more.

Montréal - Cyclists concerned over delayed bike path to Vendome

A cycling group is sounding the alarm on what they term “an accident waiting to happen” involving the divided bike path, or lack thereof, in the area. Billy Shields reports. Read more (and video).

The World’s Largest (Illegal) Skateboarding Race Faces Its Final Year

The Broadway Bomb, a longboarding race that spans from 116th St. down to the Charging Bull Statue in the Financial District, has transformed from an initial group of sixteen longboarders in 2002 to the largest skateboarding race in the world. If all goes smoothly, the nearly eight-mile race is set to happen this Saturday, October 11. Although, it is important to note that the race is, well, illegal. Read more.

Calgary - Urban boulevard push for Macleod Trail raises commuting fears

Calgary’s dominant strip of strip malls will get denser with redevelopment over time, and city hall wants to accommodate that growth on Macleod Trail’s sidewalks, buses and bike lanes while keeping car usage steady, transportation planners said Friday.


Some councillors, however, worry that a Macleod trial with slower speeds, more traffic lights and narrower lanes will cease to be the effective car commuting route it’s long been for south-end residents. Read more.

Winnipeg - Piecing together the infrastructure puzzle

For Winnipeg voters, fixing infrastructure is the No. 1 priority, eclipsing even the need to clean up an ethically suspect city hall. How to do that is no easy answer for a city starved of funds and burdened with a massive backlog of existing fixes and new projects. Read more.

New Ottawa-Gatineau bike share service VeloGo launches

Ottawa-Gatineau’s new bike share program has launched five demonstration stations that will run between now and mid-November.

Capital Bixi was managed by the National Capital Commission for three years before it was sold to Miami-based CycleHop, which took over in April.

6 Freeway Removals That Changed Their Cities Forever

It seems counterintuitive, right? Rip out eight lanes of freeway through the middle of your metropolis and you'll be rewarded with not only less traffic, but safer, more efficient cities? But it's true, and it's happening in places all over the world. Read more.

Banning Cars From Central Park: Has the Time Finally Come?

New Yorkers have been fighting over this for decades. But a new proposal to study a full ban next summer would bring some sorely needed hard data to the debate. Read more
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Guelph - Candidates back keep-active pledge

The Active Communities Pledge, a promise to support plans that include cycling and active transportation if elected to office, has attracted the signatures of about 30 candidates running for various offices in the Oct. 27 municipal election. Read more.

Reality check: will 'Crossrail for bikes' bring gridlock to central London?

London could soon be home to the longest continuous, substantially segregated urban cycleway in Europe – but lobbyists are raising concerns about the impact on congestion, pedestrians and businesses. Do they have a point? Read more.

Baby on board: 10 tips for riding while pregnant

People rarely bat an eye at women doing tree poses in yoga while seven months pregnant, but taking to two wheels with a baby on board solicits everything from cheers to disapproving looks and cautionary tales. So what does this mean for pregnant bicyclists? Does a positive pregnancy test mean hanging up the bike for nine months? Read more.

Calgary - St. Patrick's pedestrian bridge set to open Oct. 20

The latest East Village project will open later this month when the ribbon is cut on the St. Patrick's Island pedestrian bridge on Oct. 20. The $25 million project will link the East Village with St. Patrick's Island and Bridgeland on the north side of the Bow River. Read more.

Victoria - Widening the Galloping Goose Trail

Traffic volumes for pedestrians and cyclists have risen significantly since the construction of the trails. The current widths leave both pedestrians and cyclists vulnerable due to insufficient shared space leading pedestrians to use the unpaved asphalt as walkways instead. Widening the trail will greatly improve the safety and user-experience of cyclists and pedestrians alike. Read more.

Hamilton - Cycling system still thin and fragmented, advocates say

There are still many places in Hamilton where bike lanes abruptly end, and the network is “extremely thin and fragmentary,” according to Ryan McGreal, whose Raise the Hammer blog regularly pushes for better, safer cycling in the city. Read more.

Ready to roll: Seattle bike-sharing system launches Monday

Implementation of the years-in-the-making program initially will put 500 bikes on Seattle streets. The city, as part of its bicycle master plan, plans to add more than 400 miles of cycling facilities to its existing 135-mile network over the next 20 years. Read more.

If Bicycles Took Up as Much Space as Cars ...

As part of International Car Free Day on September 22, Riga-based bike advocate Viesturs Silenieks had the idea to construct car-sized wearables from what looks to be bamboo and twine. He and local cycling group Divrintenis* then donned the skeletal sedans and went about their morning commute, adding noticeably to overall traffic congestion. Read more.

Toronto should take a leaf from three other greening cities: Hume

The answers vary in every city, but the clear message is that an issue as complex as transit has many facets. Routes, rolling stock and technology are obvious components, but so are parking, bicycle lanes, sidewalks, pedestrian zones, speed limits, road tolls and so on. Read more.

How should Peterborough's next council spend its transportation dollars? It should ask you first

Every day, the citizens of Peterborough get up and move -- to work, to school, to daycare or wherever they need to go. The City's role is to get you there with as little disruption and cost as possible. Read more.

Thames Deckway: London's £600million floating cycleway

A proposal from the River Cycleway Consortium Ltd (an organisation founded by the architect David Nixon and entrepreneur Anna Hill), the seven-mile “Thames Deckway” path would stretch along the south bank of the river from Battersea to Canary Wharf. Cyclists would save an estimated 30 minutes on their journey if they were to travel from one end of the route to another, versus the time it would take to travel between the two destinations when cycling on public roads. Read more.

Anti-student perception adds fuel to Kingston’s mayoral debate

Candidate Brenda Slomka opposes the need to build the road extension, noting she favours getting people out of cars and onto active transportation. “Listening to the public is a key piece of leadership.” Scott Foster says he favours more bicycle paths to bring people downtown, not another roadway. Read more.

On the campaign trail in St. Catharines

Mayoral candidate Jeff Burch is proposing a six-point “Green Plan” that provides direction on helping move the City in a more environmentally-friendly direction, supporting active transportation initiatives and create a more continuous cycling network in St. Catharines. Read more.

University of Victoria geographer helps track cycling hazards

As a geographer who commutes 10 kilometres a day for work and loves to ride with her children, ages three and six, Trisalyn Nelson has three excellent reasons to champion bike safety. As Lansdowne research chair of spatial sciences at the University of Victoria, she has helped create a way to do it: BikeMaps.org. Launched this week, the mapping website allows cyclists to track danger spots, crashes, near misses and bike thefts, while letting other cyclists know about them. Read more.

Muskoka - Age-friendly community

The District of Muskoka is promoting Active Transportation by advocating paved shoulders along the roads. This would not only make it easier and safer to travel with a stroller, wheelchair or scooter, but would be a boon to cycling tourism for the region. Read more.

Calgary - Travel tips for new lane configuration on Bowness Road N.W.

As part of a scheduled repaving of Bowness Road N.W., new traf fic lane markings have been introduced between 48 Avenue and 70 Street N.W. The new lane con figuration includes two travel lanes (one in each direction), a two way left turn lane and bike lanes. Read more.

Walking Is The Superfood Of Fitness, Experts Say

Walking may never become as trendy as CrossFit, as sexy as mud runs or as ego-boosting as Ironman races but for fitness experts who stress daily movement over workouts and an active lifestyle over weekends of warrior games, walking is a super star. Read more.

NCC plans access to 'hidden treasure' of Bronson Pulp Mill ruins, Richmond Landing

More than 100 people turned out Tuesday for a public consultation on the National Capital Commission’s plans to increase public access — pedestrian and cyclist — to the shorelines and islands the Bronson Pulp Mill ruins and the Richmond Landing area. Read more.

Vélo Québec hands out free bike lights to improve nighttime cycling safety

A third of fatal incidents involving cyclists happen under the cover of darkness, according to the province’s automobile insurance board. Those incidents happen between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Read more.

3 Big Challenges for Planning Multi-Modal Cities

Though cars are still dominant, the era of automobility seems to have peaked. Yet continued reductions in driving require true multi-modalism: rather than relying on one mode of transportation, or expecting that most driving trips can be substituted for transit trips, people need to be able to choose from a network of options, including not traveling at all. Read more.

London - The City sets out concerns about Boris Johnson cycle superhighway plans

The City of London Corporation has long expressed support for Boris Johnson’s two most eye-catching cycle superhighway plans in principle, but has also voiced reservations about the designs proposed. Those reservations have now been set out in some detail in an initial report by senior Square Mile planning officers. Read more.

One Thing Every City Can Do to Be More Pedestrian-Friendly

But there is one easy, cost-effective, and quick thing just about any city can do to make themselves more pedestrian-friendly: Use building and landscape details to make people feel welcome and comfortable. Read more.

Halifax - Muscle power most efficient and healthy method of transportation

How many people can say that they move themselves around their community with their own muscle power? Did you know that was called Active Transportation or “AT”? Read more.

Winnipeg - Sanders aims to make city more attractive to young people

During a news conference from his Pembina Highway campaign headquarters, Sanders outlined more than a dozen commitments he said would make the city more attractive to young people:

Less expensive and more reliable public transit

Better active transportation networks

More outdoor, winter-friendly recreation spaces

More affordable housing

Less expensive and more accessible activities in the arts and culture sectors

Sanders acknowledged his youth policy lacked specifics but said what he could accomplish would depend on the cooperation of other council members, and by what scarce dollars the city could find in its budget. Read more.

Moving Millennials: how a generation is changing mobility

Increasingly, Millennials are also beginning to make up a large number of the cyclists on the roads. A bicycle is an inexpensive means to get from point A to B, and in large, traffic congested cities, it is often also the most convenient way. Some cities are reacting to this increase in bike traffic and offering safer infrastructure to them. Vancouver has experienced a slow increase in the number of kilometres of separated cycle tracks offering safe connections from bedroom communities, like my own in East Vancouver, to the city centre. In Calgary, a city with one of the highest densities of 19-34-year-olds, not only are they improving public transit, but they have recognized the need for comprehensive bike infrastructure and are currently constructing a complete grid of bike lanes in Calgary’s downtown business district, set to be completed in spring 2015. Read more.

Nova Scotia bike summit - October 17 – 19, 2014, Halifax NS

This year’s program explores the many ways we build bicycle culture. As we work to encourage new riders, build better infrastructure, and grow our bicycle economy, we all have different roles to play. Our program will explore local grassroots initiatives, trends in bicycle network planning and infrastructure, the rise of the bicycle economy, Mountain Bike Trails potential in Nova Scotia, and the future of the Blue Route, our burgeoning province-wide cycling network. Read more.

GTA 2014 Home Location Preference Survey

This report by the Pembina Institute and the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) examines homebuyers’ preferences for home location attributes in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). It presents the findings of a survey conducted by Environics Research Group in May 2014. The survey asked a series of questions to gauge respondents’ preferences for location-related attributes —such as walkability, commute times, home size and neighbourhood — when choosing a home. Read more.

Roundabout right of way for vehicles 'frustrating' for Ottawa

Unlike most pedestrian crossings in Ottawa, roundabouts give right of way to vehicles — and the City of Ottawa says it’s powerless to change that. New signs posted at city roundabouts show the classic black and white pedestrian symbol over a yield triangle and a car. Read more.

Winnipeg Infographic: Active Transportation by the numbers

A University of Manitoba graphic representation of the Active Transportation activity in Winnipeg and its implications for transportation and health. Read more.

Wiliams Lake - Walk or wheel to school this week for better health

Are we driving our kids to unhealthy habits? With only five per cent of five to 17 year olds meeting the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for healthy development, your choice to walk or wheel with your children to get to destinations can significantly contribute to their overall health. Read more.

Vital Signs Report, Toronto Foundation: How is the city doing?

Toronto is the third-most walkable of Canada’s 10 largest cities: With a score of 71.4 out of 100, Toronto finished behind Vancouver (78) and Victoria (77.7). These cities are considered “very walkable.” Read more.

Poverty, safety among Winnipeg youth's top concerns

Winnipeg’s younger generation is more concerned about the city’s social issues than fixing infrastructure. According to a Winnipeg Foundation survey released Tuesday, their most pressing needs for improvement were poverty, personal safety, affordable housing, employment and active transportation, like improved bike lanes. Read more.

Where politics meets public health in Minden Hills

In the midst of the municipal election, a group of health promoters has come together to highlight the importance of local councils in providing healthy communities. The group, which includes advocates from the health unit and chamber of commerce, created fact sheets and backgrounders that they sent out to political candidates last week. Along with promoting active transportation, the materials also point out the importance of food security, age-friendly communities, vibrant economies and access to recreation. Read more.

Unicycle graffiti appears on Vancouver bike routes

coordinated attack of guerrilla street stencilling appears to have struck Vancouver. Several mysterious unicycle markings have appeared along sections of the Adanac bike route, including the separated lane on the Dunsmuir Viaduct. Read more.

The Case For Protected Bike Lanes

Bike advocates argue that separation is key to driving up cyclist participation. And so it appears from a new study of early separated lane projects in the U.S. Across six cities, the study finds a rise of ridership between 21% and 171% after the lanes were installed. Read more.

Walking School Bus pilot project launched at eight Ottawa schools

Ottawa Public Health (OPH), in partnership with the Ottawa School Transportation Authority (OSTA), the Ottawa Safety Council and Green Communities Canada, have launched the Walking School Bus pilot project at eight schools across Ottawa. The 12-week pilot project offers a daily Walking School Bus for the morning trip to school on weekdays from September 29 to December 19. Like adult crossing guards, each Walking School Bus leader is screened, trained, supervised and paid by the Ottawa Safety Council. Read more.

When Harassment of Bicyclists and Pedestrians Is a Crime

The Kansas City ordinance was carefully designed to avoid potential challenges based on the right to free speech under the First Amendment. It prohibits certain actions aimed at “intimidating or injuring” people on bikes, on foot, and in wheelchairs. Explicitly listed among those actions are throwing objects or swerving a vehicle toward such a person, threatening, and “[placing] such person in apprehension of immediate physical injury.” Penalties could include fines up to $500 and as much as six months in jail. Read more.

Why 12-Foot Traffic Lanes Are Disastrous for Safety and Must Be Replaced Now

States and counties almost always apply a 12-foot standard. Why do they do this? Because they believe that wider lanes are safer. And in this belief, they are dead wrong. Or, to be more accurate, they are wrong, and thousands of Americans are dead. Read more.

WHO - Cycling can create at least 76 600 jobs and save 10 000 lives every year in major European cities

Over 76 600 people would be employed in green and healthy transport every year and 10 000 lives would be saved if major European cities1reached the cycling modal share of Copenhagen. This is the conclusion of a new publication released today by UNECE and the WHO Regional Office for Europe. For the first time, Unlocking new opportunities estimates that investing in "green and healthy transport" not only has positive health and environmental effects but is also economically profitable. Read more.

Let's Make Sticky Streets for People!

Here in Vancouver, we have a pretty enlightened perspective on streets, at least by North American standards. For many decades, and particularly since the game-changing 1997 Transportation Plan, Vancouver city planners and traffic engineers alike have understood that streets aren't just for moving cars – they're for moving people. Read more.

Off on the Right Foot - ASRTS

The October newsletter of the Active and Safe Routes to School organization, based in Winnipeg. Read more.

Winnipeg - Active-transportation promise angers readers

Many online commenters are opposed to mayoral candidate Judy Wasylycia-Leis's promise to quadruple the city's spending on bike lanes and walkways each year if elected. Read more.

Ideas in Motion - ACT Canada and PHAC Webinar Series

A series of webinars on active transportation initiatives across Canada (presented by ACT Canada: Sustainable Mobility Network in partnership with the Public Health Agency of Canada) Read more.

Muskoka - Transportation is an important topic

The Highway 11 corridor bus that is increasing its stops, active transportation plans, the Friends of the Pines has bought a bus to get residents out into the community, and the district’s community services department pays for transportation for those on Ontario Works. Read more.

Lack of affordable, walkable neighbourhoods linked to poor health: UBC study

Lead researcher Larry Frank, a professor in UBC’s School of Population and Public Health, said the study’s findings highlight a need for politicians, real estate developers and healthcare providers to work together to bring housing costs down and build more pedestrian-friendly, healthier neighbourhoods. Read more.

Stanley Park pedestrian, 71, dies after being hit by cyclist

A 71-year-old pedestrian, who was struck on the roadway by a cyclist while crossing Stanley Park Drive near the totem poles yesterday has now died of his injuries. Vancouver Police say the elderly pedestrian was knocked to the ground after he was involved in a collision with a bicycle being ridden by a 57-year-old man around 4 p.m. PT Friday. Read more.

This Dancing Crosswalk Signal Is Designed To Keep Pedestrians Safe And Happy

Traditionally, traffic stops are some of the most dangerous spots where pedestrians could get hurt from ongoing traffic, especially if they are not paying attention to the crosswalk lights. But what if we could change it so that crosswalk lights could be safer? Check out this unique signal that's nothing short of being brilliant. Watch video.

Providence Will Transform Freeway Crossing Into Elegant Car-Free Bridge

Pretty soon, folks in Providence, Rhode Island, will be able to stroll casually over the Providence River on the same span once occupied by Interstate 195. Construction is set to begin in the spring on the Providence River Bridge, which will connect parks on both sides of the river. Read more.

The reason fewer US women cycle than the Dutch is not what you think it is

Women are more risk averse than men, the theory goes, and women need better infrastructure to feel comfortable riding. Cycling data from here and abroad seem to support this theory, with the most dramatic example found in the Netherlands. Read more.

National Film Board - Cycling: Still the Greatest

This short documentary is an ode to the thrills and excitement of cycling. Including highlights from the 1976 Olympics and the 1978 Commonwealth Games, the film features some of the world's best cyclists and their coaches, in training and in competition. Watch video.

Cycling the Death Strip: Berlin Wall by bicycle

A lone saxophonist plays in the shadow of an overpass while a horde of cyclists looks down at a set of tangled train tracks. This outwardly gloomy spot is as good a place as any to begin a cycling tour of the "Berlin Wall Trail," a 160-kilometer (99-mile) path developed to commemorate and transform one of the darkest chapters of the city's past. Read more.

What happened to walking to school?

 The number of children who walk or bike to school has decreased significantly in the past several decades. Conservative estimates suggest that 40 years ago, 48 per cent of children walked or biked to school as compared to today’s 16 per cent. Why the change? Read more.

Put a hard brake on heartless speed demons

Entitled, obnoxious and armed with two-wheeled deadly weapons and “don’t f–k with me’’ attitudes, the bike creeps speed through the streets and parks of this town, barreling through busy crosswalks, tormenting small children, pets, senior citizens and the rest of us sitting ducks with curses on their lips — and blood on their hands. Read more.

The Rate of Pedestrians Injured by Bicyclists Is Going Down

The recent death of Jill Tarlov, a pedestrian killed by a bicyclist in New York’s Central Park —the second such incident in two months—engendered a flurry of commentary and analysis of the dangers of cyclists determined to train for speed in one of the city’s most crowded recreational havens. Read more.

Halifax - onnected cyclists: Dal hosts its first Cycling Forum

The theme for Dalhousie’s first annual Cycling Forum was connectivity, and with the right support, that’s exactly what’s in store for cyclists in Halifax. Cyclists, stakeholders and students gathered last Saturday for a half-day event to discuss visions, successes, priorities and how to move forward in making Halifax a first-class cycling environment. Read more.

Judy will make Winnipeg A City That Works through Active Transportation

Judy Wasylycia-Leis today committed to support active transportation, using human power to move Winnipeggers through our city in a healthy, productive way. “When people walk and cycle to their destination they make themselves healthier and reduce wear and tear on our infrastructure," said Wasylycia-Leis. “Active transportation is healthy for our citizens and our city.” Read more.

Thunder Bay Road Construction Update – October 2 2014

Our Active Transportation program will see more sidewalks become through the addition of ramp access. By the end of 2014, 3.9 km of sidewalks will be replaced and 2.6 km of new sidewalks will be added to the existing network. We have added 4.6 km of new bike lanes or shared lanes. Also, the second stage of Golf Links/Junot widening project will be completed this fall, as well as the widening of Valley Street. Both these projects will include Active Transportation components such as bike lanes or multi-purpose trails. Read more.

Barrie schools work to get more kids walking

Walking school buses. How’s that for a modern-day term for an old-fashioned concept? That’s just one thing the Simcoe County District School Board would like to see: parents walking larger groups of kids to school. Read more.

Calgary - Good transportation key to attracting talent

The more options we have for people, the more efficiently and more creatively we can use our transportation system that's already in place," Bracic said. Existing roadways can be better used to incorporate the city's downtown cycle track network, for example, while sidewalks can be widened and better maintained to encourage pedestrian use and longer trains will accommodate more transit users, she added. Read more.

Alberni residents learn to 'Share the Road'

“On any given day, a motorist is going to see somebody on a bike, somebody on a using a crosswalk, scooters, wheelchairs and we’re bringing awareness to the fact that we all have to use the road safely in order to avoid accidents,” said Port Alberni RCMP Cpl. Jen Allan. Read more.

Winnipeg - Riverbank restaurants, bike paths among promises on mayoral campaign trail

Winnipeggers were promised riverbank development and bike paths Thursday, and for those Winnipeggers who work for the city, good faith bargaining. Brian Bowman says if he's elected, he wants to see Winnipeg's riverbank property developed. Read more.

Who is more likely to walk or cycle to work? Peterborough health unit breaks down active transportation data by demographic

Commuters who walk and cycle make more money than those who use public transit, a new report released by the Peterborough County-City Health Unit, has found. The health unit released its Active Transportation and Health Indicators report on Thursday (Oct. 2), detailing the different ways Peterborough residents get around, and which demographics are more likely to use their feet instead of a car. Read more.

Parents worry about kids walking to school

Parents of children who attend two schools in Lower Sackville are calling for an upgrade to a “makeshift” crosswalk on a busy road. The intersection of Metropolitan Avenue and Polara Drive is a hot spot for kids crossing the roads to get to and from Leslie Thomas Junior High and Cavalier Drive School. Read more.

7 Simple Ways to Make Every City Friendlier to Pedestrians

For those who don’t have the time and inclination to read through dozens of pages of case studies and design advice aimed at policymakers and architects, SPUR has drilled the piece down to seven principles that make for better urban design. Read more.

Omaha Developer Sells “Walkable Main Street” of Parking Lots

As the downside of sprawling development becomes better understood, some developers are getting better at greenwashing sprawl. Here’s a pretty great example from Omaha, Nebraska. Charles Marohn at Strong Towns came across a story about Lockwood Development’s new office park in the Omaha World-Herald. And he was so taken aback by the disparity between the rhetoric and the actual design, he had to write about it. Read more.

Ottawa - Drivers, cyclists both need to show respect on the roads, cycling officials say

“Things are not getting more dangerous (for cyclists),” he said. “I believe it is getting safer as we build up more infrastructure catering to cycling. If you build infrastructure properly, cycling will be safer and cyclists will be more willing to obey the rules of the road.” Read more.

Cambridge (ON) - Region has highest candidate Active Communities Pledge rate

More than all other communities, 30 candidates from around the region have signed the Active Communities Pledge. Read more.

The Dawn of Cycling Culture in Belarus

July, 26th marked an important milestone in the history of Brest, a city on the southwest of Belarus, right at the EU border as there happened to be the first-ever cycling festival. The date was carefully chosen as the festival happened simultaneously with the City’s Day, when Brest celebrated its 995th birthday. The event didn’t come out of the blue as cycling community of Brest started promoting it late winter, but it was a brand-new experience for Belarus. Read more.

Ottawa's Deputy Police Chief 'doored' in cycling incident

Ottawa's second top cop has been cycling home from work for years.  Yesterday, around 5:30 p.m. she was riding along Wellington Street when she says a woman flung open her door right into her path. Read more.

Halifax council approves new five-year active transportation plan

The new five-year priority plan focuses on connectivity with a particular emphasis on walking and cycling, moving towards a “modal shift” away from cars and towards buses, bikes and walking highlighted in the recent regional plan five-year review. Read more
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MEPs cycle through Brussels to support cycling advocacy

ECF took some members of the European Parliament on a Brussels cycle tour yesterday. Nice weather and VIP guide made the pre-launch of Cycling Forum Europe a colorful and informal meet up of cycling enthusiasts. Read more.

Sustainable Transportation Could Save the World (and Save $100 Trillion)

Dramatically expanding transit and active transportation over the next few decades could reduce carbon emissions from urban transport 40 percent more than following a car-centric trajectory. And it could also save the world economy $100 trillion. Read more.

Nova Scotia - Making Tracks Active Transportation Program

The Making Tracks program is Nova Scotia’s #1 active transportation training program for children and youth. Since 2008, Making Tracks has trained over 5,000 youth and children in life-long active transportation safety and skills. It’s fun, hands-on and easy to do. Read more.

Cape Breton Regional Munucipality multi-use path takes another step

Energy Minister Andrew Younger announced $150,000 in provincial funding to the Cape Breton Regional Municipality to complete approximately two kilometres of the proposed 10-kilometre Grand Lake Road multi-use path. Read more.

The Outrageous, Unjust Rule That Lets New York Drivers Who Hit Pedestrians Off the Hook

A New York State case law precedent known as the "rule of two" stipulates that there must be two misdemeanors for a charge of criminal negligence to be brought against a driver who kills. …
This artificial and arbitrary threshold discourages law enforcement from properly investigating, charging, and prosecuting drivers who kill. Read more.

Peterborough - City's First Active Transport and Health Indicator Report Due Thursday

Peterborough's first-ever Active Transportation & Health Indicators Report will be this week. Read more.

Report: Worldwide Investment in Transit Could Produce Massive Reduction in Carbon Pollution, Huge Financial Savings

More than $100 trillion in public and private spending could be saved between now and 2050 if the world were to expand public transportation, walking and bicycling in cities, according to a new report released by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy and the University of California, Davis.  Additionally, reductions in carbon dioxide emissions reaching 1,700 megatons per year in 2050 could be achieved. Read more.

Toronto Transit Solutions No One Is Talking About

What is surprising is how narrow the transit conversation has been. By focusing on light rail versus subway, or streetcar versus bus, we are missing an important debate about other solutions, including transit technology, user fees and active transportation such as walking, running, rollerblading and cycling. Read more.