December 2011 Newsletter
Oh, hello! It's been a while since the last newsletter, but I trust many of you were taking advantage of the snow-free riding up to a few days ago. Autumn was great fun with our Artists in Residence's Art Auction, another edition of the Tweed Ride, Intro to Winter Cycling courses, Wheel Building courses, and bike advocacy from many residents about the City budget!
Now that the snow has arrived, EBC's new Board of Directors has officially begun their term. Many (many!) humble thanks to our out-going Board members Chris Chan, Keith Hallgren, Derek Pluim, and Kevin Schmidt! Also, thanks to foundmonton for capturing the bikey street art in the banner.
Time for some big bicycle budget advocacy action,
Anna Vesala
Executive Director
an...@edmontonbikes.ca
Advocacy
Edmonton budget needs more than $0 for bicycle infrastructure
This is a crucial time to vocalize your support for bicycle infrastructure! Edmonton is shamefully behind other Canadian cities in providing safe, convenient, connected bicycle infrastructure for residents. Call, visit, email, or tweet your Councillor and Major Mandel as soon as possible to urge them to fully fund the Active Transportation project in the Capital Budget. The Budget will be decided by December 9 so time is of the essence.
The proposed Capital Budget is a dead end for bicycle transportation. Photo by Mike Otto.
Background info
For the next 3 years, funding for active transportation will be $0 in the City's proposed 2012-2014 Capital Budget. This is because the Active Transportation Project #12-66-1430 (described on p.504), which calls for $30 million over 3 years, is unfunded.
A motion to allocate $22 million to the Active Transportation project has been put forward by a Councillor. This motion will be voted on by all Councillors on December 5 or 6. The $22M is better than nothing, but the full $30M funding would ensure that bicycle transportation and pedestrian infrastructure are done right.
Key messages to include in your communication to Council
Effective bicycle transportation has been specifically prioritized by Council in multiple strategic plans and directives (see timeline, below). Describe why bicycle transportation is important to you and your ward/neighbourhood. Note that it is a low cost investment in the health, livability, efficiency and sustainability of our city. A bike-friendly city is a highly visible marketing tool that shows commitment to the triple bottom line of sustainability (environmental, social, economical).
2009:
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Council approves the Bicycle Transportation Plan, laying out plans for a city-wide network of 490 km of bicycle lanes, sharrows and paths.
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Council approves Active Transportation Policy C-544 in order to: optimize Edmontonian’s opportunities to walk,
roll, and cycle, regardless of age, ability, or socio-economic status; to enhance the safety, inclusivity and diversity of our communities, and to minimize the impact of transportation activities on Edmonton’s ecosystem.
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Council carries a motion directing City Administration to prepare the 2012-2022 Capital Priorities Plan with a guideline of 5% of the Transportation Capital Budget for Active Transportation.
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Council approves the Transportation Master Plan (The Way We Move), with a Strategic Goal for 'Transportation Mode Shift': To make public transportation and active transportation the preferred choice for more people by
making it possible for the transportation system to move people more efficiently, reducing pressure on the roadways/need for increased investment, maximizing the effectiveness of financial investments and the efficiency of goods movement. Furthermore, the strategic objectives and actions outlined in Ch 6 of the TMP state: A walkable, cycle-friendly city supports the creation of a healthy, barrier-free, age-friendly, and safe city where active modes are a preferred transportation choice.
2010:
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Council approves the Municipal Development Plan (The Way We Grow, Bylaw 15100), stating: Ensure that streets, sidewalks and boulevards are designed to perform their diverse roles and to enable safe access for all users.
2011:
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Transportation and Infrastructure Committee recommend to City Council that the guideline of 5% of the Transportation Capital Budget (not including LRT) toward Active Transportation Projects for the 2012-2022 Capital Priorities Plan be a minimum guideline amount, and not a cap
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Council approves the Environmental Strategic Plan (The Way We Green) approved by Council, stating: Resilient cities and neighbourhoods should prioritize active transportation as the preferred mode of travel and as a defining component of a healthy quality of life.
Awaiting your bicycle budget correspondence!
Contact info
EBC recommends keeping your message brief and to the point. Do not talk about other infrastructure projects, especially the arena; stick to the topic of active transportation and why it is important to you and our city.
Enter your address to find your Ward and Councillor here.
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Ward 1, Linda Sloan, linda...@edmonton.ca, 496.8122.
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Ward 2, Kim Krushell, kim.kr...@edmonton.ca, 496.8136, @KimKrushell.
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Ward 3, Dave Loken, dave....@edmonton.ca, 496.8128, @daveloken.
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Ward 4, Ed Gibbons, ed.gi...@edmonton.ca, 496.8138.
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Ward 5, Karen Leibovici, karen.l...@edmonton.ca, 496.8120, @karenleibovici.
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Ward 6, Jane Batty, jane....@edmonton.ca, 496.8140, @JaneBatty.
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Ward 7, Tony Caterina, tony.c...@edmonton.ca, 496.8333.
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Ward 8, Ben Henderson, ben.he...@edmonton.ca, 496.8146, @ben_hen.
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Ward 9, Bryan Anderson, bryan.a...@edmonton.ca, 496.8130.
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Ward 10, Don Iveson, don.i...@edmonton.ca, 496.8132, @doniveson.
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Ward 11, Kerry Diotte, kerry....@edmonton.ca, 496.8142, @KerryDiotte.
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Ward 12, Amarjeet Sohi, amarje...@edmonton.ca, 496.8148, @SohiAmarjeet.
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Mayor, Stephen Mandel, stephen...@edmonton.ca, 496.8100, @MayorMandel.
BikeWorks
Fact: Bikes are an excellent mine conveyance. Photo by Alex Hindle.
Bikes galore at the shop
Winter time is the best time to find great selection and prices on bikes from EBC. You will not believe how many excellent bikes there are to choose from! Volunteers are eager to help you find and fix up a bicycle so come visit!
Closed Dec 24 to Jan 2
BikeWorks will be closed for winter celebrations. The first public shop hours of 2012 will be on Wednesday January 4 from 2pm to 5pm.
BikeWorks user survey results
Thank you to the sixty nine survey respondents for providing fruitful feedback. Here are selected results and data from the responses.
Education
Tips for new winter cyclists
If you've never biked in the snow, you're missing out on some good fun. Some days of winter riding are just as pleasant as spring rides! Start with short distance, fair weather rides to build your skill and confidence.
1. Layers
Carry extra layers in case you need to adjust mid-ride or to adapt to changes in temperature or precipitation. Good gloves, boots and scarf/face warmer are invaluable.
Your bike will have some layers by the end of your ride. If you have heated storage at your destination, make sure the snow on your bike completely melts and dries before going back out. Incomplete thaw could lock and eventually rust your components. If you have outdoor storage, try to cover your bike to prevent snow from accumulating on the movable parts (especially brakes, chain, derailleur).
2. Lights
No more ninja bike rides! Wear bright colours for daytime riding and retroreflective material for night riding. Invest in good lights for your bike.
3. Air & Lube
Ensure your tires are fully inflated before each ride. Snow and road salt are hard on your chain so lube often!
Speacial needs 'Learn To Ride' program wins award
Congratulations to John Collier, Janine Halayko and the many dedicated volunteers for their Award of Excellence from the Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities. This EBC project demonstrates outstanding leadership in making positive, progressive and sustained change toward full inclusion of youth with special needs in learning to ride a bike.
Bike Delights
Velo Fare
Sarah Chan and Leanne Brown love cycling and cooking in Edmonton. Their new cookbook showcases recipes made from ingredients they found in China Town, Little India, the Italian Centre Shop, the Greek Market on 124 St, the Downtown Farmers' Market and the Strathcona Farmers' Market. Get a free PDF copy or pick up a copy at BikeWorks!
37 great recipes, 81 colourful pages, only $20! Photo by Sarah Chan.
Bicycle wheel zeotrope
A zoetrope is a series of still images that, when viewed in rapid succession, create the illusion of motion. Katy Beveridge (UK) created a beautiful animation by bike.
Upcoming Events
December 5-9: City Budget
Follow twitter updates on the proceedings at #yegbudget and #yegcc. Council minutes are posted here. Final budget will be posted here.
December 6: Volunteer Orientation
Become a volunteer at BikeWorks, EBC's bike events, bike advocacy, design our print materials or do a special project. Sign up here.
December 8: Bike Art & Knit Nights
Every Thursday in winter! More info here.
December 14: Jingle Ride
A beginner-friendly, festive snowy ride to the best light displays in the city. More info here.
January 7: Deep Freeze Festival Ride
A social ride from BikeWorks (80 ave) to Alberta Avenue (118 ave) for the 5th annual Deep Freeze Festival! More info here.
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Cyclists Unite!
Your EBC membership supports our services and programs to make cycling transportation better in Edmonton. Become a member for just $20 per year!
BikeWorks
10047-80 Avenue, entrance is through the back alley only.
Winter hours of operation
Mondays: closed
Tuesdays: closed for bike building
Wednesdays: 2 pm - 5 pm
Thursdays: 6 pm - 9 pm
Fridays: closed
Saturdays: 1 pm - 5 pm
Sundays: 1st, 3rd, 5th Sunday of each month are Women & Transgendered Only 1 pm - 5 pm
Sundays: 2nd, 4th of each month 1 pm - 5 pm
Closed December 24 to January 2
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