Winnipeg Trails Association will begin work on getting the government to initiate action on its promises to develop a provincial active transportation strategy and to construct a pedestrian / cycling crossing over the north Perimeter Hwy. The WTA is extremely pleased with Premier Selinger’s and the New Democratic Party’s commitments to active transportation.
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INFRASTRUCTURE commitment for one area VERBAL Provincial commitment on camera September 28: At the Winnipeg Winnipeg Free Press Café, Janice Lukes asks Premier Selinger to commit to AT policy and staffing. See question and response 11:24 minutes into the interview with Greg Selinger: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/LIVE-Town-halls-with-Gerrard-and-Selinger-130663498.html September 21: Premier Selinger commits to a crossing over the Perimeter Highway at the Northeast Pioneers Greenway. See complete details on Erna Braun’s website. September 13: At CAA / Winnipeg Free Press Café infrastructure debate, Gord McIntosh VERBALLY commits to:
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The NDP commissioned a report asking for recommendations on expanding active transportation options for all Manitoban’s. In June 2010, the report Greater Strides; Taking Action on Active Transportation was released. Greater Strides; Taking Action on Active Transportation was created as a condition under the Climate Change and Emissions Reduction Act. Greater Strides contains 25 recommendations on expanding active transportation options for all Manitobans. The WTA has recommended the government take immediate action on the following recommendations:
- Establish a Provincial Active Transportation Policy:
- A written policy on active transportation clearly state’s Manitoba’s commitment to walking and cycling.
- The policy provides direction, guidance and sets the foundation to integrate active transportation in strategic funding decisions throughout the province.
- See recommendations #1 & #13
- See a couple examples of what we are facing related to large investments of public funding because we have no policy:
- Establish a Director of Transportation with staff responsible for improving active transportation:
- There are over 3000 staff in government developing motorized vehicle transportation routes and infrastructure, but there is not one staff person solely responsible for improving walking and cycling.
See recommendation #2
- There are over 3000 staff in government developing motorized vehicle transportation routes and infrastructure, but there is not one staff person solely responsible for improving walking and cycling.
- Maintain public input through a Provincial Active Transportation Advisory Board:
- Bringing together representatives from community organizations and provincial departments to share learning opportunities and valuable information
- An advisory board assists in ensuring the integration of transportation planning and programs throughout the Province.
- The City of Winnipeg has made significant progress in the development of active transportation due in large part to the guidance of its Active Transportation Advisory Committee.
See recommendation #24
- Develop routes so CHILDREN can SAFELY walk and bike to school.
- Virtually every school division in Manitoba has a transportation planner focused on bussing children to school and yet there is not one staff person dedicated to ensuring children can safely walk or bike to school
- Is 31% of Manitoba children are overweight or obese, higher than the national average
See recommendation #21
- Educate ALL road users on how to safely share & use the roadway system.
- Fund the development of walking, trails and cycling routes