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On June 30, 2011, the Provincial Active Transportation Advisory Group officially handed off their recommendations on how to improve active transportation (AT) in Manitoba to the Hon. Ron Lemieux, Minister of Local Government, and the Hon. Erin Selby, Minister of Advanced Education and Literacy.

Check out the Greater Strides document for details on the 25 recommendations that flesh out the following five objectives for AT in Manitoba:

1.Develop a provincial policy and co-ordinated approach to active transportation

2.Create a benchmark and set measurable targets to guide the development of a safe, sustainable and cohesive active transportation network

3.Build safe and connected active transportation networks

4.Explore opportunities to raise awareness and provide training and incentives to motivate Manitobans to choose safe active transportation options more often

5.Establish a platform for building a sustainable future for active transportation

The Provincial Active Transportation Advisory Group was formed as a condition under the Climate Change and Emissions Reduction Act. This act supports Beyond Kyoto, Manitoba’s action plan on climate change. This is the first report of its kind for Manitoba. The report provides recommendations on expanding active transportation options for all Manitobans.

” It was a privilege to work with the members of this group and to have the opportunity to contribute to Manitoba’s long-term vision for active transportation. The recommendations in this report provide a blueprint to help Manitoba benefit from the economic, social and environmental opportunities related to active transportation.” said Janice Lukes, Chair of the Provincial Active Transportation Advisory Group. “With a focused leadership and a meaningful commitment from the provincial government, we can experience the tremendous benefits associated with active transportation.”

J. Lukes remarks in handing off report can be read here

Through an Order in Council, and consultations with Ministers, the following people were appointed to the group:

Janice Lukes, Chair

Anders Swanson

Mark Cohoe

Terry Zdan

Pat Locken

Tim Deacon

Russell Wychreschuk

The full report Greater Strides:

Taking Action on Active Transportation can be found at:

www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/pdf/atag_report6.pdf.

Are you discovering all the new trails in Winnipeg but find you can’t connect safely to other trails? Are you discovering ‘trail potholes’, maybe a need for cuts in the curbs to enable smoother transitions, or just a good sweeping to remove winter’s sand and gravel? YOU can help improve trail connectivity and trail maintenance!

TRAIL CONNECTIVITY:
Winnipeg has made great strides in developing trails over the last few years, BUT – there is still a distance to go to enable connectivity throughout the city! YOU can help to improve the trail connectivity in Winnipeg.

If you would like to see a new trail developed in your neighbourhood – or see a safer connection made to another trail – call / email your local City Councillor, Member of the Legislative Assembly AND your Member of Parliament. Call ALL three of them! Tell them you appreciate the new trails and bike routes being constructed. Remind them Winnipeg is progressing, but requires better CONNECTIVITY in our active transportation network. There are still many gaps that present unsafe walking /cycling conditions. Ask for their continued funding support to improve Winnipeg’s Active Transportation Network. The more public support they hear for the trail system, the greater odds of continued funding support!

Trail crack in need of repair

YOU are the single most important resource in enabling the development of more trails. For more information on what YOU can do to help improve Winnipeg’s Active Transportation Network, see our resources page.

TRAILS IN NEED OF REPAIR?:
Pick up your phone and CALL 311! During your trail travels, if you think your trail experience can be improved through better maintenance, pick up the phone and call 311. Call and report issues such as:
• ‘trail potholes’,
• a need for improved access or a smoother transition through an intersection, curbs that need cuts so you don’t have to dismount your bike,
• a bench poorly positioned at an intersection impeding access – or a need for a bench,
• or any other maintenance related issues that will improve your trail experience.

While the process of calling 311 may be a tad grueling, we have experienced some actual results! The small amount of time you invest can greatly improve the trail experience for many others. We also recommend you calling / emailing your  City Councillor.