Thursday December 13th, 7-9pm Starts at BikeWorks South (10047 80 Ave - access through alley only)
Deck your bikes with LED's... Join us for a casual winter ride to check out some of the most spectacular light displays in Edmonton, followed by hot drinks & skating. There will also be a prize for the best decorated bike.
Be sure to dress for the weather, bring a hot beverage and a snack if you like, and don't forget your skates!
The next meeting of the Complete Streets Strathcona working group will be on Tuesday, December 11, at 7pm at the Old Strathcona Business Association Office (#202, 10345 Whyte Ave). Please go to http://edmontonbikes.ca/strathcona for full details. On Thursday, November 8, 2012, the Complete Streets Strathcona working group hosted an open house at the Strathcona Community League Hall from 7-9pm. The working group collected design ideas and feedback from members of the public, focusing on ideas to make the Whyte Avenue area friendlier to pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders. Representatives from the Edmonton Bicycle Commuters’ Society, Strathcona Centre Community League, the City of Edmonton, and the Old Strathcona Business Association, as well as University of Alberta students and community residents are all involved in the working group.
You can download a PDF version of this summary report here:
View Complete Streets Strathcona - Public Input Map in a larger map
Please add your feedback to the interactive map. A free Google Account is needed. To add markers to this map, log in to a Google account, click here to view the map, and then click "Edit".
Complete Streets Strathcona is a multi-stakeholder working group that formed after the tragic death of Isaak Kornelsen. A number of group rides, forums and meetings have been held since then.
The purpose of the November 8 Open House was to seek input from the public and interested stakeholders on the priorities of the working group as well as to solicit specific road design features in order to advance the group’s vision for the safest and most comfortable bike infrastructure in the Old Strathcona area.
Complete Streets Strathcona, with the help of Tyler Golly from the City of Edmonton’s Transportation Services department (Sustainable Transportation section), provided large maps of the entire area (from 114 St to 92 St, Saskatchewan Dr to south of 76 Ave) as well as large maps of 82 and 83 Ave from 114 St to 92 St, including road and lane widths. Images of various kinds of cycling infrastructure (though without detailed text descriptions) were also available. Representatives from the City and Complete Streets Strathcona were available to answer questions.
Members of the public were invited to provide their feedback in provided comment sheets, as well as directly on the maps. Over 110 pieces of individual feedback were received from roughly 25 participants. This report contains a summary of feedback received during the open house, grouped by location, as well as an appendix of all feedback received.
Most of the feedback listed in the appendix has been copied verbatim from notes written or attached to the maps, with some clarification added and descriptions of illustrations written. Locations of the feedback have been recorded as best possible. The source material may be made available by request. An interactive version of the map, including feedback, is available at http://edmontonbikes.ca/strathcona/
The feedback described in this document does not necessarily represent the views or the position of Complete Streets Strathcona and its stakeholders. It is simply a summary of the feedback we received during the November 8 Open House.
There were four important, major trends that were identified in the feedback at the open house.
Over 80 per cent of the feedback received was placed on or written about 83 Avenue. Most of the rest was concerned with the conversion of the 104 Street northbound bus lane into a separated two-way cycle track between 76 and 83 Ave.
Reducing automobile traffic volumes makes roads more comfortable and safer for cyclists and pedestrians. Comments included but are not limited to:
This was another common theme. Suggested measures in this realm include:
Participants generally felt designing a street that caters to cyclists means more than signage and painted lanes. Ideas brought forth during the open house included:
Most comments were related to 83 Ave. Some comments were also received regarding 82 Ave as well as 104 St. A summary of comments near some of the major intersections follows. This does not cover all of the feedback received; please see the appendix or online interactive map for full details.
Comments extending the length of 83 Ave mostly relate to:
The majority of comments surrounding this intersection focused on traffic controls, including:
Comments indicated traffic diverters and N-S stop signs at this intersection, as well as N-S bike lanes along 107 St.
Yields and mini traffic circle were suggested to make a strong connection here with the existing N-S bike lanes along 106 St.
Bike buttons were noted here to facilitate N-S movement across Whyte. There is an existing pedestrian-controlled crosswalk at this intersection, as well as a short-term loading zone on the northwest corner.
Many comments in this area related to turning the 104 St northbound access road into a 2-way cycle track. Feedback included:
This section, in the heart of the theatre district and passing in front of the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market received a larger number of comments.
This open house is among the first steps in a consultation process that Complete Streets Strathcona is embarking on. These collaborative activities help provide direction as we work with the City and other groups toward safe, comfortable cycling infrastructure in the Old Strathcona area.
Being visible doesn't have to mean looking like you're doing highway construction. Drop in to EBC on Monday December 10th and add retroreflective trim & designs to your favourite riding clothes that will help keep you visible through those long winter nights and make accessories for yourself and your bike that can't be missed. Bring clothing you want to embellish (cotton & other natural fibers work best), design ideas & inspiration, accessories you want to turn shiny, and things you want to turn into shiny accessories. A little retroreflective sumtin-sumtin makes a great gift for the cyclists in your life. This will give you an idea of the type of things we'll be creating: Retroreflective Goodness
Pre-register by emailing [email protected]. You can come for an hour, or stay all evening. Cost is $5 for EBC members and $10 for non-members, and covers as much re-purposed retroreflective material as you can use as well as other craft supplies. Imagine a basket decorated with retroreflective flowers, or a row of retroreflective magnets on a steel frame, handlebar, or fender. Or howabout a patch on your jacket, skirt or pants that can be seen a mile away? Only your imagination will limit how you use the high tech materials.
Need to know if your route to work or for your afternoon run is clear? Use the #yegtrail tag on Twitter! You can also pick up copies of the City of Edmonton's River Valley Trail maps (East, Centre, and West) at both BikeWorks North and BikeWorks South for free. These maps show trails that are supposed to be kept clear in the winter.
We'll be closed for Remembrance Day this Sunday. Our normal hours still apply otherwise, despite the snowy conditions! Don't forget about our tire studding workshop on Friday, which you still have time to register for.
Campus 2 Campus (C2C) is a student initiative raising awareness of the lack of safe and inclusive cycling infrastructure between U of A campuses and advocating for policy change.
The Edmonton Journal recently published an article on the inadequacy of sharrows. You can get involved now to help us get better, real bike infrastructure.
Campus 2 Campus, a group of public health student advocates concerned about safe cycling infrastructure in our university community, invites you to a forum on safe bike transport between Campus Saint Jean and North Campus.
On Friday, November 2, from 1pm-2:30pm, in the Alumni Room in SUB, at the University of Alberta, we will be joined by City Councillor Ben Henderson; Chris Chan, Executive Director of the Edmonton Bicycle Commuters' Society; and Kim McRae, a U of A medical student.
This forum is open for all students, staff, community members, cyclists, and aspiring cyclists. The forum will be an opportunity to collaborate, learn and share ideas to address the problem of the lack of safe and inclusive cycling in our community.
Saturday, November 3, 2012 9:30am until 4:00pm Room 251, School of Business Building, University of Alberta https://www.facebook.com/events/122515454569348/
After the tragic death of Isaak Kornelsen, a working group has formed to create the best bike infrastructure for the Whyte Ave area. It's a coalition of people and groups that includes the Old Strathcona Business Association, Edmonton Bicycle Commuters' Society, and the Old Strathcona Community League. It also consists of concerned citizens who enjoy riding their bicycles around Old Strathcona safely.
We need you to help shape the goals, objective and vision for Complete Streets Strathcona. These core ideas are crucial to providing structure to the group, creating momentum and giving new members a foundation based on shared goals and principles.
Objectives for the meeting:
In a general sense, objective #1 will be the first half of the day and objective #2 will be the second half of the day. Vision and name will be the last half hour or so, as a wrap-up.
We will provide coffee and morning and afternoon snacks. We will break for lunch at noon.
The event will be facilitated by Robyn Jacobsen and Kaylyn Airey.
Please RSVP to [email protected].
Thursday, November 8, 2012 7:00pm until 9:00pm Strathcona Community League Hall (10139 87 Ave) https://www.facebook.com/events/286361728142099/
The City of Edmonton is planning to improve the streets in and around Whyte Avenue and this is a public opportunity to offer suggestions and ideas for how to improve them for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders.
The Complete Streets Strathcona working group will be collecting design ideas and feedback from members of the public on what would make the Whyte Avenue area friendlier to pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders.
We will provide large printouts of the routes being addressed and representatives from the city and Complete Streets Strathcona will be there to take questions.
Edmonton deserves better streets for everyone and this is a chance to have your say.
Just because it's winter doesn't mean you have to stop riding. Let EBC show you how to make winter cycling fun and easy. Winter Cycling Workshop - Friday November 2, 6:30 - 9:00pm
Tire Studding Workshop - Friday November 16, 6:30 - 9:30pm
Full details on both workshops below:
Winter Cycling Workshop
Friday November 2, 6:30 - 9:00pm, BikeWorks South 10047 - 80 Ave (entrance through back lane)
A workshop on in the basics of winter cycling. Learn how to prepare your bicycle, body and mind for the unique challenges of riding a bike in the winter. Includes tips on maintenance, clothing, gear and riding techniques
If you are new to riding your bike in the winter, this class is a great way to get some pointers to help you gain confidence on the road.
And if you’re an experienced winter cyclist, this is a good opportunity to learn new tricks and share your experiences with other winter riders.
Tire Studding Workshop
Friday November 16, 6:30 - 9:30pm, BikeWorks South 10047 - 80 Ave (entrance through back lane)
Studding your own tires will save you money and help you grip the snowy roads this season. This is a hands-on session to prepare a studded tire for winter cycling. Learn how to put sheet metal screws into your tire and add a layer to protect your tube from being popped by the screw heads. We’ll discuss how the studded tire works for you and whether you should do one or both tires.
Bring your own tires, buy some used ones from BikeWorks or buy new ones. Tire cost is extra (i.e. not included in course fee, but most used tires cost just $5). Screws will be provided.
Every year, EBC participates in the University of Alberta Campus Food Bank's annual Trick or Eat food drive on October 31 for Halloween. We cycle around with bike trailers, retrieving food from other volunteers (who go door-to-door on foot) and ferrying it back to campus for sorting. This year, Sustain SU is also partnering with us. If you have a bike trailer that you'd like to lend us for the event, or you'd like to ride yourself with your trailer, please contact us. It's both terrifc fun and for a great cause (and there may be some candy).
We will be hosting a bus bike rack demo from 1pm-1:30pm on Friday, October 5 to try out a new bus bike rack design. The bus will be parked on 99 St, just south of Whyte Ave (at the CIBC bus stop). Come down with your bike (big bike, little bike, light bike, heavy bike, fat tires, skinny tires, 20" tire folding bike) and try out the new bike rack before ETS makes its final design decisions.
Thanks to everyone for attending our AGM and for the 14 candidates that put their names forward to run for our 2012-2013 Board of Directors. The results are as follows:
Continuing
Elected
There was also a tie for the final position on the board, between Matthew McCrank and Sarah Harold. We will be holding a run-off vote at a general meeting to determine the sixth and final director on October 17 at 6:30pm at the University of Alberta Law Building (88 Ave and 111 St), room LC 101.
You may review the bylaws of the Society on our website. The agenda for the meeting is available here.
If you want to start learning about working on your own bike but aren’t sure where to start, we have a workshop for you! We're bringing back the popular "Get to Know your Bicycle - An Introduction to Bicycle Maintenance" class with two dates to choose from: Friday October 19th, 6:30pm - 9:30pm at BikeWorks South (10047 80 Ave, access through rear)
or
Sunday October 28th, 1:30pm - 4:30pm at BikeWorks North (9305 111 Ave)
You'll learn how to fix a flat tire at home or on the street, how to keep your brakes working flawlessly and your shifting smooth. Find out how to save money by spotting small problems before they turn into big problems and by learning how to clean and lube your bike, you’ll learn how to extend the life of your bike while improving its performance. Bring your own bicycle so you can learn specific techniques that work on your components, or learn on one of the many EBC yard bikes.
Space is limited, and these courses tend to fill up quickly and pre-registration is required.
Pre-register by emailing [email protected], and don't forget to mention what your preferred date is. Online pre-payment is encouraged (we’ll send you a link when you register). Please note that if you register without pre-paying but don’t attend the class or give 24 hours notice, you will not be eligible to register in future classes.
This is an introductory course. If your bike has a problem that is not covered by the scope of this course, we probably won’t have time to fix it, but you can always come to BikeWorks during regular drop-in times and one of our volunteer mechanics can help you.
Cost is $20 for EBC members and $25 for non-members.
BikeWorks North and BikeWorks South have now moved to winter hours. You can find the new hours on our BikeWorks page. Watch our website for updates about courses, training, and other exciting winter activities at the shop starting over the next few weeks.
The 102 Avenue grillwork bridge over Groat Road (approximately 127 St) is scheduled to be replaced, causing closures from 2014 through 2015, requiring a detour across Stony Plain Road. Meanwhile, construction on the Stony Plain Road bridge over Groat is scheduled to begin an end in 2013, while maintaining pedestrian access during most of the road closure, so cyclists will maintain access across at least one bridge at any given time. Signage during the Stony Plain Road bridge closure will direct traffic to 107 or 111 Ave (as opposed to 102 Ave), though we may expect traffic volumes to nonetheless increase along 102 Ave.
On the 102 Ave bridge, lanes will be widened to better accommodate transit, and bike lanes will also be added.
What kind of bike lanes? Good question! E-mail [email protected] or call 780-423-2517 for details, letting the City know that this is an vital connection for cyclists, and more details are needed on the City's website. Would you bike on a busy 102 Ave bridge with just a painted line, or do you think there should be physical separation between cyclists and the vehicles? Let the City know: e-mail or call your councillor as well, and include us in your correspondence at [email protected].
Operation Fruit Rescue Edmonton, in partnership with EBC and funded by Next Gen’s MEAET microgrant, has designed and built a pedal powered apple crusher. It was officially launched at the Devonian Garden’s Fruit Grower’s Festival. Check out OFRE's website--they're a fantastic organization! Here's a video of the apple crusher in action.
Thanks to Conrad Nobert of Green Edmonton for organizing tonight's town hall meeting on Whyte Ave cycling infrastructure. We filled the hall (the photo was taken before we did), and it was great to see all the interest and passion.
If you came, please consider attending our AGM as well. We need strong voices to be heard.
Here's EBC's presentation from this evening:
Our latest newsletter is now available. You can always view previous newsletters as well, and subscribe to have our monthly newsletters delivered to your e-mail.
Did you know that EBC, through an Alberta Ecotrust grant, purchased half of Edmonton Transit's bus bike racks in the program's initial pilot? ETS is now making progress in outfitting its entire fleet with bike racks on buses. We're meeting with ETS in the week of September 24 to demo some potential designs, and we want to take your feedback with us. Please take a moment to fill out this survey no later than September 27.
As Edmonton’s cycling hub, the Whyte Avenue Corridor is in dire need of dedicated infrastructure to increase safety and make cycling more comfortable for cyclists of all abilities. Come to this town hall meeting and help galvanize public support for Whyte Avenue Bike infrastructure, and form a working group to refine a proposal to make to the city. Cyclists should decide what infrastructure would best improve cycling safety and comfort along the Whyte Avenue corridor.
Agenda:
When: September 25, 2012, 7:30pm Where: Queen Alexandra Community Hall, 10425 University Ave (near Calgary Trail and 76th Avenue)
For more information, see the event page on Green Edmonton or Facebook.
