BikeMaps.org

BikeMaps.org is a crowdsource tool for global mapping of cycling safety. Add your own data on cycling crashes, near-misses, hazards, and thefts.

Where do people ride? Two maps

Here are two maps showing where people ride in Edmonton. The first is an interactive heatmap generated by Strava, a smartphone app. Strava compiles the maps using GPS data from app users who record their rides. As such, as a data source, it has limitations (the record is skewed towards the type of person that is more likely to record their rides using a smartphone app), but is still informative and very interesting:

The second is a map we compiled using City of Edmonton 2014 census data. This data also has significant limitations, namely, the question asked is "Main Mode of Transportation from Home to Work". For many people, if they primarily bike for 5 months of the year, and then drive for 7 months, their answer will appear as "100% driver, 0% bicycle". Similarly for people who bike 2 days a week and drive 3 days: their cycling trips aren't represented at all in this data.

Additionally, most trips by bike are not for work (in the US, only about 13% of bike trips are for work), but our transportation network should still be accessible to everyone, regardless of the purpose of the trip. So census numbers greatly under-represent cycling. Still, they do offer a baseline for comparison between neighbourhoods.

Saskatchewan Drive shared-use path closed

The shared-use path along Saskatchewan Drive between 105 St and 106 St is closed as part of work to improve access to Queen Elizabeth Park. Construction is expected to last about 2 weeks.

Pedestrians can detour by crossing at 105 St or 106 St and using the sidewalk on the south side of the road. Eastbound cyclists can ride on the roadway (either to the right or the left side). Westbound cyclists should dismount and walk as a pedestrian, or avoid using this section of Saskatchewan Drive.

As of the time of this posting, there was no signage at the pedestrian crossing points warning of a trail closure, and no night time-visible signage warning of the barriers on the trail. EBC has been in contact with the City Project Officer and they will be investigating on Tuesday. If signage and barrier warnings are still inadequate by Tuesday afternoon, please contact us.

Last year, the City of Edmonton closed the High Level Bridge with similar lack of regard for accessibility or the safety of users, leading to several hospitalizations.

127 Street Collector Plan Open House on Wednesday

127 Street from Stony Plain Road to 118 Avenue is a project of the City’s Collector Concept Planning program. These projects are areas identified through the Neighbourhood Renewal public involvement process that would benefit from further in-depth public engagement and analysis. The project team will present the three concept plan options for 127 Street that have incorporated feedback from recent community Kitchen Table meetings and from the online discussion forum.

Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2015 Location: Inglewood Community League Hall Address: 12515 116 Avenue Time: 4:30-8:30pm Formal presentations at 5pm and 7pm

This meeting will provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about the project and to provide feedback on the concept plan options. In addition to presentations, information boards will outline the details of the designs and project staff will be available to answer questions. Come see the concept plan options and tell us what you think.

A concept plan is being developed for 127 Street in advance of Neighbourhood Renewal in Westmount in 2017 and in Inglewood, planned for 2019–2022.

127 Street through these two neighbourhoods is a one-way northbound collector road with parking on the east side and a contraflow bike lane on the other. Northbound cyclists share the travel lane with motor vehicle traffic. This roadway has been a bike route for 30 years and is well used by residents to access destinations within the neighbourhoods including parks, schools and businesses along 124 Street.

Although 127 Street was not identified in the Bicycle Transportation Plan, as part of the City’s Major Bike Grid, its connectivity across Yellowhead Trail makes it a desirable route for further development as a major bicycle facility, providing Edmontonians a greater range of travel mode choices for all ages and abilities.

Major downtown road closures Tuesday and Wednesday

The Edmonton Police Service will honour the service and sacrifice of Constable Daniel Woodall, who was recently killed in the line of duty, with a regimental funeral and celebration of his life. There will be major traffic disruptions and parking restrictions downtown starting at 11:30pm on June 16 and continuing through June 17.

Please plan your route ahead to avoid being unable to traverse downtown. Full details can be found on the City's website.

The procession starts at the Alberta Legislature Building at 107 Street and 97 Avenue, proceeds northbound along 107 Street to Jasper Avenue, travels eastbound on Jasper Avenue to 95 Street, and then moves down Grierson Hill to the Shaw Conference Centre.

Tues, June 16 at 11:30pm

• 107 St, between 96 Ave - Jasper Ave
• East-West cross traffic on 99 and 100 Ave will remain open

Wed, June 17 at 2am

• Jasper Ave, between 95 - 108 St
• North-South cross traffic on 99-106 St will remain open until 8:30am
• 95A St, between Grierson Hill - Jasper Ave
• 101 Ave, between 96 St - Jasper Ave
• 96 St, between 101 Ave - Jasper Ave
• 97 St, north of Jasper Ave
• 101A Ave, east of 95A St
• 100A St, north of Jasper Ave

Wed, June 17 at 6am

• 99 Ave, between 106 - 109 St

Wed, June 17 at 8:30am

• All cross traffic on procession route closed
• Grierson Hill
• 101 Ave, between 95 St - Grierson Hill

Roads will reopen at approximately 11:30am, starting on the west side of the procession route, with these two exceptions:

• Jasper Avenue, 95 - 99 St will remain closed until approximately 1pm
• Grierson Hill will remain closed until approximately 3:30pm

Share your Bike to the Symphony photos and videos

Thanks to the 100+ riders that came out last night to Bike to the Symphony. Would you like to share your photos and videos from Bike to the Symphony with EBC and the ESO, so we can make a fantastic video and photo gallery?

Upload them here!

You Can Ride 2: Thank Yous

In March, members of the Rotary Club of Spruce Grove volunteered with You Can Ride 2 at one of our bike fitting days, experiencing the excitement and wonder that biking brings to families of children with special needs. They were in awe at the volunteerism that was completed to keep the program running. Barry Twynam, Community Services Director of the Rotary Club of Spruce Grove, identified that YCR2 could benefit from more exposure and funding. The Club chose YCR2 to be the beneficiary of the live auction portion of their annual Lobsterfest fundraiser. The live auction was a new event, so we were unsure how much would be raised. Barry and his daughter Devan Twynam put together a compelling video for the evening of the fundraiser.

On the night of the fundraiser, Janine Halayko, Melanie Harris, Trent Magis, the core volunteers that have driven YCR2 from the beginning and have been key to its success, took the stage and answered questions before the floor opened for bidding. In about 7 minutes, $90,000 was raised!

Thanks so much to the Rotary Club of Spruce Grove and the amazing generosity of the community members who were at the fundraiser that night. Spruce Grove is not a big city but they obviously can do very big things!

Thank you also to Inclusion Alberta (formerly Alberta Association for Community Living) for helping to make this fundraiser for YCR2 possible.

Additional Supporters

We would also like to recognize and thank these additional sponsors of YCR2:

• Inclusion Alberta (formerly Alberta Association for Community Living) is one of our major partners, enabling much of our fundraising.
• This year's three fitting events were sponsored by the Beverly Optimist Club, the Rotary Club of Spruce Grove, the Urban Systems Foundation, and the Rotary Club of Sherwood Park.
• Thanks to Inclusion Alberta (formerly Alberta Association for Community Living), one of our major partners
• Make Something Edmonton paid for our head mechanic and Edmonton's NextGen & Edmonton Awesome Foundation funded the innovations in adaptive cycling being created by Speronetics.

Over 40 pediatric physiotherapists, occupational therapists and adapted phys ed consultants have also volunteered with the program this year.

Other generous financial donors also include:

• Mountain Equipment Co-op - $5275 in grants and product
• Beverly Optimist Club - $5000 grant + volunteering at event #3
• Edmonton Cerebral Palsy Association - bike purchases
• Children’s Ability Fund - $2500 for bike mods
• Jubilee Auditorium, front of house staff - $2000
• Make Something Edmonton - $1500 grant for head mechanic
• Rotary Club of Spruce Grove - $1500 & volunteering at event #1
• Urban Systems Foundation - $1500 + volunteering at event #2
• Edmonton Awesome Foundation - $1000 grant for remote and power assist project
• Rotary Club of Sherwood Park - $1000 & volunteering at event #2
• Edmonton’s NextGen - $800 grant for remote braking project

Product donations/transportation

• Sandwich & Sons - catering for event #2 (value >$500)
• Strider Sports Canada - 3 bikes (value >$300)
• Lexon Projects Inc - transportation of bikes at each of the events (value >$500)
• Western Cycle - bells and 20% discount on product (value <$50)
• Red Bike - bells (value <$50)
• United Cycle - discounts on product

Storage/venue assistance

• Broxton Park School - venue for try a bike day and fitting #1
• City of Edmonton (River Valley Programs, Fleet Services) - main storage location, available for repair days
• Elves Special Needs Society - venue for fitting #3
• Robin Hood Association - venue for fitting #2 and fall return event
• Sintra Engineering - temporary storage
• Quantum Chemical - secondary storage location, available for repair days

Service donations

• Bruce Geiger, Miller Thomson LLP - legal advice
• Cerebral Palsy Association of Alberta - administrative assistance
• KidSport Edmonton - partnership to support low income families
• Paralympic Sports Association - tax receipts for donated bikes
• Revolution Cycle - mechanic assistance at 3 events
• Cranky's Bike Shop - mechanic assistance at 1 event
• Mud Sweat and Gears - mechanic assistance at 1 event

Volunteer orientation

Are you interested in volunteering for EBC at either of our BikeWorks locations? As a volunteer, you can:

• Learn bike repair, even if you start out knowing nothing (there are also many opportunities for non-mechanical volunteers)
• Help people to enjoy fixing and riding bikes
• Meet an amazing group of bike-loving volunteers and patrons
• Access free, private classes for volunteers
• Get discounts on parts and bikes
• Get extra off-hours access to the shop
• Get access to paid opportunities and job references
• Join in group rides and social events

Whether you want to help out at BikeWorks North or South, please sign up to our upcoming volunteer orientation on the evening of June 16.

EBC Charitable status open house

On June 16, from 6:30pm-8pm at the atrium of La Cité francophone (8627 91 St), EBC will be hosting an open house for EBC members to discuss the potential for pursuing charitable registration. A presentation will be given by a member of the Board of Directors followed by questions and discussion. Please attend if you are interested in the development or have experience with transitions from not-for-profit to charity!

View the Charitable Status open house presentation (2015).

View a Summary of Research about EBC and Charitable Status (2014)

Have feedback or comments? Please share them with the Board of Directors by emailing board@edmontonbikes.ca.

River Valley Road/Groat Road Interchange recommended concept plan and survey

The recommended long-range concept plan for this interchange which connects three popular commuter routes -- River Valley Road, Groat Road and Victoria Park Road, is now available for the public to view. It includes maintaining all the existing movements, as well as improvements to specific sections of the interchange. The plan was developed following a public engagement process and the City is now accepting further feedback on the recommended concept plan through an online survey that will remain open until June 15, 2015.

Architecture of Edmonton Ride

The average colour of the Universe has been named "Cosmic latte", a kind of beige. Is our quintessential pencil-crayon colour a brownish, ashen, dirty concrete "Edmonton Grey"? From heritage apartment buildings to contemporary LEED-rated designs, from the colourful and dramatic to the drabness of the quick & dirty boom era construction, let's explore the architecture that surrounds us.

Join us on Sunday, June 28, 2015 from 1pm-4pm for this free ride. The start location and final route is yet to be determined, but will be announced closer to the event date. You can also join the event on Facebook.

This ride will be curated by Shafraaz from Manasc Isaac Architects and Michael from DIALOG. They will be offering commentary on the ride.

You can volunteer as a ride marshal by signing up here.

Seeking Treasurer

The Board of Directors of the Edmonton Bicycle Commuters Society is seeking a dynamic individual to assume the role of Treasurer. This is a volunteer position that is responsible for financial management and planning associated with the operations of EBC. Regular duties include monthly reports to the Board of Directors, annual budgeting, managing relationships with our financial service providers and collaborating with our bookkeeper. The Treasurer is supported by a part-time bookkeeper who is responsible for financial record keeping, compiling monthly financial reports and preparing payments. The successful candidate should be competent in the understanding and interpretation of financial statements and information and be experienced in the preparation and monitoring of organizational budgets. Experience in accounting or financial services is desirable but not necessary. Previous experience with a Not for Profit or Charitable Organization in either a staff, volunteer or board member role is preferred.

If you wish to apply for this position, please complete our application here. If you would like more information about this role, you may contact Jonathan Woelber, President EBC, directly.

Recruitment Under Way for Valley Line Citizen Working Groups

Are you interested in being closely involved in consultations to develop the Valley Line LRT? The City is establishing a series of Citizen Working Groups for ongoing dialogue with communities in five zones along the Valley Line LRT alignment between downtown and Mill Woods.

In addition to members being recruited from community leagues and other local organizations, each Citizen Working Group will include two members from the community at large within each zone. These members will be peer-selected at the following public meetings, which all interested citizens are invited to attend. All meetings are scheduled from 7pm–9pm.

Selection meetings begin June 2.

For details, please visit http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/ets/future_transit/southeast-to-west-lrt-mill-woods-to-lewis-farms.aspx.

102 Avenue and 83 Avenue Bike Route public workshops: design refinements and landscaping

Please participate in the public workshops on the final concept plans of protected bike lanes and the landscaping and aesthetic components of the routes next week. City staff have reviewed feedback from the April meetings and refined the protected bike lane designs in specific areas. Come review the changes and let the City know what you think. Also since April, the project team has been working with a landscape architect to find opportunities to incorporate aesthetic enhancements such as wayfinding, plantings and some street furniture along corridor.

Formal presentations at 5 and 7pm followed by a question and answer period. Final concept plans of the protected bike lanes will be on display and there will be time for one-on-one discussions with the project team. The City will be gathering your feedback on the aesthetic options.

For more information, or to review plans and submit your feedback (after the workshops have taken place), please visit http://www.edmonton.ca/together

102 AVENUE BIKE ROUTE PUBLIC WORKSHOP

Monday, June 1, 4:30 – 8:30pm Robertson Wesley United Church, 10209 - 123 Street Parking available on the street or at the pay lot adjacent to MEC.

83 AVENUE BIKE ROUTE PUBLIC WORKSHOP

Wednesday, June 3, 4:30 – 8:30pm St. John's Institute, 11024 Whyte Avenue Parking available on the street.

MEC Gear Swap and BikeFest 2015

MEC is hosting BikeFest this Sunday May 31, 2015. MEC will be providing bike safety checks, and EBC will be running 3 clinics on: fixing flats, drivetrain maintenance, and minor gear/brake adjustments.

MEC BikeFest is a celebration for all those who share in the joy of riding on two wheels! These signature MEC events offer cyclists of all types an opportunity to participate in skills clinics, test rides, workshops and other exciting activities. A key feature of every Bikefest is the participation of high caliber bike industry representatives including vendors, training experts, and nutrition consultants to help participants reach their cycling ambitions.

This Sunday is also MEC's Spring Gear Swap.

If your feeling cluttered or are on the hunt for new gear, MEC Gear Swap is the best place to find great deals on previously loved biking and hiking/camping gear. If you're looking to sell your old bikes or bike gear, we've got you covered!

You can find out more information, including a detailed schedule, on MEC Edmonton's BikeFest page.

Public Art Ride

This Sunday, May 24, 2015, EBC will lead a group bicycle ride to several of Edmonton's numerous public art installations, including stops at some of the most famous and notorious as well as the best-kept secrets. Featured art installations include the Talus Dome, IMPOSE (the temporary tree-house installation in Churchill Square), and Willow in Borden Park. There is no charge to attend the ride and it is a public event, therefore attendees are responsible for their own equipment and safety. The route is suitable for riders of most skill levels and will primarily be on streets and bike paths, however there will be some alley riding and gravel trails as well.

The ride starts at 1pm in Dr. William McIntyre Park (Gazebo Park) in Old Strathcona (83 Avenue & 104 Street) and ends at approximately 4pm in Borden Park. A detailed map of the route can be seen below.

You can read more about the ride in VUE Weekly, or visit our Facebook event page.

Bike to the Symphony 2015: Rhapsody in Blue

Please join the Edmonton Bicycle Commuters Society and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra on Friday, June 12 for our sixth annual Bike to the Symphony event. EBC members can purchase tickets at the special EBC member-rate of $19 (not including service fees).

We will once again be joined by Bill Eddins on a group ride to the Winspear Centre where he will be playing and conducting the music of one of his favorite composers, George Gershwin. Not to be missed is a performance of the infamous Rhapsody in Blue in its original 1924 jazz-band version, and the fabulous Concerto in F.

This year we have partnered with Under the High Wheel, Three Boars Eatery, and Mercer Tavern for pre-ride dinner and meeting options.

And to cap off the evening, there will be a 1920s themed party in the lobby of the Winspear following the main performance!

For full event details, please visit http://edmontonbikes.ca/symphony/.

105 Avenue Streetscape Construction Begins This Spring

The City of Edmonton is hosting an information session before construction begins this spring on streetscape improvements to the 105 Avenue corridor between 116 Street and 119 Street. Residents, business owners and area stakeholders are invited to learn about the project, construction and traffic impacts.

Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Location: Hellenic Canadian Community Centre (10450 116 Street)

This project will transform 105 Avenue from a collector roadway into a local roadway used primarily by residents and businesses in the area. Design plans include dedicated bike lanes, shared-use pathways, landscaped sidewalks and curb extensions and limited on-street parking. Streetscape improvements and infill redevelopment will help shape the physical, economic and cultural character of the area.

Those attending the meeting will be able to view display materials and speak with project team members.

http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/road_projects/105-avenue-streetscape.aspx

Global Visions Film Festival

EBC is very excited to announce that we have partnered with Global Visions Film Festival, Western Canada's Premiere Documentary Film Festival, May 7-18, 2015, to bring our members a very special offer. Thanks to Global Visions Film Festival, EBC members are able to purchase an All-Access Festival Pass for just $79 (regular price is $115) or a 4-Pack of tickets valid for admission to any regular film screening for just $29 (regular price $44)! Act fast as there are a limited number of passes available at this amazing price.

To take advantage of this excellent offer just navigate to the special offer page, choose your tickets and enter the code found in your member status to unlock exclusive EBC member pricing.

Enjoy the show(s)!

Hands-on Bike Maintenance Courses: Brakes, shifting and tire changing/flat repairs (Spring 2015)

We are now offering hands-on workshops every Friday until June 9. We may offer more bicycle repair classes depending on demand. If you want to learn how to start working on your own bike but don't know where to start, our Bike Repair 101 class is for you! Learn how to fix a flat at home or on the street, keep your brakes and shifters working smoothly & safely, and learn how to prevent and detect small problems that can turn into large problems.

In this 3-hour, hands-on course, you will learn how to save money by doing simple repairs yourself as well as preventing expensive parts from wearing out. Bring your bicycle so you can learn techniques specific to your components, or you can work on one of EBC's bikes.

For a full list of courses, and to register, please visit our events page. Registration is required. These classes fill up quickly, so register early to reserve your spot.