Cycling
Video Post: Saskatoon’s Bike Valet
Jul 5th
After a couple weeks of learning how to use my camera and editing software, I’m happy to present the first (of many I hope!) video blog post here at Municipal Matters.
In this installment we take a look at Bike Valets, with a focus on RoadMap Saskatoon’s service introduced to the city last fall.
I hope to improve on both my video taking and audio skills as I get better at the process.
I’d would greatly appreciate any feedback, and of course, any comments on the Bike Valet in general.
Altering Car Culture Not Easy – But Necessary
Jun 10th
Earlier this week a report was submitted to the P&O Committee of City Council and will appear at the regular City Council Meeting on Monday (June 14). The basis of the report was to present a $60,000 study conducted on the current state of Saskatoon’s transportation system and recommendations on how to improve it over the coming years and decades.
As Gerry Klein points out, the one portion of the recommendations that received some ink was the suggestion that parking rates downtown be raised, the Star Phoenix article can be found here and some good discussion can be weeded out amongst the comment section of a local blog here.
What has been lost in the higher parking rate recommendation is it’s intent. Coincidentally, what I believe the intent was is nicely summed up in a short video that I posted here on Friday.
The argument goes, increased parking rates lead to a higher turnover in cars (longer stays cost $$$, an incentive to not stay long), which increases the absolute number of people accessing the area and decreases traffic because there are less people driving around looking for a parking spot. Given that argument, raising parking rates in the downtown core (between 23rd and More >
Video Friday: Sunday Streets & Parking Reform
Jun 4th
It’s Friday and that means it’s time for the weekly break from intense blog posts and, instead, time for a film – or two.
The first film highlights a growing movement in cities called Sunday Streets. The concept is simple, a city (such as Portland in this video) closes down a stretch of road to cars and encourages residents to get out to walk, run, bike, roller blade, and generally mingle with each other, with some food, festive events, and music thrown in for good measure. Think Broadway during the FringeFest or Street-fair, but double the length of closed road.
What do you think? Would this be something you would be willing to participate in here in Saskatoon?
The second film “Parking Reform” focuses on the argument that a good chunk of traffic consists of drivers looking for parking and that by increasing the cost of parking you can reduce this type of traffic. The video is centered on parking in New York City; however, the concept is readily transferable to Saskatoon. Really? your probably thinking…but wait, stop and think when was the last time you drove around the block a few times to find that perfect spot? You know the one, within More >
From Elsewhere: Montreal’s City-wide Bicycle Rental System
Jun 3rd
A friend who recently spent some time abroad from Saskatoon shared these pictures:
What is it? Why, it’s a bicycle rental station, one of many dotting this particular city. Where is it? somewhere in Europe perhaps? Nope, it’s Montreal, yes Canada.
In 2009, Montreal installed a city-wide bicycle rental program – BIXI - which operates May through November.
The concept is simple – you can rent a bike (by the 1/2 hour or day) from any bike station by simply plugging a meter. You can than use that bike anywhere in the city. When your done, simply return it to the nearest bike station. The fee structure is set up, such that you are encouraged to use the bikes for short periods of time (how it works here).
$5 gets you access to a bike for 1/2 hour. If your usage exceeds that 1/2 hour you pay an additional $1.50 for the next 30 minutes, $3.00 for the next 30 mins, $6.00 for the next 30 mins, and so on. However, if you use the bike for less than 30 minutes and return it to a station, your $5 fee allows you to access another bike, again for free in the first 30 mins. More >
Saskatoon Cycles – A New Cycling Advocacy Group
Jul 25th
Posted by Sean Shaw in Commentary
No comments
Over the past few months I have been spending some of my limited free time helping start-up a cycling advocacy group here in Saskatoon.
In June the group launched its website – www.saskatooncycles.org – a facebook page, and started holding bi-monthly meetings. Over the past month membership has grown to over 60 cyclists, while the regular meetings draw between 15 and 20 members.
The group is dedicated to advocating for cycling in Saskatoon through positive interactions with local decision makers. The group’s mission statement, vision statement, and priorities are listed on their website. In addition, there is a place to add your name and email to the membership list.
This past week, David Kirton of NewsTalk650 contacted the group in order to set-up an on air interview. I was able to join David on-air on Wednesday morning and spent about 5 minutes detailing what Saskatoon Cycles is about and how people can get involved.