Edmonton, a cold city in oil country, investing in safe bike lanes. Former mayor, Don Iveson, leading the transformation. Winter Cycling Congress promotes biking over driving. Advocates discuss gear, progress, and the 'War on Cars'. Efforts to make cities bike-friendly and sustainable. Biking as a form of transportation and community values. Recap of Winter Cycling Congress and new sponsor introduction.
Edmonton's $100 million investment in biking infrastructure showcases commitment to active transportation despite harsh winter conditions.
Winter Cycling Congress underscores the importance of inclusive infrastructure and promoting the joy and freedom of winter biking.
Advocates from various cities discuss challenges and successes in winter biking advocacy, encouraging year-round cycling options for livable communities.
Former mayor Don Iveson's efforts to promote cycling infrastructure and sustainability aim to create a vibrant, bike-friendly, and environmentally conscious city.
Deep dives
Bull Moose Soft Goods: Sewing and Bicycling Fusion
Wes Holland combined his love for sewing with his passion for bicycling to create Bull Moose Soft Goods, a one-stop shop for high-quality bags handcrafted in Somerville, Massachusetts. The designs focus on functionality and durability, offering water-resistant bags suitable for various activities like hiking and biking. Customers can enjoy customizing colors at no extra cost, with a 15% discount for War on Cars listeners until the end of June.
Edmonton Winter Cycling Congress: Embracing Active Transportation in the Cold
Edmonton hosted the Winter Cycling Congress, highlighting the city's unlikely cycling revolution in one of the coldest urban areas. With average winter lows of -13°C and widespread car-centric development, Edmonton invested $100 million in a four-year bike lane network, creating 10 new routes spanning 17 km. The network aims to connect distant areas and links with existing high-quality, protected bike lanes, reflecting Edmonton's commitment to active transportation.
Advocacy and Stories at Winter Cycling Congress: Empowering Winter Cyclists
During the Winter Cycling Congress, advocates emphasized the importance of storytelling in promoting winter cycling and urban infrastructure. Presentations and discussions addressed the need for inclusive cycling infrastructure that caters to all ages and abilities. Participants shared experiences and insights on advocating for better end-of-trip parking facilities and enhancing security for bicycles. The event showcased the joy and freedom felt by cyclists, highlighting the transformative impact of winter biking on individuals and communities.
Challenges and Opportunities in Winter Biking Advocacy: A Collaborative Vision
Participants from various cities, including Calgary, Cambridge, and Winnipeg, gathered at the Winter Cycling Congress to discuss challenges and opportunities in winter biking advocacy. Encouraging cities to build infrastructure with a winter lens can create year-round cycling options and promote livable communities. Presenters emphasized the need for end-of-trip parking solutions, improved bike security measures, and shared success stories to inspire cities across Canada to prioritize active transportation and winter cycling.
Promoting Cycling Advocacy in Edmonton
Being an avid cyclist in Edmonton, the speaker highlights the importance of promoting cycling advocacy in the city. They emphasize the challenges faced, such as urban sprawl and car dependency, and how advocating for bike accessibility and safety is crucial. By sharing personal experiences of discovering Edmonton through cycling, the speaker emphasizes the city's bike-friendly potential and the need to encourage cycling even to suburban areas.
Shifting Perspectives on Edmonton's Size and Accessibility
The speaker reflects on a shift in perspective regarding Edmonton's size and accessibility through cycling. Initially perceiving the city as sprawled out, biking experiences revealed the city's navigable nature within an hour's reach. Encouraging biking to suburbs and neighboring towns, the speaker emphasizes the ease and connectivity of cycling, dispelling misconceptions about Edmonton's vastness.
Fostering a Bike-Friendly and Inclusive Community
Former Edmonton mayor Don Iveson's efforts to promote cycling infrastructure and sustainability are highlighted. Despite challenges and pushback, Iveson's advocacy for bike lanes and transit expansion aimed to create a bike-friendly and climate-conscious city. Recognizing the importance of inclusive urban planning and sustainable practices, Iveson's leadership focused on building a vibrant, accessible, and environmentally conscious community.
Star Trek Fan's Insights on Urban Planning
Drawing parallels between Star Trek's community-focused ideals and urban planning, the speaker reflects on applying the show's themes to civic life. Emphasizing collaboration and community engagement, the speaker discusses the role of public transit, pedestrian infrastructure, and social behavior in cultivating inclusive and sustainable cities. By encouraging pro-social interactions and prioritizing pedestrians, the narrative shifts towards building resilient, equitable, and interdependent urban environments.
An unlikely cycling revolution is happening in one of the coldest big cities on the planet: Edmonton, Alberta. Despite freezing temps, lots of sprawl, big trucks and an economy built on pulling oil out of the Albertan tar sands, the Western Canadian city is in the midst of a four-year, $100 million CAD investment in active transportation that will connect far-flung neighborhoods with a network of safe, high-quality, protected bike lanes. Many of these bike lanes will even get priority over roads for cars when it comes to snow removal. We traveled to the home of the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers to attend the Winter Cycling Congress, where we talked with the people pushing for this transformation, including the city’s former mayor, Don Iveson. Plus, hear our appearance on drive-time radio in the heart of oil country.
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This episode was recorded by Josh Wilcox at the Brooklyn Podcasting Studio. It was edited by Doug Gordon and Ali Lemer. Our theme music is by Nathaniel Goodyear.
