The View from Where is an exhibit at the UofA FAB Gallery Second floor, running until November 5. 

Artist alissa rossi uses her experience of the boreal forest of British Columbia and western Alberta to explore how global extractive capitalism and the ongoing climate crisis manifest on a local level. 

rossi grew up in the Fraser Valley in BC with a family whose income was directly connected to the forestry industry. She spent her childhood summers in the Chilcotin-Caribou where mountain pine beetle adapted their behaviour leading to the destruction of much of BC’s pine forest.

Her work counters the human- and western-centric ideas of the Anthropocene—a name for the current geological era marked by human activity—where she explores how the human, the technological, and the ecological are not separate from but deeply enmeshed with each other. 

She proposes a view of ecology that sees humans and our technologies not as separate from and superior to the ecological world, but as one of several forces that shape it, a view from which we might more successfully negotiate the ongoing and cataclysmic shifts in climate.

The exhibition runs until November 5, at the University of Alberta FAB Gallery on the main floor and features the work of artists Sean Caulfield, Sue Colberg, Jill Ho-You, Heather Leier, Kiona Ligtvoet, Tara Manyfingers, and Jewel Shaw. 

Many of the complex questions raised in current environmental discourse can be difficult to capture in scientific data or everyday language. The artists tried to articulate the sense of anxiety, loss and uncertainty we might be feeling as well as feelings of hope for positive change. They hope their art can help create a fuller picture of what environmental change means to Canadians.

There’s a new on-demand service app for St. Albert Transit and it’s effective September 18, 2022.

It will replace the current On-Demand Transit: Rider App. The On-demand service hours will remain the same for weekday evenings, Saturday evenings, Sundays and statutory holidays.

It’s available on both Android and iPhone platforms. You’ll be able to book trips in advance through the new app, online at ridestat.ca, or over the phone at 780-418-6060.

Current users of the On-Demand Transit: Rider App will need to download the new Book-A-Bus app and create a new account to take advantage of on-demand buses, push notifications and text messages, personal search results, and   favourite locations 

You can visit ridestat.ca for more information

Think about where you plan to walk most of the time. Then narrow your walking shoe choice based on that place. As I was looking at REI’s advice, they have three categories: road-running shoes, hiking shoes, and trail-running shoes, but there are a plethora of other good walking shoes out there, so splash about and see what suits you. 

The experts at REI suggest that when you’re considering any walking shoes, you should focus on these factors:

• Stability: lateral support: a shoe that you can’t bend or twist easily is what you’re looking for.
• Cushioning, and
• Fit

They also point out that fit supersedes all other considerations: technology, reviews, fashion or recommendations from friends. A proper fit helps prevent bruised toenails and heel blisters, as well as more serious foot problems. Buying a shoe that fits you well is the best way to end up with a shoe that’ll keep you and your feet happy forever.

You’ll have noted it’s quite hot outside so here’s some tips for enjoying your walking during the summer.  

·      Avoid the heat of the day by walking before 10AM or after 6PM. 

·      Walking where there’s tree cover provides shade and makes your walk much cooler. Keep in mind that direct sunlight can make the temperature feel up to fifteen degrees hotter. 

·      Light-coloured clothing and hats can shield you from ultraviolet rays, but remember to keep your arms and legs covered regardless of what you’re wearing. 

·      Be sure that whatever you wear wicks away moisture.

·      Drink water a few hours before you walk and then during your walk. Do so by carrying a bottle with a mix of ice and water 

·      Take regular sips - six to eight ounces of water every fifteen minutes are recommended. 

·      Consider making a shirt, bandana or hat damp before you go walking 

If you’ve ever wanted to try out active transportation options, there’s never been a better time in Edmonton. 

First, there’s bike lanes so you can feel secure whilst transporting yourself about 

Second, there’s bike-share-ebikes so if you don’t have a bike, but do have a way to access the ebikes you’re golden

Third, there’s scooters, which can make the both the first and last miles of your trip very fun

Fourth, the funicular gives you easy access in and out of the river valley

Fifth, ebikes are generally are on the uptick so if you have children with whom you are cycling, have health issues or even other cargo, the ebikes help make getting around easier

Sixth, if you are more of an acoustic bike rider, there’s still options for carrying children and gear galore. Check out the wide array of trailers, luggage racks and paniers that are available.

Seventh, there’s no reason you need to stick with one mode of transportation. Consider multi-modal options. For instance, you could drive, walk, or bus part of your journey, then hop on a shared bike or scooter for the rest of the distance.

If you’re trying to bike about and are disheartened by all the rain, fear not transpo-fans.  

Consider installing fenders on your bike. Not every bike comes with them and these spiffy bits of plastic cover the wheels and prevent spatter from the road and water from your wheels drenching your feet and legs.

I’m not saying you won’t get wet if you install fenders, but you will have a sporting chance at keeping dry for a bit longer. 

There are other handy bits of gear for riding in the rain, but you must balance the convenience of not getting wet with the sweat that will accumulate under whatever rain gear you choose. Often, it’s far better to get booties or wrap your feet in plastic bags, and bring a change of clothes for when you arrive wherever you’re going. 

One last bit of advice, stay away from the puddles, as you cannot easily gauge the depth of the puddle and a pothole that could jettison you off your bike.

The Edmonton Bike Coalition is holding a family-friendly celebration & bike protest on Saturday, June 18, at noon located at 101 Avenue & 75 Street.  

The event is focused on the concept plans for the 101 Avenue Streetscape project released in March 2022.

Overall the plans are an improvement over the existing state of 101 avenue but there are better designs elsewhere that would fit much better!

Join the Edmonton Bike Coalition on Saturday at noon at 101 Avenue & 75 Street to showcase Edmonton’s desires for a safe, equitable and active transportation-oriented city.

The potential is high for Edmontonians to be able to walk along streets, glance in shop windows, get food, drinks, or library books and then cool off by wading in the either City Hall pool or the Alberta Legislature Pool. 

However, more information is being gathered for how to make a pedestrianized corridor from 99th Street to 103rd Street or extend it even further to 109 Street as we speak. It would create a pedestrian space that piggybacks off of the closure of 102 Avenue. 

Changing the space to one slated for pedestrians adheres to city policy, creates a vital, safe place for all manners of citizens to do active transportation and addresses the City of Edmonton’s Climate Emergency goals.

Edmonton’s city council is considering turning part of 102nd Avenue downtown into a pedestrian-focused corridor. Sadly, the current plan is to eventually reopen one lane to eastbound vehicle traffic. But a new report in front of council suggests that a pedestrianized corridor run from 99th Street to 103rd Street, creating a pedestrian space piggybacking off of the closure of 102 Avenue from when the Valley Line LRT was constructed. 

Changing the space to one slated for pedestrians adheres to city policy, and creates a vital, safe place for all manners of citizens to do active transportation.

The Sondo Vélo/Pedal Poll is open to everyone. They invite and encourage people to participate and count other people on bikes. The group identify the important cycling routes for that community, identify specific locations on those routes, and then create a counts schedule for volunteers to cover a full day of counting.

This year there are 30 Focus Communities and one of them is Edmonton! By increasing the number of Focus Communities everyone gets a better picture of cycling in Canada for 2022. The results will also help grow the poll in 2023 and beyond.

Sign up at https://www.velocanadabikes.org/pedalpoll/

Although called a bike swap, it’s more like a community-based bicycle buy, sell, and donate event focused on getting people on bikes.  Think of it as a bicycle-oriented consignment store.

The donated bikes are checked for rideability and their serial numbers are recorded.

If you’re consigning a bike, the team will sell it for you and mail you a cheque or e-transfer, but if your bike doesn’t sell, you’ll have to pick it up

Remember, it’s this Saturday, May 14, 2022, located at the MacEwan University - City Centre 107 Street Underground Parkade

If you’re consigning your bike, bring it between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The doors open for purchasing bikes at 2:30 and the event runs to 4 p.m. 

If you’re just donating it, you can do that at anytime between 8 and 3 p.m. May 14, 2022

Hey there, active transpo listeners! Mobility lanes have returned starting the week of April 25! That means that vehicle lanes are converted for people to use for physical activity and we can bike, scoot, and roll comfortably in a separated lane. The speed limit on the adjacent roadway is reduced to 40 km/h where the lane is not separated by a median.

This program began in 2020 to ensure we had sufficient space to move during the lockdown but returns as part of a broader Summer Streets Program to make streets generally safer and more livable for everyone. 

The Summer Streets Program supports active modes of travel so everyone can discover Edmonton and enjoy the summer outdoors.

The Summer Street locations for 2022 include the ever popular Victoria Park Hill Road, Saskatchewan Drive from 109 Street to west of 104 Street and 104 Street, from Saskatchewan drive south to 78 Avenue.

Hey there Active Transpo fans, the 102 Avenida das bicicletas will be reconnected!

By the end of April EPCOR will widen both the existing sidewalk on the north side of 102 Avenida and the east side of the 116 Street sidewalk. These changes make a slow, shared-use sidewalk for cyclists and pedestrians. 

Note there will be a couple of days of sidewalk closures to widen the sidewalks and relocate a street light pole but there’ll be people with flags re-routing cyclists and pedestrians around the work area.

These changes to the existing detour were brought to you by the Oliver Community League and Paths for People

And, if you’re interested in, and have something to say about active transportation in Edmonton, City Council's Urban Planning Committee is discussing a report on April 26 regarding how active and public transportation user accommodation during construction disruptions. 

Edmonton City Council’s Executive Committee is discussing rehabilitation options for the High Level Bridge. These options offer increased opportunities for active transportation as they include:

• Creating shared use paths on the upper deck;
• Widening the sidewalk on the lower east deck;
• Rehabilitating the north and south approaches of the upper deck;
• Maintaining the streetcar track; and 
• Providing safety barriers.

This project will be an amazing redesign of an at-level crossing that makes active transportation in Edmonton a breeze because you don’t really need to dip into and climb out of the river valley unless you want to. 

The project also aligns with the High Level Line Society’s proposal that suggests changes extending beyond the bridge itself, stretching 4.3 km and connecting MacEwan University to Whyte Avenue at Gateway Boulevard along Ribbon of Steel.

Paths for People volunteers reviewed the results and found that the people who are biking about DO NOT reflect the diversity of Edmontonians. 

Paths for People noted there are limitations to counts based on observation, but the data shows that over 70% of the cyclists observed were perceived to be white. The remaining 30% comprised East Asian, Indigenous, South Asian, Black, Latino and Middle Eastern peoples. 

As well, 75% of cyclists were adults, 11% were seniors and 10% were children. A whopping 66% of observed cyclists were perceived to be male. 

Observational counts of this nature inform researchers and governments about access to cycling infrastructure for Edmontonians of all ages, abilities, and populations. When there are more places to ride, more people ride, and infrastructure helps them feel safe in making that choice. 

If you use the river valley as part of your active transportation network, this is a heads up that there are several changes happening in Edmonton parks over the next while, which may impact your travels.  

The first is William Hawrelak Park, which has access points to Buena Vista Park and Emily Murphy Park. Hawrelak has been identified as a priority for rehabilitation and will be closed for a considerable time to address the aging park infrastructure. That means upgrades, repairs or replacements to many of the park amenities. The 10-year rehabilitation plan was finalized in 2019 and will guide reinvestment in the park. The rehabilitation is slated to start in 2023. 

The City of Edmonton is also in the midst of negotiating with Parks Canada and Indigenous representatives from Treaty Six and the Metis nation to create a national urban park in the Edmonton region. This park, in addition to creating more access to green spaces for Edmontonians, will also provide cultural and land-based healing opportunities for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.  It is unclear if the entire river valley will be declared a national urban park or only segments will be.

If you’re fond of using the Oliverbahn to make your way east and west in Edmonton on the north side of the river, we’ve got news for you.

EPCOR is installing an access point at the intersection of 102 Avenue and 116 Street and the street is expected to be closed until August of this year.  

Initial closures notices did not take into consideration the impact on active transportation, however, EPCOR has contacted representatives to discuss how best to manage detours during construction particularly as the 102 Avenue bikeway is a high-use route that provides safe movement for all manners of people, from walkers to cyclists.

These options include dismounting and using the sidewalk, a speed reduction for automobiles, temporary push buttons and extra signage. 

Every Friday morning between 7 and 9 a.m. a group of cyclists and walkers gather at Ezio Farone Park on the north west side of the High-Level Bridge before heading off to their day. It’s a casual gathering of welcoming like-minded folks who like to pause to enjoy the view and each other’s company before getting down to business, whatever that is for them.

The park is a central meeting place accessible to all ages and abilities and you are welcome to bring your favourite morning beverage and join them.

BUT, This Friday morning from 7-9 a.m. come join other cyclists and walkers to celebrate the Solstice, erm, no I mean anticipate the Equinox!

Free hot drinks are provided by Paths for People, all you’ll need is your mug. 

Bring some socks, toques, gloves or other gently used warm clothing for the Bissell Centre as a donation, get some lights at the bike light station and meet others just like you. 

If the weight of the world is getting you down, check out Canada’s first-ever 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults to see what a healthy 24 hours looks like for Canadian adults

The guidelines focus on how all our movement behaviours integrate together and weave these behaviours with guidance on both sedentary and sleep behaviours.

SO HOW MUCH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SHOULD YOU GET?

Some is better than none and include different types of movement at various intensity levels. Try to include physical activity, muscle-strengthening activities and standing. This might look like your daily life if it includes casual neighbourhood walks, gardening, household chores and taking stairs instead of the elevator 

SO HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU SIT AROUND?

If possible, limit sedentary time to 8 hours or less per day. Pair that with around 3 hours of recreational screen time. Then break up long periods of sitting where possible by standing up, dancing or gardening or whatever takes your fancy.

SO HOW MUCH SLEEP SHOULD YOU GET?

For those aged 18-64 consider 7 to 9 hours of good quality sleep on a regular basis, 

If you’re over 65, consider 7 to 8 hours. 

Practicing good sleep habits like consistent bed and wake-up times help a lot.

For more information check out the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology

With the provincial mandate changing on Tuesday the university is reminding students and visitors that continued masking in shared indoor spaces is expected.

The university will  also be suspending the universities travel directive, travellers will still need to assess travel risk for a range of issues from security to covid. 

The university will be returning the previous approved travel outlined in the off campus activity and travel policy which is available at ualberta’s website. 

With changes coming to  Alberta's public health restrictions on Tuesday and the university going back to physical learning this Monday this week and the coming month will certainly be interesting.

Here is to staying safe and always educating yourself on important topics that affect you and those around you, for cjsr and this week's campus news this is Jarret Kamm. 

 In the update Mr.Flanagan pointed to the high effectiveness of the directive, with 97% of students and 99 percent of staff being fully vaccinated. 

Personal Health Checks will now replace the directive, as well as face masks continuing to be required across all indoor shared campus spaces. 

Also coming this week will be a special edition of YouAlberta newsletter that will include resources and stories aimed at helping you prepare for your return to campus. It will be released this Tuesday, February 22nd. 

To view the universities updates you can visit ualberta.ca/covid19

For cjsr this is Jarret Kamm

Exciting news for bike commuters! Councillor Ashley Salvador introduced a motion asking Administration to look at options to move up the completion of routes in the Edmonton area to 2026, citing cycling as a viable mode of transportation that can reduce the cost of living for Edmontonians, improve public health, and achieve ambitious emissions reductions targets

The motion was passed unanimously by the five voting members of the Urban Development Committee, and as a result, Edmonton is on a path to expand and enhance up to 678 kilometres of multi-use trails over the next 10 years.

The ask is for Administration to consider options to extend the network of trails to south-central, west-central and east-central neighbourhoods. 

Council began discussing the priorities at a Feb. 15 meeting, ahead of the new four-year budget cycle that starts in the fall. 

Later on the week on the 10th the president of the university, Bill Flanagan made note that masks and campus ready passes will still be a part of the safety measures in place. 

This news came as an interesting counter to the minister of advanced education Demetrios Nicolaides, who earlier in the week encouraged that post secondary schools should “align” their policies and practises with the Alberta government. 

Also announced was the Alberta government has now stated that if hospitalizations continue to drop from covid-19, we could see the mask mandate removed by March 1st. 

For more updates you can visit ualberta.ca/covid19

For CJSR this is Jarret Kamm 

Tomorrow is winter bike somewhere, possibly to work, day and you could win big! To participate you must: 

1. Post a photo of yourself cycling or of your bike outside on February 11, 2022 with the hashtag #YEGWinterBikeToWork22
2. Photos can be posted on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
3. There is no charge or purchase required to enter the contest.
4. Only one submission is allowed per person on either Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. 

You could win one of 34 gift cards, and these cards are not convertible to cash. 

Each gift card is $20 and comes from one of the 17 venues that participated in the winter 2021-22 #YEGWinterPatios campaign. Winners will be drawn at random. 

Contest begins at 12am MDT on Friday February 11, 2022 and ends 11:59pm MDT on Friday, February 11, 2022. 

The winners will be selected on Monday, February 14, 2022.

Winners will be contacted via the social media account they used to submit their entry to the contest. 

The student union also released a survey done between January 25th-31st that received over 1200 responses to questions regarding this past winter semester. These answers can be found through a google document in articles locally covering this topic. This Thursday student union leaders will meet with representatives of the universities to cover these frustrations of online learning and hopefully find a solution as the semester comes to a close.

For cjsr this is Jarret Kamm 

If you’re interested in trying winter cycling but are unsure as to whether you’ll enjoy it enough to invest in a trendy fat bike, you have a number of options. 

First, keep in mind that people have been winter cycling for years already by either getting a second bike and changing to winter tires or using the bike they’ve been riding for a while now and changing its tires! 

If you are interested in trying out a fatbike before you buy one, you can rent one at either River Valley Adventure Co or United Sport and Cycle, and their information is on line.

If you’re interested in a second-hand bike, you can contact Bike Edmonton to buy one from them. Note however that you must physically go to their shop during their regular shop hours to take a look at their current stock. 

If you’re looking for quick tips or hints on how to make winter cycling better for yourself, check out Bike Edmonton’s tiktok where they have a wide range of videos!

Also updated was the case and outbreak response plan page where updates to reflect new activation triggers plus new information related to isolation periods, and processes for notification of residence cases and sick employee/students procedures. 

If you are a student or community participant you are recommended to send an email to the U of A PHRT Triage Team at phrt.triage@ualberta.ca with your name and call back phone number. If you are a student living in residence you are to contact the residence rrp associate on call directly. 

For more information on this update you can visit ualberta.ca/covid-19/updates

For cjsr this is Jarret Kamm 

What is Winter Walk Day you ask? It’s a province-wide event slated to encourage Albertans to participate in at least 15 minutes of outdoor activity on February 2nd, 2022. The outdoor activity can include walking, but it could also include snowshoeing, skiing, or riding your bike.

Challenge your neighbours, log your time, bundle up and have fun! It's good for you, your family, your community and the planet. Don't let the ice and cold get you down, and join thousands of Albertans as they celebrate winter walk day. We recommend dressing appropriately for the weather (read layers) and staying well hydrated

You can register, either as a group or as an individual at https://shapeab.com/winter-walk-day/, and this website is where you’d post your stories and photos as well.

So, get out there on February 2, 2022!

The research that was recently published is centered around an anti viral drug called remdesivir.

Matthias Gotte, the professor and chair of the department of medical microbiology and immunology noted that it all comes down to how well the drug tricks the polymerase, which in viruses is the engine that is responsible for replication. 

Previously researchers did not understand why the drug worked on some viruses and not others. 

The next step now will be more modification by researchers to the compound to better accept the polymerase for covid but also other viruses.

The drug has been shown in clinical trials to cut the risk of hospitalisation by 87% when given early on. 

 This news is exciting and will develop in the next couple of months to a year, stay tuned for more updates. For cjsr this is Jarret Kamm 

If you’re feeling like you’re just not getting enough activity in riding or walking to work or would like to check something out during daylight hours, consider walking or wheeling to various events around Edmonton this month. 

Things you can check out include: 

The Deep Freeze: which is a Byzantine Winter Festival that features a mix of Ukrainian traditions, Francophone history and Indigenous cultural performances.  The festival includes a wide selection of food, light installations, and ice sculptures and you can find it at Borden Park and Pipon Village (92 Street and 118 Avenue) running until the 23rd of this month

Another way to get your winter walk or wheel in is to head on over to the Ice on Whyte Festival starting on the 27th of January and running until the 6th of February.  This festival features artists creating stunning ice sculptures.

As well, now is the time to start planning your winter Wheel to Work Day participation on February 11 and your attendance at the e-global Winter Cycling Congress that runs February 11 and 12! 

Continued safety measures will continue like onecard access being necessary for accessing campus buildings, and research, grad student training and rec services being done with physical distancing. 

Also announced was a new deadline of this Friday January 21st to delete any new classes, students wishing to add classes will need to do so by Tuesday January 18th. 

Noted as well is that the university does not require proof of a positive test to support an absence, likewise this will also follow employees and staff of the university as a supervisor may not request to see a covid test result to accommodate an absence.

For more information you can visit ualberta.ca/covid-19/updates

For CJSR this is Jarret Kamm 

Recently, City Council approved $4 million to be put towards our nearly one hundred kilometres of missing sidewalk spaces, unsafe crossings and gaps in bike paths. This work will be done this year and next and is in line with both the city's vision of a 15-minute community and its climate goals. 

The city will also be considering its snow and ice removal processes, particularly in light of climate-change oriented weather conditions. This consideration is important given that last week I was talking about being active in tremendously cold weather and this week we’re seeing temperatures on the plus side of zero.  

Really the only consistency I can offer is Alfred Wainwright’s saying: “There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” I recommend that you dress in layers regardless of the weather, so that if you’re too warm or too cold you have the layers available as needed. Furthermore, I also recommend that you carry a satchel to put your extra gear in so that you can account for temperature fluctuations during the day. 

Wear appropriate clothing

• Always wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation. Some synthetic fabrics are designed to keep perspiration away from your body which keep you dry and further reduce your risk.
• Dress in layers with a wind resistant outer layer. You can remove layers if you get too warm (before you start sweating) or add a layer if you get cold.
• Wear warm socks, gloves, a hat and scarf in cold weather. Be sure to put a scarf over your nose to protect it.
• If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you're wet.

Protect yourself

• On sunny days wear sun glasses, lip balm and sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays and keep it moisturized to help prevent windburn.
• Wear a face mask and goggles if you are participating in winter activities such as skiing, snowmobiling and skating to protect your face from frostbite and windburn.
• Keep moving (especially your hands and feet) to keep your blood flowing and maintain your body heat.

Know the weather conditions

• Pay attention to weather alerts in your area. Special weather statements and warnings are issued when extreme weather is possible in your area.
• Environment Canada issues wind chill alerts to warn you of conditions that will cause frostbite to exposed skin.

In other news the alberta government announced Friday that while no plans exist to limit people there will be a new shipment of the rapid antigen test kits to pharmacys following last weeks fast rollout and even faster sell out of test kits. With complaints coming from pharmacies as they weren't able to meet the demand, with them targeting the current protocols which stipulate that if people have their family members healthcare numbers they are entitled to retrieving as many as they need. 

For more information you can visit ualberta.ca/covidupdate or from the campus news team happy holidays and please practice safety this holiday season. For cjsr this is Jarret Kamm 

Most excitingly, the Edmonton city council has been talking about a supplemental budget adjustment to provide 4.75 million dollars towards Active Transportation improvements and expansions to sidewalks across Edmonton. These mobility-lane and -network improvements can potentially increase safety, align with other city goals such as vision zero, and both provide support for local businesses and increase covid-compliant options for travel. This is exciting news because, in developed countries, over 75 percent of car trips are less than 10 kilometres, making cycling and walking feasible ways to get to where you want to go instead. 

This budget adjustment supports fixing missing links and expanding mobility lanes and mobility networks in core areas including:

• Fort Road from approximately 127 Avenue to 153 Avenue 
• 127 Street from Yellowhead trail to 137 Avenue 
• 102 Avenue from 136 Street to 139 Street 
• 106 Street from Princess Elizabeth Avenue to 118 Avenue 
• 105 Avenue from 101 Street to 97 Street 
• Area Network from the area of Bonnie Doon, Strathearn, Holyrood and Idylwyld 
• Area Network for the neighbourhoods in and around the Northlands/Exhibition lands site

That means, there’s the potential for a new bike lane or sidewalk improvement coming to a street near you!

Dr. Michael Perkins, an associate professor and project co-lead made the statement saying on average the testing gives them a six day warning signal of whats to come. The testing allows for researchers to see localized trends of covid 19, even on those who are asympomatic. People can watch for trends in their own community using this online tracker and can even give results of local neighborhoods. Perkins also said that the project has the potential to be used in the detection of other disease or flu outbreaks. For more info please visit the listed article on our website. 

For Cjsr this is Jarret Kamm 

Although it’s quite icy out, and everyone should be super-duper careful, if you’re looking for a new place to walk, the Tawatinâ bridge will be open this weekend! 

The bridge creates a unique opportunity for access to Edmonton’s river valley so be sure to check it out over the winter months. However, given the freeze-thaw cycles we’re experiencing, be sure to wear cleats, sturdy shoes and layers of clothing to make your walk enjoyable. 

You can now walk from Riverdale to Cloverdale and back again, as the bridge is completed!  And most exciting, the communities are hosting a celebration for the opening of the Tawatinâ bridge on December 12. 

There’s be over 400 art installations, music, opportunities for donations of warm clothing, meet and greets with new local leaders, treats from local businesses and so much more! 

Come for the smudging ceremony and stay for the good times starting Sunday at 2 p.m. on the bridge. 

In other news on November 25th the Public Health Agency of Canada revised its guidance on what kind of mask to wear. Especially they're emphasising that people should get masks that fit them well, and if non-medical they should have at least two layers of fabric and a filter layer. For more info on this you can visit the article linked on our site or cbc’s article at cbc.ca/nevws/health/canada-covid-19-mask-guidance

To find out more you can visit both alberta.ca/covid19 or ualberta.ca/covid-19 

For Cjsr this is Jarret Kamm 

To be eligible to receive free studded winter tires, you have to 

a.     be 16 years of age or older, 

b.     be new or relatively new to winter cycling, 

c.     do three winter cycling challenges by December 31, 2021. All challenges help you gain the knowledge and confidence for winter cycling! Six of the ten challenges are free. And, 

d.     fill out a questionnaire by January 15, 2022, to tell them if the program helped you.

The Challenges

1. Watch three of Bike Edmonton’s TikToks 
2. Watch Bike Edmonton's Winter Cycling Video, 
3. Participate in a Virtual Winter Cycling Workshop 
4. Write a short description of the challenges and rewards of starting to winter cycle 
5. Provide pictures of you and your bike out in winter
6. Go to YEG Coffee Outside, a free drop-in outdoor coffee event held Friday mornings from 7 am-9 am in Ezio Faraone 
7. Ride five times to work, school, or for errands
8. Attend a Winter Cycling Handling Skills Workshop. 
9. Participate in an in-person Winter Cycling Workshop 
10. Participate in a Bike Repair 101: Intro to Bike Maintenance course or a Bike Repair 201 courses  There’s still room in the Saturday, December 4th Bike Repair 101 workshop and the Saturday, December 11th Bike Repair 201: Brakes workshop

Some conditions apply to the courses. For more information, email info@bikeedmonton.ca or check out the blog on the bikeedmonton.ca website

Winter City works with community groups and Edmontonians to enable and promote positive winter experiences. Bike Edmonton works with Edmontonians to encourage cycling in all its forms 

For cjsr this is Jarret Kamm 

Want to continue your active transportation over winter? There’s no reason you can’t.  the best way is to put off putting your bike away and ride one more day. 

Try inching your way into winter riding by seeing how long into the fall you are comfortable riding, then try riding one more snowy day. Also, consider picking a temperature below which you don’t want to ride in. There’s no need to be a martyr. If you’re not enjoying it, just take a break.

If you would go skiing or play hockey in cold weather, then winter biking is not very different. All it takes is the desire, a bike you trust, and various layers of clothes similar to what you’d wear for cross country skiing. Then it’s a matter of riding slower, braking slowly and staying a little more upright in the corners! 

Having said that, you may need to invest in a balaclava, some mitts that fit between the handlebars and the brake levers but also keep your hands warm and some warm boots. Keep in mind, you can slip your boots into bread bags for a low cost way to keep warm. 

Students will be required to follow the go abroad process outlined via the universities website, their travel to high risk locations will need to be consulted with their education abroad program coordinator , then approved also by the dean or vp responsible. 

Noted also is that the university will monitor local conditions and may recall students from experiences abroad if the local situation deteriorates, recall expenses will be the responsibility of the student. 

Staff are also included and will be required to complete the staff approval to travel form and register in UGO, with their supervisors approving low to medium risk travel. 

To view a list of countries and their current travel advisories you can view them at travel.gc.ca/traveling/advisories 

For Cjsr this is Jarret Kamm

As of November 12th over 81 Percent of eligible Albertans have been fully vaccinated. The university in last week's update covered the upcoming plan to have at least 90% of classes in person by January of 2022. This will indeed be an interesting time and we will update you with numbers as they come in. 

For more information and stats on covid-19 you can visit 
Alberta.ca/stats/covid-19 or for university updates they are at ualberta.ca/covid-19
For cjsr this is Jarret Kamm 

Once you have these things, draw circles on the map around each place you might go over the course of a month. For instance, you might circle where you buy groceries or clothes, or go for coffee, where you work or go to school or where your children go to school. Be sure to include the places you seek entertainment, and the common routes you use for walking or cycling. Once you have circled all these places, have a look to see where most of the circles intersect and consider purchasing or renting your next home in these places. 

By doing this activity, you can move to where you are already doing most of your living thereby reducing your automobile use, and increasing your and your family’s options for active transportation. 

As cases have continued to rise with reported number from those aged 20-29 to be 351 from the week of October 29th to November 4th  it seems like this will be a tough task ahead. 

Also expected soon is that once the provincial work-from-home measure is lifted all available staff will begin returning to campus also with the hope of a full return by January 2022. In conjunction with this there will soon be a released formal work from home program, where by staff can apply after speaking with their supervisors and based on availability within that role. 

 For more information on the return to work program keep updated at ualberta.ca/covid-19 

For cjsr this is Jarret Kamm

Sixty-four cycling organizations have sent a list of suggestions to boost cycling levels in a letter to the Conference of the Parties which is a global United Nations summit about climate change. COP26 is attended by countries that signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) - a treaty agreed to in 1994. Some of suggestions, (thanks to TreeHugger.com) include:

• Promoting cycling in all its forms, 
• Recognising cycling as a climate solution, establishing a clear link between how an increase in bicycle trips and a decrease in private car trips reduce CO₂ emissions
• Creating and financing national cycling strategies 
• Collecting data on cycling 
• Investing in high-quality cycling infrastructure and in incentives for communities historically marginalised from cycling
• Providing other incentives for people and businesses to switch to bicycles for more of their daily trips
• Decreasing our reliance on the private car by increasing multi-modal options and
• Committing to and tracking a global target of higher cycling levels.

 If you have not already you can access the signup webpage at ualberta.ca/covid-19. This pass once again will be mandatory when asked for all students, faculty and staff. 

The following individuals can ask to see your pass : 

• Your Instructor
• Campus service representatives 
• Event organizers
• Your supervisor
• Your hr services partners or other representatives from human resources
• Representatives from the office of the dean of students

For a full list of non compliance consequences you can also check out the ualberta website. 

Also Starting November 1st all visitors must present an alberta government qr code to verify their vaccination. For Cjsr this is Jarret Kamm  

This is my annual reminder that, while its getting darker earlier and staying dark longer there’s a sneaky time of day when sun is exactly at the horizon and that makes cyclists and walkers very hard to see.

Moreover, this situation will happen for us right up until the time change and then it will go on after the time change until the we move further into November and the sun rises after our commutes are over.  

Is there any particular way to prepare for this low visibility time? No, actually, but you can wear high viz clothes, take extra caution crossing streets. IF you’re driving, pay extra attention for cyclists and walkers. 

Noted is that even if you are working remotely or learning remotely you will also have this requirement. A helpful guide is available on their site 

Also included in that update the u of a released numbers across campus of reported cases. We can see a steady decline from September and the beginning of October, and currently sit at a current number of 5 cases only at the north campus, interestingly this tool even breaks down the faculties of each current case. To view this tool and the other updates you can visit ualberta.ca/covid-19/updates   

For CJSR this is Jarret kamm 

The City of Edmonton provides a number of maps that are helpful in planning your walk or ride and include information on communities, attractions, public washrooms and a number of other amenities. You’ll also find information on snow and ice clearing for facilities, bike lanes, bridges, stairs, bus stops, natural areas and parking lots.  

If you’re wondering about a route, or looking to add a bit of excitement to your current route, check out walking in Edmonton under Edmonton.ca.

Keep in mind however, the routes closed to motorists so pedestrians and cyclists could comply with covid distancing protocols will return to vehicle lanes for the winter as of the first week of November this year.  For CJSR, this is Karly Coleman

All campus visitors are encouraged to read and become familiar with the campus's social and safe engagement protocols. You can find that information on ualberta.ca/covid-19

Also noted is that flu shots will be available at North Campus starting Monday, October 18th via appointment only at the University Health Centre and the UHC Pharmacy.

Produced by Jarret Kamm.

1.     A nearly 5 k walk takes about 45 minutes

2.     Walking gives you an emotional boost as it ramps up your endorphins

3.     Walking helps to keep you trim, but it’s not the be-all or end all in weight loss. If you are actively seeking to change your bodyshape, it’s best to consult professionals. 

4.     If you decide to rely on alternative transportation as your main mode of transportation, you’ll definitely save money on parking, gas, car maintenance, etc. 

5.     You’ll be able to augment your walking with other modes like transit

6.     You’ll reduce your anxiety

7.     You’ll reduce your screen time

8.     You can listen to podcasts, music, or other media as you walk

9.     Preparing to walk makes the walk more pleasurable. Consider the shoes, clothes and the various accoutrements you’ll need to be prepared, 

10.    Prioritizing your walk means you will eventually choose to walk before you choose to use other types of transportation.

Produced by Chris Chang-Yen Phillips 

If they do not implement the restrictions exemption program, then Indoor dining is not permitted. Outdoor dining only with a maximum of 6 people per table (one household or 2 close contacts for those living alone) while their liquor sales end at 10 p.m. and liquor consumption ends at 11pm.  

Remember to be kind when going to restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and nightclubs as the maximum fine for mistreating front-line workers was doubled from $2,000 to $4,000 as of Thursday, October 7.

Submitted by Karly Coleman

In this episode, three phone calls:
- Ryan Lacanilao calls his grandaunt Juaning in Montana to deliver some good news
- Russ Cobb helps his kids Henry and August call their grandparents Lenore and Mark Dolin in California
- Chris Chang-Yen Phillips calls his grammy Kirsten Phillips in Calgary to hear some stories about growing up in Denmark.