Gil Penalosa shares his vision with Edmonton.

Paths for People held our inaugural event on April 15-16.  Dubbed A City For Life, we kicked off the weekend with a dynamite presentation by Gil Penalosa of 8 80 Cities.

Gil was inspiring and informative, and one of the big takeaways was that we can change Edmonton now.

Mack Male attended the presentation and did a great write up of the event here.

On April 16, we hosted a workshop of Edmonton decision makers and thought leaders. Attendees included Mayor Don Iveson, Councillors Knack, McKeen, Henderson and Walters, MLA David Shepherd, City of Edmonton Chief Planner Peter Ohm, General Manager Integrated Infrastructure Services Adam Laughlin, Architect Vivian Manasc, and author Todd Babiak, among others.

Gil Penalosa gave a short keynote to kick off the event.

This is what Paths for People learned from Gil:

• a minimum grid of walk/bike routes is crucial;
• safety must be a priority, achieved through separated lanes and decreased vehicle speed on residential streets;
• we need to work efficiently – a minimum grid can be achieved in 5 years;
• now is the time – political alignment, economic opportunity, and quick success will drive further progress; and
• a separated, connected grid is the way to get more people using active transport.

Our MC, Councillor Michael Walters

David Shepherd announces the creation of a bicycle infrastructure development guide by the Alberta Government.

Standing Ovation!