For immediate release August 31, 2022
Treaty 1 Territory, Homeland of the Red River Métis, Winnipeg, Manitoba –
Today, mayoral candidate Rick Shone announced his plan to fast-track Active Transportation infrastructure (AT) in Winnipeg, focusing on planning, connections & wayfinding, and safety.
Shone’s plan will:
• Significantly increase the number of protected bike lanes;
• Complete network gaps;
• Increase the number of bike racks available;
• Partner with 529 Garage to deter theft;
• Improve and refurbish the sidewalk network;
• Improve wayfinding around Winnipeg.
“Safer bike networks mean more cyclists, less car traffic and reduced wear and tear on our roads. Active transportation boils down to finding convenient and safe ways of moving around neighbourhoods. It’s great for the environment and for our health and well-being.” said Shone.
“My plan also recognizes that not all Winnipeggers own vehicles or are increasingly demanding car-free options to move around the city and to do their part to fight Climate Change.”
“Investments in Active Transportation in recent years have paid off in Winnipeg, but one of the biggest issues in developing AT networks is ensuring the money is there,” said Shone. “As mayor, I will double the budget for AT and ensure stable, predictable funding for the future.”
According to a budget analysis by Bike Winnipeg, the city plans to spend a total of approximately $18.8M over the next four years on the AT network. To achieve this, Shone promises to at least double Winnipeg’s current capital commitments for AT infrastructure over the next four years and consolidate reporting of AT upgrades to a single, identifiable item in city budgets.
Shone’s plan is consistent with Winnipeg’s long-term vision in OurWinnipeg 2045 and the Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies and Action Plan. This commitment will be funded in part through federal and provincial programs dedicated to green infrastructure and active transportation.
To improve Winnipeg’s active transportation network, Shone plans to do the following: In a 2018 Probe Research Poll, nearly 60% of Winnipeggers said they would bike daily, a few times per week or a 1 few times per month if cycling in Winnipeg was made easier.
1. Improve Planning
- Prioritize the construction of new cycling infrastructure in mature areas with current gaps, at locations with a high number of collisions, improving access to transit, and improving connections to highly frequented locations like recreational facilities, parks, medical facilities, and shopping.
- Evaluate and incorporate AT infrastructure into all street renewal and reconstruction projects by default, instead of adding additional costs later.
- Leverage development agreements to require new communities be designed with effective and direct AT infrastructure.
- Require new multi-use pathways be designed to reduce conflict between pedestrians and bikes.
2. Improve Safety and Deter Theft
- Prioritize the construction of protected bike lanes, create traffic-calmed neighbourhood bikeways, improve intersection design, and line painting for AT infrastructure.
- Increase the number of high-quality bike racks, particularly on-street bike racks, available year-round in areas Winnipeggers most want to go including recreation facilities, business zones, and transit stations. This plan will also prioritize the replacement and repair of damaged bike racks and efficient snow removal in the winter.
- Require designated temporary cycle lanes through construction zones, where bicycle lanes currently exist, if cycle lanes are closed.
- Replace Winnipeg’s “Online Bike Registry” with 529 Garage, a cost-effective ($10 000 annually) nationwide program proven to reduce bicycle theft and improve recovery in cities across Canada. Over 6 years, Vancouver has seen a 42% reduction in bike theft and 33 000 hours of police time saved after joining 529 Garage.
3. Improve Connections and Wayfinding
- Prioritize the completion of gaps in the existing cycling and pedestrian networks.
- Improve wayfinding by installing signs to key destinations throughout the network.
- Create a digital map of the AT network.
- Better integrate cycling and transit by working to ensure that all buses are equipped with bike racks within four years.
“Winnipeg has made some great strides in recent years in developing our active transportation network, but there is still a lot of work to do to make it safe and convenient for everyone,” said Shone. “As mayor, I will make active transportation a priority, so that we can reduce traffic congestion and create a more livable and healthier city for everyone.”
-30-
Case study provided by 529 Garage, completed in Vancouver.
