One More Time – Trying to Improve Downtown Cycling SAFETY

At the June 12th, 2017 Riel Community Committee meeting, with the support of Councillors Allard and Mayes, I brought forward yet another Motion to try to improve cycling safety in downtown Winnipeg (see my Motion below).

The May 30th, 2017 report on a Downtown Grid of Adjustable Protected Bike Lanes satisfied many questions, but primarily determined that Winnipeg’s downtown is a priority for installing cycling infrastructure and we should be looking at an economical approach.

NEXT STEP IN THE PROCESS:  My June 12th Motion will come forward for discussion and debate at the next meeting of the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works, scheduled for 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 27 at City Hall, 510 Main Street.

I will be attending this meeting in delegation to discuss the Motion.  If you are interested in supporting this motion by attending the meeting on June 27 and speaking to it, please contact Kate McMillan, City Clerk, for details:  KMcMillan@winnipeg.ca

Councillor Lukes’ Motion – Downtown Cycling Grid

June 12, 2017 Meeting of Riel Community Committee

Whereas the May 30th  Downtown Grid of Adjustable Protected Bike Lanes Report clarified the implementation of a protected bike facility fits within the goals and objectives of the PCS,

Whereas the Public Service states adjustable facilities are an economical Capital investment method to establish new protected bike facilities,

Whereas the Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies clearly identifies a 10 km cycling grid for the Downtown,

Whereas the Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies identify a number of high priority actions and network improvements to be under-taken in the short-term including development of a  downtown separated bicycle lane network,

Whereas now annually, the Public Service meets with Councillors to present a draft Pedestrian and Cycling Action Plan for the future budget year,

Whereas the 2017 Pedestrian and Cycling Action Plan is studying a number of bike facilities to determine the best ways to deploy a protected bike lane in future years,

Whereas the current implementation strategy for 10 km of protected bike lanes in the Downtown is anticipated to occur over 5-7 years

Whereas there is increasing public demand for the City of Winnipeg to provide safe cycling infrastructure in downtown Winnipeg in the form of protected bike lanes in a shorter time frame than the projected 5-7 years,

Therefore be it resolved, in preparation for 2019 budget discussions, the Public Service develop the draft Pedestrian and Cycling Action Plan that follows the current implementation strategy, and to include a plan identifying the necessary steps and costs required  to accelerate the implementation of a protected downtown bike lane network,

And therefore be it resolved that Councillors prioritize the 2019 Pedestrian and Cycling Action Plan with a focus on increasing safety for downtown cycling in the most timely manner possible.  

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