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Parents – Transportation To and From Schools

Sep 17, 2020

COVID is presenting significant transportation challenges for students attending schools. Pembina Trails School Division is responsible for transporting students who live further than 1.6 km. from the school, and the City is responsible for providing transportation infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, bike paths, lights, signage, enforcement, etc) BUT the impact of COVID is requiring a complete re-think on moving students and vehicles safely around schools!

Barely two weeks into the new school year and I am receiving many emails from parents hoping I can find solutions to gridlocks, missing signage, gaps in sidewalks and pathways, increasing enforcement around schools and more! Transportation of all kinds around schools has always been a challenge, in every season – now even more so with COVID-19 and the reduction of students who are able to take school busses to school. Prior to being elected I worked on many ‘Active and Safe Routes to School’ improvements and have been recognized Provincially for my work. While Waverley West ward has a spectacular walking and biking network – there is always room for improvement.

 

I have six initiatives underway:

1 – Meeting with the Mayor, Councillors

  • Councillors are receiving calls about increasing vehicle congestion to / from and around schools. More students are walking and biking to school. I believe the City has a significant role to play in helping students get to school safely in these unprecedented times. I am discussing safety concerns with the Mayor and Councillors.

 

2 – Forming a Waverley West Active Transportation Advisory Committee:

  • Fifteen local walkers and cyclists have already signed up to provide advice and to brainstorm on how to improve walking and cycling conditions in the Waverley West ward.  The Committee will also be consulting with Bike Winnipeg, Winnipeg Trails Association, Manitoba Trucking Association, and others.  If you are interested in participating, please contact Arian Arianpour at  AArianpour@winnipeg.ca Information will be summarized, shared.

 

3 – Surveying Parents:

  • I’ve partnered with Pembina Trails School Division and the Green Action Center. We will be releasing a survey next week that will ask parents “What can the City do to improve walking, cycling and road safety to and from schools.” Results will be summarized, shared .

 

4 – Hosting a Bike Clinic:

Wednesday, Sept 30th

Kirkbridge Park – Soccer field by the shade structure

5:00pm – 8:00pm

Bring your Bike! Bike mechanics will be providing free quick tune ups! I will be in attendance along with volunteers from Safe Speeds Winnipeg (#Love30on30) to discuss transportation concerns!

 

5 – Updating Waverley West Active Transportation Map:

  • I’m preparing an updated map of existing sidewalks, bike paths, crosswalks and transit stops in the Waverley West ward. New routes are always appearing in a growing community! The map will be posted next week – to www.JaniceLukes.ca  and social media. It will assist you in navigating the neighbourhoods.

 

6 – Road Safety Plan:

  • The City is developing  Road Safety Plan and wants to hear from you.  What is your perception of road safety? What is your experience as a road user? How can the City improve the safety of Winnipeg roads? Please provide your input at: Road Safety Plan. Results from the City-wide survey will be summarized and shared Spring 2021.