Winnipeg needs cycling infrastructure
Lindsay Moore
A recent letter to the editor published in the Winnipeg Free Press argued that cyclists are “belligerent hippy-types.” The letter went on to argue that sharing roadways with cyclists should be discouraged, as they are an inconvenience to motorists. Perhaps they are an inconvenience, but it seems to me that the only belligerent people are those who refuse to recognize the vast benefits of a growth in active transportation in terms of road conditions, traffic congestion and noise pollution, to name a few.
Many of our politicians are often reluctant to take risks and spend money on policies that may or may not prove successful. Though, in the case of rapid transit, it seems that the city may be willing to move ahead and implement some major changes, albeit less drastic and slower moving than those originally proposed by former mayor Glen Murray.
Current Mayor Sam Katz has recently made the announcement that funding originally received for the implementation of a rapid transit system will be used to improve existing transit infrastructure, with the future goal of rapid transit corridors 10 to 15 years down the road. Katz’s willingness to address these policy issues and offer somewhat innovative and enlightened solutions is promising and provides those of us who take the bus on a regular basis with something to look forward to.
Now, what to do about those “pesky” cyclists? The recently reported “Active Transportation Study” may provide some plausible answers. Suggestions made in the study, if implemented, would provide Winnipeg with a much needed face lift in terms of cycling and walking paths, and would help limit and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while allowing for a fairly simple, healthy alternative to the car.
The “Active Transportation Study” is in some ways an extension of the 2001 report “Plan Winnipeg 2020 Vision,” a long-term approach to policy with the intention of promoting future growth and sustainability. “Plan Winnipeg” proposes that the city commit itself to integrating and developing the transportation system to include such things as a network of bicycle paths and walkways and certain measures to increase the safety of cyclists on the road.
Through marketing, building and maintaining facilities such as bike paths, walkways and wider curb lanes, as well as informing Winnipeggers as to the benefits of cleaner and healthier forms of transportation, the more recent study suggests people would be more likely to include walking or cycling in their weekly routines.
While these initiatives appear groundbreaking in Winnipeg, they are nothing new to many Canadian cities. Ottawa, for example, has already hopped on the alternative and active transportation bandwagon and is well ahead in developing and implementing similar policies.
A striking feature of Ottawa’s TravelWise program is the online cycling guide that includes a map of every bike route in the city and provides information and advice about cycling in a variety of weather conditions, including snow, cold weather and rain. TravelWise also highlights how active forms of transportation can alleviate the stress placed on roadways, thereby reducing maintenance and development costs to taxpayers.
The recommendations made by the “Active Transportation Study” will likely be met with a certain degree of criticism and resistance by some Winnipeggers, including some of those at City Hall. Many people are tired of hearing about the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and take part in “greener” forms of transportation and living.
However, as more and more people begin to see the health and economic benefits of leaving the car at home, the city has an increasing obligation to make it easier and safer for active forms of transportation to take place.
We should view these recommendations as an opportunity to change the dynamic of Winnipeg and to create a sustainable, growing, innovative place to live, rather than a city that lags behind in terms of creation and development. With the institution of these policies and a little change in attitude and behaviour, Winnipeg could be well on its way to joining the ranks of other Canadian cities already enjoying the benefits of alternative forms of transportation.
Lindsay Moore has a bachelor of arts in history and is currently a pre-masters political studies student.
