Starting next spring, some Winnipeg active transportation routes will be cleared of winter sand and grit before other roads, with the goal of making them accessible sooner.
A new city staff report notes the city’s on-road active transportation network will be prioritized for cleaning first in the spring. The prioritized routes include bike paths, active transportation priority routes, seasonal bike routes and neighbourhood greenways. (The city defines neighbourhood greenways as on-street routes that typically use reduced speeds and traffic-calming measures to safely move cyclists, pedestrians and vehicles.)
The off-road network of sidewalks and pathways will continue to be cleared based on the priority level of associated streets.
“It is anticipated that the on-road active transportation network can be cleaned within two weeks (as opposed to the larger network’s five to six weeks), providing a safer environment to users earlier in the season,” Michael Cantor, city manager of streets maintenance, writes in the report.
An active transportation advocate welcomed the change Wednesday, suggesting it will reduce the risk of injuries on routes where cyclists travel at higher speeds.
“What it means is that if you’re on your bike, there’s less risk that you’re going to be crashing because there’s loose gravel out on the roadway,” said Mark Cohoe, executive director of Bike Winnipeg.
Since Winnipeg tends to have lengthy, snowy winters that require the repeated spreading of sand to improve traction, Bike Winnipeg has advocated for the change in the past.
Cohoe said the on-road routes tend to collect more sand than other active transportation ones, partly because nearby motor vehicle tires can push excess debris into curbside spaces designated for bikes.
He would like the city to also prioritize spring cleanup for separated sidewalks and paths, in order to encourage more people to use active transportation routes.
Coun. Janice Lukes, head of council’s public works committee, said she would also like to see all active transportation routes prioritized for spring cleanup, but considers this change an important first step.
“We’re starting with the roads for the vulnerable road user… It’s just to try and get more people to use active transportation and to have it presented to them (earlier in the year) and in a safe manner,” said Lukes.
Since the change mainly adjusts the schedule of existing spring cleanup efforts, the city councillor said it’s not expected to cost more money.
Street sweeping typically starts in mid-April, weather permitting.
joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca
Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga