Wow – lots going on down south!

CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING at this THURSDAY’s  BIKE VALET !:

This Thursday, I’m guessing upwards of 2000 people will come on bikes to the Bombers opening game – I think it is a sell out - ?   32,000 or so people! Is the traffic issues solved – why risk it – jump on a bike!  I think many will do this!

I worked with Amanda and team at the Bike Valet after the Taylor Swift concert! She has it down to a science!

BUT

More volunteers would help ensure the BEST POSSIBLE BIKE VALET EXPERIENCE – and contribute to the overall ‘stadium cycling experience’.

Its super easy – super fun – and is only for a short time!

Amanda sets up a Google with different time slots (short shifts) and you just fill in when you can work. You show up – observe  - and jump in and help!

· VOLUNTEER FOR THIS THURSDAY: http://www.doodle.com/chw57xe6vfwfy5bw

· GENERAL BIKE VALET INFO: http://www.bicyclevaletwinnipeg.ca/contact

REFLECTIVE GEAR & LIGHTS if YOU BIKE!

Please encourage anyone you know who is biking to the stadium to ensure they wear reflective gear and have lights on their bikes. It will be dark when the game is over and many ‘new’ cyclists just aren’t set up for night cycling - yet.  We are working with CAA and MPI to have lights to hand out at the Bike Valet.

BIKE LANES ON PEMBINA – BIKE TO WORK DAY:

Late last fall I was posting construction photos of the Pembina Bike Lane. Lots of snow came, a late spring . .  and yeah! LAST WEEK the final touches were put on – the permanent paint markings are now down, the poly posts are up – and the route behind the bus shelters is now complete!  Other than directional signage for new users departing the bike lanes – I believe it’s pretty much complete – and looking fantastic (photo attached)

Bike to Work Day:   Alter Ego and Winnipeg Trails hosted a pit stop at the CanadInns / Plaza end – and overall the comments were super . . ‘I love it’ – ‘continue the lanes all the way to downtown’ – ‘put some on Portage Ave’ – ‘I want to ride it all year around’ !  We’ve been talking about creating a video of it in ‘full use’ this Thursday (Bomber game) HUGE HUGE KUDOS to Councillor Swandel for bringing the motion forward and getting the ball rolling – and to the Public Works / Property Planning and Development teams for so much thought into designing / developing.  Yes – we need more.

TAYLOR SWIFT:

Quite a different demographic attending  - lots of big equipment sitting on the old Zellers parking lot in the ‘hood – lots of interest for boys – and girls!

~175 or so bikes in the Bike Valet – and many locked up around at the permanent bike racks. Concert was over just after 10:00 -  I worked the Bike Valet and talked to folks – lots of people biked to the stadium for the first time – to avoid congestion – the loved it. BUT I noticed at least 80% didn’t have lights on their bikes – or reflective clothing as they departed.

Thanks to everyone who provided feedback on their ‘Stadium cycling experience’ 

- feel free to keep the feedback coming so we can work towards the best possible cycling experience!

Thank you

Janice Lukes

952-4222