Mixed response to city road slowdown

By: Joyanne Pursaga 

Posted: 4:00 AM CDT Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021

AMID a persistent lobby to slow down traffic on residential streets, some Winnipeggers are now living on routes with reduced speed limits. And about one month into a one-year pilot project that will test 30-kilometre-per-hour speed zones on four routes which previously had 50 km/h limits, they’re sharing a mixed response to the changes.

One resident would prefer the pilot project end now, arguing tax dollars would be better spent on fixing potholes.

"We’ve got roads we can’t drive on and we’re spending money on (this)... It’s just a gross waste of taxpayers’ money, period," said Rick Farley, a Machray Avenue resident.

While supporters of reduced speed limits have long argued the change would make streets safer for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians, Farley said he’s seen very few cyclists and pedestrians on his slowed-down block.

The city says the 30 km/h speed limits were implemented July 26 on Machray (from Fife to Main streets), Powers Street (from Dufferin to Partridge avenues), Eugenie Street (from St. Mary’s Road to Youville Street), and Warsaw Avenue (from Thurso Street to Pembina Highway.)

At all four sites, the city has installed new speed signs and speed humps that aim to slow down vehicles. Multiple residents of those streets told the Free Press they welcome the lower speed limit itself.

"I love it... Since the 30 (km/h maximum speed) has been posted, (drivers) don’t fly down the street anymore," said Warsaw resident Burton Perry.

Prior to the speed reduction, Perry said Warsaw attracted many commuters seeking to avoid busier routes, a shortcut he thinks the slower speed limit now deters.

However, both Perry and Eugenie Street resident Geoff Ford fear the large speed humps on their streets could create new safety risks. Ford said he fears the raised surface could make speeding cars more likely to lose control and crash into parked vehicles.

"I don’t have a problem with a slower speed in residential areas... It’s just that speed hump. When some yahoo in the wintertime who’s not (using) winter tires is going too fast because they’re late (that could prove dangerous)," said Ford.

Warsaw resident Phil Koch is concerned the humps could hinder cyclist travel.

"I’m in favour (of the limit) but I think... they should have made the speed humps so that bikes can navigate without hitting (them)," said Koch.

Warsaw resident Dan Rogers, who relies on cycling as his exclusive mode of transportation, shared only positive views of the reduced speed.

"It just makes (cyclists) feel safe. I think just, in general, the calming of the streets in the neighbourhoods is just very welcome," said Rogers.

Coun. Ross Eadie, whose ward includes the Machray and Powers trial routes, said he has received a few complaints about the speed humps. While Eadie expects the current routes may require some tweaks, he supports the trial as a way to add safe cycling options in his area.

"I thought, let’s try to provide a decent space, a safe route for the community," the Mynarski councillor said.

Matt Allard, whose St. Boniface ward contains Eugenie Street, said the pilot is triggering a mixed response from residents so far, though feedback is just beginning to come in.

"Generally, commuters are more opposed to reductions in speeds (than residents of the street)," said Allard.

He and other councillors noted the speed reduction pilot project followed repeated demands from cyclists, safety advocates and other groups to permanently set lower speed limits on residential streets.

"I’ve never seen such an outcry (before), (such) a demand for slower vehicle speeds on residential streets," said Coun. Janice Lukes, who also supports the project.

Lukes said city council should acknowledge a growing demand to use residential roads for recreation. She believes slower speed limits would make them easier to play on.

"Slowing traffic down on residential streets improves the quality of life in neighbourhoods," said Lukes.

The city’s corporate communications department said resident feedback and traffic data gathered from the sites won’t be shared until after the one-year pilot project ends. A public report on the trial is expected sometime in Fall 2022.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga