Cycling to work a learning experience

By: Scott Gillingham

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/metro/Cycling-to-work-a-lea...

Last week I cycled to work. Now I realize that many residents of St. James bike to work every day, some even do so year-round.

So while perhaps mildly commendable, my announcement is hardly newsworthy. But there were practical reasons that prompted me to pedal the 35-minute morning commute from Silver Heights to City Hall.

First, cycling is good exercise. As a city councillor, many hours in my days are spent sitting in meetings or working at my desk. Cycling to the office is a great workout that combats the sedentary hours to come at the office.

Second, our family currently has more drivers than vehicles. The rest of the family’s schedule on that day necessitated that I get around on two wheels or take Winnipeg Transit. After checking the weather forecast that morning, I chose my bike.

Third, and perhaps most importantly in my role as councillor, biking to work afforded me the opportunity to experience the cycling routes between St. James and downtown. The City of Winnipeg has a master plan for active transportation that includes key cycling corridors. This plan is regularly reviewed with an aim to improve and build upon these routes where necessary. The ultimate goal is to encourage more people to cycle or walk by providing infrastructure dedicated to those activities. This will reduce traffic congestion and foster a healthier lifestyle. My morning trek from Silver Heights included Portage Avenue, the foot bridge to Assiniboine Park, Wellington Cres, Sherbrook, Ellice and King to City Hall. I felt safe along the route and experienced very limited interaction with automobiles for most of the way.

I chose a different way home: King, Ellice, St. Matthews, the Yellow Ribbon Trail, and Sharp to my house. The late afternoon route did not feel as safe and even included a close call with a truck. The experience impressed upon me the importance of dedicated routes, protected where possible.

I learned three lessons that day:

First, I need a softer bike seat.

Second, a cyclist needs to check the forecast for the entire day, not just the morning forecast. On my ride home the heavens opened near Polo Park. I think I wrung a cup of water out of my socks.

Third, there are gaps in the current cycling routes between St. James and downtown. I am focused on closing those gaps in the coming years, especially connecting St. Matthews and the Yellow Ribbon Trail.

I recently met with the City’s active transportation co-ordinator to discuss plans to improve the cycling route on St. Matthews and build an extension on the Yellow Ribbon Trail to close the gap. I will be advocating for the necessary funding in the 2017 budget. I welcome your ideas and observations, especially from those of you who regularly cycle in and around the ward. Contact me at scottgillingham@winnipeg.ca or 204-986-5848.