https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/city-seeks-to-tweak-open-streets-blueprint-576351052.html

WINNIPEG’S 2022 version of “open streets” could look much different, with rules that vary by route — though all will slow down drivers in an effort to welcome cyclists.

If city council approves, the proposed “enhanced summer bike route program” will reopen 14 of the 17 routes tested last year, with speed limits reduced to 30 km/h from 50 km/h, from May 1 to Oct. 31. Each route could also have its own additional rules and barricades that apply at yet-to-be determined times throughout July and August, and on weekends during May, June, September and October.

During those times, two of the routes (on Wolseley Avenue and Scotia Street) would keep the one-block vehicle travel restriction that aimed to offer more space for active transportation in previous years, while “no thru traffic limits” (which require vehicles to turn right or left) would be placed at some “strategic locations,” a City of Winnipeg staff report notes.

(Open streets were renamed enhanced summer bike routes, and restricted to cyclists last year, after the city discovered inviting pedestrians to use them broke traffic laws.)

Ian Walker, who relies on cycling as his main mode of transportation, welcomed the speed reduction.

“If the road is going to be shared as an active transportation (route with) automobiles… people should be going (closer to) the same speed just so that everybody’s comfortable on it,” said Walker, who also serves as chairman of Safe Speeds Winnipeg, which advocates for slower residential speed limits.

He said imposing the slower speed on a 24-7 basis should support more commuting by bike, making it safer to choose green transportation at any hour.

“Getting on to a bicycle is a really easy way for a lot of people to (cut their carbon emissions), but people will only get on to a bicycle or use another mode of transportation if they feel comfortable and safe doing it,” said Walker.

However, the project also has its critics.

Wolseley resident Ray Hignell said he felt perfectly safe cycling in his neighbourhood for many years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, without such routes in place, leading him to believe the changes aren’t needed.

“I’ve ridden a bicycle for a long time and… I never had a problem,” said Hignell, adding he’s concerned the proposed bike routes will lead drivers to seek out alternate routes, which could have several downsides.

“You are changing traffic patterns, which changes the value of people’s houses. You are making people drive longer distances, which wastes their time, and… it is causing people to burn extra fuel.”

However, the head of council’s public works committee said the city has heard plenty of support for the routes.

Coun. Matt Allard expects to support the proposal, which would require full council approval.

“In order to be sustainable as a city, economically and environmentally, we need to give people transportation options and safe transportation options. I think any improvement that makes it safe and more pleasant to use a bicycle, as opposed to other modes of transportation, is going in the right direction,” he said.