Pembina Update for those of you who don't travel the strip daily -
NOT AVOIDING CONSTRUCTION:
I confess - I make a point of NOT avoiding construction on Pembina (Plaza to Chevrier) too much excitement - unbelievable really - photos attached. North bound lane is being widened into median.
KEY CBC INTERVIEW:
An absolute MUST LISTEN TO if you have not heard it - and if you have - listen again - key information for sure.
Yesterday am - a conversation with CBC and Luis Escobar, Director of Transportation - City of Winnipeg:
CBC Information Radio- http://www.cbc.ca/inforadio/ Scroll down to Winnipeg Major Road Bike Lanes and click on listen button.
TWO KEY POINTS TO NOTE:
1. All along many of us involved with the Pembina project were told the poly posts (vertical upright buffered barrier posts) would be REMOVED for the winter season due to plowing challenges- thus removing the visual indication of the bike lane. From this interview - I understand Luis to clearly indicate the poly posts will remain IN DURING the winter season with plowing to occur - brilliant if this is the case with so many cyclists travelling Pembina in the winter
2. NOTE his discussion around STRATEGIC PLAN (see top right corner by volume - 8:29 into the interview) and SPECIFICALLY - Luis comments: " . . . . . until the strategic plan is developed . . . we will still be looking at the needs BASED ON WHAT the city HEARS from cycling and active transportation groups. " - an encouragement to all to 'articulate' AT desires to elected officials for sure -
3. WHAT's NEXT? It's great to hear the question 'what's next' - where is the next strip of this infrastructure going in - wow -
The Pembina project is a bold move for the city - for sure there is apprehension - definitely worth a thank you email to your City Councillor for supporting it and enabling it.
Janice Lukes
