Caution! This message was sent from outside the University of Manitoba.

Councillor calls for permanent bike lanes on Wellington stretch

By: Chris Kitching Posted: 11:00 AM CST Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026

The chair of Winnipeg's public works committee wants to scrap plans for temporary bike lanes on a one-kilometre stretch of Wellington Crescent and immediately proceed with a permanent protected route.

Coun. Janice Lukes (Waverley West) said a city staff report released Wednesday reinforces why it's time to install permanent lanes instead of a temporary approach, which would only marginally improve safety, significantly disrupt traffic and add to visual clutter.

The permanent lanes - between Stradbrook Avenue and Academy Road - would improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians, maintain smooth traffic flow, improve the streetscape in a way that respects the character of Wellington Crescent, and provide long-term value for taxpayers, Lukes said in a news release.

She said she will move a motion at a March 4 committee meeting to ask staff to immediately proceed with the design and construction of permanent protected bike lanes, rather than a temporary design.

Funding was already identified in the 2029 budget year. Lukes said the motion, if approved, would bring the funds forward and allow the city to build permanent bike lanes sooner.

Members of Winnipeg's cycling community called for permanent lanes after Rob Jenner, 61, was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver while cycling to work in June 2024.

Lukes said the city's pedestrian and cycling strategy identified Wellington Crescent bike lanes as a top priority.

In a recent online survey conducted by the city, 74 per cent of respondents said they want a permanent design, while 83 per cent said they think the section of Wellington is unsafe for cyclists.

chris.kitching@freepress.mb.camailto:chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca