You are invited to a community picnic that the Winnipeg cycling community is holding this coming Saturday, September 27, from noon to 2 pm in Munson Park. This event is to help raise awareness and positive support by mobilizing residents/property owners in and around Wellington Crescent, and really anyone who walks and/or bikes through the area. A small community working group is arranging this event, and the group includes representation from Bike Winnipeg.
As you are no doubt aware, the City of Winnipeg’s Public Works Department proposed to install protected bike lanes in a pilot project along the stretch of Wellington Crescent running from where the River/Stradbrook protected bike lanes end, up to the intersection of Wellington / Academy / Maryland. Unfortunately, a majority of City Council decided in July to postpone installation that had been planned for summer 2025. The City’s longstanding practice, up to July 2025, has been to implement a pilot, gather data, including feedback from those who have experienced the temporary change, then review the findings to make a recommendation on removing the pilot project installation or making it permanent.
Through this picnic, as well as posters, flyers and door-knocking, we are also building a list of supporters to speak in favour of the installation of protected bike lanes on Wellington Cr. in any public consultation the City holds over the coming weeks and months (details not yet announced by the City).
The supporters list will also be called upon to speak or make written submissions when a report-back goes to committees of Council in February 2026 on the results of the consultation. Our goal is to ensure what we’re hearing at the doors and on the sidewalks is reflected in the public record. Residents we’ve spoken with find the speeds on Wellington excessive, making it hard to cross the street on foot, or even to exit the driveways of their condominium complexes by car, and that traffic speeds and close passes make it dangerous for cycling. Last year alone, there was one cycling fatality, a couple of injuries and near-misses, plus likely many more incidents never reported. Clearly, this stretch of road needs urgent attention and change to make it safe for all users.
As a first step in our journey toward February 2026 we hope you will join us this Saturday at noon at Munson Park. Food and beverages will be provided, and you are welcome to bring something to share though that’s not required. We will also have children’s activities. See you there!