Winnipeggers brought forward their ideas on how the city should proceed with its $330 million active living plan today.
Delegates told councillors with the city's infrastructure renewal and public works committee they want to see more protected bike lanes throughout the city.
Some would like more concrete landings in the middle of intersections for pedestrians who can't cross wide streets in the time allowed by a traffic light. Others say sidewalks on both sides of the street must be made a priority.
Cyclists and pedestrians expressed concern about the timeline of the plan. The current plan spans 20 years. Active living advocates would like to see the plan in action within 10 years.
Coun. Russ Wyatt (Transcona) says he does not support the plan for three reasons. One, it recommends possibly changing the way sidewalks are classified. Those changes he says would require some people to shovel their own sidewalks. The second reason, he said, was that he opposes recommendations for “residential greenways” that would introduce more traffic-calming measures. The third reason, he said, the plan calls for big changes to downtown streetscapes that could affect businesses. Wyatt said he's concerned communities will not be adequately consulted.
Coun. Janice Lukes (St. Norbert) supports the plan over 20 years. She said items in the plan are recommendations only at this time and nothing will happen without consultation with communities.
People who're in favour want a lot more protected bike paths and safer places for pedestrians to cross busy and wide streets.
"Whether it's Polo Park or whether it's Assiniboine Park and it's not a Sunday, there are real barriers straining against people who want to do it,” said Anders Swanson from the Winnipeg Trails Association.
The committee approved the pedestrian and cycling strategies plan on Tuesday, May 5. It will now go to EPC for review and city council for a vote later this month.
