Petition looks to keep enhanced bike route on Wellington Crescent open
A petition is looking to keep the enhanced bike lanes on Wellington Crescent open a little longer as a motion at Winnipeg City Hall calls for an early end to the initiative on the street.
The program limits vehicle traffic on the street to one block from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Sunday, to allow access to cyclists.
It is scheduled to run from April to November, however in June a city hall committee voted in favour of reducing the bike route hours in September.
A petition signed by more than 1,200 people looks to keep the program running for as long as it was originally planned.
"We're concerned the city is poised to cut short the closure of Wellington Crescent and Kings Drive to daily traffic, and we're hoping they can stick with the pilot program as it is originally designed to go to November," said Bill Hamlin, a concerned resident.
The program has faced backlash from some residents in the area, with the city hearing concerns from homeowners who said the current setup is a "human rights issue" that "favours able bodied cyclists to the detriment of people who are unable to ride bikes but can only enjoy the street by motor vehicle."
Other homeowners said prioritizing access for cyclists is "discriminating against thousands of Winnipeggers."
READ MORE: Possible changes to Wellington Crescent as an 'Open Street' for cyclists
Hamlin said, while there are some residents opposed to it, many people across Winnipeg like the enhanced bike lanes
"They don't want it cut short," Hamlin said.
"They shouldn't cater to a few loud voices, they should stick with their original plan and then have a meaningful consultation after it's all over."
The proposed changes to the enhanced bike route along Wellington Crescent will go to city council for a final vote on Thursday.
-with files from CTV's Mike Arsenault, Mason DePatie and Michael D'Alimonte
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
IN PHOTOS Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Mildmay, Collingwood and St. Thomas, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
The Netherlands' contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from competition hours before Saturday's final of the pan-continental pop competition, which has been rattled by protests over the participation of Israel.
Woman in her 60s in life-threatening condition after Bridle Path bus shelter collision
Police say a woman in her 60s is in life-threatening condition after being struck by a vehicle at a bus shelter in Toronto's Bridle Path neighbourhood on Friday.
Joe Biden wants to remind 2024 voters of a record and an agenda. Often it's Donald Trump's
Biden wants the 2024 election to be a referendum on Trump's record and plans, but he also wants voters to look favourably on his own policies and actions
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.