Osborne Village bike lane plans raise concerns for parking availability

Bike lanes may soon be coming to Osborne Village and while businesses in the area are ready to see more people pushing pedals, there are concerns about the loss of parking.

Early on Wednesday, the City of Winnipeg held an information session for businesses in the community.

The current plans are for protected bike lanes on River and Stradbrook Avenues. Some in the area are ready to see the project roll forward, like Alexis Hatjidiako at Strada Personal Spa.

“Very excited. So far, it is dangerous for cyclists to be on the road. Not only for them but for us who are driving cars,” said Hatjidiako.

“If we are promoting for people to be more healthy and promoting bicycling, then we should put the measures as well.”

At today’s session, the city said it was possible more than 90 parking spaces on River and Stradbrook would be eliminated as a result of the new bike lanes.

“You better come early to get your parking spaces, because it’s going to be tough now, it’s already tough right now with those spots available,” explained Sebastian Munoz, manager of Little Pizza Heaven on Osborne Street.

Munoz says while he knows bike lanes are important, the loss of parking is a bit worrisome.

“You take away that many spots, people will be driving around looking a lot more, but it’d be better for the environment at the same time, so biking is always good right.”

Munoz says he hopes the city takes a close examination of the effect the bike lanes will have on the area, saying concerns around congestion and parking are something they hear about often.

Chris Baker, the senior active transportation planner with the city, says it’s critical to hear from people who may be affected by the plan, saying right now, they’re trying to tweak current designs ahead of starting construction.

“We try to design for all ages and abilities and a protected bike lane really accommodates most users who are willing to ride a bike,” explained Baker.

Baker adds as consultations continue, so far, most people have been pleased with the preliminary plans.

“In the first round of engagement that we did in 2018 there was a lot of excitement, a lot of positive feedback on the project, so we’re hoping to carry that through.”

Lindsay Somers, with the Osborne Village Business Improvement Zone, says while there are challenges to work out, the community sees the expansion of the bike lanes as an opportunity for the area.

“This is a huge opportunity for the Village to build our neighbourhood for the future,” Somers told CityNews. “We’re going to have some obstacles for businesses by car, so we’re working with businesses and the city to find alternative parking solutions and little stop gaps to help people in the interim.”

Cyclist Megumi Kimata is not totally sold on designated lanes but says something needs to be done to support safe cycling.

“I tried to ride the bike with the car, but I go on the sidewalk sometimes, because cars are kind of aggressive, then on the sidewalk, people are like don’t come on the sidewalk … It doesn’t feel safe.”