Winnipeg cyclists call for better maintenance of bike lanes, safety measures

Winnipeg cyclists are calling on the city to maintain bike infrastructure and ensure safety of those who bike during winters.

As temperatures drop and roads get icy, advocates and officials call for caution on slippery streets, those who commit to cycling in winter say they face daily challenges on the road.

“I love cycling, but it is tricky and can be a bit dangerous at times,” says winter bicyclist Adam Johnston. “Because you hope to get home safe.”

Rodney Kennish switched to biking as a primary way of getting about the city just this summer. It is his first year navigating winter cycling and he says, proper clothing and equipment help adjust to snowy roads.

“People think it’s the cold, that bothers you when you are cycling. It’s not. You can dress for it. It would be the same as going for a walk or for cross country ski.”

But what makes Kennish’s daily commute difficult is drivers, he says.

“There is absolutely, I don’t wanna say zero respect, but it’s next to minimal amount respect to for what the rules of the road are,” Kennish says. “Especially, how to keep cyclists safe.”

Winnipeg has a network of over 400 kilometres of cycling infrastructure, including multi-use paths and protected bike lanes.

Kennish says, in many cases, cyclists have no other way, but to share lane with vehicles and says, it makes many cyclists uneasy.

“I don’t think any cyclist wants to share the roadway with vehicles. Drivers and vehicles will kill us. If we make a mistake or if they make a mistake,” Kennish says.

“Ideally, what I’d like to see is designated cycling infrastructure and that infrastructure being maintained”

Lynda Van De Laar, a nurse who commutes by bike, agrees with Kennish.

“Currently cyclists, but also pedestrians are almost treated like (second-class) citizens. The snow from 141 Wellington Crescent got cleaned onto biking lane and I don’t see anyone fixing that,” says Van De Laar.

Many in cyclists get close calls on roads which Johnston says, it makes him think about quitting cycling.

“Of course, I sometimes think I shouldn’t, but at the same time if I stop biking, I feel like I’ve lost.”