Winnipeg’s downtown biz installed bike lockers along Graham Avenue. The cycling community is welcoming the motion to prevent bike theft, but at the same time is calling for more projects to be put on the line.
“It’s that’s a fantastic addition. Really adds the layer of security for someone coming downtown,” said Mark Cohoe, executive director of Bike Winnipeg.
Lockers can be seen along Graham Avenue on the stretch between Vaughan and Smith Streets.
A total of eight lockers are painted in downtown biz’s colours, locally made and installed in late January.
“We’ve heard from some people that maybe they’d bike to the Jets’ game, or something, if they had somewhere to securely lock their bike for a longer period of time. So we are hoping that this allows people to do that if they want,” said Madeleine Dafoe, the manager of the public realm of Downtown Winnipeg Biz.
Madeleine Dafoe, Manager of the public realm for Downtown Winnipeg Biz. (Sofia Frolova, CityNews)
The lockers are on first come first serve basis, and bikers need to use their own U-locks. Lockers are a pilot project that will run for a year, with the possibility of relocating the lockers or expanding the initiative.
“We see how the lockers are used, and the bike cages are used, and then we’ll go from there,” said Dafoe.
Part of the project was covered by a City of Winnipeg grant.
The City is looking forward to projects in 2026. It will begin with a painted lane on Sherbrook Street with plans to upgrade it into a protected bike lane.
“There are quite a few plans underway for construction projects this year. We have an interesting year ahead; we are celebrating that we have a higher budget for the pedestrian and cycling program,” said Erik Dickson, the senior active transportation planner for the City of Winnipeg.
Cohoe added, “We always want to see more, of course. So we are hopeful to get working on some projects out in Daniel McIntyre.”