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![\"JOHN](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/4031925_web1_31698956_210615_WELLINGTON_CRESCENT_8.jpg\")
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JOHN WOODS \/ FREE PRESS FILES<\/p>\n
On Wednesday, Winnipeg City Council\u2019s public works committee voted to accelerate a plan to construct permanent bike lanes on Wellington Crescent, and scrap a long-awaited temporary bike lane pilot project which was expected this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is going to be a fundamental change in the way traffic moves, pedestrian cycling and vehicular traffic in this section, and I want to rip the Band-Aid off once\u2026 It\u2019s going to be a big change for everyone,\u201d said Lukes (Waverley West).<\/p>\n
In addition to avoiding prolonged traffic disruption, the councillor said she wants to ensure city funding is promptly approved for the permanent bike lanes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want the funding to move to this year so that it gets confirmed\u2026 and that we can continue with this project (and build it in 2027). It makes me nervous to see the funding three years out,\u201d said Lukes.<\/p>\n
The new proposal also directs city staff to explore whether a temporary alternative route near Wellington could be promoted for active transportation use this spring, potentially including traffic-calming measures and new signs.<\/p>\n
The vote followed a passionate lobby from dozens of Winnipeg cyclists at Wednesday\u2019s meeting, who argued bike safety improvements are desperately needed now.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn Wellington Crescent, the time for action is now. No more delays, no more deaths please,\u201d said Max Schreckenbach.<\/p>\n
Many delegates noted the temporary bike lane pilot project was originally expected in Summer 2025 before it was delayed to 2026.<\/p>\n
A city staff report had called for the temporary lanes to be built on Wellington Crescent, from Academy Road to Stradbrook Avenue, and reduce that area\u2019s speed limit to 40 km\/h from 50 km\/h.<\/p>\n
Many cyclists have called for new safety measures since cyclist Rob Jenner was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver on Wellington in June 2024.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe killing of Rob Jenner on Wellington Crescent makes cyclists think twice before taking that street now\u2026 The safety benefits of a temporary bike lane pilot project are clear,\u201d said Chris Kraljevic.<\/p>\n
While the vehicle that hit Jenner was travelling at least 159 km\/h in a spot where the posted speed limit is 50 km\/h, many cyclists have stressed other near-crashes on the street could be avoided with a reduced speed.<\/p>\n
Kraljevic said he also fears permanent bike lanes won\u2019t arrive in 2027, noting the temporary pilot project was previously delayed.<\/p>\n
\u201cDoes this committee want to allow for the possibility of even more serious and deadly collisions between now and God-knows-when in the name of preventing traffic disruption\u2026 or would you rather buck council\u2019s trend of delay, delay, delay?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n
The city has said past delays were needed to allow for more study and public consultation.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Coun. Russ Wyatt lashed out against spending $5.5 million on the permanent bike lanes for Wellington Crescent. Wyatt said that amounts to letting that project jump the queue over other active transportation improvements, such as a Transcona Trail expansion in his area.<\/p>\n
The councillor said accelerating the Wellington plan would amount to paying too much attention to the demands of certain \u201cbike extremists.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the bike lobby wants to once again take lanes away from cars by building a bike lane on Wellington Crescent, then they can do so by a local area improvement levy,\u201d said Wyatt (Transcona).<\/p>\n
Such levies charge residents of a specific area a fee for local improvements, when they\u2019re deemed to directly benefit from them.<\/p>\n
\n\t\tWinnipeg Free Press | Newsletter\n\t<\/p>\n
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Lukes bluntly rejected that idea.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s not happening,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
City council is expected to cast the final vote on the matter on March 26.<\/p>\n
joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca<\/p>\n
X: @joyanne_pursaga<\/p>\n
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Joyanne Pursaga Joyanne is city hall reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. A reporter since 2004, she began covering politics exclusively in 2012, writing on city hall and the Manitoba Legislature for the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in early 2020. Read more about Joyanne<\/a>.<\/p>\n Every piece of reporting Joyanne produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print \u2014 part of the Free Press\u2018s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press\u2019s history and mandate<\/a>, and learn how our newsroom operates<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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