June 12 delegation

I needed somewhere to put this.

Speech in Support of the Transportation Master Plan – Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies

Good morning

I’m here today to speak in support of the Transportation Master Plan, with a particular focus on the Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies (PCS).

We’ll hear a lot today about truck routes, freight movement, and major construction projects—all vital to our economy. But let’s not forget that quality of life is just as critical for long-term prosperity.

Right now, Manitoba is losing young people at an alarming rate. A study commissioned by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce found that walkability, urban recreation, and access to transit are key factors in where young people choose to live. In their words: “Walkable communities are the top quality-of-life consideration for youth.”

I know young professionals actively looking to leave for cities like Montreal, Victoria, and even Edmonton—places investing in walkability and bike networks. If we want to attract and retain talent, we must prioritize people-friendly infrastructure.

Today, I’d like to highlight a few key elements of the PCS that resonated with me and explain why they matter.

Section 4.1.5, Quick Wins, is full of actionable ideas that would not only please the existing cycling community but also encourage more people to bike. Two proposals stood out:

1. Secure, Publicly Accessible Bike Parking
   Security remains one of the top barriers to cycling. If people had reliable, long-term bike parking—especially in high-traffic areas like downtown—they’d be far more likely to choose biking. We’ve seen success in cities like Victoria, where secure bike parking programs led to increased ridership and reduced theft. This is a simple but powerful step forward.

2. Investing in Dedicated Staff

   • A Bicycle and Pedestrian Design Engineer could streamline operations, improve maintenance, and prevent delays on key projects—like the one at Wellington Crescent. The Active Transportation team does incredible work, but adding capacity would only amplify their success.

   • A Bicycle and Pedestrian Education & Outreach Coordinator is equally critical. As noted in Section 2.7, public perception of cycling directly impacts our ability to move projects forward. Too often, we hear that “Winnipeg is a car city” or that biking here is unsafe.

   • Having the City take a leadership role in promoting active transportation would send a strong message about the city’s commitment to a modal shift—and help dispel these myths.

As part of Bike Winnipeg’s communications team, I’d personally welcome the chance to collaborate with this coordinator to amplify their efforts.

Appendix B of the PCS reveals something important: safety is the top priority for everyone, no matter how they get around. And when looking ahead to 2050, better bike infrastructure is one of the most desired improvements—ranked in the top three by 54% of respondents.

The data also shows that Winnipeggers want greener, more active transportation options:

• 2 in 5 say they drive more than they’d like.

• 62% don’t bike as often as they’d prefer.

I want to extend my gratitude to everyone involved in crafting this document—it’s comprehensive, insightful, and, for someone like me, truly exciting to read.

Enabling walking and cycling isn’t just about transportation—it’s about building a healthier, more vibrant city with a stronger local economy. I urge Council to take the Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies seriously and commit to implementing its recommendations.

Thank you.