Permanent bike lane coming to stretch of Wellington Crescent

Winnipeg city council made decisions on a new bike lane on Wellington Crescent and possibly changing the default Winnipeg street speed limits.

A permanent bike lane will be coming to a Winnipeg street after city council voted to approve a plan with amendments in place.

City council voted in favour of a permanent bike lane on a stretch of Wellington Crescent, which passed 13-3. Councillors Evan Duncan, Ross Eadie, and Russ Wyatt voted against the motion.

The amended motion directs the public service to find a consultant to draw up plans for a permanent bike lane solution, using feedback from the public.

Mayor Scott Gillingham, who voted in favour of the motion, said permanent infrastructure is the “prudent” thing to do.

“What we need is infrastructure that optimizes traffic flow, pedestrians, and cycling,” he said. “So, the benefit long-term to permanent infrastructure is that we’re able to really install that kind of infrastructure that encourages all modes of transportation.”

Calls for a bike lane on Wellington Crescent grew louder following the death of cyclist Rob Jenner in a 2024 hit-and-run.

The motion will also see the speed limit be reduced to 40 km/hour on Wellington from Academy Road to River Avenue, along with stretches of River Avenue and Stradbrook Avenue.

However, another amendment that would have restricted left turns at several intersections did not pass.

The lane is expected to be built in 2027.

Speed limit petition passes

City council also voted in favour of a motion to petition the province to amend the Highway Traffic Act and allow the city to set its own default speed limit.

The amendment is the first step before any future conversation can take place on lowering speed limits.

Premier Wab Kinew has said the city can already lower speed limits if it desires, but it would need street-by-street changes and new signage, which would cost millions of dollars.