About Winnipeg’s
Active Transportation

What is Active Transportation (AT)?

Active Transportation means using “human power” to get around. Cycling, walking, in-line skating, even cross-country skiing are some examples of how people can get from point A to point B. It can also involve combining modes such as cycling and walking with public transit.

What are the benefits of Active Transportation?

• Encourages healthy lifestyles by improving physical
  and mental health.
• Reduces traffic congestion.
• Saves money on health care.
• Results in better air quality.
• Improves road safety for both motorists and cyclists.
• Helps reduce costs associated with driving
  (fuel, parking, maintenance).

CITY OF WINNIPEG 2010
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM

Winnipeg currently has developed or has funding identified for the development of approximately 274 km of active transportation infrastructure. This includes 149 km of multi-use pathways, 61 km of neighbourhood pathways, 13 kms of bike lanes, 35 kms of sharrows and 16 km of bike boulevards.

In December, 2009, Winnipeg City Council approved $20.4 million in capital funding to support an extensive active transportation network throughout the City.

The funding comes from the three levels of government (the City, Province and Federal governments each contributing one-third, or $6.8 million). This involves the creation of 35 projects that range from multi-use pathways to bike boulevards and are in addition to several other active transportation routes also planned for 2010 and beyond. By the time the program is complete, Winnipeggers will be able to access a total of 375 km of active transportation routes.

There are a number of steps that will be taken over the next several months to build a well-connected, safe and multi-functional active transportation network throughout Winnipeg:

• Public open houses will begin in February,
  2010 regarding design options for the various projects.
• Tenders for the projects will go out beginning in
  March, 2010.
• Construction of the projects will begin Spring
  of 2010 (weather being a determining factor).
• Projects slated to be completed before the
  end of 2010.

Building a diverse active transportation network involves creating several safe and easy to use pathways and lanes designated for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists. Some of these include:

• Multi-use pathways – a physically separated path that is shared between cyclists and pedestrians.
• Bike paths – a sidewalk level, two-way bike path that is completely separated from motorized traffic and sidewalk traffic by a physical barrier such as a boulevard.
• Cycle track – a bike lane that is physically separated by a curb or a median from traffic lanes and sidewalks.
• Bike lane – dedicated road space for cyclists that are separated from vehicular traffic by signs and pavement markings.
• Diamond lane – reserved lanes that are shared between buses and cyclists.
• Bicycle boulevard – a shared roadway that has been optimized for bike traffic. These discourage cut-through motor vehicle traffic, but typically calms local motor vehicle traffic (most often located on residential streets).