We're going to Council with your voices backing us up.
We need more. 

We're well over 7000 signatures, but we need more and here is why.

We need a network and something we can rely on. 

Its still too easy for them to take these away, and next Tuesday a relatively weak motion is going to Public Works committee asking to extend them for a few weeks. This the city council committee that overseas roads and it can do more. 

You can join us. Registration info at the end of this message

Overwhelming numbers of people have now signed a petition specifically asking not just to keep what we have but to create more. Further, we have rights to public space as citizens and a right to safety. Post pandemic, our health is even more important than usual.

As worded, the motion will seek to extend the open streets sections routes for a couple more months (beyond the July cancellation). That's not enough. Active transportation doesn't take breaks. It is there when you need it. Portage avenue doesn't take the summer off. Henderson doesn't sleep in until 8am. All of the roads in Winnipeg connect to each other. Out bike facilities and safe places to walk with children and friends are disjointed and few.

We think networks of open streets and temporary bike lanes can be connected fast. We have seen other cities do it. If families are being asked to stay put this summer, we need fun and exciting things to do, and we need a backup plan in case the COVID scare comes back in the fall or winter. 

We want 4 things:

1. Stop the closure of the safe streets we have in July. 

2. Work with us to develop a temporary network of temporary bike lanes, paths and street closures within 500m of each household. 

3. A commitment to fast track a permanent network. 

4. Prepare for winter. Start planning for better snowclearing now.

Who's with us? Share the petition or register to speak to the open streets motions at Public Works on Tuesday by emailing CityClerks@Winnipeg.ca

Photo courtesy Brent Bellamy