Buffered bike lanes on Pembina Highway ready for cyclists

CBC News – Posted: Jun 28, 2013 3:40 PM CT

 

Cyclists can now ride safely in Winnipeg’s first buffered bike lanes, which are now in place along one of the city’s busiest streets.

The new bike lanes, which run along both sides of Pembina between Chevrier Boulevard and Plaza Drive, are marked by special polyposts that create a physical barrier between cyclists and motor vehicles.

The lanes make it easier for people to ride their bikes between south Winnipeg and downtown, the City of Winnipeg and the provincial government said in a release Friday.

“With the addition of Pembina Highway to the city’s Active Transportation Network, Winnipeg now has 392 kilometres of multi-use pathways and bike lanes,” Mayor Sam Katz stated in the release.

“This expanding network makes cycling an attractive option for transportation, recreation or fitness.”

Bus stops along the cycling route have been enhanced with “islands” that have an elevated bike lane running between the stops and the sidewalk, meaning buses don’t have to pull out of their lane or block cyclists, according to the city.

The bike lanes cost $4 million, with the City of Winnipeg paying $3.5 million through its capital budget. The rest was covered by the provincial government’s road improvement fund.