It might be hard to imagine, but one day Winnipeg could be full of eco-friendly buildings surrounded by greenspaces with paths built for cyclists and pedestrians.
While this urban utopia might seem like wishful thinking, most modern-day cities are already working toward this type of sustainability. In fact, the City of Winnipeg has its own strategy to address this very topic. CentrePlan 2050 was specifically created to guide strategic investment and development in parks, open spaces, streets and buildings in Winnipeg’s downtown for the next 30 years.
A sustainable city promotes economic growth that meets the needs of all of its inhabitants while creating sustainable living conditions for the future. Many of these initiatives are achieved by simply building eco-friendly alternatives directly into existing infrastructure, like adding walking paths and cycling lanes along busy routes as we’ve been seeing over the past few years. So instead of driving your car, you’re helping to create an environmentally friendly future by using alternative types of transportation that don’t add to a city’s carbon footprint such as public transit, walking, and yes, cycling.
The City of Winnipeg’s Pedestrian and Cycling strategies, both of which came into effect in 2015, provide a long-term vision meant to guide the development of the city’s walking and cycling networks over a 20-year span. According to a report commissioned by the City of Winnipeg’s Climate Action and Resilience Committee, 36% of Winnipeggers want more active transportation pathways (like bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly routes) to help reduce emissions. This reflects the 47% who prioritize better public transit — showing strong support for low-carbon transit options that not only cut emissions but support healthier living.
There’s no better way to show your support for a greener future than participating in Bike Week. This annual event, now in its 13th year, kicks off Sunday, June 8, and runs until Saturday, June 14. If you celebrated World Bicycle Day on June 3, this week is for you!
Bike Week is an event that grew out of Winnipeg’s Bike to Work Day back in 2007 when a group of bicycle commuting enthusiasts hosted an event to encourage people to try cycling to work while advocating for improved cycling infrastructure. In 2011, this successful event was reformatted to invite multiple organizations to host pit stops around the city, making it more accessible to everyone. When participation boomed, Bike to Work Day expanded to the first full Bike Week in 2014.
The official launch on Sunday, June 8, kicks off with multiple events to choose from throughout the week. Here are just a few of them:
• Cycle on Life Cyclists of all levels can come together to ride in support of Riverview Health Centre. There’s a route for everyone from 65 km, 20 km, 5 km, or even a no-ride option to show your support. All funds raised go directly toward quality of life programs and providing essential medical equipment for patients and residents. Registration is $200 (tax deductable) and includes a T-shirt and lunch, beginning at 7:30 am at One Morley Avenue, with the 65 km ride leaving at 8:30. Lunch is served at 11:30 am. For info or to donate directly visit www.rhcf.mb.ca
• Cruisin’ to Change Lives This is a free fundraising and community event from 9 am to 1 pm starting from the Canadian Mennonite University at 500 Shaftesbury Blvd. Hosted by the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation, this event raises funds to improve the lives of children living with disabilities. Funds raised support recreational programs, technology and research, in addition to bikes built to meet a child’s specific needs. Ride a 1 or 3 km guided path. To register your team, visit their website at www.crf.mb.ca
• Bezhig Miigwan, One Feather This ride starts at 10 am at The Canadian Museum for Human Rights and concludes at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the U of M. This 3-hour ride will allow participants to learn truth, reflect on place and history, ethically engage with land, and consider the next actions toward Reconciliation. Adrian Alphonso, a Band and Community Member of Waywayseecappo First Nation, will guide the experience. Pre-register for the ride at momenta.campbrainregistration.com
• ArtRide Take a guided tour through St. Boniface and Downtown Winnipeg from 10 am to 12:30 pm. Explore public art installations and learn about the artists, the stories behind the artworks, and their historical and cultural significance. Enjoy the outdoors, connect with fellow art lovers, learn more about beloved pieces, and discover new artworks to love! Email/Registration: Tours@Winnipegarts.ca
• Fancy Women’s Group Ride Dress up and celebrate! This group ride is a free, casual bike ride designed for women to come together, wear their fanciest outfits, and enjoy a fun afternoon on wheels. All folks are welcome, but women have the spotlight! The ride starts at 2 pm at the fountain at the Legislature before cruising through the city and stopping at the Assiniboine Park Duck Pond around 3 pm to give anyone else a chance to join up before heading back to the starting point, spreading style and smiles!
• Bike to Work Day The event that started it all! On Tuesday, June 10, is the ever-popular Bike to Work Day. Join the group ride from 6-9 am all across Winnipeg. Whether you’re riding to work as usual, taking a test ride to try the experience for the first time, or just heading out for a leisurely cruise, this is a fantastic event for young and old. Enjoy free refreshments and camaraderie at the many pit stops across the city from 6:30-9:00 am. Or visit the All Day Pit Stop at The Forks from 9 am to 2 pm. And don’t forget to enter the Ride and Go seek contest happening from 6:30-9:00 am and visit eight pit stops to be entered to win!
• Neighbourhood Bike Party On Friday, June 13, everyone is invited to head down to the South Y (5 Fermor Avenue) for a neighbourhood Bike Party – complete with free bike tune ups courtesy of Coop Vélo-Cité, bike decorating, activities for folks of all ages with Green Kids Inc. plus refreshments and goodies! The party is from 3:30-6:30 pm. Everyone is welcome, you do not need to be a member to join in!
• Bike Week Bash The week wraps up on Saturday, June 14, with both the Group and Kidical Mass rides.
The Group Ride will follow the Central Bike Loop, starting at 10:30 am and ending at 12:30 pm. This route connects to seven of Winnipeg’s most happening neighbourhoods. Winnipeg has many pieces of cycling infrastructure, but it’s not always obvious how they connect to each other, so this fun group ride is a great way for the ride marshals to show them to you.
Kidical Mass will start at 1 pm in Vimy Ridge Park with bike decorating before setting out at 1:30 pm. The ride will be family-friendly and will move at whatever pace the kids set. There’ll be a short snack break halfway through the ride before ending at the southwest corner of the Legislative Grounds for the Bike Week Bash wrap-up party. Enjoy music, entertainment, , trivia, crafts, food and even free bike repair.
For more information about all of the exciting Winnipeg Bike Week events, along with maps of the routes and pit stops being held during Bike to Work Day, visit bikeweekwinnipeg.com