Annual spring cleanup: Winnipeg prioritizes on-road bike lanes

As the weather warms, more people are cycling around Winnipeg. Getting around town may be easier this spring as crews prioritize some active traffic routes during the annual cleanup.

If you're on two wheels, getting around town seems to depend on where you live.

“Some bike paths are semi-dangerous, rubble. I noticed piles of gravel and dirt and sand – easily removed,” said Shannon, a cyclist.

“The ones downtown seem to be doing better,” said Wayne Skrynik, another cyclist.

Cephas Wiebe, another cyclist, said: “Mostly clean, with some bad spots here and there, but it was much better than other years.”

Spring cleaning in Winnipeg officially started on Sunday. This year, the city is prioritizing active traffic lanes along the road and clearing them first.

Cyclist Benjamin Letkeman said, “Every time I ride over gravel, especially on a road bike, I worry about slipping.

“The sides are a little dirty, sometimes I weave puddles. Of course, it would be good if the bicycle paths were cleaned.”

According to the city administration, it will clear the active traffic network along the road in two weeks, allowing cyclists to safely travel around the city at the beginning of the season.

“We took care of most of them last week, but we will continue to do so this week and into the next few weeks so that Winnipeggers can start using these vehicles later,” said Michael Cantor, the city's street maintenance manager. Winnipeg.

The reason for prioritizing some active shipping routes is that spring cleaning usually takes 5-6 weeks.

When cyclists hit the road as the temperatures warm, the winter sand and debris loosens the traction for them, making it dangerous to ride on unswept routes.

“Any amount the city can get ahead of the game on this is good. “I think it's something that people will see the city making an effort to encourage people to bike, really allowing them to get out on their bikes and enjoy the city,” explained Mark Cohoe, executive director. Bike Winnipeg.

About 500 workers and more than 300 pieces of equipment will take to the streets to clean Winnipeg's roads, bridges, sidewalks and driveways this spring cleanup.