ShawnNov 29, 2022

A strange scene here in #winnipeg. Volunteers have been organizing to clear bike lanes of snow and ice. The city has asked them to stop and has raised the possibility of fines if they continue.

There's details in what constitutes a cleared lane and how recent warmer weather has affected the consistency of the snow/ice. But why would any city want to stop volunteers from doing the work for free, improving their neighbourhood for free? That doesn't make sense to me.

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/2022/11/28/city-to-cyclists-clear-bike-paths-face-fines

City to cyclists: clear bike paths, face fines

Cyclists have again taken matters into their owns hands, clearing ice from a bike lane in the Exchange District during Monday afternoon’s commute, despite a warning from the city that they may be fined.

Winnipeg Free Press
Show threadShawn

Update on the recent #winnipeg news that volunteers could face fines for clearing bike lanes on their own.

They won't, thankfully. And the whole story has highlighted how important effective snow/ice clearing is for winter cycling.

Basically, if the infrastructure is usable and safe in winter, it will be used. This is a good reminder for a car-centric, winter-y city like #winnipeg as it tries to increase active transportation use.

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/2022/11/30/city-wont-issue-fines-after-snow-clearing-cyclists-warned

City won’t issue fines after snow-clearing cyclists warned

City hall isn’t considering fines against Winnipeg cyclists who clear snow and ice from bike lanes themselves, after a group received a warning for taking matters into its own hands last month.

Winnipeg Free Press
Dec 1, 2022 at 2:50pmWeb