Spring and cycling go hand in hand

Old Kildonan

As spring blossoms in Winnipeg, it’s heartwarming to see community members walking their dogs, playing with their kids and enjoying our beautiful neighbourhood. More of this vibrant community emerges as the snow melts and I see many more people choosing cycling as their chosen mode of transportation. At this time of year, along with your spring tune-up and safety check, I want to emphasize the importance of registering your bike. If you haven’t already, it’s quick, easy and free to do on the 529 Garage app or website.

Every year, more than 3,000 bicycles are reported stolen in Winnipeg. Registering your bicycle can significantly increase the chances of recovery if it is stolen. 529 Garage is used by hundreds of police services, so there’s a good chance a stolen bicycle will be returned to its rightful owner.

529 Garage also offers an optional shield decal to alert potential thieves that your bike is registered. Each shield includes a unique registration number that can link to your bicycle’s registration, almost like a license plate.

If your registered bicycle does get stolen, you can set an alert on 529 Garage and then report it to the police. You can call them at 204-986-6222, make an online report, or visit the Winnipeg Police Service Centre.

Once you have a safe and registered bicycle, I encourage you to strap on your helmet and explore the Northwest Hydro Corridor, in the Old Kildonan ward. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a beginner, this multi-use path offers a fantastic option for commuting or enjoying a relaxed ride or walk with your family.

The 2.4 kilometre, extra wide path, runs west of McPhillips Street, between Leila Avenue and Church Avenue, easily accommodates the many people and families who use it year-round. It also features lighting, benches, and connections to surrounding neighborhoods. Pedestrian and cyclist traffic signals ensure safe crossings at Leila Avenue, Jefferson Avenue, and Inkster Boulevard.

This connection to north Winnipeg makes it easier for everyone to enjoy the benefits of a safe and accessible transportation route. I was happy to work with council to support this project. It is a testament to the city’s commitment to closing critical connectively gaps and improving pedestrian and cycling options for everyone.

As always, reach my office at 204-986-5264 or devi@winnipeg.ca if you have any questions, comments or ideas.