Fall Forum photos

About 200 enthusiastic commuter cyclists crowded into the University of Winnipeg's Bulman Centre on October 15th to celebrate our favourite two-wheeled mode of transportation. For three hours, we debated and discussed how to make cycling infrastructure better, safer and more common in our city.

The evening started with an unprecedented event: Greetings from our mayor, Sam Katz. He expressed his admiration for the great turnout and told us not to be discouraged by the slow rate of growth in Winnipeg. Cycling is a priority, he assured us, and the best way to keep it on City Hall's agenda is to continue fighting for it.

Katz stuck around for the next item on the agenda: The latest "Bike to the Future" sketch written by Cory Bellhouse. As performed by a trio of actors, it told the fictional story of the first mayor of Winnipeg's introduction to commuter cycling. Those sitting near our current mayor say he laughed louder than anyone.

The evening's agenda continued with a look at four "visionary videos" about how the need for better cycling infrastructure is revolutionizing other cities. Topics included a valet parking service for bikes at Giants games in San Francisco, and a so-called "bike box" at traffic lights that allows cyclists to get a head start on cars.

After the videos, local reporter Bartley Kives arrived to moderate a panel discussion with four city decision-makers: MPI boss Marilyn McLaren; Minister of Healthy Living Kerri Irvin-Ross; City Councillor and EPC member Justin Swandel; and police rep Staff Sgt. Mark Hodgson.

Thanks to some poking and prodding from Kives, and some great questions supplied by Bike to the Future members and supporters, the panellists explained their positions on everything from traffic laws to bike-only lanes. At the end of the panel, Councillor Swandel summed it up by saying it was a great opportunity to learn how much Winnipeggers care about the issue of commuter cycling. The panel discussion was broadcast on CKUW 95.9 FM.

Finally, after a quick break that included free food and coffee, a chance to look at various information tables, and the opportunity to buy a snazzy new Bike to the Future T-shirt, participants broke out into small groups to debate specific cycling issues and share new ideas. Up for discussion: Everything from transit/bike relations to protecting bikes against theft.

At the end of the night, some lucky people left with a great door prize. It looked like everyone left with new knowledge of cycling issues in Winnipeg, and a sense that we have to keep working together to make better cycling infrastructure a reality in our city.

Thanks to all the volunteers who made the night happen, the Province of Manitoba's Sustainable Innovation Fund, and all the participants who came out to share their views!