We are thrilled to see the launch of the Neighbourhood Greenway Reduced Speed Pilot in Winnipeg! Find more info here and here.

Across North America, and around the world, cities are recognizing how important a survivable residential speed limit is, not just for those walking and biking today, but to encourage more people to leave their car keys at home, and try walking and biking for more trips!

A graphic showing how much bigger the stopping distance is, and how many more people die, with faster speeds.

We know a 30 KMH is the right move for Winnipeg because:

  • The risk of pedestrian deaths drops from 80% to 5%, when speed is reduced from 50 km/h to 30 km/hr.
  • We need to convert one out of every four trips by personal vehicle to a sustainable mode to meet our 2030 climate goals.
  • Residents have asked the city for over 2,500 Please Slow Down signs for their lawns in just the past few years (that’s a low-ball number and doesn’t consider signs from other orgs, like CAA, or the signs that Councillors printed themselves).
  • Safe Speeds Winnipeg has distributed 650 Love 30 signs (and counting!)
  • In school travel surveys, parents report they are often driving their kids because they feel it’s too dangerous to walk or bike to school in their neighbourhood. Result? More traffic, making it feel even less safe.
  • Over 80% of Winnipeggers feel safe driving, but less than 40% feel safe riding a bike or walking. Every bus trip begins and ends on foot or bike. Remember how we need to convert 1 of every 4 trips? This is very difficult if people feel it’s dangerous.
  • Will a 30km residential speed limit increase travel times and congestion? No. In some extreme cases, it might add 10 seconds. Reality is, you are (or should be!) driving on arterials and highways mostly. Those aren’t affected by the reduced speed.
  • On that note, reducing residential speeds discourages cut-through traffic, as drivers won’t see a benefit of detouring through the neighbourhood. 
  • It’s important to prioritize the movement of vulnerable road users in neighbourhoods, to ensure everyone, all ages and abilities, can access their community safely. 

While Green Action Centre was disappointed that only select streets were selected for this pilot, as opposed to full neighbourhoods, we are thrilled to see the City of Winnipeg recognizing the benefits of proven Vision Zero plans and strategies. 

What can YOU do?

Family cycling on an open street