Getting around on two wheels just got easier in Portage la Prairie. The city has officially wrapped up work on the new bike lanes along Saskatchewan Avenue, giving cyclists smoother routes to get across town. As more people dust off their bikes, Jocelyn Lequier-Jobin, Director of Operations, shares a few important reminders to keep everyone safe.
“We have bike lanes from 4th up to 18th,” Lequier-Jobin explains. “From 4th to 8th, they're separated by curbs, and then from 8th to 18th, they’re up on the boulevard with grass strips in between.”
Once you pass 18th Street, the route shifts into a two-way active transportation path that gives people a connected route from the city’s core right out to the west end.
“The first section has been complete for a couple of years now, but even when they were only partially finished, we often saw people using the paths. Now people can go all the way to the end."
A growing network
Councillor Faron Nicholls says the city has been steadily expanding its network of trails, lanes, and paths.
“The city has 16 kilometres of multi-use trails, 50 kilometres of sidewalks, seven kilometres of crushed rock paths, and the West End of Saskatchewan Ave. is now ready for lots of biking and activity,” Nicholls says.
With the many different paths, city officials are reminding people that each type has its purpose. Bike lanes are for cyclists, e-bikes, scooters, and anything else moving faster than walking speed. Sidewalks are for pedestrians and anyone moving at a slower pace. Multi-use paths, like the one along Crescent Road, are shared spaces for everyone. Knowing which path to use, Lequier-Jobin says, isn’t just about convenience, but safety as well.
“Where there are bike lanes on both sides of the street, they are one-way. I have noticed people riding in the opposite direction. For safety, it's best to stay on the proper side and go in the same direction as traffic.”
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Safe riding tips
Cyclists should think of themselves as any other vehicle on the road: follow signs and traffic lights, and stay off the sidewalks.
“The most important thing when crossing driveways or streets is to be on the lookout for people backing up or making turns. The cyclist does have the right of way, but drivers might not see you in time. Being alert and checking as you're crossing streets and driveways is important," she explains.
Drivers also have an important role, and Lequier-Jobin says most are stepping up.
“I find the vast majority of drivers are very courteous to cyclists, which is great to see,” she adds.
Finishing touches
While the bike lanes are open and ready, there are still a few finishing touches in the works.
“All of the paint markings have yet to go on. We're using a durable paint that requires a minimum overnight temperature to set properly,” says Lequier-Jobin. “Once the conditions are right, the contractor will get those done.”
In the meantime, cyclists are encouraged to use their bells when passing, clearly signal their turns, and ride in the center of the lane to avoid puddles and debris. For anyone using a mobility scooter or device that travels faster than walking speed, bike lanes are a much safer choice than mixing with car traffic.
As the weather warms up and more people hit the paths, city officials hope the new infrastructure helps to build a safer, connected community, one ride at a time.
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