Barricades removed from Sunday and holiday bicycle routes in Winnipeg

WINNIPEG – Drivers won’t be seeing barricades on Sundays and holidays any more along bicycle route streets.

A new by-law amendment states motor vehicle travel is limited to no more than one block.

“There has been a lot of confusion as to what those barricades meant,” said Winnipeg Police Constable Jason Michalyshen. “We have to realize there are people that live in this community and do have to gain access to their homes.”

Signs with the rules are now placed in the Wellington Crescent, Wolseley Avenue, Lyndale Drive and Scotia Street areas indicating the time of closures from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sundays and holidays.

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“The only change is now we have a clear defined rule in place with respect to what you can and can’t do which certainly allows us to enforce this event better,” said Michalyshen.

If drivers are caught going more than one block by police they could face a $92 fine and possibly more with court costs and surcharges.

“Winnipeggers don’t seem to be able to follow road instructions so I think the signs may not be enough,” said Jamie Monasterski lives in the Wellington area.

“I didn’t see the signs driving in,” said David Wall, one of many drivers shocked by the removed barricades. He said the change could be dangerous for cyclists or residents who don’t notice the signs and may enter the areas at high speeds because there are no more barricades.

“You could get hit because you’re not paying attention because you presume that the road is free of vehicles,” Wall said.

Others residents are hopeful drivers will be able to adjust to the rules.

“I’m sure you can plan a route around one of the only places in Winnipeg that’s a really nice, biker friendly area,” said Lucas Pingitori who lives in the Wellington area.

Police will be monitoring the designated streets and notifying people of the rules for the next couple of weeks. They will also start handing out tickets.