WINNIPEG – Winnipeg city hall backpedalled Tuesday on a proposed bylaw change that had cycling groups up in arms.
The city wanted to rework its parade rules to include bicycles, but critics said the proposed bylaw amendment was so broadly worded, any large group of cyclists would have to pay for a permit before hitting the road.
Pat Krawec of the Winnipeg Repair Education and Cycling Hub (WRENCH), a non-profit organization that teaches inner-city children how to repair bikes and ride them safely, said they always ride in large groups and worry the proposed change will put their programs at risk.
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“It would stop us from expanding our bike safe program for youth. Our program is very important to us and our community,” said Krawec.
The bylaw change would prohibit groups of 10 or more cyclists from riding together without a parade permit and a police escort. Every violator in a group could face a fine of up to $1,000.
This could include ride your bike to work day, cycling team practices or even large family cycling tours.
But less than 24 hours before the bylaw was to go before the city’s executive policy committee, someone hit the brakes.
“They were quickly trying to change a definition to solve one problem and created a different problem,” said Coun. Jenny Gerbasi.
The bylaw will go back to city staff for a review of the wording.
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