As the weather gets warmer, many adults and children are switching from four wheels to two. Biking is a great way to squeeze in some physical activity and get you from point A to point B, and with so many residents in our region commuting into Winnipeg, one way to include active transportation in your daily commute is to park and ride.
What is park and ride? Simple: you park your vehicle in a designated lot, then hop onto your bike. The City of Winnipeg has designated park and ride locations in Winnipeg along south St. Mary’s Road and south Pembina Highway. You can safely leave your vehicle there for the day.
So throw your bike in the back of your vehicle, pack a change of clothes, and hit the road.
The City of Winnipeg has developed an active transportation map that can help you plan your route along designated bike lanes and streets (see below).
I used to park and ride during the summer months of my commute and it was a great way to start my day and then wind down at the end.
After a long, long—did I say long?—winter, it can be easy to forget some of the rules of the road. Here’s a quick reminder to make sure you and your kiddos are staying safe while riding your bikes.
1. First off, invest in a helmet that fits properly—and always wear it while riding your bike. Make sure to remove your child’s helmet while they are playing on a playground, though, as it can become a risk for strangulation.
2. Ride on the right-hand side of the road, with traffic. Note that the right side is the same side as your bike chain.
3. If there’s more than one of you, remember to ride in single file.
4. If you’re cycling down the roads, be sure to obey all traffic rules. That means stop at stop signs, use hand signals when you turn, etc.
5. Do not wear earbuds or headphones while riding your bike, as they can distract you.
6. Be careful when you’re riding near parked cars and around intersections.
7. Wear brightly colored clothing so that motorists can see you clearly.
While you’re out there, keep in mind that many cycling accidents can be prevented by paying attention to your surroundings and following the rules of the road. Happy riding!
