KLEIN: Councillors who push bike path agenda should be pedalling to work

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The City of Winnipeg has allocated millions of taxpayer dollars toward developing bike lanes.

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While the intention behind this initiative is to promote sustainable transportation and reduce traffic congestion, it has sparked a significant backlash from many residents. The discourse surrounding this issue has become a hot topic on talk radio, in columns, and among community members, revealing a deep divide in public opinion.

During my tenure as a member of the Winnipeg City Council, I voiced my concerns about the city’s approach to bike lanes. I argued that before committing substantial financial resources, the city should collect quantitative data on bike lane usage across all seasons.

Despite my pleas, council did not support this initiative. The lack of robust data collection remains a critical issue, as many residents feel that the push for bike lanes is being forced upon them without clear evidence of widespread demand.

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One of the most telling indicators of the public’s frustration is the emergence of petitions opposing the bike lane projects. These petitions reflect a growing sentiment that the city’s priorities are misaligned with those of its residents. People are questioning whether the millions spent on bike lanes could be better utilized for other pressing needs, such as road maintenance, public safety, or community services.

Mayor Gillingham often highlights the record amounts being spent on road infrastructure, but this assertion is met with skepticism. When I was on the council, I learned that these figures were not always comparable, and political spin often obscured the true picture. The reality is that many residents feel their voices are being ignored in favour of special interest groups that lobby for bike lanes.

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A case in point is the experience of residents in Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood, a constituency I once represented. A group of homeowners found their street designated as a bike route without prior consultation. They approached me with their concerns, and together, we successfully had the route removed.

The overwhelmingly positive feedback I received from these residents is a testament to what politicians should do — represent the wishes of their constituents. This example illustrates the disconnect between the city council’s decisions and the preferences of the people they serve.

The issue of bike lanes is not just about the allocation of resources; it also raises questions about transparency and accountability. An urbanist who writes columns for a competing publication claimed that the city does conduct research on bike usage.

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However, a closer examination reveals this research often relies on census data and city-generated statistics, which do not provide a comprehensive or accurate picture of bike lane usage. Even these limited data sources suggest that only about 1% of the population uses bikes as a primary mode of transportation.

The push for bike lanes seems driven by a vocal minority rather than a broad consensus. This is evident in the voting patterns of city councillors, many of whom supported the bike lane initiatives despite the lack of compelling evidence. Interestingly, a significant number of these councillors do not commute by bike themselves, raising questions about their motivations and commitment to the cause they champion.

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If councillors genuinely believe in the necessity of bike lanes, they should lead by example. I propose we eliminate the perk of free underground, heated, and secure parking for elected officials and top city executives. Let them experience the reality of commuting by bike or public transit, just as they expect the public to do. This would not only demonstrate their commitment but also provide firsthand insights into the challenges and benefits of these transportation modes.

Councillor Lukes, who has been a prominent advocate for bike lanes, should also reflect on her personal commuting habits. During my four years on the council, I did not once see her bike or take public transit to work. Promoting an agenda that one does not personally adhere to is hypocritical. Elected officials should listen to the people they represent rather than succumbing to the influence of lobbyists, social media activists, or incomplete data.

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In the business world, decisions are made based on evidence and customer preferences. Companies that ignore the majority of their customers in favour of a small, vocal minority risk alienating their base and eventually going out of business. The City of Winnipeg should adopt a similar approach — make decisions based on comprehensive, quantitative data and prioritize the needs and desires of the majority.

The debate over bike lanes is not just about transportation but about democratic representation and the responsible use of public funds. The city must engage in genuine, data-driven dialogue with its residents to ensure that the policies it implements truly reflect the will of the people. Only then can we move forward in a way that balances sustainability with practicality and ensures that taxpayer money is spent wisely.

— Kevin Klein is a former Tory cabinet minister, a former city councillor and is the President & CEO of Klein Group Ltd.

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