A proposal is moving forward to reduce the speed limit on a section of Wellington Crescent in the wake of a fatal crash, as well as reports of additional collisions and “near misses” in the area.
On Monday, the city centre community committee voted in favour of reducing the speed limit from 50 km/h to 30 km/h on Wellington Crescent, from River Avenue to Academy Road, until a protected bike lane is added along the route.
Any change to the speed limit would require full city council approval.
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Until a protected bike lane is constructed on Wellington Crescent, the city centre community committee has voted in favour of a 30 km/h speed limit. Cyclist Rob Jenner was killed in a crash caused by a speeding driver along Wellington near Cockburn Street, where a memorial was set up.
Coun. Sherri Rollins (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry) raised the motion, noting the cyclist’s death, additional crashes and even more “near misses” warrant quick action to improve safety.
Rob Jenner, 61, was killed in a crash with a speeding vehicle while cycling to work on Wellington Crescent near Cockburn Street on June 6.
During a Monday meeting, Jenner’s wife urged the committee to reduce the speed limit.
“Although it’s too late for my husband, Rob Jenner, to benefit from separated bike lanes and lower speed limits on Wellington Crescent, I don’t want it to be too late for other families,” said Wendy Van Loon.
Beckham Severight, 19, pleaded guilty last month to dangerous driving causing death and leaving the scene of an accident in the crash. His sentencing date has not been set.
Rollins originally pushed for the speed reduction to apply on a broader stretch of Wellington, from River Avenue to Kenaston Boulevard, but agreed to amend her motion after Coun. John Orlikow (River Heights-Fort Garry) expressed concerns about imposing the more extensive change before getting advice from city traffic experts.
A seasonal bike route applies a 30 km/h speed limit to Wellington between Academy Road and Guelph Street in the summer, but the change would set a lower speed year-round, until the new bike infrastructure is in place.
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Joyanne Pursaga
Reporter
Joyanne is city hall reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. A reporter since 2004, she began covering politics exclusively in 2012, writing on city hall and the Manitoba Legislature for the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in early 2020. Read more about Joyanne.
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