Thomas Koop runs around Wellington Crescent three or four times a week and sometimes cycles here too.

Enjoy the summer months, when the speed limit is reduced from 50 km/h to 30 km/h on this stretch, because it is a seasonal cycle route.

“I liked it. I mean, it’s not a very long street, and I don’t think it’s a big deal if drivers are a little slower if it keeps everyone safer,” Koop said.

Now the city council is pushing to keep the lower speed limit year-round until safety improves.

“I think it makes sense. People still use the road in the winter, so yes, if it’s 30km/h in the summer, there’s no reason it can’t be 30km/h in the winter.”

A motion from the Count. Sherri Rollins said the city should reduce the limit to 30 km/h in Wellington from River Avenue to Kenaston Boulevard until a safe bike lane for all ages can be built.

The motion said there have been deaths and near misses involving pedestrians and cyclists on Wellington Crescent. This summer, the cycling community called for changes after cyclist Rob Jenner was killed in a hit-and-run.

Bike Winnipeg board member Patty Wiens said the speed limit should remain at 30 km/h forever, even if proper cycling infrastructure is installed.

“Because it needs to be kept at a speed that is manageable for something that is used, you know, a bicycle network. It is used for a lot of pedestrians walking around, a lot of people taking public transportation,” Wiens said.

But some drivers and homeowners may be wary of a permanent year-round speed change, worried that it could dramatically slow their commutes.

Wiens said that shouldn’t be seen as a problem.

“It’s at most half a minute, but it’s really not much,” Wiens said.