Proposal to reduce Winnipeg’s default 50 km/h speed limit advances. We need to keep our eye on the prize. 30 kph is the true "safe speed." It is true that “it takes… seconds more to go 40 versus 50." Is also only takes seconds to go 30 as well. @safespeedswpg.bsky.social t.ly/-1Etq
If 30 kph is the safe speed around our schools then it is also the safe speed for our residential streets. If we want to allow kids to have the freedom to move around their neighbourhoods we need to make them safe. @safespeedswpg.bsky.social
There’s a Better Way to Win on Traffic Safety. While this makes sense & we know "street configuration can change behaviour in more palatable ways" to do this we need massive funding (and political will). Changing speeds is a quick first step to safer streets. @safespeedswpg.bsky.social t.ly/yJWAb
The missing in action safe speed report in long overdue. The real question is why we needed the report. We know that lower speeds are safer & result in little if any impact on commuting times. A 30 kph speed limit on all residential streets could make a huge impact. @safespeedswpg.bsky.social
When I went to Laura Secord (in the 60's) everyone walked to school. Wouldn't if be nice if we slowed all streets down to 30 kph (and started adding infrastructure changes) so that all kids could once again walk or ride to school. @safespeedswpg.bsky.social
As always we take a step in the right direction but not enough. The true "safe speed" is 30 kph. The science is clear that 30 kph is significantly safer than 40 kph. Like some other cities we lack the courage. The kick back from drivers will be the same regardless. @safespeedswpg.bsky.social
In 2020 UK endorsed the Stockholm Declaration call for default urban/village 20mph. Welsh and Scottish Govs have set 20mph as national urban/village norm whilst UK Gov has done nothing for England and Northern Ireland.
Not a "crying shame", more a "dying shame" www.20splenty.org/gb2024stats
There is evidence that clearly shows the benefits of reducing speed limits in residential areas to 30 kph & yet @cityofwinnipeg.bsky.social continues to look to 40 kph as an acceptable (compromise) speed. Reducing residential speeds will not significantly impact traffic flow or commute times.
Reducing speed limits works but it only happens when our city administration stops greasing the squeaky wheels and looks at it strictly from a safety perspective. Its not whether the majority agree, but whether it is the "right" thing to do.
We can beg and plead with drivers to be more cautious and be attentive but for many the moment they are behind the wheel those pleas are forgotten.
The scariest part of Halloween is drivers — yet police departments blame bikes and kids "A trick or treater can be lit up like Times Square and it won’t stop a drunk, distracted or speeding driver from plowing into them, as we see over and over again." t.ly/1stxx
Bike lanes are crucial public infrastructure, not political props "Active transportation infrastructure isn’t about privileging one mode of transportation over another, it’s about sharing public space fairly and planning for a future where everyone has options." t.ly/nd0sa
Making the 30 kph zones 24 hours/day, 365 days a year is a good start, but school zones are not the only place kids are present or frequent. We need all of our residential streets safe for kids. Reduce the default speed limit to 30 kph and follow that with infrastructure changes that reduce speeds.
"Any transportation planner knows that induced demand chews up your extra capacity right away.” Facts do not seem to matter to our mayor and most councillors.
The big one to overcome is "It's too dangerous." Winnipeg needs to invest much more "in bike lanes and traffic-calming measures" if we hope to get more butts on bikes. Reducing speed limits on residential streets to 30 kph would be a good start in providing more options. @safespeedswpg.bsky.social
Seven kids struck by vehicles in one month. “Treat every school zone like your own family is there.” We should treat every residential street like "your own family is there" because they are. 30 kph should the limit wherever families live and play. @safespeedswpg.bsky.social t.ly/vrO4Z
Failing to adopt a national approach to 20mph as an urban/village norm in England increased 2024 casualties by 15,000 and insurance costs by £2bn. Read our latest press release in anticipation of the release of the DfT 2024 road casualty stats. bit.ly/4gIBPlJ
The science and data prove this and yet @cityofwinnipeg.bsky.social continues to study and delay what should be an obvious choice to lower residential speed limits to 30 kph. @safespeedswpg.bsky.social
IMPORTANT STUDY: “On average, the implementation of 30 km/h speed limits in European cities demonstrated a 23%, 37% & 38% reduction in road crashes, fatalities & injuries respectively. Lower speed limits also yielded environmental benefits.” www.nrso.ntua.gr/review-of-ci...
If 30 kph is safe in school zones, then it is safe for our residential streets. Kids are not just walking/biking to school close to the school but on streets all around the schools. Lets make them safe for the kids. @cityofwinnipeg.bsky.social @safespeedswpg.bsky.social
So many. Liveable neighbourhoods, give kids more freedom, quieter streets (both traffic and noise), the list goes on and on. @safespeedswpg.bsky.social
30 kph has always been the target if you are serious about reducing serious injury and death. Its past time for @cityofwinnipeg.bsky.social to change the default speed limit to 30 so that our residential streets are safe. @safespeedswpg.bsky.social
"What I think the survey represents is more people than ever before realizing we need more connections.” We have more people looking to use their bikes for more trips & are looking for safe & comfortable routes. There is still much to do before they feel that it is "easy" to get around by bike.
One thing that the city could do to improve cycling in the city is reduce residential speeds to 30 kms/hr. This would open up far more options and close/reduce some of those gaps in the network. @safespeedswpg.bsky.social
I haven’t seen it illustrated like this before. Very effective messaging. Of course it actually depends a lot on how fast the vehicle’s being driven, how big the vehicle is and how it’s designed, and how small the victims (too often kids) are. Via @yegbike.bsky.social #SpeedKills #CarBloat
On the fence about how powerful lower urban speed limits are? Please read this piece by the mayor of London!
✅ Fewer costly collisions & life-altering injuries
✅ Cleaner air w/ less toxic pollution
✅ Cheaper auto insurance rates
✅ Quieter neighbourhoods that are more walkable/bikeable
To carry 50,000 people per hour in each direction, a city needs a 175m wide road for cars.
Even if those cars are electric.
And then there’s all the parking.
OR a city can move A LOT MORE people in a lot less space, with A LOT LESS public money, emissions, pollution, noise etc.
Choices.
Simple.
Dear Britain, it’s now clear: 20mph zones save lives and don’t slow traffic. Implement them. Slower speeds are working elsewhere and will work here in Winnipeg. Making residential streets 30 kph will make neighbourhoods across our city friendlier, quieter and safer for everyone. t.ly/RpHRA
Agreed. Just think how much more of a “connected”network we would have if all the residential streets were a safer and more comfortable place to ride. @safespeedswpg.bsky.social
I till contend that sharrows are shite. Sure put them on residential streets with 30 kph speed limits, but put them right down the centre as an additional visual sign that streets are for "sharing." Lets also get the speed limit on "all" residential streets at 30 kph. @safespeedswpg.bsky.social