Bike Network in Winnipeg#

Winnipeg’s relatively flat terrain and grid street network make it well-suited for cycling — and survey data suggests more Winnipeggers cycle regularly than most assume. A poll by Probe Research for CAA Manitoba and Bike Winnipeg found that 21% of Winnipeggers reported cycling daily or a few times a week for transportation. Another 35% said they would cycle more frequently given a safe, comfortable network.

The main barrier is infrastructure: when asked what would most encourage them, respondents consistently pointed to more protected bike lanes on major routes.

Current State#

Winnipeg’s cycling network includes a mix of:

Protected bike lanes on select downtown and inner-city streets
Multi-use paths along river corridors (the Assiniboine and Red River paths are among the city’s most popular)
Painted/sharrow lanes on neighbourhood streets
Off-street trails in suburban greenways

The City’s annual Pedestrian and Cycling Action Plan funds infrastructure improvements each year, typically connected to road renewal projects. The Cycling Network Map shows current on- and off-road cycling infrastructure.

Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies (2015)#

Adopted in July 2015 with input from over 3,000 residents and stakeholders, the Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies provide a long-term vision for walking and cycling in Winnipeg, supported by seven overarching goals:

Safety
Connectivity
Comfort
Accessibility
Vibrancy
Accountability
Culture

The strategies guide annual infrastructure investment and set the policy framework for integrating cycling into road renewal and new construction projects.

Infrastructure Priorities#

Bike Winnipeg advocates for:

Protected intersections — physically separated crossings at major intersections
All-ages-and-abilities (AAA) infrastructure — lanes comfortable for children and seniors
Priority corridors — high-demand routes connecting major destinations (downtown, universities, hospitals, shopping areas)
Winter maintenance — clearing protected lanes in winter, making year-round cycling viable

Winter Cycling#

Winnipeg has a surprisingly active winter cycling culture. With proper infrastructure and maintenance, cycling can be viable even in Winnipeg’s harsh winters. Winnipeg’s flat terrain is an advantage; the main deterrents are snow and ice on lanes not cleared by the city.

Advocacy Organizations#

Bike Winnipeg — The city’s primary cycling advocacy organization. Runs the annual bike count program, engages with city planning processes, and advocates for infrastructure improvements and policy changes.
YIMBY Winnipeg — Pro-housing advocacy group that also supports transit-oriented and walkable/bikeable development patterns.

Key Statistics#

Metric	Value	Source
Cyclists (daily/few times/week)	21% of Winnipeggers	Bike Winnipeg / Probe Research
Would cycle more with better infra	35% of Winnipeggers	Bike Winnipeg / Probe Research
Pedestrian & Cycling Strategies adopted	July 2015	City of Winnipeg
Annual cycling infrastructure budget	Varies (part of capital budget)	City of Winnipeg

Last updated: March 2026