For the second year, Bike to the Future is conducting spring counts of cyclists at selected locations in Winnipeg. Last year we focused on the downtown area. This year we will continue to look at the downtown, but we are also focusing on the University of Manitoba and the soon-to-be rebuilt Fort Garry Bridges. We also started earlier this year, so that our first counts took place in winter conditions.

So far we have had 6 volunteers who have 8 counts at 4 locations, with each count taking place during morning or afternoon rush hour. The counts took place at University Crescent, the Fort Garry Bridges, the Maryland Bridges, and the Louise Bridge at the beginning of March and again at the end of March / beginning of April. We plan to continue with counts at the beginning of May and again at the beginning of June. We would welcome additional volunteers who can spare a couple of hours on a weekday morning or afternoon at a suitable location of their choice.

The results will be summarized in a report, as they were last year. (See the report our Publications page.) These counts are valuable in documenting the current levels of cycling, and in establishing baseline information that can be compared to future years. Last year's counts showed that up to 5,000 cyclists were traveling in and out of the downtown area in good weather. With the increased advocacy and interest in cycling, we anticipate that these numbers will increase.

Anyone who wants to help out or would like more information can contact Jeremy Hull at prolog@mts.net.