Winnipeg to fine drivers caught on Sunday bike routes

The City of Winnipeg is cracking down on those who drive on designated bike routes on Sundays and holidays this summer by finingthose who are caught.

Starting on May 17, motorists caught driving more than one block on Wellington Crescent, Wolseley Avenue, Lyndale Drive and Scotia Street during bicycle route hours could face a$185 fine.

• Winnipeg bylaw to make driving on 4 city bike routes illegal
• Motorists driving Winnipeg's Sunday bike routes could face fines

Those streets are designated as bikeroutes from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays and on statutory holidays from the Victoria Day weekend until Thanksgiving. The closures apply regardless of weather.

In the past, vehicle traffic was discouraged but not prohibited on the designated cycling routes. Barricades were set up on the streets during the posted hours.

The city will no longer put up barricades this summer, but warning signs will be placed on all approaching roadways instead. Signs will also be posted advising drivers of where the routes end.

The changes are the result of a bylaw amendment that was approved by city council last summer.

In a news release, the city says it plans to educate drivers first to "assist in the transition to this new approach."