Ordinary people can make a difference

By Marlo Campbell

Jan. 1, 2009

It’s fitting that Bike to the Future’s annual fall forum will take place the day after Canada’s federal election, as the local cycling advocacy group is a perfect example of democracy in action.

Formed only two years ago, BTTF has been remarkably successful in advancing its stated agenda “to make cycling in Winnipeg a safe, enjoyable, accessible and convenient transportation choice year-round.”

Decidedly less radical than the Critical Mass movement that inspired its creation, BTTF has instead chosen to play by the rules to get things done — and the strategy seems to be working.

It managed to put cycling on the agenda of the 2006 civic election campaign (no easy task in a car-centric city such as ours) while lobbying hard for the implementation of Winnipeg’s Active Transportation report — a 2005 document which recommended, among other things, that the city create a committee that could advise other city departments.

When that committee was finally struck last July, BTTF secured a seat at the table, ensuring that the voices of its diverse membership (which includes both hardcore, year-round commuters and casual bike riders) would continue to be heard by those in power.

Its efforts continue to pay off.

Ron Brown, a BTTF member and the executive director of the Manitoba Cycling Association, says momentum continues to grow. The group now has over 1,500 members,and Brown says 2008 has been a “peak year” in terms of public interest.

“Bike to the Future is positioned really, really well,” Brown says. “We’ve been a very effective advocacy group. I think we definitely have the ear of the decision-makers. We’re a great conduit between the people who are on the street cycling and the people who are making decisions that affect them.”

Two recent examples of the group’s growing influence stand out. In June, more than 2,000 Winnipeggers participated in the city’s first Bike to Work Day — 1,500 more than expected. And just last month, Winnipeg city council approved the creation of a new pedestrian/cycling bridge as part of the $140 million plan to repair the Disraeli Bridge.

Obviously, BTTF can’t claim full credit for either accomplishment, but the attitudinal shift taking place in Winnipeg with respect to cycling issues — indeed, the fact that cycling is being considered at all — has certainly demonstrated that a small group can accomplish a lot when its members are committed to working together towards a common goal.

This year’s BTTF forum will take place Oct. 15 at the University of Winnipeg’s Bullman Centre. Kicking off at 6:30 p.m., the three-hour event will feature educational videos about the active transportation efforts of other cities, and several informal discussion groups that will allow cyclists to share concerns and brainstorm on ways to improve the situation in Winnipeg.

Forum participants will also have the opportunity to pose questions to a panel of VIPs that will include Kerri Irvin-Ross, Manitoba’s minister of healthy living; Marilyn McLaren, CEO of MPI; Janice Lukes, coordinator of the Winnipeg Trails Association; city counselor Jenny Gerbasi; and a member of the Winnipeg Police Service.

Even Mayor Sam Katz has promised to show up. Although he will only be able stay for half an hour, his involvement speaks volumes about BTTF’s growing clout.

So to all you cynics out there: When you’re casting your vote on Oct. 14 and wondering if one person can really make a difference in the world, remind yourself of BTTF’s success — and what can happen when ordinary people decide they want change and commit to making it happen.