With an average of 200 cyclists injured or killed in collisions annually over the past five years, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is expanding the reach of its no-cost cycling workshops and programs to educate more Manitobans on how to bike safely.
“MPI is committed to ensuring every road user arrives at their destination safely – and that includes cyclists. Our cycling education programs are designed for all ages and skill levels, and we’re proud to be reaching more Manitobans than ever before in 2023,” said Satvir Jatana, MPI’s Chief Customer Officer. “MPI’s Community Relations team can help riders learn the rules of the road and gain confidence navigating real-world situations on two wheels.”
MPI’s cycling programs contribute to safer roads throughout the province by sharing age-appropriate best practices and knowledge for how to ride safely, communicate with other road users and use bike lanes as well as other cycling infrastructure.
“It’s important to remember that everyone plays a role in keeping our streets safe – motor vehicles and cyclists share the same roads, the same rights and the same rules,” said Mark Cohoe, Bike Winnipeg’s Executive Director. “One important way drivers can do their part is to provide a safe buffer between their vehicle and people on bikes as they pass. That buffer should be at least 1 metre and grow as speeds increase. This buffer gives cyclists asafe, comfortable space to operate, while leaving room to avoid hazards.”
MPI says that the corporation’s courses have never been more popular and are on track to deliver among the most Cycle Safely Bike Rodeos in its over 50-year history in communities across the province this summer, reaching an estimated 13,000 children.
Designed for ages 6-10, this interactive presentation teaches children about bike safety, hand signals, helmet fitting and is great for schools, daycares, camps and more. The rodeo consists of two parts – a theory presentation and a practical component riding on a course to practice what was learned.
MPI also offers a range of adult programming that not only shares the basics of bike safety but empowers aspiring community cycling leaders to deliver their own presentations.
