Construction to begin on “UWSA Bike Lab”
WINNIPEG, MB – In partnership with the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA), The University of Winnipeg is set to begin construction on an innovative and progressive cycling hub on Spence Street, as part of a commitment to promote active and sustainable transit options for students, staff and the surrounding community. The project has been realized by a private donation from an alumnus and a $50,000 capital donation from UWSA, as well as through the visionary presence of Peter Sampson Architectural Studio (PSA Studio) and the resourceful partnered efforts of students and staff.
The UWSA Bike Lab will be operational in spring 2011.
The University commissioned PSA Studio to develop a unique bike hub that uses recycled steel shipping containers as the main framework for the lab. The recycled shipping containers were donated by Ken Cranwill of Connexion Industries. Funded by an annual student levy of $2.00, the UWSA Bike Lab will be a cycling education and advocacy facility that will offer free year-round programming to students, staff, faculty and community members such as bike maintenance, safety workshops, advocacy and networking workshops, a registry and individualized support plan for all bikes on and around campus. As well, specific community outreach programming will include “build a bike” programs where participants will assemble good- as-new bikes from recycled or discarded parts. The facility will also be home to the UWSA Ice Riders winter cycling team, already a very popular program on campus. The UWSA Bike Lab also will also feature covered bike parking and a cyclist friendly courtyard and meeting place.
Supporting Active Transportation
In addition, UWinnipeg is now providing cyclists with a new option: indoor secure bicycle parking underground the Duckworth Centre, for $10 a month.
“We continue to look for tangible ways to make active transportation an easy and affordable option on campus,” said Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Winnipeg. “This also takes us a step closer to our long-term objective of achieving zero net green house gas emissions.”
Future bike hubs may also be developed on campus.
“We are very proud of this student led initiative. The UWSA Bike Lab will engage, further energize, support, and be shaped by, the vibrant cycling culture on our campus and in our community,” said Jason Syvixay, President of the UWSA. “Students who commute to and from school on their bicycles know very well that Winnipeg’s existing bicycle infrastructure still presents many barriers. The UWSA Bike Lab will contribute to an active form of sustainable transportation and will celebrate and highlight the unique cycling culture already present at the University of Winnipeg.”
In 2005, President Lloyd Axworthy committed to a comprehensive Sustainability Management System for UWinnipeg, which means potential environmental impact is factored into all decisions. UWinnipeg recently became the first university in Canada to place sustainability at the executive table by adding this responsibility to one of its Vice-President positions.
Visit the campus sustainability website.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Diane Poulin, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
