Recently, Manitoba Blue Cross published the Manitoba Index of Wellbeing, a report it produced through the University of Waterloo to develop an evidence-based report on the holistic wellbeing of Manitobans. It’s an attempt to go beyond the usual economic data and look further into how Manitobans are really doing.
It focuses on key areas such as Living Standards, Time Use, Democratic Engagement, Community Vitality, Environment, Healthy Populations, Education, and Leisure and Culture.
The report is a mixture of positive trends and troubling insights. While the report sees increases in areas of Education, and Time Use (life-work Balance) it only sees a meager rise in Healthy Populations and a dramatic drop in Community Vitality, and Leisure and Culture.
The report highlights how people are feeling the effects of social isolation and lack a sense of belonging in the community. Much less time is being spent in social leisure activities, less attendance in our vibrant arts community, and in volunteering for community recreation.
In the section focusing on solutions, the report highlights the use of urban design and walkability as key:
“The wellbeing of residents and communities can collectively be enhanced through innovative social planning and enhanced urban design that embraces sustainability
1, the provision of more built and natural public spaces, and the walkability of neighbourhoods.
2 The path to realize these outcomes at the community level is by building collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders, to break down the silos between sectors, and to experiment with social innovation.
By investing in and sharing resources, both human and physical, we are better positioned to achieve a shared vision of enhanced individual and community quality of life.”
As Bike Winnipeg members, we already know the power of the bicycle. The obvious health benefits, physical and mental, and numerous studies prove that simply riding your bike more can make you healthier and happier.
But one aspect that is sometimes overlooked that is emerging is how using your bike can make you a more responsible citizen. A recent study showed that regular bike commuters are better connected with their communities and are concerned with the common good.
While Bike Winnipeg continues to advocate for safer bike infrastructure and works with partner organizations to create a friendly city for all in motion, the organization has a key role to play in our community’s wellbeing.
If you’ve attended many of our group rides, you know the level of awareness of our community while on a bike; it’s something you just can’t get in a car. Sharing that experience with other members, connecting with others while rolling in a group ride, is creating community on two wheels!
If you attended Coffee Outside this past summer, you know how just a few minutes conversation on the way to work can elevate your own personal wellbeing!
With your continued support through membership, Bike Winnipeg will continue to create opportunities to connect not only with each other but the greater community.