From Avenue A to H: Saskatoon seeks thoughts on proposed bike lanes along 19th Street

The City of Saskatoon is asking the public for feedback on a plan to put protected bicycle lanes on a seven-block stretch of 19th Street West.

The city recently posted preliminary plans for the lanes, stretching from Avenue A near the farmer's market to Avenue H, on its feedback-gathering website.

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The lanes would require the removal of one traffic lane in each direction as well as installing a barrier between vehicle traffic and the bike lanes.

The exact type of barrier still needs determining, but an illustration posted by the city shows flower pots as one option.

Hilary Gough, city councillor for Ward 2, which covers the area, welcomes the plan.

"19th is an easier street to put that on because of the space available," she said, compared to nearby 20th Street, which the city also considered. 

"Also there is interest in seeing some traffic calming on that street [19th] because of concerns about pedestrian safety, in particular youth in that area."

Safe for all cyclists

The protected lanes would be what are called "all-ages-and-abilities" or AAA facilities, which Gough said feels appropriate for the street.

"On a busier street, the only way to make it safe for all ages and abilities is to have a separated path like Meewasin Trail or separated bike lanes like the ones we see downtown [on 4th Avenue]."

Gough said feedback in the area has been largely positive, though CBC News could not reach representatives from either the Riversdale Community Association or the Riversdale Business Improvement District as of Sunday.

The city's post has garnered one comment, from Brett Hergott: "Awesome."

The city says a report to city councillors will come this fall, while phased installation of some of the lanes could begin next year.