Downtown bike lanes, a topic of dispute, are being demolished
In a recent decision, the Saskatoon City Council has resolved to remove the temporary bike lane on 23rd Street East, starting from Wednesday. This decision, made in June 2023, follows a previous direction received by the city to remove the protected bike lanes on 4th Avenue.
The 23rd Street bike lane was initially part of a pilot project installed in 2015, and was intended to be a component of the city centre and district plan, known as the 23rd Street Greenway. However, the bike lane was only meant to be in place for two years, and its removal now marks the end of this temporary project.
The plastic pillars separating the bike lane from the on-street parking were often found flattened by cars, leading to concerns from some members of the local cycling community who considered them inadequate.
Jay Magus, director of transportation, addressed council in June, stating there is a lot of history on the connecting downtown project. Despite this, the city council asked not to do further work on the protected bike lanes on 23rd Street.
The removal process will see the curb lane, parking lane, and bike lane closed, but the sidewalks will remain open. It is expected that the removals will be completed within one week.
Interestingly, the downtown network, including 19th Street, 23rd Street, and 3rd Avenue, was approved by city council. The removals of the bike lanes on 23rd Street will not affect the ongoing pilot project on 19th Street.
Future planning for the 23rd Street protected bike lanes will take place as part of the 23rd Street Greenway. The city has not announced any timeline for the start of this planning process or any plans to replace the removed bike lanes on 23rd Street.
This decision to remove the bike lanes on 23rd Street East in Saskatoon comes after the city council resolved to remove the demonstration project in June 2025. The city continues to navigate the complexities of urban planning and the needs of its diverse community.
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