Cyclists need to be able to bike on downtown streets safely and comfortably. Some cyclists may not feel safe on downtown streets and choose to ride on the sidewalks. The current bylaw prohibits cyclists on sidewalks except on muti-use sidewalks, pathways and when crossing bridges.

The City of Saskatoon has developed a “Downtown Bike Friendly Program” to improve safety and comfort for cyclists and pedestrians. By placing more cycling facilities downtown, safety will be improved and more cyclists encouraged to commute to work.

The Comprehensive Bicycle Plan was developed around the principal that “Every street is a cycling street” including the downtown core. It is the intent to improve cycling conditions without diminishing circulation and access for all other modes of transportation. The result is a plan that identifies where opportunities exist for on-street bike lanes, shared wide-traffic lanes (motorists and cyclist abreast), shared narrow traffic lanes (motorists and cyclists travel single-file) and local street travel conditions.

The overall program consists of the placement of sharrows, bike lane markings and “Walk Your Bike” markings on the sidewalk in the downtown area.

The “Downtown Bike Friendly Program” was developed with consultation and assistance from the CAG ( Cycling Advisory Group) and the Partnership (Downtown Business Improvement District).