The City of Saskatoon is committed to improving active transportation options for residents and visitors. In support of the City's active transportation goals, Avenue C from Spadina Crescent to 45th Street has been identified as an All Ages and Abilities (AAA) cycling route. The corridor will be designed as a safe and inclusive space for all modes of transportation that connects the people of Saskatoon to each other and to many destinations in the city.
Additionally, walking facility improvements will be identified to enhance connectivity, safety, and accessibility. Possible walking facility improvements could include adding sidewalks where there currently are none, enhancing pedestrian crossings, installing pedestrian safety measures like curb extensions, and adding accessible pedestrian ramps with texturing for people with low vision.
Project Goals
The Connecting Avenue C Walking and Cycling Improvement Project will engage the public and stakeholders, as well as complete technical investigations to develop a functional design for an All Ages and Abilities (AAA) cycling facility and improvements to walking facilities on Avenue C (Spadina Crescent to 45th Street).
Key goals of the project include:
- Designing safe, comfortable, and accessible active transportation facilities along Avenue C;
- Engaging residents throughout the project to understand local priorities and concerns; and
- Creating a plan that considers the needs of all users.
Project Location
Engagement and design activities for the project will be focused on Avenue C from Spadina Crescent to 45th Street in Saskatoon.
A map of the study area is provided here.
Active Transportation in Saskatoon
The City of Saskatoon is continually aligning its transportation infrastructure project priorities with its Plan for Growth and Active Transportation Plan. It has been demonstrated in other Canadian winter cities that the implementation of safe, comfortable, and equitable active transportation corridors is seen as an essential part of helping the City reach its long-term transportation and land use goals. There is a wide range of public health benefits to active transportation investment that contribute to tangible, long-term improvements to physical and mental health in our communities.
All Ages and Abilities Cycling Facilities
The Connecting Avenue C Walking and Cycling Improvement Project is focused on the design of All Ages and Abilities (AAA) cycling facilities for Avenue C from Spadina Crescent to 45th Street in Saskatoon.
An AAA cycling facility is designed for people ages 8-80, offering safe, convenient infrastructure for those interested in cycling, but who may not be comfortable riding on busy streets with high traffic volumes and speeds.
Three key principles of designing AAA cycling facilities are:
- Safety: Because cyclists are vulnerable road users.
- Comfort: To attract and encourage new cyclists.
- Connectivity: To create practical routes to other cycling facilities and key destinations in the city.
AAA cycling facility types include:
| Multi-Use Pathway |
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Neighbourhood Bikeway |
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| Protected Bicycle Lane |
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Raised Cycle Track |
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Walking Facilities
The Connecting Avenue C Walking and Cycling Improvement Project will identify walking facility improvements to enhance connectivity, safety, and accessibility.
Walkability is an important measure of success in urban design for its contribution to property values, economic activity, health, security, and vibrancy. Modest, strategic improvements to walking facilities can help a neighbourhood reach its full potential as a walkable urban environment.
Possible walking facility improvements could include:
- adding sidewalks where there currently are none
- Enhancing pedestrian crossings
- Installing pedestrian safety improvements (e.g., curb extensions)
- Adding accessible pedestrian ramps with texturing for people with low vision
