The City of Yorkton officially launched its new bikeway on September 10 with a ribbon-breaking ceremony on Gladstone Avenue.
Launched in August based on a proposal from the Yorkton Active Transportation Collaborative, the bikeway converted portions of Gladstone and Darlington into dedicated bicycle lanes.
Speakers at the launch included Mayor James Wilson, MLA Greg Ottenbreit, and Sunrise Health Region Board Chair Greg Kobylka, who each expressed their hopes that the bikeway will be a step towards a healthier, more active Yorkton.
The mayor acknowledged that the bikeway has faced criticism from some who believe it impedes the flow of traffic through busy areas of the city, but he said that he has heard many positive comments as well.
"Change is always difficult. ... An example we use is the roundabout when that first was developed - the reaction from people compared to what it is now. It was negative at first, but positive now."
The city is keeping a close eye on how the bike lanes are being used, he said, and will make revisions as necessary. The first of these changes was later revealed at Monday's council meeting.
Wilson said he is confident that the city's drivers will adapt.
"We have bike lanes throughout Canada in various cities. The seniors and the elders can deal with them in other cities, and I know ours can, too."
The bikeway is considered "phase one" of the Yorkton Cycling Network Plan, which may eventually see bicycle-friendly options spreading to other areas of the city.
