Students’ Union Salutes City of Saskatoon’s New Bike Lanes

(September 28, 2009) The University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union (USSU) Executive announced today a formal offer of congratulations to the City of Saskatoon over the installment of bicycle lanes in the downtown core.

In offering their congratulations, all Executive members will be taking part in the “Thank-You-Ride-a-Thon” scheduled to start at 5:00 p.m. on September 28, in downtown Saskatoon.

“We fully endorse and support the City’s decision to create these lanes for biking, said USSU President Warren Kirkland. “Cycling is an increasingly popular mode of transportation in growing urban areas, and it’s very heartening to see our city take this progressive step.”

The city began painting bicycle lanes in late July to encourage more active transportation and to enable safe ridership within the downtown area. The city’s decision to develop biking lanes was in response to a local lobbying effort that culminated in a recent visit by world-renewed urban planner Jan Gehl, who recommended that bike lanes be implemented.

Mr. Kirkland noted that many students and people who work at the U of S are active cyclists.

“We hope the city and the university continue their commitments toward encouraging active transportation options, and make more lanes beyond the downtown core.

“Ideally we’d like to see new lanes on campus and in other parts of the city to provide additional safety to cyclists, and to encourage others to start using bikes instead of cars.”

Kirkland said reaction from students at the U of S has been very positive so far.

“I’ve heard from students that they are very happy with the progress that’s being made, so we’re proud to be a part of today’s thank-you event.

“The Executive will be there to give thanks, and we hope that other students will join us in praising the City for doing the right thing.”