Expect more cyclists on city streets

Bike lanes across the city of Thunder Bay officially open onTuesday.

There's a $125 fine for motorists caught driving in a bike lane. However, according to Adam Krupper, the city's Active Transportation coordinator, some of those lanes may be a little hard to see right now.

"There are certain streets where the markings and the lines have worn out considerably," Krupper said. "And those will be painted along with the city's regular line-painting schedule. Because bike lanes are there to protect cyclists, those streets will be a higher priority."

Thunder Bay's newest bike lane on Shuniah Street currently has no markings, but it will be painted for the first time this spring. The city said if the weather is good, painting could begin next week.

Bike lanes are located on Balsam, Court, Fassina, John, McIntyre, Shuniah, and Walsh Streets, as well as Syndicate Avenue.

"Now that it's cycling season, motorists can expect to see a lot more cyclists on the road," Krupper said. "Every year, we see an increase in the number of cyclists, so we are asking that everyone respects the rules of the road to keep each other safe".

Thunder Bay Police traffic sergeant Glenn Porter noted that roads are "public infrastructure for all to use and enjoy in safety."

"Each user has equal rights, and equal responsibilities," he said. "Road safety is the prime concern for all users of city streets, whether motorists, cyclists or pedestrians."

The fine for parking, stopping or idling in a bike lane is $25.