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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
A Yellowknife-based environmental organization wants the city to make room for cyclists on Franklin Avenue for a week, coinciding with International Car Free Day on Sept. 22.

Kyle Kefalas rides his bike on the sidewalk along Franklin Avenue Tuesday. Ecology North's is hoping to have Franklin Avenue temporarily narrowed with chalk lines to create bike lanes on Sept. 22, International Car Free Day. - Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo

Dawn Tremblay and Lloyd Thiessen of Ecology North's transportation issues committee proposed narrowing the busy route by a half-metre on either side, using chalk lines to create bike lanes from the Multiplex intersection to the 44 Street turnoff to St. Patrick High School. The ultimate goal would be to create permanent bike lanes after a trial run.

"We would like permission to chalk a bike lane on either side of Franklin and we are open to how far the city wants to do it," said Thiessen, adding he was willing to scale down the proposal if the city wished.

International Car Free Day was begun in the 1990s by the Sierra Club, with an aim to promote urban transit without the use of automobiles.

This year it falls on a Saturday, which is less busy than a weekday.

If the proposal is successful, Ecology North is hoping the idea of having bike lanes in the city would be considered more seriously by the public.

The idea to narrow Franklin Avenue to create bike lanes - even if they are temporary - got a cold reception from city administration, however, although city officials promised to report back next week with a recommendation for council.

"In essence city administration does not feel it is a safe alternative," said Mayor Gord Van Tighem.

"From Old Airport Road to 56 Street there is no parking and it is four lanes of traffic. That is why cyclists get on the sidewalks or go on the trails."

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