Cyclists are concerned for their safety while on Lethbridge roads, as they are finding it difficult to use cycling as a means of transportation.

University of Lethbridge Instructor, David Short, was recently hit by a motorized vehicle while on his bike and felt it was just a matter of time before it happened.

Short, frequently bikes from the south side of Lethbridge to the university and believes that safety is a huge concern.

“I’ve had people shout at me to get off the sidewalk and I’ve had people shout at me to get off the road,” said Short. “You just can’t win, I find drivers don’t look out for bikes in Lethbridge.”

Constable Steve Baker, of the Lethbridge City Police, understands that cyclists in this city do not always feel safe on the road and therefore resort to riding on the sidewalks where they are technically not allowed.

“You get this competition between the bikes and the cars which is completely counter productive and doesn’t help at all,” said Baker. “They need to remember that a bike is a vehicle as much a car is a vehicle and that they are sharing the road.”

According to Baker, awareness is key for both cyclists and motorized vehicles in order to coincide with each other.

Ron Evans, a local resident, feels that cyclists don’t always do their part when it comes to road safety, which can leave drivers feeling frustrated.

“It’s something I think is a worldwide phenomenon; cyclists seem to think they have a moral right to do anything they please such as running red lights and racing in between cars,” said Evans. “I am astonished by what some people think they can get away with just because they are on bicycles.”

Constable Baker also said that having bike lanes in the city would solve some safety issues, along with being better for the environment.

“The more people feel safe riding bikes, the more they will start using their bikes for transportation purposes,” said Baker. “Less motorized vehicles on the road equals less pollution.”

In Calgary, the city has already introduced an inner city cycle track. The track consists of multiple bike lanes all over downtown, which have barriers separating the cyclists from motorized vehicles.

According to the city’s website, the cycle track was designed to help increase travel choices for cyclists, while at the same time ensuring their safety.

Lethbridge City Park Manager, David Ellis, believes although Lethbridge may not be the best place for using bicycles as a means of transportation, it definitely offers cyclists the chance to be on their bikes.

Currently, Lethbridge has over 150 km of paved pathways and approximately 50 km of natural or gravel trails for cyclists to enjoy.

According to the BikeBridge Cycling Association the Lethbridge intends on creating a bike boulevard on 7 Avenue South within the next five years.