Bike lanes to become parking spots this winter in St. John's

The City of St. John's will allow people to park in curbside bike lanes this winter.

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Councillors voted unanimously Monday evening to let residents park in the designated peddling paths from Nov. 1 until March 31. 

Coun. Art Puddister brought the motion forward, arguing residents want the parking ban in bike lanes to disappear altogether.

"This has been an ongoing problem in the west end. It's been very frustrating for residents not to be able to park in front of their own homes," he said.

"What's even more frustrating is that, during the winter months, a plow can come by and plow in these lanes and then someone parks there and can be issued a ticket."

There was no opposition to Puddister's motion on Monday, although Coun. Dave Lane said he would like to see a cycling committee look at any future changes to bike lanes, especially during the summer season.

Puddister said he supported the idea of a committee, but made it clear that his ultimate plan is to see the bike lanes permanently turned into parking spots.

"I hope that council in its infinite wisdom, on a go-forward basis, considers extending this beyond March 31, but right now we will start with Nov. 1 to March 31," he said.

"I will advise councillor Lane and other members of this council that at some point I would like to make this permanent — but for tonight I'm very grateful to be able to start with this."