A cyclist riding in the new O'Connor Street bike lane was struck this evening when a car made a turn at Waverley Street, hours after city councillors and the mayor ceremonially opened the bikeway.

A spokesperson for the Ottawa Paramedic Service said it happened at about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The male cyclist, who paramedics said was between the ages of 30 and 40, was taken to hospital in stable condition with rib and shoulder injuries.

The O'Connor Street bike lane opened last Thursday, but the ceremony to mark its official opening was earlier Tuesday.

While the bike lane has a protected lane with co-ordinated signals, some drivers have expressed concern that the two-way bike lanes on a one-way street will present safety issues.