SARATOGA SPRINGS – City cyclists will soon have another set of dedicated lanes.

Commissioner of Public Safety Peter Martin said he is working on opening new lanes on Lake Avenue that will run from Lake Avenue Elementary School on east to the I-87 underpass. And he hopes to have them open and ready for riders by the time the Saratoga Race Course meet begins on Friday, July 20.

"The idea is to give the kids, families, visitors, a safe and pleasant way to get around town," Martin said on Sunday. "I know bike tourism is growing and this is a desired step to make the city a bike trail destination."

The bike lanes on Lake Avenue follow last year's opening of popular lanes for bikers on North Broadway.

"They were so well-received," Martin said. "Not just with the biking community, but with the whole Northside neighborhood. Because of the bike lanes, it appears that the street is narrower. That has slowed down traffic. Residents have said it's easier and safer to cross the street."

The city has $40,000 in state grant money available for an engineering study for the lanes. Once a plan is in place, and approved by the City Council, Martin said the paint for the lanes will go down.

The five-foot wide lanes will be placed on both sides of the street and like North Broadway will narrow the thoroughfare, which is also state Route 29. Martin said some parking would be displaced, but he is uncertain how much. He is also uncertain if the lanes will be protected or unprotected by the parked cars.

"That will be part of the study," Martin said.

Martin anticipates the Lake Avenue bike path will eventually hook into Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail and Greenbelt Trail, a path that will circle the city and allow bikers, hikers, runners and walkers an opportunity to go from one end of the city to the other. (One portion of the Greenbelt Trail, the controversial Geyser Road connector, is being delayed by litigation. The Village of Ballston Spa is challenging the trail; so too is a separate suit was filed by neighbors.)

In addition to the trail connections, Martin said the study will also look to improve parking at the East Side Recreation Center.

"It will be safer for walkers, bikers and for drivers, but that's another stage," Martin said.

The lanes are also part of the city's Complete Streets plan, which is meant to make the city as accessible and safe as possible to all.



"I receive so many emails and Facebook messages about this," Martin said. "People want it completed. It's popular."