A Calgary city councillor is asking people who use Bowness Road to be keep an open mind about a new bike lane along the route.

The city has added bike lanes on Bowness Road from Bowness Park to 67th Street N.W., through the heart of the community, including a left-right turn lane down the middle of the street.

The change reduces vehicle traffic to one lane in each direction and some residents complain traffic is backing up as a result — sometimes just when a bus stops for passengers.

But people simply need to adjust to the change and give it a chance, said Coun. Ward Sutherland.

“Now that the lines are there, it's very clear and you have flexibility,” he said.

“People are talking about buses. When a bus stops, what do they do? Well, in the middle lane where you're allowed to go left or right, you're allowed to go around the bus. So people understanding how to use the system, it'll just take a little time.”

There was extensive community consultation about the changes before they were approved, Sutherland said.

Some area residents have started a petition to protest the new setup.