A pathway along the Lester B. Pearson building that was used by cyclists trying to by-pass a busy stretch of Sussex is now permanently closed. ((Giacomo Panico/CBC))

The federal government has closed a pathway that Ottawa cyclists say has left them with a more dangerous commute.

Public Works and Government Services Canada recently closed a short link along the Lester B. Pearson building on Sussex that allowed cyclists to by-pass a busy section of Sussex near King Edward.

The closing of the path means cyclists commuting between Gatineau and Ottawa are now forced to ride down a curb onto Sussex and join a lane reserved for bicycles and buses – the same lane where Melanie Harris was struck and killed by a bus in 2009.

The National Capital Commission transferred maintenance of the path back to Public Works in the spring.

Public Works said in an email that the path passed through the parking lot and loading bays behind Foreign Affairs and is now closed for health and safety reasons.

Alex deVries, vice president of Ottawa’s Citizens for Safe Cycling says the issue is leaving cyclists at risk.

"If those two groups can't co-operate, it makes it very difficult for us to have the functional cycling facilities that we need," deVries said.

Many cyclists have complained that it is easy to get their front tire caught in the curb and that merging into the joint bus and bike lane is frightening, especially knowing someone was killed there.

Some cyclists have begun riding slowly on the sidewalk to avoid the bus lane.

The path has now been replaced by a rose garden and a sign that reads "Pathway permanently closed."