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Penticton city council has voted to not build any more separated bike lanes until 2026.

In a close vote, 4 in favour and 3 against, at this week's council meeting, the politicians decided the city won't be spending money on divided bike lanes with concrete barriers until at least 2026.

The decision doesn't include bike lanes which are simply lines painted on the road.

“People are tired of the discussion in council over these bike lanes, these separated bike lanes,” councillor Helena Konanz said.

READ MORE: New Penticton bike lanes will 'change transportation in the city'

Coun. Konanz supports cheap and simple painted bike lanes and says Penticton’s council has more important things to prioritize.

“Every road should have some type of bike lane but it doesn’t need to be a separated, million dollar, concrete bike lane,” she said.

Matt Hopkins from the Penticton and Area Cycling Association said the decision is disappointing because it stops the lake-to lake bike route between Okanagan and Skaha lakes halfway through its construction. Penticton has data showing hundreds of people use the separated bike lane daily.

"It’s really challenging to finally get to the point where something is built and you can see people are using it, to turn around and say it’s unpopular and not continue the discussion," Hopkins said.

Coun. Konanz said this decision has freed up time for council to make plans on the bigger issues.

“The council can focus on our priorities which are really at this point crime and safety and housing,” she said.

READ MORE: Penticton bike lane makes it difficult for semi to clear corner

Hopkins said although it may not be the biggest issue in Penticton, bike lanes help people save money, as well as helping the environment.

"Anywhere you want to get to in Penticton to access businesses or other popular destinations, you absolutely need the separation," he said. "It’s not the most important thing in Penticton, but it’s still important."

Mayor Julius Bloomfield voted against the motion saying council ought to decide on bike lane proposals as they arise.

“It paints us into a corner,” Mayor Bloomfield said during the council meeting. “Our job is to discuss these applications as they come in.”

The full council meeting can be viewed here. The bike lane discussion is at 6:25:56 mark.

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