Segregated bicycle lanes designed to encourage cycling are raising accessibility concerns on Laurier Avenue, according to those who use the street.

Marc Rochon uses a wheelchair to get around and said the lanes, separated from traffic by concrete barriers, make him more restricted than he already is.

"I think they should do something about this, because it's disgusting," he said.

Residents said the lanes, which officially open on Sunday, will cause headaches for them, delivery trucks and even emergency vehicles.

"I'd like to see a fire truck and time them, and see how long it takes to get to our place," Rochon said.

Those delays could extend to traffic on the street, as delivery truck drivers said their sidewalk access has been taken away.

"It's really hard to get to the buildings," said one driver with the Canadian Diabetes Association. "You have to park on the street basically and block traffic."

The city has addressed several complaints on the access by removing some of the concrete barriers from certain areas, which went over well with one local businessman.

"The blocks are not there for people to unload and unload their vehicles . . . they're gone," said hot dog vendor Terry Scanlon. "The blocks aren't there for the taxi zones; they can have access to it."

Mayor Jim Watson and transportation committee chair Marianne Wilkinson will officially open the bike lanes Sunday at 1 p.m. in front of the Ottawa Public Library at the intersection of Laurier Avenue and Metcalfe Street.

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Stefan Keyes