After a serious accident involving a cyclist getting pinned underneath a flipped SUV, city councillors are pushing for protected bike lanes throughout the city.

On Wednesday, a motor vehicle accident shut down St. Mary's and Fermor Avenue for 10 hours. During the incident, a cyclist was caught underneath the flipped SUV. The stretch of road the incident occurred on does not have protected bike lanes.

Councillor Janice Lukes would like to see Winnipeg put out a study to figure out the best way to proceed.

"I'd like to see them start in the downtown and work their way out into the suburbs," Lukes said. "It's really important, I believe, to have that protection between the vehicles and the cyclists.

"It's been proven all over the world that it does increase the level of safety."

Lukes said it would also increase the confidence of cyclists, especially new cyclists. Protected bike lanes could also provide an unexpected economic boost.

"More money is spent by the cyclists and pedestrians," said Lukes. "It creates a lot of vitality in the downtown."

Luke said that knowing the rules of the road and being aware are the most important things a cyclist can do to avoid an accident when they find themselves on a street without a bike lane. She also suggests not wearing ear buds so you can hear what is going on around you.