MADISON, Wis. -- The Madison Common Council approved a 700-foot bike path on the city's West Side on Tuesday night despite some neighborhood opposition.

The plan calls for pavement to run from Tocora Lane through the University Research Park to Science Drive.

The council is asking for a change in the current language from no "vehicular access" allowed on the path to no "motor vehicle" access. That's because members confirmed a bike is considered a vehicle by state law, WISC-TV reported.

City officials said that they will get an easement from the research park, at no cost. The project, paid for by tax payers, will cost about $70,000.

The project will now be bid out before coming back to the council for a final vote.

Officials hope to complete the project by the end of 2009.