Re: “Replace parking spaces lost to bicycle lanes,” comment, Jan. 8.
I’m pretty sure retailers have no need for concern about safe bike-traffic lanes taking up parking spaces and thereby negatively affecting sales.
Like me, many who ride bikes downtown and to other alluring neighbourhood “villages,” shop, do business, attend concerts and events and, yes, spend money. And it’s very likely we will want to refuel while we’re there. “Fill ’er up” to the pedal-powered means “I’ll have dessert with that” or “Make that a large.” So bakeries, coffee shops and every kind of eating establishment will thrive along any protected bike route.
And hey, while we’ve got the bike parked and our helmets off, we’ll probably check out that interesting shop next door. Or we’ll decide to choose a hairdresser or a hardware store, for example, that is on a protected bike lane, specifically because it is simple and safe to get to. Soon, every business will be wishing they had one nearby.
Yes, there will no doubt be a transition period. Sorry about that. But it won’t take long before those who don’t yet ride, and want to once it is safe, decide to try. Statistics from numerous other Canadian cities are abundant and clear.
Gail Meston
Victoria
