The latest TCAT news bulletin is reporting on a new report from the Clean Air Partnership that shows that bicycle-friendly infrastructure not only doesn't hurt business, it actually helps it:Contrary to common public perception, the evidence shows that removing on-street parking to install a bicycle lane or widened sidewalk would likely increase not decrease commercial activity. "This report should alleviate concerns that downtown business owners have about on-street bicycle lanes", said Eva Ligeti, Executive Director of the Clean Air Partnership.The study interviewed 61 merchants and 538 patrons of businesses in the "Annex" section of Bloor Street (between Spadina and Bathurst) in July 2008.
On the question of installing a bike lane and removing half the on‐street parking, almost 75% of businesses thought their business would improve or stay the same, while slightly more than 25% thought the change would bring in fewer customers.
Overall, most visitors get to Bloor Annex on foot, followed by public transit, bicycle and finally car. Amongst those who live or work in the area, two‐thirds walk, 14% cycle, another 14% take public transit, and only 5% drive. For those who do not live or work in the area, 54% take public transit, 20% walk, 16% drive, and 10% cycle.
It's a no-brainer to probably most of us who are interested in bikes and pedestrian-friendly urban planning, but is shocking news to those in society that think that only people who own or exclusively use cars buy things.
Read more in the TCAT news item, or check out the entire document (PDF) for yourself.
Labels: infrastructure, news
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