Originally Posted by Shiznaz
Yeah businesses hate bikes but they are wrong in their fears of losing business over less parking spaces. Small business owners are in precarious financial situations and can and will freak out at anything they perceive could be potentially damaging for their business. Whether removing/reducing parking would reduce business is up for debate though, and in most historical cases has only improved local business... Even so I won't lament the loss of a few shops or retaurants if it means having a more bicycle friendly city.
which is why you see stuff like this:
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3...0/PICT4051.jpg
I don't know man, when Spadina was all no parking because of the construction, small businesses there tool a huge hit, some disappeared. I feel Bloor is a more arterial than most and not the best idea for a lane. There are many passages east/west that could utilize BL's more effectively. Ban cars in the core? Impossible as well as pointless. The whole idea is to reach happy medium between the two. I still think teach both riders and drivers how to interact with one another is still the best way. Hate those lanes.
It's not that business hates bikes but rather loathes not being able to have cars park near their store when they drive by. It becomes a hassle to pull over find a green P or side street parking and walk to the store, and I have to agree with them.