While cycling groups applauded Vancouver’s decision to create a separated bike lane along Hornby Street, a group that represents businesses said it is disappointed, but not surprised.
Late Tuesday, Vancouver’s council approved the construction of a $3.2-million separated bike lane trial to connect the False Creek and Coal Harbour seawalls.
Construction began yesterday and should be complete by the beginning of December.
“I thought they might have heeded our suggestion not to proceed with Phase 2 until they did a more detailed analysis of the impact Phase 1 is having on Dunsmuir Street businesses,” said Charles Gauthier, executive director of the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association.
Arno Schortinghuis, president of the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition, said the separated lane is “hugely important” for the city because it will increase the amount of cycling and help create a “more vibrant city.”
“I think, if this proves successful, we’ll see way more of these separated bike lanes throughout Vancouver,” Schortinghuis said.
