A recent report from the Chicago Department of Transportation found that bike lanes do not harm business activity on commercial corridors where they are installed. The report examined six commercial corridors with different types of bike lane projects, analyzing data and surveying local businesses, residents, and real estate developers.

Local Business Owners Weigh In

Some business owners, like Eric Tan, co-owner of The Bike Lane bike shop, say the bike lanes have brought in more customers and contributed to a greater feeling of safety. However, others, like Giovanni Alzari, an employee at Jules Pet Shop, report a decline in business due to the loss of parking spaces.

The report’s findings come as some Complete Street projects have sparked backlash from neighbors and business owners concerned about losing parking spaces and potential increases in traffic congestion. Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th) has been a vocal opponent of the ongoing Archer Avenue Complete Streets project, citing concerns from businesses on and near Archer.

The city’s transportation department says the studies show that bike lanes contributed to either positive or neutral trends along most of the studied areas. The report complements the city’s analysis of improved and safer street design.

Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.