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* Broad Street bike lane construction is getting mixed reviews * Cooper: Bike lanes worrisome * Greeson: Chattanooga wrongly caters to vocal biking minority * Sidewalk project providing pedestrian, bicycle access to stretch of Highway 58 * Bike Chattanooga offers special deal to get city residents to try bike share program
One of the latest frustrations in downtown Chattanooga is the addition of new bike lanes, versus adding more parking and trying to move more vehicular traffic through the center of our city.
As a merchant of 28 years in Chattanooga, I understand. Parking traditionally equals customers. In malls and shopping plazas, dedicated retail parking lots serve this end. In downtown areas, though, it is rarely accomplished. Thus, the worry for businesses and restaurants becomes: My company will suffer without curbside parking.
Yet this is not true. Parking is always important, but ample parking is not a cure-all for slow growth or sales. If you believe it’s that simple, move your business to the mall. There is plenty of parking there.
Reality, as is often the case, is more complex. There are hundreds of examples around the country where improving bike access, slowing traffic and increasing public transportation opportunities have yielded improved quality of life while also contributing to the success of downtown businesses. Some cities have even stepped beyond bike lanes to close entire streets and city blocks, creating complete walking districts. Denver and Boulder are two easy examples of this.