Who Opposes Expanding Bike Infrastructure?

Despite the recent change in opinion of the Uptown business owners to support the installation of the bike lanes at the cost of parking spaces, other business owners are rallying against the bicycle infrastructure expansion. The owner of a Hillcrest-based restaurant, bar and brewing company recently met with other local business leaders and municipal representatives to discuss his concerns. In an open letter to the city of San Diego, the Hillcrest business owner lamented that the “91 parking spaces lost in Hillcrest…will have a devastating impact on all of our business.”

However, the Hillcrest business owner fails to realize that the majority of business in both Uptown and Hillcrest areas is the result of pedestrian traffic. These days, it is common to park a block away from your destination and walk, so reducing the number of available parking spaces will not change much for consumers, given that most restaurants can house nearly 200 patrons, only 15 of which actually parked in front of the restaurant. The rest walked or road their bicycle, which, thanks to the new bike lane, will become a much safer procedure.

According to a recent report by The Guardian, bicyclists promote business because they are much more likely to impulse stop somewhere. The vice-president of Langley Investment Properties said, “[i]f you’re driving by at 35 mph, you’re not going to stop.” On the other hand, it is easy for bicyclists to park and window shop if something catches their eye. He continued, once “you slow the traffic down, you do landscaping, you get more people walking, and suddenly the retail exists.”

I Need A San Diego Lawyer Who Specializes In Bike Accidents

Once San Diego’s bicycle infrastructure is complete, business owners in Hillcrest and Uptown will notice the benefits of increased pedestrian traffic and decreased traffic congestion. While San Diego remains in a state of bike infrastructure limbo, motorists still need time to adjust to the increased presence of bicyclists. As such, bicyclists need to be extra cautious around careless motorists. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, our San Diego bicycle accident attorneys can help recover the full compensation that you deserve for your injuries. For more information or free legal advice, contact us. To schedule a free consultation with one of our San Diego bicycle accident attorneys, call our firm today at (858) 261-5454.

[Did You Know: According to the US Pirg fund, bike commuting is increasing in 85 of 100 of America’s biggest cities.]

Bonnici Law Group, APC—San Diego bicycle accident lawyer

Source: http://sdgln.com/commentary/2014/02/11/letter-community-lets-meet-about-bike-lane-university-avenue#sthash.I7NCXGZM.zYByr3mY.dpbs, https://voiceofsandiego.org/2014/02/14/a-familiar-enemy-emerges-to-bike-plan-parking-spots/, http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/reasons-business-leaders-danish-style-cycling, http://uspirgedfund.org/reports/usp/transportation-transition