Toronto businesses reserving judgement on Bloor bike lanes… for now

Local business owners on Bloor Street split on whether bike lanes will mean more clients

MetroNews.ca
Aug. 15, 2016
By Gilbert Ngabo

The new bike lanes on Bloor Street have cyclists ringing their bells with joy, but businesses along the stretch are reserving their judgement… for now.

“It’s a 50/50 split, if you ask me,” said Tom Bucklant, a barista at the Coffee Pocket near Bloor and Christie. “Some people are upset about the bike lanes, others are excited.”

Vehicle traffic has been reduced from two lanes to one on Bloor, creating separated cycle tracks in both directions from Shaw Street to Avenue Road. Parking has been maintained on one side of the street.

Bucklant said he didn’t notice a huge uptick in customers during the lanes’ first weekend. However, he recognized the importance of having separated spaces for bike riders.

“Bloor was very hectic before,” he said.

While most business seem willing to give the lanes a chance, others have already made up their minds.

“It’s terrible. Just terrible,” said Jong Sik Lee, who owns a Korean bakery near Bloor and Bathurst. With no parking nearby, he says fewer people are coming in.
“I’ve been in business for 24 years. This is going to be the worst year,” he said.

Claire McFarlane at the Sweet Pete’s bike shop expects the lanes will attract more customers. She’s hoping other businesses will be patient as the public gets familiar with Bloor Street’s new look.

“Whatever the case, this is better than before,” she said. “More bike lanes is always a good thing.”