Downtown Bicycle Lanes Spark Debate

Riders and Businesses Disagree on Location

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The location of proposed bike lanes in Downtown Duluth is sparking debate between cyclists and business owners.

Cyclists want bicycle lanes added to Superior St. during the upcoming reconstruction project slated for 2017 or 2018.

Businesses are opposed to the plan because it would eliminate nearly half of the on street parking available to shoppers and other business goers. 

The bike lane proposal calls for the elimination of Superior Street’s angled parking spots.

Those parking spots would be replaced by protected bicycle lanes and parallel parking spots.

Bicycle riders say the proposal would bring more business into the area by bringing bike riders to the businesses. 

Several Businesses are opposed to the idea, because of the reduction in parking spaces.

Business owners say the vast majority of their customers arrive by motor vehicle and the reduction in parking would cause a drastic decline in business.

The Greater Downtown Council has offered the City of Duluth $10,000 to fund a feasibility study geared towards moving the lane one block over to Michigan St.

Businesses say the move would still allow bicyclists access to Downtown businesses without eliminating the parking spots vital to daily operations.