Vancouver, B.C.– A preliminary analysis released today of impacts of Vancouver’s separated bike lanes on downtown businesses reveals moderate economic impacts and includes suggested mitigation measures, some of which have been implemented.

The study attempted to measure the economic and business impacts of the separated bike lanes on a variety of business types located along Hornby and Dunsmuir Streets, as well as the changes in commercial/retail occupancy levels, lease rates and sales.

The study was undertaken by the Vancouver Economic Development Commission (VEDC), in partnership with the City of Vancouver, the Downtown Vancouver Association (DVA), the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA) and the Vancouver Board of Trade (VBOT).

Some limitations of the study process and data, however, affected the depth of the analysis outcomes, such as the lack of significant participation from the business community and the absence of more hard data to support perceptions of impacts. Nonetheless, the consulting experts and stakeholder group members felt confident that enough input was received to produce a solid report that focused on the solutions – the primary objective of the impact analysis.

“Vancouver is one of the first cities in North America, and perhaps the world, to undertake such a comprehensive study of the direct business impacts of separated bike lanes,” says Stantec transportation planner Iona Bonamis.

“We are working closely with key stakeholders and a consulting team with significant local and international experience. International research has shown that two to three years of data is required to fully evaluate the impacts and benefits of separated bike lanes,” says Vancouver Economic Development Commission CEO, Lee Malleau. “With the Dunsmuir separated bike lane in place just over a year, and the Hornby bike lane installed just over six months ago, VEDC agrees with the recommendation that evaluation should continue for these corridors.”

The study revealed a few ‘hot spot’ blocks along the corridors where some businesses reported greater negative impacts than others. The report makes a number of suggestions to lessen the impact on businesses, including making changes to turning restrictions, signals, parking and loading zones.

The study shows the total economic impact of the bike lanes to area businesses is moderate, especially in the context of economic trends throughout the province that have widely impacted sales and profits. These include the international economic downturn, higher parking rates due to the introduction of HST, the fuel tax increase and stricter impaired driving rules.

“The City of Vancouver takes the concerns of businesses very seriously and is committed to verifying and mitigating impacts of the separated bike lanes, especially impacts that weigh heavier on smaller businesses,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson. “We will continue to work directly with businesses on appropriate solutions and make case-by-case accommodations where possible.”

The DVBIA requested a business impact study coinciding with installation of the Hornby Street separated bike lane last year. “We’re pleased to have this initial analysis on the impacts, and look forward to City Council deliberating the findings and making informed decisions on next steps,” says Charles Gauthier, DVBIA executive director.

“Some businesses on Hornby and Dunsmuir told us that they were experiencing an impact from the bike lanes. As a key component of the study, we worked together with the other business associations and the City to develop recommendations to Council to mitigate the negative impacts the Separated Bike Lanes are having on the affected businesses,” said DVA president Bob Glass.

“It was important to see the City of Vancouver recognize the need to examine the economic impact of major decisions such as the implementation of separated bike lanes on businesses along the streets most affected,” said Bernie Magnan, VBOT chief economist. “Having representatives of the business community involved on the steering committee along with City staff gives the resulting report an increased level of credibility. The actual process used to gather and interpret the information received led to a good report which can form the basis for mitigating any negative impacts. It also is informative on dealing with the possible impacts of such projects in the future.”

Local firms Stantec Consulting, Site Economics Ltd., and Mustel Group were commissioned by the VEDC, City of Vancouver, Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association, the Downtown Vancouver Association and the Vancouver Board of Trade to complete the study. The business impact report and a separate updated transportation status report for the separated bike lanes will be presented to City Council on July 28, 2011.

To view these reports, please visit www.vancouver.ca

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Contact:
Vancouver Economic Development Commission
Jeff McDonald, Manager, Communications & Media
604-632-9668 ext 110 or cell 604 880 1715 or jmcdonald@vancouvereconomic.com

Media Release