Mass. Ave Bike Lane Would Eliminate 70 Parking Spots
BOSTON (CBS) - Another battle is shaping up in the unofficial war over expanded cycling in the city of Boston.
This time, a handful of businesses are getting involved.
In a continued effort to make biking safer in the city, Mayor Menino wants the city to add a bike lane to part of Mass. Ave. at the expense of about 70 parking spaces.
WBZ-TV's Bill Shields reports
The mayor claims the city can get by just fine with 70 fewer spaces.
"We've increased parking spaces from 6,000 to over 8,000 on the street in the city," he said.
The proposed bike lane would run on the northbound side of Mass. Ave., from Symphony Hall, all the way to the Charles River.
Cycling advocates say a bike lane is much-needed on this dangerous high-traffic road.
"This city is so dense, and the traffic so heavy, we don't need more parking," said Arielle Zibrak, as she was getting on her bike.
But some business owners are hesitant, saying it would only make it more difficult for customers to park.
"It's already difficult to park here, but if you take away spaces, I'll have that many fewer customers," said Brian McCook, the manager at Dorothy's costume shop.
Some drivers echo that sentiment.
"I wouldn't frequent these shops, if there was no parking," one driver told WBZ-TV's Bill Shields as he was parking on Mass. Ave.
