City studies economics of bike blvd

AUSTIN (KXAN) - An economic study commissioned by the city of Austin found added bike traffic from the proposed Downtown bicycle boulevard would help businesses along the route.

The study , done by Angelou Economics , concluded that the added bicycle traffic will generate an additional $96,000-$274,000 annually by 2020. The study looked at the impact of similar projects in other cities, as well as sales tax data gathered in Austin.

The study was presented to the Downtown Commission Wednesday night where some opponents of the bike boulevard attacked the results.

Some business owners along Nueces and Rio Grande have been outspoken against the plan, saying it eliminates parking and accessibility to their businesses. Bike lanes would be added on both streets through Downtown.

"The property value will certainly deteriorate if accessibility and parking is affected," said Scott Sayers, who owns property along the proposed route.

The economic study found property values in other cities, like Portland, Tucson, and Berkeley, were not adversely affected by similar bicycle boulevards in those cities.

"When we put the facilities in- bicyclists will use them and people who are not currently riding bicycles will become cyclists," supporter Hill Abell told the Commission Wednesday night.

The Downtown Commission is not required to approve or reject the plan, but city staff requested commissioners support it when it goes before the City Council for a vote.

The proposed bike boulevard will cost $670,000, which will be paid for by transportation bonds.

If the plan is approved, construction could begin as early as Fall of 2010.