Bike lane proposal would eliminate Sloan’s Lake parking spaces [Video]

Business owners are concerned about the impact the proposal would have.

DENVER — The Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) is considering adding a protected bike lane on a stretch of a busy street north of Sloan’s Lake, effectively removing all of its street parking. Small business owners are now concerned about losing customers and the negative impact on their businesses.

The existing bike lane is unprotected, meaning it is simply painted on the road. The new proposal would add a physical barrier, which many cyclists would welcome due to the high-speed traffic in the area.

“Enabling a safe space for people to bike to nearby schools, businesses, and friends and family is immensely important,” said Ben Shpurker, a cyclist who lives in the Highlands area.

The protected bike lane proposal would eliminate more than 200 parking spots.

“I specifically picked this location for my business because there was …