As far as I have read, statistics of deaths and accidents when a bike lane is part of the infrastructure local governments have implemented, are lower than before. Also, the increase of trips on bicycles rise when users feel safer.
I know that persons with business along the road complain, feeling that such a lane will make sales decrease, which is not true. Car drivers also complain, feeling tha the already scarce place they use is reduced.
According to statistics, makeing and keeping a bike lanes is much cheaper than lanes for cars. Also, visibility of business along the bikelane increase, due to the lower speed of cyclists. Owners should, instead of complaining, attract bicycle users, make changes so cyclist may park their machines safely. There’s also the general benefits on health for persons using a bicycle, which make an impact on health care costs.
So why a city Government would like to close down a lane of recent construction? Because people in the government think it doesn’t attract tourists, are not popular among voters (at least that’s what they think). In San Luis Potosí, México, there are just a few kilometres of bike lanes. It would be better to plan and implement a net of bike lanes, so more people feel safe and increase the use of bicycles.
I hope not bicycle lane is closed, and that more and more persons find the benefits and joy of using their bikes.
Biking the Path 