Which businesses are for and against “pop-up” cycleways: the case of Brisbane's CityLink Cycleway

COVID-19 accelerated “pop-up” cycleway initiatives in cities across the world, which are often contentious for the business community in affected streets and neighbourhoods. Brisbane converted parking lanes to form the CityLink Cycleway in its central business district. While the project was positively received overall, there was vocal business opposition, primarily on the grounds of loss of parking and loading bays. A set of field surveys collected 303 valid responses: 44 from businesses, 247 from customers, and 10 from delivery workers. The results show businesses erroneously perceive customers’ travel modes, overestimating car usage, and underestimating the mode and expenditure share of customers who walk, use public transport, or ride bicycles or powered mobility devices. Customers and delivery workers had more positive responses about the cycleway, while businesses expressed mixed reactions. Retailers had a less accurate picture of their customers' modes of travel, than those running restaurants and cafés, as did business owners/managers who drove to work. Respondents’ suggestions for city centre access improvements were mixed, especially regarding crowding. The overall positive responses captured by the study demonstrate there is a strong case to retain the CityLink Cycleway longer-term. However, there are concerns from businesses and other users regarding loading bays.