15 Nov 2013

Cyclist says lanes safer and good for business

9:13 am on 15 November 2013

A Dunedin cyclist says opposition from retailers to a plan for fully-separate cycle lanes through the city puts profits before lives.

There's been an outcry from business owners who say the loss of hundreds of main road car parks will hinder access to the central city.

The plan was spurred by the high profile cycling death of dentistry lecturer Dr Chris He last year.

More than 1000 submissions on the plan have been lodged in the first week of public consultation.

Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Christie said retailers and building owners fear losing up to 400 car parks and that the public will be put off coming into the city.

Cyclist Darryl Baser was cut off by a van and had his teeth repaired by Dr He shortly before he died.

Mr Baser says retailers have the wrong attitude. "You get more people moving around, you'll have more people into the CBD, more people to buy stuff. Cars don't buy things, people buy things."