The Sunday Spotlight: Shop Boss Blames Cycle Lane for Business Closure

Revamp Drives Traders to Breaking Point

EXCLUSIVE by Gary Fanning

The once-bustling bottom end of Byres Road near Partick Cross is facing a growing crisis, according to a retailer who is leaving the area.

As the introduction of a new cycle lane disrupts the area, local businesses are feeling the effects, and one long-standing store has made the difficult decision to close after 25 years of trading.

Asif Akhter, the 37-year-old manager of Print Cartridge, has witnessed the slow but steady decline of his business since the cycle lane was introduced in front of his shop.

The store, which has been on Byres Road for 25 years, will relocate to Shawlands next month.

And he blames the cycle lane for the business closing.

“The cycle lane has been the final nail in the coffin for us,” Mr. Akhter explained. “Before, we had up to 20 parking spaces near the junction of Byres Road and Dumbarton Road. Now, there are just two, plus a few loading bays. It’s made it impossible for people to stop and shop.”

Mr Akhter’s situation is not unique. Many retail businesses are grappling with declining foot traffic and safety concerns as the city embarks on its initiative to encourage cycling.

A Glasgow City Council spokesman said that public realm improvements on Byres Road have successfully reduced business vacancies, increased footfall and cycling, and maintained strong public transport usage, despite economic challenges.

But is the cost to local businesses worth the city’s broader goal of becoming more sustainable? Continue reading to find out how city officials justify the changes, and how they impact businesses and residents on Byres Road.

To access the full analysis, opinions from the council, and the profound impact they’ve had on local businesses and residents along Byres Road, please subscribe.

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