Arguments both for and against eliminating a certain number of street parking spaces in the Davis Sq. area to make way for bike lanes have been heating up lately.

Many of the points being made on each side make sense, and it is clear that some kind of a compromise would be ideal, if such a thing is possible.

On the one hand, those opposed to the plan cite the fact that businesses in the area already hard hit by restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 mitigation measures would take an even harder hit if the parking spaces in question were eliminated. They posit that the decrease in motorist accessibility and the increase in cycling traffic would impact their revenues negatively, that many of those biking through won’t be stopping to buy.

On the other hand, proponents of the plan dispute this, saying that a customer arriving on a bicycle is still a customer, no matter what the means of conveyance. That in fact, a cyclist rolling through the square at a slower pace than a motorist might be even more motivated to stop off at a store or eatery because they are actively taking in the immediate environment a bit more attentively.

Many other arguments going both ways have been mentioned, but a final decision needs to be made, one that will be regarded as fair and beneficial to all concerned.

One of the better ideas put forward would be the installation of a multi-level parking facility near the square, along with going ahead with the new bike lanes. This seems reasonable, but will the city have the will and the funds to pursue it? Only time will tell.