The question of how to balance the needs of bikes, pedestrians and cars on Vancouver's busy Burrard Street Bridge, is one that seemingly just won't go away.
At Vancouver city hall, as the ruling Non-Partisan Association majority moves forward with a proposed $63 million sidewalk expansion plan, the opposition wants to know why less expensive alternatives are being ignored.
It is a debate that is being closely watched because the bridge is a key artery for commuter traffic entering and leaving the city's downtown core.
Coalition of Progressive Electors COPE) councilor David Cadman is one of those who is still floating the idea of avoiding the high cost of the sidewalk expansion by instead converting one of the existing vehicle lanes.
He says this would give ample room for bikes and people while using a counterflow system to keep traffic moving during peak hours.
"You'd have three lanes when you need traffic going downtown and three lanes when you want traffic coming out of town," he said.
But Cadman says the majority on council aren't willing to listen to such options because of politics.
An informal CTV survey shows that this issue is splitting civil politicians right down party lines.
On one side, the mayor and NPA councilors are opposed to any lane closure, while on the other side, opposition politicians are in favour of the idea. For his part, Cadman worries that these political divisions will impact the ability of Vancouver residents to have a say in on the issue.
That's because the $63 million sidewalk plan will likely get lumped in with other projects when the city's capital plan is put to voters during November's civic election. It means that if the electorate votes against the bridge project, it may also be turning down funding for other ammenities.
"And I don't think the citizens are willing to forgo Stratchona Library or Trout Lake Community Centre or all of these projects for a 0.9 kilometre, by one metre addition to the bridge," Cadman said.
