In two weeks, one lane of Vancouver's Burrard Bridge will be turned into a bike lane.

It's supposed to make it safer for cyclists and pedestrians and help the environment.

But some nearby businesses say the change could keep customers away. This appears to be another example of a seeming disconnect between transportation plans and what's good for business.

Ron Appleton, for example, is worried about what the new bike lane on the Burrard Bridge will do to his art gallery.

"It would be a complete disaster,'' he said.

Starting on July 13th, cars coming off the bridge onto Pacific Avenue will no longer be able to turn right at Hornby Street.

In the past, that corner has been particularly dangerous for cyclists.

But for a gallery like Appleton's, easy access is critical.

Businesses not consulted

"This block is owned by the city. We pay taxes and rent to the city. If our businesses fail, the city is out that income,'' he said.

Appelton and other businesses along Hornby said the City didn't consult them about the changes.

It's a familiar refrain for dozens of businesses along Cambie Street who called it quits during the construction of the Canada Line.

Appleton doesn't even want to think about what will happen if the businesses along Hornby can't reach a compromise with the city.

"To close the road will force us to close our businesses,'' he said.

Cross purposes

Customers who want to visit businesses along Hornby will now have to go down to Howe Street and backtrack.

John Winter, The BC Chamber of Commerce's President and Chief Executive Officer, knows that business interests and transportation sometimes seem at cross purposes. But it doesn't need to be that way.

"The changes don't always have to be negative. It might bring in a different clientele or make it easier for parking. There are a host of things it could change,'' he said.

The dedicated bike lane is a three-month trial. Once it opens, the city will hold consultations and get feedback about how it's working.

For Appleton, waiting until the fall for answers might be too late.

With a report by CTV British Columbia's Leah Hendry