New bicycle path in Reykjavik not a good idea

Shopkeepers including a bicycle rental shop along Hverfisgata Street describe their dissatisfaction in the video clip below. They complain about losing parking spaces for their customers.

Friday this week the idea is to designate a part of Hverfisgata Street in Reykjavik as a bicycle path. The path is underway and has been painted green. Saturday there is Reykjavik Marathon and Culture Night – both sure to attract crowds in town. Hverfisgata is parallel to Laugavegur street, Reykjavik‘s main shopping street.

One argument against the bicycle path is that it is on the shadow side of the street – it would have made more sense to build it on the sunny side.

Shopkeepers and residents got less than five days notice of the temporary change which authorities say will last one month.

See the green path along Hverfisgata Street, click here.

Bicycle path instead of parking spaces

Parking spaces will temporarily make way for a bicycle path along Hverfisgata street in Reykjavik on Friday.

The experiment will last one month and the idea is to promote bicycling in Reykjavik.

Some residents were not notified that parking along the street would no longer be available. They‘re told that they can use a parking garage for ISK 4,000 per month (GB 20, US$ 32, EUR 25). Residents complain as they have to walk much further carrying groceries and tools etc. Source; mbl.is, visir.is.