The news story "SLC to roll out big bike changes in spring" ( Tribune , Dec. 3) reported on the planned installation of bike lanes on Main Street from 900 South to 1700 South for this coming spring. Although studies show that Main Street is underutilized by motorists, realistically, once motorists see bike lanes they will move to alternate routes, such as West Temple or State Street. A decrease in drive-by traffic is obviously a concern to us automobile dealers on Main Street; however, I am more concerned about the smaller businesses that do not have the advertising budget of a new car dealership. These small businesses are much more dependent on drive-by traffic.

I have a relationship with many of the small retailers on Main Street, and in this difficult economy they are struggling. Any decrease in traffic could mean their end. The last thing Salt Lake City needs is empty buildings in a state of decline on Main Street.

The Salt Lake City Council and Mayor Ralph Becker need to consider the negative impact these bike lanes will have on businesses.

Jody Wilkinson Jody Wilkinson Acura

Salt Lake City