Some businesses in downtown Ottawa say they'll have to close because a segregated bike lane is too much of a parking barrier.
Stores along Laurier Avenue said the lack of parking available is forcing people away and cutting into their profits.
"My actual collection is $48,000-$50,000 before the bike lanes, now it's come down to $32,000," said Dewan Chowdhury of Buffet Moni Mahal.
"If I don't get more customers then I cannot survive a long time, maybe two or three months. Then there's no choice, I have to close down."
The Japanese Village restaurant said its business is down 12 per cent.
"We do have our regular customers but we are having difficulty coming in from the street, and most of our parking is gone," said Heman Ha.
People making deliveries said they're also having issues.
"You used to be able to park right here, up and out," said Greg Maryan. "Now it adds time to my deliveries."
The two-year, $1.3 million lane runs from Elgin Street to Bronson Avenue and began in July 2011.
Ottawa councillor Bob Monette said he's proposing six changes to the pilot project, including signs directing drivers to the nearest parking spots or adapting the lanes in the winter.
"There's not many bicycles using it in the winter months, is it possible to take one of the bike lanes off during the winter months to allow more parking and more accessibility?" he said.
Cyclists said they don't want to see the lanes taken away.
"I love it there in winter, clean-up was a lot better than normal for this," said Chris Taylor. "Usually we're an afterthought."
Other changes being discussed are to move one lane to a nearby street, freeing up one side of Laurier for parking.
Chowdhury said he hopes his business can last to the end of the pilot project.
"I'm begging to them, please I need their help," he said. "Please come here and enjoy the food."
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Katie Griffin
