VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – It’s always a controversial topic for both cyclists and drivers and now Vancouver has officially taken the first step to look at bringing in bike lanes and pedestrian friendly walkways to the Cambie and Granville Street bridges.

The city is looking to hire a consultant to figure out the feasibility of pedestrian and cycling “enhancements,” as its calls it, for both routes.

Sharon Townsend with the South Granville Business Improvement Association says the city has not spoken to them at any point about any concerns. She believes the idea is a double-edged sword.

“A pedestrian walkway could deliver us more pedestrian traffic or it could prove disastrous in terms of access. So, we really need to know more,” Townsend stresses.

She has been speaking with businesses that are worried they’ll lose customers and money.

NPA Councillor George Affleck says things are moving backwards at City Hall. He doesn’t understand why the bike lanes and greenspace are up for discussion when the transportation plan won’t be presented or approved until later in the fall.

“And after that we can begin the process of whatever is approved within that transportation plan. Full public disclosure is needed at City Hall so citizens can know what’s going on.”

He’s also concerned things will happen the same way as when the Burrard Street bike lanes were brought in; without a lot of input from people who will be directly affected.