PORTAND, Ore. – A plan to increase the number of bikeways throughout the city has some downtown business owners worried that it’ll drive people away.

The plan calls for a jump from 630 miles to 930 miles of bikeways by the year 2030. The goal is to get about 25 percent of the city to commute to work by bike. Many cyclists said they’re all for it, but business owners had a tougher time with the idea.

Even shop owners like Jane Adams, who bikes to work everyday, said she worries how changes would affect the overall traffic flow.

“I like that it’s a bike-friendly city, but I also want it to be a city that’s friendly for businesses as well,” she said.

The owners of Flowers by Dorcas said the plan reaffirms their decision to relocate to the Hollywood District.

“As a matter of fact one of the reasons we are moving is our customers complain with the lack of parking, the gridlock, and the construction. They don’t come downtown anymore,” said co-owner Gerhard Watzig.

Oregon Wines on Broadway owner, Kate Bolling, said she can also see how it could cause problems with the flow of traffic.

“If you’re not a bike commuter, affects your ability to come to work,” she said.

Many business owners pointed out the current exodus underway from downtown, and they worry about the future of downtown if businesses don’t feel like they can survive.

The city is accepting public input from now until Nov. 8, 2009. The Portland Planning Commission will hold a hearing on the plan at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27. To read the plan, and for more information about the hearing please follow the below link:

• Proposed Portland Bicycle Plan for 2030