Businesses struggle as bike lanes fail to attract customers on Hennepin Avenue

In northeast Minneapolis, businesses have faced significant challenges amid a prolonged construction project along Hennepin Avenue. The construction, which began in April 2024, aimed to enhance the area with bike lanes, safer crossings, and transit priority lanes. However, many local businesses reported a concerning decline in customer traffic, leading to decreased sales and financial losses. Rich Horton, co-owner of Relish, highlighted the impact of the construction, describing how it initially seemed they were on an upward trajectory, only to see a drastic drop in business over the course of the construction period. Morgan Foley, the General Manager at Rusty Taco, took over his position just as the construction began and shared that the timing couldn't have been worse for their operations. He mentioned not being able to achieve their typical summer sales and losing a significant amount of money due to the lack of customers. The construction not only created physical barriers to their establishments but also discouraged foot traffic, as many potential customers are often put off by such disruptions. As a result, the two businesses have been left to struggle through the aftermath of this necessary public improvement project. Looking ahead, the business owners are preparing for another construction phase planned for the coming spring, which is expected to last for a further two years. Foley expressed his frustration regarding the timing and duration of construction, noting that although a significant part of the project has been finished, there are still portions remaining that will not conclude until 2025. This extended timeline poses ongoing challenges for local businesses that depend on consistent customer traffic to survive. Despite the setbacks, the business community remains hopeful. Horton mentioned the anticipated improvements to their patio area, which will now be positioned further from the road due to the addition of the bike lane. Both Horton and Foley urged local residents to support neighborhood businesses that offer valuable services despite the inconveniences posed by the construction. They also called attention to the fact that not all businesses have fared well during this period and that community support is crucial for economic recovery.