MEMPHIS, Tenn. — New bike lanes and parking spaces popped up in Midtown this week.
The changes are along North Parkway from the Vollintine Evergreen Greenline at Watkins to near University Street.
The plan has been in the works awhile but, nonetheless, caught some folks by surprise.
The stretch of North Parkway is down a traffic lane but up a bike lane and additional parking space.
Bicyclist and Midtown resident Harry Freeman told WREG he appreciates the change.
“It’s a very nice bike lane, and it makes biking on North Parkway a lot nicer,” he said.
On the other hand, some drivers do not appear to be on board with the idea.
“No, I don’t think it’s good. Let it stay like it is,” said driver James Shaw.
“It seems insane as much traffic as there is over there, would be my opinion,” said driver Jim Moore.
The city said the changes are part of the STP Bike Routes Project: Bicycle Facilities at Various Locations, which started in 2012.
Parking issues at Overton Park brought the North Parkway changes to the forefront.
There has been mediation going between the city, the zoo, and the Overton Park Conservancy regarding zoo overflow parking on the Greensward.
Last month, the mayor announced that both sides agreed to a change, adding on-street parking along North Parkway.
It amounts to about 200 parking spots.
The conservancy told WREG it appreciates the mayor’s accelerated push.
The city told us it had six meetings for public comment regarding bike routes project.