MEMPHIS, TN – Business Owners on Madison Avenue are upset about a plan to create designated bicycle lanes on the street.
More than 65 owners have signed petitions asking Memphis city leaders to create a shared bike/car lane on Madison Avenue.
The city is considering changing the four-lane road to two lanes, with a turning lane in the middle and a designated bicycle lane on the shoulder. Business owners said it would hurt their business. Instead, they want the city to create a shared lane. Signs would be put up reminding drivers they have to share a lane with people on bicycles.
“It is not that we are against bikers, or bike lanes. What we would like to do is have a compromise,” said Mike Copper, business owner.
However one bike advocate said cyclists on Madison already share lanes with cars because it is legal to ride your bike in the street.
“The roadway is a shared roadway right now. I rode my bike down Madison Avenue to get here,” said Anthony Siracusa.
A spokesperson for Mayor Wharton said at this point no decision has been made on what will happen to Madison Avenue.
