Cyclists plan ride in support of Madison Ave. bike lanes | News

A group of cyclists will peddle down Madison Avenue to Memphis City Hall Friday in support of adding bike lanes to the street.

The ride, dubbed “A Rally for Great Streets,” is the latest battle in a war over bike lanes that has been raging for months. The disagreement pits cyclists and a group of businesses owners against each other.

Many business owners say adding dedicated bike lanes to the street will slow traffic and cause drivers to choose routes that bypass Madison Avenue. That, the business owners say, would hurt their companies.

"If you don't have traffic, you won't have potential customers," business owner Charles Gillen told Action News 5 back in April.

However, the group organizing Friday’s ride have found at least some business owners that see things differently.

“Everyone needs to see the big picture,” Jerry Wilson Jr., owner of Fino’s From the Hill, said in a written statement. “This isn't just about bike lanes on Madison Avenue. This is about making Madison Avenue into a vibrant, livable community.” 

The bicycle ride will start at 11:45 a.m. in the parking lot next to Playhouse on the Square. The riders plan to arrive at city hall at 12:30 p.m.

Photo courtesy Flickr user ginnerobot.