Memphis Enforces New North Parkway Bike Lanes

Curbside bike lane protocols on North Parkway took effect Tuesday, following the street's resurfacing by TDOT.

Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Cycling

Memphis Enforces New North Parkway Bike Lanes

Live Poll

Do you support the new bike lane design on North Parkway in your area?

Memphis began enforcing new bike lane protocols on North Parkway this week. The lanes sit between the parking lane and the curb, and the change follows TDOT's resurfacing of the street.

Why it matters

The new layout separates cyclists from moving traffic and places them beside the curb, a design intended to improve safety for riders and pedestrians in Memphis. Enforcement will determine whether drivers and parkers respect the lane's boundaries.

Curb-side bike lanes have been associated with a 40 to 60% reduction in pedestrian and cyclist crashes. Local crash results on North Parkway have not yet been reported.

The players

WREG

WREG is a Memphis television station that observed parked cars in the North Parkway bike lane.

Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT)

TDOT is the state agency responsible for state highways and roadway projects, and it resurfaced North Parkway before the new protocols took effect.

The details

North Parkway has two lanes for traffic, one lane for parking, and a bike lane placed between the parking lane and the curb. WREG observed several cars parked in the designated bike lane, and the small signs marking it are difficult to read from the street.

Bike lane protocols officially took effect on North Parkway on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

Roadmap

Curb-side bike lanes, which place cyclists between parked cars and the curb, have been associated with a 40 to 60% drop in pedestrian and cyclist crashes. North Parkway's new layout follows that design pattern, and its safety outcome will test whether the benefit carries over to Memphis streets.

Drivers who park on North Parkway should check whether their vehicle is in the bike lane, since the lane is currently obstructed by parked cars. Cyclists should expect the lane's markings to be hard to see, so they should ride with caution until signage improves.

The takeaway

Clear lane markings and enforcement are what turn a new bike lane into a safer street. Watch whether North Parkway's signs and parking rules are updated to match the new layout.