Bike Lanes Are Not Parking Spots: Why Blocking Them Puts Memphis Lives at Risk

In Memphis, bike lanes are a lifeline — not a loading zone.

Despite that, it’s become common to see delivery trucks, ride-shares, and even private vehicles parked directly in bike lanes across the city. Drivers often justify this by saying, “It’s just for a minute,” or “I didn’t want to block traffic.” But here’s the truth: parking in a bike lane is blocking traffic — just not the kind of traffic some people care to acknowledge.

Why It’s Dangerous

When a car parks in a bike lane, it forces cyclists into motor vehicle traffic. That sudden shift — especially when cars are moving at 30 to 40 mph — is unpredictable and dangerous. Riders must swerve into the travel lane, sometimes with only a split second to check for oncoming vehicles. The risk of being hit is real, and the outcomes can be severe: spinal injuries, broken limbs, or worse.

These aren’t hypothetical dangers. Crashes have happened — even right here in Memphis — when cyclists were forced out of their lane due to parked vehicles. Many of these collisions occur because drivers aren’t expecting to see a cyclist abruptly merge into their space.

The Infrastructure Is Already Limited

Memphis has made strides in building bike infrastructure, but let’s be honest: we’re nowhere near having enough. Most of our bike lanes are unprotected and wedged between parking and fast-moving traffic. Cyclists already have too few safe routes. Every time a driver uses a bike lane as a convenience stop, they’re erasing the little protection that exists.

There are over 4,000 miles of roads in Shelby County. Bike lanes make up only a tiny fraction of that, and yet, they’re constantly being blocked by vehicles. That’s not “sharing the road” — that’s dominating it.

It’s a Legal Violation — And It Should Be Enforced

In Memphis, it is illegal to park in a bike lane or at least in certain spots, and yet enforcement is nearly nonexistent. Residents are told to report violations via 311 or the non-emergency police line, but cyclists routinely report that no action is taken. Enforcement can’t just be a suggestion — it needs to be consistent, visible, and include ticketing and towing where appropriate. That includes city-owned and law enforcement vehicles. No one should be above the law when it comes to public safety.

“It’s Just for a Minute” Is Not an Excuse

Some drivers argue that their short stop isn’t a real problem. But that logic falls apart quickly. Would you park in the middle of a car lane to pick up donuts? Would you block a fire lane to answer a text? Of course not — because it’s dangerous. So why should bike lanes be treated differently?

Real Solutions Exist

We need better enforcement, yes — but we also need better design. Protected bike lanes with curbs or posts dramatically reduce the number of cars that encroach on them. Other cities have installed automated enforcement cameras, or created dedicated delivery zones that don’t interfere with bike infrastructure. These solutions work. Memphis should implement them.

Reporting the Problem

To report bike lane blockages:

• Call 311 or use the Memphis 311 app

• Call the Memphis Police Department’s non-emergency line at 901-545-COPS.

• Submit the location and evidence to BikeLaneUprising.com, which tracks problem areas and documents repeat offenders

Bottom Line

Bike lanes are not optional. They are not “extra” space. They are an essential part of our transportation network and a critical tool for safety and equity in Memphis. Blocking them is dangerous, illegal, and deeply disrespectful to the people who rely on them.

If we truly want a city that is safer, more connected, and less congested, it starts with respecting every road user — not just those behind a steering wheel.