MEMPHIS, TN — The City of Memphis Bikeway and Pedestrian Program has officially relaunched its Request-A-Rack-Program, providing free professional bike rack installations to local businesses, schools, and organizations. The initiative aims to eliminate one of the most common barriers to urban cycling: the lack of secure parking at popular destinations. The program focuses on high-traffic areas and community hubs, such as the Tiger Den near the University of Memphis, where students and residents frequently rely on bicycles for daily transit. By increasing the availability of designated racks, the city hopes to discourage the use of street trees, fences, and utility poles as makeshift parking spots.
How the Program Works
Under the relaunch, the city will install high-quality bike racks at no cost to the requester, provided the location meets specific criteria:
- Public Right-of-Way: Racks must be installed on public sidewalks or city-owned property.
- Accessibility: Placements must comply with spatial requirements to ensure sidewalks remain clear for pedestrians and those with limited mobility.
- Eligibility: Any business owner, resident, or non-profit can nominate a site for installation.
"The program is a way for the public to tell the city where they would like to see a bike rack," said program officials, noting that requests are handled on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Once an application is approved, installation typically occurs within two to three months.
Get Involved
To help make Memphis more bike-friendly, you can submit a location for a new rack or request one for your own business by following the link below: