Myth 1: Cyclists Don’t Pay for the Roads, So They Don’t Deserve to Use Them

Let’s clear this up Memphis-style: there’s no such thing as a “road tax” in Tennessee—or anywhere else in the U.S., for that matter. The belief that only drivers fund our streets is plain wrong and fuels unnecessary tension between motorists and people on bikes.

Who Really Pays for Roads?

Road maintenance and construction are mostly funded through a mix of vehicle registration fees, gas taxes, and general taxes like the ones you pay every time you buy groceries or pay property tax.

• Gas and registration fees do feed into road budgets, but...

• Federal, state, and local taxes—paid by everyone—also help keep the roads paved and repaired.

• And many cyclists in Memphis also drive, meaning they do pay gas and registration fees too.

Cyclists Aren’t Free-Riding

Whether you’re riding down Madison on a fixie or cruising through Shelby Farms on a road bike, chances are you’re paying your fair share—just like everyone else. If you work, shop, or own property in Memphis, you’re helping fund the roads you ride on.

So the next time someone claims cyclists don’t pay for the streets, remind them: we all pitch in. Two wheels or four, the road is for everyone.

Myth 2: Cyclists Should Be Licensed Like Drivers

Some folks in Memphis think people on bikes should have a license to ride on public roads—just like drivers do. But that idea has been rolled out, tested, and largely rolled back across the country—and for good reason.

A Look Back

In the mid-1900s, a few cities across the U.S. (including some here in the South) experimented with bicycle licensing. The goal? Track ownership, reduce theft, and keep cyclists in check. But those programs quickly ran into problems: they were expensive to manage, hard to enforce, and didn’t deliver real safety benefits.

The Memphis Reality

Here in Memphis—and pretty much everywhere else in the U.S.—there’s no requirement to license your bicycle. It’s simply not practical. Most cities, like Los Angeles, dropped the idea years ago after realizing it cost more to run the program than it brought in, and it didn’t make streets any safer.

Why It Doesn’t Make Sense

Pushing for bike licenses might sound like accountability—but in practice, it just puts up barriers. We should be encouraging more people to ride, not making it harder. Biking is good for Memphis: it eases traffic, improves health, and reduces pollution. Licensing would only discourage folks from getting on two wheels.

So no, you don’t need a license to ride your bike through Midtown, the Greenline, or down Riverside Drive—and that’s a good thing.

Myth 3: Roads Are for Cars—Not Bikes

It’s a common complaint you might hear while biking through Cooper-Young or Downtown Memphis: “Get off the road—roads are for cars!” But that idea ignores both history and the law.

Cyclists Paved the Way—Literally

Before cars ruled the road, it was cyclists who led the push for better streets. In the late 1800s, the “Good Roads Movement” gained momentum thanks to people on bikes demanding smoother, safer routes. Many of the roads we still use today—including in Memphis—were improved because of cyclists, not cars.

Bikes Are Legally Recognized Road Users

Under Tennessee law, bicycles are considered vehicles. That means cyclists have just as much right to use the road as any driver—except on interstates or highways where it’s specifically prohibited for safety reasons. Whether you’re riding down Central Avenue or heading through South Main, you belong there.

Why More Bikes Help Memphis

• Cleaner Air: Every bike trip instead of a car trip means fewer emissions and healthier air for all of us.

• Less Traffic: Bikes take up less space than cars. More cyclists = fewer traffic jams.

• Healthier Community: Riding a bike builds fitness, reduces stress, and can even lower healthcare costs in the long run.

So next time you see someone on two wheels, remember: they’re not in the way—they’re part of the solution.

Myth 4: Cyclists Must Always Come to a Full Stop at Every Sign and Light

You’ve probably seen someone on a bike roll through a stop sign or proceed through a red light after pausing—and maybe you thought, “That’s illegal!” But in many places across the country, including Tennessee, the law is evolving to recognize that riding a bike isn’t the same as driving a car.

What’s the “Idaho Stop” — and What’s Memphis Got to Do With It?

The “Idaho Stop” is a traffic rule that started in Idaho back in the '80s. It allows cyclists to treat stop signs like yield signs—slowing down and rolling through when it’s safe. At red lights, cyclists can stop, check for traffic, and proceed if the coast is clear.

While Tennessee hasn’t passed a statewide version of this yet, cities like Memphis are watching closely as more states adopt similar laws to improve safety and traffic flow. Arkansas, just across the river, already has it in place.

Why It Makes Sense for Bikes

Riders don’t have engines—they rely on their own energy to keep going. Stopping at every sign or light can be exhausting, and it puts them at risk when starting back up around cars. Letting cyclists maintain momentum—when it’s safe—makes the roads flow better for everyone.

Plus, many traffic lights are triggered by sensors that often don’t detect bicycles. That leaves riders stuck waiting for a car to show up—especially on quieter Memphis streets at night.  "Dead red" laws give motorcyclists and bicyclists an affirmative defense to proceed through a red light with caution after stopping when they are not detected by the traffic light controller.

The Bigger Picture

• Safety First: Studies show these laws reduce crash rates by encouraging cyclists to move through intersections with more awareness and fewer sudden stops.

• Smarter Flow: Letting bikes move with the flow—when appropriate—prevents traffic backups and awkward delays for drivers stuck behind them.

So next time you see a cyclist cautiously rolling through an intersection in Midtown or Cooper-Young, remember: it might not be reckless—it might just make sense.

Myth 5: Cyclists Should Pay Registration and Insurance Like Drivers

Some Memphians argue that if you’re riding on public roads, you should be paying for it—just like car owners do through vehicle registration and insurance. But lumping bikes in with cars misses some key points.

Bikes Don’t Beat Up the Roads

Let’s be real—bicycles weigh a fraction of what cars or trucks do. They don’t cause potholes, don’t crack asphalt, and don’t require nearly the same upkeep. Most of the wear and tear on Memphis streets comes from heavy vehicles—not a few folks pedaling down Central or through South Memphis.

Insurance? For What?

Cars move fast, weigh thousands of pounds, and can do serious damage in a crash. That’s why we require insurance—it’s about covering big risks. Bikes, on the other hand, are slower, lighter, and far less likely to injure others or destroy property. The risk just isn’t in the same ballpark.

Most Cyclists Already Drive

Here’s something critics often forget: most cyclists also own a car. That means they’re already paying registration fees, insurance, and gas taxes. In other words, they’re contributing to road funding—whether they’re behind the wheel or on two wheels.

Encouraging Bikes Makes Sense

Instead of piling on more costs, Memphis (like many cities) should be encouraging people to ride more. Biking cuts traffic, reduces pollution, and improves public health. Adding registration and insurance requirements would only discourage something that benefits the whole community.

Myth 6: Cyclists Are a Danger to Themselves—and Everyone Else

There’s a myth floating around Memphis streets that people on bikes are unpredictable, reckless, and just plain dangerous. But the data—and the day-to-day reality—tell a very different story.

Distracted Drivers, Not Cyclists, Are the Real Risk

From Poplar to Parkway, most bike crashes in Memphis don’t happen because cyclists are breaking the rules. They happen because drivers are distracted—texting at red lights, checking directions, eating lunch behind the wheel. In fact, national data from the NHTSA shows that thousands of deaths every year are linked to distracted driving—and many of those involve people walking or biking.

Cyclists often do everything right and still get hit because a driver wasn’t paying attention. It's not about blaming drivers—it's about facing the facts and creating safer streets for everyone.

Cyclists Follow the Rules—And Take Safety Seriously

Most local cyclists take real steps to stay safe and visible on Memphis roads:

• They wear helmets.

• They ride with lights and reflective gear at night.

• They signal turns and follow traffic lights.

• They ride in straight lines and avoid sudden movements.

Far from being hazards, these cyclists are often the most cautious road users out there.

We All Share the Streets

Safer streets start with shared responsibility. That means:

• Drivers: Slow down, stay off your phone, and give cyclists room—at least three to five feet when passing. (3ft is the Law, 5 ft is kind)

• Cyclists: Obey the rules, use bike lanes when available, and communicate clearly.

Mutual respect goes a long way. Whether you’re driving down Union Avenue or biking through Cooper-Young, we all have somewhere to go—and we all deserve to get there safely.

Myth 7: Bikes Should Stay on the Sidewalk

A lot of folks in Memphis think cyclists should stick to the sidewalks to stay out of the way of cars. It might seem safer—but that idea creates more problems than it solves.

It’s Often Illegal in Memphis

In many parts of the city—especially Downtown, Midtown, and business corridors like Cooper Street—it’s actually against the law to ride on the sidewalk. That’s because bikes are considered vehicles under Tennessee law, and they’re expected to ride in the street, just like cars.

Sidewalks Are for People, Not Pedals

Sidewalks are meant for pedestrians—kids walking to school, older adults out for a stroll, or families enjoying their neighborhood. When bikes jump on the sidewalk, it creates real hazards for people on foot, especially in busy areas like the South Main Arts District or around Overton Square.

Drivers Can’t See You There

When cyclists ride on the sidewalk, they can pop out unexpectedly at driveways or intersections—especially when they’re coming from the "wrong" direction. Drivers pulling out of a parking lot on Poplar or Union aren’t expecting a fast-moving bike to come off the sidewalk, and that surprise can lead to crashes.

The Road Is the Safer Choice

As counterintuitive as it sounds, riding in the street actually gives cyclists better visibility and predictability. Whether there's a bike lane or not, drivers are more likely to see you—and respond safely—when you’re where they expect traffic to be.

So if you're biking in Memphis, ride the streets—not the sidewalk. It keeps everyone safer, and it's where bikes legally belong.

Myth 8: Cyclists Have to Stay in the Bike Lane—No Matter What

It’s a common complaint in Memphis: “Why isn’t that cyclist using the bike lane?” The truth is, Tennessee law doesn’t require cyclists to stay in a bike lane at all times—and often, leaving it is the safer choice.

Per Memphis ordinance 11-24-9 paragraph A it states that there is no requirement to ride in a bike lane.

Here’s Why You’ll See Cyclists Leaving the Lane on Memphis Streets:

• Blocked Lanes: From South Main to Highland, bike lanes are often blocked by delivery trucks, parked cars, trash bins, or debris. Cyclists are allowed—and expected—to merge into the regular lane when that happens.

• Making a Left Turn: Just like drivers, cyclists need to get in the left lane to turn left. That means they have to leave the bike lane and position themselves like any other vehicle.

• Avoiding Car Doors: In areas like Midtown where bike lanes run beside street parking, cyclists may ride farther into the road to avoid the dreaded “dooring” incident—when a driver suddenly opens their door into a cyclist’s path.

• Bad Surface Conditions: Broken pavement, glass, or storm drain covers can make bike lanes unsafe. Cyclists have every right to move into the travel lane to protect themselves.

• Keeping with the Flow: On slower streets like those in Cooper-Young, cyclists may ride in the traffic lane if they’re moving close to the speed of cars. It’s more predictable and often safer for everyone.

The Bottom Line?

Bike lanes are a helpful tool—but not a cage. Memphis cyclists have the right to use the full lane when needed. It’s not law-breaking—it’s smart, safe, and legal riding.

Myth 9: Cyclists Should Always Ride Single File

It’s not uncommon to hear frustration from Memphis drivers stuck behind a group of cyclists riding side by side: “Why aren’t they in a single line?” But in most cases, those cyclists aren’t breaking the law—they’re riding smarter and safer.

What the Law Actually Says

Tennessee law allows cyclists to ride two abreast (side by side) as long as they’re not blocking traffic on narrow roads. That means when a group is riding along wide streets like North Parkway or Riverside Drive, they’re legally in the clear—even when riding two across.

In tighter areas, cyclists should move into single file to let faster traffic pass, but it’s a shared responsibility. If the road isn’t wide enough to pass safely, drivers need to wait until it's clear—just like they would for a slow-moving tractor or street sweeper.

Why Riding Two Abreast Makes Sense

• Visibility: Two cyclists riding side by side are more noticeable than a long single-file line. Drivers spot the group sooner and adjust more cautiously.

• Shorter to Pass: A group riding two abreast takes up less space lengthwise, making it quicker and safer for drivers to pass the whole group.

• Safety in Numbers: Riding side by side gives cyclists a buffer from aggressive passing and lets them communicate easily—calling out potholes, debris, or turns on the fly.

In Memphis, We Share the Road

Whether it’s a Saturday morning group ride down Central or a casual roll through Shelby Farms, cyclists riding two abreast are prioritizing safety—not trying to block traffic. Patience and space go a long way in keeping Memphis streets safe for everyone.

Myth 10: Everyone on a Bike Is Just Out for Exercise or Fun

When some people in Memphis picture a cyclist, they imagine someone in a skin-tight kit zipping down the Shelby Farms Greenline or casually coasting around Overton Park. But that narrow view ignores the real diversity of folks who ride bikes across our city.

Bikes Aren’t Just for Weekend Warriors

Cycling in Memphis is far more than a hobby. Every day, people rely on bikes to get to work, school, the grocery store, or a friend’s house—especially in neighborhoods where public transit is limited or owning a car is too costly.

Why People Ride in Memphis

• Affordable transportation: Biking is a low-cost way to get around, especially in areas like North Memphis or Orange Mound where many residents use bikes for everyday trips.

• Traffic bypass: With congestion on Poplar and Union, cycling can be quicker and less stressful for short commutes. 

• Health needs: Some riders use bikes for gentle, joint-friendly exercise—often on doctor’s orders.

• Eco-conscious living: Whether riding to work Downtown or across Cooper-Young, more Memphians are choosing bikes to reduce their carbon footprint.

• Student transit: From U of M to Rhodes, many students depend on bikes to move between campus, work, and home.

So no, not every cyclist is training for a race. Many are just trying to get where they need to go—efficiently, affordably, and sustainably.

Myth 11: It’s Okay to Honk or Yell at Cyclists if They’re Slowing You Down

If you’ve driven around Memphis long enough, you’ve probably seen a driver lay on the horn—or worse, yell—at a cyclist who’s taking the lane. Some folks think bikes should get out of the way and that honking is fair game. But that kind of behavior isn’t just rude—it’s dangerous, and in many cases, illegal.

Aggressive Driving Isn’t Just Noise—It’s a Threat

Blasting your horn or shouting out your window may seem harmless, but for someone on a bike, it can be terrifying. A loud honk can cause a cyclist to swerve, flinch, or even fall into traffic. That’s not just inconsiderate—it’s a serious safety risk.

In Tennessee and Beyond, It Can Be a Crime

Here in Memphis and across the state, harassing cyclists can fall under reckless driving, intimidation, or even assault laws. That includes:

• Unnecessary honking: Horns are legally meant to prevent a crash—not vent frustration. Honking to “teach someone a lesson” isn’t just annoying, it’s illegal.

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• Yelling threats or insults: This can be considered harassment or disorderly conduct.

• Intentionally passing too close or swerving at cyclists: These actions could result in citations or worse.

Why Respect Matters on Memphis Streets

• Roads are for everyone: Whether on a car, bike, scooter, or on foot, we all have the same right to be there.

• Patience prevents crashes: Giving cyclists space and time allows them to ride predictably and safely.

• Kindness reduces road rage: Honking and yelling escalate tension—and that makes the road less safe for everyone.

Next time you're driving down Highland or cruising through Midtown and spot a cyclist ahead, remember: a little patience can save a life.