By Emily Clark ′15
As balmy fall weather in Memphis keeps Rhodes students lingering on the lawn of Barret a little longer, and eating on the Lair patio a little more often, biking transforms from a necessary mode of sweaty-transportation to a leisure activity. However, for non-locals, hitting Memphis’ concrete jungle on two wheels may seem a bit daunting at first; Memphis was once voted the second most dangerous city for biking in the nation. However, according to the League of American Bicyclers, since 2005 the city has seen a 249% increase in biking, due in a large part to the city’s commitment to making biking easier, more accessible, and safer. According to Annie Moir ’15, who completed a Summer Service Fellowship with the city’s biking initiative in 2013, “Those who are into biking in Memphis are so passionate about it—they love coming together as a group to ride, and I think this will allow for more acceptance and love of biking in Memphis.” We sat down with Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator for the City of Memphis, Kyle Wagenschutz, to talk about current biking options in the city, future plans, and how Rhodes students can jump—or ride—right in.
How did you become involved in the bike scene in Memphis?
In 2006, I joined Revolutions Bicycle Co-Op to build a bicycle for personal use. From that positive experience, I joined the volunteer staff at Revolutions, helping others to assemble bicycles. Revolutions became a central point of development in Memphis for advocating for increased bicycle infrastructure throughout the city, as well as a hub for bicycle rides, culture, and art. In 2008, I was named Director of Revolutions, and was eventually hired by the city in 2010.
How would you explain the evolution of the bike scene in Memphis during the past decade?
The bicycle scene has grown exponentially over the last decade, even more so since 2008. There is a direct correlation between the city’s investment in infrastructure and increased bicycle usage as outlined in our 2014 State of Bicycling Report (http://bikepedmemphis.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/state-of-bicycling-2014.pdf) This growth is evidenced by seeing more people on bikes, more bike racks being installed at businesses, the increase of new bikes and the expansion of long-time bike shops, national media attention, and a major policy effort on behalf of city officials.
What are some of the coolest things happening in the Memphis bike scene right now?
There are projects popping up all over the place that make it easier and more efficient to use a bicycle for all types of uses. Particular focus is being made on the development of “green lanes”—bike lanes that are separated from motor vehicles by some sort of physical barrier—in order to promote bicycling among key demographics like women, children, and seniors. (http://bikepedmemphis.wordpress.com/greenlanes/)
What are Memphis’ long-term goals in regards to biking?
We hope that Memphis can become the top bicycling destination in the Southeast and one of the most nationally renowned cities for bicycling in the country. We’re making great head-way in policy and projects that deliver on that promise and receiving recognition for our efforts. The more people that begin to use the new bike lanes and trails, the closer we’ll be to accomplishing this goal.
What resources are available for out-of-town college students to get involved in the biking scene in Memphis?
Check out my blog www.bikepedmemphis.com. Also, get involved with Revolutions Bike Co-Op (www.revolutionsmemphis.com) or the Memphis Hightailers (www.memphishightailers.com).
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For Rhodes students without a bike, there are still ways to get involved. The on-campus Bike Shop provides students with rental bikes for free. The shop is located behind Robinson Hall, and is a resource for all students. Current hours are Monday and Wednesday, 12pm-5pm, and Thursday, 11am-2pm and 3pm-4pm. If you have a bike to fix up, or want to build your own bike, try Revolutions Bike Shop. A short drive (or ride) from campus, this community bike shop is located in the basement of First Congregational Church in Cooper-Young. Hours are Mondays and Thursdays, 6:30-9pm.
With the mild weather, free options for bike rentals, and growing community atmosphere for biking in Memphis, there’s no excuse not to get involved. As Wagenschutz explains, “The creativity, diversity, and resolve of the Memphis bicycle community make this city special . . . no one is defined about how they get around this city. Instead, they are defined by the good work they do and the impact they have on everyone.”