Photo Gallery | Bike facilitates help to change Memphis' image

Memphis' effort to become a friendlier place for cyclists made national headlines in the New York Times Saturday.  

The newspaper reported that in 2008, Memphis had a mile and a half of bike lanes  — and thanks to Mayor A C Wharton and city planners — the city took a turn and built up a respectable measure of bike facilitates.

With the new year around the corner, expansions are planned for the Memphis Greenline.

It will grow to add paths farther west to the Broad Avenue Arts District in 2013.

The Greenline is already proving to be a great resource for people looking to get active and get around the Bluff City.

Logan Strachan, manager of Outdoors Inc. on Union Avenue, said bicycle sales have been up since the Greenline opened.

"People are really finding that they enjoy biking and that the weather isn't so much of a big deal. They'll get some clothing, get a windbreaker, get a base layer, and gear up, and tough it out, ride out and save gas, money, and enjoy riding and exercising," said Strachan.

The Greenline is encouraging people of all ages to commute and exercise more often. Strachan said he is seeing all types of cyclists while on his commute to work.

"We see a lot of middle age people, older people, who aren't afraid to get on the road anymore because they have the Greenline," explained Strachan.

"They have that safety and they can use it for exercise and they can enjoy the scenery, ‘cause it really is a beautiful ride and they feel safe doing it."

Even though the Greenline is not finished yet, it is making a positive difference in the city.

"The Greenline is definitely a blessing to Memphis and all the capacities of exercise and fitness and just overall mental health," Strachan added.