“Why didn’t I hear this? That’s crazy! It’s a major thoroughfare. I just can’t imagine them doing that,” David Simmons said.
Like many, he had no idea Riverside Drive is getting a facelift. The road is going from four lanes to two.
The news is official as of Tuesday. After a month of limited travel on this road, the city is retooling the way you use Riverside Drive.
http://wreg.com/2014/05/27/memphis-making-more-room-for-bike-riders-pedestrians/
Those changes take effect June 6 when the road re-opens.
The stretch from Beale to Georgia becomes one lane each direction, making room for bicyclists and walkers.
Simmons added, “Sounds good in a committee meeting up in city hall somewhere and they just do it.”
City leaders say these changes are meant to draw a younger, more creative crowd downtown.
You know, because you car drivers don't matter to the city as much as "bicyclists and walkers". The idea of reducing traffic lanes and making room for bike lanes is called "traffic calming". It seems a bit backwards though sense even if you "traffic calm" particular lanes, that traffic will go elsewhere but hey, as long as we don't inconvenience the walkers and bikers, we guess it's OK.
Well, no, it's not OK but you can go voice your opinion at the meeting that seeks the public's input so they can feel better about themselves for having changed your way of life so a younger more creative crowd can benefit......