Memphis, TN Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)

Chapter 11-24 of the Memphis Code of Ordinances governs bicycle operation citywide, and Sec. 11-24-9 addresses bike lanes specifically. Subsection A confirms that painting a bike lane does not restrict a cyclist's right to also ride on the general roadway under the chapter's other rules. Subsection B requires every motor vehicle operator to yield the right-of-way to a bicyclist already in the lane; a driver may only cross the lane briefly when making a turn or entering/leaving the roadway, and the lane may never be used as a turning lane or a passing lane.

Subsection C is the core obstruction rule: motor vehicles cannot be parked, stopped or left standing in a bicycle lane, with two narrow exceptions, the city has posted signs designating specific locations and hours where lane parking is allowed, or the city engineer has issued written special permission for a specific event. Subsections D through F regulate cyclists inside the lane itself: a rider overtaking another cyclist must give an audible verbal or bell signal (not a whistle or siren) and pass on the left; a cyclist entering the lane yields to bikes already in it, and one leaving yields to vehicles and pedestrians; and cyclists in the lane must travel in the same direction as adjacent vehicle traffic.

Sec. 11-24-7 separately requires cyclists riding at less than the normal speed of traffic to stay as close as practicable to the right-hand curb, subject to exceptions for passing, left turns, and hazard avoidance. Under the city's violation-forfeiture schedule at Sec. 00 civil forfeiture.