Bikers say hit and run accident highlights need for bike lanes - Action News 5 - Memphis, Tennessee

(WMC-TV) - A Memphis bicycle rider was recovering in the hospital Sunday after being hit by a driver who never stopped to help.

Bike enthusiasts said this incident highlights precisely why the city needs more dedicated bike lanes.

Mary Park's condition at the MED has been upgraded from critical to non-critical.  The driver who hit her has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident and DUI.

The crash that put Park in the hospital has other bike riders speaking out.

Denise and Fran Glasco are avid bike riders.  They think dedicated bike lanes in midtown Memphis, especially along Madison Avenue, would cut down on the kind of accident that put Park in the hospital.

"You have your own dedicated space and you don't have to worry about a car coming up behind you," said Denise Glasco.

Park was riding along Evelyn and Cooper when she was hit.  According to police, the driver of the car was driving south on Cooper and hit Park when he turned onto Evelyn.

According to the police report, Saheem Wright was charged with DUI, reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries.

Bikers like the Glascos are worried that more riders will get hit if more isn't done to protect them.  They think designated bike lanes along Madison Avenue would be a good place to start.

"I think we need dedicated lanes right now, but the controversy on Madison Avenue is that it will cut back on vehicle traffic, therefore cut back on business," said Fran Glasco.  "I think the opposite is true."

While the Glascos feel that business owners' concerns need to be recognized, they said biker safety concerns need to be recognized as well.

"We're very aware if you ride in the streets, a car may not see you or may not give way, so we tend to stick to sidewalks if possible," said Fran Glasco.

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