The Shelby Farms Greenline is one of Memphis’ best trails and an example of incredible public infrastructure, that we need more of. Unfortunately, many of the street crossings on the greenline are very unsafe, which prevents people from fully utilizing it. One example is the crossing at Graham St, where Sheridan Harris was hit by a driver while legally crossing on her bicycle. Although there is a pedestrian hybrid beacon at this crossing, drivers frequently do not stop and use it as the design intends for it to be used. Changes are needed. Memphis is the most dangerous city in the country for pedestrians, and it’s time we change the design of these crossings so that more people can safely use them. We call on the mayor and city council to prioritize design changes on the greenline crossings, which is within the city’s jurisdiction.

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An Idea for the Graham St Crossing

This is where Sheridan was hit by a driver, although she was doing everything right.

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The Problems

• Traffic coming off of Sam Cooper is used to driving fast, and doesn’t recognize the need to slow down. This is a psychological concept called velocitization, and can be remedied through street re-design.
• Due to Graham’s changes in elevation, there are blind spots when approaching the crosswalk in a car.
• The pedestrian hybrid beacon (also known as HAWK) is a newer technology that drivers are not accustomed to, and do not always adhere to its rules. Drivers are often confused about what to do at the flashing yellow light, flashing red light, and solid red light. (Image Source)
• There is no turning lane, and drivers have to wait in the travel lane and hope to not get rear-ended by a distracted driver while waiting to turn left into the neighborhood streets.
• The speed limit is 40mph, which is very high for an area with expected pedestrian traffic

(Image Source)

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The Proposed Solution

I posted an explainer video on Instagram here I know what you’re thinking: won’t that make traffic worse? Surprisingly, no! It reduces the amount of “weaving” drivers do, making for a smoother drive overall. Now you might be wondering, well, don’t we need 4 lanes for how much traffic there is? Also no! The most recent TDOT traffic record shows 11,765 vehicles per day on Graham near this crossing. TDOT’s road diet documentation says that 4-lane roads that see less than 12,000 are likely to be approved to be reconfigured to 3 lanes! This would make things better for everyone: walkers, bikers, and drivers too!

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Design Ideas

Currently: greenline walkers and bikers are unprotected for 60 ft of road crossing. Proposed: greenline walkers and bikers are protected for 11 1/2ft on each end, and exposed to drivers for only 37ft. Note: I don’t propose a concrete protected bike lane all the way down Graham, necessarily. But barriers protecting the bike lane at LEAST approaching at the greenline crossing would prevent drivers using the bike lane to pass other drivers, which is dangerous.

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Additional Ideas from Neighbors

• Advance Warning Lights: Install flashing yellow lights ahead of the crossings (on the Goodlett/Graham end and on the overpass/bridge) to alert approaching drivers.
• Improved Lighting: Add brighter lighting near and across the walkways.
• Clear Signage: Add simple, bilingual (English/Spanish) signs explaining driver actions for solid versus blinking red lights (see image below)
• Targeted Messaging for Bicyclists/Pedestrians: Address the confusion surrounding the pedestrian countdown while the blinking red signal is active, as some users feel prompted to cross prematurely into restarting traffic.
• Greenline Safety Days: Station volunteers at crosswalks to educate path users, answer questions, and reinforce safe crossing instincts.
• Encourage path users to wear bright clothing, use flashlights, reflective vests, and other safety gear, especially as we move into fall and winter.

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Send a letter

You can also click here to view the letter campaign site directly.