Bikers Complain that 10th Street Cycle Track Used for Parking over the Weekend

Earlier in August, the city of Atlanta opened a two-way cycle track along a portion of 10th Street near Piedmont Park, that created a dedicated and separated route for safe bike travel between Monroe Drive and Charles Allen Drive in Midtown.

Since its creation the bike track has been seen as both a positive and negative improvement.  Many drivers say it has caused traffic backups on 10th and Charles Allen, but on the other hand cyclist have said they love the new lanes.

Over the weekend, Midtown Patch received an email from Mr. Greene, a local cyclist, who was angered by parking being allowed within the bike lanes along 10th.  
"Apparently," Mr. Greene said, "the Girls and Boys club that is having an event in the park today gave out "VIP" parking passes to volunteers.  The Police said they could not do anything because it appears that the cars are authorized to park there. "

The date in question was Saturday, September 7th, which was a perfect day to be out and active.  Greene says he was trying to use the cycle track, but when he started to travel along it, he, "noticed it was completely blocked by 10 to 15 cars at the peak."

Green attached photos for other Midtown Patch readers to see.  In his letter to Patch, Green says, "my issue is that the Mayor is promoting bike lanes and cycle tracks throughout the city and now possibly the city is giving out authorization to allow cars to park in these lanes.  It really seems to defeat the purpose and I think people need to be aware of what is going on." 

What is your experience with the new bike lanes?  Are you a driver that dislikes them, or cyclist that hates them or loves them.  Let us know in the comments or on Facebook.