Route to Memphis downtown from the west (Crossing Mississippi River)

[Shinsuke]

I am now on the way to New York City from Los Angeles. I will follow Route 66 to Oklahoma City, and go to Memphis and Nashville.

I am considering the route from Oklahoma, but have no idea how to enter Memphis’ downtown from the west. There are two interstate bridges to cross the Mississippi River, which a bicycle is not allowed to go through. Not using these bridges, I have to go to south more than 100 miles to cross the Mississippi River.

https://www.google.co.jp/maps/dir/%E3%82%A6%E3%82%A7%E3%82%B9%E3%83%88+%E3%83%A1%E3%83%B3%E3%83%95%E3%82%A3%E3%82%B9+West+Memphis/%E3%83%A1%E3%83%B3%E3%83%95%E3%82%A3%E3%82%B9+Memphis/@35.0808055,-90.3191757,10z/data=!4m15!4m14!1m5!1m1!1s0x87d570e0406747bf:0xef0a2f9113976454!2m2!1d-90.1845388!2d35.1464797!1m5!1m1!1s0x87d57e1eea439745:0xd193f315601ab6fe!2m2!1d-90.0489801!2d35.1495343!3e1!4e1?hl

My questions are:
 - Are there any alternative routes for a bicycle to enter downtown Memphis? (Is Harahan bridge travellable now?)
 - If no alternatives, are there any bus services which accept a passenger with a bicycle?

I really look forward to your information.

Regards,
Shin

[John Nettles]

While I have not ridden it yet, there is a sidewalk on the southside of the I-55 bridge.  It is narrow and you will probably need to walk.   It dumps you out near Metal Museum Rd & Alston Ave.

Let me know how it works out.

John

[Pat Lamb]

You might also try riding to a gas station on the last exit before crossing the river and seeing if you can hitch a ride.  Empty pickup trucks have plenty of capacity for even a loaded bike, and often have room in the cab for an extra rider...