Big River Crossing a big hit on both sides of the river

Big River Crossing a big hit on both sides of the river

Bike, pedestrian traffic sees more than 60,000 visitors since October opening

news@theeveningtimes.com

More pedestrians pass through the west gate on the Big River Crossing than do cyclists but the visitors count has officials excited.

An Eco Counter sits atop the winding helix just outside the gate at the Arkansas landing tallying bicyclists and pedestrians using the West Memphis side of the BRX. The totals just released and covering visits from the grand opening in October of last year through July 16 showed more sightseers on foot than those peddling across the span connecting West Memphis to the Bluff City.

Memphis with the Delta River Regional Park being constructed at the base of the bridge making a cycling loop around the feet of both Interstate bridges at the Mississippi River edge.

The Big River Trail along the levee top also starts in West Memphis and goes south.

While the Arkansas side is becoming a stronger magnet as a national cycling crossroad, pedestrians using the West Memphis gate outnumber cyclists three-to-one.

Since the grand opening 48,355 pedestrians crossed the boardwalk compared to 14,365 cyclists. Not surprisingly, weekends are the busiest time on the bike and pedestrian bridge accounting for half the weekly visits. Saturday edged out Sunday usage at the west gate with the busiest time being 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Weekday counts revealed many folks walk the bridge steadily into the evening with a drop in usage around 8 p.m. On average, 483 people pass daily through the west end of the BRX.

Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Jim Jackson was pleased with the traffic counts and the excitement he has heard from visitors crossing the BRX and venturing into the new park. The recycled asphalt roadway around the park is still incomplete but that hasn’t stopped enthusiasts from taking it as far as they could.

“People are starting over the BRX and going onto the Delta River Regional Park trail,” said Jackson.

“I’ve been sent video of a ride around the park and heard from cyclists that they are excited. It’s all working pretty good.”

The views and experience in the park have drawn the most curiosity.

“We knew the view would be a big sell,” said Jackson. “The bulk of the people haven’t been on the West Memphis side in a bean field to look back toward the city. The video really captures the views.”

To view the ride along with the cycling experience and the scenery from the Delta River Regional Park video produced by cyclist Joe Royer go to explorewestmemphis. com.

By John Rech