PART 3
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PRIORITY TOPICS
WALK. BIKE. THRIVE!
A regional vision for a more walkable, bikeable, and livable metropolitan Atlanta “I bike because it “I like to run. I enjoy saves time — I get where I need to go being free, outside.”
while getting exercise.” - MICHELLE, LITHONIA
- ARTHUR, MIDTOWN
“Riding to work wakes me up and when I get there, my head is clear and ready for the day.”
- JERRY, PIEDMONT HEIGHTS TABLE OF 01 Executive Summary CONTENTS The Atlanta Region’s 05 Plan Survey
Walk- and Bike-Friendly 09 Community Survey
Walk- and Bike-Friendly 19 Community Forum
Regional Bicycle 31 User Survey
37 Advisory Groups
Active Transportation 41 Project Delivery Forum
Appendix A: Sidewalk and 45 Handlebar Interviews
PART 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PRIORITY TOPICS “I’m getting close to 50, so I’m out here jogging for my health . . . My favorite part about the Beltline is the way it’s connecting Atlanta’s neighborhoods.”
- CESAR, ATLANTA
4 Region’s Plan Survey
Walk Friendly Active and Bicycle Transportation Friendly Project Delivery Community Forum Forum WALK.
Walk Friendly BIKE. and Bicycle Sidewalk and Friendly Handlebar Community Surveys THRIVE! Survey
Advisory Regional Groups Bicycle Survey
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Public involvement for Walk. Bike. The findings from research and outreach Thrive! ranged from regional surveys provide a composite understanding of about goals and policy to first person regional needs and priorities related interviews on streets, at transit stops, to walking and biking in the region, and trails around the region. Outreach and they were used to shape the and input was also collected at two recommendations for this plan. The regional forums and with existing sections that follow summarize the advisory groups. findings from the surveys and meetings used to develop this plan.
PART 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PRIORITY TOPICS 1 KEY FINDINGS FROM THE PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROCESS INCLUDE: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY EXECUTIVE
Investing in a more balanced Vibrant walkable downtowns and main A lack of attention to the details that multi-modal transportation system streets are some of the most cherished make walking and biking safe and is a top priority for the residents of the places in the region. comfortable has resulted in a trans- Atlanta Region. portation system that doesn’t always Attendees of the Walk- and Bike-Friendly encourage people to use active modes. The Atlanta Region’s Plan survey Communities Forum stated a clear revealed that expanded regional transit preference for town squares, parks, There is strong interest in walking service and improved walkability are and other public spaces that are well and bicycling for transportation and critical elements of a shared vision for connected by a balanced transportation recreation, but many people surveyed the future. 86% of respondents believe system. Walkable and vibrant and interviewed expressed that current that connections with a regional transit neighborhoods came out as the second- conditions discourage them from doing network are essential for existing/future highest priority in the Region’s Plan so. Common barriers include roads job centers to grow and be successful survey. During conversations with people not designed to accommodate people in the future. The need for connected walking and biking, people said they like walking or biking, high-speed traffic, networks of walkways and bikeways was places like Canton Street in Roswell or and a lack of end-of-trip facilities also a prominent topic spanning multiple Peachtree Street in Midtown because such as bike parking. Intercept survey public involvement activities during the there are lots of destination within close respondents commonly mentioned that development of Walk. Bike. Thrive! proximity of one another and there is a their trips were uncomfortably hot due This plan provides a suite of culture of respect for people on foot or to a lack of street trees. Safety concerns recommendations that are intended to bike. The recommendations in this plan and a lack of connectivity were the two increase travel options and assist with advance a “20-minute neighborhood” issues that were raised most frequently multi-modal decision making at multiple concept intended to increase the number across public involvement activities. geographic scales. of people who have convenient access to Walk. Bike. Thrive! includes planning and these types of environments. design recommendations that can make walking and biking safe, comfortable, and convenient for people of all ages and abilities.
2 Opportunities to walk, bike, and thrive ARC is uniquely equipped to facilitate Local commitment to and capacity for are not equitably distributed. regional collaboration, provide regional improving the “5Es” of walkability and technical assistance, and lead the devel- bikeability varies considerably through- Conversations during the Walk opment of the regional trail system. out the region. Friendly Bike Friendly Forum, sidewalk and handlebar interviews, advisory Stakeholders present for the Walk The results of the Walk Friendly and Bike committee meetings, and project delivery Friendly Bike Friendly Forum, Project Friendly Community surveys completed forum made it clear that not everyone Delivery Forum, and advisory committee by cities and counties indicates that has convenient access to high quality meetings expressed a desire for ARC to many cities and counties are taking walking and biking infrastructure. serve as a regional convener to facilitate active steps to improve the experience of This plan recommends using ARCs peer exchange, provide technical walking and biking. However, not every Equitable Target Areas to prioritize assistance oriented toward walk friendly community has the resources to address investments, and includes information and bike friendly communities, and play the barriers to walking and biking in a on how local governments can talk about an active leadership role in implementing comprehensive way. The Walk Friendly and begin to address equity issues in a regional trail vision. This plan and Bike Friendly Communities resource their communities. recommends that ARC establish a Walk center, technical assistance program, Friendly and Bike Friendly Communities and annual forum recommended in this resource center and technical assistance plan should help cities and counties program, convene an annual Walk and achieve the level of walk and bike Bike Friendly forum, provide evaluation friendliness that they desire. and measuring assistance, and offer regional trail coordination assistance.
PART 2: ASSESSMENT OF REGIONALPART 3: TRAVEL PUBLIC PATTERNS PARTICIPATION AND EXISTINGAND PRIORITY CONDITIONS TOPICS 3 “I enjoy the health benefits of walking – not just the physical health benefits also the mental health benefits. I like taking “I love being able to bike my in the sights and sounds around me . . . It’s nice to walk in five- and eight-year old to Midtown but in South Fulton we need wider sidewalks that school every morning.” don’t stop all the sudden.” - KATIE, CANDLER PARK - KAYLA, SOUTH FULTON COUNTY NEAR THE AIRPORT
“Even though I drive to work, I like to walk to get lunch because there are a lot of places to go near the office. I could imagine biking to work if the roads were friendlier.”
- JACK, WEST SIDE: PRIORITY ISSUES AND STRATEGIES AS DESCRIBED IN ARC’S REGION’S SURVEY PHASE ONE
Rank Issue Strategy
Comprehensive 1 Repair and maintain our existing roads and bridges Transportation System
Walkable/Vibrant Strengthen a sense of community through parks, 2 Neighborhoods events and entertainment
Development/Educated Encourage start-up opportunities, local business 3 Workforce development and expansion
Clean up and restore environmentally 4 Secure Water Supply damaged areas
Provide ways for people to be more involved with 5 Arts/Health/Quality of Life their community
Develop research partnerships between 6 Innovation Hub government, universities and the private sector
THE ATLANTA REGION’S PLAN SURVEY
ARC regularly develops a variety of strategies to collect input, January 2016, after the completion of comprehensive plan to guide the many including a three-phase online survey. Walk. Bike. Thrive! initiatives led by the agency. The latest The first phase focused on prioritizing The first phase of the survey revealed comprehensive regional plan, the big-picture regional issues such as the that transportation, walkability, and Region’s Plan, was developed in 2015, transportation system, the economy, vibrant neighborhoods are the top with an expected adoption date of 2016. water supply, health, and quality priorities for residents. These issues of life. Phase two collected input The foundation of the Atlanta Region’s rose to the top of the rankings relative about transportation and emerging Plan is community input from people to economic development, education, technology. The third phase will close in throughout the region. ARC used a
PART 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PRIORITY TOPICS 5 secure water supply, arts, health, and BELIEVE CONNECTIONS WITH A quality of live. REGIONAL TRANSIT NETWORK ARE % ESSENTIAL FOR EXISTING/FUTURE Part two of the survey showed regional 86 JOB CENTERS TO GROW AND BE support for equality of economic SUCCESSFUL IN THE FUTURE opportunity, better transit service, and a future that includes autonomous vehicles. The following list highlights key takeaways: THINK IT IS IMPORTANT OR VERY THE ATLANTA REGION’S PLAN SURVEY REGION’S ATLANTA THE The findings from the phase two survey IMPORTANT FOR THE REGION TO indicate a support for mobility options, % PROMOTE A VARIETY OF HOUSING including transit and autonomous 69 OPTIONS THAT ARE CONNECTED vehicles. As more people choose these TO EXISTING AND FUTURE JOB travel options, in part due to advances in CENTERS VIA TRANSIT mobile phone technology, people in the region could find themselves increasingly beginning or ending their trip by walking or biking. Focusing on walking and biking at the local level can help HAVE MADE A CHOICE REGARDING accommodate access to these transport % EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION OR HOUSING modes and help with regional mobility 55 BASED ON ACCESS TO TRANSIT needs and demand.
THINK IT IS IMPORTANT OR VERY IMPORTANT TO HAVE A PUBLIC % TRANSIT OPTION AVAILABLE WHERE 69 THEY LIVE IN THE ATLANTA REGION RIGHT NOW
SAY DRIVERLESS CARS ARE A VIABLE % OPTION FOR PEOPLE WHO CANNOT 75 DRIVE THEMSELVES
6 “I moved to Midtown to be able to walk and bike more. The availability of shopping and dining options, access to transit, shuttle to Atlantic Station, and BeltLine make walking in Midtown a wonderful experience. My goal is to use my car as little as possible. Biking is still uncomfortable, but I’d feel safer if there were bike lanes along Peachtree St.”
- CHERYL, MIDTOWN
“I walk to work every day because it’s nice to be outside, get exercise, and feel a part of the community.”
- KATIE, MIDTOWN
“I usually drive, but I wrecked my car so I’m using transit for a while. It’s convenient because I catch the bus right outside of my apartment complex, and I often have seating and shelter at different bus stops I need to go to. If my car was working, I’d still drive because it takes over twice as long to take the bus, and that’s with the app telling me when the bus will come.”
- NIKKI, SOUTHWEST ATLANTA
PART 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PRIORITY TOPICS 7 “Biking is the fastest and most convenient way for me to get from home to the business school. I love going home after class because it’s all downhill, very relaxing. Sometimes it can be uncomfortable when drivers behave badly and honk.”
- ROHAN, GEORGIA TECH WALK- AND BIKE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY SURVEY
Walk. Bike. Thrive! is designed to and Bicycle Information Center and to improving bike and pedestrian be used by ARC as well as local the League of American Bicyclists conditions. The process of applying jurisdictions within the region. A Walk- respectively to recognize leading for these designations can also help and Bike-Friendly Community Survey communities and help others improve communities identify areas of need and was distributed to local and county their walking and biking conditions. next steps to improve walking and biking governments throughout the region to Businesses and universities can also activity. After reviewing applications, the collect data on infrastructure, policy, apply for Bicycle Friendly status. All organization will inform the community and programs related to walking and programs offer bronze, silver, gold and what level designation, if any, will be biking. Because the survey was done at platinum award levels, plus a diamond given, with customized recommendations the community-level, the results provide level for BFCs. These designations help for next steps. a snapshot of how local and county communities gain national recognition The 5Es framework was used to survey governments are addressing walking for progress and innovation in an area local jurisdictions and provide a quick and biking. that is of growing interest to residents scan of local policy, program, and and businesses. Walk Friendly Community (WFC) and infrastructure status and need. Below Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) The WFC and BFC programs focus on is a summary of the walk-friendly and designations are awarded by the the “5Es” - education, encouragement, bicycle-friendly designated communities, University of North Carolina Highway engineering, enforcement, and universities, and businesses as Safety Research Center’s Pedestrian evaluation - as a multi-pronged approach well as the results from the WFC and BFC survey conducted with MPO member jurisdictions.
PART 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PRIORITY TOPICS 9 LUMPKIN HABERSHAM GORDON PICKENS DAWSON
BANKS
WALK FRIENDLY AND HALL BICYCLE FRIENDLY FLOYD DESIGNATION BARTOW CHEROKEE FORSYTH
JACKSON
POLK BARROW Roswell GWINNETT PAULDING COBB OCONEE
HARALSON Georgia Emory Tech WALTON DEKALB Atlanta Decatur DOUGLAS
ROCKDALE FULTON CARROLL MORGAN NEWTON CLAYTON
Peachtree City HENRY
FAYETTE COWETA Walk Friendly CommunityJASPER HEARD PUTNAM BUTTS SPALDING Bike Friendly Community Walk Friendly and Bike Friendly Community
Bike Friendly University
TROUP MERIWETHER PIKE LAMAR MONROE 0 10 20 MILES JONES
10 Walk Friendly and Bicycle Friendly Designations in the Atlanta Region
The currently designated communities are all places that are well respected for their walking and biking networks, though it is important to note that each has developed its own path toward walkability and bikeability based on its unique context. Two communities in the Atlanta region have received a Walk Friendly Community (WFC) designation: Decatur and Atlanta. Decatur, a silver WFC since 2011, supports pedestrians with a robust crossing guards program for students, innovative evaluation tools to understand latent demand for walking, frequent public events that promote walking, and promotion of walkable downtown development thanks to innovative zoning and building codes. The other WFC is Atlanta, which received bronze level recognition in 2013. Atlanta has shown its commitment to pedestrians through events like Atlanta Streets Alive, projects like the BeltLine, road diets, and a wayfinding and signage program designed for pedestrians in Midtown and Downtown. Decatur, Peachtree City, and Roswell currently hold bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) designations. Alpharetta received honorable mention in 2014. Decatur offers bicycling education programs in over 90% of its elementary and middle schools. Peachtree City has an extensive network of off-street paths that allow cyclists to avoid the suburban roads. In Roswell, over half of arterial streets have dedicated bicycle facilities. The region is also home to three bicycle friendly businesses (BFBs): the Atlanta Regional Commission, the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, and Atlanta Trek Peachtree
City; and two bicycle friendly universities Attendees at the Walk Friendly and Bicycle Friendly Forum shared their thoughts and (BFUs): Emory University and Georgia ideas about how region can become more walk and bike friendly. Institute of Technology.
PART 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PRIORITY TOPICS 11 WALK FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES + BICYCLE FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES DESIGNATIONS Atlanta Region Walk Friendly and Walk Friendly Communities Bicycle Friendly Survey Results Community Designation Year Designation Level To assess the region’s existing Decatur, GA 2011 Silver conditions and policy landscape at the community level, a Walk Friendly and Atlanta, GA 2013 Bronze Bicycle Friendly survey was distributed to each jurisdiction in the region. The Bicycle Friendly Communities survey included many of the questions Community Designation Year Designation Level that appear on the WFC and BFC Roswell, GA 2006 Bronze applications, which ask about the status of elements that help support biking Decatur, GA 2012 Bronze and walking activity, such as sidewalks, Peachtree City, GA 2014 Bronze community events, pedestrian and bike WALK- AND BIKE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY SURVEY safety action plans, and training for Bicycle Friendly Universities municipal staff and public safety officials. University Designation Year Designation Level The survey is organized by the 5Es: Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Emory University 2011 Bronze Enforcement, and Evaluation. Georgia Institute of Technology 2012 Silver Representatives from 44 communities responded to the survey, including Bicycle Friendly Businesses 10 counties. Business Designation Year Designation Level Based on the results, engineering Atlanta Regional Commission Bronze is the strongest of the five Es for Atlanta Bicycle Coalition Silver the region. For example, 80% of responding jurisdictions require Atlanta Trek Peachtree City Silver walking and biking infrastructure to be constructed or upgraded with all or most of new development. However there is certainly room for improvement, as evidenced by the fact that only 20% of respondents claim to have a comprehensive, connected, and well-maintained bicycle network. The weakest area for regional communities is education, based on survey responses. Only 20% of communities have bicycle education courses available for adults, and just 13% have implemented education or training programs related to pedestrian and bicycle education, safety, or design for municipal staff.
12 ENGINEERING ENGINEERING WFC + BFC SURVEY RESULTS The engineering strengths of those Yes Question communities that responded include 80% Are formal crosswalks provided at most street intersections and at areas with the provision of crosswalks at most high demand for pedestrian traffic? intersections and requiring walking and biking infrastructure to be built with 80% Does your community require walking and biking infrastructure, such as new development. Areas for sidewalks, on-street bikeways or trails, to be constructed or upgraded with all improvement include: (or the majority of) new private development? • developing connected walkway and 63% Does your community have a sidewalk condition and curb ramp bikeway networks inventory process?
• strengthening local policy around 50% Does your community have a comprehensive, connected, and well-maintained design standards and requirements pedestrian network? for walking and biking infrastructure 48% Does your community have adopted guidelines or standards for pedestrian and • expanding access and policy for bicycle facility design? bicycle parking 46% Does your community have a complete streets policy or other policy that requires the accommodation consideration of pedestrians or cyclists in all new road construction and reconstruction projects?
44% Do you have a connected network of trails or multi-use paths in your community?
33% Are all bridges accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists?
28% Is bike parking readily available throughout the community?
28% Does your community require bike parking to be constructed or upgraded with all (or the majority of) new private development?
26% Do you provide regular training for staff engineers and planners regarding pedestrian and bicycle facility design?
20% Does your community have a comprehensive, connected, and well-maintained bicycling network?
PART 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PRIORITY TOPICS 13 EDUCATION EDUCATION WFC + BFC SURVEY RESULTS
All of the questions related to Education Yes Question scored less than 50%. The topic with the 41% Has your community implemented Safe Routes to School (STRS) programs in any most focus within the Education category of the local schools within the last 18 months? Does it include both bicycle and is participation in the Safe Routes to School pedestrian education? program. Areas for improvement include: 26% Does your community educate motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists on their rights • Expansion of schools participating in and responsibilities as road users (e.g., as part of drivers education curriculum, SRTS programs test manual, or bus driver training)? • Expansion of education programs about 20% Are there bicycle education courses available for adults in the community? walking and biking for all roadway users 13% Has your community implemented any education and training programs related to • Training for municipal staff specifically pedestrian and bicycle education, safety, or design for municipal staff? focused on walking and biking infrastructure design WALK- AND BIKE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY SURVEY ENCOURAGEMENT ENCOURAGEMENT WFC + BFC SURVEY RESULTS
All of the questions related to Yes Question Encouragement also scored less than 39% Does your community celebrate bicycling with community events such as 50%. Topics that scored highest in organized rides, Georgia Commute Options Bike Challenge, Bike to Work Day, this category include the presence of National Bike Month or other media outreach? programs that encourage people to bike 39% Is there an active bicycle advocacy group in the community? more frequently and the presence of a bicycle advocacy group in the community. 37% Does your community offer walking or biking route maps, guides, or self-guided Areas for improvement include tours for residents and visitors? development of advocacy groups that 26% Does your community host any events that promote walking or biking, such as address pedestrian needs and hosting car-free streets like ciclovias or Atlanta Streets Alive? events that specifically celebrate walking 26% Is there an active pedestrian advocacy group in the community? and biking.
ENFORCEMENT ENFORCEMENT WFC + BFC SURVEY RESULTS Like Encouragement and Education, all Yes Question of the questions related to Enforcement 44% Does your community have law enforcement or other public safety officers on scored less than 50%. Topics that scored bikes or foot patrols? highest in this category include the presence of walking and biking patrols 41% Do local ordinances and laws address walking and biking safety and accessibility? by law enforcement and local ordinances that specifically address walking and 41% Do police work regularly with traffic engineers and planners to review sites biking safety and accessibility. The area in need of safety improvements, such as areas with frequent bicycle or with the most need for improvement pedestrian-involved crashes? is targeted enforcement efforts for 37% Does your community provide specific training on bicycle and pedestrian traffic motorists and other roadway users. laws for public safety officials, such as whether it is legal to ride a bike on a sidewalk or when motor vehicles drivers are responsible for yielding to pedestrians?
17% Does your community use targeted enforcement programs to promote pedestrian safety in crosswalks (such as a “crosswalk sting”, media campaign regarding pedestrian-related laws, progressive ticketing, etc.
14 EVALUATION AND PLANNING EVALUATION AND PLANNING WFC+BFC SURVEY RESULTS The evaluation and planning strengths Yes Question of those that responded include the 70% Is your community served by public transportation in the Atlanta metropolitan availability of public transportation as area, such as local service within your community or regional rail or bus service well as the adoption of trails master stops in your community? plans and policies to guide decision- making about walking and biking 67% Does your community have a trails master plan? infrastructure. Key opportunities for 57% Does your community have a policy requiring sidewalks on both sides of improvement in this category include: major streets? • establishment of bicycle and pedestrian advisory committees 54% Has your community adopted an ADA Transition Plan for the public right of way? • development of safety plans that 52% Has your community established a connectivity policy, pedestrian-friendly block respond to walking and biking length standards and connectivity standards for new developments, or convenient crashes in the community pedestrian access requirements for new developments?
• development of regular bicycle and 44% Does your community collect data related to pedestrian/bicycle-vehicle crashes on pedestrian count programs existing or future corridor improvement projects?
44% Does your community have a pedestrian master plan or pedestrian safety action plan?
41% Does your community have a bicycle master plan?
26% Do you have a Pedestrian Coordinator or staff person responsible for pedestrian- related issues?
26% Does your community have a Bicycle Coordinator or staff person responsible for bicycle-related issues?
15% Does your community have a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, or similar committee that works to address the needs of those walking and biking which meets regularly?
11% Is there a specific plan or program in your community to reduce cyclist/pedestrian and motor vehicle crashes?
9% Does your community have an ongoing pedestrian/bicycle counting or survey program that allows for long-term analysis of walking and bicycling trends?
PART 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PRIORITY TOPICS 15 “I would like to see more sidewalks on other areas of Buford Highway, similar to the Briarwood Road intersection.”
- GREISY, DORAVILLE
“I bike because I’m still learning to drive, although I’ve had my learner’s permit for three years now and I’m really not in a rush to get my license. I don’t really like cars and feel safer on a bike.”
- DANIEL, OLD FOURTH WARD
“This is my version of coming into the city. Walking around on Canton St is nice because there a lot of crossings with signs telling drivers to stop.”
- PAT “It’s not worth maintaining a car on campus. Walking gives me a chance to listen to music and clear my head. It’s relaxing and helps me think. I’d prefer better timing for pedestrian signals at intersections.”
- CHRISTIAN, GEORGIA TECH
“I would bike as much as 5 miles to get to work, but I have to drive 50 miles on average. I would bike to the shopping center too if it were within 5 miles, unless I had to get something big. I wish there were more bike lanes, I don’t like to bike on the street.”
- STAN, CLARKSVILLE
“I ride a bike because I can get exercise while I run errands. I really like getting around using human power — no fossil fuels required.”
- SUSAN, GRANT PARK “Sometimes the speeding cars don’t care to stop when it is the pedestrian’s time to cross the street.”
- MAYRA, ATLANTA
18 WALK- AND BIKE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY FORUM
On Friday May 29, 2015 over national and local leaders then set the Small group discussions 100 individuals from the Atlanta stage for more interactive discussions. Attendees had an opportunity to share area gathered for the Walk-Friendly Mia Birk, CEO of Alta Planning and their concerns and priorities for walking Community and Bike-Friendly Design, presented national trends in and biking in small groups organized by Community Forum in the R. Charles walking and biking; Byron Rushing, general geographic location, allowing Loudermilk Center to learn about the Bicycle and Pedestrian Planner for discussions to focus on the issues benefits of active transportation and ARC, then followed with Atlanta’s and opportunities unique to their area provide input to inform the regional current successes and challenges; of interest in the region. The groups bicycle and pedestrian plan update. and finally Brad Davis, Atlanta office focused on answering five questions: Attendees included elected officials, manager for Alta Planning + Design, their current perception of walking and state and regional agency discussed the potential strategies to biking; the places they like best in their staff, local jurisdiction staff, non- improve and support walking and biking communities; priority issues and needs; profit representatives, advocates, and in the Atlanta region. what ARC and local communities can do interested citizens. Attendees shared their thoughts about to become a Walk-Friendly Community Doug Hooker, Executive Director for the regional priorities, needs, and issues (WFC) or Bike-Friendly Community Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), in small group discussions and with (BFC);, and opportunities for new trails welcomed attendees and provided an interactive comment boards. What and greenways. introduction to the Pedestrian and follows is a summary of the input Bike Plan update. Presentations from collected during the small group discussion and on the comment boards.
PART 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PRIORITY TOPICS 19 QUESTION 1 Could you imagine walking and biking to work one day a week? What about to the grocery store or to a park? Why or why not?
Participants communicated a strong Trail or one of the other trails in the area interest in walking or bicycling to work, is a major factor in whether or not people retail and parks, but are concerned bike or walk. In the south, a major barrier about safety and comfort. In the right is the length of the average commute, environment, many would like to start though some road diets could go a long walking or biking in place of driving. way in making it easier to walk or bike Barriers common to all parts of the to transit or other destinations. For the WALK- AND BIKE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY FORUM AND BIKE-FRIENDLY WALK- region include roads designed for high- western region, physical barriers such speed traffic, lack of end-of-trip facilities, as major highways and railroads and topography. Representatives from interfere with walking and biking the northern area also emphasized the connectivity. The group representing flexibility and convenience a personal central Atlanta had the highest vehicle affords and the need for back prevalence of people who already bike roads that are well suited for biking and and walk frequently, but even that cohort walking. In the east, proximity of origins views safety as a major barrier. and destinations to the Stone Mountain
Roads designed for high-speed traffic were identified as barriers to walking and biking by forum participants.
20 QUESTION 2 NORTH WEST What’s the best place • Dresden area around the MARTA • BeltLine station in your city/town? • Smyrna Village Green / City Hall area • Duluth’s town green Forum attendees stated a clear • Downtown Douglasville • Canton Street in Roswell preference for town squares, parks, • PATH foundation trails and other public spaces that are well • Riverside Park connected by a balanced transportation • Broad St. Marietta to Peachtree • Downtown Atlanta system. Participants tend to prefer • Neighborhood parks mixed-use or civic spaces that are • The newly mixed-use areas in • Town centers throughout the region designed at a human scale. Popular Perimeter Center places are town centers throughout the • Vickery Development region like the Kirkwood neighborhood CENTRAL commercial center, neighborhood • Downtown Woodstock • Virginia Highlands parks like Riverside Park, and trails like • Old Fourth Ward the Atlanta BeltLine. The following list SOUTH describes the results in greater detail: • Freedom Park Trail • Downtown McDonough • Downtown - Georgia State • Natural features in Peachtree City • Poncey Highland Area
EAST • Kirkwood Neighborhood
• Downtown Decatur • Blackburn Park • Olmsted Park • John’s Creek • Downtown Kirkwood • Piedmont Park • Stone Mountain Trail • Decatur • Tucker’s Main Street • BeltLine • Downtown Norcross • West End • Lavista Par • Path 400 • Emory Village • Inman Park
PART 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PRIORITY TOPICS 21 QUESTION 3 What are the priority issues and needs in your area of the region?
Priority issues and needs are similar networks will be more complete and throughout the Atlanta region, with some communities can grow stronger by key differences for specific areas. Two unifying their vision and resources. chief concerns amongst participants In areas where transit is available, last- are safety and connectivity. Gaps in the and first-mile connectivity is also an walkway and bikeway network need to be important concern. All transit stops, closed, and the network should be made including bus stops, should have safe more robust with new infrastructure like road crossings. bike lanes, bike boxes, and bike parking. At the same time, discussion focused on the In the less urban areas of the Atlanta
WALK- AND BIKE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY FORUM AND BIKE-FRIENDLY WALK- need to engage all road users to educate region, distance between origins them about rules and responsibilities. and destinations is also a big issue. Participants want jurisdictions to have a Several of the discussions touched on more diverse mix of land uses in close the topic of collaboration. Specifically, proximity to one another and encourage participants expressed a desire for development that brings destinations better coordination across jurisdictional closer to the people who will visit them. boundaries so walkway and bikeway
Gaps in the sidewalk network create safety and connectivity issues.
22 The following list is a more detailed SOUTH • Regional coordination amongst account of the issues and needs by land use, parking, transit, and • Construction and coordination of basic geographic areas of the region: transportation planning bike infrastructure CENTRAL NORTH • Collaboration across counties to combine resources and align • Prioritize infrastructure in • Growth: Forsyth County currently pedestrian or bike routes across employment and activity centers having to widen roads, add parks, and jurisdictional lines. add other services • Repair broken sidewalks • More of the type of capacity, funding, • Intersections that accommodate • Woodstock is transitioning from and leadership brought by CIDs to pedestrians and cyclists bedroom communities to livable other regions in Atlanta working communities • Castleberry Hill neighborhood needs EAST • Need transit between suburbs, not bike infrastructure just from suburbs to downtown • Connectivity and safety: sometimes • More respect for pedestrians even designated bike routes don’t have • Need amenities to encourage • Equity – build pedestrian any bike markings bicycling infrastructure in dangerous places • Education regarding rules and • Opposition from residents to bike like Buford Highway, where people responsibilities for drivers, bikers lanes, need vision (Dunwoody) walk only because they don’t have and walkers another option • In Tucker, Highway 29 & North Lane • Affordability and gentrification Parkway are very dangerous roads • Connecting multi-use trail network for biking and walking; sidewalk is • Equitable distribution of sidewalk • Educating kids about their poorly maintained and narrow. infrastructure in low-income responsibilities as a walker or biker neighborhoods • Last mile connections in • First- and last-mile connectivity Perimeter Center. Need bike share • Strict requirements for removing a lane • Mix land uses to better reflect and/or shuttle in favor of a multi-use path. human scale • Marietta currently trying to connect • Lowering traffic reduction as a • Bring challenges of vulnerable neighborhoods to trails by marking transportation planning priority communities to forefront (e.g. single- shared roads with 20 mph speed • Bike lanes on DeKalb Avenue parent households, crime, health) limits. Need more champions and leadership in the communities. • Safe street crossings at all bus stops • Institutional barriers: funding parity between vehicle and pedestrian/ • Sprawl is an issue: concentrate new bike infrastructure; quicker process; development in areas that already WEST vehicle LOS study required, but have some and preserve green space • Connectivity and lack of shoulders on no similar requirement for bike/ • Congestion in Brookhaven is mostly main roads pedestrian service analysis through traffic. Brookhaven needs • Not-in-my-backyard attitudes • More top-down leadership more connectivity within the city toward sidewalks (Governor’s office, Georgia Chamber and mobility options. Need weather- of Commerce) sensitive design (i.e. trees for shade) • Political support • Prioritize quieter streets and alternative routes for other modes. • Distance
PART 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PRIORITY TOPICS 23 QUESTION 4 What can ARC do to help you become a WFC or BFC community? What can you do to become a WFC or BFC community?
The small groups also shared works, school districts, maintenance, thoughts about how ARC can help engineering, and other departments to more communities achieve WFC and individuals in their field who have been BFC designation. Again, participants successful in other jurisdictions in the emphasized collaboration and peer Atlanta region. exchange, both within and beyond the Another area of emphasis was MPO region, as an important step in WALK- AND BIKE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY FORUM AND BIKE-FRIENDLY WALK- overcoming the political and helping communities achieve WFC or administrative barriers for bicycle and BFC designation. Local communities pedestrian investments. ARC could want ARC to support them by providing do this by taking the transportation training for planners, engineers and focus off of travel time savings and maintenance staff on best practices for vehicle level of service, and moving bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure toward other indicators that measure design and policy. This is particularly mobility more holistically. ARC could important for newer, smaller cities and support implementation by creating towns that have less capacity. Georgia requirements or incentive for federally- Bikes, a statewide bike advocacy group, funded projects that improve active has done complete streets workshops transportation options. In general, local in some places (including Decatur and communities are looking for streamlined Rome), but there need to be more events processes for receive funding, or helping like this in other areas. In particular, communities streamline the process the southern part of the region has of receiving state or federal funding for not seen training workshops like this. active transportation projects, which ARC could also help local communities tend to be less complicated and smaller by connecting staff from public in scale than many roadway projects.
24 QUESTION 5 What would make a great regional trail in your area of the region? What would it provide? What would it connect to?
Finally, the groups discussed priorities NORTH WEST for trails. A major theme throughout all • Noonday Creek trail is partially • Kennesaw Mountain to the BeltLine discussions was the need to connect built. There is a four mile gap that new trails to existing trails and parks. • BeltLine to everything needs to be closed. Working with Participants in the central group also Cherokee County on a comprehensive • Following the waterways – emphasized connections between origins transportation plan that would have a connecting to green spaces and destinations, such as schools, similar mixed use trail; would create a downtowns and hospitals. The group • Chattahoochee NOW density of mixed use trails in the area. representing the southern region highlighted their current lack of a major • Trail design also needs to account CENTRAL trail like Path 400 or the Silver Comet for Atlanta/southern climate and • Dekalb Avenue from the heart of Trail, so that would be a major priority for provide good shade as well as comfort downtown Atlanta to Decatur, as a them. The southern group also raised the amenities (water fountains, rest bicycle/pedestrian super highway idea of connecting trails to transit. Several locations, etc.) participants mentioned ways ARC could • Boulevard/Old Fourth Ward to assist in identifying potential trails and SOUTH Grady Hospital area greenways, such as compiling regional • Continue Stone Mountain Trail sanitary sewer maps, utility right-of-way • Along streams and/or Chattahoochee from Piedmont into downtown as a maps, going door-to-door to engage • Connect to Fayetteville’s expanding multi-use trail residents and engaging children to identify multiuse paths trails that will be useful and fun for them. • Bicycle facility along Ralph McGill • Connecting to transit Specific trail suggestions are listed below: from downtown to Freedom Park • Connectivity to Emory University EAST trails development • Near stormwater management • Links between downtown Atlanta facilities and suburban areas like Norcross, • Along utility right-of-ways Alpharetta, and Johns Creek • Along CSX train lines • Network of trails to schools and universities • Places where we can maintain wildlife corridors along the multi-use trails
PART 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PRIORITY TOPICS 25 WALK- AND BIKE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY FORUM AND BIKE-FRIENDLY WALK-
The most frequently listed “best places” were walkable downtowns, main streets, and mixed-use centers.
Individual Feedback and What’s the best place What’s the best trail or Interactive Comment Boards in your city/town? park in your city/town? The forum also included an opportunity for individual feedback, where Residents stated a clear preference for The most popular trails and parks participants responded to five questions areas designed for human scale with amongst participants were the Atlanta by writing their responses and posting a built form that supports and reflects BeltLine, Piedmont Park and Stone them on boards throughout the room. those who live, work, or play there. Mountain. These are three very different Questions asked about what places Some of the more frequently listed parks, but serve as recreation and already work well, current perception of places were downtown Decatur, Midtown transportation assets to the people walking and biking in Atlanta, Atlanta’s Atlanta, and Avondale Estates. Other who live near them as well as those personality as a region, and visions for responses include Roswell’s Canton throughout the region who travel there the future. Several themes emerged in Street, downtown Douglasville, Dresden to take advantage of them. Some of the response to these questions. Drive by the Brookhaven MARTA Station, other places participants listed were the Inman Park, and downtown Woodstock. Freedom Parkway Trail, Hidden Cove Overall, the favorite places were spread Park, Kennesaw Mountain National Park, throughout the region, but the vast Blackburn Park and Trail, Nancy Creek majority of the places were downtowns, Park, Springvale Park, Ponce Parks, main streets, and mixed-use centers. Noonday Creek, Big Creek Greenway, Medlock Park, Peachtree Creek Trail, Glenlake Park, Mill Trail and Arabia Mountain Park.
26 Accessible, connected, healthy, fun, equitable, and safe were some of the most frequently appearing words people used to describe the future they hoped for.
When you think of If the Atlanta region What three words walking and biking in were a person, how describe what you want your community, what would you describe your community to be are the first words, him/her? in the future? phrases or images that There were a wide range of responses The strongest themes were accessibility/ come to mind? describing Atlanta as a person, but most connectivity, health, fun, equity and of them support the perception of Atlanta safety. These goals should be prioritized Participants have mixed feelings about as a place that is torn between its past, when imagining what Atlanta could be walking and biking in their communities. present and future. One respondent in the future. A second-tier set of words The responses demonstrate a clear wrote, “Stubborn, but has potential,” respondents used often were green, interest in biking, with terms like, “Fun,” while another wrote, “In a constant feud vibrant, diverse and active/energetic. “Relaxing,” and “Healthy.” However, with its outdated grandfather.” These Other descriptors include walkable/ responses like, “Traffic,” “Dangerous,” and descriptions would suggest Atlanta is at bikeable, cultural, livable, unique, car- “Safety,” show that perception of walking a crossroads and trying to figure out how optional and self-sustaining. and biking is still negatively impacted to honor its past while serving the needs by safety concerns. One participant’s of its current residents and setting itself comment summarized the general up to support the needs of the future. feelings in saying, “(Potentially) Friendly, smiling, healthy, children (but not yet).” Participants’ concerns were mainly about continuity of sidewalks, maintenance issues, and disrespect from drivers.
PART 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PRIORITY TOPICS 27 “I would like for drivers to slow down.”
- DORIS, SHALLOWFORD ROAD
“The Tech Trolley isn’t convenient from where I live, and there are nice sidewalks so walking is the best option for me to get around campus.”
- SUZANNE, GEORGIA TECH
“Commuting by bike is less expensive than driving and more convenient than taking transit … I’d like to see better education and awareness for drivers and pedestrians so that we’re all on the same page about everybody’s rights and responsibilities.”
- ARTHUR, DOWNTOWN “I live near parks, a cemetery, houses, and good sidewalks so there are lots of diverse people walking and running. I love seeing all the people and activity.”
- PATRICIA, COLLEGE PARK
“We have marked bike routes in Roswell where you can ride on calm residential streets, but we need bike lanes or paths on the major roads. I would ride more often if it was easy and comfortable.”
- BARRETT, ROSWELL
“I bike because it’s faster than walking, and I haven’t figured out the Trolley routes yet. I love biking to save time. I’m comfortable riding on campus because there are bike lanes and plenty of space. There are also plenty of bike shops and places I can get maintenance done.”
- BOBBY, GEORGIA TECH “Recently, I’ve been cycling every morning before work. It makes me feel healthier and more awake when I get to work.” - MARVIN, STONE MOUNTAIN
30 REGIONAL BICYCLE USER SURVEY
The purpose of the survey was to infrastructure for bicycles, high levels factors such as age, gender, and self- better understand the region’s of traffic stress, and safety concerns. defined confidence level as well as current bicycling population, including Survey respondents reported that they geographic distribution, typical trip types demographic factors, geographic would ride more frequently if bike lanes, and lengths, and significant barriers to distribution, typical trip types and trails, and safer traffic conditions existed, travel. The survey was developed and lengths, and significant barriers to destinations were in closer proximity, distributed through Survey Monkey to travel. Data limitations associated with and factors that contribute to traffic known ARC stakeholders including the the survey include a lack of geographic stress, such as large intersections, high- region’s Bicycle & Pedestrian Taskforce and demographic diversity as well as speed traffic, and heavy traffic volumes, and Transportation Coordinating access limitations associated with were addressed. Committee, as well as bicycle rider digital distribution. clubs, social media groups, and other The Atlanta Regional Commission’s web-based distribution lists. The survey The survey findings highlight that many Regional Bicycle User Survey was a generated 1324 responses with a 78.5% people ride their bike in the region, but web-based survey conducted between completion rate. Potential faults with most people don’t ride every day or for October to November 2013. The the survey are a lack of geographic (and most trips. Some of the reasons are questions were intended to better thus demographic) diversity as well as real or perceived impracticality of trips, understand the region’s current bicycling digital distribution and technology access long trip distances, absence of dedicated population, including demographic limitations to responses.
PART 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PRIORITY TOPICS 31 BIKE SURVEY - CONFIDENCE IN TERMS OF YOUR LEVEL OF COMFORT AND CONFIDENCE AS A BICYCLIST, HOW WOULD YOU CATEGORIZE YOURSELF? 40% 35% 35% 30% 30% 25% 25%
REGIONAL BICYCLE USER SURVEYREGIONAL USER BICYCLE 20%
15%
10% 7%
5% 3%
0%
STRONG & ENTHUSED & COMFORTABLE, INTERESTED, NO WAY, FEARLESS CONFIDENT BUT BUT NO HOW CAUTIOUS CONCERNED Source: ARC, 2015
BIKE SURVEY - COMMUTES AVERAGE COMMUTE DISTANCE (MI) BY MODE
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
DRIVE BY SHARE A RIDE RIDE TRANSIT RIDE A BICYCLE WALK MYSELF IN A CAR (RAIL OR BUS) FOR MOST OF THE Source: ARC, 2015. DISTANCE
32 BIKE SURVEY - FACTORS FACTORS MORE OR LESS LIKELY TO INCREASE BICYCLING FREQUENCY
100% Bicycle Lanes
More Likely 80%
60% Side Paths Safe Traffic
Bike ParkingDirect Route 40% Scenery Shower/Change
20% Covered Parking
Neutral 0%
Other -20% Bike Shops Steep Hills Parked Cars Traffic Signals -40% Transport to SchoolConnects to Transit LooseBig Dogs Intersections -60% Debris Pavement Conditions
Less Likely -80% Heavy Traffic High Speeds
-100%
Source: ARC, 2015.
PART 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PRIORITY TOPICS 33 “I have a car but I don’t drive to campus. Parking is too expensive and you can’t park a car right next to building entrances like you can a bike at Georgia Tech. It ends “I like walking when it’s not up being slightly quicker to too hot, but sometimes it bike, door to door.” can be exhausting.”
- ROSIE, COLLEGE PARKL - MATT, OLD FOURTH WARD
“The sidewalks are fragmented so sometimes I have to walk on the wet grass. You can tell people walk through the grass a lot because of the grass growth. We made our own walking paths.”
- WILLIAM, DORAVILLE “My car broke down so I’m taking transit today. I’ve been riding buses and trains since I was 12 and I never minded it. It’s a good way to get some exercise.”
- JASPER, COLLEGE PARK
“The commuter bus has nice big seats – you can just sit back and relax. Oh – and I get a discount on my car insurance because I don’t drive that many miles.”
- LYDIA, JONESBORO
“I think some pedestrians do not respect the signals and some drivers don’t respect the pedestrians. This makes a crossing that it is unsafe for anyone. A bridge would be ideal, so everyone can be safe.”
- CESAR, ATLANTA “I don’t have a car, so I walk 1.5 miles to get to a bus stop that brings me to the College Park rail station. There are some sidewalks, occasional trees, and a lack of street lights.”
- ECKER, BETHSAIDA ROAD ADVISORY GROUPS
Throughout the project, the project Lee Street; Civil Bikes; Atlanta Bicycle team met with several advisory groups Coalition; the Partnership for Southern including the ARC Equity Advisory Equity; Athena’s Warehouse; Red, Bike, Committee and the ARC Bicycle and and Green (RBG); and the Center for Pedestrian Task Force. These groups Pan Asian Community Services. Other provided additional input related to organizations who were invited could priorities and needs related to bicycle and not attend and meeting materials were pedestrian projects, policy, and programs. distributed to all invitees for comment afterwards. The meeting began with Equity Advisory Committee a presentation on the equity findings The Equity Advisory Committee convened from Part 2: Regional Travel Pattern on July 29th to discuss how this plan Assessment and then transitioned to should address equitable attribution of an open discussion about the improvements and services. Twenty-one presentation and how this plan can people attended, representing a wide best serve the most vulnerable variety of organizations, including Georgia populations in the region. Stand Up; PEDS; We Love Buford; Livable
PART 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PRIORITY TOPICS 37 The following list summarizes some of south of I-20 and make it easy to in project delivery to ensure inclusion the key discussion topics: walk, bike and access transit to and of walking and biking considerations
ADVISORY GROUPS from those centers. and quality of infrastructure. • Equitable distribution is not the same as equal distribution. The • Community engagement and • Focus on more sidewalks of basic terms “equity” and “equality” are solicitation of feedback is a sensitive quality, not everything has to be a sometimes used interchangeably, subject. Potential issues include huge investment to be transformative. increasing reliance on smartphone which can lead to confusion. Equity • The lack of inventory data on where apps and mobile data, a lack of involves trying to understand and give sidewalks are makes it trickier to follow through, tapping into on-the- people what they need to enjoy full, analyze where investments need ground knowledge without follow-up healthy lives. Equality, in contrast, to be. Georgia Tech has done some or compensation, and barriers to aims to ensure that everyone gets research on sidewalk inventorying for informing agencies about problems. the same things in order to enjoy full, the City of Atlanta and in Cobb County, healthy lives. Leveling the playing Bike and Pedestrian Task Force but a more regional perspective field means that active transportation would help build a more complete The Bike and Pedestrian Task Force is an funding will need to be prioritized in picture of where sidewalk gaps exist. areas with greater needs, rather open group that meets monthly to advise than distributed equally based ARC. The group met on August 12 to • There are many corridors in on geography. review and provide directional guidance the region that are served and on the regional assessment. Roughly maintained by multiple jurisdictions, • Say what you mean, mean 22 people attended, representing agencies, transit providers, and what you say: avoid putting all government agencies, community sometimes community improvement “minority” populations into the improvement districts, advocates, and districts. Because of overlap or same bucket. Different types of private sector consultants who work on limitations of jurisdictions and minority communities have different transportation. Following a presentation resources, some corridors are in characteristics and needs. For of findings from Part 2: Regional poor condition and have significant example, the various immigrant Travel Pattern Assessment, the group safety issues for those walking, communities along Buford Highway discussed how the plan can help create biking, and taking transit. ARC have different priorities than the local access and regional trips on trails can help facilitate coordination African-American communities in and transit. along these priority corridors and southern Atlanta. their stakeholders to improve The following list highlights important • It is important to focus on better safety and general walking and points in the discussion: connections to job centers. South biking conditions. of I-20, job centers are few and far • The role of ARC should focus between. In addition, many of the on bringing agencies together, lower-skill jobs are moving toward especially when it comes to the suburbs, away from transit investments in transit and regional access. Focus on adding job centers projects. ARC should also participate
38 “I rode over here to meet a friend and get some exercise in the process. “I like walking around in I enjoy being outside. . . Roswell because there It would be great to see are lots of shops and more trails and better restaurants. It’s very lively. connections between the I wish we had something trails we have.” like this in Dunwoody.”
- GLENN, ROSWELL - JENIFER, DUNWOODY
“I ride to class because it’s faster, and I get to skip ‘leg day’ at the gym.”
- AASHAL, ATLANTA
PART 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PRIORITY TOPICS 39 “Cycling makes you feel younger, like at Arabia Mountain when you are riding down through the middle of the woods. Rockdale County does a good job with maintenance, but the stretches of trail through other counties could use better maintenance.”
- RICHARD & DEBBIE, LILBURN ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PROJECT DELIVERY FORUM
The Active Transportation Project consistent and creative project Delivery Forum was held on Thursday delivery strategies September 17 from 9 am to 12 pm. The forum started with a presentation Over 39 people attended the forum by Jeff Olson, national bicycle and including local government staff, CID pedestrian expert and author of the representatives, advocates, as well as book The Third Mode. Jeff shared his interested citizens. experience working in communities Goals for the forum included: around the US on public-private partnerships and innovative • Sharing national trends in active implementation strategies for active transportation project delivery, transportation projects. including funding sources, project partners, and infrastructure types Jeff was followed by Kofi Wakhisi and Amy Goodwin, both with ARC. They Attendees at the Active Transportation Project • Providing a review of project delivery provided an overview and update about Delivery Forum learn discussed ways to build more procedures at ARC for active and better projects that support walking and biking. work done by the ARC Project Delivery transportation projects Task Force, which is an ARC committee • Providing an open forum for working to improve project delivery discussion to identify what is working, of projects receiving federal funds for what could be improved, and how implementation through ARC. ARC can continue to enhance active After the presentations, the remainder transportation project delivery for the of the forum included a facilitated, region open discussion with attendees about • Using input from the forum to develop needs and opportunities related to a framework to fund and deliver active transportation project delivery active transportation projects and implementation. more quickly and effectively with
PART 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PRIORITY TOPICS 41 Key themes that emerged during projects, or in some cases has led to discussion included: local jurisdictions passing on the use of federal funds for transportation • There is a need for diversified projects in their community. funding strategies. Local funds and federal funds do not cover the • There is a desire for more public- full need for active transportation. private partnerships. Increasingly, Opportunities exist the leverage foundations and private businesses private funds to accelerate project are seeing the value and opportunity delivery and meet local needs. associated with active transportation projects and their positive impact • There is a need to deliver projects on quality of life in their community. faster. Simple sidewalk projects Private funding can also help fill gaps can take several years to deliver in funding for projects or help local when using federal funds. At the jurisdictions stretch their dollars forum, there was a shared interest
ACTIVE PROJECT DELIVERY TRANSPORTATION FORUM further. Many in the Atlanta region in continuing to use federal funds for are already leveraging private funds priority active transportation projects to accelerate project implementation. and to be able to deliver them faster There was agreement at the forum and more easily. that those tasked with project delivery • There is a need to reduce in the region should continue to work bureaucracy to deliver smaller with the business community to build projects, such as walking and biking active transportation projects. projects. Active transportation • There is a need for big regional projects are typically smaller and projects. For projects that cross retrofits to existing infrastructure. jurisdictions and provide important Requiring the same level of connections that can fill network documentation and review process as gaps, such as gaps between regional a major roadway project can diminish trails, there is a need for coordination already limited funds and stretch with all partners and agencies. ARC project implementation timelines can provide technical resources and longer than is necessary. coordination support to help deliver • With fewer staff and technical these larger, more complex projects. resources, smaller jurisdictions • Scoping assistance can help identify often struggle to delivery projects project delivery issues early in the through the federally funded project federally funded project delivery process. To manage federally-aid process. Currently, delays in funded projects, GDOT requires project funding through ARC are local jurisdictions to be certified often attributed to scoping issues. as Local Public Agencies (LPA) for Additionally technical support with Local Administered Projects (LAP). project scoping and scheduling, Without sufficient professional staff particularly for smaller jurisdictions, to be certified, local jurisdictions can help projects be delivered with much rely on GDOT to manage and fewer scope-related delays. deliver projects. This reliance often adds additional time and cost to
42 “I walk along Main St. to get to the station, which is pleasant because there are lots of trees and lights at night.”
- ANN, COLLEGE PARK
“Atlanta needs more pedestrian-friendly areas, and should promote the benefits of pedestrian- friendly areas.”
- COURTNEY, EAST ATLANTA
“I bike because it’s faster than walking or driving — it’s just efficient.”
- ANDREW, ATLANTA
PART 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PRIORITY TOPICS 43 “I like walking around at my lunch hour because everything is very accessible, there are lots of people, I feel “I like walking in Midtown healthier, and it’s quick. I’d because you never know like to see more casual street what you’re going to get vendors along Peachtree St down here. There’s lots of during the lunch hour, like diversity, lots to see.” King of Pop or hot dog stands.” - CINDY, ACWORTH - BLAIR, LILBURN
“Taking the commuter bus is actually faster than driving because we’re in the HOV lane. Plus I can read on the bus.”
- ANTHONY, GWINNETT COUNTY APPENDIX A
SIDEWALK AND HANDLEBAR INTERVIEWS
To connect regional policy and local The surveys focused on documenting needs to personal experience, intercept first-person perspectives on walking surveys were conducted at several and biking in the region. Overall, the locations around the region. Members project team encountered strong interest from the planning team conducted the and support for improving walking and interviews at the following locations, biking conditions in the region. Survey which represent a variety of place sites were selected by developing a list typologies found throughout the region: of areas with different walking and biking trip types. Time of day and duration for • Urban Trail: Eastside BeltLine Trail at each location was selected to visit each 10th Street site at the peak time to interview people • MARTA Rail Station: College Park walking and biking at each site. MARTA Rail Station Photos and quotes used throughout • Commuter Bus Stop: MLK Drive and Part 3 were collected as part of the Peachtree Street Sidewalk and Handlebar Interviews. • Regional Corridor: Buford Highway • Small Town Main Street: Canton Street, Roswell • Suburban Activity Center: Gwinnett Place Mall • University District: Tech Square • Midtown Atlanta: 12th Street and Peachtree Street • Trail of Regional Significance: Arabia Mountain Trail, by the Nature Center
PART 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PRIORITY TOPICS 45 APPENDIX A Lindsay, Ryder, and Parker; Virginia seating. In the heat of the summer, many Eastside BeltLine Highland: “We love living in a walkable people commented on how the lack of Trail at 10th Street neighborhood because it means we don’t shade trees led to an uncomfortably have to get in the car anytime we leave hot walk. The BeltLine interviews took place on the house.” Matose, College Park “Transit is the only a weekday morning between 8:30 and Steve, Virginia Highland: “I enjoy the way I have to get to work.” 9:30 am. The interviewees were either sights: nature, dogs, and smiles.” commuting or out for recreational Jasper, College Park: “My car broke purposes. Most lived in one of the David, Old Fourth Ward: “I enjoy the down so I’m taking transit today. I’ve neighborhoods adjacent to the BeltLine, freedom to go all around the city on been riding buses and trains since I was but a few had driven from more distant my bike.” 12 and I never minded it. It’s a good way neighborhoods. Health was a popular to get some exercise.” Genti, Midtown: “I bike to get outside and motivation for biking and walking, feel the fresh air” Shaquile, College Park: “I take MARTA to as was the BeltLine as an attraction. work, but it’s not enjoyable – too hot.” Respondents also indicated that they Jerry, Piedmont Heights: “Riding to work would feel more comfortable biking and wakes me up and when I get there, my Roman, Bankhead: “The engine in my walking and do it more often once the head is clear and ready for the day.” car blew up, so until I can get a new one Beltline is extended. People on bikes I’m taking the train . . . It’s hot out here – Katie, Candler Park: “I love being able to also indicated a preference for more wish there was more shade.” bike my five- and eight-year old to school on-street bike lanes and protected every morning.” Russel, College Park: “I take MARTA bike lanes. People walking would like because it’s cheaper than driving, and I more water fountains to help deal with Amy, Virginia Highlands: like the exercise. It works for me.” the summer heat. On the BeltLine “I’d like to see more bike lanes” specifically, several respondents noted Jakam, Riverdale: “The bus stop is too Belinda, Stone Mountain: that increasing the width of the BeltLine far from where I stay to walk or bike “I like seeing activity and all different and/or separating fast-moving bicyclists there, so I drive.” types of people when I’m walking from people walking would make the around.” Kristy, East Point: “It’s not a horrible experience better. walk to the bus stop – in fact it’s pretty Cesar, Buckhead: “I’m getting close convenient. But a car would make it to 50, so I’m out here jogging for my College Park easier to get where I need to go.” health . . . My favorite part about the Onela, Atlanta: “I don’t enjoy walking and Beltline is the way it’s connecting MARTA Rail Station taking transit. Getting a car would make Atlanta’s neighborhoods.” The project team talked to people who my experience better.” Susan, Grant Park: “I ride a bike because were waiting for the train at the College Gabriel, Timbertop Drive: “My trip I can get exercise while I run errands. Park MARTA station on a weekday consists of driving, riding the bus, riding I really like getting around using human from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. Many of rail, and walking.” power – no fossil fuels required.” those interviewed had begun their trip by walking to a bus stop. Many of the Rosie, College Park: “I like walking Courtney, Inman Park: “Walking gives people who walked to the bus or train when it’s not too hot, but sometimes it me energy and relieves stress – it’s a stop commented that the route they took can be exhausting.” great way to start the day. I enjoy the lacked sidewalks or that the stops lacked fresh air, the Magnolias, and the public art along the BeltLine.”
46 Eric, College Park: “I like to see buses on a Wednesday between 5:00 pm Anthony, Gwinnett County: “Taking the happy faces and good energy when I’m and 6:00 pm. The project team asked commuter bus is actually faster than walking around.” people why they choose to take the driving because we’re in the HOV lane. commuter bus and asked about bicycle Plus I can read on the bus.” Ann, College Park: “I walk along Main and pedestrian access at both ends of St. to get to the station, which is pleasant Margaret, Snellville: “The commuter bus their trips. Almost withal respondents because there are lots of trees and lights is cheaper than driving and I don’t have to drove to a park-and-ride in the morning at night.” deal with traffic.” near their home and walked to the bus Ecker, Bethsaida Road: “I don’t have a stop downtown. Most people said that the Lydia, Jonesboro: “The commuter bus car, so I walk 1.5 miles to get to a bus bus stop near their house was either too has nice big seats – you can just sit back stop that brings me to the College Park far to walk or bike or that conditions for and relax. Oh – and I get a discount on my rail station. There are some sidewalks, walking or biking are dangerous. Aside car insurance because I don’t drive that occasional trees, and a lack of from the heat and congested sidewalks many miles.” street lights.” downtown, most people found the walk Mark, Snellville: “I take the express bus after work to be relatively pleasant. John, College Park: “Sidewalks make my because it’s relaxing and subsidized by Many respondents noted, however, that walk to the bus stop enjoyable.” my employer.” conditions at the downtown bus stop Danielle, College Park: “My walk leave a lot to be desired, including shade, Hynecia, Douglas County: “The express is peaceful, but long. If there were shelter, and comfortable seating. bus is relaxing and saves gas.” bike lanes I would bike to make the Gail, Snellville (no photo): “I ride the trip quicker.” commuter bus because it’s easier – Buford Highway Patricia, College Park: “I live near parks, keeps my road rage under control. I drive a cemetery, houses, and good sidewalks to the bus stop near my house because Buford Highway is a multi-lane arterial so there are lots of diverse people it’s too far to walk and there are with very challenging pedestrian walking and running. I love seeing all the no sidewalks.” conditions. Recent safety initiatives and people and activity.” Rodney, Douglasville: “I take the new infrastructure, such as sidewalks Aisha, College Park: “I’d like to see bike commuter bus because it saves money and enhanced pedestrian crossings, lanes on Old National Highway.” and I don’t have to worry about traffic. have helped improve walkability and We need more crosswalks between safety along the corridor. The project intersections downtown.” team interviewed people walking to and Commuter Bus waiting for the bus at two locations along Marr, Gwinnett County: “I like the Buford Highway, one of which recently Stop at MLK commuter bus because it saves money had new midblock crossings installed Jr. Drive and on parking and I can sit back and relax.” to help those walking along the corridor David, Gwinnett County: “I take the cross more safely and frequently. Peachtree Street commuter bus because it avoids wear Interviews were conducted in Spanish and tear on my car. It’s less stressful, and English. The project team spoke with people and you don’t have to deal with traffic.” Michel, DeKalb County: “I take the waiting for Gwinnett County Transit, Cobb bus because it’s more convenient County Transit, and Georgia Regional Fay, Snellville: “I ride the commuter bus than driving – it takes me right to the Transportation Authority commuter because I hate driving and trying to park in downtown Atlanta.” Lindbergh MARTA station.”
PART 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PRIORITY TOPICS 47 APPENDIX A Jay, Brookhaven: “I walk to the market John, Fairburn: “My walk to the bus stop Cesar, Atlanta: “I think some pedestrians to stay fit. That way I don’t have to go to is hot, and I have to walk in a grass path.” do not respect the signals and some the gym. The new sidewalks, medians, drivers don’t respect the pedestrians. Doris, Shallowford Road: “I would like and crosswalks out here have made a This makes a crossing that it is unsafe for drivers to slow down.” big difference – makes it much safer and for anyone. A bridge would be ideal, so easier to get across Buford.” Greisy, Doraville: “I would like to see everyone can be safe.” more sidewalks on other areas of Maurice, Lenox Rd: “I walk and take Christina, Chamblee: “I wish there were Buford Highway, similar to the Briarwood transit because I don’t own a car. My more sidewalks so I can take transit and Road intersection.” walk is nice, but it would be better if bring my children.” there were sidewalks along Buford Hwy Jacinto, Doraville: “I like that the and more shelters at bus stops.” signals are clearly marked and it is clean of debris.” Canton Street, Nikki, Southwest Atlanta: “I usually drive, but I wrecked my car so I’m Felix, Brookhaven: “I like that it is safe Roswell using transit for a while. It’s convenient around this area but connecting streets because I catch the bus right outside of to not have enough light at night. Canton Street is well known throughout my apartment complex, and I often have The experience is limited to this the region for its friendly streets and seating and shelter at different bus stops intersection only.” lively, family-oriented atmosphere. For I need to go to. If my car was working, I’d these reasons, among others, Canton Mayra, Atlanta: “Sometimes the still drive because it takes over twice as Street generates lots of walking activity speeding cars don’t care to stop when it long to take the bus, and that’s with the throughout the week. Of the people is the pedestrian’s time to cross app telling me when the bus will come.” interviewed, all were walking and several the street.” said they ride bikes often. Interviews Renee, Briarwood Rd: “Transit Julian, Atlanta: “It would be better if were done around the lunch hour on a and walking are my only forms of there were sidewalks on both sides and a Thursday, so there were many people transportation. It would be easier for me bus stop with a bigger shelter in case coming to dine at one of the area’s many if there were sidewalks and crossings in it rains.” restaurants. People said they like to my neighborhood like they’ve put in on come to Canton Street because there Buford Highway. In my neighborhood, you William, Doraville: “The sidewalks are are lots of shopping and dining options have to walk in the grass or street, and fragmented so sometimes I have to walk within close proximity of one another, jaywalk to cross.” on the wet grass. You can tell people so you only have to get in and out of your walk through the grass a lot because Andre, Briarwood Rd: “I’ve noticed a car once. Mature street trees provide of the grass growth. We made our own difference in how people are driving cover and shade during the hot summer. walking paths.” ever since they’ve put the sidewalks and Also, there’s a strong walking culture so medians on Buford Highway. When I have Ismael and Mario, Doraville: drivers are respectful of people crossing my daughter with me now, we are able to “It would be nice to have more access to the street. cross and wait in the median for another the mall. There is only one big ‘walkable’ Glenn, Roswell: “I rode over here to meet break in the traffic.” entrance to the mall, which is in the a friend and get some exercise in the middle of the street where cars need to Terrance, Briarwood Rd: “I find process. I enjoy being outside . . . It would turn too. Sometimes car are rushing walking peaceful.” be great to see more trails and better and they don’t even look to see who is connections between the trails we have.” walking around. They don’t respect the walking signals.”
48 Britt, East Cobb: “I like walking around Haley & Patsy, Marietta: “We like coming and biking infrastructure around the in this area. I like the independent to shop here because you have access mall. In some communities without restaurants and local businesses. to a bunch of stores without having to a downtown, the mall can provide an Unfortunately, we live far enough away get back in your car. We’d like to see atmosphere that shares many qualities that we have to drive over here to walk more separation between cars and the of a downtown, such as proximity to around, so more parking would make it sidewalk, and more parking options.” many destinations and pleasant walking more convenient.” environment. On a Thursday afternoon, Jenifer, Dunwoody: “I like walking members of the project team spoke with Kristen, Alpharetta: “I love walking around in Roswell because there are lots several different mall visitors who were around in the historic part of Roswell - it of shops and restaurants. It’s very lively. I there for activities such as shopping, reminds me of my home town . . . It would wish we had something like this recreational walking, and participating be great if there were more bike lanes – in Dunwoody.” in a seminar. Some specifically visit I mostly ride on the sidewalk because I Brian, Woodstock: “Suburbanites are the mall to walk for exercise because don’t feel safe riding on the street.” moving more toward developing these it offers a safe and comfortable place Barrett, Roswell: “We have marked bike walkable downtowns. The ‘burbs are to do so. Others interviewed said they routes in Roswell where you can ride on starting to create these little ‘pop-up are interested in walking, biking, and calm residential streets, but we need main streets.’ They are kitschy and a taking transit more often, but cited lack bike lanes or paths on the major roads. little overpriced, but they add a much of walking and biking infrastructure, I would ride more often if it was easy needed splash of livability.” stressful roadway conditions, long and comfortable.” distances between destinations, and lack Laury, Roswell: “People think I’m crazy, of frequent transit service as Jack, Smyrna: “I wish there were more but I love cycling. I like the off-street major barriers. places like the Silver Comet Trail for me paths and trails, but I also bike on the and my two boys to ride. I’d walk and bike arterials roads, like Atlanta St and Rt. Ron, Buckhead: “I like walking around in more if there was better transit in 120, if I have to. I wish those roads had this mall because it’s quiet and relaxing. Cobb County.” larger shoulders. The drivers in Roswell I’ve never thought about walking to the are friendlier to cyclists than where I mall because it’s designed around cars – Pat: “This is my version of coming into lived before, in Cumming. There should if I walked I’d have to go through a bunch the city. Walking around on Canton St is be more driver awareness campaigns of boring, ugly parking lots. I like to walk nice because there a lot of crossings with about cycling.” where it’s scenic or where there are signs telling drivers to stop. interesting things to look at.” Sunni, Alpharetta: “I just moved here Shanay, Norcross: “I can’t think of from Bedford, Texas. This place is such a Gwinnett Place anything that would make me want to treasure; we had some areas like this in walk or bike. I don’t like to walk.” Texas, but they were all far away.” Mall Bo, Duluth: “I would think about walking Dana & Diane, East Cobb & Kennesaw: The Gwinnett Place Mall is at the heart or biking if the roads were set up for it – “We come here for the shops of the Gwinnett Place Community like in Amsterdam they have huge wide and restaurants, and the liveliness on Improvement District. Gwinnett Place bike paths that thousands of people use the weekends.” Mall is in a very auto-oriented area and surrounded by a large parking lot. The at all times of the day. But here the roads mall is served by transit, with a bus are made for cars.” station on the edge of the parking lot. Chris, Duluth: “I might bike if other There is very little in the way of walking people here did. The culture here doesn’t really support biking for transportation like in some other places.”
PART 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PRIORITY TOPICS 49 APPENDIX A Paul, Norcross: “I would take the bus to interviewed people walking and biking Arthur, Downtown: “Commuting by bike the mall if the bus came more often. But on a Friday morning. Lots of people is less expensive than driving and more when a trip takes 10 minutes driving but interviewed here said they bike because convenient than taking transit. . . I’d like two hours on transit with transfers why it is the fastest, easiest, or most efficient to see better education and awareness would I take the bus? Doesn’t make way to get around. for drivers and pedestrians so that we’re any sense.” all on the same page about everybody’s Aashal, Atlanta: “I ride to class because rights and responsibilities.” Anna, Lawrenceville: “If there were it’s faster, and I get to skip ‘leg day’ at sidewalks everywhere I would probably the gym.” Rohan, Georgia Tech: “Biking is the walk most of the time, but there are no fastest and most convenient way for me Andrew, Atlanta: “I bike because it’s sidewalks where I live.” to get from home to the business school. faster than walking or driving – it’s I love going home after class because it’s James, Dunwoody: “I would think about just efficient.” all downhill, very relaxing. Sometimes walking to the mall if it were closer . . . Matt, Old Fourth Ward: “I have a car but it can be uncomfortable when drivers we need more sidewalks in Dunwoody.” I don’t drive to campus. Parking is too behave badly and honk.” Alexander: “I walk to Kroger because expensive and you can’t park a car right Suzanne, Georgia Tech: “The Tech it’s close to my house, but there are next to building entrances like you can Trolley isn’t convenient from where no sidewalks on the main road. I would a bike at Georgia Tech. It ends up being I live, and there are nice sidewalks so walk to more shops if they were within slightly quicker to bike, door to door.” walking is the best option for me to get walking distance.” Daniel, Old Fourth Ward: “I bike because around campus.” Usha, Duluth: “I come to Gwinnett Place I’m still learning to drive, although I’ve Ben, Home Park: “Walking is my only Mall and Perimeter Mall to walk for had my learner’s permit for three years option. I don’t have a bike, though I am exercise. It’s pleasant: cool, open, few now and I’m really not in a rush to get my interested in getting one. The streets disturbances. I don’t like to walk on the license. I don’t really like cars and feel seem busy but you never forget how street because it’s hot, noisy, and there’s safer on a bike.” to ride a bike so I’ll give it a try. Some a lot of traffic. Plus, I don’t see anyone Ryan, Midtown: “Atlanta’s come a long of the intersections, like at 5th St and else walking.” way in a relatively short period of time Williams St, have too many cars. There Stan, Clarksville: “I would bike as much in terms of bike access, but it still has a should be a pedestrian overpass or as 5 miles to get to work, but I have to long way to go. We need better bike lane something there.” drive 50 miles on average. I would bike to design that gets people in bike lanes Samee, Home Park: “My trip from the shopping center too if it were within 5 out of the door zone of parked cars and home to class isn’t far, so walking isn’t miles, unless I had to get something big. works better with buses. People also a big deal. It’s the fastest option; less I wish there were more bike lanes, I don’t need to stop parking in the bike lanes.” congestion, less hassle, less expensive. like to bike on the street.” Mike, Midtown: “I like riding a bike Sometime construction and maintenance because I feel more connected to my projects can be a disruption if they force Tech Square neighborhood – it’s hard to be unhappy you to take a detour.” on a bike.” Christian, Georgia Tech: “It’s not worth Tech Square, as the gateway between Arthur, Midtown: “I bike because it saves maintaining a car on campus. Walking Georgia Tech’s campus and Midtown, is time – I get where I need to go while gives me a chance to listen to music and regularly busy with students, campus getting exercise.” clear my head. It’s relaxing and helps faculty and staff, and professionals me think. I’d prefer better timing for working in the area. The project team pedestrian signals at intersections.”
50 Bobby, Georgia Tech: “I bike because it’s Katie, Midtown: “I walk to work Ty, Inman Park: “I like to walk because faster than walking, and I haven’t figured every day because it’s nice to be it’s a way to get to know my neighbors out the Trolley routes yet. I love biking outside, get exercise, and feel a part of . . . Walking in Atlanta would be more to save time. I’m comfortable riding on the community.” enjoyable if there were fewer parking campus because there are bike lanes lots and more people on the streets. If Adam, Atlanta: “I just like biking – it’s and plenty of space. There are also public transit was better I would go for freeing. . . Atlanta needs more bike plenty of bike shops and places I can get fewer strolls but more purposeful walks lanes – and not half-ass bike lanes that maintenance done.” to destinations.” suddenly drop without warning. We also Germain, West End: “For me, biking is need better education and awareness Courtney, East Atlanta: “Atlanta the easiest option. Plus, it’s free! I like because lots of drivers here seem to needs more pedestrian-friendly areas, to bike on the slower, quieter streets. think people aren’t allowed to bike on the and should promote the benefits of If I could change one thing, it’d be the road when it’s actually the opposite: it’s pedestrian-friendly areas.” potholes in the West End.” illegal to ride a bike on the sidewalk.” Johnathan, Tucker: “I like to get out of Katie, Roswell: “Wide sidewalks make Sarah, Virginia Highland: “I walk and the office and walk around the block. I walking on campus feel safe.” bike because it’s an opportunity to be like the fresh air.” outside breathing fresh air, it’s practical Will, Vinings: “I like walking to lunch transportation, and it’s good exercise because it’s a chance to stretch my legs.” Midtown Atlanta– . . . Atlanta needs more bike lanes and also needs to keep the ones we have Delilah, Buckhead: “Walking is 12th Street and free of debris . . . [the] 10th Street [2-way therapeutic, and it’s much better than Peachtree Street protected bike lane] is great – we need going to the gym . . . Atlanta could use more streets like that.” more trails and more bike paths on Midtown is a major employment, major streets.” Chris, Brookhaven: “Being able to walk residential, and entertainment district across the street and grab lunch without Matthew, Downtown Atlanta: “I’m a in the region. Peachtree Street is the getting in my car is really convenient.” currier and love getting paid to ride my premier destination corridor through bike. During the day, I like to use the one Midtown and is also surrounded by George, McDonough: “I just like way roads through town when there’s plentiful housing, which creates a good being outside.” less traffic, but at rush hour, those mix of users walking and biking. During Michelle, Lithonia: “I like to run. I enjoy drivers getting on and off the highway lunch hour on a Friday, the project team being free, outside.” are more aggressive. During rush hour, spoke with several people walking and Peachtree St is better for biking, but biking, most of whom were people who Kayla, South Fulton County near the during the day it’s tough because of all work in the area and were walking to airport: “I enjoy the health benefits of the idling delivery vehicles.” get lunch or some exercise during their walking – not just the physical health break. People said they like the close benefits also the mental health benefits. Cindy, Acworth: “I like walking in proximity of many shops and restaurants I like taking in the sights and sounds Midtown because you never know what and the wide sidewalks make it around me . . . It’s nice to walk in you’re going to get down here. There’s convenient to walk to get lunch, or just Midtown but in South Fulton we need lots of diversity, lots to see.” for a breath of fresh air to break up the wider sidewalks that don’t stop Anonymous, Buckhead: “I like that I work day. all the sudden.” don’t have to get back in my car to get lunch; I can easily walk to all of the shops and restaurants. I would be more comfortable biking if there were bike
PART 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PRIORITY TOPICS 51 APPENDIX A lanes; that’s probably what everyone John, DeKalb County: “We had planned says.” Arabia Mountain on going to the Mall at Stonecrest, but when we saw that it was closed we came Blair, Lilburn: “I like walking around at Trail (at the here instead since it is so close. My kids my lunch hour because everything is Davidson- loved seeing the wildlife.” very accessible, there are lots of people, I feel healthier, and it’s quick. I’d like to Arabia Mountain Marilyn, Covington: “I drive further to get see more casual street vendors along to this entrance because there are lots of Peachtree St during the lunch hour, like Nature Center) people, which makes me feel safer.” King of Pop or hot dog stands.” The Arabia Mountain Trail is located Barb, Emory: “I like coming out to bike Jack, West Side: “Even though I drive to in southeast DeKalb County and is a on trails, but I wouldn’t bike around work, I like to walk to get lunch because part of the growing network of trails of where I live because of the traffic and there are a lot of places to go near the regional significance in the region. The high speeds.” office. I could imagine biking to work project team visited the Davidson-Arabia Laquoya & Krystalline, Stone Mountain: if the roads were friendlier. I’m just Mountain Nature Center Trailhead along “The trail is a peaceful place to too lazy.” Klondike Road, which has a large parking get healthy.” lot, a nature center, and a picnic table Cheryl, Midtown: “I moved to Midtown area. On a Saturday morning, the trail Sheldon, Lithonia: “I’m motivated to to be able to walk and bike more. The was busy with weekend recreational come here to bike because it’s close availability of shopping and dining users finishing up their workout for to where I live, plus it’s nice to see the options, access to transit, shuttle to the day. Interviewees were generally scenery and nature.” Atlantic Station, and BeltLine make happy with the trail, but called for walking in Midtown a wonderful Tommy, Covington: “The Arabia better maintenance of restroom debris. experience. My goal is to use my car Mountain Trail is great because I am in Walkers and bikers said they visit the as little as possible. Biking is still nature and away from car traffic. trail to enjoy the peace of nature and be uncomfortable, but I’d feel safer if there I’d like to see it extended, maybe back healthy. were bike lanes along Peachtree St.” toward Conyers.” Jim, Conyers: “The County should put Joanne, Marietta: “I like to be able to Richard & Debbie, Lilburn: more effort into keeping the trail clear of get out and walk around at lunch instead “Cycling makes you feel younger, like debris after storms.” of sitting all day. Midtown is good for at Arabia Mountain when you are riding that because there are wide sidewalks Gwen, Woodstock: “I bike every down through the middle of the woods. and more restaurant options than other weekend, mostly on the Arabia Mountain Rockdale County does a good job with areas I’ve worked.” Trail, to maintain an active lifestyle and maintenance, but the stretches of trail stay young.” through other counties could use Dale & Ashley, Midtown: “We live better maintenance.” here, and walk around because we feel John, McDonough: “I cycle everyone healthier, it’s safe, and it’s easy to get weekend for exercise and recreation, Marvin, Stone Mountain: “Recently, I’ve around on foot. The BeltLine is great, on trails like the Arabia Mountain Trail been cycling every morning before work. but we’d like to have more bars and and the Silver Comet Trail. I like the It makes me feel healthier and more restaurants along it.” Arabia Mountain Trail because it’s a nice, awake when I get to work.” paved trail that has a decent amount of Lauren, Decatur: “I walk from my office elevation changes.” to get lunch when I need to because it’s quicker than driving. There are good crosswalks which makes it safer.”
52 “My walk is peaceful, but long. If there were bike lanes I would bike to make the trip quicker.”
- DANIELLE, COLLEGE PARK
“For me, biking is the easiest option. Plus, it’s free! I like to bike on the slower, quieter streets. If I could change one thing, it’d be the potholes in the West End.”
- GERMAIN, WEST END
“I enjoy the sights: nature, dogs, and smiles.”
- STEVE, VIRGINIA HIGHLAND
PART 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PRIORITY TOPICS 53 40 COURTLAND STREET, NE | ATLANTA, GA 30303 404.463.3100 ATLANTAREGIONAL.COM
54