When Will the Streets of Atlanta Accommodate Bicyclists?

Although many more people are cycling in Atlanta and in different Georgia communities and the bicycle is gaining popularity for commuters, there are still not enough streets that accommodate bicyclists safely.

If a street is too isolated by highways to connect bikers and walkers from their neighborhoods to activity centers, then how is a cyclist going to feel safe cycling, or a pedestrian feel safe walking?

Many community leaders and cycling advocates—including Georgia Bikes, the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition and other groups—are asking for safer streets. The new “complete streets” policy is being introduced to ensure that engineers, transportation planners, and roadway designers keep cyclists in mind when developing traffic proposals.

The cities and counties of Clarkston, Decatur, Dunwoody, and Roswell have “complete streets” measures in place already, and a DeKalb coalition is working toward adopting this policy. Additionally, the city of Atlanta is in the process of drafting a measure like this in order to help keep cyclist safe and reduce bicycle accidents in Atlanta.

Raising Awareness for Safer Streets – Accommodating Cyclists
On March 27, 2012, the seventh annual Georgia Rides to the Capitol event occurred to raise support for the development of bicycle lanes, multi-use-trails and cycling connections to activity centers and schools.

This annual event raises community awareness of bike safety in Metro Atlanta and support for the much-needed bicycle network for on-road facilities throughout Georgia. Thousands of cyclists come out to cycle in the streets getting escorted by police into downtown.

The Kalka Law Group is glad to see advocates and supporters raising awareness for bicycle safety and bike friendly streets.