It’s electric: Atlanta Streetcar wires energized

The overhead guide wire for the Atlanta Streetcar is now electrified, meaning high voltage. With the electricity flowing, that means testing of the cars will commence and motorists and pedestrians need to pay extra attention along the 2.7 mile through Downtown. There will be a learning curve, but here are some tips to get you started.

A few notes for pedestrians from the Atlanta Streetcar folks:

• The streetcars are very quiet when operating, so pedestrians should always be aware of the tracks and to stop, look and listen before crossing the street.
• A streetcar traveling at 20 miles per hour takes almost 60 feet to stop.
• Do not run in front of an approaching streetcar.
• Step over tracks to avoid catching heels or wheels in the track gap.
• Streetcar stops are located on the side of the streets and in the middle of the road. When heading to a stop use designated crosswalks, obey walk signals and look both ways.

And here’s some for motorists:

• Streetcar operators must obey the same traffic and speed laws as motorist
• Streetcars travel at or below the posted speed limit and must obey all traffic signals.
• It’s okay to drive on the tracks, be aware that vehicle tires may feel a bit different on the tracks, but the tracks are not electrified.
• Look for streetcars before you make a right at a red light, because you won’t hear them coming.
• Streetcars are not cars, meaning they can’t make quick stops or maneuver out of the way for vehicles or pedestrians.
• Do not attempt to pass a streetcar. They are big – nearly 9 feet wide and 12 feet tall and they will block your line of sight. Do not pass a streetcar at a stop and be alert for those disembarking.
• Streetcars cannot go around cars parked on tracks. Park your entire vehicle within the white lines. Do not double park.

And more for bicyclists and other human-powered wheeled vehicles:

• Watch your wheels! Streetcar tracks can be challenging to ride alongside and to cross for anything with wheels: bikes, strollers, wheelchairs, scooters, skateboards, in-line skates, etc.
• Cross tracks as close to right angle as possible; don’t lean into turns when crossing tracks.
• Remember wet tracks can be slippery, so sometimes it is safer to walk your bike across the tracks.
• Beware of the door zone – cyclists traveling between traffic and parked vehicles should be aware when a driver in a parked vehicle suddenly open their door into your travel space, it may cause you to swerve and put you in the path of other vehicles or the track.