Atlanta has joined the Mayor’s Summit for Safer People and Safer Streets, according to a media release from the city. This call to action from Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx is based on the 2010 USDOT Policy Statement on Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation to incorporate safe and convenient walking and bicycling facilities into transportation projects.
Mayor Kasim Reed has created a Safer Streets Advisory Committee co-chaired by Melissa Mullinax, his senior advisor and Rebecca Serna, Executive Director of the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition. The full committee will include community representatives, members of the Atlanta City Council and City staff with expertise in planning and public works.
A key component of the Challenge is the adoption of a Complete Streets policy which incorporates safe and convenient walking and bicycling facilities into transportation projects; improves conditions and opportunities for walking, and bicycling; integrates walking and bicycling into transportation systems; and provide safe and convenient facilities for these modes.
“Connecting the city for cyclists and pedestrians delivers benefits across the board – health, safety, environmental, transportation and overall quality of life,” Reed said. “This Challenge comes at the right time for the City of Atlanta. The proposed infrastructure bond presents an unparalleled opportunity to improve bike and pedestrian access.”
Reed recently signed a bike share agreement with CycleHop and its partners Social Bicycles, Center Forward and Iconologic. The city’s bicycle sharing program will launch with 500 bicycles and 50 rental stations throughout the city by the end of the year.
People for Bikes chose Atlanta for its Green Lane Project. As one of six U.S. cities poised to be national leaders in installing protected bike lanes, the city receives financial, strategic and technical assistance to create low-stress streets and increase vitality in urban centers through the installation of protected bike lanes.
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