Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning

Bicycling and walking are rapidly becoming realistic modes of transportation as traffic congestion becomes more severe. While cyclists and pedestrians can use almost any regional transportation corridor, many facilities are not equipped or safe enough to support this mode of transportation. The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) has been promoting safe, functional and regional bicycle and pedestrian planning since 1973 and continues to update its process to address new needs and trends.

History of Bicycle & Pedestrian Planning in the Atlanta Region (PDF)

2007 Atlanta Region Bike/Ped Plan

Click here for more information on the 2007 Atlanta Region Bicycle Transportation & Pedestrian Walkways Plan.

2003 Bicycle Suitability Maps

Inventory of Pedestrian Facilities Around Transit

In Spring 2004, ARC kicked off an inventory of pedestrian facilities around regional transit (rail stations, bus stops, and transit centers). This includes data on surrounding land uses and the type and condition of the facilities and pedestrian crossings. ARC completed data collection of 37of 38 MARTA rail stations in Fall 2004 and an inventory of 10 key bus transfer centers/locations in Fall 2005.

• Inventory Survey (PDF)
• Inventory Manual (PDF)

Walkable Community Workshops

The focus of the Walkable Community Workshops is generating local, hands-on solutions to walkability challenges. The workshops give communities a "new set of eyes" with which they can look at their communities and envision solutions. Not only is walkability good for pedestrians and bicyclists, it is good for the community. Pedestrian access and safe, attractive streets enhance the character and identity of the community to create a "sense of place". Creating a walkable community also promotes active living, improving quality of health.

ARC hosted its third set of Walkable Community Workshop in five communities September 12-16, 2005.

• Cobb County - Six Flags Drive
• Fulton County (south) - Old National Highway
• Emory University/Clifton Corridor TMA - Clifton Road
• Gwinnett County/Gwinnett Place CID - Market Street/Satellite Boulevard
• City of Woodstock - Main Street/Towne Lake Parkway

• History of Walkable Community Workshops (PDF)
• Walkable Community Workshop Summary (PDF)

Over the past several years, ARC has funded a Walk-to-School Program called KidsWalk which is managed by PEDS. The program educates schools, parents, and children on pedestrian safety; walking audits around the schools to determine safe routes to walk; and an annual walk to school day event. Contact us for additional information.

ARC is continuously maintaining a list of all bicycle and pedestrian user groups in the region. The current list of the bicycle and pedestrian user groups is provided below. If your group has not been identified on this list, please provide us with that information.

• Bicycle and Pedestrian User Groups (PDF)
• Links to other Bicycle and Pedestrian Web sites
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

If you are interested in participating in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force or if you have any questions or comments regarding any of ARC's bicycle and pedestrian planning activities, please contact us at 404.463.3282.