Peachtree Street is the heart and soul of Downtown Atlanta, as well as the primary multi-modal transportation corridor. The corridor witnesses immense pedestrian traffic in addition to automobiles, local and regional bus service and rail transit service. Currently, this situation results in troubling pedestrian and automobile conflicts. Additionally, the pedestrian facilities are not consistently adequate to handle the foot traffic volume and the competing interests.

Background

The Atlanta Regional Commission, in collaboration with Georgia Department of Human Resources, received funding from the National Centers for Bicycling and Walking to conduct a series of eight Walkable Community Workshops throughout the Atlanta region.

During the week of March 31 through April 4, 2005, eight 4-hour long workshops were facilitated by expert trainers who specialize in walkability issues. The City of Atlanta, Central Atlanta Progress and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement district sponsored and organized the Peachtree Street workshop held on Tuesday, April 1st.

Purpose

The primary focus for the Peachtree Street workshop was to generate local, hands-on solutions to walkability problems within the corridor. The workshop gave the Downtown stakeholders a “new set of eyes” with which to view walkability issues Downtown and to 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.

The Workshop

The workshop included a presentation on community walkability from specialists Peter Moe and Charles Gandy. The group then participated in a walking audit of the corridor to identify the barriers to walkability and to potential solutions. After the walking audit, participants were charged with putting pen to paper to draw their ideas for how to make Peachtree Street more walkable. A great turnout from a variety of concerned parties made the workshop a success. Thank you to everyone who attended the event.

For more detailed information, see the Peachtree Workshop Summary (112 K, PDF).

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