The Peachtree Center Avenue Cycle Track Opens to Riders
July 17,2015
On Friday, July 17th Atlanta cyclists joined Central Atlanta Progress (CAP), the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID), the City of Atlanta Department of Public Works and the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition for an inaugural ride to celebrate the official opening of the Peachtree Center Cycle Track.
The Peachtree Center Cycle Track is a separated, 8-foot-wide bicycle facility that runs along the westernmost lane of Peachtree Center Avenue from Edgewood Avenue to Peachtree Street and features a two-foot wide buffer delineated by plastic bollards and green pavement markings indicating portions of the track that intersect with vehicular traffic.
Cyclists will be able to travel both north and south along Peachtree Center thanks to special bicycle signal heads that will indicate when it is safe for those travelling south against vehicular traffic to cross intersecting streets; cyclists traveling north will obey normal vehicular traffic light signals.
Funded by the City of Atlanta, with construction oversight and ongoing maintenance provided by CAP/ADID, the Peachtree Center Cycle Track is a recommendation of the Cycle Atlanta Plan that works to accommodate the growing need for safe cycling facilities in the city by identifying and facilitating the creation of “high-priority” bicycle routes.
“The City of Atlanta is pleased to support alternative modes of transportation. The Peachtree Center Cycle Track is part of a citywide initiative to promote connectivity, as well as bicycle and pedestrian safety. This project is another step towards achieving Mayor Reed's goal to make Atlanta a Top Ten U.S. Cycling city.” said Richard Mendoza, Public Works Commissioner.
Upon its completion later this year, the Peachtree Center Cycle Track will connect with the Portman PATH, an east-west separated cycle track along John Portman Jr. Boulevard from Piedmont Avenue to Centennial Olympic Park. When complete, the Portman PATH will provide a critical link between the existing city cycling network to the east at Freedom Parkway and Centennial Olympic Park to the west.
“CAP/ADID is committed to providing alternative transportation options that contribute to the sustainability and well-being of our central city,” said CAP/ADID President A.J. Robinson. “The Peachtree Center Cycle Track will significantly enhance Downtown’s biking network and connectivity to other cycling facilities throughout the city.”
The Peachtree Center Cycle Track currently connects to existing bicycle facilities that run east along Auburn Avenue, west along Edgewood Avenue and north along Peachtree Street, providing access to the Atlanta Beltline, Midtown and the city’s premier attractions surrounding Centennial Olympic Park.