ABC's 2012 policy and advocacy goals for a bike-friendly Atlanta

Submitted by rebecca on Wed, 2012-01-18 13:59

With the new year we launch a new season of advocacy for policy change to support more/better biking in Atlanta. Here are ABC's 2012 goals, organized by jurisdiction. Please feel free to share your thoughts and ideas! 

Federal (with national advocacy groups)

  • Protect Transportation Enhancements program and other sources that provide funding for bike/ped projects

Georgia (under leadership of Georgia Bikes!)

  • Legislature adopts Complete Streets Resolution
  • Protect Better Biking bill adopted in 2011, especially 3 feet safe passing
  • State allocates fair share of federal funding to bike projects

Georgia Department of Transportation

  • Safety Division (new home of bike/ped planning position) establishes criteria for use of Road Safety Audits to establish need for bicycle safety countermeasures
  • Bicycle facilities are integrated into relevant projects
  • Board members gain familiarity with bike planning, design, and safety issues
  • Existing funding sources used to greater extent for bike projects and programs (ongoing)

Metro Atlanta / Region

  • Voters approve penny sales tax for transportation projects in July referendum
  • Secure more funding for bike projects and programs from existing programs and tap into new funding sources as well
  • Livable Communities Initiative awards continue increased inclusion for bicycle facilities

DeKalb County

  • Adopts Complete Streets Policy with implementation commitment

City of Atlanta

  • Bicycle projects are strongly represented on list of city projects to be funded with the local allotment (15%) of penny sales tax 
  • City submits Bicycle-Friendly Community application in July following kickoff event (Cities for Cycling) March 29-30
  • City creates funding stream in city budget to provide local match to bring in federal funding to implement city bike plan
  • Council adopts legislation requiring buildings provide access for bicycles (to better facilitate bike commuting)
  • ABC, partnering with City of Atlanta and Decatur, Atlanta Regional Commission and using planning consulting firm, professional planner and/or grad student conducts Bike Share Feasibility study
  • Opportunities for professional development are provided for city staff, elected officials, bike/ped professionals, and advocates
Intown Atlanta
  • Atlanta business communities gain familiarity with benefits of bicycle projects in their districts / support future projects
  • ABC launches Bicycle-Friendly Neighborhoods program with recognition and resources for communities that want to facilitate people riding bikes