According to an Oct. 8th news release, "The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) voted recently to lay a solid foundation for a more walkable and bikeable metro Atlanta region by approving a 2007 Atlanta Region Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways Plan. The study, which began in May 2006 and concluded in June 2007, includes recommended policies for local governments that, when implemented, can increase safety and accessibility region wide for bicyclists and pedestrians. A recent study (Strategies for Metro Atlanta's Transportation and Air Quality) points to the benefits of walkable communities, asserting that 37 percent of people in highly walkable neighborhoods get 30 minutes of daily moderate activity, compared to just 18 percent of people in the least walkable neighborhoods. What's more, walkable neighborhoods may reduce vehicle miles traveled by 30 to 40 percent.
"'Safe and convenient sidewalks and bike paths are the hallmark of a quality community and an antidote to traffic congestion,' said ARC Chairman Sam Olens. 'Anything we can do to encourage residents of the Atlanta region to walk and bike more is a step in the right direction, and the Atlanta Region Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways Plan does just that.' The steering and advisory committees for the study included representatives from the Atlanta Regional Commission, Georgia Department of Transportation and the Atlanta Region Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force, which is comprised of representatives from local governments, bicycle and pedestrian interest groups, federal and state agencies and the general public.
For more info, contact Michael Wall at <MWall@atlantaregional.com>
~ from CenterLines, the e-newsletter of the National Center for Bicycling & Walking
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