An Atlanta City Council resolution to install paved bike and scooter lanes on land earmarked for a promised tramline on the Beltline was tabled right before dozens of Atlantans spoke out against it at Monday’s city council meeting.
At least 25 Atlantans spoke against District 8 Councilmember Mary Norwood’s proposal, introduced on May 3, while just one spoke in favor, during public comment at the May 18 meeting. Rail defenders said a tram system ringing the city will help people get to their jobs and raised concerns about traffic impacts on local businesses, and cyclist safety.
“Light rail is a pump. It pumps these workers around the city, making it a major global city for workers, for livable wages, small businesses, and the life blood of local communities,” said David Sorrano, a food pantry volunteer.
Opponents of Norwood’s resolution — including cyclists — made clear that they weren’t opposed to bike lanes, just not at the expense of light rail.
“Not only would it alleviate these high-congestion times on the Beltline, but it is safe, and it is predictable for pedestrians,” said District 5 resident Hannah Griggs, a librarian at Emory University.
“I’m all for a good bike lane – and as a cyclist, I feel an immense sense of relief when I ride on the Beltline, because the speed limit is slow, and I feel safe. Adding a second fast lane for bikes and scooters would remove that sense of safety,” Griggs said.
Atlanta business owners said the increased connectivity from a light rail line on the Beltline increase would increase foot traffic to their shops.
“When searching for the second location for our bagel shop, we were certain that the promise of Beltline rail, along with bicycle commuters, made our chosen location in Old Fourth Ward a sure bet,” said Emerald City Bagels co-owner Jackie Halcrow.
“The general view of the Beltline seems to have changed. It is being viewed as a recreational area or a tourist attraction – rather than a brilliant piece of infrastructure that supports the citizens of this city,” Halcrow added, speaking with co-owner Deanna Halcrow, both District 5 residents.
By the time the pro-light rail Atlantans spoke, Norwood had already tabled her proposal.
“Norwood tabled it before the meeting, because she knew there would be blowback,” District 2 Councilmember Kelsea Bond told Atlanta Civic Circle after the meeting.
Bond had highlighted Norwood’s proposal on social media and encouraged Atlantans to attend the council meeting to speak up for Beltline light rail.
Norwood, who did not respond to a request for comment, represents the northwest half of Buckhead, which is outside the route for the proposed Eastside Beltline light rail.
Norwood has promised to hold off on re-introducing the resolution until later in the summer, Bond said, after the council passes the city’s budget — which they must do by June 30.
But to be completely out of the question, the resolution needs to be “filed,” the council’s term for killing the measure.
“Until it’s filed, it can come back,” Bond said. “But people don’t want it held, they want it to disappear.”
The number of people who would use a dedicated bike / scooter path would FAR out number the people who would use light rail. Just do the math. I’ve lived in town since 1993 and I literally don’t know anyone who wants the rail.
You do the math. A high speed lane does not bring any new riders onto the Beltline. It’s the same group of users being able to move faster, whereas light rail allows walkers and tourists to travel not only to other parts of the Beltline but other parts of the city. It was the original design of the Beltline and the new transplant homeowners will not make it go away.
? “but other parts of the city.” where? Not even where I live, downtown and on Peachtree. What would be good journalism would be investigation to find out who is paying for the Koolaid and how do they identify who is thirsty enough for what to drink it?
Lies.
Why would a council member whose district is not a part of the rail line project introduce a proposal that does not directly affect her constituents? Is it evident yet?
I don’t see any mention of pedestrian safety (also completely ignored on the sidewalks of midtown, with speeding scooter and bike riders who seem joyful about harassing and sideswiping pedestrians). Would extra lanes for bikes and scooters have allowed safe walking on the Beltline? After a few unfortunate experiences trying to walk on the Beltline, I know I would not dream of using it now.
Actually a small but very significant wedge of Norwood’s district, D8, includes Beltline rail with at least one stop at the intersection with Peachtree Road nearly adjacent to Piedmont Hospital and the Shepherd Center, which together employ upwards of 25,000 people who primarily access their jobs in single occupant vehicles. Further, the Bennett St redevelopment just across the bridge will bring hundreds of new residents and significant commercial development to a 3.2 acre site. So it’s even more mystifying why any elected representative would not want to use the power of Beltline rail to lessen traffic and provide growth without as many cars.