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 in their newsletter and 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.”