Atlanta at a pivot point: Right-size transportation funding or founder

This week, Mayor Andre Dickens announced his support for four infill MARTA stations including one at a mixed-used development that would connect MARTA rail to the Atlanta BeltLine. These projects—while potentially impactful—alone won’t constitute a long-term roadmap to the better transportation infrastructure Atlanta truly needs. A reliable network of public transit, bus lanes, bike lanes, sidewalks, and crosswalks spanning every neighborhood would go a long way toward making Atlanta a healthy, sustainable city. But despite a growing population and increasing demand for efficient transportation and improvements like these, last year, Mayor Dickens's administration reduced the Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT) operating budget by more than 12%, now standing at $50.3 million. This drastic reduction directly hampers ATLDOT's ability to manage a growing list of urgent projects and maintain safe conditions on our streets, a situation that should be of great concern to all Atlantans. Read more

MARTA news

For a moment this week, it felt like all anyone could talk about was transit. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ announcement of four infill MARTA stations at the State of the City address Monday kicked things off. Monday night, MARTA held a community meeting about the Campbellton Road Bus Rapid Transit Project. And Wednesday, MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood gave his quarterly update to the Atlanta City Council. Read more for highlights and ways to take action.  Read more

DeKalb Ave: another update

Long a sore spot for commuters and residents, DeKalb Avenue got a facelift last year: safer pedestrian crossings, fresh pavement, sidewalk fixes, and three segments of bike/LIT lanes.  Reminder: Known as the “DeKalb Ave Safety Improvements Project,” these changes actually make up a scaled-back version of the full complete street project, known as “Phase II Safe Streets project.” That overhaul–set to include a separated bicycle/scoot/walk path between Krog Street and Rocky Ford Road–is still planned and funded through the Moving Atlanta Forward program.  We celebrate the progress! And, we have questions that haven’t been resolved yet. Some of these questions have come from community members who’ve reached out to our team. (Thanks, y’all!) Read more

Unsnarl Atlanta’s potential: Tell Mayor Dickens to boost transportation budget for better streets

#KeepATLMoving: Foster sustainable transit for a thriving, accessible city. Atlanta is at a crossroads. Our bustling streets mirror the energy of our growing city. Yet, every day, we find ourselves stuck in the very arteries meant to keep our city alive. In fact, you may have heard the meme “#WeFull”— a popular mantra of frustration for those caught in the snarl of traffic. But we see not a full city, but one that's ready to unlock its full potential. Imagine this: Less time spent in your car means more time enjoying what our city offers. This isn't just a dream — it's a possibility that calls for our collective action. Reliable transit, protected bike lanes, and pedestrian pathways are keys to this transformation. Read more

RSVP now: Housing & Mobility Mixer with Abundant Housing Atlanta

Access to affordable places to live and safe, reliable ways to get around are two crucial building blocks for thriving communities. Yet, too often, many Atlanta residents lack one or both of these basics. That’s why, on Tuesday, March 19, we’re teaming up with Abundant Housing Atlanta to host a happy hour to connect people who care about transportation and housing. Conversation Starters Read more

Atlanta Streets Alive: 2024 dates are here!

The wait is almost over! With warmer weather on the way, it’s time to mark your calendars for the return of open streets in Atlanta! Here are the dates... Read more

Q & A with Two Wheel Valet’s Matalina Jordan

This Saturday, Atlanta United will kick off (and, of course, win) its home opener against the New England Revolution at Mercedes Benz Stadium, and Two Wheel Valet will be there to keep fans’ bikes safe for absolutely free. Since 2017, when the organization expanded to Atlanta from Washington, D.C., Two Wheel Valet has hosted bike parking at events ranging from street festivals to ball games, and even, we’re told, two weddings last year. (At one, revelers took a celebratory spin down the BeltLine).   We caught up with Matalina Jordan, the owner of Two Wheel Valet’s Atlanta operation, to talk about why she loves her job and the hope her organization inspires for the future of sustainable transportation in Atlanta and around the country. Read more

2nd annual Transportation Roundtable highlights need for realistic funding

“Put your money where your priorities are.” Those words, from Atlanta City Councilmember Byron Amos summed up a major theme that emerged at Propel ATL’s second annual Transportation Roundtable on Tuesday, February 20.  Read more

Honor Brittany Glover with a street name & safer street design

Brittany Glover graduated from flight attendant school in August 2022. Three weeks later, she was crossing Hollowell Parkway near Finley Street when a motorist struck and killed her before speeding away. Yesterday, her mother called on Atlanta City Council to rename Finley Street in honor of her life, cut tragically short.  Read more

Plans for Memorial Drive two-way protected bike lane

Ever since two women were killed in separate crashes on a short section of Memorial Drive within 6 month of each other, we’ve set our sights on a safer corridor. Now, plans call for a new two-way protected bike lane connecting Pearl Street in Reynoldstown to Trinity Avenue Downtown! Read more

No Turn on Red: How it makes walking in Atlanta safer

This Wednesday, February 14, the Atlanta City Council will vote on whether to pass legislation to prohibit drivers from turning right on red in three neighborhoods: Downtown, Midtown, and Castleberry Hill.   This legislation, if passed, will save lives. It’s a clear win for making streets safer for people getting around in ways other than cars, and the right response to our city’s unnecessary and growing epidemic of vehicle injuries and fatalities. Here’s why. Read more

Be a Voice for Better National Transit on Transit Equity Day

Transit Equity Day is this Monday, February 5! Established by the Labor Network for Sustainability, this event is celebrated annually on the birthday of Rosa Parks, a key figure in sparking the Montgomery bus boycott of 1955. Parks’ refusal to give up her seat, alongside the collective resistance of many Montgomery residents, led to the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision declaring segregated buses unconstitutional. This victory was a crucial step forward for Black and brown communities, who had been fighting, not just for seats on the bus, but for dignity and equality. This year, it’s also an opportunity to raise your voice in support of a bill to strengthen transit around the country. Read more

Save the date for the 2024 Blinkie Awards May 1!

Mark your calendar for an evening to celebrate the people and organizations working to make Atlanta a safe city to bike, walk, roll, and ride transit.  Propel ATL is thrilled to invite you to our annual Blinkie Awards on Wednesday, May 1 at The Eastern in Reynoldstown. This year's Blinkie Awards will celebrate some of Atlanta's most dedicated sustainable transportation advocates. Read more

Transportation Roundtable with Atlanta City Council back for 2024

Save the date and check out the details! After last year’s resounding success, Propel ATL’s Transportation Roundtable returns for a second year on Tuesday, February 20 from 6:30-7:45 p.m. at Switchyards Downtown Club. Read more

Atlanta approves $1 Million e-bike instant rebate program!

One of our priorities last year was to make e-bikes more affordable so more Atlantans could take advantage of these life-changing vehicles. Today the City of Atlanta approved a $1 Million e-bike instant rebate program.  Read more

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