#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.
Image courtesy of movementsci.wordpress.com
This illustration speaks volumes: 60 individuals in cars occupy more space than the same number on a bus, bike, or pavement. It's clear — we're not full, we're simply not maximizing our space effectively.
Under Mayor Andre Dickens’ leadership, there’s been a concerning reduction in the Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT) operating budget, a move that constrains our city's potential to grow in step with its population. When cities like ours operate with a median transportation budget of $164 million, Atlanta's reduced budget of $50.3 million doesn't just set us back — it signals a pause in progress.
The conversation isn’t about ATLDOT’s efficacy; it's about empowering them to act. We need the mayor to bolster ATLDOT’s capacity to manage essential projects that can shift our transportation paradigm — projects that align with the National Association of City Transportation Officials’ principle of growth without congestion.
We know a single lane on a city street can move 600 to 1,600 people per hour when used by private vehicle traffic. Compare that to a bike/LIT lane carrying 5,200 people per hour(1), a dedicated bus lane carrying up to 8,000 passengers per hour, and a transit lane carrying up to 25,000 people per hour(2). The message is clear: Streets designed for people can revolutionize our daily commutes and reinforce the social, cultural, and economic fabric of Atlanta.
Mayor Dickens has a unique opportunity to recalibrate our approach to urban transit so that success isn’t measured by the absence of vehicles but by the presence of accessible, efficient options for all Atlantans.
Mayor Dickens has a unique opportunity to recalibrate our approach to urban transit so that success isn’t measured by the absence of vehicles but by the presence of accessible, efficient options for all Atlantans. After all, sustainable transportation helps with so much more than just traffic. It helps families to get to jobs and school, and, combined with housing that’s affordable, can make the difference between prosperity and struggle.
By increasing ATLDOT’s budget, we don’t just alleviate gridlock (“We Full”) — we enrich our communities and ensure that Atlanta's heart keeps pulsing strong and clear. And who wants to be a punchline for a meme? Because really, we’re not full. Not if we raise our voices to #KeepATLMoving.
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(1) Raksuntorn, W., & Khan, S. I. (2003). Saturation Flow Rate, Start-Up Lost Time, and Capacity for Bicycles at Signalized Intersections. Transportation Research Record, 1852(1), 105-113. https://doi.org/10.3141/1852-14
(2) NACTO Transit Street Design Guide