Propel ATL is pleased to announce it has entered into a Transportation Safety Related Services Agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users in Metro Atlanta.

The Agreement will devote $225,000 annually for two years to fund ongoing safety screenings on GDOT roadways in Metro Atlanta, work begun by Propel ATL’s predecessor PEDS (Pedestrians Educating Drivers on Safety). The goal of these screenings is to identify dangerous conditions and help reduce serious injuries and fatalities to pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users on state routes in Georgia. As part of its ongoing safety work with GDOT, Propel ATL will visit the sites of fatal and serious-injury crashes involving vulnerable road users and will recommend design changes and other safety interventions. 

In addition, the Agreement supports Propel ATL’s Walk ATL program by funding transportation planning services in support of participating neighborhoods. This work will include co-creating pedestrian safety action plans with community members and identifying quick-build projects to address safety concerns. 

The budget will also fund communications campaigns around transportation safety measures within the City of Atlanta as well as Fulton, DeKalb, and Clayton Counties, and Propel ATL will take part in Roadway Safety Audits conducted by GDOT to assess roadway conditions for improvements. 

“We’ve been working directly with GDOT’s safety team for years, advocating for changes to state roadways to enable people walking, cycling and scooting to reach their destinations safely.” said Rebecca Serna, Propel ATL’s executive director. “In that time, we have seen GDOT build protected cycle/scoot lanes on United Ave. and Memorial Drive in the City of Atlanta, and make much-needed changes to Hollowell Parkway to improve safety for pedestrians. We are pleased GDOT has recognized the value Propel ATL brings as a safety advocacy organization.”

In addition, Propel ATL will also work with GDOT to communicate and engage with community members on planned and ongoing safety projects affecting vulnerable road users. The organization will also participate in educational outreach events targeting cyclists, pedestrians, and transportation experts interested in planning for cyclists and pedestrians.