Ever since two women were killed on a short section of Memorial Drive several years ago, 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!

In 2017, we joined City Council District 5 neighborhoods in a successful effort to reconfigure Memorial Drive. The resulting project installed by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) dramatically reduced serious crashes. 

But the safety improvements stop suddenly at Pearl Street, widening into a free-for-all of five lanes of traffic. So a few years ago we requested GDOT extend that project west to Downtown, to create a more cohesive, safe travelshed. 

Last year we asked you to take action supporting this ask. Thank you! Now we’re starting to see the results of that initiative. 

While there are some things that still need to be worked out – mainly bus stop integration and the design of physical separation – we’re thrilled to see GDOT’s proposed layout includes a protected two-way cycletrack for people biking and using other small wheels. That's in addition to other safety improvements such as a new mid-block pedestrian crossing. 

Screenshot of draft plans: Trinity Ave at Memorial Dr

Screenshot of draft plans: Cherokee Ave at Memorial Dr

Screenshot of draft plans: Pearl St at Memorial Dr

The timeline for this project is uncertain, but we're excited to see a new look for Memorial Drive!