This past July, I attended my first public meeting concerning transportation improvements on Monroe Drive.

Like many, I was initially apprehensive about engaging with officials and unsure of what to expect from the meeting. When I entered the meeting space, I was welcomed by the Atlanta City Council member, along with ATLDOT interns ready to answer any questions I had regarding the plans for Monroe. In addition to staff there, a short form was offered to collect feedback from the community. The structure of the meeting provided comfort for both outgoing and shy community members.

Reflecting on the meeting, I appreciated the opportunity to voice my thoughts and hear from others in the community. However, despite the atmosphere, I feel that the proposed plans call for improvements, yet overlook the community’s sentiments on walkability and bikeability. Something’s missing.

Monroe Drive desperately needs bike lanes. Considering that neighboring 10th Street contains bike lanes, it is long overdue for Monroe. Bike lanes are needed from 10th Street to Montgomery Ferry Drive, intersecting Piedmont Avenue. As of now, Monroe is a 4-lane arterial road. The plans proposed at the meeting include conducting a road diet to narrow Monroe to 3 lanes with a center turning lane. With this change, a bike lane on each side is possible. These lanes would connect riders on 10th Street to both Beltline connections on Montgomery Ferry Drive and Piedmont Avenue and vice versa, offering residents near or along the corridor an alternative to automotive transit. 

Speaking of the Beltline, the crosswalks at the intersection of Monroe and 10th Street need to be raised. Specifically, the crosswalk connecting the Beltline to Piedmont Park. This would increase driver visibility of pedestrians and discourage speeding through the intersection, creating a safer environment for all street users.

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Maxwell is a junior at Marist School in Atlanta, Georgia, where he enjoys running track and field and competing in speech and debate. His primary interests are in regional planning and urban geography. Maxwell is passionate about contributing to initiatives that promote equitable transportation infrastructure and revitalized urban environments.