LISTEN: Leaders from the Atlanta Department of Transportation and Atlanta City Council joined cyclists for a ribbon-cutting that celebrated upgrades on Forsyth Street. The project is part of broader efforts to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety. GPB's Amanda Andrews reports.

Upgrades to the bike lane on Forsyth street include new pavement and protections separating cyclists from car traffic.

Upgrades to the bike lane on Forsyth street include new pavement and protections separating cyclists from car traffic.

Credit: Amanda Andrews / GPB News

Pedestrians and riders on bikes, scooters and even a skateboard gathered in downtown Atlanta this morning for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on a new protected bike lane. The Atlanta Department of Transportation and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District hosted the event for the upgraded bike lane on Forsyth Street.

Atlanta City Councilmember Jason Dozier spoke at the event about his experience as someone who frequently bikes in the city.

“I know how tough it can be, and it shouldn't have to be,” he said. “I've been to other cities across this country that have invested in this type of infrastructure, and I think Atlanta can not only do like other cities have done, but do it in a better way.”

The corridor includes a mile of resurfaced roadway with upgraded ADA compliant ramps offering easier access to nearby landmarks like the Five Points MARTA station and City Hall.

Funding for the Forsyth Street Enhancement project comes from ATLDOT’s annual repaving program in order to make the road safer and easier to navigate.

Dozier said it’s important to build infrastructure like this in his district so people can safely get around downtown Atlanta in a variety of ways.

“Not everybody rides a bike, but bike lanes help slow down cars,” Dozier said. “So even if you're walking with your family, cars are moving slower. So at the end of day, we're trying to make sure that people can get around safely. Whether you're a driver, whether you are a cyclist or whether you're a pedestrian.”

April Stammel works for South Downtown, a group that has purchased and aims redevelop properties in the area. She said traveling across the city with her family changed her perspective on bike lanes.

“I already knew they were important, but when you're riding with your two little kids in the back of a cargo e-bike down streets that do not have protection, it's a game changer.”

The project supports the city’s Vision Zero Action Plan, which aims to stop fatal or serious traffic accidents in the city by 2040.

Tags: transportation  bike lane  pedestrian safety  city council  Atlanta  Georgia