Unsafe Streets of Atlanta: The Risks Involving Pedestrians and Cyclists

In the heart of Atlanta, Georgia is one such lively city that burst with a rich culture, vast history and bustling streets. But the growing number of bicyclists and pedestrians in Cooper-Young has become a safety issue.

The statistics paint a grim picture. Atlanta is less safe for pedestrians than it was more than 40 years ago, and a recent study shows that the issue may be getting worse, according to an AJC review of data from as far back in time. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), more than 7,505 pedestrians were killed in 2022. Over 35,000 collisions occurred in Atlanta throughout that time. More than 545 of those in these collisions were out walking, riding a bike or rolling.

In this blog, we look into the present street safety situation of Atlanta and what initiatives are being taken to tackle it.

Rising Pedestrian and Cyclist Fatalities

Pedestrian and cyclist fatalities in Atlanta have reached alarming levels. According to Propel ATL, the number of deaths has been steadily increasing over the past decade.

The already severe pedestrian safety crisis worsened considerably in 2022, with a dramatic increase in the number of pedestrians killed. Scroll down21-22 Pedestrian fatalities are up 23 percent over 2021 Furthermore, these deaths have increased by over 50% since 2020.

This can be attributed to a variety of reasons. Some of the biggest concerns among residents are high-speed traffic, drivers not paying attention and inadequate infrastructure. Wide roads designed for cars have left many in Atlanta struggling to cross the street safely by foot or on a bike.

Not only that but increased delivery services and ride-sharing vehicles have resulted in even more polluted, congested roads.

Also Read : How to Recoup Your Mental Health After a Serious Accident

The Most Dangerous Streets

Some Atlanta streets and intersections are notorious for accidents involving pedestrians, not to mention cyclists. In the City, approximately 10% of streets are responsible for more than 70 percent of severe and fatal injuries.

The HIN-a collection of the streets detailed above-is also known as These High-Injury Network Streets. The HIN Is Funded in the City Council Districts 12, 3 and 4. These three council districts are the home to 43% of these streets. Below is a list of the streets by street name, through all 12 council districts that make up HIN:

Moreland Ave. SE
Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW
Cascade Rd. SW
Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. SW
Hollowell Parkway NW
Campbellton Rd. SW
10th St. NW
Lee St. SW
Joseph E Boone Blvd. NW
Metropolitan Parkway SW

Crosswalks and traffic signals for non-motorized road users are often insufficient on these streets. In addition to the high traffic volumes, this raises the potential for accidents even higher as poor visibility is also a factor. Knowing where these hazardous spots are makes you more alert and alert, reducing the danger. Even when you take the right precautions, sometimes accidents still happen!

Accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists can have devastating consequences. It’s important to seek legal assistance if you or a loved one is involved in such an incident. The Atlanta Personal Injury Law Firm suggests consulting a personal injury attorney. They specialize in supporting victims of these accidents.

On the other hand, they fight on your behalf when it comes to your case as well making sure you have complete compensation. This assistance is necessary to address everything from medical bills if you are injured in an accident, all the way up through long-term rehabilitation needs.

Also Read : Exploring Contraceptive Options & Their Potential Side Effects

Impact on Minority Communities

Atlanta, GA – A majority-black Atlanta neighborhood has among the highest rates of pedestrian and cyclist fatalities in the nation. Research shows these communities also suffer more traffic fatalities.

Atlanta’s pedestrian fatalities rose in 2018, with more than two thirds of the city’s slain walkers — or 25 out of a totalof38— killed either in black neighborhoods. This disparity is largely due to socioeconomic factors: lower-income areas have fewer safe, accessible public spaces and more pedestrian traffic. Additionally, these neighborhoods are notorious for having very few sidewalks and crosswalks or bike paths.

People who live in those parts of the city are more likely to walk or bike and end up close to harm when they do so. These will not be easy interventions to implement, and by no means fast or cheap ones but they are going to need resources from the city in order for safety measures of fairness supporting residents of concern.

Policy Changes and Prospects

To uphold road safety, Atlanta brought in a number of changes as part its policies. Such changes include removing the ability to make right turns on red at certain intersections. This article was written by Menaka Mohan and the original text can be found at Atlanta council passes this ordinance in February 2024.

The purpose is to lessen conflicts between motor vehicles and pedestrians, thereby decreasing the likelihood of a crash. The plan will take effect in early 2026 and covers the neighborhoods of Downtown Atlanta, Midtown Atlanta, along with the Castleberry Hill community. Safety improvements are also in the works by city officials.

According to Atlanta News Now, $30 million in federal grants were allocated last year by the city of Atlantato improve pedestrian infrastructure. The money goes toward improving street safety on Pryor Street and Central Avenue in downtown Atlanta. Additionally, it will provide connectivity between downtown and the Southside of Atlanta and the BeltLine trails on the south side.

Financing for the abovementioned projects has been provided through special funding from the Biden-Harris administration’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program. One of the biggest grants given to date. Improvements can involve a larger bike lane network and enhanced infrastructure for crosswalks, roadway layout modifications, warning lights or flashing beacons and medians. Between these policies and ongoing efforts in the community, road safety was expected to take a serious hit.