Atlanta BeltLine, Inc., City of Atlanta, and Atlanta Police Department Collaborating
on Reduced Speed Zone and Parking Enforcement
ATLANTA – Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (ABI), the City of Atlanta Department of City Planning Office of Mobility Planning, and the Atlanta Police Department (APD)’s Path Force Unit are collaborating on renewed efforts around safety and etiquette surrounding shareable dockless mobility devices on the Atlanta BeltLine.
The Atlanta BeltLine is a transportation corridor with multiple modes of use in a welcoming community space. The Atlanta City Council passed Ordinance 18-O-1322 on January 7, 2019, which allows the use of shareable dockless mobility devices on Atlanta BeltLine trails and in City parks. ABI, the City, and APD are partnering to create a safe and enjoyable experience for all people – whether on foot or on wheels. The partnership arose after receiving comments from trail users about the use of scooters, bikes, and other safety infractions along the corridor. As a result, several measures will be implemented during this initial phase to regulate dockless use, address reckless, dangerous, and inconsiderate behavior, and reduce clutter on the trails.
We are still meeting to determine solutions to managing other forms of speed and dangerous behaviors along the corridor.
Shareable Dockless Mobility Devices Speed and Parking
On June 21, 2019 at 6 p.m., the City of Atlanta is implementing a Reduced Speed Zone along the portion of the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail between Monroe Drive and DeKalb Avenue to ensure safe operations of shareable dockless mobility devices during congested periods. Within the Reduced Speed Zone, devices will be geofenced and limited to 8 mph when in operation along the multi-use trail.
The Reduced Speed Zone will be in effect on weekday evenings (Monday – Thursday, 6 p.m. – 6 a.m.), weekends (Friday at 6 p.m. – Monday 6 a.m.), and state holidays (6 a.m. – 6 p.m.). This will include the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.
Additionally, the City has recommended that operators implement a Transition Zone within 150 feet of the trail to allow users to safely approach, enter, and cross the Reduced Speed Zone.
The City, with technical assistance from ABI, has also identified parking zones along the Eastside and Westside Trails in order to accommodate dockless devices and reduce clutter and allow for accessibility at entrances to the trails. These zones are generally located at most public access points to the Atlanta BeltLine and will be physically marked within the next few weeks. The parking of devices will not be allowed anywhere on or along the multi-use trails except for in these authorized zones. The City is working with device operators to concurrently update their apps to restrict parking outside of authorized zones.
#BeltLineCharm Etiquette Campaign
On Friday, June 21, APD’s Path Force Unit, City officials, and ABI staff will host an Awareness Day from 4 to 6 p.m. on the Eastside Trail by Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark. Representatives and staff will be present to answer questions, provide information, and encourage positive behavior on the trail with a new set of etiquette signs. The Awareness Day is a component of #BeltLineCharm, an etiquette campaign that is a playful take on southern hospitality, emphasizing courtesy towards others.
Anyone who is interested in safety and etiquette on the Atlanta BeltLine in encouraged to attend. Media is also encouraged to attend. Volunteers will wear #BeltLineCharm t-shirts and hold signs with fun, simple reminders encouraging positive behavior on the trail for all users. A call for volunteers is posted here.
The Atlanta BeltLine’s trail rules and full suite of signs are posted at www.beltline.org/etiquette.
Additionally, ABI is launching a task force with a diverse group of stakeholders to explore additional opportunities to continuously curb reckless behavior and ensure the safety of everyone on the Atlanta BeltLine.
Enforcement
ABI is working with the City to limit the number of devices on the Atlanta BeltLine by capping the number of devices operators can deploy along its trails.
The City’s Office of Mobility Planning and APD have published #ScootSmart flyers outlining what is and is not permissible by law. APD’s Path Force Unit will begin handing out these flyers on Atlanta BeltLine trails and parks and monitoring for violations. APD has also launched an individual campaign to improve riding behavior.
When dockless devices pose an immediate safety hazard, trail users should call 311. The device company will be notified and they will respond in 30-120 minutes. For general clutter and parking issues, contact the dockless device companies directly. For accidents and injuries, please call 911.
Feedback
The measures being implemented by the City, ABI, and APD represent an initial step toward improving safety and etiquette on the Atlanta BeltLine. We invite feedback throughout this process as additional regulations are formulated. Comments can be sent to:
- City of Atlanta Office of Mobility Planning at mobility@atlantaga.gov
- Department of Public Works by dialing 311
- APD’s Path Force Unit at 404-546-7284
- Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. at info@atlbeltline.org
I see that this document is 2 years old. I have been using the Eastside trail for the last 7 months. I’m sure you must have received feedback that this document is nowhere near successful execution over the last 2 years. I would hope that leadership has used the Eastside trail recently. Someone is going to get seriously hurt by those who believe they are on a race track. I have noticed only 1 sign (underneath the Virginia Ave bridge) asking users to be courteous and considerate of other users. Can you add more signs like this? Is there ever going to be any enforcement of current rules? LEADERSHIP???