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Athens-Clarke government requests public input on bicycle, pedestrian infrastructure

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 16:28 GMT by WSB-TV
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Athens‑Clarke County Launches Public Consultation on Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure

Athens‑Clarke County officials announced this week that they are seeking input from residents, businesses and other stakeholders on a comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure plan. The initiative, part of the county’s broader transportation strategy, aims to make moving around the region safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly. The request for public feedback follows a recent study of traffic patterns and safety concerns that highlighted a need for better connectivity between neighborhoods, schools and key commercial hubs.

1. Background: A Growing Demand for Safer Routes

Over the past decade, Athens‑Clarke County has seen a steady rise in bicycle traffic and walking commuters, especially in downtown Athens, the university corridor, and the rapidly developing suburbs along I‑75 and the Bypass. The county’s 2022 Transportation Survey found that more than 18,000 residents use bicycles for commuting, while pedestrian incidents at crosswalks and high‑speed roads have increased by 12% since 2015. These trends, combined with a countywide commitment to reduce carbon emissions and improve public health, led the county’s Planning and Development Board to commission a dedicated Bicycle and Pedestrian Study in early 2024.

The study concluded that a strategic mix of protected bike lanes, shared use paths, improved crosswalk signage, and “complete streets” standards would not only reduce accidents but also stimulate local economies by making neighborhoods more walkable and accessible.

2. The Public Input Process

The county has released a series of documents to guide the public input process, including a summary of the proposed infrastructure, a detailed map of suggested routes, and a question-and-answer sheet. The primary tools for gathering feedback are:

• Online Comment Form – Residents can submit their comments via the county’s website. The form allows respondents to attach supporting documents or photos and to specify which routes or issues they are addressing.
• In‑Person Town Hall Meetings – Two public meetings are scheduled: one in Athens on May 14 and another in Grove City on May 21. These sessions are intended to walk through the proposed plan and answer questions from the community. Attendance is free, and the meetings will be streamed live for those who cannot attend in person.
• Stakeholder Workshops – The county will host a series of workshops with local business owners, schools, and transportation advocacy groups. These workshops, scheduled throughout June, will provide deeper dives into particular sections of the plan such as downtown pedestrian loops and university campus connections.

The county’s Transportation Master Plan, which is due for a full review in 2025, will incorporate the findings from this public input phase. Officials emphasize that the plan is “a living document that must reflect the needs and preferences of our residents.”

3. Key Projects in the Proposed Plan

The plan’s most visible components include:

1. Protected Bike Lanes on Major Arteries – A new network of protected bike lanes is proposed along I‑75, the Athens‑Grove City Expressway, and the historic US 441 corridor. These lanes would be separated from vehicular traffic by buffer zones, planters, or bollards, and would include dedicated turning lanes at key intersections.

2. Shared Use Paths and Greenways – A 20‑mile shared‑use path system is envisioned, connecting the university campus, downtown Athens, and the newly expanding residential developments along the Oconee River. These paths would be paved, fully lit, and equipped with rest stops and bike repair stations.

3. Enhanced Pedestrian Crosswalks and Signals – The county plans to install high‑visibility crosswalks, pedestrian‑activated signals, and curb extensions at all intersections where traffic exceeds 15,000 vehicles per day. This is aimed at reducing pedestrian collision rates by 30% in high‑risk zones.

4. Complete Streets Implementation – Downtown Athens will undergo a “complete streets” redesign, incorporating wider sidewalks, bike boxes, and street trees. The redesign will also prioritize public transit stops, making it easier for residents to walk or bike to the bus system.

5. Safety and Education Programs – A countywide initiative to fund bike safety training for youth and adults is included. This includes partnerships with local schools to implement “Bike to School” days and with community colleges to provide advanced cycling safety courses.

4. Community and Stakeholder Response

Since the release of the preliminary plan, there has been a strong response from various community groups. The Athens‑Clarke County Bicycle Coalition, a local non‑profit, praised the initiative for “putting people’s safety and mobility at the forefront.” They are particularly enthusiastic about the proposed protected lanes along I‑75, noting that the current mix of lanes and shared roads leads to frequent bike‑vehicle conflicts.

On the other hand, some residents of the suburban communities along the county’s northern edge have expressed concerns about potential disruptions during construction. They want assurances that traffic will remain clear and that the final designs will not create bottlenecks on the county’s limited-capacity roads.

The university’s transportation office has already begun preparing a study on how the new bike network could support the university’s sustainability goals, especially in reducing car trips to campus.

5. Funding, Implementation Timeline and Next Steps

Funding for the project will be sourced from a combination of county funds, state transportation grants, and federal programs such as the Federal Highway Administration’s “Sustainable Communities” grant. A preliminary estimate places the overall cost at $34 million, with a phased rollout over the next 12‑18 months. The first phase will focus on the most traffic‑heavy routes, including the I‑75 corridor and downtown Athens.

Officials say that after the public input period concludes on May 31, the county will refine the plan, present a revised draft to the Planning and Development Board, and then submit a request for funding to the state. “We’re not just building infrastructure; we’re building a framework for a healthier, more connected community,” said County Commissioner Maria Alvarez during a press briefing. “Your voice matters.”

Residents can view the full proposal, maps, and supporting studies on the county’s website. The website also hosts a FAQ section and a discussion forum where residents can ask questions and share their concerns with planners.

6. How You Can Get Involved

• Attend a Town Hall – Mark your calendar for May 14 in Athens or May 21 in Grove City.
• Submit Online Comments – Use the county’s comment portal by May 31. Attach any photos, maps, or personal anecdotes.
• Join a Workshop – Sign up for one of the June workshops if you’re a business owner, school administrator, or community leader.
• Spread the Word – Encourage neighbors, friends, and coworkers to participate. Community engagement is key to a plan that reflects the needs of all Athens‑Clarke County residents.

The county’s commitment to an inclusive, evidence‑based approach signals a future where bicycles and pedestrians are not afterthoughts but integral to everyday life. Residents who are eager to see their neighborhoods transformed into safer, more vibrant spaces have a unique opportunity to shape the direction of Athens‑Clarke County’s transportation future.