Micromobility – think e-bikes, scooters, shared bicycles and the like – is changing the way we think about transportation in metro Atlanta.  

Planners say these modes are more than recreational options. Rather, they are a critical piece of the region’s transportation network that can solve critical “last mile” challenges and even replace car trips. 

The Atlanta Regional Commission recently teamed with the Georgia Tech Center for Urban Research to hold a forum on micromobility, focusing on how to safely and equitably expand options across metro Atlanta. 

It was the first of a five-part regional transportation symposium that will tackle topics such as the future of transit, advances in autonomous vehicle technology, and the next generation of street design and engineering. 

The wide-ranging and engaging discussion touched on local and regional planning efforts, bicycle-pedestrian safety, and innovative approaches to accommodate safe micromobility use throughout the region.

Regional Approach: Micromobility as Key Transportation Piece

Nasim Rezvanpour, Transportation Data Analyst at ARC, kicked off the session with an overview of active transportation in metro Atlanta. According to ARC data, the region currently has: 

• 770 miles of bike-ped trails

• 26 miles of protected bicycle lanes

• 228 miles of programmed trails (fully funded)

• 4,000+ miles of planned trails 

Rezvanpour also noted that ARC will kick off an ambitious regional trail program this spring to accelerate the planning and construction of bike-ped trails across metro Atlanta to create a connected network. The program includes three separate but related initiatives: 

• Regional Trail & Bicycle Facility Network Plan covering the 19-county Metropolitan Planning Organization

•  South Metro Trail & Bicycle Facility Plan, which takes a deeper look at a six-county area

• Flint River Gateway Trail Plan, which aims to create a master plan for a corridor focused on the Flint River. 

Micromobility Use Soars in City of Atlanta

You’ve probably noticed there are more e-bikes and scooters in the City of Atlanta these days. But how much has micromobility taken off?

Consider that the number of shared micromobility trips in the city – e-bikes and scooters available for short-term rent – has increased four-fold since 2020, from 1 million to nearly 4 million.

Those numbers were shared by John Saxton, Mobility Planning Director with the City of Atlanta’s Department of Transportation. He noted city efforts include:

• Adding shared mobility docking stations around the city to improve customer experience and reduce clutter in streets and sidewalks

• Completing a docked bikeshare plan to guide future implementation

• Continuing partnerships with Atlanta Beltline, MARTA, and device operators to improve parking enforcement

• Installing 8-10 miles of protected bicycle lanes

Georgia DOT Making Moves

The state DOT is also making investments to boost micromobility in metro Atlanta and across the state.

Ron Knezevich, a highway safety improvement manager at GDOT, said the state is looking to install bike-ped infrastructure on state routes. The roadway environment can be reconfigured to accommodate multimodal travel without significantly impacting vehicular operations, he said.

GDOT’s recent projects in the Atlanta region include protected bike lanes on Memorial Drive in the City of Atlanta. Upcoming projects include a reconfiguration to SR 139 (Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.) and the Procter Creek Greenway to Atlanta Beltline Trail connector, both in the City of Atlanta.

Propel ATL: Safer Options Needed

Rebecca Serna, executive director of Propel ATL, a nonprofit that advocates for bicycle-pedestrian safety, said the current challenge boils down to this: Micromobility is here, but safe infrastructure is not.

She said the lion’s share of bike-ped investments have been made to build “off street” trails and encouraged greater emphasis on protected bike lanes that connect people to jobs and services.

“Micromobility is designed to serve short trips, but there are too many barriers today” that prevent wider adoption, she said. “Most crashes happen on busy streets. Separation by speed and mass saves lives.”

Shared E-Bikes Making a Return?

The program wrapped up with a discussion about the potential return of shared e-bikes to metro Atlanta. 

Ashley Finch with Alta Planning + Design said when done right, shared e-bike programs can provide affordable and predictable transportation options that extend access to jobs, schools, and essential services. 

Because the region is so large and has so many jurisdictions, Finch urged local leaders to consider adopting a truly regional bike-share program. That would enable people to ride vehicles across city and county lines. 

What’s Next & Stay in Touch 

The next symposium will take place in April, focusing on the future of transit. 

Visit ARC’s website to learn more about the symposium and sign up for ARC’s Regional Active Transportation Roundtable email newsletter.