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Forsyth County
Bicycle Transportation
and Pedestrian Walkways
2025 Plan
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
Table of Contents
Executive Summary……………………………………………………………………….. 4
Section 1 Introduction…………………………………………………………..……. 8
1.1 Forsyth County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Task Force…….…… 8
1.2 Public Involvement………………………………………….…….. 9
1.2.1 Coordination………………………………………………. 10
1.2.2 Outreach…………………………………………………… 11
1.2.3 Involvement………………………………….……………. 12
1.2.4 Measures of Effectiveness………………………………… 13
Section 2 Existing Conditions………………………………………………………… 15
2.1 Federal Strategy Implementation Analysis………………………… 15
2.1.1 Mainstreaming Non-motorized Transportation…….……… 16
2.1.2 General Funding Requirements…….………………………..16
2.1.3 Safety…………….…………………………………………..17
2.1.4 Streamlining Implementation Procedures….……………….. 17
2.1.5 Recommendations.………………………………………….. 18
2.2 Current Trends……………………………………………………... 18
2.2.1 Benefits of a Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan….. 19
2.2.2 Regional, State and National Trends…….…………………. 19
2.2.3 Local Trends………..……………………………………… 22
2.2.4 Within Forsyth County……..………………………………. 24
Section 3 Strategic Planning Process………………………………………………… 27
3.1 Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning in Relation to the Larger Land Use,
Transportation and Environmental Planning Framework.……………. 27
3.1.1 Local Land Use Planning………..…………………………. 27
3.1.2 Regional Planning………………………………………….. 28
3.1.3 Statewide Planning……..…………………………………... 29
3.2 Bicycle and Pedestrian issues within the Political and
Technical Environments………………………………………………. 30
3.2.1 Technical Environment……….………………………….. 30
3.2.2 Political Environment…………………………………….. 32
Section 4 Goals, Objectives and Strategies………………………………………….. 35
Section 5 Alternatives Analysis………………………..……………………………. 41
5.1 Best Practices for Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility Design……….. 41
5.1.1 Cyclists and Pedestrians…………………………………. 41
5.1.2 Facility Descriptions…………………………………….. 43
5.1.3 Motorist/Pedestrian Conflicts…..……………………….. 48
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
1
5.1.4 Congestion Analysis……………………………… …….. 48
Section 6 Plan Recommendations…………………………………………………… 56
By Facility Type……………………………………………………. …….. 56
Short, Mid, Long Term Priorities………………………………….. …….. 64
List of Tables
Table 1 Generalized Level of Service1…………………………………………… 51
Table 2 Planned Transportation Projects for Congested Roadways……………… 52
List of Figures
Figure 1 Proposed Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan
Figure 2 Roadway Facility Types
Figure 3 2000 Average Daily Traffic Counts
Figure 4 Level of Service
Appendices
Appendix A
Facility Type A – Signed Shared Roadway
Facility Type B – Bicycle Friendly Shoulder
Facility Type C – Bike Lane
Facility Type D – Local Sidewalk
Facility Type E – Multi-Use Path/Arterial Sidewalk
Facility Type F - Greenway
1
1998 Level of Service Handbook, Florida Department of Transportation
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
2
MEMBERS OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
John Kieffer
District 1 Chairman
Michael Bennett
District 3 Member
David "AJ"Pritchett
District 2 Secretary
Marcie Kreager
District 4 Vice-Chair
Eddie Taylor
District 5 Member
Stevie P. Mills
Administrator
John Cunard
Director of Engineering
Tim Allen
Assistant Director of Engineering
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
3
Executive Summary Task Force Compilation
The Task Force personnel were appointed
Currently, Forsyth County is in the final by the County and represented an array of
stages of updating their Comprehensive different perspectives. Inclusion of
Transportation Plan (CTP) to guide their personnel from the Departments of
current and future efforts regarding roadway Engineering, Parks and Planning assured
enhancements throughout the County. In a project coordination with other County
similar effort, the County desired to develop efforts. Moreover, both private and
a Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian homeowner interests were also represented.
Walkways Plan (Bicycle and Pedestrian Below are the Task Force member
Plan) to guide their efforts regarding the representatives who met on a monthly basis
proliferation of these facilities in the to review all work products and whose input
County. The Plan development effort was was invaluable to the final product:
coordinated with information contained in
the CTP. The Plan development process National Parks: Wallace Britian
specifically consisted of the following: Corps of Engineers: Russ Lundstrom,
§ Establishment of a Bicycle and Ranger
Pedestrian Task Force; Keep Forsyth County Clean and Beautiful:
§ Development of a Countywide vision Diana Dean
statement regarding the Plan; Forsyth County Department of Engineering:
§ Reviewing the Federal guidance with Tim Allen
respect to developing Bicycle and Forsyth County Dept. of Planning and
Pedestrian plans; Development: Jeff Watkins
§ Incorporating task force comments and Forsyth County Parks and Recreation
federal guidance into the development of Board: Catherine Ferrugia
goals, objectives and strategies; Georgia Department of Transportation:
§ Development of a public involvement Brent Cook
plan; Forsyth County Board of Commissioners:
§ Summarizing existing conditions and Marcie Kreager
current trends as the baseline for future Chamber of Commerce: Kenneth Flanagan
planning; Hedgewood Properties: Pam Sessions
§ Developing performance measures to Forsyth County Department of Parks and
analyze future progress towards goal Recreation: Jim Brennan
attainment; Forsyth County Federation of Homeowners:
§ Identifying issues and opportunities for Richard Spreen
plan implementation and developing key
strategies; Existing Conditions
§ Identifying potential projects consistent The Task Force was presented with
with the County CTP and a congestion extensive information regarding existing
analysis; and conditions in an effort to establish a baseline
§ Selecting alternative projects for future planning. A current trends report
§ Prioritizing and costing potential was produced, which highlighted the history
projects. of bicycle and pedestrian planning in the
region. The majority of these planning
The process was completed in eight months efforts have been concentrated in the Atlanta
due to the consistent work effort of County Regional Commission (ARC) jurisdiction.
staff and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Performance measurement criteria used in
Force members. past ARC efforts was documented for use
and consideration by the Task Force. The
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
4
current trends report also detailed State, both in the region and locally. It was
local and Georgia Mountains Regional recognized that, although Forsyth County is
Development Center efforts in bicycle and not in the ARC jurisdiction, some of the
pedestrian planning. Lastly, federal same land use, technical and political issues
guidance available to local jurisdictions for affecting ARC will impact the County in the
bicycle and pedestrian planning efforts were future. Therefore, the Task Force agreed to
documented and presented to the Task Force proactively address these issues in their plan
as a guide for the Forsyth County planning development. Specific challenges and
effort. opportunities were identified within Forsyth
County’s environmental, land use and
Based on the Task Force’s understanding of political context with respect to bicycle and
these issues, a public involvement plan pedestrian planning. The strategies
tailored to Forsyth County was developed. developed for the Forsyth Plan were
The public involvement plan included the intended to take advantage of existing
development of a project web page linked opportunities and to overcome the obstacles
directly to the County’s home page. The and challenges identified.
web page provided a public input survey to
assist the Task Force in identifying Alternatives Analysis
important issues to address during the As indicated in the information compiled for
planning process. The web page was also the Plan development, there are few existing
key to receiving public input regarding the and proposed bicycle and pedestrian
process and alternative projects facilities in Forsyth County. Similarly, very
recommended. few local jurisdictions adjacent to Forsyth
County have existing and proposed bicycle
Strategic Planning and pedestrian facilities. Therefore, the
Once a baseline condition of available process for selecting alternatives was a true
resources was established to the County, the beginning for Forsyth County and the
Task Force finalized goals, objectives and surrounding area. Information regarding
strategies to meet the County’s vision. The employment density, population density,
vision statement reads as follows: destinations, and the location of public
facilities was used as a base for selecting
“To foster the development of an alternatives. Moreover, prior to selecting
interconnected network of bicycle and alternatives, the Task Force was presented
pedestrian facilities that meets Forsyth with various available typical sections that
County’s future transportation mobility, represented best practices for bicycle and
serves recreation needs, promotes pedestrian facility design. In reviewing
alternative means of transportation, and these typical sections, the Task Force agreed
enhances the County’s overall quality of that only certain facilities would be
life” applicable to Forsyth County. A specific
type of facility was recommended as the
The goals, objectives and strategies alternatives were selected. Considerations
identified were based on an analysis of included in the process of selecting the
various issues. One was the relation of alternatives are listed below.
bicycle and pedestrian planning in the larger
land use, transportation and environmental § Adjacent local plans, including the
framework existing in the region, as well as GDOT Statewide Plan, were secured to
locally. The other was the relation of assure connectivity was maximized to
bicycle and pedestrian planning to the areas outside of Forsyth County;
existing political and technical environments
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
5
§ Park’s Department future plans were were also considered for potential parallel
identified; bicycle and pedestrian facility construction.
§ Greenspace program plans were
identified; Ultimately a Draft 2025 Bicycle
§ Known utility and water/sewer Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways
easements were considered; Plan was produced from the alternatives
§ Mapping was produced depicting analysis. Input was received from the public
employment density by Census Tract; regarding the draft. Opportunities for input
§ Mapping was produced depicting included the web site and a public meeting.
population density by Census Tract; Several changes and additions were made to
§ Mapping was produced depicting the the draft plan in response to public input and
location of all schools, parks, public the result is the 2025 Bicycle Transportation
facilities and points of interest; and Pedestrian Walkways Plan depicted on
§ Proposed developments were reviewed Figure 1.
and considered;
§ Proposed roadway improvement plans Plan Recommendations
were considered for potential bicycle Based on public input and additional
and pedestrian opportunities; analysis, a list of recommended projects was
§ Potential connections to enhance the finalized. The Task Force prioritized the list
development of a network were in terms of implementation schedules.
considered; and Short-term improvements were identified as
§ Input was received from local bike those that could be completed in 1-5 years,
groups regarding preferred travel routes Mid- term improvements in 5-10 years and
and/or bicycle touring routes. Long- term improvements in 11 years or
more. The prioritization of projects
In addition, a Congestion Analysis report included considerations regarding the type
was produced to assist in selecting of project, the coordination of the project
alternatives. The report included an analysis with roadway improvement schedules,
of congested roadway facilities in the constructability and funding issues. For
County, a determination of whether the CTP instance a low cost signing and marking
addressed improvements on these roadways, project could be implemented in the short
and a recommendation that bicycle and term, whereas, a new multi-use facility
pedestrian facilities be implemented, as a requiring right-of-way acquisition and
congestion mitigation solution, in funding identification in order to build
conjunction with these road improvements. would be long term. Cost estimates for the
In this manner, the improvement would not plan recommendations were developed and
only address vehicle congestion but would used in the prioritization process.
also address bicycle and pedestrian needs.
Alternative routes to the congested facilities
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
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The Plan recommendations are generalized as follows:
Approximate Miles Approximate Cost
Greenway 29 miles $ 30,800,000
Multi-Use Path 34 miles $ 35,300,000
Sidewalk 60 miles $ 20,432,750
Bicycle Friendly Shoulder 16 miles $ 3,308,000
Signed Shared Roadway 58 miles $ 303,100
Pedestrian Crossing 8 Total Crossings $ 344,000
Total 197 Miles $ 90,487,850
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
7
Section 1. Introduction development needs and has undertaken
several efforts in this regard.
Forsyth County is located in the north
central part of Georgia and contains For example, a new Comprehensive
approximately 247 square miles. The Transportation Plan has been developed to
County is bordered by Gwinnett and Fulton guide future transportation investment
counties on the south, Cherokee County on decisions. The County’s Land Development
the west, Dawson County on the north and Code has recently been updated with
Hall County to the east. Forsyth County is progressive regulations to meet the
the home of Lake Lanier, constructed in challenging land development growth needs.
1957 by the Corps of Engineers, which is Additionally, an aggressive Parks Master
the most visited Corps recreational lake in Plan has been developed which includes
the country. The City of Cumming is the plans for acquiring greenspace as part of the
county seat and the only incorporated area. Governor’s greenspace initiative. Lastly,
The City is responsible for government the County has been instrumental in the
services and activities within their limits. development of the Bicycle Transportation
and Pedestrian Walkways Plan to guide
Since 1980, Forsyth County has ranked as development of these facilities now and until
one of Georgia’s fastest growing counties, the year 2025. This document outlines, in
with an overall growth rate of over 200 detail, the process undertaken to develop the
percent. The 1999 Census Bureau estimates plan.
Forsyth County’s population at 96,686. This
estimate is a 119 Percent increase since 1.1 Forsyth County Bicycle and
1990, making the county the 24th largest in Pedestrian Plan Task Force
the State. The rapid growth rate will
continue as the adjacent Atlanta The first step in the development of the plan
metropolitan area expands to the north. The was the creation of a Task Force with
Counties growth is not only measured by representatives from different County
their population increase, but also by their departments and from the community. The
employment base increase, land Task Force’s contributions were essential
development, transportation infrastructure throughout the project process. The Task
needs, community facility needs (schools, Force met on a monthly basis, reviewed all
parks etc.) and general overall quality of life work products, made substantial changes to
needs. Because Forsyth County is in close the work products based on their specific
proximity to the Atlanta metropolitan area, knowledge, coordinated departmental
air quality has also become a quality of life efforts, participated in the alternatives
issue pertinent to the County’s growth and analysis and strategic planning process for
development. The County is officially project selection, and disseminated critical
included in the 13 county non-attainment information in their respective areas. The
area for clean air as designated by the Task Force members appointed by the
Environmental Protection Agency. County were identified in the Executive
Therefore, transportation infrastructure Summary.
needs for the County are modeled by the
Atlanta Regional Commission, which is the The Task Force’s initial step was to
designated local planning agency for the establish a vision statement for the
Atlanta 10 County region. However, the development of the Bicycle and Pedestrian
County continues to be the responsible Plan. This vision statement was then
agency for meeting their own growth and supported by a series of goals, objectives
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
8
and strategies that are compiled in Section 4 of public involvement in the development of
of the plan. The agreed upon vision long-range transportation plans, they
statement for the plan is as follows: followed the spirit of this overall goal and
developed the following Plan. Federal
Foster the development of an regulations that provided guidance to this
interconnected network of bicycle plan included the National Environmental
and pedestrian facilities that meets Policy Act, Americans with Disabilities Act,
Forsyth County’s future and the Transportation Equity Act for the
transportation mobility, serves 21st Century. The following goals, as
recreation needs, promotes demonstrated in the Forsyth County
alternative means of transportation, Transportation Public Involvement Plan,
and enhances the County’s overall were used as guidelines throughout the
quality of life. process:
The Task Force’s next step was to develop a § Raise the level of understanding of the
public involvement plan that could be transportation planning process in the
implemented at the onset of the project county and identify how interested
through its completion. The Task Force was citizens can become involved;
considered a key link for the dissemination § Provide the public with opportunities for
of information to the public and the involvement in the transportation
respective interests they represented. planning process;
§ Maintain timely contact with key
1.2 Public Involvement Plan stakeholders throughout the process; and
§ Identify and involve traditionally
The Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation underserved communities (those
and Pedestrian Walkways Plan was communities with a high concentration
developed to address and plan for increased of minority, low-income or elderly
bicycle and pedestrian facilities in and populations) in the transportation
around Forsyth County. In order to ensure planning process.
that it is supported throughout the County,
an intensive public involvement process was Building understanding of and consensus on
implemented. Public involvement ensures the goals and policies of the plan was the
that the public is a partner in the process of ultimate goal of the Public Involvement
determining strategies to be undertaken by a Plan. The initial step in building consensus
government entity where there are multiple is creating trust among all stakeholders and
and competing needs. The purpose of the the agency responsible for making the final
Public Involvement Plan was to create a decisions. This trust was built through
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and coordination with stakeholders, as well as
Pedestrian Walkways Plan that meets outreach and involvement. This plan is
countywide needs and is feasible to tailored to the scope of the project at hand
implement. The Public Involvement Plan and the effective and widespread public
was a framework for all activities taken involvement necessary for its success.
toward involving the public in the Bicycle The following outlines specific activities
Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways undertaken during plan development,
Plan, from development of goals and including coordination, outreach,
objectives to the selection of projects. involvement and evaluation. Forsyth
County staff or Bicycle and Pedestrian Task
Though Forsyth County is not bound by Force members conducted some of these
federal legislation to include a certain level
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
9
activities. PBS&J completed the remaining (GRTA). Both the GMRDC and ARC are
tasks. currently updating their Regional
Transportation Plans. GRTA is currently
1.2.1 Coordination working with Citizens Advisory Groups to
develop standard designs for bicycle and
The Forsyth County Bicycle and Pedestrian pedestrian facilities in the region.
Plan was coordinated with local bicycle and Coordination took place throughout the
pedestrian group programs, County process, starting with a review of the bicycle
transportation and recreational master plans, and pedestrian goals and objectives. The
other adjacent county plans and efforts of consultant team provided an overview of
the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), existing and possible methods to coordinate
the Georgia Regional Transportation the selection of priority projects with
Authority (GRTA), and the Georgia Forsyth County’s Comprehensive
Mountains Regional Transportation Plan.
Development Center
(GMRDC). 3. Local Jurisdictions and TMA Initiatives
Several jurisdictions and TMAs within the
1. Bicycle and North Metro Atlanta region have already
Pedestrian Task Force initiated projects that could impact the
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force Forsyth County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.
consists of countywide representatives, As part of this Public Involvement Plan,
nonprofit representatives such as Keep these projects were reviewed to ensure
Forsyth County Beautiful and the Forsyth regional coordination and inclusion in the
County Federation of Homeowners, and Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. The consultant
private sector organizations such as team provided a summary of these projects,
Hedgewood Properties. It was created to including local comprehensive
assist in the development of a Bicycle transportation plans, for the Bicycle and
Facilities and Pedestrian Walkways Plan. Pedestrian Task Force to review for regional
This group will continue to meet in an effort coordination.
to coordinate bicycle and pedestrian
planning on a countywide basis. The Bike 4. Local Bicycle and Pedestrian Group
and Pedestrian Task Force was the primary Programs
coordination vehicle because of its nature The consultant team and the Task Force
and its enviable position as a planning team provided information about the project,
for the development and implementation of scope, timelines and events for distribution
the Forsyth County Bicycle and Pedestrian to local groups and other stakeholders.
Plan. All aspects of the plan were Groups contacted included Bicycle User
coordinated and approved by the Task Groups (BUG) in close proximity to Forsyth
Force. County and local bike shops. Coordinating
and receiving information from the
2. Regional Coordination following groups may help Forsyth County
In addition to the Bicycle and Pedestrian establish their own groups to further the
Task Force, the consultant team coordinated bicycle and pedestrian plan goals:
efforts concerning the Bicycle and
Pedestrian Plan with other planning efforts • BIKECOBB
at the Georgia Mountains Regional • North Fulton County BUG
Development Center (GMRDC), Atlanta • Bicycle Users in Gwinnett
Regional Commission (ARC) and the • Silver Comet Trail BUG
Georgia Regional Transportation Authority
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
10
1.2.2 Outreach Georgia Mountains Regional Development
Center - www.gmrdc.org
Outreach included ongoing notification
(newsletters and web sites) of all events Path Foundation - www.pathfoundation.org
related to the study, community forum
PEDS - www.peds.org
displays and media outreach. Every effort
was made to coordinate outreach activities Southern Bicycle League, Inc.-
with existing Forsyth County community
www.bikesbl.org
meetings and events. The desired end result
of all outreach activities was to provide the Georgia Regional
community segment that was interested in
Transportation
bicycle and pedestrian facilities within the
Forsyth County area with the knowledge and Authority -
education necessary for meaningful
www.grta.org
involvement.
Forsyth County News -
1. Web Pages/Community Newsletters
www.forsythnews.com
Forsyth County developed a Project Specific
Web Site (PSWS) for the Bicycle and Lake Lanier
Pedestrian Plan. The web site is directly
Association -
linked to the County’s home page. Included
in the website was a survey of bicycle and www.lakelanier.org
pedestrian needs that individuals could e-
Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce -
mail to the County webmaster. This
information became very important in the www.forsythchamber.org
selection and prioritization of projects. In
Accessnorthga.com -
addition to posting the work products during
the plan development process, the website www.accessnorthga.com
included a map of the alternative projects
Federation of Forsyth County Homeowners
being considered for inclusion in the plan.
- www.forsythco.com
Individuals were encouraged to submit
comments regarding the alternative projects.
2. Media Outreach
Community and organizational newsletters, In order to reach the largest segment of the
and their respective web pages, were also general public as possible, Forsyth County
used to provide information regarding provided direction in terms of media
milestones of the Bicycle and Pedestrian contacts available to reach the community.
Plan. All announcements of the plan Media contacts included the Forsyth County
provided information regarding News, Gainesville Times, the Atlanta
opportunities for public involvement. Journal and Constitution and media outlets
Following is a list of web pages and serving low-income and minority groups
newsletters contacted for distribution of and interest groups. The following list of
information relating to the Forsyth County potential media contacts was developed for
Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. This list the distribution of information regarding the
includes governments and organizations that Forsyth County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.
stated an interest in having links to the The media was also used to publicize the
Forsyth County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan public meeting held for the project:
on their web site.
Forsyth County - www.forsythcounty.com Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
11
Gainesville Times • Jurisdictional Bike/Ped Plan Updates
Creative Loafing ? GMRDC
Atlanta Daily World ? ARC
Forsyth County News • Pedestrian and Bicycle Related
Forsyth Herald / Lake Lanier Herald Events
WWEV Radio ? Relay For Life (annual)
WDUN News/Talk 55 • Local Festivals
Accessnorthga.com ? Cumming Country Fair &
Festival (annual)
Additional activities Forsyth County staff • Holiday Related Promotions and
pursued with assistance from the consultant Events
team and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Task ? Fourth of July
Force included the following:
? Memorial Day
• Forsyth County Web Page
1.2.3 Involvement
? Plan updates
? Survey Involvement of the community was
• Community/Organization achieved through the Bike and Pedestrian
Newsletters Task Force, surveys, a planned public
? Cumming-Forsyth Chamber meeting and other avenues identified by the
of Commerce Task Force.
? Leadership Forsyth
? Sawnee Center 1. Surveys
• Television Stations The consultant developed a web site survey
• Athletic Centers that included questions relevant to planning
? Lanier Athletic Center initiatives. The survey is available to the
? Gold’s Gym public on the Forsyth County web site.
? Lanier 400 Questions related to bike and pedestrian use
? County Park Offices (Sharon were included in these surveys. The
Springs Park & Central Park) information provided an understanding of
• Radio stations local opportunities and challenges facing the
community and was presented to the Bike
? WDUN News/Talk 55 (WGGA
AM 1240 & MAJIC 102.9 FM) and Pedestrian Task Force for its
? WCON 99.3 FM/1450 AM consideration in the development of the
? WKHC Plan.
? WNGC
? LAKE 102.3 FM 2. Public Meetings
? WPPL 103.9 FM A public meeting to receive additional input
? WMLB AM 1170 was held on March 13, 2002. Every effort
• Fliers/Posters was made to include information regarding
• Bicycle and Pedestrian System Maps the goals, progress and results of the Bicycle
for Community and Pedestrian Plan at this meeting. The
• Organization Newsletters consultant provided all display materials for
the public meeting, including displays that
? Path
help portray the project efforts and
? Pedestrians Educating
accurately frame input and involvement
Drivers for Safety (PEDS)
opportunities.
? Southern Bicycle League, Inc
• Bike Shops
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
12
1. Quantitative Measures
1.2.4 Measures of Effectiveness § Number of opportunities for public
involvement;
As with any process, effectiveness of public § Number of community newsletters
involvement activities is difficult to containing articles on the Bicycle and
measure. However, the consultant team Pedestrian Plan ;
recommended using both quantitative and § Number of bicycle- and pedestrian-
qualitative measures as a means to evaluate related press releases;
public involvement activities. Quantitative § Number of responses to surveys;
measures are useful in providing § Attendance at public meetings;
information concerning type and level of § Number of bike/pedestrian projects
involvement, as well as the reach across the submitted per year; and
community. Qualitative measures are useful § Requests to add to the bike/pedestrian
in determining the level of change that has mailing list.
occurred regarding education and awareness
of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and the 2. Qualitative Measures
quality of response to this involvement, as § Quality of public involvement
well as providing a mechanism to track opportunities;
these changes. In turn, this information was § Public awareness of the Bicycle and
used to correct the type of public Pedestrian Plan;
involvement forums being used, if they were § Plan changes from public comments;
deemed not effective. Each of these § Quality of response to public comments;
measures relate to the techniques used for § Availability of information regarding the
public involvement, as well as the goals for Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan; and
public involvement. § Quality of bicycle and pedestrian
projects submitted.
Public Involvement Matrix
Below is a matrix assessing the public involvement efforts of the plan.
Number of opportunities for public involvement
Facilitated and advertised public meeting that was held March 13, 2002
Distributed over 300 paper fliers advertising participation opportunities to the public
Number of community newsletters containing articles on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan
North Fulton County Bicycle Users Groups (BUG) posted information in the online group newsletter
Number of bicycle- and pedestrian-related press releases
An article was written in the Forsyth County News about the development of the Bike/Ped Plan
A full page article was written in the Forsyth County News about the progress of the Forsyth County Bike/Ped
Plan
An article was published in the Forsyth County News to advertise the public meeting held March 13, 2002
Number of responses to surveys
Twenty surveys were filled out and returned to Forsyth County staff members
Approximately forty surveys where filled out on the Forsyth County Bike/Ped Plan web page
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
13
Attendance at public meetings
Seventeen community members attended the March 13, 2002 public meeting
Requests to add to bike/pedestrian mailing list
Approximately thirteen requests were made to be added to the Forsyth Bike/Ped Plan mailing list
Number of web sites posting link to Forsyth Bike/Ped web site
Six regional transportation related organizations posted links to the Forsyth County Bike/Ped Plan web page from
their main web sites
Public comments in response to the DRAFT Forsyth County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan
1) Connect Pilgrim Mill sidewalks to two Core parks at end of road, Tidwell Park
2) Construct mountain bike trails in some parks: Sawnee Mtn.
3) Facilitate Lake Lanier Campgrounds for use during winter months
4) Be aware of and take advantage of funding resources and new transportation projects
5) There is an existing lack of sidewalks
6) Construct bike lanes, paved trails, multi-use trails such as with the Silver Comet
7) Develop facilities mainly in Southwest Forsyth
8) Create extension of Big Creek Greenway
9) Construct sidewalks on Castleberry
10) Place street lights along sidewalk areas
11) Place lights in day use areas to be used at night
12) Develop family oriented trails around lake
13) Develop large, safe lanes or facilities around schools, parks and libraries
14) The value and safety of bicycle friendly shoulders is questionable
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
14
Section 2. Existing Conditions
3. Identification of activities required to
Subsequent to the development of the Task meet the vision and goals developed
Force, its vision statement and the public above;
involvement plan, it was important to grasp
the baseline condition for bicycle and 4. Implementation of bicycle and
pedestrian planning in Forsyth County. To pedestrian elements into a Regional
assist the Task Force in this effort, an Transportation Plan (RTP) and a
analysis of the federal guidance with respect Transportation Improvement Program
to bicycle and pedestrian planning was (TIP);
presented and a current trends report
detailing similar efforts in the region was 5. Evaluation of progress; and
used to generate potential ideas for Forsyth
County’s plan development. 6. Public involvement.
2.1 Federal Strategy Implementation The development of the Forsyth County
Analysis Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan was based on
this federal guidance and included each of
To develop a successful Forsyth County the federally recommended elements.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, which Furthermore, the development of the Plan
eventually could be substantially funded will be integrated into the Regional
with federal funds, it was important to Transportation Planning process, which sets
review the federal strategies for promoting direction for transportation investments,
the use and proliferation of bicycle and including bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
pedestrian facilities and the TEA-21 To effectuate this coordination, a copy of the
Planning Factors for guidance and plan document will be submitted to the
compliance. Recommendations that allow Georgia Department of Transportation
Forsyth County to implement their plan (GDOT) as the designated transportation
consistent with the TEA-21 Planning planning agent for Forsyth County and to
Factors and federal regulations were the GMRDC.
developed and incorporated into the plan.
The plan draft goals and objectives reflect
The latest federal guidance on Bicycle and federal guidelines and TEA-21 planning
Pedestrian Provisions of the Federal Aid factors. TEA-21 is the Transportation
program was issued on February 24, 1999. Equity Act for the 21st Century. It is the
The following are the federally legislation that authorizes all national
recommended elements for a statewide or transportation funding. The TEA-21
regional bicycle and pedestrian element of Planning Factors are as follows:
the long-range plan. Although these focus
on regional and state agencies, it provides an § Increase the accessibility and mobility
appropriate framework for the development options available to people and for
of the Forsyth County plan. freight;
1. Vision and goal statements and network § Enhance the integration and connectivity
performance criteria; of the transportation system, across and
between modes, for people and freight;
2. Assessment of current conditions and
needs;
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
15
§ Protect and enhance the environment, with federal funds should include bicycle
promote energy conservation and and pedestrian facilities, unless they are not
improve quality of life; permitted. Federal guidance further states
that an alternative route on parallel surface
§ Promote efficient system management streets should be identified and implemented
and operation; where bicycle and pedestrian use are either
prohibited or made incompatible.
§ Emphasize the preservation of the
existing transportation system; The federal guidance outlines many simple
and cost-effective ways to integrate
§ Support the economic vitality of the non-motorized users into the design and
metropolitan area, by enabling global operation of the transportation system. The
competitiveness while increasing methods include:
productivity and efficiency; and
§ Providing paved shoulders on new and
§ Increase the safety and security of the reconstructed roads;
transportation system for motorized and
non-motorized users. § Restriping roads (either as a stand alone
project or after a resurfacing or
TEA-21 states that Metropolitan Planning reconstruction project) to create a wider
Organizations (MPO), such as the ARC, are outline lane or striped bike lane;
required to plan for “the development and
integrated management and operation of § Building sidewalks and trails, and
transportation systems and facilities requiring new transit vehicles to have
(including pedestrian walkways and bicycle bicycle racks and/or hooks already
transportation facilities) that will function as installed.
an intermodal transportation system…”
(Section 1203 and 1204 of TEA 21). 2.1.2 General Funding Requirements
Although Forsyth County does not have to
meet this requirement since it is not an As stated in the federal guidance, “Bicycle
MPO, the county’s Bicycle and Pedestrian and walking contribute to many of the goals
Plan development process meets the spirit of for the transportation system we have at
the federal legislation. Federal guidance Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
outlines four main themes that should be and at the state and local levels. Increasing
addressed in the planning, development and bicycling and walking offers the potential
construction of all federal aid transportation for cleaner air, healthier people, reduced
bicycle and pedestrian projects and congestion, more livable communities, and
programs: the mainstreaming, funding, more efficient use of precious road space
safety, and implementation of bicycle and and resources. That is why funds in
pedestrian projects. programs such as Congestion Mitigation and
Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ),
2.1.1 Mainstreaming Non-motorized Transportation Enhancements (TE), and the
Transportation National Highway System (NHS) are
eligible to be used for bicycling and walking
The federal guidance strongly encourages improvements that will encourage the use of
bicycle and pedestrian facilities to become the two modes.”
the norm rather than the exception in
planning, developing and constructing a All the major transportation funding
transportation system. Each project funded programs can be used for bicycle and
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
16
pedestrian programs, so there is no federal
barrier in implementing bicycle and 2.1.3 Safety
pedestrian projects, either as stand-alone
projects or in conjunction with other The federal guidance states, “We also have a
federally funded transportation projects. responsibility to improve the safety of
bicycling and walking because the two
To date NHS funds have only been used modes represent more than 14 percent of the
once in the Atlanta region for a pedestrian 41,000 traffic fatalities the nation endures
facility that was not included in a road each year…TEA-21 has opened up the
project. CMAQ is currently under a great Hazard Elimination Program to a broader
deal of scrutiny by state and local agencies array of bicycle, pedestrian and traffic
who might request that the funds be diverted calming projects that will improve
to other modes of transportation, instead of dangerous locations.” CMAQ, STP and
the current funding levels given to bicycle State Community Highway Safety Grant
and pedestrian facilities. Program funds are also available for non-
construction activities or safety programs.
Current regional funding levels are not
creating a bicycle and pedestrian system that To date the Atlanta region has not used
can provide some of the rewards mentioned funds from the Safety and Hazard
in the federal guidance. Federal guidance Elimination Program to improve the safety
makes it clear that the choice on how to use of locations for bicycle and pedestrian use,
funds rests with the state; however, there is unless it was combined with other road or
nothing in TEA-21 or federal transportation intersection improvements. The Atlanta
legislation that limits the funding, either by region has committed CMAQ funding to
the amount or funding category, for bicycle two safety programs: the Effective Cycling
and pedestrian funding. Classes offered by the Atlanta Bicycle
Campaign and the Walking School Bus
The one restriction in funding guidance is Program offered by Pedestrian Educating
the requirement that bicycle projects funded Drivers for Safety (PEDS). A pedestrian
in Surface Transportation Program (STP), safety campaign was funded and conducted
Congestion Mitigation Air Quality by the City of Atlanta.
(CMAQ), National Highway System (NHS)
or Federal Lands Highway Program be Forsyth County included coordination with
“principally for transportation rather than local organizations to implement educational
recreation purposes.” Federal provisions and safety programs with available federal
also do not allow motorized vehicle use on funds as part of their Bike/Ped Plan goals
trails and pedestrian walkways. This may and objectives.
preclude the funding of “cart paths” that has
received federal funding in the past. 2.1.4 Streamlining Implementation
Procedures
Forsyth County must be aware of the federal
funding opportunities and restraints as plans Federal guidance states, “It makes no sense
are made for a bicycle and pedestrian for activities such as crosswalk striping,
system. The system will be implemented bicycle parking installation and bike-line
more quickly if local funds are leveraged marking – which usually require no
with State and Federal dollars. additional right-of-way and cause no
negative environmental impact – to have the
same approval process as a multi-lane
highway project. States and MPOs are
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
17
encouraged to…take any additional steps development review process where
they can to speed up the implementation of feasible;
projects that improve conditions for § Explore maximizing local opportunities
bicycling and walking.” to fund bicycle and pedestrian projects in
conjunction with other
Currently design for the construction of projects/programs; and
bicycle facilities and sidewalks could take § Coordinate bicycle and pedestrian
one year or more and, with the exception of system planning with other countywide
TE projects, goes through the same approval efforts such as park and greenway
process as multi-lane highway projects. planning
In prioritizing bicycle and pedestrian 2.2 Current Trends
projects, Forsyth County assessed the
implementation and construction aspects of While recreational cycling is still the
a project in relation to the need for the primary use of bicycles in this country,
project. Immediate safety needs, people nationwide are recognizing the
coordination with imminent road projects energy efficiency, cost effectiveness, health
and low cost striping projects, were benefits, and environmental advantages of
identified for streamlined implementation in bicycling for transportation purposes.
the Forsyth plan. Nationwide, communities are organizing
bicycle and pedestrian master plans to
2.1.5 Recommendations prepare for the needs of commuters who
choose to bicycle and/or walk to work. More
The development of the Forsyth County funding sources have become available, and
Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan provided an bicycle and pedestrian facilities are
opportunity to promote and implement becoming more popular in the North
federal strategies for the provision of bicycle Georgia Region. Examples of dedicated
and pedestrian facilities consistent with the bicycle and pedestrian corridors within the
TEA-21 planning factors. The following Region that have become success stories and
specific recommendations were included in models for the community include the
the development of plan goals and following:
objectives.
1. The Silver Comet Trail;
§ Provide for a safe, convenient and 2. The GDOT Statewide Bicycle
accessible bicycling and pedestrian Network;
environment; 3. The Stone Mountain to Atlanta
§ Provide interconnection of bicycle and Trail;
pedestrian facilities between origin and 4. Alpharetta’s Big Creek
destination land uses, linking residential Greenway;
and commercial zones, education and 5. Powder Springs’ Wildhorse
employment areas, health care and Creek and Lucille Creek
service centers, natural, cultural and Greenways; and
recreation resources; 6. Roswell’s Riverside Drive trails
§ Build bicycle and pedestrian planning and bike lanes.
decisions into every phase of the
transportation process, such as planning, Many communities are currently planning or
construction and maintenance; constructing additional bicycle and
§ Implement and coordinate bicycle and pedestrian corridors that will be opened in
pedestrian planning goals through the the near future. As more and more bicycle
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
18
and pedestrian corridors are created, people benefits of walking and bicycling the
in Forsyth County will realize the benefits of following programs were included as
using these facilities for recreation and for strategies for implementation:
commuting. By wisely planning for, and
actively implementing a network of bicycle 1. Educational programs for cyclists,
and pedestrian facilities, Forsyth County pedestrians, and motorists, to promote
will enjoy the benefits of having alternative safety;
modes of transportation.
2. Promotional campaign to promote usage
2.2.1 Benefits of a Bicycle and Pedestrian of expanded facilities;
Transportation Plan
3. Programs to enforce laws as they apply to
The development of a Bicycle and bicycles and pedestrians;
Pedestrian plan is essential to getting the
funding secured to build proposed 4. Methods to provide safe, clearly
improvements within Forsyth County. designated facilities for bicycles and
However, there are other important benefits pedestrians; and
that arise from establishing a Bicycle and
Pedestrian Plan: 5. Maintenance programs to keep the
facilities clear of vegetation and debris.
• Connectivity may be provided
between schools, parks, libraries and 2.2.2 Regional, State and National
other areas of interest. This Trends
connectivity in turn reduces the
reliance on the automobile and 1. Regional
increases interactions between Bicycle and pedestrian transportation
community members; became an important issue in the North
• Bicycle and pedestrian facilities will Georgia Region nearly thirty years ago. In
double as recreational amenities, not 1973, the ARC adopted a document entitled
only serving bicyclists and those The Bicycle: A Plan and Program for its use
who walk, but also for those who as a Mode of Transportation and
run, skate and love nature. The Recreation. The following were the plan’s
additional recreational outlets will objectives:
provide the community with an arena
for physical activity and the health 1. Assess current bike trends;
benefits associated with exercise; 2. Develop a conceptual bike facility
• Groups such as PEDS can work with plan that identified corridors with the
the County for the purpose of most potential for facilities;
improving pedestrian safety; and 3. Select and evaluate types of
• BUGs can be formed to promote safe facilities;
cycling. 4. Determine potential funding sources;
5. Research legal constraints to
As Forsyth County continues to grow and as providing facilities;
the potential for transit improvements grow, 6. Suggest education and registration to
it becomes essential to consider increasing reduce accidents and thievery; and
the availability of bicycle and pedestrian 7. Select a demonstration project to
facilities along potential future transit routes illustrate the utility of facilities.
and between points of interest within
Forsyth County. In order to advertise the
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
19
The report made the following new plan laid the foundation for the
recommendations: development of the bicycle and pedestrian
1. Pursue Federal funds to implement section of the 2025 RTP.
these projects;
2. Develop bikeways in more areas, Although the ARC region’s bicycle and
which are coordinated at a regional pedestrian planning efforts are progressive
level; in comparison to other parts of the State,
3. GDOT petition the state legislature there are still many safety and funding
for bikeway funds, and issues left unresolved. In terms of
4. Allocate additional staff time at all pedestrian safety, the Atlanta area had the
levels be allocated to bike planning. second highest pedestrian fatality rate in the
nation. Moreover, due to congestion and air
In 1979, ARC published a technical quality problems, bicycle and pedestrian
memorandum entitled Bicycle Planning & planning in the region has typically not been
Implementation in the Atlanta Region. This a priority.
document was an evaluation of Atlanta’s
bicycle and pedestrian transportation The history of bicycle and pedestrian
facilities. planning in the ARC region, its successes
and shortcomings, is very useful for the
The next significant development in bicycle development and implementation of Forsyth
and pedestrian transportation planning did County’s bicycle and pedestrian planning
not occur until 1991 when the United States efforts. Forsyth County has not been directly
Congress adopted the Intermodal Surface involved in these efforts since it belongs to
Transportation Efficiency Act, also known the GMRDC. The counties in this Regional
as ISTEA. This legislation placed new Development Center include Banks,
emphasis on bicycle and pedestrian facilities Dawson, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart,
as legitimate transportation options. Higher Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union
levels of federal funding were made and White. Due to the rural nature of the
available for the design and construction of counties in this region, and because the
bicycle and pedestrian facilities. GMRDC has limited funding for
transportation planning, little attention has
In response to the new emphasis on bicycle been given to bicycle and pedestrian
and pedestrian planning, ARC created the planning efforts at the regional level. The
Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Task Force GMRDC does review
in 1992 to assist in the development of a Developments of
regional Bike/Ped Plan. In 1993, ARC Regional Impact
published the Bicycle Transportation and (DRI’s), as does
Pedestrian Walkways Plan that represented ARC, to determine
a primary shift in focus to explicitly include compliance with the
pedestrian issues in addition to bike issues. regional plans. In
However, the effort fell short because the this effort, bicycle
plan was a compilation of local plans with and pedestrian
little regional coordination or cross- facilities are
jurisdictional integration. generally
recommended for
In 1995, ARC published an update to the inclusion in developments. Moreover, the
Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian GMRDC is in the process of updating its
Walkways Plan. The update focused only on RTP, which may include a bicycle and
revising the projects in the 1993 plan. The pedestrian element.
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
20
In recent years, there has been a greater roads that are controlled by the state, and
emphasis on bicycle and pedestrian mobility also on many that are not. The new
at the regional scale. Non-motorized crosswalks are boldly striped, and give
transportation has become a more legitimate pedestrians more visibility on Georgia’s
transportation alternative to the single roadways.
occupancy vehicle (SOV) in the North
Georgia area. New attitudes, more funding, GRTA was created in 1999 by the
and better planning are helping to shape a Legislature to promote regional cooperation
friendlier atmosphere for those who chose to in transportation. GRTA encourages better
use bike lanes and sidewalks as an planning by government at all levels with
alternative form of transportation. involvement by citizens. One way that
GRTA is encouraging public input into the
2. State transportation system is through its Citizen’s
GDOT has also established a new set of Academy, which is divided into four groups.
policies and mindset that is more bicycle One group concentrates on transportation
and pedestrian friendly. The State’s Bicycle greenways, which are defined as linear
Coordinator works with all counties and linkages from origin to destination. The
RDCs to maximize and coordinate facility greenways may or may not include
construction. In the case of Forsyth County, motorized transportation, but emphasize
the Statewide Bicycle Coordinator can be linear bicycle and pedestrian transportation
instrumental in the implementation of linkages between origins and destinations.
facilities since GDOT helps to program The group is also beginning to access the
County projects in the RTP. Projects that existing regional greenway network in the
are identified in the Forsyth Plan will, hopes of creating a true network of
therefore, be delivered and communicated to greenways to better serve non-motorized
GDOT for funding and implementation. transportation options.
GDOT created a bicycle master plan for the Another group of GRTA’s Citizen’s
State of Georgia. This master plan proposes Academy is investigating alternative street
a network of 14 named and numbered designs. They are concentrating on ways to
routes, totaling 2,943 miles that are, or will design roads to better accommodate
be, particularly well suited for bicycle use. bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit users. The
Six of the routes, totaling 265 miles, will group is encouraging jurisdictions to base
pass through the ARC Region. The Northern their design guidelines on context sensitive
Crescent Route passes along the southern design. The group is
end of Forsyth County, along the Gwinnett also looking at road
County – Chattahoochee River boundary. design
Signing of the network is expected to take characteristics, such
five years. As sections of these routes are as bump outs,
improved through GDOT normal road shelters, and better
improvement projects, they will be upgraded signage to increase
with wide curb lanes, bike lanes, paved the accessibility of
shoulders, and/or sidewalks. The Statewide Georgia’s roadways
improvements within the ARC Region are to non-motorized and transit-oriented
already in the RTP. transportation alternatives.
GDOT recently adopted and is 3. National
implementing a more visible crosswalk Bicycle and pedestrian issues are taking
standard. The new standard is appearing on greater precedence across the nation. As
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
21
development trends change to better In 1999, the American Association of State
integrate land use and transportation Highway and Transportation Officials
planning, pedestrian and bicycle facilities (AASHTO) published the Guide of the
are more feasible. The trends that are Development of Bicycle Facilities. This
attempting to combat “urban sprawl” in the guide book helps communities and planners
United States favors construction of bicycle in the development of bicycle and pedestrian
and pedestrian friendly corridors. For facilities. The document recognizes the
instance, the Regional Development Process historic role of bicycles in transportation and
(RDP) began in the state of California and is underscores the notion that a bicycle is a
now used nationwide. The RDP encourages viable transportation mode. Like FHWA,
an integrated planning system that links AASHTO Guide supports the use of
transportation improvements to non- bicycles on all highways, “except those
transportation improvements such as land where cyclists are legally prohibited.”
development. AASHTO mandates that “all highways
should be designed and constructed under
The United States Department of the assumption that they will be used by
Transportation published the National cyclists. Therefore, bicycles should be
Bicycle and Walking Study in 1994. The considered in all phases of transportation
study expresses a renewed interest in non- planning, new roadway design, roadway
motorized transportation. The study also sets reconstruction, and capacity improvement
two goals, to double the percentage of trips and transit projects.” AASHTO recognizes
made by foot and bicycle while that “safe, convenient and well-designed
simultaneously reducing the number of facilities are essential to encourage bicycle
crashes involving bicyclists by ten percent. use.” AASHTO is currently producing a
guide for pedestrian facilities, which is
The Transportation Equity Act of the 21st expected to give the same support to
Century (TEA-21) was signed into law by pedestrian facilities as it does to bicycle
President Clinton on June 9, 1998. TEA-21 facilities.
continues funding to integrate bicycling and
walking into the overall transportation There has been a shift in the way that
system. It also provides opportunities for bicycle and pedestrian facilities and the
communities to sponsor projects that will people who use those facilities are viewed.
improve the safety and mobility for cyclists Regionally, more funding and importance is
and pedestrians. FHWA has reacted given to non-motorized transportation. From
positively to bicycle and pedestrian facility a state viewpoint, bicycles and pedestrians
planning. Officials at FHWA are becoming are being better accommodated. Nationally,
more aware of and better prepared to handle sidewalks and bicycle facilities are being
bicycle and pedestrian issues. In August of seen as important additions to the overall
1998, FHWA convened a Task Force to seek transportation system. There is an obvious
advice on how to proceed with developing attempt to balance the needs of non-
design guidance for bicycle and pedestrian motorized transportation with those of the
facilities. After reviewing the numerous broader community.
planning and technical manuals on
designing pedestrian and bicycle facilities, 2.2.3 Local Trends
the Task Force concluded that another set of
guidelines was not necessary. The Task Many cities and counties within the ARC
Force helped develop a set of policies. and GMRDC regions currently have, or are
planning to create, a bicycle and pedestrian
master plan. Some are well organized and
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
22
professionally planned documents, while Opportunities for Forsyth County to connect
others are less aggressive plans developed to Fulton County facilities were maximized.
by staff members. Regardless of who
prepared the plans or how detailed they are, Gwinnett County does not have a specific
many communities in the Forsyth County bicycle and pedestrian master plan,
Region are attempting to accommodate however, they have compiled a list of
bicyclists and pedestrians in their bicycle and pedestrian projects as part of
transportation systems. Below is a summary their CTP and included them for Special
of jurisdictional efforts to plan for bicycle Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funding.
and pedestrian facilities in communities near
Forsyth County. The summary attempts to Pickens County does not have a bicycle and
detail which jurisdictions do or do not have pedestrian master plan.
bicycle and pedestrian master plans in place,
and which communities plan to do so. 3. Representative Regional Cities:
These plans have been analyzed for ideas
and strategies to implement in the Forsyth City of Alpharetta (Fulton County)
County plan. adopted a bicycle and pedestrian master plan
in the Spring of 1996. The city is currently
1. Neighboring Counties within the addressing bicycle and pedestrian facilities
GMRDC: as part of the development of a CTP. The
city has a sidewalk ordinance, requiring
Dawson, Hall and Lumpkin counties do sidewalks adjacent to all roadways.
not have bicycle and pedestrian master
plans. Hall County does require sidewalk City of Atlanta (Fulton County) has a
construction with new developments. greenway plan that addresses bicycle and
pedestrian issues. The city has a sidewalk
2. Other Neighboring Counties: ordinance.
Cherokee County does not have a bicycle City of Canton (Cherokee County) has a
and pedestrian master plan. However, the bicycle and pedestrian master plan for the
County uses its Land Development Policies downtown. Canton also has the Etowah
(LDP) to require developers to contribute to River Greenway master plan, which
bicycle and pedestrian facilities. provides bicycle and pedestrian connections
from downtown Canton to newer
Cobb County has a bicycle and pedestrian commercial and residential neighborhoods.
master plan. The county has also begun to The city also has an ambitious sidewalk
provide bicycle friendly shoulders. program to enhance major corridors. The
city requires sidewalks to be constructed as
DeKalb County has a bicycle and part of its development regulations.
pedestrian master plan. The county GDOT’s
Local Assistance Resurfacing Program City of Gainesville (Hall County) does not
(LARP) includes striping wider outside have a bicycle and pedestrian master plan.
lanes for bicycle traffic where possible. However, the city requires sidewalks
through their sidewalk ordinance.
Fulton County included a bicycle and
pedestrian master plan as part of its City of Lawrenceville (Gwinnett County)
transportation master plan. This plan was does not have a bicycle and pedestrian
adopted in 2000. Fulton County has master plan. Lawrenceville’s sidewalk
provisions to require sidewalks. ordinance requires sidewalks within all
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
23
major residential and non-residential Cumberland Mall and in helping to fund a
subdivisions. pedestrian bridge across Cobb Parkway.
City of Marietta (Cobb County) does not Town Center CID (Cobb County)
have a bicycle and pedestrian master plan. completed a bicycle and pedestrian master
The city requires sidewalks through their plan in 1999.
sidewalk ordinance.
The Dekalb Perimeter Center CID
City of Powder Springs (Cobb County) completed a sidewalk master plan and
has a comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian bicycle suitability map for roadways in their
master plan, as part of its Community area. Construction of sidewalk projects is
Enhancement Master Plan, which was ongoing.
adopted in 1996. The city has a sidewalk
ordinance, which requires sidewalks on one Cherokee County, Gwinnett County, Fulton
side of the street. County, have all recently created CID’s.
City of Roswell (Fulton County) adopted a 5. Transportation Management Associations
comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian (TMA)
master plan, as part of its overall
transportation plan in 2000. The city of TMA’s are organizations usually funded
Roswell has a sidewalk ordinance. with CID dollars that promote the use of
alternative transportation within their special
City of Woodstock (Cherokee County) tax districts.
adopted a bicycle and pedestrian master plan
in 1999. A sidewalk ordinance in Cobb Rides (Town Center Area) does not
Woodstock requires sidewalks on at least have a bicycle and pedestrian master plan.
one side of the street. They intend to design a plan for future use.
4. Community Improvement Districts (CID) Cumberland Transportation Network
(Cobb County) does not have a bicycle and
Community Improvement Districts are pedestrian master plan. They do not intend
special taxing districts created by Counties to design one at this time.
to generate funds for improvements within
specified non-residential areas. Typically, Gwinnett County TMA does not have a
business interests are the catalyst for bicycle and pedestrian master plan.
creating these districts. They self impose an
additional tax that they have control over 2.2.4 Within Forsyth County
and use to match federal funds for projects
or for funding other improvements. Forsyth County’s growth and development
have proven to be a challenge for all
CID’s have been formed in many areas of transportation infrastructure. The County’s
the region and some have used their roadway network, particularly in the
resources for implementing bicycle and southern portion of the County, is in need of
pedestrian projects. widening and there are several widening
projects currently under design. In addition
Cumberland CID (Cobb County) has a to roadway improvements, the County must
bicycle and pedestrian master plan that was also keep pace with the need for bicycle and
completed in 1999. The CID has been pedestrian transportation needs. Although
instrumental in building sidewalks around the County does not have a specific
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
24
ordinance to require sidewalk installation recommends development of a pedestrian
within developments, many of the circulation system that extends beyond the
subdivisions in the County have constructed Village Center to link with County
sidewalks interior to the developments. Key neighborhoods. The plan recommends that
to planning for the future bicycle and walkway improvements should be planned
pedestrian network in the County was along major road corridors that include
linking these existing neighborhood Peachtree Parkway, Buford Highway,
sidewalks to activity destinations. In Dahlonega Highway, Canton Highway,
addition, although the County currently does McFarland Road, Bethelview Road, Post
not have any existing bicycle facilities, Road, Atlanta Highway, and McGinnis
future roadway improvement plans were Ferry Road. This plan also recommends that
analyzed to determine the possibility of the pedestrian circulation system be linked
including some form of bicycle facility with the County’s schools. The County’s
infrastructure within these plans. Unified Development Code includes design
guidelines for village type residential and
Currently, there is not any public transit in commercial development that encourages
Forsyth County. The only form of public pedestrian friendly communities.
transit is a Dial-A-Ride demand/response Developments encouraged under these
system, which is currently underutilized. design guidelines have yet to be proposed in
This deficiency limits the County’s Forsyth County.
transportation options and focuses attention In 2000, Forsyth County published the
on SOV. However, the County has Georgia Greenspace Program – Forsyth
negotiated with GRTA to improve certain County Grant Application – Community
roadways for transit access. GRTA’s Program Report. The report was developed
Northern Sub Area Study is also in an effort to gain grant money provided by
recommending construction of park and ride the Georgia Greenspace Program. These
lot facilities in the County. The future funds will assist the County in purchasing
bicycle and pedestrian network must be and preserving designated greenspace.
coordinated with the potential for expanded Among the goals and objectives listed in this
transit use in the County. plan is to develop pedestrian trails linking
recreation sites that will eventually result in
The following documents are being updated a regional trail system. An acquisition
by the County. The status of bicycle and strategy has been developed under the
pedestrian planning issues within these Community Program, which targets
documents is outlined. acquiring a minimum of 2% (576 acres) for
greenways and 0.5% (150 acres) for
The County’s Comprehensive bikeways.
Transportation Plan 2001 Update- The
County has recently completed an update of The Comprehensive System-Wide
their comprehensive plan, which clearly Recreation Master Plan (2000-2006) was
outlines roadway needs now and in the also developed in 2000. Among its goals is
future. There is no specific bicycle and to provide additional passive use facilities
pedestrian element in this document. including linking nature trails, interpretation
However, the development of the Bicycle areas and greenways. The plan recommends
and Pedestrian Plan was closely coordinated greenway development of two river
with the CTP. corridors and one stream corridor. The
Chattahoochee River corridor is the subject
The County’s Comprehensive - Future Land of interest from a preservation standpoint. A
Use Plan (1994-2015 – updated 1997-98) greenway extending to the south from Lake
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
25
Lanier through the Twin Branches Unit of
the Chattahoochee River National
Recreation Area would be a viable project.
The Etowah River corridor in northwest
Forsyth County offers a second opportunity
for greenway development. The city of
Canton in Cherokee County is beginning
development of a greenway along the
Etowah, and it is quite feasible that
Cherokee County will continue the
greenway through the northeast portion of
the county. James Creek and some of its
tributaries offer a third opportunity. The
development plan for Windermere
incorporates a multi-purpose trail for
approximately two miles throughout the 87
acres park property. Three bikeways are
also recommended (S.R. 369, S.R. 9 and
S.R. 20).
In reviewing the federal guidance for bicycle
and pedestrian planning, Forsyth County and
the Task Force agreed to tailor the plan
development process to be consistent with
the goals of TEA-21, particularly to
maximize federal funding opportunities for
the plan. In addition, current trends
reviewed allow the task force to consider
ideas for bicycle and pedestrian planning
that would be applicable to Forsyth County.
However, to plan for a 25 year horizon, the
task force also had to assess current and
future challenges and opportunities in the
context of the larger land use, environmental
and transportation framework of the region.
The feasibility of implementing the plan was
also deemed dependent on the political and
technical environments. Therefore, at the
start of the strategic planning process to
select alternatives, these issues were also
analyzed and addressed.
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
26
Section 3. Strategic Planning Process local comprehensive planning. The local
comprehensive plan is intended to highlight
As stated previously, the vision for the community goals and objectives, as well as
Forsyth County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan determine how the government proposes to
is to: foster the development of an achieve those goals and objectives. It is
interconnected network of bicycle and intended that the comprehensive plan be
pedestrian facilities that meets Forsyth used to guide local government decision-
County’s future transportation mobility, making on a daily basis. In order to
serves recreation needs, promotes maintain eligibility for certain state grant
alternative means of transportation and programs, local governments are required to
enhances the County’s overall quality of life. adhere to the Minimum Standards and
The strategic planning process was used to Procedures for Local Comprehensive
identify issues and opportunities pertinent Planning, which are administered by the
for the implementation of the stated plan Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
vision. As part of this process, existing
levels of service were assessed, regional The County’s Planning Department is
land use, transportation and environmental responsible for the development of the Land
planning efforts and processes were Use Plan consistent with the DCA
reviewed for possible coordination guidelines. The adopted Land Use Plan
opportunities, and the technical and political goals and strategies include:
environments were analyzed for their § Encouraging alternate modes of
influence on successful implementation of transportation;
bicycle and pedestrian systems. The § Encouraging village center type
strategic planning process detailed the developments around key corridors.
potential challenges and opportunities to These centers are meant to include
successful bicycle and pedestrian planning cultural and social activities in a
in Forsyth County and developed ideas for pedestrian friendly setting (urban village
overcoming such obstacles. These ideas zoning district);
were formulated into specific strategies for § Recommending a pedestrian circulation
action outlined in Section 4. Ultimately, system that extends beyond village
these strategies formed the basis for centers to County neighborhoods;
identifying potential bicycle and pedestrian § Development of a Countywide plan for
alternatives to include in the 2025 Bicycle bike paths and bike lanes; and
and Pedestrian Plan. § Development of a countywide sidewalk
system connecting areas such as schools,
3.1 Bicycle and pedestrian planning in residential neighborhoods and village
relation to the larger Land use, activity centers.
Transportation and Environmental
planning framework The County’s Engineering Department is
responsible for the development of the
3.1.1 Local Land Use Planning Transportation element of the
comprehensive plan. Recently, a CTP was
1. Local Comprehensive Planning developed for Forsyth County, which
In 1989 the Georgia Planning Act was outlines future roadway needs. These needs
passed, establishing a planning program are included in updates to the
providing local governments with a guide comprehensive plan. Future bicycle and
for minimum standards and procedures for pedestrian needs will be formulated with the
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
27
development of the Bicycle and Pedestrian 2. ARC
Plan and included in updates to the The EPA designated a 13 county
comprehensive plan. metropolitan Atlanta area in serious non-
attainment for air quality standards pursuant
3.1.2 Regional Planning to the Clean Air Act. Forsyth County is
included in the 13 county non-attainment
1. RDC area. Therefore, transportation projects of
Forsyth County is a member of the regional significance in Forsyth County are
GMRDC. The RDC provides assistance to included in the ARC conformity
counties within their jurisdiction in the areas determination and travel demand modeling
of transportation, land use and environment. processes. Forsyth County projects are also
programmed through the ARC short term
Regional Transportation Element TIP. Due to Forsyth County’s inclusion in
The RDC develops a comprehensive the non-attainment area, the County is
regional plan pursuant to DCA guidelines. bound by restrictions to capacity enhancing
There is a transportation element in the plan, projects when the ARC region reaches
which is a compilation of transportation conformity lapses. Currently, there is an
plans and programs developed by the GDOT approved long-range plan in conformity
for the County’s in the region. with federal regulations. Forsyth’s inclusion
in the non-attainment area also makes them
Regional Land Use Element eligible for CMAQ funds. CMAQ funds are
In the comprehensive regional plan, a set of a primary source of bicycle and pedestrian
development guidelines regarding land use project funding and are selected and
has been adopted by the RDC. These programmed through the ARC.
guidelines do not include any reference to
bicycle and pedestrian planning. There are 3. GRTA
some guidelines that encourage the In 1999, the Governor created a new agency
coordination of land use and transportation to address regional land use and
planning. transportation issues in areas considered in
non-attainment of air quality standards.
DRI GRTA’s land use responsibilities include
State law requires that developments above reviewing DRI’s and approval of any use of
a certain threshold be reviewed and federal funds for road projects within DRI’s.
approved by the RDC. GMRDC reviews During the DRI review process, GRTA has
major developments in Forsyth County and the ability to require inclusion of bicycle and
makes specific recommendations for pedestrian facilities in proposed
improvements. Some of these developments in order to mitigate negative
recommendations may include the provision transportation impacts of the development.
of bicycle and pedestrian facilities. GRTA has also established an Alternative
Street Design Citizens Academy that
Environmental Coordination focuses on best practices and design for
The RDC provides technical guidance for bicycle and pedestrian facilities. A report is
developments along the Chattahoochee due in May 2002 that will be used by GRTA
River. They also conduct watershed and others to encourage local governments
planning studies within the Lake Lanier and in the region, as well as GDOT, to adopt
Etowah Basins. The GMRDC also assisted these best practices. Additionally, GRTA
the local jurisdictions with development of has expedited implementation of additional
their greenspace programs. transit in the region, which will need to be
supported by pedestrian systems.
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
28
4.Metropolitan North Georgia Water transportation planning tools, public
Planning District involvement process guidelines and travel
In April 2001, the Georgia legislature demand modeling processes to be consistent
created a new Water Planning District with federal regulations. The travel demand
whose main function is to develop regional model will be consistent with the ARC
and watershed specific plans for storm water models and will also have an air quality
management, wastewater management and component so that conformity
water supply for an 18 county area in North determinations can be performed for the five
Georgia. Forsyth County is included in this county area. The new model process refines
area. The District Board is working closely the analysis area in Forsyth County, thereby,
with the RDC’s in their start up process. allowing a more detailed county level
Several consultant contracts will be awarded analysis potential for projects. However,
to develop these plans. In the development there are no plans to include a non-
of these types of plans, the amount of motorized component to the model.
existing transportation infrastructure,
including bicycle, pedestrian and non- 2. Governor’s Office of Highway Safety
motorized facilities, is needed to determine (GOHS)
amounts of water runoff. GOHS is a statewide agency that currently
provides an average of $250,000 a year in
3.1.3 Statewide Planning grants to local jurisdictions to promote
pedestrian and bicycle education programs.
1.Georgia Department of Transportation Most of the dollars are expended on
(GDOT) pedestrian programs. This amount is
Local Planning Agency approximately 1% of their total budget and
GDOT is the local planning agency for includes funds expended throughout
Forsyth County. As such, transportation Georgia.
projects of regional significance included in
the ARC plans are implemented by GDOT. 3. Georgia Conservancy
GDOT also coordinates with Forsyth The Georgia Conservancy is a statewide
County to include their transportation needs agency that continues to coordinate with
in the STIP. With respect to bicycle and communities to master plan large areas
pedestrian facilities, GDOT cannot, by law, pursuant to smart growth policies.
separately fund construction of these Typically, these smart growth policies have
facilities with gas tax dollars. However, included the improvement of the pedestrian
they are currently implementing the and bicycle environments.
Statewide Bicycle Route plan and do include
these type of facilities in their roadway 4. Trust for Public Land (TPL)
design plans, if the facilities are included in The Trust for Public Land is another
adopted local plans. Statewide Plan organization that works with local
implementation is the full time governments and citizens to implement
responsibility of the State’s Bicycle and bicycle and pedestrian facilities in close
Pedestrian Coordinator. proximity to green spaces and rivers. TPL
participates in technical advisory
Five County Study committees established by the GMRDC.
GDOT is currently establishing a
transportation planning process for Forsyth 5. Greenspace Planning
County, and four other non-attainment In April of 2000 the Governor approved the
counties, similar to the ARC process. The Georgia Greenspace Program. The program
process will provide the necessary awards grants to counties throughout
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
29
Georgia who have undertaken a plan to set studies underway, the impact of roadway
aside 20% of their land for greenspace. investments on runoff and water quality will
Greenspace planning efforts have be quantified. In an effort to minimize the
traditionally been coordinated with the negative impacts of such runoff, agencies
implementation of bicycle and pedestrian will encourage mobility that is provided by
facilities, particularly if some of the bicycle and pedestrian enhancements and
designated greenspace are accessible minimize roadway construction for vehicles.
greenways. Although the greenspace
program does not allow the purchase of land 3.2 Bicycle and Pedestrian issues within
for bicycle and pedestrian transportation the political and technical environments
facilities, promotion of a coordinated and
connected system could be achieved with 3.2.1 Technical Environment
the addition of greenspace trails.
1. Adequacy of existing levels of service
Challenges/Opportunities: The challenges There are currently no recognized or
for the County relate to the general area of designated bicycle facilities in Forsyth
transportation planning. Currently, the County. Data on existing pedestrian
majority of the transportation planning facilities indicates that many subdivision
function is conducted by agencies other than developments have interior sidewalks.
Forsyth County. For example, GDOT However, these sidewalks currently do not
coordinates project planning and provide desired connectivity to schools,
programming in Forsyth County, as does parks or employment areas.
ARC, due to the County’s inclusion in the
non-attainment area. On the opposite end 2. Potential connections to points outside
of the scale, the GMRDC, of which Forsyth Forsyth County (Cherokee, Dawson, Fulton,
County is a member jurisdiction, performs Gwinnett, Hall, Lumpkin and Pickens)
very little transportation planning at the Bicycle and pedestrian facilities have been
regional level. This disconnect in the investigated for points outside of Forsyth
transportation planning arena makes bicycle County in order to assure coordination in the
and pedestrian plan coordination more strategic planning process. Particular points
difficult. However, the County has risen to of interest include the counties of Cherokee,
the challenge. The response to the Dawson, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Lumpkin
accelerated growth in the County has and Pickens. The associated RDC and
allowed the establishment of progressive Planning Departments for each county were
and sophisticated planning at the local level. contacted for information on Bicycle and
For example, the comprehensive plan Pedestrian Facility Master Plans. GDOT
already includes policies to further the was also used as a resource for future
construction of bicycle and pedestrian planned projects. When developing the
facilities. Also, the development of the alternatives analysis, the available plans
County’s first Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan is were consulted and opportunities for
underway. With the adoption of the plan connections were maximized.
there will be many opportunities to apply for
funding and to coordinate with local groups City of Canton and Cherokee County have
and agencies, such as GRTA, TPL and the the Etowah River Greenway master plan,
Georgia Conservancy, to further plan which provides bicycle and pedestrian
implementation. The environmental connections from downtown Canton to
framework also provides opportunities for newer commercial and residential
implementation of non-motorized neighborhoods. The Etowah River
transportation. With watershed planning Greenway extends from Canton to the
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
30
eastern county border where the river enters 3. ARC Region Technical Capabilities
Forsyth County. A proposed greenway Non-motorized model
along the Etowah River in Forsyth was ARC currently has a consultant contract that
included in the Plan. will assist in the design and implementation
of a non-motorized travel demand model for
Fulton County. The best opportunity for the region. This effort will include an
connecting facilities to the Fulton County identification of possible pedestrian
plan is found in the City of Alpharetta. The environment variable measures to use in the
Big Creek Greenway trail is a recent region. The actual calibration of the non-
successful greenway project that runs north motorized models will require information
to the Forsyth County line. The 2000 plan on travel patterns that will only be available
also includes a proposed greenway along the from the home interview survey presently
Chattahoochee River corridor, which being conducted by ARC. However, this
extends north to the county line. Sidewalks data will not be available until the spring of
and bike lanes are proposed for Medlock 2002; therefore, the non-motorized models
Bridge Road, which offers linkage will not be available until the end of the
northward to Peachtree Parkway. The year. This update can be coordinated with
proposed Georgia Statewide Bicycle the GDOT Five County Study.
Network extends east to west through Fulton
County. The Northern Crescent route CMAQ Bikeway/Walkway Project
follows the Fulton/Forsyth County line Evaluation
along McGinnis Ferry Road, from the In order for bikeway and walkway projects
southeastern corner of Forsyth County to to qualify for CMAQ funding, quantitative
Sargent Road. Proposed greenways along tools are required by the Federal Highway
the Chattahoochee River and Big Creek Administration to project emission
were recommended in the Forsyth plan. reductions that would result from proposed
projects. Currently, bicycle and pedestrian
Forsyth County’s Bicycle and Pedestrian modes are not included in the ARC model
Plan development will also be coordinated and, as stated above, cannot be included
with the Georgia Department of until the end of 2002. An interim approach
Transportation Statewide Bicycle and was needed to evaluate CMAQ project’s air
Pedestrian Plan. There are fourteen routes quality benefits, therefore, a sketch-
within the network that comprise modeling tool, which can be used to
approximately 2,943 miles. These routes estimate the vehicle miles traveled
were developed to complement other bicycle reductions for both individual projects and
and pedestrian facilities that are planned or for the overall program was developed. A
are underway. There are not any plans to bicycle trip sketch modeling tool, as well as
dedicate funds to this plan; however, a pedestrian projection modeling tool, was
internal procedures will require designers to developed for this purpose and will continue
incorporate bicycle and pedestrian facilities to be used by ARC until the development of
elements into programmed improvement their non-motorized models by the end of
projects. This process would allow the the year. Forsyth County is eligible for
entire network to be nearly completed within CMAQ dollars and has applied for funds
the next 20 years. Forsyth County’s plan through the GDOT. However, the County
was coordinated with the State’s Northern has yet to receive any CMAQ dollars for
Crescent route. implementation of bicycle and pedestrian
facilities.
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
31
Bicycle Suitability Mapping process Bicycle Suitability Map. However, as
ARC currently has a consultant contract to previously mentioned, Forsyth County is not
develop a bicycle suitability map for the included in these efforts. The County
region. The map identified roadways with should work with the GMRDC to explore
different levels of expanded data collection assistance in the
suitability for area of bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
bicycle use. The
suitability map is 3.2.2 Political Environment
oriented toward
intermediate or 1. ARC Region
experienced The ARC region has been placing greater
bicyclists who are emphasis on land use and transportation
familiar with the roads and rules of cycling. coordination issues with the adoption of new
The criterion assessed included traffic Regional Development Plan policies. Many
volumes, shoulder widths, posted speeds and of these policies encourage the provision of
pavement conditions. Based on this criteria, bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The Livable
ratings of excellent, good, fair and poor Centers Initiative Program grants funds to
were identified for well traveled routes jurisdictions that make the land
leading to major origins and destinations. use/transportation connection. ARC is also
The routes will be identified by the Task providing technical assistance to member
Force, public involvement process, and jurisdictions for the provision of such
BUGs throughout the region. Forsyth facilities. Although Forsyth County is not
County is not included in this mapping bound by these land use/transportation
process. However, future bicycle and coordination issues currently, there is a
pedestrian planning efforts in the County potential that this same issue will become
can include a suitability mapping process. pertinent in future planning efforts in the
area.
Project Development and Implementation
process 2. GRTA
Forsyth County applies for funding of As mentioned previously, GRTA is also
bicycle and pedestrian projects through the emphasizing the coordination of land use
ARC. Applications are submitted on ARC and transportation. Bicycle and Pedestrian
Project Evaluation forms, which are facilities are typically characterized as a tool
designed to prioritize projects that meet for enhancing the land use and
Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan goals transportation connection. Forsyth County
and further the ARC Regional Development is politically under the jurisdiction of GRTA
Plan policies. Project evaluation forms also due to its inclusion in the non-attainment
attempt to secure as much technical area. GRTA’s role includes some land use
information as possible from the local authority with respect to DRI reviews.
governments.
3. GDOT
Data Collection By way of the five-County study, GDOT
Data collection efforts in Forsyth County proposes to establish a transportation
should be coordinated with ARC efforts. planning process similar to the ARC region.
For example, ARC has developed a However, this process does not include the
regionwide Geographical Information establishment of a regional Bicycle and
Systems (GIS) database of existing and Pedestrian Plan for GMRDC, nor does it
planned bicycle facilities. An additional include the establishment of a database of
database will consist of a regionwide bicycle and pedestrian facilities. A bicycle
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
32
suitability mapping project, similar to process effectively. PEDS can be a
ARC’s, seems years away in the GMRDC. significant resource to Forsyth County in the
Lastly, the travel-demand modeling process implementation of a pedestrian system.
being established for the five-County area
will not include non-motorized analysis 7. PATH Foundation
capabilities as planned for in the ARC This organization was founded in 1991 as a
model. However, the five-County study is non-profit whose main goal was to help
an excellent first step in establishing a build a metro wide trail system. They have
regional process that will in the future been very successful in raising private
become sophisticated to the point whereby dollars to match public funds for the
bicycle and pedestrian facility planning can construction of such trails. Actual
become as advanced in the GMRDC as in implementation of trails has led to many
the ARC region. individuals in the region to become
advocates for these facilities and support
4. GMRDC further construction. Most recently, PATH
As mentioned previously, GMRDC does spearheaded the implementation of the
provide many services to Forsyth County; Silver Comet Trail in Cobb and Paulding
however, they do not have the staff, funding counties, which has been extremely
or authority to conduct planning at the same successful and high profile project.
level as the ARC since they are not a
designated MPO. The amount of continued 8. Trust for Public Land (TPL)
growth in the region has rekindled TPL continues to work with local
discussions with the State regarding the communities, the National Park Service and
designation of the GMRDC as an MPO. In others to build greenway trails throughout
the meantime, most of the transportation the metro area.
planning functions for Forsyth are
conducted by GDOT. Challenges/Opportunities: A major
challenge for Forsyth County will continue
5. BUGs to be in the area of bicycle and pedestrian
The Atlanta Bicycle Campaign started planning coordination with the various
creating BUG’s in 1995. The groups have agencies that do and do not perform
been very active in furthering bicycle transportation planning activities for the
facility planning by coordinating with local County. Until the GMRDC enters the
governments, applying for federal funds for transportation planning arena there will be a
project implementation, and sponsoring disconnect between the identified County
bicycle rides in their respective areas. There needs and the programming of those needs
are currently 14 BUGs throughout the ARC through the GDOT as opposed to the RDC.
region and the number continues to grow. An additional challenge is the competition
Efforts at establishing BUGS in Forsyth for federal funding at the adjacent ARC
County should be explored. region level for implementation of these
types of facilities. Many of the counties in
6. Pedestrians Educating Drivers for Safety the ARC region have received CMAQ
(PEDS) funding in the past and are familiar with the
PEDS is a member based advocacy process, whereas, Forsyth County must
organization founded in 1996 and has apply for those funds through GDOT.
become a major catalyst for change in Metro Fortunately, the opportunities in the
Atlanta’s pedestrian environment. PEDS technical and political arena are multiple. A
publicizes the deficiency in the pedestrian good transportation planning process base
system by using the media and political will be established for the GMRDC region
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
33
through the GDOT five-County study. The
Forsyth County bicycle and pedestrian
planning efforts can build on this base.
Moreover, this technical base is necessary in
order to achieve some of the advancements
in bicycle and pedestrian planning currently
being achieved by the ARC region. Data
collection, non-motorized model
development, mapping and suitability
identification efforts can all be next steps in
the work plan for the development of
bicycle and pedestrian planning in Forsyth
County and the GMRDC region. Lastly, the
successful implementation of these facilities,
with potential assistance from interested
organizations, will only lead to further
proliferation of bicycle and pedestrian
facilities in Forsyth County.
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
34
Section 4. Goals, Objectives and enhances the County’s overall quality of
Strategies life.
All efforts at analyzing existing conditions Goal 1: Provide a Countywide system of
and strategic planning to identify issues and safe, convenient and accessible bicycling
opportunities leads to one of the key and pedestrian facilities for all users
components in the Bicycle and Pedestrian through the coordinated efforts of
Plan development process: establishing a set governmental agencies, the private sector
of goals to guide the Plan and a set of and the general public.
performance measures to evaluate the Plan.
Objective 1: Develop a connected system of
Goals are a generalized expression of a bicycle and pedestrian facilities that can
desired end-state or direction for the Bicycle serve major origin and destination points,
and Pedestrian transportation system. linking such important land uses as
Objectives are specific quantitative or residential and commercial zones,
qualitative targets, which can be used to educational and employment areas, health
measure the degree of attainment of a care and service centers, natural, cultural
specific goal. Strategies are individual and recreational resources.
actions that lead to accomplishment of
objectives. Lastly, performance measures Strategies
are attributes of alternative transportation § Work with the Board of Commissioners
systems that can be used to evaluate how to provide bicycle and pedestrian
well an alternative supports the study goals facilities that connect to Countywide
and objectives. Performance measures are “points of interest” and potential tourist
designed to provide information to the sites;
transportation planning process for the § Work with the County School Board to
purpose of decision-making. Performance coordinate provision of bicycle and
measures can assist the County in making pedestrian facilities at existing and
choices among which facilities to build and proposed school facilities;
in making choices about priorities for § Use the Bike/Pedestrian web site to
facility construction. highlight bicycle and pedestrian
activities at local and regional events;
Based on the vision statement approved by • Work with any future CIDs or TMAs for
the Task Force and the opportunities the provision of these facilities in their
presented in the strategic planning process, jurisdictions;
the following goals, objectives and strategies • Work with the Parks Department to build
were developed for the Forsyth County sidewalks leading to County parks; and
Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. Performance • Work with proposed employment centers
measure criteria were also developed for to encourage provision of bicycle and
each goal in order to better assess their pedestrian facilities leading to their sites.
attainment. The goals, objectives and
performance measure criteria were critical in Objective 2: Ensure, to the maximum extent
the development of the alternatives selected possible, that bicycle and pedestrian
for implementation. The strategies facilities are integrated and connected to
developed are consistent with federal other existing or planned modes of
guidance and with strategies being transportation in order to reduce dependence
implemented throughout the region that are on the private automobile, reduce traffic and
applicable to Forsyth County. improve air quality.
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
35
Strategies pedestrian safety, usage and benefits that
§ Coordinate with regional transit planning address the different users of bicycle and
efforts to maximize bicycle and pedestrian facilities;
pedestrian connections to proposed park § Participate as a community in National
and ride lots; and Walk to School, National Walk to Work,
§ Coordinate with on going and future and National Bike to Work programs;
regional planning studies to incorporate § Develop a tracking system for bicycle
the Forsyth Bike/Pedestrian plan and pedestrian related accidents; and
recommendations. § Contact established groups such as
PEDS for pedestrian safety coordination
Objective 3: Ensure that the bicycle and and guidance
pedestrian system complements the existing § Conduct a bicycle suitability analysis for
transportation network to maximize and roadways in the County
preserve the existing system and take
advantage of public rights-of-way and Objective 5: Establish a maintenance
corridors such as utility lines, future rail program and maintenance standards that
lines, linear waterways, etc. for bicycle and ensure safe and usable bicycle and
pedestrian facilities in order to minimize pedestrian facilities.
public costs.
Strategies
Strategies § Work with organizations such as PATH
§ During the comprehensive plan review Foundation to determine average
process, identify utility lines, rail lines, maintenance costs for multi-use
and linear waterways on the future land facilities;
use map as possible routes for bicycling § Work with Public Works staff to
and walking; coordinate roadway maintenance
§ Coordinate the planned bicycle and activities with maintenance of bicycle
pedestrian facilities with proposed and pedestrian facilities; and
improvements of congested corridors in § Set aside a percentage of funds from the
the Forsyth County Transportation Plan; bicycle and pedestrian fund for
and maintenance activities.
§ Encourage developments adjacent to
waterways to dedicate land for Objective 6: Provide ancillary facilities
greenways designated on the County such as bicycle parking and storage,
plan. lighting, landscaping, signing, pavement
§ Consider pedestrian signal and crossing marking and signalization to enhance the
improvements during intersection value and increase the utility and safety of
redesign. the bicycle and pedestrian system.
Objective 4: Ensure that the system Strategies
addresses the safety and needs of different § Work with employment centers to
types of users, from experienced cyclists on encourage provision of bicycle parking
arterial roadways to school-bound children and storage facilities;
walking and riding bicycles adjacent to local § Coordinate resurfacing and pavement
roads. marking activities with potential
marking for bicycle friendly facilities;
Strategies and
§ Encourage the development of
educational programs on bicycle and
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
36
§ Encourage all public buildings Goal 1 Performance Measures:
throughout the County to provide
bicycle parking facilities. 1. Miles of shared use facilities on
road bicycle facilities and
Objective 7: Support and encourage regular sidewalks.
and continuing bicycle and pedestrian
training and safety programs in conjunction 2. Percent of employment within a
with local institutions, organizations, and five (5) mile distance from on-road
bicycle and pedestrian interest groups. bicycle facilities and shared use
facilities.
Strategies
§ Establish the Bicycle and Pedestrian 3. Percent of households within a two
Task Force as a permanent ongoing (2) mile walking distance on a
structure and invite local bicycle and sidewalk to schools, parks, and
pedestrian groups such as PATH and community facilities.
PEDS to sit on the Task Force;
§ Coordinate with local interest groups Goal 2: Amend the development process
and the private sector to develop bicycle guidelines to encourage and promote the
and pedestrian educational programs on proliferation of bicycle and pedestrian
safety and proper usage; facilities.
§ Encourage the proliferation of “Effective
Cycling” courses similar to those offered Objective 1: Require sidewalks along
by the Atlanta Bicycle Campaign and identified high priority pedestrian corridors
funded with ARC dollars; adjacent to proposed developments.
§ Work with the school board to develop
and implement educational programs on Strategies
bicycle and pedestrian safety and usage § Identify the high priority pedestrian
in schools; and corridors on the Bicycle and Pedestrian
§ Encourage and provide assistance for the Plan;
establishment of local advocacy groups, § Publish the adopted Bicycle and
such as the BUGS . Pedestrian Plan throughout the County
system, particularly at offices involved
Objective 8: Develop a bicycle and in development approvals; and
pedestrian system that meets the highest § Identify high priority pedestrian crossing
achievable design and safety standards, improvements on the Plan.
including ADA standards.
Objective 2: Encourage developments to
Strategies build sidewalks on interior subdivision
§ Encourage ADA facility/needs streets.
assessments as a beginning point for
ADA planning at the local level; and Strategies
§ Require that all bike/pedestrian facilities § Publicize the benefits of existing
constructed in Forsyth meet the typical sidewalks in current subdivisions on the
design standards adopted in the plan. web page with citizen comments; and
§ Allow flexibility in interior road design
standards in exchange for construction
of sidewalks.
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
37
Objective 3: Require proposed Strategies
developments within ¼ mile distance of § Encourage the inclusion of low-cost
major origin/destination land uses to provide alternatives such as awareness signage
sidewalk connectivity. and parking facilities in all projects to
support the development of a coherent
Strategies bicycle and pedestrian system; and
§ Require proposed developers to purchase § Prioritize road widening and
the adopted bicycle and pedestrian plan, construction projects that include bicycle
in conjunction with other County codes and pedestrian facilities.
and regulations, to inform them of
proposed plans; and Objective 7: Coordinate bicycle and
§ Explore establishing a development pedestrian planning efforts with countywide
credit for building additional sidewalk recreational and health planning
facilities to provide desired connectivity considerations.
to origin/destination points.
Strategies
Objective 4: Encourage pedestrian § Work in conjunction with the Centers for
connections (via paths, sidewalks) linking Disease Control to develop a tool
adjacent compatible land uses and outlining the health and environmental
developments. benefits of bike and pedestrian usage;
§ Work with local interest groups and the
Strategies private sector to develop bicycle and
§ Identify specific prioritized bike and pedestrian programs on the health
pedestrian projects within the County’s benefits of bicycle and pedestrian usage;
Short-Term Work Program Update and
process; and § Identify greenspace corridors purchased
§ Encourage the use of the DRI review as part of the Forsyth County
process as a tool for including bicycle Greenspace program on future land use
and pedestrian facilities in proposed maps and the Bicycle and Pedestrian
developments. plan map.
Objective 5: Establish and encourage the Goal 2 Performance Measures:
construction of typical design sections for
bicycle and pedestrian facilities within 1. Number of new developments with
different road classifications. sidewalks.
Strategies 2. Number of developments that
§ Adopt the best design practices included construct sidewalks that connect to
in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan; and existing public facilities or activity
§ Include the associated typical sections in centers within ¼ mile of the
the Forsyth Development Code. development
Objective 6: Include bicycle and pedestrian Goal 3: Provide adequate funding and
planning considerations in all transportation staffing resources for planning, developing
improvements (resurfacing, paving, new and maintaining high quality bicycle and
location, intersection improvements, pedestrian systems.
reconstruction, and maintenance).
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
38
Objective 1: Actively pursue all eligible Strategies
federal and state funds for bicycle and § Establish average cost estimates for
pedestrian planning and development. bicycle and pedestrian facilities to use
for in lieu contributions; and
Strategies § Explore establishing a development
§ Develop and distribute a catalogue of credit for developers who donate
potential state and federal assistance for additional funds to the bicycle and
bike and pedestrian projects to relevant pedestrian fund beyond that required for
County staff and commissioners; their development.
§ Identify potential funding sources for the
development of pedestrian walking maps Objective 4: Include bicycle and pedestrian
and bicycle suitability maps; projects in future local sales tax programs.
§ Deliver copies of the adopted Bicycle
and Pedestrian Plan to GDOT and the Strategies
GMRDC for incorporation into the § Collect information on the Bike and
Regional Transportation Planning Pedestrian web site regarding citizen
process; and support of bicycle and pedestrian
§ Create a permanent Citizens Bike and projects;
Pedestrian Task Force for plan § Include a survey question on the Bike
implementation purposes. and Pedestrian web site regarding
§ Apply to ARC for funds to conduct a support of local sales tax dollars for
bicycle suitability study and for provision of bicycle and pedestrian
additional bicycle and pedestrian data facilities; and
collection efforts. § Establish a percentage goal for budget
allocation to bicycle and pedestrian
Objective 2: Coordinate the development of facilities.
bicycle and pedestrian projects to maximize
use of opportunities for joint development Objective 5: Explore establishing a staff
using other public or private resources. position to act as a technical resource for
zoning, land use and roadway design
Strategies changes to promote bicycle and pedestrian
§ Attend ARC Bike and Pedestrian Task friendly development, as well as for grant
Force meetings to maximize writing.
coordination and compete for funding;
and Strategies
§ Explore establishing a development § Investigate the current duties of the
credit for proposed developments that Statewide Bicycle Coordinator and other
include bicycle and pedestrian facilities. type positions established in the metro
area; and
Objective 3: Establish a bicycle and § Establish a critical mass limit for a
pedestrian fund for developer contributions certain number of bicycle and pedestrian
in lieu of construction of such facilities, if projects in the implementation process to
such construction is not deemed timely by justify a staff position.
Forsyth County. Allow private donations to
the bicycle and pedestrian fund for Goal 3 Performance Measures:
construction of these facilities.
1. Number of staff dedicated to bicycle
and pedestrian facility development
and coordination issues.
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
39
2. Amount of federal dollars received
for bicycle and pedestrian project
implementation.
3. Amount of County local match
dollars applied to bicycle and
pedestrian project implementation.
4. Miles of developer constructed
bicycle and pedestrian facilities
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
40
Section 5. Alternatives Analysis potential less congested routes for bicycle
and pedestrian use.
Armed with established goals, objectives
and strategies and with a compilation of the 5.1 Best practices for bicycle and
best available information regarding bicycle pedestrian facility design
and pedestrian planning at all levels of
government, the Task Force was able to A successful network of bicycle and
identify a list of recommended facilities. pedestrian facilities must include facilities
The facility recommendations were based on for all types of users if it is to be successful
a 25-year planning period. The alternative as a viable transportation network. It should
facilities recommended constitute Forsyth also be noted that every roadway, unless
County’s 2025 Bicycle Transportation and prohibited by law, is a viable transportation
Pedestrian Walkways Plan and are option for cyclists. Many streets and
represented on Figure 1. The facility transportation corridors that have no
descriptions on the map correspond to the improvements or facilities specifically for
typical sections described below. Each bicycles are
typical section is best suited for different commonly used as
types of cyclists and pedestrians, as is transportation
indicated in the graphic presentations for the corridors for non-
typical sections in Appendix A. motorized
Recommendations on designing these transportation. The
facilities are included as “best practices” for facilities described
Forsyth County and should be incorporated herein are
into the County’s Land Development Code. proposed
improvements to a
Once the facilities were identified, an standard road and
additional analysis to help refine and range from
prioritize the proposals was conducted. The minimal improvements, to facilitate the ease
analysis consisted of analyzing traffic of use, to completely separate non-
congestion along the County roadways and motorized facilities. The following
integrating any solutions with the proposed guidelines should be established for the
Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. Consistent implementation of the proposed bicycle and
with the goals and objectives, the Bicycle pedestrian facilities in Forsyth County.
and Pedestrian Plan, if implemented, can
play a crucial role in the mitigation of 5.1.1 Cyclists and Pedestrians
transportation congestion. A successful plan
works to create an environment that In order to produce a viable transportation
promotes safe walking and bicycling within network, the potential users must be
a community. By providing this type of considered when developing a plan.
environment, a community has an effective AASHTO’s Guide for the Development of
transportation alternative that improves the Bicycle Facilities defines three types of
interaction between motorists, bicyclists and cyclists. Facilities that accommodate a very
pedestrians. Additionally, the improved confident adult cyclist who regularly
interaction works to relieve traffic commutes to work may not be very
congestion and improve air quality. The appropriate for a child on his/her way to
analysis conducted helped to identify where school, and vice versa.
bicycle and pedestrian improvements could
be coordinated with roadway improvements AASHTO has not defined types of
along congested areas. It also identified pedestrians. For the purposes of this study,
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
41
pedestrians will be defined into four groups: Adult Pedestrians: Adult Pedestrians use
Adult Pedestrians, Child Pedestrians, pedestrian facilities for commuting,
Environmental Justice Community recreation, and exercise. Adult Pedestrians
Pedestrians, and Pedestrians with are aware of the rules of vehicular traffic.
Disabilities. A definition of each type of Adult Pedestrians can have difficulty
cyclist and pedestrian is provided below. crossing high speed, multi-lane streets that
lack median refuge islands or pedestrian
Type A Cyclists: Advanced adult cyclists signals, or where reckless drivers threaten
best describe the Type A Cyclist. These their safety.
cyclists are aware of the rules of the road
and are skilled at maneuvering a bicycle Child Pedestrians: Child Pedestrians see
through vehicular traffic. Typically, these and hear the world differently than adults.
cyclists are commuters or cyclists who are Children often have trouble judging traffic
confident with their skills and more speed, gaps in traffic, or whether a car is
interested in reaching a destination in the coming, going or standing still. Children are
shortest time possible than they are in shorter than adults, and have limited
scenery or the added safety of less-traveled peripheral vision. Facilities that reduce
routes. These cyclists will use any road traffic speed, calm traffic, and provide
legally open to bicycle traffic. separation from the travel lane are types of
facilities needed by Child Pedestrians.
Type B Cyclists: A typical adult qualifies as Neighborhood streets with sidewalks and
a Type B Cyclist. These cyclists know the shared-use facilities can accommodate Child
rules of the road and know how to ride a Pedestrians.
bicycle. The main distinction is that they
prefer less traveled routes to and from their Environmental Justice (EJ) Community
destinations and are less confident in high Pedestrians: Many counties within the
volumes of vehicular traffic and are less North Georgia area house numerous citizens
likely to be found competing with motorists from a host of international countries. Many
for space on a busy road. These cyclists may parts of the Forsyth County and
use facilities for transportation purposes, but Metropolitan Atlanta area are home to
will forego the most direct and fastest route concentrations of new residents of the
in favor of less traveled, safer, or more United States. Several areas have a
scenic routes. Type B Cyclists need concentration of people who do not
facilities that are safer and less intimidating necessarily read the English language well
than those required by Type A Cyclists. and may not be able to read warning signs
that are written in English. Therefore, in
Type C Cyclists: Children are the these known EJ areas, safety and directional
prototypical Type C Cyclists. These cyclists signage should be shown in symbols rather
may be very skilled cyclists. However, they than written words. The Manual on Uniform
are unaware of the rules of the road because Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) offers
they have never legally driven a motorized several options for regulating the flow of
vehicle in traffic. These cyclists ride for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
recreation and transportation; the most
obvious destination is an academic Many Environmental Justice Community
institution, such as an elementary school, Pedestrians are unable to drive, and rely on
middle school, high school, or library. Type walking as a primary mode of
C Cyclists should not travel with motorized transportation. These Pedestrians rely on
vehicles. safe sidewalks and safe, easy to use
pedestrian crossings. Facilities in
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
42
neighborhoods which have a high practices might need to be altered to fit
population of Environmental Justice individual sites and conditions.
Community Pedestrians should be numerous
and provide connections from residential Pedestrian facilities tend to be more diverse
neighborhoods to destinations such as and are not well defined by AASHTO. The
employment centers, shopping areas, and FHWA and GDOT have no detailed best
public and semi-private institutions. practices for sidewalks. The FHWA is
publishing the second part of a two part
Pedestrians with Disabilities: The ADA series entitled Designing Sidewalks and
prohibits discrimination to pedestrians with Trail for Access, Best Practices Design
disabilities. Pedestrians who are blind, deaf, Guide. This guide discusses many
or who rely on wheelchairs have needs that alternatives for designing for persons with
are very specific to those types of disabilities. The pedestrian facilities
disabilities. For instance, people who are outlined below are based on the best existing
deaf need visible warnings about crossing facilities currently used in metropolitan
vehicular traffic. People with vision areas. Design features in the typical sections
impairments need tactile indications that will better facilitate pedestrian safety and
they are approaching an intersection or other comfort.
hazard. Since they cannot see safety signs,
they need audible indicators to inform them See Appendix A for typical sections of the
of proper times to cross the street. types of facilities listed below.
Pedestrians in wheelchairs are unable to
mount curbs or maneuver through rough, Facility Type A – Signed Shared
narrow, or steep surfaces; therefore, Roadways: Type A Cyclists will use all
provision must be accounted for in the legally open streets for transportation
design process. purposes. Many of the streets and roads will
have hazards to cyclists that are not
It is expected that all design solutions for considered to be hazardous to motorists,
recommendations in this plan will be these include streets that have drainage
consistent with ADA standards. The FHWA grates, bridge expansion joints, railroad
publication, Designing Sidewalks and Trails crossings, rough pavement, and signal
for Access: Best Practices Design Guide timing designed with only motorists in
offers many details that cater to Pedestrians mind. An opportunity to provide preferred
with Disabilities. Guidelines in this routes for cyclists, with
publication will prove helpful and should be relatively little
considered on every facility proposed in this financial infusion is the
plan. Signed Shared
Roadway. The physical
5.1.2 Facility Descriptions improvements to an
existing road or street
The facilities described below are ideal may include bicycle-
designs, based on best practices. AASHTO’s safe drainage grates
Guide for the Development of Bicycle and bridge expansion
Facilities, 1999, encourages many of the joints, improved railroad crossings, smooth
elements in the bicycle facilities. These pavements, and signal timing and detector
guidelines have been tailored to meet systems that respond to bicycles.
conditions within the Forsyth County area. It
should be noted that guidelines and best Once these types of improvements are made,
the route should be signed, both to alert
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
43
motorists that bicycles are likely to be
sharing a travel lane and to direct cyclists 1. Wide Outside Lane: A way to provide
that the signed route has advantages over more maneuvering room is to provide
other routes. Directional signage is also increased lane width. Lanes wider than
encouraged. Destination arrows can be twelve feet can better accommodate both
added to sign poles to help cyclists bicycles and motor vehicles in the same
maneuver through the safest routes to and lane. Providing a wider curb lane may allow
from major destinations. motorists to pass a cyclist without changing
lanes. This option still requires safety and
In a Signed Shared Roadway facility, the directional signage and the removal of
cyclist shares a lane with motorized hazards. Wide Outside Lanes can provide a
vehicles. As lane widths will vary, wider cost-effective option for areas where there is
existing lane widths will be one inadequate width for bike lanes, but where
consideration when choosing a route. Slower there is the opportunity to gain additional
speeds are preferred over faster moving width or simply to re-stripe the road.
traffic routes. A relatively low traffic Fourteen feet of useable width is optimal
volume is also desired to minimize the along straight, relatively flat stretches of
potential for conflicts between cyclists and road. Fifteen feet may be desirable in some
motorists. Long sight distances will also be cases, such as where site distance is limited
desirable as cyclists and motorists will be or on steep inclines or where on-street
sharing a lane. parking effectively reduces useable width.
Many examples of this type of facility can As important as it is to
be found in the Metro Atlanta area. For provide continuity within
example, the Stone Mountain to Atlanta path the bicycle system, long,
has several sections of Signed Shared uninterrupted stretches of
Roadways, which, due to the high traffic wide curb lane may be
volume and speed, are more appropriate for improperly used as two
a Type A Cyclist. In downtown Powder lanes in congested urban
Springs, Dillard Street is currently being or suburban areas. This
signed to provide part of an important possibility should be
connection between the Silver Comet Trail considered when designing the facility. In
and the historic downtown. In this particular more urban situations where a continuous
case, specimen trees close to the road and lane width of fifteen feet may be available, it
limited right-of-way precluded a more may be more effective to re-stripe the lane to
intensive improvement, but because traffic provide a designated bike lane.
volume and speed are relatively low and
because sight distance is unlimited, a Signed 2. Paved Shoulder: Adding or improving
Shared Roadway with both safety and Paved Shoulders can often be the most
directional signage will serve Type A effective way to provide better bicycling
Cyclists, Type B Cyclists, and Type C facilities, especially in rural areas. Paved
Cyclists with the guidance of adults. Shoulders provide areas where cyclists can
pull off the travel lane if needed, or can ride
Facility Type B – Bicycle Friendly more slowly on steep inclines or sharp
Shoulders: Bicycle friendly shoulders may curves. Paved Shoulders also add safety for
be incorporated into the roadway by either motorists by increasing the durability of the
the addition of wide outside lanes or by travel lane and providing an emergency pull-
striping a paved shoulder to increase safety off area. The additional width can be
for bicycle users and motorists.
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
44
beneficial for improved safety and mobility provide delineated road space for
for both cyclists and motorists. preferential use by bicyclists and therefore
makes their movements more predictable.
Paved Shoulders should be at least four feet Cyclists are more confident that motorists
wide and should not be painted as a bike will not swerve into their travel space.
lane. If guardrails or other roadside hazards Motorists are less likely to swerve out of
exist, then five feet of useable width is their lane while passing a cyclist traveling in
recommended. The edge of the pavement a designated bike lane.
should be well maintained to avoid hazards
that would minimize the available useable Bike Lanes should always be one-way
width. Care should be taken to keep debris facilities and should travel in the same
off Paved Shoulders, as gravel and leaves direction as vehicular traffic. Bike Lanes
often accumulate on these types of facilities. should be placed to the right of the vehicular
lanes. Where on-street parking exists, the
Facility Type C – Bike Lane: The County Bike Lane should be located between the
should consider the user when incorporating travel lane and parking lane. The desired
either of these types of facilities. The Bike width will vary depending on the exact
Lane/Sidewalk should be used where more situation, but generally four feet of useable
non-motorized transportation is encouraged. width will be sufficient. Gutter width should
Bike lanes are sufficient in those areas not be considered a part of the required four-
where pedestrian use is more likely to be foot width. If on-street parking, guardrails,
discouraged. or other roadside hazards are present, Bike
Lanes should be five feet wide.
1. Bike Lane/Sidewalk: The combination of
bike lanes and sidewalks is often desirable Bike Lanes are most successful if they are
for corridors where non-motorized continuous. Their presence encourages
transportation options are specifically bicycle traffic. Many Type B Cyclists who
encouraged. Often, would otherwise be intimidated to attempt a
through an urban setting, ride on a heavily traveled street or road will
bike lanes and sidewalks be much more likely to use a facility that
will be parallel. It is includes Bike Lanes. In many instances
important to provide throughout the Metro Atlanta area, bike
both vertical and lanes stop when the road narrows, has steep
horizontal separation inclines, or approaches an intersection.
between motorists and When cyclists need the most protection and
pedestrians. The bike direction, and when predictability is the
lane helps to provide most vulnerable, they are all too often left to
horizontal separation, and a two-foot their own resources on an unimproved
vegetated strip and six-inch curb help to vehicular travel lane. Bicycle Lanes that are
separate pedestrians from cyclists. Since a not continuous may be more dangerous than
more limited vegetated strip is required, providing no bicycle facilities at all.
streetlights, signage, and amenities can
appear directly behind the walk, as space Intersection designs should always
allows. accommodate bike lanes. AASHTO’s Guide
for the Development of Bicycle Facilities
2. Bike Lane: It may be desirable to (1999) provides adequate design guidelines
incorporate Bike Lanes into a roadway to accommodate individual intersection
design in urban areas or where bicycle use is designs.
expected to be more frequent. Bike Lanes
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
45
Facility Type D – Interior Sidewalk: recommended as a minimum in urban
Town centers are candidates for the urban conditions. Wider clear zones will be
sidewalk, which provides physical necessary on particularly busy streets and
separation between the active roadways and may be desired for aesthetic considerations.
pedestrian areas but also allows quick access A four-foot amenity zone is recommended
between parking and sidewalks. The for most situations. Six-inch curbs are
neighborhood sidewalk creates a greater recommended in all cases to provide for
physical separation between roadway and vertical separation from travel and/or
sidewalk in areas where access to the street parking lanes. There are areas within the
is less a necessity. Metro Atlanta area where existing
conditions will not allow for the ten-foot
1. Urban Sidewalk: While AASHTO does combination of pedestrian and amenity
not currently provide design guidelines for zones. In these instances, as much room as
sidewalks, it is necessary to develop possible should be allocated for sidewalks
standards for the safety of pedestrians. and a narrowed amenity zone and a
Urban conditions exist in many places minimum five-foot clear zone should still be
throughout the Metro Atlanta Area. Most provided.
town centers have areas that will require a
design similar to the Urban Sidewalk. 2. Neighborhood Sidewalk: Many areas
Pedestrian facilities should provide as much within Forsyth County
separation from vehicular traffic as possible. can accommodate
This is important for both motorists and pedestrians with the
pedestrians. As pedestrians are not insulated Neighborhood Sidewalk.
from weather, amenities such as shade trees As with the Urban
are desirable whenever possible. Safety can Sidewalk, maximum
be significantly enhanced with pedestrian vertical and horizontal
lighting. Amenities such as trash separation are still
receptacles, directional signage, streetlights recommended. Because
and benches enhance both a pedestrian there is less need to
safety and experience. ADA standards such access the sidewalk from a parking lane or
as handicapped ramps should be provided in travel lane, a four-foot vegetated amenity
all cases. zone will accommodate utilities and
amenities. The pedestrian clear zone is
The Urban Sidewalk Typical Section recommended to be a minimum of five feet
attempts to achieve these goals. Pedestrians in width. There will be areas where the need
occasionally need to access the sidewalk will dictate a wider pedestrian clear zone. In
from the parking lane or even from the areas where space is limited, the vegetated
travel lane on quiet streets. Therefore, a amenity zone can be limited to a minimum
paved and textured ‘amenity zone’ should be of two feet. In instances where the amenity
provided to allow horizontal separation from zone is only two feet wide, trees should not
vehicles. The amenity zone also allows be included and a more creative and site
room for utilities such as fire hydrants, specific solution for providing shade trees
utility poles, and street signs and amenities will be required. All sidewalks must meet
such as trash receptacles, benches, and minimum ADA requirements.
directional signage without compromising
the clear path for pedestrians. Facility Type E – Multi-use path/arterial
sidewalk: There are situations in Forsyth
The widths for pedestrian clear zones will County where it may be necessary to
vary depending on need. Six feet is provide connections between bicycle
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
46
facilities along high speed or heavily connections between major destinations,
traveled roadways having inadequate space such as schools and neighborhoods, and can
for bicyclists. In limited locations, which are serve as a regional off-road corridor linking
uninterrupted by driveways and intersections pedestrian and bicycle networks in towns
for long distances, it may be acceptable to and cities, forming a safer and more
provide a wide sidewalk that can be used for comprehensive regional network.
both bicycles and pedestrians. Since this
facility is off-road, bicycle traffic can occur Because Shared Use Paths do not share the
in both directions. Pedestrians and cyclists right-of-way with vehicular traffic and often
can use the same facility similar to the way a cross streets at grade separations, they are
shared use path is used. ideal for all types of users. Children and
adults alike can use Shared Use Paths for
One side of the travel transportation with little fear of vehicular
corridor should be a conflicts. Type A Cyclists often prefer to
wide sidewalk, which avoid Shared Use Paths in favor of more
allows bicycle use. The direct, on-street routes, which are currently
other side of the corridor available. Shared Use Paths generally serve
should contain a five- the bulk of the general population who
foot sidewalk and be require safer, less congested routes for
used for pedestrians cycling and walking. In most instances
only. Safety signage Shared Use Paths should be paved. The
should be posted to limit minimum width that will accommodate both
conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists cyclists and pedestrians traveling in two
using this type of facility. This type of directions is eight feet. By providing better
facility has many opportunities for conflicts separation between users and making
between vehicles and bicycles and bicycles passing easier, ten feet is the recommended
and pedestrians. Therefore, all other options, minimum width for Shared Use Paths. These
including alternate routes, should be paths can also be wider, if a high amount of
considered before planning a wide sidewalk use is anticipated. While it is recommended
used for bicycles and pedestrians. Consult that Shared Use Paths be paved with either
AASHTO’s Guide for Development of concrete or asphalt, it is
Bicycle Facilities for more information and possible to construct a
other design considerations. successful path that is
not paved. The National
Facility Type F – Shared Use Path: Park Service no longer
Opportunities to provide transportation allows any kind of hard
options that can serve all non-motorized pavement in their
populations exist in the form of Shared Use facilities. Often, National
Paths. This type of facility is typically Parks provide land for
located on an exclusive right-of-way such as important, off-road
an abandoned rail corridor, utility connections. For
easements, or along rivers, streams, and instance, the Chattahoochee River National
lakes. Shared Use Paths have many Recreation Area at Powers Ferry is a gravel
commonly used names, such as mixed-use facility up to thirty-foot wide in some
path, trail, and off-road facility. All types of locations. The path follows the
cyclists and all types of pedestrians use Chattahoochee River and is very well used
Shared Use Paths. They can provide short by the public. Although this particular path
cuts through residential neighborhoods by is primarily used for recreation, it links
connecting cul-de-sac streets, act as neighborhoods that are remote by the road
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
47
system and can be used to facilitate non- outlined above and illustrated in Appendix
motorized transportation. Also, the wide, A serve as ideal designs in ideal situations.
unpaved path easily accommodates Every travel corridor will have its own
numerous representatives of every type of constraints and opportunities. It is important
user. to use judgment and creativity in increasing
safety and ease of mobility for all types of
5.1.3 Motorist/Pedestrian Conflicts cyclists and pedestrians.
Pedestrians and motorists conflict most 5.1.4 Congestion Analysis
often when pedestrians attempt to cross a
street. Unsignalized intersections on high Federal legislation requires that MPOs
speed, multi-lane streets are common prepare Congestion Management Systems
throughout Metro Atlanta and pose serious (CMS). The adjacent MPO, ARC, has an
risk for pedestrians. Marked crosswalks adopted CMS. Because the GMRDC is not
need to be supplemented by medians, refuge an MPO they are not required to prepare a
islands, overhead signs and/or lights, bulb- CMS. However, the basic purpose of a
outs, and/or pedestrian activated signals. congestion management system is to
Pedestrian signage can help motorists know identify congested corridors, identify the
that there are pedestrians needing to cross causes of congestion, and recommend
streets. School zones should always be potential solutions or mitigation strategies to
signed as such. Since there is likely to be an relieve the congestion based on the causes.
increase in pedestrian activity at and near In many established congestion management
schools, crossings near these locations systems, bicycle and pedestrian facilities are
should be as visible and safely designed as considered potential mitigation strategies.
possible. Although Forsyth County nor the GMRDC
are required to prepare a CMS, the County
Several road design practices can help expressed an interest in analyzing the
increase pedestrian safety. While travel lane current congestion levels on their roadway
design is out of the scope of the bicycle and in relation to the proposed Bicycle and
pedestrian plan, several key points should be Pedestrian Plan. Recommendations were
noted. Traffic calming can be an important prepared that coordinated proposed bicycle
addition to pedestrian safety, especially for and pedestrian facilities with identified
Child Pedestrians. Lane widths of eleven- congested roadways. Moreover, the
feet should be implemented where possible congestion analysis helped to refine and
on local and neighborhood streets, to reduce prioritize the alternative facilities identified
the speed of motorized travel and reduce the in the plan.
length of the pedestrian crossing. Access
points to businesses should utilize shared Traffic congestion results from a need for
curb-cuts to minimize potential conflict additional capacity on a roadway, which can
points between motorists and pedestrians. be influenced by many factors. The
The sidewalk’s paving pattern should cross identification of these factors is important
curb cuts and driveway aprons to give a for the purpose of providing congestion
more continuous surface for pedestrians and mitigation measures. Congestion mitigation
to provide a visual reminder to motorists comes in many different forms, with bicycle
that they are crossing a pedestrian route. and pedestrian facilities being an identified
congestion mitigation strategy. Including
There is no single facility or facility type bicycle and pedestrian projects as a
that will work for every user and every congestion relief strategy along with
existing site condition. The best practices proposed improvements along congested
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
48
corridors will help to improve the roadways that are targeted for driveway
effectiveness of Forsyth’s improvement curb-cut closures.
strategies.
Signal timing coordination is another source
Causes of Congestion in Forsyth County of congestion that relates to bicycle and
Several specific causes of congestion are pedestrian issues. Signal timing
pertinent to bicycle and pedestrian issues: improvements should include pedestrian
• Heavy vehicle volumes; signal/crossing improvements and possibly
• Heavy peak period volumes; signal detection devices for bicycle
• Heavy intersection volumes; crossings at intersections.
• Heavy pedestrian volumes;
• Too many driveways; Another frequent cause of congestion
• Poor signal timing coordination; and involves poor intersection geometrics. An
intersection with poor geometrics is not only
• Poor intersection geometrics.
a safety hazard for vehicles, but also for
pedestrians. Future intersection
Heavy vehicle volumes, peak volumes and
improvements should address ADA
intersection volumes are found in the
standards, pedestrian signals and crossings.
southern and eastern portion of Forsyth
County where residential and commercial
development continues to expand. The Possible Congestion Mitigation Strategies
Congestion mitigation strategies can be
roadways serving these areas were designed
grouped into four categories. These are trip
to service mainly rural needs and their
elimination strategies, trip reduction
improvement has not kept pace with the fast
strategies, existing system optimization and
growing County. Typically, experienced
capacity addition strategies. With guidance
cyclists use roads with heavy vehicle
from the ARC’s CMS, these strategies were
volumes as they provide the most direct
evaluated regarding the strategy’s potential
routes from origins and destinations.
impact on mobility. In this analysis,
Therefore, facilities such as bicycle friendly
required data was identified to measure the
shoulders and bike lanes should be
strategy’s impact in the future.
accommodated along these roadways. At
intersections with heavy vehicle volumes,
pedestrian improvements should be Trip Elimination Strategies
considered. Trip elimination strategies include
modifications to the land use mix and site
Heavy pedestrian volumes are typically design. Under site design, provision of
found within the vicinity of major activity inter-connecting sidewalks between offices
centers, such as the City of Cumming, and commercial areas can be identified as a
schools and parks. The identification of strategy. In combination with a strategy to
these areas was used to prioritize sidewalk provide inter-parcel access, this approach
facilities and pedestrian crossings. has the potential to impact or reduce trips by
3%. Data required to measure this impact
Roads with multiple driveways not only includes accident rates and intersection
contribute to traffic congestion but also volumes. For shorter trips, bicycle and
present an unfriendly pedestrian pedestrian facilities should be included as a
environment. A possible solution to this potential trip elimination strategy.
type of congestion can have a positive
impact both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
For instance, sidewalk construction projects
can be implemented along major arterial
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
49
Trip Reduction Strategies can be considered as an alternative to
Trip reduction strategies include preferential congested facilities if they are somewhat
treatment strategies, administrative measures direct and connect origins and destinations.
and economic measures. Under preferential
treatment, provision of bicycle and Definition of Congestion in Forsyth
pedestrian facilities and the provision of County - As previously stated, Forsyth
bicycle access to transit were included as County does not currently have a CMS.
potential trip reduction strategies. Provision Such a system would allow the county to
of bicycle/pedestrian facilities has a 0.2% identify roadway facilities that are deficient.
potential reduction in trips and bicycle In order to generally define congestion in
access to transit had no impact as a stand- Forsyth County, capacity thresholds for each
alone strategy. Required data to measure facility type in a roadway network must be
this impact includes bicycle/pedestrian identified. The general facility types
counts. analyzed for this study are presented in
Figure 2. These facility types include a
Existing System Optimization Strategies freeway, major arterials, minor arterials and
These strategies include ATMS technology collectors.
application, freeway management, access
management, traffic signalization and For the purposes of this study, congestion
intersection geometric improvements. From will be identified based on the current level
the analysis with respect to causes of of service (LOS) associated with the major
congestion and their relationship to bicycle transportation network in Forsyth County.
and pedestrian issues, sidewalk construction The LOS of a roadway is a qualitative
should be added as a strategy under access measure of the road user’s perception of
management in conjunction with closing traffic flow. The letters A through E
driveways. Pedestrian signals/crossing and represent the LOS of a transportation
ADA improvements should be added as a facility. The letter “A” represents the most
strategy under intersection geometric favorable driving conditions, while the letter
improvements and bicycle and pedestrian “E” represents a congested facility. A
signal improvements should also be added generalized LOS table, presented as Table 1,
under traffic signalization strategies. helps to explain the definitions of LOS in
terms of capacity. The LOS of a facility in
Capacity Addition Strategies this analysis was based on the facility type
This strategy includes building new and its associated average daily traffic
roadways, roadway widening and provision (ADT). There was no attempt to forecast
of more bus and rail service. Bicycle and congestion levels in the future. The
pedestrian provisions should be included in County’s CTP performed an analysis of
roadway and transit capacity projects. future travel demand on County roadways.
The current congestion analysis provides a
In terms of strategic planning for the Bicycle snapshot of current congestion levels to
and Pedestrian Plan, it is also important to assist in the development of the Bicycle and
identify non-congested parallel facilities that Pedestrian Plan.
are direct links between origins and
destinations. These facilities are important The current snapshot of congestion was
to identify since they can be considered validated with information provided in the
attractive direct alternate routes for the County’s CTP existing conditions analysis.
bicyclist. For example, greenway corridors
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
50
Table 1
Generalized Level of Service2
Facility Type Levels of Service Volumes
Freeway A B C D E
4 lanes 20,900 32,800 49,200 62,600 74,500
6 lanes 32,100 50,400 75,600 96,200 114,500
8 lanes 43,800 68,800 103,200 131,300 156,300
10 lanes 54,700 86,000 129,000 164,200 195,400
Major Arterials
2 undivided - 10,800 15,600 16,600 16,600
4 divided - 23,500 33,200 35,000 35,000
6 divided - 35,800 49,900 52,500 52,500
Minor Arterials
2 undivided - - 9,900 14,900 16,200
4 divided - - 22,900 32,500 34,300
6 divided - - 35,500 48,900 51,700
Collectors
2 undivided - - 8,600 14,600 16,000
4 divided - - 19,800 31,700 33,900
6 divided - - 30,800 47,800 51,000
Local Streets
2 undivided - - 4,800 10,900 11,900
4 divided - - 11,600 23,800 25,400
Note: Blank lines indicate that the level of service cannot be obtained on a corridor basis.
Congested Facilities adequate roadway system. The most
The ADT counts that were collected by congested roadways include Georgia State
GDOT along Forsyth County roads for the Route 400 (GA 400), McFarland Road, State
year 2000 are presented in Figure 3. These Route 20 (SR 20), McGinnis Ferry Road and
counts were obtained from an online a portion of State Route 9 (SR 9). The
database of traffic count coverage’s that is analysis results are displayed in Figure 4.
produced by GDOT for each county in the
State. The congestion analysis for this study As indicated above, a generalized LOS “E”
only included the major roadways within represents a congested facility. Roadways
Forsyth County. The consultant identified identified in Table 2 were identified as
the congested roadways by applying a LOS currently congested for the purposes of this
to the analyzed segments. Most of the analysis. Table 2 also identifies the
congested traffic is located in the southern proposed improvements in various plans to
portion of Forsyth County, with the address the congestion. The Proposed
exception of Browns Bridge Road in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan improvements,
northeast portion of the county. Otherwise, and specific type of improvements, were
the northern portion of the county has an coordinated with the planned roadway
projects.
2
1998 Level of Service Handbook, Florida Department of Transportation
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
51
Table 2
Planned Transportation Projects for Congested Roadways
Type of
Project Source Location From/To
Improvement
Browns Bridge Gravitt Rd. to Hall County Widen from 2/3 to 4
II-3 CTP
Road Line lanes
Keith Bridge Widen from 2 to 4
I-12 CTP GA 400 to Dawsonville Hwy.
Road lanes
Keith Bridge
II-12 CTP Spot Rd. to GA 400 Extension
Road
FT
RTP GA 400 GA 400 @ McFarland Rd. Bridge Construction
007A
Interchange
FT 011 RTP GA 400 GA 400 @ SR 20
Reconstruction
Interchange
I-30 CTP GA 400 GA 400 @ McFarland Rd.
Replacement
McFarland Rd. to Browns Widen from 4 to 6
II-10 CTP GA 400
Bridge Rd. lanes
Fulton County Line to Widen from 4 to 6
II-11 CTP GA 400
McFarland Rd. lanes with HOV
McFarland Rd. to Browns Widen from 4 to 6
III-6 CTP GA 400
Bridge Rd. lanes
Browns Bridge Rd. to Dawson Widen from 4 to 6
III-7 CTP GA 400
County Line lanes
III-14 CTP GA 400 At McGinnis Ferry Rd. New Interchange
III-15 CTP GA 400 At Majors Rd. New Interchange
Widen from 2 to 4
FT 007 RTP McFarland Rd. SR 9 to GA 400
lanes
Widen from 2 to 4
FT 015 RTP McFarland Rd. McGinnis Ferry Rd. to GA 400
lanes
Atlanta Hwy. To Union Hill Widen from 2 to 4
I-20 CTP McFarland Rd.
Rd. lanes
Union Hill Rd. to McGinnis Widen from 2 to 6
I-21 CTP McFarland Rd.
Ferry Rd. lanes
Union Hill Rd. to Atlanta Widen from 4 to 6
III-12 CTP McFarland Rd.
Hwy. lanes
Widen from 2 to 4
FT 004 RTP SR 20 From GA 400 to Samples Rd.
lanes
From 0.5 miles north of
Widen from 2 to 4
FT 006 RTP SR 20 Greenwood Acres Dr. to Kelly
lanes
Mill Rd.
Gwinnett County Line to Widen from 2/3 to 4
I-6 CTP SR 20
Samples Rd. lanes
Widen from 2/5 to 6
I-7 CTP SR 20 Samples Rd. to Atlanta Hwy..
lanes
Kelly Mill Rd. to Doc Sams Widen from 2/3 to 4
I-8 CTP SR 20
Rd. lanes
I-29 CTP SR 20 @ GA 400 Interchange Replacement n/a
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
52
GA 400 to Gwinnett County Widen from 4 to 6
II-4 CTP SR 20
Line lanes
Cherokee County Line to Doc Widen from 2/3 to 4
II-5 CTP SR 20
Sams Rd. lanes
Widen from 4 to 6
II-6 CTP SR 20 Spot Rd. to Kelley Mill Rd.
lanes
Type of
Project Source Location From/To
Improvement
Cherokee County line to north Widen from 4 to 6
III-2 CTP SR 20
of Spot Rd. lanes
Widen from 2 to 4
FT 001 RTP SR 9 SR 141 to SR 20
lanes
Widen from 2 to 4
FT 009 RTP SR 9 SR 20 to SR 306
lanes
FT Widen from 2 to 4
RTP SR 9 McFarland Rd. to SR 371
023A lanes
FT Widen from 2 to 4
RTP SR 9 SR 371 to SR 141
023B lanes
McFarland Rd. to Mullinax Widen from 2 to 4
I-1 CTP SR 9
Rd. lanes
Widen from 2/3 to 4
I-2 CTP SR 9 Mullinax Rd. to Maple St.
lanes
Widen from 2 to 4
I-10 CTP SR 9 Main St. to Dunn Rd.
lanes
McGinnis Ferry Gwinnett Co. line to Cherokee Widen from 2 to 4
I-22 CTP
Road County line lanes
Cherokee County Line to Widen from 2 to 4
II-1 CTP SR 9
McFarland Rd. lanes
McGinnis Ferry McFarland Road to Widen from 4 to 6
II-18 CTP
Road Brookwood Road lanes
Dunn Rd. to Browns Bridge Widen from 2 to 4
II-7 CTP SR 9
Rd. lanes
McGinnis Ferry Brookwood Road to Gwinnett Widen from 4 to 6
III-13 CTP
Road Co. line lanes
McFarland Rd. to Mullinax Widen from 4 to 6
III-1 CTP SR 9
Rd. lanes
Browns Bridge Road is a two-lane major Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan proposes multi-
arterial that is congested from Keith Bridge use paths and sidewalks along these roads.
Road to approximately Little Mill Road.
Additional capacity has been recommended GA 400 is a deficient roadway as it enters
for this facility in the CTP, with the Forsyth County from the south and improves
proposed improvement being a four-lane as it extends north. Additional capacity is
facility. Keith Bridge Road is also being planned along this state highway and
congested within this area from Browns there are various interchange improvements
Bridge Road to GA 400 and the CTP that are planned or are under construction.
recommends additional capacity. The The Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
53
recommends a parallel multi-use path, As traffic volumes in Forsyth County
possibly, following utility easements. increase, the need for both safety and
Pedestrian improvements are recommended capacity becomes apparent. Elements from
at the interchange crossings. the Proposed Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan
have been strategically placed in areas help
McFarland Road is a deficient roadway to relieve traffic congestion. Forsyth
north of GA 400. This roadway is a major County currently does not have a transit
arterial with termini at McGinnis Ferry Road system and there are not any rail
and SR 9. North of GA 400, the average connections. However, park and ride lots
daily traffic count is 21,848 vehicles per day are being proposed at certain GA 400
(vpd). This roadway is a two-lane facility interchanges and discussions are underway
from McGinnis Ferry Road to Union Hill with the Georgia Regional Transportation
Road, which at this point, turns into a four- Authority (GRTA) to improve certain
lane facility. Additional capacity is being arterials for potential use of buses.
planned for this roadway in the CTP that Additionally, GRTA is proposing to operate
proposes for the facility to be a six-lane express buses along GA 400 from proposed
roadway. Bicycle friendly shoulders and park and ride lots to MARTA stations.
sidewalks are recommended along this Proposed bicycle and pedestrian
roadway. improvements have been coordinated with
these efforts in order to maximize the
Currently, SR 20 in Forsyth County has a potential use of transit in Forsyth County.
variable number of lanes. However, the
arterial is predominately a two-lane state Direct improvements from the Proposed
highway. This facility is congested south of Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan include
GA 400. Both the CTP and the Regional projects, such as the addition of bicycle
Transportation Plan have numerous roadway friendly shoulders to a congested roadway.
projects for this facility that will add This type of improvement can be seen on SR
additional capacity. Sidewalk 141, which has a LOS “D” south of Old
improvements are recommended along this Alpharetta Hwy. An indirect improvement
roadway. to a congested corridor can be seen through
the use of greenways that connect the
McGinnis Ferry Road is a two lane facility county’s park system or in the multi-use
that serves Forsyth, Fulton and Gwinnett path that runs parallel to the GA 400
County traffic. It is considered a major east- corridor. Each of these improvements is
west regional corridor. The road is intended to compliment each other and offer
congested from the Gwinnett County line to the citizens of Forsyth with alternate modes
McFarland Road. Provisions to widen the of transportation.
roadway are in the County’s CTP. A
proposed multi-use path is being designed A comparison of the proposed bicycle and
along with the roadway improvement. pedestrian improvements with the planned
transportation projects ensures maximum
Lastly, SR 9 is congested as it enters Forsyth performance from a system wide congestion
County from the west. The average daily relief program. Coordination of these
traffic count north of McFarland Road is efforts is essential for an efficient
22,000 vehicles. Provisions for additional transportation system and for future long
capacity along this facility have been range planning efforts.
provided in the CTP. Bicycle friendly
shoulders are recommended along this
facility.
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
54
Integrating the Congestion Analysis with etc. Use bicycle and pedestrian
the Proposed Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan information to quantify bicycle and
Update - Based on the analysis that has pedestrian benefits in the Bicycle
been prepared for Forsyth County and its and Pedestrian Plan update.
relationship to the Proposed Bicycle and
Pedestrian Plan, the following additional
strategies were recommended and included
in Section 4 (Goals, Objectives and
Strategies. These strategies ill strengthen
the relationship between the transportation
and the bicycle and pedestrian needs of the
residents:
1. In the Bicycle and Pedestrian
strategic planning process, consider
sidewalk projects along congested
corridors with “too many driveways”
in combination with
origin/destination information.
2. Include a strategy in the Bicycle and
Pedestrian plan that requires bicycle
friendly signal timing/detection
improvements along congested
corridors with signal timing
problems that are also identified as
suitable for bicycling in the
suitability analysis.
3. Consider pedestrian signal and
pedestrian crossing improvements
for corridors that are experiencing
signal timing and poor intersection
geometric problems.
4. Include a strategy in the Bicycle and
Pedestrian plan that requires
intersection improvement projects
that rectify congested intersection
geometric problems to include
bicycle and pedestrian design
elements.
5. Include the provision of bicycle
facilities as a potential trip
elimination strategy in future
congestion analysis and updates to
the Comprehensive Transportation
Plan.
6. Include data collection regarding
bicycle and pedestrian in future
congestion data collection efforts,
i.e., bike counts, pedestrian counts,
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
55
Section 6. Plan Recommendations These estimates are construction costs only and do not include
engineering or right-of-way. The facilities are identified by facility
The following are the specific facilities recommended in the 2025 type and by priority.
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways
Plan.
BIKE/PED PROJECTS
By Facility Type
PROPOSED GREENWAY
Preliminary Approximate
Road Name: Area Description: Facility Description:
Estimate of Cost: Linear Feet:
Big Creek Extension Phase I Park off of Hwy 9 to McGinnis Ferry 10'-12' Shared-Use Path $4,200,000 21,000'
Big Creek Extension Phase II Atlanta Hwy to Majors 10'-12' Shared-Use Path $1,400,000 7,000'
Cherokee Co. Border to Dawson
Etowah Greenway Extension 10'-12' Shared-Use Path $6,200,000 31,000'
Co. Border
Pooles Mill Park to Swanee
Sawnee Mountain Greenway 10'-12' Shared-Use Path $9,000,000 45,000'
Mountain Park
Chattahoochee River Buford Dam Road to McGinnis Ferry 10'-12' Shared-Use Path $10,000,000 50,000'
TOTAL GREENWAY: $30,800,000 154,000'
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
56
MULTI-USE PATH
Preliminary Approximate
Road Name: Area Description: Facility Description:
Estimate of Cost: Linear Feet:
Hwy 371 Kelly Mill to Atlanta Hwy 8'-10' Walk/Bikeway $4,200,000 21,000'
Chattahoochee River to Old
McGinnis Ferry 8’-10’ Walk/Bikeway $8,900,000 44,500'
Alpharetta
Hwy 400 McGinnis Ferry to Buford Hwy 8’-10’ Walk/Bikeway $9,000,000 45,000'
Browns Bridge Keith Bridge to Waldrip Circle 8’-10’ Walk/Bikeway $6,400,000 32,000'
Keith Bridge Waldrip to Browns Bridge 8’-10’ Walk/Bikeway $6,800,000 34,000'
TOTAL MULTI-USE PATH: $35,300,000 176,500'
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
57
SIDEWALKS
Preliminary Approximate
Road Name: Area Description: Facility Description:
Estimate of Cost: Linear Feet:
Canton Road Bethelview to City Limits 5' Concrete Walk $1,072,500 16,500'
Ridgefield and Shiloh East Loop around back to McFarland 5' Concrete Walk $1,235,,000 19,000'
James Burgess Old Atlanta to River Mist 5' Concrete Walk $910,000 14,000'
Haw Creek Old Atlanta to Buford Hwy 5' Concrete Walk $520,000 8,000'
Gilbert Road Old Atlanta to Trammel 5' Concrete Walk $390,000 6,000'
Trammel Buford Hwy to Old Atlanta 5' Concrete Walk $1,300,000 20,000'
Buford Hwy Tribble Gap to Chamonix Drive 5' Concrete Walk $1,365,000 21,000'
Echols Buford Hwy to Hudgins 5' Concrete Walk $396,500 6,100'
Hudgins Buford Hwy to New College Way 5' Concrete Walk $390,000 6,000'
Fairway Buford Hwy to School 5' Concrete Walk $325,000 5,000'
Buford Dam Road Sanders to Chattahoochee River 5' Concrete Walk $1,365,000 21,000'
Pilgrim Mill City Limits to Tidwell Park 5' Concrete Walk $1,683,500 25,900'
Browns Bridge Keith Bridge to Hendrix 5' Concrete Walk $1,235,000 19,000'
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
58
McFarland Jones to GA 400 5' Concrete Walk $195,000 3,000'
Hwy 141 to City Limits and Market Place
New Proposed Access Road
Blvd.
5' Concrete Walk $1,495,000 23,000'
Bald Ridge Marina Exit Bridge 5' Concrete Walk $45,500 700'
Dahlonega Hwy Rte 9 to proposed Pilgrim Mill Access Road 5' Concrete Walk $390,000 6,000'
Castleberry Rte 9 to Bethelview 5' Concrete Walk $637,000 9,800'
Peachtree Pkwy Mathis Airport to McGinnis Ferry 5' Concrete Walk $487,500 7,500'
Proposed Pilgrim Mill Access
Pilgrim Mill to Browns Bridge 5' Concrete Walk $731,250 11,250'
Road
Peachtree Pkwy to Fulton County
Brookwood 5' Concrete Walk $364,000 5,600'
Border
Hwy 141 Majors to Mathis Airport 5' Concrete Walk $845,000 13,000'
Poole Mill Park to Etowah River
Pooles Mill Link 5' Concrete Walk $455,000 7,000'
Greenway
Bethelview Canton Hwy to Majors 5' Concrete Walk $2,600,000 40,000'
TOTAL SIDEWALK: $20,432,750 314,350'
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
59
Bicycle Friendly Shoulder
Approximate Linear
Road Name: Area Description: Facility Description: Preliminary Estimate of Cost:
Feet:
Atlanta Hwy Hwy 371 to Bethelview Additional Shoulder Width $804,000 20,100'
Sharon Hwy 141 to Old Atlanta Additional Shoulder Width $224,000 5,600'
Bluegrass Lakes Pkwy to
Jones Additional Shoulder Width $200,000 5,000'
Dalesford Drive
McFarland GA 400 to McGinnis Ferry Additional Shoulder Width $204,000 5,100'
Old Atlanta Road Brannon to Haw Creek Additional Shoulder Width $400,000 10,000'
Proposed Access Road to Tidwell
Pilgrim Mill Additional Shoulder Width $676,000 16,900'
Park
Waldrep Keith Bridge to Browns Bridge Additional Shoulder Width $800,000 20,000'
TOTAL BICYCLE
$3,308,000 82,700'
SHOULDERS:
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
60
Signed Shared Roadway
Approximate
Project Name: Area Description: Facility Description: Preliminary Estimate of Cost:
Linear Feet:
Kelly Mill to Cherokee County
Bentley Trail
Border
Bicycle Traffic Signage $26,000 26,000'
Cherokee County Border to City
Kelly Mill Trail
limits
Bicycle Traffic Signage $35,200 35,200'
City Limits to Karr to John Burris
Northern Trail to Elmo to Westray to Dawson Bicycle Traffic Signage $50,000 50,000'
County
Holbrook - Karr Link Burnt Bridge to John Burruss Bicycle Traffic Signage $13,000 13,000'
Pleasant Grove to Watson to
Western Loop Heardsville to Hurt Bridge to Bicycle Traffic Signage $55,000 55,000'
Holbrook
Burnt Bridge to Wallace Tatum to
Harris Drive - Burnt Bridge Link Whitmire to Mount Taber to Bicycle Traffic Signage $40,000 40,000'
Harris
Hendrix to 369 to Hubert Mathis
Govan - Hendrix Link
to Riley to Dawson County
Bicycle Traffic Signage $39,500 39,500'
Tribble Trail Watson to Kelly Mill Bicycle Traffic Signage $16,900 16,900'
Bettis Tribble Gap to Dahlonega
Spot Trail
Hwy
Bicycle Traffic Signage $17,500 17,500'
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
61
Heardsville Circle Heardsville Circle Bicycle Traffic Signage $10,000 10,000'
TOTAL SIGNED SHARED
$303,100 303,100'
ROAD:
Pedestrian Crossing
Project Name: Facility Description: Preliminary Estimate of Cost:
Pedestrian Signal and
Canton Hwy @ Post $43,000
Crosswalk
Pedestrian Signal and
Canton Hwy @ Bethelview $43,000
Crosswalk
Pedestrian Signal and
Post @ Bentley $43,000
Crosswalk
Pedestrian Signal and
Post @ Majors $43,000
Crosswalk
Pedestrian Signal and
Post @ Dickerson $43,000
Crosswalk
Pedestrian Signal and
Hwy 9 @ Pendley $43,000
Crosswalk
Pedestrian Signal and
Fairway Drive @ Buford Hwy $43,000
Crosswalk
Pedestrian Signal and
James Burgess @ Old Atlanta Road $43,000
Crosswalk
TOTAL PEDESTRIAN
$344,000
CROSSING:
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
62
Preliminary Estimate of Approximate
Cost: Linear Feet:
PROGRAM TOTAL FORSYTH COUNTY $90,487,850 1,030,650'
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
63
These facilities were prioritized based on the potential for feasibility. Short-term projects are those that can be built in a 5-
receiving funding, their ability to be constructed along with a road year time frame. Mid-term projects are those that can be built
project, cost, proximity to high population and employment between 5 and 10 years. Long-term projects are those that are
densities, proximity to destinations such as schools and parks, and anticipated to be constructed beyond the 11 year period.
SHORT-TERM
PROJECTS
(1-5 years)
Preliminary Estimate of
Project Name: Area Description: Facility Description: Approximate Linear Feet:
Cost:
MULTI-USE PATH
Chattahoochee River to Old
McGinnis Ferry Road 8’-10’ Walk/Bikeway $8,900,000 44,500'
Alpharetta
TOTAL: $8,900,000 44,500'
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
64
SIDEWALKS
Tribble Gap to Chamonix
Buford Hwy 5' Concrete Walk $1,365,000 21,000'
Drive
Sanders to Chattahoochee
Buford Dam Road 5' Concrete Walk $1,365,000 21,000'
River
McFarland Road Jones to GA 400 5' Concrete Walk $195,000 3,000'
Bald Ridge Marina Exit Bridge 5' Concrete Walk $45,500 700'
Hwy 141 Majors to Mathis Airport 5' Concrete Walk $845,000 13,000'
Bethelview Road Canton Hwy to Majors 5' Concrete Walk $2,600,000 40,000'
TOTAL: $6,415,500 98,700'
Bicycle Friendly Shoulder
McFarland Road GA 400 to McGinnis Ferry Additional Shoulder Width $204,000 5,100'
Old Atlanta Road Brannon to Haw Creek Additional Shoulder Width $400,000 10,000'
TOTAL: $604,000 15,100'
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
65
Signed Shared Roadway
Cherokee County Border to
Kelly Mill Trail Bicycle Traffic Signage $35,200 35,200'
City limits
City Limits to Karr to John
Northern Trail Burris to Elmo to Westray to Bicycle Traffic Signage $50,000 50,000'
Dawson County
Holbrook - Karr Link Burnt Bridge to John Burruss Bicycle Traffic Signage $13,000 13,000'
Pleasant Grove to Watson to
Western Loop Heardsville to Hurt Bridge to Bicycle Traffic Signage $55,000 55,000'
Holbrook
Burnt Bridge to Wallace Tatum
Harris Drive - Burnt Bridge
to Whitmire to Mount Taber to Bicycle Traffic Signage $40,000 40,000'
Link
Harris
Hendrix to 369 to Hubert
Govan - Hendrix Link Mathis to Riley to Dawson Bicycle Traffic Signage $39,500 39,500'
County
TOTAL: $232,700 232,700'
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
66
Pedestrian Crossing
Pedestrian Signal and
Canton Hwy @ Post Road $43,000
Crosswalk
Pedestrian Signal and
Canton Hwy @ Bethelview Road $43,000
Crosswalk
Pedestrian Signal and
Post Road @ Bentley Road $43,000
Crosswalk
Pedestrian Signal and
Post Road @ Majors Road $43,000
Crosswalk
Pedestrian Signal and
Post Road @ Dickerson Road $43,000
Crosswalk
Pedestrian Signal and
Hwy 9 @ Pendley Road $43,000
Crosswalk
Pedestrian Signal and
Fairway Drive @ Buford Hwy $43,000
Crosswalk
Pedestrian Signal and
James Burgess @ Old Atlanta Road $43,000
Crosswalk
TOTAL: $344,000
Preliminary Estimate of
Approximate Linear Feet:
Cost:
SHORT-TERM PRIORITY PROJECT TOTALS $16,496,200 391,000'
Forsyth County Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways 2025 Plan
67
MID-TERM PROJECTS
(5-10 years)
Preliminary Estimate of
Project Name: Area Description: Facility Description: Approximate Linear Feet:
Cost:
MULTI-USE PATH
Hwy 371 Kelly Mill to Atlanta Hwy 8'-10' Walk/Bikeway $4,200,000 21,000'
TOTAL: $4,200,000 21,000'
SIDEWALKS
Preliminary Estimate of
Road Name: Area Description: Facility Description: Approximate Linear Feet:
Cost:
Canton Road Bethelview to City Limits 5' Concrete Walk $1,072,500 16,500'
Loop around back to
Ridgefield and Shiloh East 5' Concrete Walk $1,235,000 19,000'
McFarland
James Burgess Old Atlanta to River Mist 5' Concrete Walk $910,000 14,000'
Haw Creek Old Atlanta to Buford Hwy 5' Concrete Walk $520,000 8,000'
Trammel Buford Hwy to Old Atlanta 5' Concrete Walk $1,300,000 20,000'
Buford Hwy to New College
Hudgins 5' Concrete Walk $390,000 6,000'
Way
Fairway Buford Hwy to School 5' Concrete Walk $325,000 5,000'
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Pilgrim Mill City Limits to Tidwell Park 5' Concrete Walk $1,683,500 25,900'
Browns Bridge Keith Bridge to Hendrix 5' Concrete Walk $1,235,000 19,000'
Hwy 141 to City Limits and
New Proposed Access Road 5' Concrete Walk $1,495,000 23,000'
Market Place Blvd.
Rte 9 to proposed Pilgrim Mill
Dahlonega Hwy 5' Concrete Walk $390,000 6,000'
Access Road
Mathis Airport to McGinnis
Peachtree Pkwy 5' Concrete Walk $487,500 7,500'
Ferry
Proposed Pilgrim Mill Access
Pilgrim Mill to Browns Bridge 5' Concrete Walk $731,250 11,250'
Road
Peachtree Pkwy to Fulton
Brookwood 5' Concrete Walk $364,000 5,600'
County Border
TOTAL: $12,138,750 186,750'
Bicycle Friendly Shoulder
Preliminary Estimate of
Road Name: Area Description: Facility Description: Approximate Linear Feet:
Cost:
Atlanta Hwy Hwy 371 to Bethelview Additional Shoulder Width $804,000 20,100'
Sharon Road Hwy 141 to Old Atlanta Additional Shoulder Width $224,000 5,600'
Bluegrass Lakes Pkwy to
Jones Road Additional Shoulder Width $200,000 5,000'
Dalesford Drive
TOTAL: $1,228,000 30,700'
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Signed Shared Roadway
Preliminary Estimate of
Project Name: Area Description: Facility Description: Approximate Linear Feet:
Cost:
Kelly Mill to Cherokee County
Bentley Trail Bicycle Traffic Signage $26,000 26,000'
Border
Tribble Trail Watson to Kelly Mill Bicycle Traffic Signage $6,900 16,900'
Bettis Tribble Gap to
Spot Trail Bicycle Traffic Signage $17,500 17,500'
Dahlonega Hwy
TOTAL: $60,400 60,400'
Preliminary Estimate of
Approximate Linear Feet:
Cost:
MID-TERM PRIORITY PROJECT TOTALS $17,627,150 298,850'
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LONG-TERM
PROJECTS
(+11 years)
Preliminary Estimate of
Project Name: Area Description: Facility Description: Approximate Linear Feet:
Cost:
PROPOSED GREENWAY
Park off of Hwy 9 to McGinnis
Big Creek Extension Phase I 10'-12' Shared-Use Path $4,200,000 21,000'
Ferry
Big Creek Extension Phase II Atlanta Hwy to Majors 10'-12' Shared-Use Path $1,400,000 7,000'
Cherokee Co. Border to
Etowah Greenway Extension 10'-12' Shared-Use Path $6,200,000 31,000'
Dawson Co. Border
Pooles Mill Park to Swanee
Sawnee Mountain Greenway 10'-12' Shared-Use Path $9,000,000 45,000'
Mountain Park
Buford Dam Road to McGinnis
Chattahoochee River 10'-12' Shared-Use Path $10,000,000 50,000'
Ferry
TOTAL: $30,800,000 154,000'
MULTI-USE PATH
Hwy 400 McGinnis Ferry to Buford Hwy 8’-10’ Walk/Bikeway $9,000,000 45,000'
Browns Bridge Road Keith Bridge to Waldrip Circle 8’-10’ Walk/Bikeway $6,400,000 32,000'
Keith Bridge Road Waldrip to Browns Bridge 8’-10’ Walk/Bikeway $6,800,000 34,000'
TOTAL: $22,200,000 111,000'
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SIDEWALKS
Gilbert Road Old Atlanta to Trammel 5' Concrete Walk $390,000 6,000'
Echols Buford Hwy to Hudgins 5' Concrete Walk $396,500 6,100'
Castleberry Rte 9 to Bethelview 5' Concrete Walk $637,000 9,800'
Poole Mill Park to Etowah
Pooles Mill Link 5' Concrete Walk $455,000 7,000'
River Greenway
TOTAL: $1,878,500 28,900'
Bicycle Friendly Shoulder
Proposed Access Road to
Pilgrim Mill Additional Shoulder Width $676,000 16,900'
Tidwell Park
Waldrep Keith Bridge to Browns Bridge Additional Shoulder Width $800,000 20,000'
TOTAL: $1,476,000 36,900'
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Signed Shared Roadway
Heardsville Circle Heardsville Circle Bicycle Traffic Signage $10,000 10,000'
TOTAL: $10,000 10,000'
Preliminary Estimate of
Approximate Linear Feet:
Cost:
LONG-TERM PRIORITY PROJECT TOTALS $56,364,500 340,800'
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