Atlanta is ranked #11 for most dangerous cities for Pedestrians

[testa50]

Originally Posted by arjay57

We basically have the same system here. Our code § 138-14 says:

Damaged sidewalk abutting the right-of-way. When the sidewalk abutting the right-of-way is damaged, it is the obligation of the abutting property owner to repair such sidewalk upon notice from the department of public works. If after receiving such notice, the abutting property owner fails to repair the sidewalk within a reasonable time, the department of public works is authorized to make such repairs and assess the abutting property owner for costs incurred.

Unfortunately, we just have extremely limited money in Atlanta for things like sidewalks and code enforcement.

My understanding is that in Portland there is a small department tasked with walking every stretch of sidewalk in the city every year and notifying people to make repairs. Unfortunately, in Atlanta it would probably be a shock to property owners if you just came around and told them they need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars fixing their sidewalks. Many of them need to be replaced, flat out.

Some of our sidewalks could probably qualify as historically significant, they haven't been repaired in so long.

[tomno00]

Originally Posted by arjay57

It's not like cars are the worst thing ever, though. They're a pretty cool way to get around and they do a superb job of covering that "last mile" that we always look for in transportation solutions.

Cars can certainly be improved but I don't think they're inherently bad.

Cars are not inherently bad, no, but they do cause bad side effects - especially when there is no alternative.

[bu2]

Originally Posted by AcidSnake

I scanned this article earlier this morning by an organization called "Transportation for America". Apparently the south in general has the most dangerous cities for pedestrians.

The most dangerous cities for pedestrians

Just thought I start this conversation off. My hopes is that Atlanta and Georgia's political and business leadership are aware of this situation as well & are judiciously coming up with solutions.

I'm skeptical of this as it adjusts for the number of people walking without explaining how it did that.

But I think there are three main reasons for Atlanta's problems:

1) lack of sidewalks and vegetation adjacent to road in areas w/o sidewalks-forcing people into the road.
2) overconfident pedestrians-Georgia's pedestrian laws are very favorable for walkers-and walkers always seem to think they have right of way and everyone will yield. So many walkers don't even look.
3) Atlanta's horrible arterial road system, meaning nearly every street is a busy street.