Alternative Transportation

PATH Foundation

The PATH / DeKalb partnership has built over 31 miles of greenway trails within DeKalb County.  DeKalb now has more trails than any other county within the state.

PATH trails enhance community spirit and bring neighborhoods together.  Each day, thousands of joggers, walkers, bikers and skaters from all walks of life escape the roads and hit the trails for travel and recreation.  The demand for trails has increased dramatically as citizens look for safer ways to exercise, recreate and reconnect with their neighbors.  PATH trails in DeKalb County include the Stone Mountain, Arabia Mountain, Nancy Creek Trail South River, South Peachtree Trail and South Decatur Trolley.  To learn more, visit the PATH Foundation website.

Safe Routes to School Program

The Safe Routes To School (SRTS) program is part of a national (and international) movement to improve the health and well-being of children in grades K-8, including those with disabilities, by making it safe, convenient and fun to walk or bike to school every day.  DeKalb County Government and the DeKalb County School Board are currently working on incorporating the program’s goals into the Neighborhood Transportation Plan.

Benefits of the program include improved air quality and environment and replacing car trips to help reduce fuel consumption, air pollution and asthma.  Creating safer routes for walking and bicycling, adding sidewalks, traffic calming measures, and increasing education are all ways to increase safety.  Walking enhances the health of children; increased physical activity can combat obesity and diabetes and improve learning.  To learn more, visit the Georgia Safe Routes to School website.

The Clean Air Campaign

The Clean Air Campaign is a not-for-profit organization that works with more than 1,600 Georgia employers, tens of thousands of commuters and more than 300 K-12 schools to encourage actions that result in less traffic congestion and better air quality, such as carpooling, teleworking, vanpooling, taking transit, biking and walking.  The organization partners with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and the region’s transportation management agencies (TMAs) to create Georgia commute options.  The program makes it easy for commuters and employers to access services that reduce drive-alone vehicle trips, including incentive programs, a ride matching service, the Guaranteed Ride Home program, and employer consulting and partnerships.  The Clean Air Campaign also operates the Clean Air Schools program, which empowers students, parents and teachers to play a positive role in reducing traffic and improving air quality through an action-oriented education program.  The Clean Air Campaign also protects public health by distributing Smog Alert notifications.  DeKalb County is exploring partnership opportunities with the Clean Air Campaign.  For information about any of these programs, visit The Clean Air Campaign website.

Sidewalks

There are many benefits that sidewalks provide individuals and communities, including personal enjoyment and fitness, safety and community.  There is a petition process in DeKalb County for the addition of sidewalks to residential streets.  Sidewalks can be constructed with the approval of the owners of 51 percent of the properties abutting the sidewalks.  A sidewalk tax assessment is used to pay for the cost of sidewalk installation.  A cost estimate and petition is available from the DeKalb Public Works, Department of Transportation.  Click here for the Sidewalk District application.