Good morning,
Share
this Streetcar safety info with friends and family. A Frequently Asked
Question sheet is attached in addition to the information below.
The most important thing to remember is that electric streetcars are
silent so stay aware and alert for them when traveling in the downtown
Atlanta area.
Robbie Hunter
The Atlanta Streetcars are now
testing during daytime hours. The general public should be aware and
expect to see vehicles traveling around Downtown streets daily.
The Streetcars will be operating along the 2.7 mile loop, on Auburn
Avenue, through Woodruff Park, on Peachtree Street, Ellis Street,
Carnegie Way, Andrew Young International Boulevard, Luckie Street, Park
Place, Edgewood Avenue, and Jackson Street.
As the new transit system becomes part of our cityscape, please remember these tips to stay safe around the Atlanta Streetcar.
Pedestrians
- The
Atlanta Streetcars are big, beautiful, and powered by an overhead
electrical system – which means they are very quiet when operating.
- Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings when near streetcar tracks and intersections – always STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN before
crossing the street.
- A Streetcar traveling at 20 miles per hour takes almost 60 feet to stop.
- Do not run in front of an approaching streetcar.
- Step over tracks to avoid catching heels or wheels in the track gap.
- Streetcar stops are located on the side of the streets and in the middle of the road – when heading to a stop:
- Use designated crosswalks
- Obey walk signals
- Look both ways
- Keep children close
- The Atlanta Streetcars are
big – they’re nearly 9 feet wide and 12 feet tall; they may block those
on the road from seeing you, and
may block you from seeing all the street action. All the more reason to
STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN whenever you’re around the Atlanta Streetcar
tracks or stops.
Motorists
- Streetcar operators must obey the same traffic and speed laws as any other motorist.
- Streetcars travel at or below the posted speed limits and must obey all traffic signals.
- It’s okay to drive on the Streetcar tracks – in most cases, roadway space and safety require it.
- Be aware that vehicle tires may feel a bit different on the track, but the tracks are not electrified.
- Look for Streetcars before you make a right at a red light.
- The Streetcars are very quiet and you probably won’t hear them approaching.
- Make sure you look before starting your turn.
- Streetcars are NOT cars –
they cannot stop quickly and are on rails, so cannot maneuver out of the
way of vehicles and pedestrians.
- A Streetcar traveling at 20 miles per hour takes almost 60 feet to stop.
- Do not attempt to pass a Streetcar.
- The Atlanta Streetcars are big – they’re nearly 9 feet wide and 12 feet tall – and they will block your line of sight, so do not
pass a streetcar at a stop, and be alert for those disembarking from the streetcar.
- Streetcars cannot go around cars parked on the tracks. Park your entire vehicle within the white lines and do not double-park.
Bicyclists and other human-powered wheeled vehicles
- Watch
your wheels – Streetcar tracks can be challenging to ride alongside and
to cross for anything with wheels: bikes, strollers,
wheelchairs, scooters, skateboards, in-line skates, etc.
- Cross tracks as close to a right angle as possible.
- Don’t lean into turns when crossing tracks
- Remember: wet tracks can be slippery; sometimes it’s safest to walk your bike across the tracks.
- Beware of the Door Zone –
Cyclists traveling between traffic and parked vehicles should be aware
of the Door Zone. When a driver
in a parked vehicle suddenly opens their door into your travel space,
it may cause you to swerve and put you – the cyclist – in the path of
other vehicles or the track gap.
It’s Electric. Be Safe.
- Streetcars are powered by electricity—use caution when approaching a work zone.
- The
overhead wire or “catenary” is energized at 750v DC. Do not attempt to
climb the poles, touch the wires, or throw things at them.
- Entry into streetcar power substations is prohibited for your protection.
