The city of Atlanta is grappling with heightened concerns about pedestrian safety following two recent fatalities on Peachtree Street, particularly between Baker and Ellis streets.
Despite multiple requests for comment, the mayor’s office has remained silent on the issue.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Atlanta Department of Transportation (DOT) indicated that preliminary pedestrian safety improvements are underway, with significant enhancements expected this July as part of the Peachtree Street Safe Street Project.
The spokesperson emphasized the importance of community input, announcing upcoming public engagement sessions aimed at incorporating local feedback into the design of this critical corridor before construction begins.
John Fischer, president of the Atlanta Downtown Neighborhood Association, expressed deep concern over the two recent pedestrian deaths in an area previously targeted for safety improvements.
This section of Peachtree Street had been part of a city-sponsored pilot program in 2021 designed to reduce traffic speeds and curb road racing.
Dubbed the Peachtree Shared Space project, the initiative had successfully narrowed the roadway to two lanes for vehicles while allocating separate lanes for walkers and cyclists.
However, according to reports from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, pressure from commuters and a significant property owner led to the reversal of these changes in 2022, restoring the street to its original four-lane configuration.
Fischer stated, “If that would have been in place, I seriously doubt either one of these two fatalities would have happened.”
He is now calling for the mayor’s office to reinstate the two-lane configuration along that stretch of Peachtree.
Fischer’s frustration extends beyond roadway width, as he criticized the city’s Department of Transportation for prioritizing street repaving efforts in anticipation of next summer’s World Cup, which he feels takes precedence over pedestrian safety.
The City Council had allocated $120 million in infrastructure bonds for enhancements, aimed at revitalizing downtown.
These funds are earmarked for the resurfacing of 25 miles of streets, restriping 200 intersections, adding 150 new streetlights, and repairing 14 miles of sidewalks.
New amendments also emphasize safety protocols designed to curb pedestrian and cyclist fatalities, reflecting broader city goals for safer urban environments.
Fischer argued that merely repaving roads invites faster driving, stating, “Many of the hundreds of thousands of visitors expected for the World Cup will be walking and would benefit from safety enhancements.”
Pointing directly to Mayor Andre Dickens, Fischer remarked, “Ultimately, the buck stops at his desk. We’ve had two fatalities in a span of three months. He needs to pay attention to what’s going on and solve these problems.”
In response to concerns, the DOT spokesperson highlighted that improving road visibility through restriping and resurfacing not only addresses potholes and cracks but creates a more consistent driving surface that can enhance safety.
Atlanta Transportation Commissioner Solomon Caviness addressed these issues at a budget briefing, outlining a $3.3 million budget for Vision Zero strategies focused on eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries by 2040.
He referenced the plan to resurface 25 miles of downtown streets to prepare for the World Cup, noting the completion of resurfacing efforts on Peachtree Street between Baker and Ellis.
Caviness remarked that feedback from both council members and residents underscored the necessity for smooth roads, proper line-striping, and pothole elimination.
City Council member Jason Dozier, echoing concerns about pedestrian safety, pressed Caviness to ensure that ongoing infrastructure projects include the safety enhancements requested by the council.
During the hearing, Dozier specifically mentioned a recent pedestrian fatality, emphasizing the critical need for measures designed to protect lives.
“There’s a level of frustration that resurfacing is being done without incorporating safety improvements,” Dozier stated.
Reflecting on his own experiences as a cyclist injured in 2016, Dozier advocated for a balanced approach that prioritizes both road improvements and safety measures.
The budget meeting also featured questions from City Council member Matt Westmoreland about the timeline for adding a crosswalk at 225 Peachtree St., where one of the pedestrian fatalities occurred.
Westmoreland had previously requested the crosswalk be installed by the end of June in a resolution passed by the council in March.
Caviness assured council members that the design was nearing completion and that a contractor was ready to begin work.
Notably, the first pedestrian struck was identified as Sood, who was hit while walking in a crosswalk that the DOT subsequently removed following his death.
The second victim, Crabtree, was reportedly walking through a crosswalk at the time of the incident that occurred around 6:45 a.m. on a Sunday.
However, Fischer noted a discrepancy, mentioning that an Atlanta Police Department official indicated the accident occurred approximately 10 feet away from the designated crosswalk.
While police have yet to clarify the details, they reported that the incident report is still being finalized.
Serna from Propel ATL opined that the discussion of whether Crabtree was within a crosswalk should be secondary, stating, “Most of the space available is focused on pushing cars through rather than facilitating natural crossing locations.”
Crabtree’s family has declined to provide comments, but his obituary highlights his longstanding career as a senior sales manager and his deep ties to family and community life.
It is a poignant reminder of the personal impact such fatalities can have on families and communities across Atlanta.
As investigations continue, the city faces mounting pressure to enhance pedestrian safety measures in the face of growing concerns from residents and officials alike.
image source from：https://www.ajc.com/news/2025/05/officials-keep-people-from-dying-as-second-pedestrian-killed-on-peachtree/
