The City of Atlanta announced today the construction of the first two-way cycle track along a portion of 10th Street near Piedmont Park, that will create a dedicated and separated route for safe bike travel in Midtown. The new cycle track will be marked with bright green pavement at intersections and be protected with a marked buffer and plastic posts. Other key elements of the project include installing three new ramps to connect the cycle track to trails within Piedmont Park and the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail. Also, a two-stage left-turn queue box and new bicycle push-button signal will help facilitate left bicycle turns onto Charles Allen Drive from the cycle track.

Phase 1 of the cycle track will be constructed on the north side of 10th Street along Piedmont Park between Charles Allen Drive and Monroe Drive. Future phases will extend the cycle track from Charles Allen Drive to Myrtle Street and eventually on to Peachtree Street. Phase 2 of the project is scheduled for later this year.

The cycle track is one of 26 new projects that will enhance bicycle safety and efficiency for cyclists. The project will connect Midtown’s core business district to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail. A partnership between Midtown Alliance, the City of Atlanta and PATH Foundation is making the project possible.

Building on many successfully completed bicycle projects over the last year, the 10th Street cycle track is a component of the city’s “Connect Atlanta Plan” and an extension of the Midtown Alliance’s EcoDistrict.

“We’re pleased to be a part of this project. The 10th Street cycle track adds to the district’s existing 4.6 miles of bicycle facilities and is part of our effort to bring an additional 10+ miles of bike paths and streetscapes to Midtown,” said Kevin Green, CEO of Midtown Alliance.

“By 2014, you’ll see several new bicycle paths and routes created to help citizens safely get to work, school, shopping or events,” said Commissioner James E. Shelby, Department of Planning and Community Development. “Six miles of existing trails along the Atlanta BeltLine and Freedom Parkway will seamlessly be connected once the project is complete in August.”

Construction of the 10th Street cycle track is anticipated to last approximately three weeks, with a projected completion date in early August. Drivers should be aware that one westbound travel lane along a portion of 10th Street will be closed permanently for the cycle track.