This week, the Atlanta City Council approved some new transit initiatives. Officials hope the projects will spur interest and investment.

One part of the plan, called Connect Atlanta, adds 31 miles of bike lanes to several areas, including Midtown and downtown. City Councilman Kwanza Hall represents some of the areas where those lanes will be. He says they’ll help attract people to the center of town.

“[They’ll draw] the talented, creative class who want to be in town and even families with children who may not have cars,” Hall said. “Bikes can surely change the game for getting to work, getting to school, even getting the grocery store.”

Another part of the program would increase the population living near some MARTA stations and Atlanta Streetcar stops. MARTA will lead those plans, but the city owns the surrounding land. Hall expects developers to show an interest and invest in those areas.