The Georgia Department of Transportation is asking residents to weigh in on a statewide plan aimed at making walking, bicycling and other forms of active transportation safer and better connected in Georgia’s rural communities.

GDOT is currently developing its Rural Statewide Active Transportation Plan, which focuses primarily on small towns and rural areas outside of the state’s major metropolitan planning areas.

Active transportation includes traveling without a traditional motor vehicle, including walking, bicycling and micromobility options such as e-bikes and scooters.

The plan is intended to provide GDOT with a framework for future decisions and investments involving pedestrian and bicycle projects, networks and programs. Among the major goals are improving safety, connectivity and comfort for people traveling on foot or bicycle in rural Georgia.

The planning process began in 2023 and has included analysis of existing conditions, identification of areas where improvements could have the greatest impact and input from residents, local leaders and other stakeholders.

GDOT is now in the final phase of prioritizing strategies, objectives and projects that could guide implementation of the plan.

As part of that process, GDOT is asking the public to review proposed strategies and provide feedback on which initiatives should receive priority.

The plan also includes a proposed Priority Active Transportation Network, designed to help identify communities and corridors where investments could have the greatest impact. Potential improvements could include sidewalks, bicycle-friendly shoulders, bike lanes, shared-use paths and safer crossings.

Public input will help GDOT determine which strategies and actions should move forward as the agency develops its approach to improving walking and bicycling opportunities in rural communities.

Residents interested in participating can visit GDOT’s Rural Statewide Active Transportation Plan website and select “Take Our Survey” to provide feedback HERE