Atlanta Streetcar Safety

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.