News Summary
Atlanta’s Streets Alive event transformed Peachtree Street into a car-free zone, focusing on non-motorized activities like walking and biking. Organized by the Atlanta Department of Transportation, the event featured interactive exhibits and local vendor engagement while sparking controversy over sponsorship from Uber and Waymo. Critics questioned the appropriateness of car-centric businesses participating in a car-free event and called for a focus on sustainable mobility. Despite mixed reactions, the initiative aims to foster community connection and promote eco-friendly transportation options.
Atlanta embraced a car-free atmosphere as it hosted the latest Atlanta Streets Alive event, a monthly initiative dedicated to transforming city streets for non-motorized activities, such as walking and biking. Taking place on June 22, 2025, the event focused on the closure of Peachtree Street from Alabama Street to 15th Street between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., creating a safer and more vibrant environment for residents and visitors alike. However, the involvement of major transportation companies, Uber and Waymo, as sponsors sparked controversy about the appropriateness of car-centric businesses participating in a car-free event.
The event, organized by the Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT) along with Propel ATL, aimed to encourage sustainable transportation options and foster community engagement. Throughout the afternoons, attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, including a digital art exhibition, an interactive misting mushroom sculpture, temporary tattoo opportunities featuring designs by local artist Maddy Barreto, and a mini skate jam facilitated by the City Rollers skate club. These activations not only entertained but also reinforced the city’s commitment to promoting a more walkable and bike-friendly community.
In alignment with the city’s Vision Zero initiative, which targets the elimination of traffic fatalities, the Streets Alive event encourages the use of sustainable transportation alternatives like e-bikes, e-scooters, skates, and skateboards. Despite the partnership with Uber and Waymo raising concerns, both companies contributed $25,000 to assist with event logistics, which some community members found objectionable. They argued that the partnership contradicts the essence of the car-free initiative and expressed a preference for highlighting more sustainable mobility options that align with the event’s core mission.
Past incidents involving Waymo’s autonomous cars, particularly the operation of one on closed streets during a prior Streets Alive event, have raised skepticism about the motives behind their involvement. Critics contend that having a booth at the event aimed at showcasing autonomous vehicle technology further obscures the goal of promoting non-motorized transportation. They advocate for support that emphasizes micromobility alternatives, such as bicycles and scooters provided by companies like Lime.
Despite mixed reactions to the partnership, the Atlanta Streets Alive event continues to attract an enthusiastic crowd, benefiting local businesses through increased foot traffic and engagement among residents. The event serves as an opportunity to connect people with their neighborhoods while emphasizing the importance of sustainable transportation modes.
In addition to the various activities, participants at the event can also take advantage of bike valet services and explore an e-bike expo held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. These features aim to promote local vendors and the sustainable transportation options that the event champions.
ATL DOT maintains that public-private partnerships are essential for the success of events like Streets Alive, highlighting the potential for autonomous vehicle technology to contribute to traffic safety. The city’s commitment to creating a more accessible and environmentally friendly urban environment remains clear, as Atlanta seeks innovative ways to engage its residents and enhance the livability of its streets.
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta Downtown
- AJC
- Rough Draft Atlanta
- Atlanta News First
- Creative Loafing
- Wikipedia: Transportation in Atlanta
- Google Search: Atlanta Streets Alive
- Google Scholar: Sustainable Transportation Atlanta
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sustainable Transportation
- Google News: Atlanta Streets Alive
