ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - When it comes to walkability, Atlanta isn’t at the top of the list. Walk Score gives it a 48 out of 100 — an F on a traditional report card.
But several projects show light on the horizon. Officials broke ground this week on a $7 million project along Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard that promises to improve sidewalks and crosswalks, while a majority of the BeltLine is scheduled to be completed before the city hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Kellie James, the Beltline’s free fitness program manager, came to Atlanta News First to talk about the benefits of a walkable city. Consistent walking is one of the best forms of exercise, decreasing the risk of heart disease, she said.
James, who also volunteers for the American Heart Association, would love to see every neighborhood have access to the Beltline, she said.
The American Heart Association partners with local governments to improve walkable infrastructure in cities across the U.S. in its Complete Streets project. You can learn more about Complete Streets here.
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