Steetcar Testing Begins

May 27,2014

In the coming weeks, the Streetcar  vehicles will be periodically operated along the tracks for testing purposes.
Please follow these general safety guidelines:

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 and look both ways.

Motorists:
- Streetcar operators must obey the same traffic and speed laws as motorist
-Streetcars travel at or below the posted speed limit and must obey all traffic signals.
-Its okay to drive on the tracks, be aware that vehicle tires may feel a bit different on the tracks, but the tracks are not electrified.
- Look for Streetcars before you make a right at a red light, the Streetcars are very quiet.
- Streetcars are NOT cars- they cannot stop quickly and are on rails, they 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. Do not pass a streetcar at a stop and be alert for those disembarking.
-Streetcars cannot go around cars parked on tracks. Park your entire vehicle within the white lines. Do not double park.

Bicyclists and other human-powered wheeled vehicle:
-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 right angle as possible; don’t lean into turns when crossing tracks; remember wet tracks can be slippery, sometimes it is safer 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 open 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.