Glossary of Terms

ATLDOT (Atlanta Department of Transportation)

Serves as both, the coordinating agency for all transportation matters within the city government, and as the single point of contact for citizens and external agencies. ATLDOT’s goal is to provide a safer, more equitable, and more sustainable transportation network throughout the city.

Action Plan for Safer Streets (APSS)

A two-year (2019-2021), $5 million plan to bring accelerated safety redesigns to Atlanta’s streets. As part of the plan, more than 20 city corridors have been identified for rapid implementation changes to improve safety for people who walk, drive, take transit, roll, or ride a bike or e-scooter. Through the APSS, Atlanta will more than triple its on-street protected bike network. By the end of 2021, Atlantans will see more than 20 miles of safer streets.

High Injury Network (HIN)

The mapping of corridors where high numbers of people have been killed and/or severely injured in traffic crashes.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Recaps of ATLDOT public engagement activities, including Public Information Open Houses (PIOH) for planned infrastructure improvement projects and the community-based “Coffee with the Commissioner” discussions between the ATLDOT Commissioner and constituents.

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB)

Pedestrian-activated traffic control beacon that, when pushed, displays a sequence of flashing and solid lights that allows pedestrians to cross safely and indicates when it is safe for drivers to proceed. A solid red light requires drivers to stop while pedestrians have the right-of-way to cross the street.

Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB)

User-prompted amber lights that supplement warning signs at unsignalized intersections or mid-block crosswalks. They can be activated by pedestrians manually by a push button or passively by a pedestrian detection system.

Right-of-Way (ROW)

Right-of-Way (ROW) is the city-owned strip of land from the edge of the street back to about three (3) to 10 feet. Its purpose is to allow the city to build and maintain the street, curb,  gutters, storm sewers, and possibly underground utilities. This land is the responsibility of the landowner but the city has the right to determine what takes place there.  A right-of-way may include curbs, sidewalks, and utilities. The depth of ROW varies from location to location, so a survey must be conducted or property records reviewed to determine the exact dimension of any given ROW.

Any disturbance to the public right-of-way (i.e., lane and road closures) requires a permit issued by the Department of Transportation (ATLDOT).

Shared Lane Green Infrastructure

An approach to managing stormwater, the urban heat island effect, health, and air quality based on ecosystem network models with interconnected plant, recreation and transportation amenities that improve public health.

Shared Lane Markings

Also known as “sharrows,” these road markings are used to indicate a shared lane environment for bicycles and automobiles. Among other benefits, shared lane markings reinforce the legitimacy of bicycle traffic on the street and recommend proper bicyclist positioning.

Shared-use Path

A form of infrastructure that supports multiple recreation and transportation opportunities, such as walking, bicycling, inline skating and wheelchair mobility. A shared-use path typically has a surface that is asphalt, concrete or firmly packed crushed aggregate.

Streetscape

Visual elements of a street, including the road, adjoining buildings, sidewalks, street furniture, trees and open spaces, that combine to form the street's character.

Traffic Communications Corridor (TCC)

Coordinated signal timing in a major transportation corridor to transfer signal information between field controllers and a traffic management center (TMC).