ATLANTA — Biking your way across the city of Atlanta is not for the faint of heart. Take it from Monte Watson.
“We’ve traveled and tried to get over here. Going through the city streets can be scary. So having access and a safe way to travel is really important to us,” Watson said.
Things are coming together in Washington Park, Channel 2’s Berndt Petersen reported. On Monday, city leaders cut the ribbon on a new section of the Atlanta Beltline. It’s 1.3 miles known as Westside Trail-Segment 4.
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“This will be the longest stretch of continuous Beltline trail in the city of Atlanta,” Beltline CEO Clyde Higgs said.
Officials say walkers, runners and cyclists can now travel seven uninterrupted miles, winding through some of the city’s most historic neighborhoods.
“This trail segment connects Washington Park, to Hunter Hills, to Bankhead., everybody,” Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said.
The mayor says the new section is a major part of the nearly $5-billion Beltline project that will connect 45 neighborhoods and complete a 22-mile loop.
Monte Watson says he can’t wait.
“It’s gonna be awesome. Having the ability to leave our bike shop in Blandtown, ride all the way over to Pittsburgh Yards and to Ansley Mall, it’s going to be awesome, another way to travel, be safe and enjoy the Beltline,” Watson said.
The new section connects neighborhoods from Lena Street north to Law Street to the Westside Beltline Connector and Westside Trail Segment 3. It’s the longest continuous trail section on the Atlanta Beltline to date.
The Southside Trail is still under construction. Walkers, runners and bikers are hoping for the same progress moving forward.
Last week, Atlanta Beltline Inc. approved a $242 million budget for 2026 with the goal of being ready for next summer’s FIFA World Cup in Atlanta.
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