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Georgia Tech Opens New Campus Cycle Track

Georgia Tech marked a big win for campus mobility on August 13, 2025, with the opening of its new cycle track, a dedicated path for bikes, scooters, and skateboards that connects key areas from west campus to Tech Square. President Ángel Cabrera led a group ride to celebrate the launch, highlighting how this project boosts safety and eco-friendly travel for students, faculty, and staff in Atlanta.

Project Sparks Safer Rides Across Campus

The new cycle track stretches about 2.5 miles, creating a smooth east-west route along Ferst Drive and Tech Parkway. It starts at the Campus Recreation Center and ends in Tech Square, offering a bidirectional path separated from car traffic by curbs and barriers.

This setup lets riders move freely without dodging vehicles, a common issue on busy campus roads. University officials say the track handles bicycles, e-bikes, electric scooters, and skateboards, making it a hub for micromobility options.

Construction wrapped up in early August 2025, after phased work that began in late 2023. A section opened softly in January 2025, giving the community a taste of the safer paths ahead.

The project ties into Georgia Tech’s push for better transportation, including hybrid buses with bike racks introduced in 2023. It also builds on the school’s gold-level status as a Bicycle Friendly University, awarded by the League of American Bicyclists for strong cycling programs.

Thrilling Opening Event Draws Crowds

Hundreds gathered for the inaugural ride on August 13, dubbed a “critical swarm” by organizers. Georgia Tech police stopped traffic to let participants assemble, with many bringing their own bikes or entering a free raffle for new ones.

President Cabrera, known for cycling around campus in his gold helmet, kicked off the event. He rode at the front, encouraging everyone to explore the track and make it part of daily routines.

The turnout was so large that the group stuck to nearby roads instead of the track itself. Attendees cheered as riders zipped through, turning the evening into a festive kickoff for what could become an annual tradition.

Social media buzzed with excitement, as posts showed riders sharing photos and stories of the safe, fun paths. This event underscored the community’s eagerness for better bike infrastructure in a city often dominated by cars.

georgia tech campus

Students Drive the Design Vision

Four engineering students sparked the idea back in 2019 during their senior capstone project. Kimmie Hernandez, Danielle Kronowski, Poonam Patel, and Rachel Still analyzed ways to make Ferst Drive safer for non-motorized travel.

They reviewed options like painted lanes and shared paths before settling on a protected cycle track. Their work showed how such designs cut accident risks by up to 50 percent in urban settings, based on similar projects nationwide.

Hernandez noted that her time navigating campus on foot and bike made the project personal. After graduation, some team members joined firms that helped build the track, turning their classroom concept into reality.

This student-led effort highlights Georgia Tech’s culture of innovation, where ideas from class can shape real-world changes. University leaders praised the group for inspiring future projects.

Key Benefits for Campus and Beyond

The cycle track promises several advantages for daily life at Georgia Tech. It reduces traffic congestion by encouraging more people to bike or scooter instead of drive, which could lower carbon emissions on campus.

Safety stands out as a top gain. With separation from vehicles, riders face fewer risks, addressing past concerns about accidents on Ferst Drive.

Here are some standout features of the new track:

  • Bidirectional lanes for easy travel in both directions.
  • Connections to nearby spots like the Campus Recreation Center and Tech Square.
  • Support for various devices, including e-bikes and electric skateboards.
  • Integration with existing paths, enhancing overall campus connectivity.

Beyond campus, the track aligns with Atlanta’s growing bike network. It links to city routes and could cut commute times for those heading to Midtown or downtown.

A quick look at similar projects shows positive impacts:

City/University Project Type Key Outcome
Georgia Tech Campus Cycle Track Boosted micromobility use by 30% in early tests
Ohio State Olentangy Trail Tripled bike traffic with zero fatalities post-opening
Berkeley Protected Lanes Reduced accidents by 40% in first year

These examples suggest Georgia Tech’s track could see similar success, making campus travel quicker and greener.

Future Plans Expand Connections

Georgia Tech has more in store to build on this momentum. Landscape architect Jason Gregory mentioned upcoming links to the Atlanta BeltLine, creating a seamless path from the west side to the east.

This expansion would tie the campus into the city’s wider trail system, potentially drawing in off-campus riders. Plans also include adding more bike racks and repair stations along the route.

University officials aim to monitor usage and gather feedback to refine the track. They encourage input from the community to ensure it meets everyone’s needs.

As Atlanta pushes for walkable, bikeable spaces, this project positions Georgia Tech as a leader in urban mobility. It turns the campus into a testing ground for ideas that could influence the whole city.

What do you think about the new cycle track? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and pass this article along to fellow Georgia Tech fans or cycling enthusiasts to spread the word.

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