Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Atlanta

Atlanta May Convert Main Drag into a Dutch ‘Woonerf’

A rendering of a redesigned Peachtree Street that gives pedestrians free roam. Image: Atlanta City Studio

Want to reimagine a historic Main Street as a lively, people-centered place again? Maybe the secret is to remove the curbs.

That's Atlanta's plan for a two-mile stretch of Peachtree Street in downtown, which may be turned into a European-style "Woonerf" or "shared space."

This design removes the physical barriers between the sidewalks and streets and gives pedestrians freedom to roam — and priority. Drivers are still allowed to travel through the space — but must do so slowly, negotiating right of way with pedestrians and cyclists.

This model has been used with great success in European plazas, where cars are allowed, but strictly regulated. Counterintuitively, reducing separation between drivers and pedestrians can improve safety by forcing drivers to slow down and pay attention.

Argyle_Grafton_Party1
An example of a Shared Space in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
An example of a Shared Space in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Peachtree Street was historically a great gathering space for the region — a Times Square of the South, if you will. An exhibit is currently showcasing photos of historic Peachtree Street to show how the area has changed.

The project is part of a larger effort in Atlanta to provide a more walkable, less car dependent city.

peachtree

Atlanta has already managed, however, to make the street lively once again — but only on a temporary basis. Atlanta Streets Alive, an open streets event on Peachtree, attracted about 126,000 people early this month, according to Curbed — an absolutely enormous crowd. Event organizers, used the event to show off the potential new format for the street.

The plan is still in the early stages, a city official tells Streetsblog and the city is preparing to launch a feasibility study for the concept that would establish a cost estimate and traffic impacts projections.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Wednesday’s Headlines Living Just Enough for the City

President Trump is tapping into an age-old sentiment when he attacks cities. They've endured worse over the years.

October 22, 2025

Study: Removing Parking Minimums Leads to More Affordable Housing

Removing parking requirements for new buildings could help thousands of Coloradans who struggle to afford housing — and it might work elsewhere, too.

Embracing the E-Bike Boom: How China Is Leading on Regulations and Infrastructure

China is making big strides to regulate and support slow-speed electric micromobility — and the U.S. could take a page from their book.

October 22, 2025

The ‘Problem’ With E-Bikes? The Super Fast Illegal Ones

New Yorkers are riding illegal vehicles marketed as e-bikes with little to no-consequences, and it's a safety problem.

October 21, 2025

The ‘War on Cars’ Is Worth Fighting — And Here’s What Life Might Look Like When We Win

A first book from the prolific podcast hosts offers a solid foundation for would-be advocates against automobility — and some new ammunition for veterans.

October 21, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines Burn Rubber

Is the light rail renaissance of the 1990s and 2000s over? Bus Rapid Transit is the trendy choice now.

October 21, 2025
See all posts