Mayor and City Councilors,

As a resident or person who works or plays and spends money in Dunwoody, I support the Dunwoody Paving Plans and the recommendations that incorporate bike lanes, and trails which are specified in the city’s Comprehensive Transportation Plan.

Please continue to invest in and implement the Complete Streets policy, which recognizes that transportation projects involve moving PEOPLE, which include sidewalks and bike lanes; and not just strictly roads for motor vehicles. I support all efforts to continue to make Dunwoody a pedestrian-friendly and bicycling-friendly community, encouraging businesses and families to move and stay here.

Including the City’s future paving plans for bike lanes on important segments such as Chamblee Dunwoody and Mount Vernon Road will help create a connected network.

Let's also work on the east side of our city, along Winters Chapel. Work with our neighbors in Peachtree Corners to make this corridor COMPLETE, too. Other future opportunities include the REMAINDER of Mt. Vernon, North Peachtree, Tilly Mill and Womack. These all are important nodes in a connected network.

It will be truly transformational and make a wonderful, positive statement for people arriving at the “Heart of Dunwoody” to see Bike Lanes on the segment along Mount Vernon near Chamblee-Dunwoody. With the soon to be “Complete Street” of the Village Parkway, the network of safe bicycle accommodations continues to grow. Adults such as myself will be able to safely run quick errands in the community, while getting exercise, by simply hopping on their bikes with a backpack. I can picture my family riding to Village Burger or Brewster’s, or even to Fresh Market for some groceries all the way from Dunwoody Club Forest.

Since incorporation, the city has created approximately nine miles of Bike Lanes. By continuing to take these actions in , we continue to create a CONNECTED network of both on-street and off-street bicycle accommodations (Bike Lanes & Trails).

Bike lanes promote wellness and fun, as families can safely exercise outdoors together. In the US, nearly 25 percent of all trips are 2 miles in length or less. And bike lanes offer a safe alternative to motor vehicle transportation, reducing congestion. After the Bike Lanes on Roberts Drive were installed in 2011, just look at all of the kids who now ride their bikes to Austin Elementary!

Adding bicycling & walking accommodations are good for business and homeowners. The Northwest Georgia Regional Commission (in Rome) recently completed an Economic Impact Study of the Silver Comet Trail. It finds property values of homes are increased by seven percent within a ½ mile of the trail. For every $1 spent on the Silver Comet Trail expansion, Georgians gain an estimated $4.64 in direct and indirect economic benefits. This translates to an over 400% return on investment for local communities, the region and the state. Quality of life decisions, including the availability of recreational amenities like Bike Lanes and trails, are becoming ever more important factors in where people -- especially the Millennial generation -- choose to live and businesses choose to relocate.

There are many other Dunwoody citizens -- and others who work, play and spend money here -- who share my views, although they may not be available to attend Council Meetings or speak their views during Public Comments.

Thank you for continuing to implement the Complete Streets Policy. Myself, my friends and family strongly believe this will make Dunwoody a more livable, enjoyable, economically viable and healthy city.

Sincerely,