Safe transportation systems protect lives, prevent injuries, and ensure that all road users—whether drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, or transit riders—can travel without fear of harm. Safe streets are a fundamental part of building inclusive, thriving, and connected communities where people of all ages and abilities can move freely and confidently.

The City of Clarkston Safe Streets and Roads for All Safety Action Plan is a proactive effort to make roadways safer and reduce traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries throughout the city. This plan follows national safety goals set by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Roadway Safety Strategy and Vision Zero initiatives, which strive for zero traffic deaths and serious injuries for all road users. The Safety Action Plan combines data analysis, technical research, and input from stakeholders and the public to identify key safety challenges. The plan will recommend actionable strategies and projects to improve road safety and ensure safe travel for Clarkston's drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and transit users.

We Need Your Help!

Stakeholder and public participation play a crucial role in the development of the Safety Action Plan. Outreach efforts will educate Clarkston's residents and stakeholders on roadway safety trends and issues, and gather input on roadway safety perceptions, needs, and priorities that can be incorporated into the plan. Outreach techniques are designed to reflect Clarkston's community and encourage broad participation. Outreach is intended to generate meaningful feedback and build relationships that will support action once the plan is completed.

Please be sure to check this engagement site often to see how you can stay involved in the process.

In any transportation safety planning study, the vision, goals, and objectives are essential for providing direction and focus to the planning effort. They also help us to measure progress as plans turn into actions. Each plays a distinct but connected role in shaping a clear and actionable plan.

Clarkston will be a safe, welcoming, and walkable city where streets and public spaces prioritize people, foster belonging and community connection, encourage civic engagement, and provide the foundation for health, opportunity, and economic mobility for all who call Clarkston home.

Goal 1: Eliminate Serious Injuries and Fatalities

Objectives:

• Upgrade high-risk intersections and corridors with improved crosswalks, traffic control devices, signage, lighting, traffic calming, and other proven safety countermeasures.
• Implement safe, protected infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users to minimize or eliminate conflicts with motor vehicles.
• Use crash data and risk analysis to guide investments.
• Build a culture of education and shared responsibility around transportation safety–building consensus around the idea that every roadway death can –and should– be prevented.

Goal 2: Create a Walkable, Connected Community

Objectives:

• Expand and maintain sidewalks, trails, and bike paths to connect neighborhoods with parks, schools, markets, transit, and other destinations.
• Implement projects and policies to calm traffic and reduce vehicle speeds, lowering the risk of harm or injury while creating a more pleasant environment for walking and other mobility options.
• Identify and eliminate gaps in pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, especially near community hubs and transit stops.
• Develop attractive, easy to understand wayfinding signage to help all residents navigate safely – regardless of language needs or abilities.
• Partner with neighboring entities and governments to ensure continuity for safe, connected infrastructure across jurisdictions.

Goal 3: Foster a Culture of Respect, Belonging, and Appreciation for All Backgrounds

Objectives:

• Ensure all safety improvements serve Clarkston’s diverse population, including children, seniors, people with disabilities, and English language learners.
• Launch multilingual outreach and education campaigns, working with trusted community leaders/messengers to share information and promote engagement activities to ensure everyone feels safe and welcome to participate.
• Engage a broad range of community members, faith groups, cultural organizations, and youth as partners in transportation safety planning.
• Respect the value of the community’s time and participation by offering incentives and making participation easy, convenient, and fun across cultures, languages, ages, and abilities.

Goal 4: Foster a Culture of Safety and Education

Objectives:

• Use culturally relevant materials and trusted messengers/community advocates to strengthen education and awareness of transportation safety issues.
• Partner with schools, local organizations, the faith community, and businesses to promote safe travel behaviors.
• Empower youth and families as safety ambassadors and advocates.

Goal 5: Support Economic Mobility and Opportunity

Objectives:

• Align transportation improvements with economic development, affordable housing, and access to jobs.
• Improve safe pedestrian access to local businesses, schools, and markets.
• Encourage green infrastructure and provide safe, multimodal transportation options to support sustainability and growth.
• Leverage safety interventions, enhanced wayfinding, and other initiatives such as façade grants to increase curb appeal, accessibility, and to catalyze economic vitality of Clarkston’s downtown and other retail nodes and destinations.

Thank you to all who joined us at one of two Public Open Houses to help us plan Safe Streets for All! The first round of Public Open House details are as follows:

• WHAT: Clarkston Safety Action Plan Public Open House
• WHEN: Thursday, November 20 (Session 1) and Thursday, December 4 (Session 2), from 5:00 - 7:00 PM
  
• WHERE: Clarkston Community Center - 3701 College Ave, Clarkston, GA 30021 (click here to open in Google Maps)
  

Both sessions featured the same information and activities. Missed the meeting? Check out the meeting materials below and leave your feedback on the survey and interactive map!