Macon Connects

In October 2015, Knight Foundation launched a nationwide competition for the best ideas to improve cities.
​
We submitted an idea to engage the city in a conversation about improving connectivity in Macon, and then to test out those ideas on the streets of Macon. This included building a pop-up bike network throughout the urban core, also known as a “minimum grid”. Out of over 4,500 applications, 32 ideas were selected to be funded, including Macon Connects.
In June of 2016, we held a three-day Ideas Festival consisting of 19 events that appealed to a wide range of audiences. With over 1,100 attendees, there were 430 active participants who generated over 3,400 ideas. We heard loud and clear that residents wanted more mobility options in Macon. Driving is the most convenient mode of transportation in the city. Despite relatively good driving conditions, residents want to rely less on the car and have other means of transportation available to them.
​
As Downtown Macon continues to attract more residents, businesses, and investment, safe biking and walking infrastructure are critical to increasing access to, from, and throughout the urban core.
​
Macon Connects proved that if you build it (a bike network), they will ride. Bike counts along the pop-up network were 9.5 times (854%) higher during Macon Connects as compared to “normal conditions” when there is no bike infrastructure present. Along the four corridors where we placed bike counters, bike counts increased from as little as 5.5 times (456%) to as much as 18.6 times (1758%).We also found out that 71% of respondents support building a protected bike network in Macon. Of those who had the chance to ride the pop-up bike network, 88% agreed that it inspired them to bike more. Looking at the drastic increase in bike counts during Macon Connects Street Makeover, we know for a fact that Macon residents will take advantage of a safe, connective bike network if it is available to them.

VIEW REPORT: https://9a270e0f-c7cd-4b82-b5e3-0e94a2987dcd.filesusr.com/ugd/256d25_72a5f3ec0d3646c6884cd298e62788a1.pdf