Clifton Community Partnership

Pedestrian friendly article:
Walk This Way
May 30, 2008
Source: Community Partnership Update/March 2008

For some commuters in the area, North Decatur Road is used as a thoroughfare on the way to Clifton or Clairmont roads. But for local resident Ron Foust, a senior financial analyst at Emory, the sidewalk serves as a personal “express lane” since he walks to and from work every day and has done so for the past 17 years.

According to the Transportation Research Board, between 1990 to 2000, metro Atlanta’s average commute rose from 26 minutes to 31 minutes, the largest jump in the nation.

Walking from his home to his office, both located on North Decatur Road, Foust’s commute is a mere seven minutes. “One of the biggest health benefits to not commuting by car is that my stress level is greatly reduced,” said Foust. “On my daily walks I am able to observe the natural beauty of trees budding and flowers in bloom, and all of this helps me prepare mentally for a full day’s workload.” Foust expects that residents living in the mixed use development on Clifton Road will have a similar experience.

Foust and his wife, Margaret, chose their house on North Decatur Road because of its proximity to Emory’s campus, and frequently walk in the community. “My wife and I take a 30-minute aerobic walk around the neighborhood in the mornings,” said Foust. “There are many walking routes around here where it isn’t necessary to go up and down steep hills and inclines. And Lullwater Preserve is a great place to walk.”

Over time, the sidewalks along North Decatur Road (from Ridgewood to Haygood drives) had become overgrown with soil and vegetation, making it difficult for pedestrians to pass by. A few months back, Foust made some calls and sent some e-mails to the property owners hoping to see some much needed improvements.

At Emory’s direction, a landscaping service cleared the sidewalks and cut back the vegetation for the houses that Emory owns. These improvements have made the road much safer for pedestrians to walk along and set a good example for other neighbors. “Over the years pedestrian traffic has picked up along North Decatur Road – including students walking to and from Emory and Druid Hills High School. I’m glad the sidewalks along North Decatur Road were cleared for everyone’s benefit,” said Foust.