Cyclist Survival Map of Athens (Georgia)

Inverted Street Hierarchy Illuminating the Fragmented Biking Network of Athens, Georgia

Cyclist Survival Map of Athens showing bike paths, bike lanes, parks, and dangerous high-speed roads Download Compressed Image
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This map challenges the idea that streets naturally belong to cars, including so-called shared “sharrows,” where cycling still feels unsafe. Under an inverted street hierarchy based on speed limit, fast corridors fade as they are dangerous and inaccessible for cyclists. By highlighting the biking network with infrastructure, the map reveals how broken and fragmented it is. If the map feels uncomfortable or wrong at first glance, it reflects how deeply car-first thinking has shaped our expectations.

Source: OpenStreetMap, Athens-Clarke County Open Data

For a recently built interative version (storymap-style narrative), please visit http://cartoguophy.com/bike-athens/ (desktop viewing only). Some screenshots are shown below.

Opening screen of the Cyclist Survival Map story map over a blurred street network Conventional road map of Athens with major roads emphasized by traffic volume Inverted street hierarchy map highlighting safer cycling routes in yellow Side-by-side comparison of the conventional road map and cyclist survival map of Athens Story map screen presenting the static Cyclist Survival Map of Athens

This storymap won the Best Overall Map Award in State of the Map US 2026 Narrative Map Competition (OpenStreetMap US and Esri).

State of the Map US 2026 Narrative Map Competition graphic Best Overall award announcement at State of the Map US 2026

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