This Major U.S. City Is Betting Big on a Brand New Urban Bike Park
Atlanta’s cycling scene is on the brink of something big. Early in 2026, construction will finally begin on a highly anticipated bike park at Shirley Clarke Franklin Park (formerly Westside Park) in the form of a facility designed to bring mountain biking and bike-centric trail features into the heart of the city.
Spanning roughly 45 forested acres in one of Atlanta’s largest greenspaces, the bike park will blend urban access with trail adventure, giving riders of all levels a reason to enjoy this previously under-utilized corner of the city.
The planned park isn’t just a few dirt berms tucked into a neighborhood corner. Designers and advocates are bringing together multiple elements that make modern bike parks compelling:
- 2.25 miles of mountain bike trails – carved through woodland terrain and built for all skill levels, from gentle beginner lines to more technical segments with rocks, rollers, bridges, and switchbacks.
- Pump track – a smooth asphalt loop for pump and balance skills that welcomes BMXers, mountain bikers, and kids on bikes alike.
- Jump lines – progression-based jumps that range from entry-friendly rollers to bigger features for more confident riders.
- Skills course & bike playground – spaces designed to build confidence and technique, perfect for newer riders, youth, or anyone looking to refine their handling.
What makes this project especially exciting for the city is its intentional inclusivity: trails and features are being laid out so that beginners and advanced riders can enjoy the park simultaneously, and technical elements progress naturally from easy to challenging.
Located at the northeast edge of Shirley Clarke Franklin Park, this former quarry is now part of a broader vision to connect more Atlantans with outdoor physical activity and alternative transit options.
The bike park’s groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for January 22, 2026, marking the start of the first phase of construction after years of planning and fundraising by the Atlanta Beltline Partnership and supporters.
Mountain biking in Atlanta has often meant navigating fragmented trails or driving out to suburban networks. This project will provide a community-oriented destination where locals can learn fundamentals, push their skills, and connect with each other around bikes. Inspired by and modeled after Bentonville, Arkansas the city hopes that riding will help revitalize this area and give Atlantans a new way to enjoy their home.
With Phase I breaking ground early this year and fundraising still active for future build-outs, the Atlanta bike park represents not just new dirt and asphalt — but a broader shift in how urban spaces can serve riders of all abilities and bring life to underutilized spaces.