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Keep GA Rolling to a Bike Friendly Future
We've come a long way, baby! Since our last newsletter, Georgia Bikes has been working all over the state to protect your rights, improve our roads, and promote bicycling for fun, fitness, and transportation.
We defeated anti-cycling legislation. We hosted a hugely successful statewide Bike Summit. We trained planners and engineers on how to create safer streets. We published our first ever Annual Report, we brought in an exciting new slate of Board members, and we have an achievable strategic plan to get more people riding, safely and enjoyably, in communities throughout Georgia.
Good stuff, right? There's still much to be done! Keep us rolling to a bike friendly future and become a member in November.
Sweetening the deal: For every new & renewing member this month, we'll donate a percentage to your local advocacy organization as well. Show your support for better biking in your community - and across the state - by joining today.
Read on for great stories about how supporters like you are building a bike friendly Georgia!
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Help Build a Bike Friendly GA 11.13.13
Pick me! Pick me!
November 13th is "Georgia Gives Day," a statewide campaign to encourage Georgians to make a recurring or one-time donation to a GA-based charity.
Our profile is online, where you can learn more about what we do, see a cool video about who we are, and make a secure contribution toward a safer, more bike-friendly Georgia.
Thanks for your support! |
Savannah & Jekyll GA's Newest "Bike Friendly Communities"
Three cheers for the low country!
In mid-October, the League of American Bicyclists announced the latest recipients of the coveted "Bicycle Friendly Community" designation. Savannah and Jekyll Island received the bronze award, joining Athens, Decatur, Roswell, and Tybee Island as communities officially recognized for their commitment to improving bicycling safety and access for all ages and abilities.
Congratulations! |
Save the Date!
The 2014 Ride to the Capitol rally will be held on Tuesday, March 18th.
We're making some exciting changes to this year's event, including:
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A series of "Ride to City Hall" events in cities throughout the state to augment the Capitol Ride!
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We've reserved the capitol rotunda all day on Wed, March 19th to let advocates share the many benefits of bicycling 1-on-1 with their elected officials
Stay tuned for details, and feel free to contact us if you have questions or ideas. |
"Check the blog"
We're constantly posting news, stories, and links on our blog. We hope they will be of interest and use to Georgians who want safer, expanded opportunities for riding. You can subscribe with your RSS reader too!
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'13 Ga Bike Summit Focuses on Tourism, Economic Impact
The 4th annual Georgia Bike Summit, held in Roswell Oct 18-20, was a smashing success! More than a 130 advocates, planners, engineers, and other leaders convened for a weekend of workshops, networking, and collaboration, all with an eye toward learning and sharing how bicycling is part of a healthy "new economy" for the state.
Check out the full re-cap of the Summit on our blog, and thanks to everyone who made the Summit such a successful event!
Above: Governor's Office of Highway Safety Director Harris Blackwood welcomes participants to the Summit in Roswell |
UNC Report Shows Facility Costs
Ever wonder how much a bike rack costs? A rail-trail path?
A new report from the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center (UNC HSRC), details the minimum, maximum, and average costs for building and installing bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.
Examples:
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Average cost to purchase and install a bike rack: $660
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Average cost to widen road for 5' bike lanes: ~$130k/mile
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Average cost to install a median refuge island: ~$13k
While these estimated "costs will likely differ substantially between communities and between states," this resource is a handy guide for advocates, planners, engineers, and elected officials looking to budget for improved bicycling facilities.
Read more, including a link to the full UNC report |
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Anti-Cycling Legislation Goes Down Hard
HB 689, arguably the most anti-bicycling legislation ever introduced in any state, created a firestorm of protest and media coverage for a few months here in the Peach State. Thanks to our lobbyist, we knew about this awful legislation well in advance and had been working behind the scenes to ensure that it would never become the law. After a radio show mentioned the bill, however, cyclists across the state rallied to fight the bill and make sure nothing like it ever gets introduced again. After dozens of media stories and thousands of emails and phone calls, the bill's sponsors, three state reps from Gainesville, hosted a rowdy forum in Hall County. Following nearly three hours of impassioned opposition, they publicly agreed to drop the bill and pursue it no further.
If HB 689 teaches us anything, it's that organized, statewide advocacy for people who bike is more important than ever. These kinds of attacks on your rights and safety will happen again. Help us be your shield. Help us be your watchdog at the Gold Dome - and at the DOT - become a member in November!
Not a "joiner?' That's cool. Support our lobbying and advocacy efforts with a recurring or one-time donation on GA Gives Day or anytime on our website.
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Get Visible!
With longer shadows, darker mornings and early evenings, make sure you get noticed by other road users. State law requires that "every bicycle when in use at nighttime shall be equipped with a light on the front which shall emit a white light visible from a distance of 300 feet to the front and with a light on the back which shall emit a red light visible from a distance of 300 feet to the rear. Any bicycle equipped with a red reflector on the rear that is approved by the Department of Public Safety shall not be required to have a light on the rear of the bicycle."( OCGA 40-6-296)
While the law only requires a white front light and a red rear reflector, it is highly recommended that you use a red rear light. Wearing hi-visibility clothing or using reflective tape on your rims and frame is also a smart move. With the right equipment, a night ride is a nice ride!
Check out & share our "Be Visible" radio PSAs too!
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GA Bicycle "Bidness" Leader
Meet Audra, our first Bicycle "Bidness" Leader!
 Audra is the creative energy behind Tiny Tank Tech, handcrafted panniers, saddlebags, and more from Athens, GA. Sewing since age 10, Audra was inspired to make "fun, accessible touring [and commuter] gear" while on a long distance ride. Her gear is inspired by natural color schemes, 70's design, and all her gear is waterproof. She sells internationally and is looking forward to several domestic bike shops carrying her line of beautiful, functional bike gear.
In each newsletter, and periodically on our blog, we'll share another profile of an individual or small business making waves in Georgia's growing bike scene.
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