Georgia Bikes Newsletter - Nov/Dec 2016
We finally broke through the humidity (and dodged a hurricane), and perfect weather is upon us! We hope you are enjoying the sunshine and cooler temperatures by bike. Bicycling is the best way to explore your neighborhood and its parks, and there's no more enjoyable commute or errand ...but you already know that ;-)
Between your awesome rides, please check out our stories and updates below for a look back at recent programs and what's in store for better bicycling in 2017.
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We recently worked with a production crew to film a new PSA for television. This ad emphasizes the importance of using lights at night and educates drivers about the 3' safe passing law. We'll be sharing the finished piece soon! Previous PSAs are here - feel free to share with your local TV and radio stations!
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Our Pocket Guides promote safe, lawful bicycling and urge motorists to respect and use caution around people on bikes. Request free copies for your business or organization!
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With Daylight Savings Time and shorter days, lights are a must for safe, enjoyable rides. Make sure you've got a white front light and red light in the rear, and use them in any low-light situation to improve your visibility. We recently helped give away fifty light sets in Clarkston to keep the youth riding bright!
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Georgia's "Share the Road" specialty car tags directly support bicyclist safety and education programs across the state. Show your support for bicycling in Georgia with a Share the Road tag.
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Our seventh annual Bike Summit is in the books. Over 120 advocates, elected officials and civic leaders interested in better bicycling gathered at the Westin Jekyll Island for a weekend of learning and networking. Check out our re-cap.
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Our friends at the Southern Georgia Regional Commission received a national award for planning. Much of their long range plan calls for significant investment in safer places to bike and walk. Congrats!
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What's in store for 2017
Our Board of Directors and staff are in the midst of a comprehensive strategic planning process that will guide our efforts for the next three years. Our fourth and final public virtual meeting about the draft plan takes place on November 15th at 7 pm. If you are interested in the success of Georgia Bikes and a bike friendly future for our state, please join us!
Through November 15th, we're also collecting public input for the state's Bicycle Safety Action Plan (BSAP), a document that directs a variety of state agency programs and budgets in ways that help foster safer drivers, create Complete Streets, and provide better bicycling for all Georgians. Take the survey at our website.
Lastly, we are deeply saddened and frustrated by preventable fatalities that result from inattentive, distracted, hostile or impaired drivers. One way such traffic violence will decrease is with strong legislation that makes hurting or killing a person on a bicycle - or any vulnerable road user - a serious offense. If you have a story to share about a close call, a lost loved-one or friend, or if you have a relationship with a state lawmaker who might be an ally, please contact us. It's time to create a strong coalition to demand safe streets for everyone.
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 Georgia Bikes is a member-supported non-profit organization. Our mission is to promote bicycling for recreation and transportation and to improve bicycling conditions throughout Georgia. Find out more and become a member at GeorgiaBikes.org.
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