The Valdosta Daily Times reports that Georgia’s newest bike co-op, The Community Cycling Center of Valdosta, just opened its doors to provide resources for Valdosta-area cyclists!

[CCCV co-founder Matt ] Portwood said that there has been renewed interest from citizens who want to ride their bikes more for health and economic reasons. With the Valdosta co-op, Portwood hopes people can find a place to work on their bikes, learn more about maintenance and bike safety while participating in future programs.

“The bike co-op is an effort to channel all the energy that has been generating for years surrounding bikes,” said Portwood. “The Azalea City Cyclists, Valdosta State University Blazer Cyclists and the Downtown Critical Mass rides are all examples of local interest in cycling. Our goal is to help promote cycling as a safe and healthy transportation alternative in Valdosta and Lowndes County.”

CCCV joins a number of other successful co-ops and bike recycling initiatives in Georgia, including Communicycle in Chamblee, SoPo in Atlanta, and the BikeAthens Bike Recycling Program. Bicycle advocates in Savannah are also busily working on a similar effort, their  Bike Restoration and Education Center.

Congratulations to everyone who has helped CCCV get off to a great start. We love seeing these creative, grassroots, service-oriented programs that promote cycling in Georgia’s communities!

Look forward to visiting you soon, CCCV!

Congratulations to our 10 Seed Grant recipients for 2012!

Each of the 10 organizations below have been awarded $1,500 for innovative, start-up, and growing bicycle advocacy efforts.

 Their programs and activities will promote and encourage cycling, teach safe riding and maintenance techniques, provide for improved road conditions and better recreational opportunities, and so much more! Read on for details about our seed grant awardees and their newly funded initiatives:

Bicycling Club of Milledgeville (Milledgeville, GA) 

• Work with Georgia College & State University to determine the best placement for Share the Road signage, sharrows & other bike improvements near campus

Bicycle Columbus (Columbus-Muscogee County)

• Incorporate Bicycle Columbus as a 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit organization
• Bicycle Columbus will serve as the unified voice for all things bicycle-related in Columbus-Muscogee County

Bike Roswell! (Roswell, GA)

• Providing Bike Roswell! University (“BRU”) Smart Cycling courses: a course geared to children to become more comfortable on their bicycles, a safe riding in traffic course, and a group riding dynamics course.

Community Cycling Center of Valdosta (Valdosta, GA)

• Purchasing a complete set of shop tools, including a work stand, wrenches, a pump, and a variety of other tools and supplies, for the recently opened Valdosta Bike Co-Op.
• Conducting bike safety classes

Oconee County Cycling Organization (Oconee County, GA)

• Installing bike racks
• Bike event planning and coordination
• Share the Road signage
• Building an off-road trail

Panther Bikes (Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA)

• Installation of two Dero Fixit Bike Repair Stands, do-it-yourself bicycle repair stations

Sumter Cycling (Americus, GA)

• Hosting cycling advocacy events and initiatives in the city of Americus
• Coordinating Bike to Work Day Americus
• Marketing efforts to promote these events, as well as the promotion of safe cycling behaviors

Walton Wellness Inc. (Walton County, GA) 

• Expanding their innovative Project Road Share initiative
• Launching a youth-focused campaign called “Pedal Power” and a series of family cycling events that focus on safety and the health benefits of cycling

WeCycle Atlanta (Atlanta, GA)

• Expanding operations of their community bike shop
• Bike safety programing, research and advocacy through the WeCycle Atlanta Institute of Cycling. 

Wheel Movement of the CSRA (Augusta, GA)

• Certifying group members as League Cycling Instructors
• Implementation of safe cycling educational programs