Month: December 2019

Smart Growth America Transportation and Health Equity study provides guidance for Georgia

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Informed by 92 health and transportation experts from across the country (including Georgia Bikes), a new report from Smart Growth America identifies the best strategies to advance health equity through transportation.

This is must read material for active transportation advocates in Georgia, as health equity is central to the argument we are making (locally and statewide) to improve conditions for bicycling, walking, and rolling in our state! Read the executive summary or download the full report.

 

 

2020 Youth Bike Summit to be held in Atlanta, March 27-29

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The Youth Bike Summit is coming to Atlanta March 27-29 2020!

The Youth Bike Summit is a three-day national conference bringing together students, educators, advocates, researchers, policy makers and community leaders to gather and share ideas, give youth a voice, and encourage civic engagement and advocacy.  Through workshops, presentations, keynote speakers, discussion, and visioning, dialogue in transformed into action.

We look forward to working with Atlanta Bicycle Coalition and the BRAG Dream Team on the event, getting youth from around the state to attend YBS, as well as play host to visitors from around the US and world.

Georgia Bikes receives grant from Governor’s Office of Highway Safety

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Georgia Bikes is pleased to announce it has received a $73,755.63 grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS).

The GOHS grant will fund the organization’s outreach and educational programs, which are produced in partnership with local agencies, nonprofits, and law enforcement to reduce bicyclist injuries and fatalities.

“The loss of one life on our roads is one too many, and the fact almost all fatal traffic crashes can be prevented is one reason why we are awarding this grant,” Allen Poole, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, said. “The target of zero traffic deaths in our nation is achievable, and we will continue to help develop and implement educational messages, enforcement campaigns, and other safety initiatives aimed at bringing us one step closer to our goal.”

“We are thankful to be once again partnering with GOHS to improve safety for people bicycling in our state. They have been stalwart supporters of our work over the years and we look forward to another year of educating residents of Georgia on bicycle safety,” said Georgia Bikes Executive Director Elliott Caldwell. “We believe that bicycling is a healthy, efficient, and enjoyable form of transportation and recreation and want everyone in our state, regardless of age, ability, location, or background, to be able to ride a bicycle to school, work, local businesses, to visit family and friends, or simply to get exercise. We hope to see a decrease in all crashes, including ones involving bicycles, in 2020 as we move towards zero traffic deaths in Georgia. 

The grant year for this award is Oct. 1, 2019 to Sept. 30, 2020. During the first month of the grant period, Georgia Bikes Safety Education Programs Manager John Bennett offered bicycle safety training programs in Savannah and Fitzgerald, and distributed bicycle education materials to scout troops, schools, cycling clubs, and bike shops throughout Georgia. Bennett is also providing support to community members in Glynn County who are organizing Bike Walk Golden Isles, a bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organization.

Georgia Bikes’ mission is to improve bicycling conditions and promote bicycling throughout the state of Georgia. Based in Macon, the nonprofit has offices in Athens and Savannah. Georgia Bikes organizes the annual Georgia Bike Summit, which has been held in cities around the state since 2009.

For more information on this grant program, contact GOHS at 404-656-6996 and for more information on GOHS and its other highway safety programs, visit www.gahighwaysafety.org