Bike safely campaign launched in four northwest Georgia counties

Four northwest Georgia counties (Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade and Walker) are a part of a Civic Cycling Educational project sponsored in part by Georgia Bikes. On Saturday, May 16, an awards and safety awareness kick off was presented, including the new laws for cycling and motorists.

Free community cycling opportunities like the third Saturday program from May to October by the park service and information on U.S. Forest Service Bike Trails was made available.

Allied Cyclists also helped with programming. Allied Cyclists encourages civic and church groups to schedule the “Bike Safely and Economics of Community Cycling” presentation for a safer summer.

Georgia department of public safety staffed the event with GSP officer Michael Best, of Chickamauga, Ga., He addressed key changes in Georgia State Law. One new law is a “Three Feet Rule.” Motorists must give cyclists at least three feet when passing a bike on roadways. If a motorist is cited, the infraction would count as a moving violation.

Another key issue addressed was the fact that cyclists have full rights to be on Georgia roadways. Georgia law stipulates cycles are vehicles and have the same rights as motorized vehicle on Georgia roadways, with the U.S. interstates being the only exception.

Allied Cyclists is funded by Friends of Fremont and BuyTAG.us. Buy-TAG guaranteed a $5,000 scholarship for a 2015 senior; students from all four counties were eligible.

Event representatives said public safety is a major civic concern and that sport cycling events and casual cyclists are increasing a need for more safety awareness. According to officials, the number of citizens who bike to classes and work is on the rise.

Jason Mitchell a Covenant College alumni said 2015 marks his 10th year cycling to work. He was presented the Michael Edge Spirit of Community Cycling award for his participation.

Aleq Boyle, with Friends of Fremont, spoke on the increasing economics biking brings to communities that have already embraced cycling, like Chattanooga. For every $1 of community investment in civic-cycling infrastructure, a rate of return averages five to one. Others say it’s closer to nine to one.

Best was recognized for his commitment to greater public safety and community awareness on new public laws relating to biking. He was presented a Civic Citation Award for assisting in the public outreach to educate cyclists and motorists.

For more information for a church or community group about “Safe Cycling” email: Programs@JohnCFremont.org or call Aleq Boyle 202-630-4659.