GEORGIA BIKES! -- a statewide organization working to improve bicycling
conditions and promote bicycling throughout the state -- is off and
pedaling.
The group, which has incorporated as a non-profit and is seeking 501(c)3
status (*received effective 9/19/03), plans to interact with and educate elected officials, government agencies, consulting and engineering firms, and developers about improved and expanded facilities and safer bicycling. Georgia Bikes! will
also work toward having children, the general public, law enforcement officials, and cyclists, become more knowledgeable about bicycle rights, responsibilities, and safety. Encouraging bicycling for health, recreation, transportation, and tourism/economic development reasons will be a main focus too.
The group met in October electing a board and executive director and
reviewing a draft list of goals. Among the top priorities is continued
sponsorship of the Bicycling/Share The Road specialty license plate, which
would raise money for bike advocacy, provide a direct message to motorists,
and allow cyclists to declare their dual loyalties. The Georgia Senate
approved the plate last April but not the House of Representatives. The
House is not passing any proposed specialty plates while a committee studies
a myriad of license plate issues. Some of the other organization goals
include:
- helping form a State Legislature Bicycle Caucus
- creating a law enforcement officer's pocket guide
- having commercial vehicle driver outreach efforts
- improving the Georgia drivers license manual and exam
- propagating bicycle safety Public Service Announcements
- initiating media outreach and exposure activities
- instigating school based education efforts
- developing bicyclist education materials
- fostering ProBike/ProWalk and other conferences
- providing event ride sign downloads and loans
- cultivating "Share The Road" sign programs
- addressing shoulder rumble strip issues
- offering crash support services
- being a bicyclist's information clearinghouse
- encouraging local bicycle advocacy groups and local government bicycle
advisory committees
- working with government agencies on a Georgia On-Road Bike Plan, a Georgia
Trails Plan, and city and county bike plans and resolutions.
David Crites has been named the group's unpaid executive director. Mr.
Crites is a former Georgia Department Of Transportation Bicycle and
Pedestrian Coordinator and a current stay at home dad. |
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