News: Atlanta Bicycle Coalition Celebrates 20 Years Tonight!
The Atlanta Bicycle Coalition (ABC) has been a strong advocate for cycling in Atlanta for 20 years today. Cycling conditions in Atlanta and its environs have come so far over this time and we have ABC to thank for organizing efforts to successfully lobby for a 3-foot passing law and to improve countless policies and roadway for cycling. ABC has also been a strong supporter of Bike Emory and for that we thank you ABC.
To celebrate 20 years ABC is having an anniversary party tonight. For more details see the release below. See you there!
Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to making it safe and easy to bicycle around Atlanta for fun, fitness and transportation, celebrates 20 years at Atlanta’s “voice for better biking” with an anniversary party.
On Friday, November 4 from 7-11 pm, the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition and partners will celebrate 20 years of progress and accomplishments at 5 Seasons Westside, serving up delicious local food and craft brews, a DJ to lend a soulful vibe, bicycle photography on display, local designers shining in the Velo Chic fashion show starring ABC members, and a silent auction. Honored guests include city council members who have partnered with ABC to improve conditions for cycling in the city.
Twenty years ago ABC was founded by a group of passionate activists to advocate on behalf of bicyclists and promote cycling, especially the kind that gets people places. Today, it’s the go-to resource for people who want to start biking, for planners and city officials seeking cyclists’ perspective on projects and needs, and the loudest voice for a bicycle-friendly Atlanta.
In 1991 the city had only a handful of bike lanes and a handful of bike riders. Recent numbers show tremendous growth, and even greater potential. The city today has 30 miles of bike lanes in addition to 30+ miles of multi-use trails, or paths. Between 2008 and 2009 bike commuting in the city rose a whopping 111%, and ABC’s semi-annual bike counts and cyclist surveys indicate a growing number of people biking to get to work or run errands, for fitness, and for fun. The Atlanta Bicycle Coalition has nearly 900 members with a goal of reaching 1,000 by the end of 2011. And the BeltLine could be a game-changer for biking in Atlanta, with its potential to connect more than 40 neighborhoods with popular destinations, parks, and activity centers.