Atlanta Bicycle Coalition Hosting National Bike Month Activities

By Susan Micek

Throughout May, the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition is celebrating National Bike Month with a wide variety of events that encourage Atlantans to get on their bikes to enjoy riding’s emotional, health, financial and community benefits. 

The central celebration of the month, National Bike to Work Day, will take place on May 16.  To participate, Atlantans can:

§  Visit an Energizer Station while biking to work on May 16 to enjoy free breakfast treats, bike tune-ups, raffles and more.

§  Join a Bike Train to ride to work together with new and experienced bikers, making the experience social and safe.

For a full list of Energizer Station locations and for a map of Bike Train locations, visit www.atlantabike.org/BiketoWorkDay2014.

Rebecca Serna, executive director of Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, shares: “Bike to Work Day is the perfect opportunity for Atlantans to experience the joys of commuting via bicycle without being nervous. With our Bike Trains and Energizer Stations, new bikers can rest assured that their commute will be safe, complemented by a vast support system made up of regular bikers and community organizations.

Other events throughout the month include:  

May 12-16: Bike to Work Week

On Tuesday, May 13, Elliott Street Pub will host Bikes & Beers (Bike Commuter Happy Hour), followed by the many activities taking place on May 16 for Bike to Work Day.

 May 17:  New Belgium Brewing’s Paint & Pedal

This event will feature art, live music, bikes and beer in the Old 4th Ward Skate Park Field. The event also features a bike show, with bike-riding contests and giveaways.

May 18:  Atlanta Streets Alive event on Peachtree Street

On May 18, miles of Peachtree Street – from Downtown to Midtown – will close to cars, and open to people and bikes. With numerous free cultural and physical activities, Atlanta Streets Alive is the perfect opportunity for people of all ages to truly experience Atlanta’s communities in a safe, healthy way. At the event, Atlanta Bicycle Coalition will host a “Protected Bike Lane” demonstration, where attendees can see and ride through various types of bike lanes. For more details on this free event, visit http://www.atlantastreetsalive.com/

May 24:  Bike Ride with Mayor Reed

Residents are invited to join Mayor Kasim Reed for a bike ride at 10:30 a.m. that starts outside Atlanta City Hall (beginning after a 10 a.m. press conference) and ends at the Jazz Festival. The bike ride to Piedmont Park is open to the public. 

For more Bike Month activities, visit www.atlantabike.org/bikemonth2014.