BikeAthens in 2012: A recap of the year

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For BikeAthens, 2012 was a productive and fun-filled year.

Take a look…

– We celebrated the adoption of a Complete Streets Policy passed by the ACC Unified Government in December.  This policy–that BikeAthens helped forge–will ensure that bike and pedestrian needs are considered when ACC designs and builds new roads.
– We hired Tyler Dewey as our first Executive Director and full-time staff member. Tyler will develop and deliver a number of bicycle safety classes for cyclists and drivers, and will work to further the mission and vision of BikeAthens through continued education, advocacy, and community service. The position is primarily funded through a grant by the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS).

– We said goodbye to Amy Johnson, a long-time board member and admin who left to become the Executive Director of Palmetto Cycling Coalition, the SC state-wide bicycle advocacy group.
– We made 59 adult bike contributions to the community through the work of our Bicycle Recycling Program. This number doesn’t include the considerable number of walk-in repairs made.  BRP volunteers numbered 120 and contributed over 2,000 total hours of work. To help finance the program, BRP sold 80 refurbished bicycles.
– We refurbished and donated 72 bikes to social service agencies, churches and schools that requested them for the children they serve.  Seven additional children’s bikes were sold to donors. BRP volunteers worked from November to mid-Dec. to achieve this feat.  Holiday Bikes for Kids 2012 was coordinated by Jason Perry.
– We continued our Athens Group Rides to provide great opportunities for cyclists to learn the roads of downtown Athens.  Rides this year focused on current bike infrastructure and safety, as we explored the Greenway and Light Up the Night!

– We received a GOHS Bicycle Safety Grant and have started giving bicycle safety lessons to the Municipal Court, local Middle schools, and other local organizations.  Want to learn more about bike safety in 2013? We’ll be happy to give a presentation to your organization.

– We shared good food, and even better company, while looking back on the accomplishments of the past year at our Annual Member Meeting Party held at the Athens Heritage Foundation Firehouse in August.
– We held a women’s-only bike maintenance course taught by The Hub owner and pro-mechanic Brian Molloy.  The classes were full of enthusiastic students each session.

-We added a 4th open “day” for our Bicycle Recycling Program shop–just for women.  The Tuesday evening shop sessions are managed by Lauren Stoneand Amanda Kenney, the two newest members of the BRP Council.
– We partnered again with New Belgium Brewery to host another year of the Clips of Faith film fest and beer tasting.  We moved from Washington St. to the Lyndon House this year. Fun movies, wonderful brews, and friends under a beautiful autumn sky.  What a wonderful event and venue!  We look forward to doing it again this fall!

– We hosted a terrific group of about 40 people for Dinner and Bikes and to hear Elly Blue in April. We welcomed Elly Blue and friends for an enjoyable evening of cycling economy discussions, bicycle movies and a specially prepared vegan dinner.
– We had another great year of helping people at the Athens Farmer’s Market once a month with our Bike/Walk to Market effort. We helped design individual commutes, repaired bikes, talked about volunteer opportunities, and advocated for a better bike/walk/transit community in ACC.
-We walked and cycled in the ACC Parade of Lights this year. Veterans said it was our biggest group of participants ever.
– We wrapped up the year with our Holiday Party, a celebration of great successes in 2012 at the BRP Bike Shop. We had a great turnout and enjoyed holiday friends, festivities, and food.
“If you enjoyed one of our events, appreciate the work we do for Athens and surrounding areas, or share the livable community vision that we strive for, please consider joining BikeAthens, renewing your membership, or making a tax deductible donation.”

Thanks, Mike

Mike Ely
Chairman, BikeAthens Board

Please Renew Your Membership!

If you want to renew your membership, please use the “Donate” button below or send us a check to BikeAthens, PO Box 344, Athens, GA 30603, and enter the amount that corresponds to your membership level:

  • $100 for Sponsors
  • $50 for Families
  • $30 for Individuals
  • $15 for Students and Seniors
Your donations support advocacy efforts for better transportation options in Athens, and are tax deductible. You may donate any amount via PayPal or send a check to BikeAthens, PO Box 344, Athens, GA 30603. Thanks!
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We are in the process of building a new membership database in order to make this process smoother. If you renew now we will be sure to credit your annual membership to the date of your contribution. Thank you for your patience!