City of Alpharetta Awarded GOHS Grant to Promote Cycling Safety
The City of Alpharetta was awarded $27,900 in federal funds through the Georgia Highway Safety Grant managed by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). This grant program is available thanks to federal funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The goal of the program is to promote the development and implementation of innovative programs to address highway safety issues.
Alpharetta’s Department of Public Safety recognizes the increasing participation in cycling throughout the city, and intends to use this grant program as an opportunity to educate cyclists, drivers, and law enforcement officers alike to ensure that safety is the main focus of all users of the roadway.
Alpharetta partnered with Bike Alpharetta Inc., a local bicycle advocacy organization, to put together the educational program that will be implemented as a result of this grant award. Together we will host educational events along the Big Creek Greenway, passing out youth bicycle helmets and educational materials.
BICYCLE SAFETY ACTIVITIES:
Sat, April 27 – 15th Annual Touch a Truck, Wills Park
Sat, May 4 – 4th Annual Alliance Ride, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Thurs, June 20 – Family Bicycle Safety Event, Rock Mill Park
Sun, July 7 – Peach Kids Triathlon, Windward Lake Club
Sun, Aug 25 – LifeTime Kids Tri, LifeTime Fitness Alpharetta
Sun, Sept 15 – IronKids Alpharetta Triathlon, Wills Park
Sat, Sept 21 – Family Bicycle Safety Day with Pro Team, Rock Mill Park
Big Creek Greenway in Alpharetta:
City of Alpharetta officials urge all greenway patrons to adhere to posted trail etiquette rules including the ones listed below:
• Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all times
• The trail is not designed or intended for high speed bike riding
• Users should keep right and pass on the left
• Announce yourself when approaching from behind
• Keep animals on a short leash
The trail is open from 8am to dusk and is patrolled regularly by bike patrol officers with the City of Alpharetta Department of Public Safety. Report any criminal activity by calling Alpharetta Police at 911.
For more information on the Greenway, call 678-297-6100 or email recreation@alpharetta.ga.us
Bicycle Clubs in Georgia
The Georgia Bicycle Federation has a thorough list of bicycle clubs and organizations across the state – click here
May is National Bike Month
Read updates from Georgia Bikes! – click here
Bike Alpharetta planning events for 2013:
- May 4 Bicycle Safety Tent with Alpharetta Dept of Public Safety at Alliance Ride (location – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater)
- May 15 Ride of Silence (tbd)
- May 15 Special Bike Alpharetta meeting (Buffalo Wild Wing’s on Mansell Road)
- May 5 and 19 – Bagel Rides for all levels (Alpha Bikes)
Read past press release from Bike Alpharetta about local activities – Release – Bike Alpharetta and National Bike Month 2012
HB 101 became law on July 1, 2011, and concerns cyclists. Here are the highlights:
1. Cars are now required, where feasible, to pass cyclist at a 3-foot distance minimum and cyclist have right of way when operating in bicycle lane;
2. Cyclist may ride upon a paved shoulder where available but are not required to ride on the paved shoulder;
3. Extending the right arm and hand horizontally is now recognized as an official right turn signal;
Cover of Bike Sense booklet from Georgia Bikes!
4. The full HB 101 bill and changes to law – click here to read.
Below is information and links related to safe cycling, rules of the road/trail, and legislation updates related to cycling:
Alpharetta’s Big Creek Greenway – click here
Georgia Bike Sense Guide – click here
Georgia Bicycle Laws – click here
People for Bikes - click here
Bikes Belong – click here
League of American Bicyclists – click here
Alpharetta Leaders Look at Bicycle Loops in Master Plan
Bike Alpharetta provided feedback to City of Alpharetta’s Public Works Department regarding convenient and safe cycling routes in the city limits. Three loop rides were mapped for consideration. Mayor David Belle Isle is positive about this and wants a public comments on the idea. Read story from Alpharetta Neighbor newspaper, December 5, 2012.
