A bike box is a green pavement marking installed at intersections to reduce conflicts between people bicycling and driving.
People bicycling can stop in the green box to await a green signal. People driving wait behind the green box for the signal to turn green. Bike boxes are especially helpful for bicyclists who are taking a left turn. They are safer getting in to the bike box as illustrated above.
For more information on bicycling in Decatur, visit decaturga.com/bicycling.
The City of Decatur is participating in the annual Atlanta Bike Challenge: Biketober
Bike Ride and Info October 6th
Join us on Friday, October 6th for a “warm-up” ride and a chance to register yourself and/or a team of up to 8 riders. Join Decatur Active Living, Bicycle South and GA Commute Options for information, a chance to register, and some free goodies. Then at 6:30 pm we will take a ride to get warmed-up! There will be an option of a 2 mile or an 8 mile ride, so everyone can participate.
Register!
The City of Decatur has formed a City Employee Team, so compete against us! Learn more and register today at http://www.atlbikechallenge.com. You may win a great prize!
Decatur Active Living is excited to be hosting Traffic Skills 101 on Saturday, July 20 from 10 am until 4 pm. Taught by Neil Walker, a League Cycling Instructor, Traffic Skills 101 gives cyclists the confidence they need to ride safely and legally in traffic or on the trail. Through TS101, students learn how to conduct bicycle safety checks, fix a flat, on-bike skills and crash avoidance techniques. We recommend this class for adults and children above the age of 14. The curriculum is fast paced, six hours, and prepares cyclists for a full understanding of vehicular cycling.
The class will be held at the Decatur Recreation Center and the fee is $50. For more information and to register, click here. Preregistration is required.
State Farm has some great tips about Bikes and Cars coexisting safely:
“Some motorists don’t respect bikers. Some bikers don’t think the laws apply to them. But the truth is, both parties share the responsibility for reducing the risk of collision and injury on the road. These simple actions can help keep everyone safe.
Safety Steps for Drivers
If possible, slow down when driving near cyclists and avoid honking your horn.
Keep a safe distance between your car and a cyclist when passing. Try to increase the distance when you’re traveling at faster speeds.
After passing a cyclist, make sure you can see him/her in your rearview mirror before you return to the right lane.
When you’re parked on the street, check for cyclists before you open your car door.
Yield to bikes as you would other vehicles.
Scan bike lanes before making right turns.
Avoid distractions (such as cell phones) that could keep you from noticing a cyclist.
Safety Steps for Cyclists
Wear a helmet.
Obey all traffic laws, signs and signals.
Ride with traffic in the farthest-right lane.
Travel single-file when biking with others.
Make eye contact with drivers so you both know you’ve seen one another.
Use hand signals to notify drivers of your intention to stop or turn.
Think visibility! Wear brightly colored clothing and outfit your bike with the proper lights and reflectors.
When possible, travel three feet away from parked vehicles.
Practice extra caution around large trucks and buses, and be sure to avoid their blind spots. If you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see you.
Driving and riding defensively is one of the most important steps drivers and cyclists can take to help ensure one another’s safety. Whether you’re navigating a bike or a car, always pay attention and be ready to deal with hazards.”
May is National Bike Month and we have a variety of activities for you in Decatur.
May 9th is Bike to School Day.
Children throughout the city are encouraged to ride their bicycles to school and when they arrive will be greeted by parents who will be handing out special Bike to School Stickers and bookmarks. Bike to School Day is intended to get children and their families to ride to school and discover just what a great way this is to start the day, as well as to eliminate cars from around the school. For more information on Bike to School Day, visit http://www.walkbiketoschool.org.
May 12 – BikeDecatur Bike Ride and Maintenance Join BikeDecatur at the Decatur Farmer’s Market on Saturday May 12 from 9:30 until 10:30am for free air and lubes for your bicycle. Then at 10:30am riders will depart for a 10 mile leisurely ride around Decatur, suitable for all ages.
May 18 is Bike to Work Day Ride your bicycle to work on Friday, May 18 and be sure to stop by Decatur Bikes between 7 and 10am for complimentary coffee and breakfast snack. Meet up with a group of riders and bicycle together. You may want to stop by Decatur BIkes, and then make your way over to Bicycle South for more coffee!
May 19 – National Kids to Park Day Decatur will celebrate National Kids to Park Day with Bicycle Registration at McKoy Park. Register your bicycle with the Decatur Police Department. Registering your bike will help it be returned to you in the event that it is lost or stolen. Enjoy riding your bicycle in a safe environment and learn some bicycling safety skills as we will block off the upper parking lot of McKoy Park for bicycle only riding. Enter on Spring Street.
May 20 – Bicycle South Bike Ride to Stone Mountain Join the folks at Bicycle South for a no-drop ride to Stone Mountain. The riders depart from Bicycle South at 9am, 2098 North Decatur Road. The ride is suitable for all levels. For more information, visit http://www.bicyclesouth.com.
May 26/27 – Bicycle Valet Parking at the Decatur Arts Festival Ride your bicycle to the Decatur Arts Festival and enjoy free valet parking sponsored by Bicycle South and the City of Decatur. The Atlanta Bicycle Coalition will provide volunteers who will secure your bicycle while you enjoy this great community festival.
What other ways can you think of to celebrate National Bike Month?
Gael Doyle
Greg White
jones9095
saraeholmes
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