TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS . BICYCLING

NEW! Shower Pass Program

The Plaza Executive Health Club is offering weekday morning bike and walk commuters access to shower and locker room facilities for just $15 per month! For full details and to sign-up, contact getfit@theplaza-healthclub.com or (404) 874-4584.

________________________________________

Why Commute by Bike?

Health
  • Get two workouts a day for something you have to do anyway.
  • Reduce stress by not being stuck in traffic.
  • Be more productive. Being more active decreases likelihood of getting sick or burned-out.
  • Arrive at work refreshed and energized.
  • Fight pollution...bicycles don’t produce emissions.

Save Money, Get Money

  • Burn calories, not gas. Gas is around $3 per gallon. AAA states that it costs approximately $0.59 per mile to operate your vehicle. Check the Commute Calculator to see what your current commute is costing you.
  • Save money on parking fees, auto maintenance and transit fares too.
  • Log at least 20 bike commute trips per month in the Commuter Rewards online database, and get a monthly $10 prize! Get registered and start logging your bike commutes here.

Avoid Traffic Delays

  • For the most part, bicyclists are not affected by backed-up traffic.
  • Bicycle commutes of 5 miles or less can be quicker than driving.

________________________________________

Cyclist Safety and Education

Download your cycling suitability map for Midtown and Downtown here.

MTS also offers discounted Confident City Cycling classes through Atlanta Bicycle Coalition for those who live or work in Midtown. For only $10, you can choose from a variety of cycling classes designed for everyone from novice riders to seasoned bike commuters. Choose the class that’s right for you. To register for a class at the $10 discounted rate, contact mts@midtownalliance.org.

________________________________________

Sharing the Road: Tips for Cyclists and Motorists

Tips for Cyclists:
Any distance is bicycling distance.
Up to ten miles is comfortable for a twice-daily commute, taking roughly an hour in urban areas. Up to five miles is easily accomplished for errands or entertainment.

Cyclists are drivers of vehicles.
Bicycles are legally required to follow the rules of the road: ride with the flow of traffic, not against; stop at all signs and lights; yield to pedestrians; stay right with slower traffic; stay off sidewalks in urban areas.

Stay visible and predictable.
B
right clothing, battery-powered lights, clear hand signals, and following the rules of the road will garner respect and safety from motorists.

Stay comfortable.
Almost any bicycle can serve daily commute or errand needs. Be sure to conduct preventative maintenance as needed. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Keep a slow, steady pace to limit sweating during warm months.

Tips for Motorists:
Give three feet.
Be sure to give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing. Wait until on-coming traffic is clear, then give bicycles as much room as the road allows. Remember that cyclists need room to maneuver around roadway obstacles.

Be respectful.
Bicycles are legally vehicles on the roadway and cyclists have the same rights provided to any automobile driver. Both cyclists and motorists can be cited for illegal or aggressive behavior toward other roadway users.

Support local advocacy.
Many individuals and organizations are working
for improved roadway conditions. Get involved to promote smart transportation options that improve safety and reduce congestion for all vehicles.

Thank cyclists.
More bicycles on the road mean lower gas prices, less automobile congestion, and more vibrant urban areas.

Thanks to Byron Rushing of the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition for the great tips!