Atlanta Councilman Participates in National Bike to Work Day

From the Atlanta City Council

Atlanta City Councilmember Andre Dickens left his car in the garage and joined fellow Atlanta cyclists for National Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 16.

Councilmember Dickens’ bicycle commute began at 8:30 a.m. from his residence in Underwood Hills and took him on a 6.4-mile trek to his Georgia Institute of Technology office and another 6.9 miles to Atlanta City Hall.

“More and more people are realizing the endless benefits of cycling,” Dickens said. “Not only is it a healthy activity for people of all ages, it helps us reduce our use of fossil fuels, which contributes greatly to carbon monoxide emissions. Biking also allows for less congestion on area roadways especially at peak travel times, and it adds to the overall vibrancy of our city.”

A recent census report shows that biking is increasing across the country. With more than half of the U.S. population living within five miles of their workplace, commuters are realizing that bicycling is a feasible and fun way to get to work. And with increased interest in healthy, sustainable and economic transportation options, it’s not surprising that, from 2000 to 2011, the number of bicycle commuters in the U.S. grew by more than 47 percent.

In addition to National Bike to Work Day, May is also National Bike Month, which was established in 1956 as a way to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more people to ditch their automobiles and try biking.