Georgia bike sense : a guide for bicyclists

Georgia bike sense
A Guide for bicyclists
A publication of the georgia department of transportation

Vision
Enhancing Georgia s Competitiveness Through Leadership in Transportation
mission
The Georgia Department of Transportation provides a safe connected and environmentally sensitive transportation system that enhances Georgia s economic
competitiveness by working efficiently and communicating
effectively to create strong partnerships
Cover Photo BikeAthens

Georgia bike sense
A Guide for bicyclists
This manual serves as a guide to help both motorists and cyclists safely share the road and to help cyclists of all ages and skill levels better understand how to ride safely and legally on trails and roads in Georgia.
The guide also includes safety suggestions that are not covered by Georgia traffic laws. It is not to be considered a legal authority for bicycle safety nor is it intended to be a source to cite in a court of law. Local traffic regulations in some communities may vary somewhat from state law provided they do not conflict with state law.
A PDF version of this document is available on the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) website at www.dot.ga.gov/DS/Travel/BikePed. For printed copies contact
State Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator Georgia Department of Transportation 935 East Confederate Avenue SE Building 24
Atlanta GA 30316 404-635-2834 bikeped dot.ga.gov
A listing of Georgia cycling clubs organizations and resources is also available on the Bicycle/ Pedestrian page on the Georgia Department of Transportation website.
Copyright 2005 2009 and 2016 by the Georgia Department of Transportation. Permission is given to quote and reproduce parts of this document for public educational purposes if credit is given to the source.

GDOT is grateful to the organizations listed below that contributed to the content and production of this guide providing time photos resources and information
Athens Transit Bicycle Ride Across Georgia BikeAthens Firefly Trail Inc. Georgia Bikes Georgia Bicycle Safety Task Team Georgia Department of Economic Development Georgia Interscholastic Cycling League Northeast Georgia Regional Commission People for Bikes Green Lane Project
This guide also draws from cycling information published online and in print in the United States and Canada
Colorado Department of Transportation Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Colorado Bicycling Manual
Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition The British Columbia Bicycle Operators Manual
League of American Bicyclists www.bikeleague.org
Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center www.bicyclinginfo.org
Production
Project Manager Katelyn Digioia GDOT Production of this edition Northeast Georgia Regional Commission (NEGRC) Georgia Bikes BikeAthens GDOT Contributing Writers NEGRC staff Mark Dodson David Crites Paul Quick Kenneth A. Rosskopf Lisa Safstrom

CONTENTs

introduction 7

Getting Started 9

riding with kids 19

staying safe 23

Commuting & Everyday Cycling

29

Recreational riding 33

get involved 37

Georgia
is a great place for cycling with varying terrains from the mountains in the north to the flat coastal regions in the south. This guide covers the situations and conditions you ll likely encounter while cycling here emphasizing safe and legal riding. Whether you re a beginner or an experienced rider this guide provides an overview of how you can ride more safely and effectively.
The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to keeping our roads safe for pedestrians cyclists and motorists. By incorporating the safe cycling practices covered in this guide cyclists can become more confident more predictable and more visible making Georgia s roads safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Georgia Department of Transportation

Georgia bike sense

Left Photo Georgia Department of Economic Development
7

1getting started

EQUIPMENT BIKES
The best bike for starting out might be the one you already have. Make sure that it s safe in working order and appropriate for the kind of riding you want to do and hit the road or the trail. The more you ride the better idea you ll get of exactly what bike would suit you best.

Road Bikes have curved drop handlebars that make for a low aerodynamic riding position. Road bikes are a good option for everyday cycling and commuting (see Chapter 4 for more information on commuting).

Mountain Bikes are set up for off-road use and usually equipped with lower gears for steep ascents but can be less efficient on paved surfaces (see Chapter 5 for more information on mountain biking).

Hybrid Bikes feature characteristics of road and mountain bikes these are functional for road use as well as urban and smooth trail riding.
Left Photo BikeAthens

John Devine

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Georgia Department of Transportation

Georgia bike sense

9

EQUIPMENT HELMETS

Always wear a bicycle

helmet when you ride to

help reduce your chances

of a serious head or brain

injury. For children under

the age of 12 it is required by law that they wear a

RIGHT

helmet (see Chapter 2).

Look for a helmet that has

a U.S. Consumer Product

Safety Commission

certification. Do not wear

a helmet made for sports

other than cycling as these

WRONG

are designed and tested for

other types of impact. Replace your helmet if

it absorbs an impact in a crash even if it does

not appear to be damaged. Be sure to fit and

fasten your helmet correctly

Rest the helmet about an inch or less above the eyebrows on the forehead
Tighten the chin strap until it s snug so that no more than one or two fingers fit between the strap and your chin
Tighten the helmet s rear adjuster so that it fits snugly
Position the strap adjusters directly below the ears

EQUIPMENT WHAT TO WEAR
People ride bikes in work attire gym clothes cycling-specific gear and all types of other clothing. Whatever your needs consider the following tips to help improve safety and comfort.

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Georgia Department of Transportation

Krysia Haag

Mark Dodson

Clothing Wear bright reflective outer layers to stay visible in all different riding conditions.

Cycling Gloves

Gloves can help cushion the

Cycling gloves can provide

vibration from the handlebars protection for your hands

keep your hands warm and

provide protection to your hands if you fall.

Cycling Shorts Cycling shorts have built-in padding and are made with moisture-wicking materials.

Toe clips help keep your foot secured to the pedal and provide more leverage

Shoes and Pedals Beginners should start with platform pedals and sturdy shoes. As you gain experience and confidence you may graduate to toe clips or clipless pedals which increase power and efficiency by attaching to special cleated cycling shoes.

EQUIPMENT SAFETY GEAR

Lights and Reflectors A white headlight visible from 300 feet is recommended when riding in low-visibility conditions (fog dusk) and is required by Georgia law when riding at night. Rear reflectors are also required by Georgia law. Red taillights will help to make you more visible in traffic during lowlight or night rides. Using the flashing feature

Georgia bike sense

11

Krysia Haag

on your front or rear lights may make you more visible especially at dawn and dusk.

Rear-View Mirror A mirror typically attaches to your bike s handlebars or your helmet. Do not depend solely on a mirror for lane changes always look over your shoulder and scan behind before making a lateral move. Some cyclists find mirrors distracting they are optional in Georgia.

Bike Locks The right lock can keep your bike relatively safe from theft (no lock is 100% secure). There are many different types of locks but most common are U-locks and cable locks shown to the right.

U-locks are the best option for locking up at a bike rack

Basic Tools & Supplies Carrying some basic tools and supplies on your bike will Cable locks are better for tying reduce your chances of being your bike to larger objects stranded if you have a flat tire or mechanical problem.

ID emergency contact and cash
Water bottle/snack Cell phone Tube and patch kit

Mini pump
Tire levers
Bike-specific multi tool with wrenches screwdriver etc.

GETTING OUT ON THE ROAD

Before getting out on the road it is important to get comfortable on your bike. One way to do this is by practicing on trails greenways paths and little-used residential roads before venturing out

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Georgia Department of Transportation

Mark Dodson

Krysia Haag

onto main roads. Keep in mind that bicyclists are subject to the same traffic laws and have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. Adhering to the following tips and riding in a predictable manner will help keep the road safe for all users.
Hand Signals Just as when using your turn signal in your car it is important to indicate to other road users what your next move will be. When riding your bike use these hand signals to alert others when you are about to make a turn or stop.

Right turn option 1 Point with right hand

Right turn option 2 Raise left hand

Left turn Point with left hand

Stop Lower left hand

Positioning When sharing a lane with automobiles you should be 1.5 to 2 feet out from the curb or edge of pavement (be careful of the "lip" between

Georgia bike sense

13

Images taken & adapted from Demograph for Noun Project

the asphalt and the gutter). Always ride in the same direction as traffic never against it. If the road has bike lanes always use the lane on the right side of the road. There are several situations where you ll need to move towards the left or even take the center of the lane

The correct center-lane position (should you need to take it)

Left turns and traveling straight ahead when a through lane becomes a right-turn lane
Avoiding hazards or debris The lane is too narrow to share safely with other
vehicles Passing standing vehicles

Taking the Lane Two-lane roads are often too narrow for two cars and a bicycle to pass safely. It may be safer to move further to the left and "take the lane " to prevent the vehicle approaching from behind from passing you. When it appears there s room for them to move left and give you more space move back toward the right shoulder. You might encounter resistance from motorists but Georgia law allows this.

Traffic Lights Unless you re in a designated bike lane do not pass cars to their right or left queueing at a traffic light in order to position yourself at the front of the line. It is safer and more courteous to fall into line with traffic naturally or at the end of the queue. If the lane is narrow take the entire lane while you wait.

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Georgia Department of Transportation

Colorado Bicycling Manual

QUICK TIPS BASIC ON-ROAD TRAFFIC SAFETY STRATEGIES
Be visible Always ride in a predictable manner Never ride against traffic Signal to other road users with hand signals
and eye contact Pull entirely off of the road if you need to stop
for any reason other than a traffic signal stopped traffic or a traffic light Use lights in low visibility conditions Consider using a rear-view mirror Plan to stop when approaching a yellow light Pass slower cyclists on the left Use extra caution at driveways and curb cuts Use extra caution around large vehicles

Intersections As you approach an intersection begin to position yourself in the best part of the lane to proceed. If you are going straight or turning right stay to the right unless it is a right-turn only lane. If you are turning left check for traffic coming from behind then signal your intent to move to the left side of the traffic lane or into the turn lane. Never proceed through an intersection side-by-side with a motor vehicle.

Bike Lanes and Wide Curb Lanes Bike lanes are being added in communities throughout Georgia. They vary in width but typically span 4-5 feet. There are also roads built with wider-than-usual traffic lanes called wide curb lanes which help to separate bicycle and

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Colorado Bicycling Manual

automobile traffic. Be prepared to merge into traffic if the bike lane or wide curb lane comes to an end.

Parked Cars When passing parallel parked cars ride far enough from the cars that you ll avoid being hit by a car door if it opens.

Debris and Grates Cyclists should be on the lookout for dirt rocks glass

Look for car doors opening as you pass by parallel-parked cars

and other debris which tends to accumulate

more heavily near the curb and in paved

shoulders. Cyclists should also be wary of

drainage grates especially those that run

parallel to the direction of traffic as these could

easily catch your wheel and cause a crash.

Railroad Tracks Slow down and cross railroad tracks at as close to a 90 angle as possible. Accounting
for traffic and other road conditions give yourself enough time and space to approach the tracks head-on because it may be necessary to use the entire travel lane when tracks cross the road diagonally. Wet rails can be especially Cross railroad tracks head-on at a 90 slippery so proceed angle with extra caution.

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Georgia Department of Transportation

Colorado Bicycling Manual

Sharing the Road with

Large Vehicles

When cycling near

large vehicles keep in

mind that the driver

of a truck or bus has

several "blind spots" -

certain areas around

the vehicle that the

driver simply cannot

see. Risks can be

substantially reduced by avoiding these

Be aware of this "No Zone" when a large truck is making a turn

blind spots when near large vehicles.

Riding on Sidewalks

It is typically safer to ride in the street or bike

lane than on the sidewalk. Further riding on

GA Law 40-6-144 "Except as provided by resolution or ordinance

sidewalks is prohibited statewide for anyone over the age of 12

of a local government... unless permitted by

no person shall drive any specific local ordinance vehicle upon a sidewalk." to operate a bicycle on

the sidewalk.

What Your Local Bike Shop Can Do For You Your local bike shop can be a great source of help with most all of your biking needs including
Helping you choose and fit the perfect bike
Assisting with equipment/gear bike repairs and routine maintenance
Providing seminars and classes
Connecting you with local cycling groups advocacy organizations and group rides in your area

Georgia bike sense

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Colorado Bicycling Manual

2Riding with kids

John Devine

Paul Quick

Front-mounted seat Bike trailer Tag-a-long

YOUNG CHILDREN (AGES 1-4)
Children can begin participating in cycling once their head is able to support the extra weight of a well-fitting helmet (usually around one year old) starting out on a frontor rear-mounted child seat or in a trailer. A tricycle or a balance bike can help get a toddler comfortable with riding. A tow-behind or "tag-along" bike that adds an extra wheel and riding position to an adult bicycle can also help a child gain comfort in riding (beginning around age four depending on tag-a-long model and your child). Training wheels are another useful tool but if your child uses a balance bike they may advance straight to a regular twowheeler.

Bicycle Ride Across Georgia

BikeAthens

Balance Bike

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Georgia Department of Transportation

Georgia bike sense

Left Photo People for Bikes Green Lane Project
19

OLDER CHILDREN (AGES 5-10)

School-age kids can begin to grasp the basics

of safe cycling getting familiar with shifting

and braking as well as maintaining a line and

maneuvering around obstacles. This is a good

time to begin introducing

general concepts of how cyclists and other road or trail users interact with one another. Children may be ready to venture onto

GA Law 40-6-296 "No person under the age of 16 years shall operate a bicycle.... without wearing a bicycle helmet."

low-traffic streets with

adult supervision but at this age they still don t

have the experience to judge how fast other

vehicles are moving or approaching so use

extra caution. When crossing a street or busy

intersection have the child dismount and walk

across as a pedestrian. Show them how to wear

a helmet properly use a bike lock clean their

bike and inflate the tires. A bike rodeo shown

below is an excellent way for your child to

learn the skills and precautions needed to ride a

bicycle safely.

ADOLESCENTS/TEENS (AGES 11-16)

At this age kids are getting stronger and now

have the physical ability to ride independently.

If they have already had some cycling

experience they ll be somewhat familiar with

the basics of bike handling and safety. At this

age kids can work on refining and expanding

those skills to ride

more safely and

efficiently. They can

also get more involved

in maintaining their

bikes and learning

to make simple

adjustments and

repairs such as

changing or patching

a tube. Teens can also

begin to get more involved in cycling groups and clubs across the state.

Georgia teens can get more involved through youth cycling clubs like the
Bicycle Ride Across Georgia (BRAG) Dream Team

Tour de Georgia

2015 HH Multimedia LLC

Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center

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Georgia Department of Transportation

Young girls and women can get involved with cycling programs like the Crank Sisters an all-female off-road cycling league through the Georgia Interscholastic
Cycling League

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3staying safe

Safety should always be the first thing on your mind when cycling. Riding visibly and predictably adhering to state and local traffic laws and using appropriate and wellmaintained equipment can help keep bicyclists out of harm s way on and off of the road.

RIDING IN ADVERSE CONDITIONS

Riding at Night When night-riding practice extreme caution and be vigilant of your surroundings. Follow these safety guidelines

Adjust your speed

Wear bright reflective

clothing such as a

neon vest Apply bicycle-specific

It is important to properly use a front light and rear reflector when riding at night

front and rear lights when riding from dusk until dawn (many cyclists also use lights during the day)
Never assume a motorist can see you

GA Law 40-6-296 "Every bicycle when in use at nighttime shall be equipped with a light on the front... and with a red reflector on the rear..."

Practice extreme caution when moving through intersections

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Georgia Department of Transportation

Georgia bike sense

Left Photo BikeAthens
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BikeAthens

Miles McClelland

Riding in Wet Weather Stay Dry Wear or use these items to help keep dry when riding in wet weather
Rain jacket
Rain pants and shoe covers
Helmet cover
Fenders
With the right gear you can ride your bike in most weather conditions
Be Visible Wear bright and reflective clothing use headlights and taillights and think carefully about your lane positioning.
Compensate for Water on the Road Wet weather may reduce your bike s braking ability so give yourself some extra time to brake when the roads are wet. Beware of metal objects like construction plates in the road and manhole covers as they can often be slippery when wet. Try to avoid riding through puddles as it is often not apparent how deep the puddles are. If you cannot avoid riding through a puddle slow down and use extra caution.
Riding in Hot Weather Wear lightweight clothing made of breathable fabrics or materials that wick moisture and dry quickly. It is important to stay hydrated especially on warm days so carry a water bottle and drink frequently.
Riding in Cold Weather Dress in multiple lightweight layers that are easy to shed during the ride. Hydration is still important in cool weather so don t forget your water bottle. To keep your head face and ears

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Georgia Department of Transportation

warm skullcaps and headbands are available that fit underneath a bicycle helmet or wrap around its plastic frame. To keep your hands protected from the wind and cold it is good to wear a pair of gloves. Insulated windproof gloves are available for cycling and can be found in most local bike shops along with other cold weather gear.
CRASHES
Avoiding a Crash Being a cyclist on a road designed for motor vehicles can be intimidating. Even as more cities provide adequate bicycling infrastructure and ridership increases crashes can still occur. Cyclists can do their part in avoiding crashes by not
Riding on the sidewalk
Riding the wrong way against traffic
Riding unpredictably or changing lanes abruptly
Ignoring stop signs and traffic signals
If a Crash Occurs
(If able) Call 911
Ask all involved to remain at the scene (motorists cyclists and witnesses)
Exchange information with those involved (name number insurance information and driver s license number)
Be sure to give the officer a report of what occurred
After the crash get in touch with your insurance company the other parties involved and the police department for the incident report
After the crash have your bike inspected by a bike mechanic even if you don t see any damage

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Colorado Bicycling Manual Colorado Bicycling Manual

SAFETY AS A MOTORIST
The safety of bicyclists on the road can be highly dependent on behavior. As a driver scanning for pedestrians and bicyclists should be a normal part of your driving routine.
Intersections When approaching an intersection be aware of cyclists making left or right turns. Drive slowly and use caution when moving through the intersection. When making a right turn be sure to look for cyclists also turning right. When making a left turn keep an eye out for cyclists moving straight through the intersection as shown in the image below.

Both motorists and cyclists should exercise caution especially at intersections

Passing a Cyclist
Allow at least three feet between your vehicle and the bicycle
Be patient and wait until it is safe to pass as you would with any other slow-moving vehicle

GA Law 40-6-56 "The operator of a motor vehicle when overtaking and passing a bicycle that is proceeding in the same direction on the roadway shall leave a safe distance (no less than three feet) between such vehicle and the bicycle..."

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Georgia Department of Transportation

Do not speed ahead and cut a cyclist off as you are turning right and a cyclist is proceeding straight through an intersection
Do not pass a turning cyclist while you are also turning in your vehicle

Georgia State Law states that a motorist must leave a safe distance at least three feet between their car and a cyclist
Overtaking Cyclists on a Narrow Road When passing a group of cyclists on a narrow curvy or hilly road be patient. Slow to their speed and stay a safe distance behind the group until you can see far enough ahead to pass safely. When passing use the full opposite lane. If there are significant gaps between the cyclists you can "leapfrog" them instead of waiting until there is enough space to pass the whole group at once.
Approaching Cyclists on a Narrow Road When encountering cyclists coming the opposite direction slow down and maintain your lane. Resist the temptation to move right. Keep all wheels on the pavement.

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4commuting & everyday cycling

Commuting by bike is a great way to get to work or school. It can be a faster alternative to walking or taking the bus can improve your overall fitness and will save you money on vehicle and parking costs. The hardest part of making the switch to commuting by bike might be getting started. These tips and essentials can help you begin riding your bike to school work and other activities.
COMMUTING ESSENTIALS & ACCESSORIES
When commuting by bike it is still essential to have the correct equipment and safety gear as mentioned in Chapter 2. Other useful commuting accessories are
Bike lock
Seat cover
Rear rack
Panniers or cycling bag/backpack
Fenders for wet weather
Equipment for riding with kids (see Chapter 2 for helpful tips on riding with kids)
Change of clothes

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Georgia Department of Transportation

Georgia bike sense

Left Photo BikeAthens
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QUICK TIPS "I COULD NEVER COMMUTE BY BICYCLE..."
"I m out of shape." Start out with shorter rides and gradually work up to longer distances. You will find it easier to go farther as your overall fitness and confidence level increases.
"My workplace is too far away." You may be surprised at how efficiently and quickly you can cover several miles. If riding the entire distance to work is too much consider a "combo commute " combining biking with a bus or train ride or riding your bike to a "park-and-ride" lot to join a carpool.
"Weather It s too hot (or cold)." Riding comfortably is a matter of dressing properly for the conditions and altering your style of riding. See Chapter 2 on appropriate gear for riding in extreme hot or cold weather. With the right gear extreme wind and lightning might be the only weather that could hold you back. It s also a good idea to carry a change of clothes for work/school with you when you commute.
"I don t have a good bicycle/the right equipment." The latest in high-tech bicycling equipment is not required. A used or inexpensive bicycle in good working condition that fits you properly will be perfectly adequate to get around on especially for shorter in-town trips. (A helmet is essential as are front and rear lights for riding outside of bright daylight.)

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Georgia Department of Transportation

Krysia Haag Preston Tyree

CYCLING & PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

1. Pull the handle to fold out the rack 2. Load the bike by dropping the wheels into the slot

Using Front-Loaded Bike Racks on Buses Most transit systems in Georgia accommodate bicycles. A bike rack accommodating 2 or 3 bikes on the front of a bus is the most common setup. Prior to loading your bike onto the front rack it is important to be sure the bus driver sees you and knows that you are planning to use the bike rack. The images to the left illustrate how to properly load your bike on a front rack on a bus.

Taking Your Bike on the

Train

Most public transit trains

will permit bicycles on board

(MARTA in metro Atlanta

3. Secure the bike by clamping does). You can shorten your

the bar over the tire

commute by riding your bike

to the nearest train station and simply walking

your bike on to the

train as shown below.

Georgia bike sense

MARTA permits bikes in their rail cars
31

5recreational cycling

BEGINNER RECREATIONAL RIDING
Most beginning cyclists prefer off-road shared-use paths (greenways or rail-trails) for their separation from traffic. Little-travelled residential streets also work well for those just starting out. Most bikes suit this type of riding so don t be shy to ride what you have but if you re without a bike then a hybrid might suit you best for getting started. See Chapter 1 on how to pick a bike that suits you best and take a visit to your local bike shop.

RECREATIONAL ROAD RIDING

Organized road rides happen across Georgia at

speeds and distances of all kinds. To find the

QUICK TIPS right club for you start
at your local bike shop or

GROUP RIDING speak with other cyclists
in your community. You ll

pick up plenty of good experience riding with a group but you can also explore routes alone or look for an on-road cycling event. You can ride most any bike on the road but something specialized to reduce weight and rolling resistance would best suit you for this type of riding.

When considering riding with a new club or group ask about their pace how far they ll go and whether they re a "no-drop" group that won t leave anyone behind.
Left Photo BikeAthens

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Georgia Department of Transportation

Georgia bike sense

33

TOURING & BIKEPACKING

Camping but on your bike On the road touring

setups typically include racks for front and rear

panniers (bags). Often

a touring bike looks

like a classic road bike

but you can also use

hybrids mountain

bikes and others that

allow you to attach

racks to the frame and

fork. A touring bike

can also make a great

commuting bike. In

the backcountry most

bikepackers use bags that mount directly to the

You can mount bags onto your bike for longer trips

frame saddle handlebars and other parts of

the bike without the need for racks mountain

bikes work great for this because of their fatter

knobbier tires and more obstacle-resistant

geometry. You ll want to pack most of the same

gear you d take with you on a backpacking trip.

GRAVEL GRINDING
If you enjoy exploring but don t relish the rugged terrain of mountain biking gravel grinding might be right for you. A gravel bike is set up similarly to a road bike but with more suitable tires that have knobbier treads and wider profiles. Several different bikes would work well for a gravel ride but just be sure that the tires aren t too bald or too skinny.

CYCLOCROSS

Riding dismounting carrying running and clearing obstacles by any means necessary cyclocross racing is a popular winter activity

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Georgia Department of Transportation

BikeAthens Bicycle Ride Across Georgia

and while most racers have dedicated crossspecific bikes a variety of frame types would work well with the right tire choice. Cross bikes also make great commuters gravel grinders allrounders and light-duty trail bikes.

MOUNTAIN BIKING
A mountain bike might be the most versatile bicycle you can buy if you don t mind a slow roll on the road. In-town trails dedicated bike parks and longer shared-use trails in natural areas provide plenty of different options for mountain biking and trails of varying difficulty levels can help you build skill and fitness. Try a fat bike whose larger tires can handle rough terrain sand and snow.

RECUMBENT & TANDEM BIKES

Recumbent Bikes have a reclining seat and sit lower to the ground with the pedals out in front of the rider instead of below. It is recommended to have a flag attached to the back to improve visibility.

Recumbent Bike

Tandem Bikes are designed to be ridden by two or more people. Tandems are seen frequently in Georgia on recreational rides and tours.

Tandem Bike

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6get involved

Georgia Bikes

League of American Bicyclists

FIND A BIKE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY NEAR YOU

Though you can ride your

bike almost anywhere in

Georgia some communities

are more bicycle-friendly

than others and offer more

activities and infrastructure

for cyclists. One helpful resource is Georgia Bikes

Georgia Bikes

This organization provides

information on Georgia s

Bicycle Friendly Communities

as designated through the

League of American Bicyclists.

Access this resource and find

a Bicycle-Friendly Community near you at www.georgiabikes.

League of American Bicyclists

org/resources/tourism/bicycle-friendly-

communities-in-ga

HELP YOUR COMMUNITY BE MORE BIKE-FRIENDLY

Here again (see Chapter 1) your local bike shop is a great place to start. Staff should be able to help you get involved with local cycling groups and bike advocacy organizations to make your community more bicycle-friendly. The League

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Georgia Department of Transportation

Georgia bike sense

Left Photo Carol Myers
37

of American Bicyclists also offers great tips and resources to help you become an advocate for cycling in your community www.bikeleague.org/bfa/toolkit
QUICK TIPS DO YOUR PART
Join local cycling walking or complete streets organizations and bike clubs
Organize rides to work or fun group rides around town or in the country
Personally practice safe and responsible bike riding on a regular basis
Attend community and public meetings and advocate for more and better trails greenways bike lanes cycle tracks and other bike infrastructure
STATEWIDE ORGANIZATIONS AND OFFICES
Learn more about bicycling in Georgia Georgia Department of Transportation
http //www.dot.ga.gov/DS/Travel/BikePed Georgia Bikes https //www.georgiabikes.org/ Georgia Commute Options
https //www.georgiacommuteoptions.org Georgia Safe Routes To School Resource Center
http //www.saferoutesga.org/ Georgia Trails Alliance
https //georgiatrailsummit.com/about/ Georgia Tourism & Travel "Explore Georgia"
http //www.exploregeorgia.org/ Georgia Interscholastic Cycling League
http //www.georgiamtb.org/

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Georgia Department of Transportation

LOCAL BICYCLE ORGANIZATIONS ACROSS GEORGIA
Check out one of these local bicycle advocacy organizations near you Atlanta Bicycle Coalition (ABC) Bicycle Columbus Bicycling Club of Milledgeville Bike Alpharetta Bike Cobb Bike Macon Bike Roswell Bike Walk Dunwoody Bike Walk Northwest Georgia BikeAthens Complete Streets Athens Savannah Bicycle Campaign Suwanee Bicycle Association Trails for Recreation and Economic
Development (TRED) of Rome/Floyd County Wheel Movement (Augusta)

Be Confident. Be Predictable.
Be Visible.
Ride Safely
inGeorgia