BikeAthens Update

September 5, 2005

This week:

• Prince comments accepted Tuesday
• More positive press for Bike Recycling Program

PRINCE COMMENTS ACCEPTED TUESDAY

By Brad Aaron

Thanks to everyone who has contacted the mayor and commission regarding the upcoming repaving of Prince Avenue from downtown to Milledge. Though there is no indication that Athens-Clarke County intends to reconsider current plans to repave the street without traffic calming measures, we know your comments are making an impact.

This Tuesday, September 6, will provide an unusual opportunity to talk to the mayor and commission in person. Due to an atypically brief agenda, regular business could be wrapped up in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. Toward the end of the meeting the mayor and commission will accept comments from the public on any topic. Tuesday’s session begins at City Hall at 7 p.m.

The events of the past week have proven how vulnerable we become when we devote our resources to promoting one mode of transportation to the exclusion of others. Fortunately, the expansion of transportation options on Prince Avenue is supported by existing county policy, the Bike Master Plan, a staff recommendation, and over five years of public comments. The money is there; the plan is in place and ready for implementation. At this point all that is needed is the political will to make good on the ACC government’s commitment to sound transportation planning.

If you choose to address the mayor and commission Tuesday evening, you could also politely remind them that SAFETY - not politics - should be the top priority when determining transportation policy. Safety can and should always trump concerns of those who may feel it is inconvenient to drive a bit slower and who may need a few extra minutes to get to their destination.

The repaving of Prince Avenue is an ideal opportunity to make it safe and accessible for ALL users - now, not later.

Mayor and commission contact info: http://www.athensclarkecounty.com/commission/

MORE POSITIVE PRESS FOR BIKE RECYCLING PROGRAM

Follow the links below for recent coverage of BikeAthens’ Bike Recycling Program from the Red & Black, and an earlier article from the Athens Banner-Herald.

“BikeAthens turns trash into transportation,” Red & Black, 9/02/05 http://www.redandblack.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2005/09/02/4317d79d7d49b

“BikeAthens gives disabled man ride to work,” Athens Banner-Herald, 7/26/05 http://onlineathens.com/stories/072605/new_20050726015.shtml

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