BikeAthens Update

March 2 , 2006

• ALERT: Transportation vote Tuesday
• Board members wanted!
• Kids’ bike rodeo vols needed
• Bike Recycling in gear for 2006
• BikeAthens in the news
• Transportation in the news

ALERT: TRANSPORTATION VOTE TUESDAY

Next Tuesday, March 7, the ACC Mayor and Commission will allocate over $8 million in SPLOST 2000 and SPLOST 2005 Road Improvement funds. Up until a few weeks ago, none of those funds were to be dedicated to pedestrian or bike projects, virtually eliminating the possibility of substantive improvements in bike-ped infrastructure for the next six years.

Recently, county staff has recommended $500,000 in SPLOST moneys be reserved for alternative transportation. While a good start, this figure represents an average of $83,000 per year for the next six years, or just six percent of total SPLOST transportation spending. To put that in perspective, $83,000 is the cost of about one half-mile of sidewalk. By way of comparison, $600,000 has already been spent on right-of-way for the Jennings Mall Parkway alone, with untold millions in local SPLOST funds yet to be devoted to its construction.

At the February 23 agenda setting session, commissioners States McCarter, George Maxwell and Kathy Hoard spoke emphatically in favor of the allocations as proposed, and specifically in support of proceeding with Jennings Mill Parkway - a project that has been promoted as a benefit to a small number of commercial interests on Atlanta Highway, and which will serve to open up more land to auto-dependent development. Meanwhile, Commissioner Carl Jordan worried that devoting so much local money to one project would shortchange other basic transportation needs, including upkeep on in-town streets. Commissioner Alice Kinman wondered if continuing to prioritize auto-centric projects at the expense of alternate modes best represents the vision of Athens-Clarke County, which has a longstanding stated commitment to investing in sustainable transportation infrastructure.

Unfortunately, commissioners Jordan and Kinman are fighting an uphill battle. All indications point to the approval of the current SPLOST allocation scheme next Tuesday, leaving precious little moneys for bike-ped facilities through the year 2012.

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

For background on the SPLOST funding issue: http://flagpole.com/articles.php?fp=Comment&ISSUE=2006-02-01

BOARD MEMBERS WANTED!

In May, BikeAthens will elect its 2006-2007 Board of Directors. From Safe Routes to School to Bike Recycling and local issue education, BikeAthens programs are growing and serving more Athenians. To ensure continued expansion and service to the Athens community, the organization’s leadership should reflect the broadest constituency possible. In an effort to encourage increased involvement, the Board of Directors is currently accepting application for openings on next year’s Board. One-year terms will begin May 15, 2006.

Board positions are volunteer but do require a sincere commitment to involvement in the organization's direction and programs.

For more information, and to download an application form, visit http://www.bikeathens.com.

KIDS’ BIKE RODEO VOLS NEEDED

We are still in need of several volunteers to offer 2-3 hours of their time to help teach bike safety skills to kids as part of Greenfest. The Bike Rodeo will take place at Dudley Park from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, April 1. Volunteers are needed to arrive at 12:30 and hand out information, help with an obstacle course, teach hand signals, operate a video, or help in other miscellaneous ways. No experience or bike knowledge is necessary; if you are able to help, we’ll find you a job!

Please contact Krista Mullins at klodawg@uga.edu. Thanks!

BIKE RECYCLING IN GEAR FOR 2006

The Bike Recycling Program is up and running for 2006. The next repair session is Sunday, March 6, beginning at 1 p.m. The BRP, a cooperative venture with local social support agencies, distributes reconditioned bikes to individuals in the Athens community who are underserved by private and public transportation. We rely solely on volunteers to recondition the bikes.

Volunteers need not bring tools (though they are always welcome), and you don’t have to know anything about bikes. The only requirement is a willingness to get your hands dirty.

For more information, including directions to the BRP facility, see: http://bikeathens.com/activities/bike_recycling/index.html.

BIKEATHENS IN THE NEWS

“Crossroads,” Flagpole, 2/1/06 http://flagpole.com/articles.php?fp=Comment&ISSUE=2006-02-01

TRANSPORTATION IN THE NEWS

“Baxter medians bumped,” Athens Banner-Herald, 2/28/06: http://onlineathens.com/stories/022806/news_20060228061.shtml

“Medians turn many against Baxter plans,” Athens Banner-Herald, 2/23/06: http://onlineathens.com/stories/022306/news_20060223080.shtml

“County could speed up plan to slow traffic,” Athens Banner-Herald, 2/18/06: http://onlineathens.com/stories/021806/news_20060218041.shtml

“Sidewalk plans may delay other projects,” Athens Banner-Herald, 2/17/06: http://onlineathens.com/stories/021706/news_20060217040.shtml

“Repaving money issued to county,” Athens Banner-Herald, 2/9/06: http://onlineathens.com/stories/020906/news_20060209045.shtml