This document provides information about biking in Georgia, including statistics on biking participation, guides to different types of biking like mountain biking and bicycle touring, a list of upcoming biking events, reviews of some of the best biking trails, a discussion of biking laws and safety, and resources for staying connected to the biking community in Georgia. The goal is to promote biking in the state and provide resources for people interested in taking up biking or learning more.
2. Biking in Georgia, Something for
Everyone.
13% of Georgians ride a bicycle once/month [source]
62% of Georgia cyclists ride for recreation – 28% for exercise - 3% for
commuting [source]
Bicycle Touring
Farm to Table Agro Tours, http://www.georgiafoodtours.com/farm/
Explore the Coastal Georgia Greenway Trail through six Georgia coastal counties.
Cycled the Atlantic Coast Route of the Adventure Cycling Network?
Connect with the Coastal Bicycling Touring Club
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3. Biking in Georgia, Something for
Everyone, continued…
Mountain Biking
Rated #1 in Georgia: Blankets Creek
(Canton, GA)
Gainesville, GA: Flying Squirrel trail at
Chicopee Wood
Stay Connected: Southern Off-Road
Bicycle Association
Online Directory of Trails, Maps, and
Clubs
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Cyclocross Georgia!
Georgia Cyclocross on Twitter,
https://twitter.com/ga_cx
Southeastern Cyclocross,
http://sadlebred.com/cyclocross/
Atlanta Morning Cyclocross Series on
Facebook
Macon’s Octoberfest Cyclocross Race
4. Plan Your Next Ride… Where to Go
Coastal Georgia Greenway – 450 Mile Trail System through 6 coastal counties
Adventure Cycling Route Network & Maps
Bike Friendly Trails & Paths in Macon, click here
Best Mountain Biking Trails in Georgia
Georgia State Parks - http://gastateparks.org/biking
Combine Mountain Biking & Geocaching, click here
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5. Spring 2015 Biking Events in Georgia
March 7: Pedal at Panola Mountain
State Park, (9:30am – 12:30pm) - Stockbridge,
GA
March 14: Trail Work and Ride @ Hard
Labor Creek State Park (9am) – Rutledge,
GA
March 21: Dirty Spokes, Off Road
Duathlon @ Fort Yargo State Park (7am) –
Winder, GA
BRAG: Bicycle Ride Across Georgia -
http://www.brag.org
Georgia BikeFest
Southern Bicycle League Regional
Calendar – Find Rides Near You
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March 24: “Georgia Rides to the
Capitol” -
http://georgiaridestothecapitol.org/
March 28: Farm to Table Agro Tour –
Athens, GA
March 28: 9th Annual April Fools Ride
6. Legislative Initiatives
Did you ride your bike to school? Only 31% believe
children can safely bike to school now. [source]
Recent survey reports that 81% of citizens said
they would ride a bicycle more frequently if there
were better lanes / paths available. [source]
Sign and Share the Online Petition to support the
funding recommendations from Georgia’s Joint
Study Committee on Transportation Funding to
improve conditions for bicycling.
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7. Legislative Initiatives, continued
Georgia does not have any ‘Vulnerable Road User Laws’, but the League of
American Bicyclists has drafted a model statute for states to consider.
Support the recent, narrow rumble strips that allow more room for cyclists.
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8. Know the Laws in Georgia
Bikes are vehicles on Georgia Roads [source]
“3 foot passing law” – Motorists must
allow for a 3’ safe distance from cyclists.
Bicyclists 16 years old or younger must
wear helmet.
Bicycles must stay off of sidewalks and
always yield to pedestrians
Every bicycle when in use at nighttime
shall be equipped with a light on the
front and back. [source]
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Bicyclists must not ride more than two
abreast on roads.
Aggressive motorists can be charged with
a misdemeanor – bikers have rights, too.
You may be charged with a DUI if you
drive a bicycle (considered a ‘vehicle’ by
law) while intoxicated.
All laws pertaining to Bicycles in Georgia
9. Avoiding Bicycle Injuries
66% of people feel the need for more
driver education about the rights of
bicyclists [source]
Georgia is the 6th deadliest state for
bicyclists [source]
There are over 680 bicycle-motor
vehicle collisions each year in Georgia.
[source]
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Never Ride Against the Flow of Traffic
Be Visible. Wear bright colors.
Use lights on helmets and your bike at
dawn/dusk.
If you are threatened by other drivers,
try to get the vehicle’s tag number and
report it immediately.
10. Suggested Online Destinations
Georgia Bikes! Latest events, news, and legislative updates about biking in
Georgia.
Southern Bicycle League – comprehensive regional events calendar and
resources
Sign the Petition for https://www.change.org/p/nathan-deal-new-state-
transportation-funding-must-support-safe-family-friendly-streets
Georgia BIKE SENSE: A Guide for Cyclists & Motorists
Bicycle Clubs in Georgia, comprehensive
Bicycling Club of Milledgeville, GA
Ladies on Spokes – Christian Women’s Biking Club (Coweta/Fayette County)
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11. Safe Biking!
If you run into trouble,
Attorney David Mann is available to help.
http://www.manninjurylaw.com