Bike Decatur!
Bicycling is an important mode of transportation in the City of Decatur. Despite the metropolitan region's notable congestion, Decatur’s land use, topography, compact urban core, small town feel and climate help to make it an ideal place to bicycle. As a mode of transportation, bicycling is an option for people of all ages and socioeconomic groups. Similar to the automobile it permits flexibility and independence relative to schedule and destination.
In addition to bicycling as a mode of transportation, recreational bicycling is popular in Decatur. Despite the small geographic size (4.2 square miles) of the City, there are many group rides taking place within the incorporated limits. A very popular shared-use path traverses Decatur, linking downtown Atlanta to Stone Mountain Park and promoting regional bicycling activities.
If you have any questions about bicycling in Decatur, suggested improvements, or identified cycling hazards please contact Amanda Thompson, 404-370-4102, or send an email.
> Click here to learn more about the bicycle safety grant the city received from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety
Click on these links for more information:
The objective of the City of Decatur Interim Bicycle Master Plan (PDF) is to encourage bicycling as a safe, practical, environmentally friendly, and physically active mode of transportation. The plans and policies developed in the Plan will be incorporated into the fully multi-modal Community Transportation Plan that begins study in 2006. At that time, specific routes recommended in the Plan will be studied in detail, associated with costs, and phased. The goals of the Plan are to:
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Inventory existing conditions for bicyclists in Decatur.
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Serve as the policy framework to improve bicycling conditions.
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Consolidate the bicycle sections of the City of Decatur Strategic Plan 2000, the Avondale LCI Final Report 2002, and the Decatur Preservation Corridor Plan of 2005 into one document.
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Ascertain the needs and desires of bicyclists in the community through the Decatur Bike Survey.
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Identify desirable bicycle improvements including facilities from residential neighborhoods to commercial areas in Decatur and those connecting Decatur to neighboring jurisdictions and activity centers that will be studied in detail in the Community Transportation Plan.
In the summer of 2005 the City of Decatur conducted a survey that was distributed via email to bicycling organizations, neighborhood associations, and individuals. It was also posted in electronic format on the City’s website, made available in hardcopy at government buildings and local businesses, and published in the Decatur Focus which is sent by post mail to every household in Decatur and made available to the general public as well. More than 250 surveys were completed and returned to the City of Decatur.
Survey (PDF)
Final Results (PDF)
Roads that Bicyclists Are Using (PDF)
Suggestions Given by the Public (PDF)
Bicycle parking spaces currently exist at all schools, libraries, transit stations, recreation centers, at most public spaces, parks and retail centers, and at some government and office buildings. However, some of the bicycle racks are dated and do not offer secure anti-theft protection for modern bicycles. Some of the bicycle racks have been installed incorrectly, and some of the bicycle racks are types that can damage the wheels of bicycles parked there.
An additional need for secure bicycle parking spaces was identified by a walking survey of Decatur and Oakhurst, noting bicycles that had been locked to trees and other types of street furniture, and through the Decatur Bike Survey.
For that reason Decatur is working on bicycle parking ordinances and has prepared a draft Guide to the Selection, Layout, and Installation of Bicycle Parking Spaces.
>Click for Bicycle Rides and Maps for Decatur
Here are links to bicycle groups in Georgia and in the United States.
America Bikes
Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals
Atlanta Bicycle Campaign (ABC)
Bicycle Ride across Georgia (BRAG)
Bike Athens
Bike Roswell!
Central Georgia Cyclist
Coastal Bicycle Touring Club
Columbus Cycling Club
Decatur Yellow Bikes
Dodge Tour de Georgia
East Point Velodrome Association
Fayette Biking for Life
Georgia Bicycle Federation
Georgia Bikes!
Georgia DOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Initiative
League of American Bicyclists
North Georgia Bicycle Dealers Association (NGBDA)
PATH Foundation
SOPO Bicycle Co-Op
Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA)
Southern Bicycle League (SBL)
Thunderhead Alliance
Riding a Bicycle is a Healthy, Non-Polluting, Inexpensive, and Fun Way to Get Around!
Why should you make trips by bike?
Time
Many people making trips by bike in Decatur to work, to shop, or for play, find that bicycling reduces their trip time getting them to their destination faster than driving. Making trips by bike also reduces the time spent looking for parking or waiting for transit. Getting exercise in during active living saves the time of going to the gym.
Economics
After investing in a bicycle, helmet, and lock, bicycle commuting is an inexpensive way to get around. Routine maintenance on bicycles costs less than for automobiles and there is no need for gas money. The Clean Air Campaign will reward bicycle commuters financially for biking to work instead of driving.
Health and Fitness
Biking can be an excellent cardiovascular workout and improves circulation and muscle tone in legs. It’s also much easier to stay in shape when physical activity is part of your life – when you live actively!
Environmental Stewardship
Bicycles do not use fossil fuels, cause ozone depletion, emit pollutants, contribute to unhealthy air days, or leak pollutants into the water table. Bicycles are good for the environment!
Overcoming barriers to bicycle tripmaking!
It’s too far
If you live in Decatur there are a number of places you can make bicycle trips to. There are clothing boutiques, restaurants, drug stores, dry cleaners, and other shops and services.
It can be frightening to ride in traffic for beginners. Effective Cycling courses offered by the Atlanta Bicycle Campaign can help you become comfortable riding in traffic and teach you how to bicycle safely. You can also talk to other cyclists to find out what streets are best for bicycling. If you’re worried about the safety of your kids biking to school you can participate in Walk and Roll to School, with an existing Safe Routes to School Program, or if those programs don’t exist you can help start one.
It’s too hot, it’s too cold, it’s raining
Start out slow on a day with nice weather. Dress for the weather. In the summer wear breathable lightweight clothing. In the winter wear layers of mid and heavy weight clothing. Rain gear including jackets and pants along with fenders can usually keep you dry even in heavy storms. Don’t forget to turn on your headlight and rear light when it is raining.
I have to appear professional at work
Many bike commuters who ride in professional attire still look great when they arrive at work. Others prefer to ride in casual or bicycle specific clothing and change on arrival. Many employees can arrange to keep clothing at work or can bring a change of clothing with them. If you pack your clothes with you and carry them in a backpack, bag, or pannier remember to roll them instead of folding them to prevent wrinkles. If you need to take a shower and your workplace does not provide one, try a health club or recreation center. Many commuter cyclists find they don’t need to take a shower at work and freshen up in the restroom.
I can’t find a parking space
Look around and ask where bike parking is. If your employer does not provide bike parking make a formal request for bicycle parking. Many cyclists store their bicycles in a secure closet or storage room. Some bring their bicycles into the office. If you park your bicycle outside make sure to use a good lock. A u-lock and a cable work best to lock the wheels and frame of the bicycle.
Essentials
Helmet
Nobody ever expects to fall, but it happens to even the most experienced cyclists. Reduce the risk of a head injury by wearing a helmet that fits.
Lights and Reflectors
If you are going to be riding your bicycle before and after sunset or in the rain it is recommended you have lights. The law requires a white light in front and a rear reflector. A rear red reflector or blinky light can increase your visibility.
Locks
To be able to go shopping inside a store or to go into work you’ll most likely need to leave your bicycle outside. To avoid theft you’ll need a lock. Quick release components are easy to steal so make sure to lock those as well. Make sure that the rack you lock your bicycle to is secure also.
Racks and Bags
Carrying capacity can improve greatly if you add a sturdy rack to your bike and panniers. Baskets, bungee cords, and plastic carts can also come in handy. It’s easy when the bike is carrying your stuff.
Maintenance
Make sure your bike is maintained. If you cannot work on your bike yourself take it to your local bike shop for a tuneup. You can also take bicycle maintenance courses. It is helpful to lube the chain and other moving parts. Also carry a pump, and patches, or extra tubes in case you get a flat.
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