Cover Story: Cycling resources in Atlanta
Cyclists aren’t alone with these local facilities
Sopo Bicycle Co-op: Tucked behind East Atlanta Village’s commercial strip, this nonprofit shop helps cyclists, regardless of experience or income, learn how to repair their bikes. Also hosts rides and events. www.sopobikes.org
Faster Mustache: What began as a loose group of mountain bikers has evolved into the local cycling scene’s online town square. Cyclists can post messages and find rides. www.fastermustache.org
Atlanta Bicycle Coalition: Formerly known as the Atlanta Bicycle Campaign, this advocacy group lobbies for the city’s cycling community and closely follows City Hall issues that impact two-wheel enthusiasts. The ultimate resource for information, bike maps and the like. www.atlantabike.org
PATH Foundation: Since 1991, this well-supported nonprofit has built more than 100 miles of bike trails throughout metro Atlanta. A great site for coming up with rides and perusing maps of trails. www.pathfoundation.org
Bike Decatur: The walkable wonderland just next door to Atlanta is home, naturally, to a strong community of two-wheelers. This group, which hosts rides and a monthly commuter’s breakfast, also pushes for community improvements. groups.google.com/group/bikedecatur
Critical Mass: Atlanta’s version of a nationwide group of cyclists with the common (and civilly disobedient) goal of flooding city streets. Atlanta’s Critical Mass has drawn as many as 300 pedal-pushers and takes place the last Friday of every month. Cyclists start organizing at Woodruff Park at 6 p.m. and pedal off 30 minutes later.
Bikely: This handy online tool offers free user-generated bike routes created by avid cyclists. Good shortcuts through the city, Beltline bike tours, and hours-long citywide “neighborhood rambles” - they’re all available on Bikely. www.bikely.com
Bike Emory: The Ivy League of the South’s cycling program is arguably the most robust you’ll find in Atlanta. Among its many offerings: Free bike-share programs, an on-campus mobile repair center staffed by cycling professionals, reduced-price bicycles and confident cycling class for for students, faculty and staff. In addition to advocacy for bike facilities, Bike Emory is one reason why the university can call itself truly sustainable. bike.emory.edu/