Cycling in the Classic City
Athens and biking go together like spokes and wheels. Why not join the rest of the crowd?
Biking around town is an easy way for Athens citizens to move from place to place, thanks to various programs offered in the Athens area.
Choosing to bike as a method of transportation can lead to a healthier lifestyle, financial savings and environmental benefits.
Spin, cycle
Athens is made for biking, but remember:
• Never ride on the sidewalks. Especially during class-change periods, sidewalks on campus are usually over-congested. It is much safer for cyclists to ride on the road than to risk weaving through pedestrians on the sidewalks.
• Be visible. By law, a bicycle in Athens must have a white headlight visible from at least 300 feet ahead and a reflective red taillight visible from at least 300 feet behind.
• Do not hug the right curb. Though it seems counter-intuitive, giving yourself a little space from the curb gives you leeway to avoid getting “right crossed” – the most common bicycle accident – where a car pulls out of a side street or parking lot on your right and directly into your path.
Those considering biking can find maps detailing what areas of town include bike lanes. Athens-Clarke County has worked to include bike lanes on many major streets, including Lumpkin Street, Baxter Street, Barnett Shoals Road, and Milledge Avenue.
Bikers also have the option of participating in the University’s alternate transportation
program, designed to increase the use of alternate vehicles in Athens. The program gives those using bicycles as their primary means of transportation a pass allowing them to park a car free of charge up to 22 times in a year.
Though riding your bike in traffic seems dangerous, there are many things bikers can do to minimize risk, such as installing a bright headlight and a horn in your bike. Other easy ways to make your experience a safe and fun one include wearing bright clothing, especially at night, installing reflectors and brake lights on your bike, choosing a helmet that includes reflectors, and attaching mirrors to your handle bars.
BicycleSafe.com suggests many other safety tips, such as riding farther to the left to line your bicycle up with the line of sight of other drivers. Bikers should also avoid riding against traffic, as it makes turning right more difficult.
