For Atlanta’s Refugee Women’s Network, cycling classes offered by Propel ATL delivered more than just a good time. They were a lifeline to independence and self-sufficiency. “Most of us do not have a car,” said Seema, a native of Afghanistan. “It’s very good to have a bike and ride a bike." Throughout the season, which lasted from March through October, 17 women participated in our monthly classes, resulting in 10 graduates who received their own bikes from Global Spokes to take home and continue their newfound love of cycling.  During a group ride through Decatur’s Legacy Park, we met with participants and instructors to hear their perspectives and experiences. Temple Moore, right, speaks with a cycling class participant. Photo: Marjon Manitius

Build Details Neighborhood: Oakland City Location: Merrill Avenue  Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026 (Monday, January 19 will be the backup weather date ) Time: 10 AM - 4 PM (there are two sign-up slots of 10 AM - 1 PM and 1 PM - 4 PM ) Project: Walk Lane Volunteer: Merrill Walk Lane Build Day Sign-up

A recent story in the Economist about the rise of e-bike parents ferrying kids to school observed, “Revolutions begin with a push of the pedal.”

In late 2023, as the holidays approached, Tom and Diane Duncan were entering a season of life to savor. Married 33 years, they were empty nesters, with two grown children. Tom adored his granddaughter, and there was a grandson on the way. With retirement right around the corner, the couple were eagerly anticipating travel and more time on non-work pursuits. For Tom, that meant cycling. Having gotten into it through a co-worker, Tom went “all in,” as Diane recalls. “I bet he rode 1,200 miles in the summer sometimes. He just loved to ride. He was the happiest on a bicycle.” Diane Duncan (L) and husband Tom on vacation. Photo courtesy of Diane Duncan.

For a nonprofit with limited resources, it's more important than ever to invite media outlets to amplify important research—in this case, important research with life-and-death implications. Over the last two weeks, Propel ATL’s interactive story map, “The Human Cost of Mobility: 2024,” caught the attention of reporters on television, radio, and online. The notable stat—that traffic violence took more lives than homicides—led most coverage of the story map's release. Echoing the report, reporters discussed the numbers, but also took the time to highlight the human lives lost—and families forever changed—by preventable crashes on metro roadways. ouRebecca Serna, Propel ATL executive director, does an on-camera interview with Alexa Liacko of CBS Atlanta. Photo: Reid Davis for Propel ATL

When Atlanta voters approved the Moving Atlanta Forward infrastructure program in 2022, they backed a historic investment in sidewalks, safer street crossings, protected bike and scooter lanes, trails, street repairs, recreation facilities, and public safety infrastructure. The program spans multiple departments, but the largest share—especially for mobility and safety—sits with the Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT).