Street cycling today; safer streets tomorrow

Any health worker will tell you: an active lifestyle is one of the keys to good health. But in a busy city, where motor traffic and car dependence are the norm, active travel – such as cycling – can be difficult to do safely. 

This is why Propel ATL recently worked with future health workers – students at the Morehouse School of Medicine – to demonstrate safe urban cycling and new cycling infrastructure, and to point out the need for advocacy to make active travel possible for more people, in more places, from all parts of the city.

Photo: Huyen Win

This engagement with Morehouse was funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, under its Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program. Part of the program entails building an engaged community of sustainable living leaders and advocates through its Community Active Living Ambassadors Training Program. 

To put it simply: it’s our hope that wherever these future health workers practice, they will become ambassadors and advocates for cycling, active travel, and lifestyle exercise.

 
Left photo: Israel Negrete-Abreu (L) and James Tyler / Right photo: Participants prepare to roll out. Photos: Propel ATL

During two sessions, Propel ATL provided an overview of our advocacy work, as well as a city cycling class. The classes had to be split due to ongoing federal cuts and the inability to provide bicycles to all participants. A later date became possible when Bird provided e-bikes for participants, enabling the active-learning portion of the program.

The goal of the Propel ATL City Cycling class is to empower participants to safely ride in urban environments, whether they are on dedicated bike lanes, multi-use paths like the Beltline, or on unprotected roads. While many are familiar with the protected bike lanes by Piedmont Park, on Memorial Drive, and around Centennial Park, there is less familiarity with cycling infrastructure near Southwest Atlanta communities, such as those surrounding Morehouse and the greater Atlanta University Center (AUC).

This class was the perfect opportunity to create awareness of bike safety and the immediate cycling opportunities surrounding Morehouse. While the thought of riding on the road might initially bring anxiety to some, the participants were fueled by excitement and curiosity over the exploration of recent and historical paths and landmarks. 

Program participants on the newly opened section of the Westside Beltline just north of Joseph E. Boone Blvd. Photo: Propel ATL

The route was created by long-time Propel ATL instructor and active community member James Tyler, who said that the route was chosen “to highlight the historic neighborhoods surrounding the medical school and those that could be accessed via the new extension of the Westside Beltline.”

After starting at Morehouse, the ride went through the AUC, down to Booker T. Washington High School to see the first Black public high school in Atlanta, to Washington Park where True Beginners classes are held – also the location of Atlanta’s first Black planned suburb – and the newly opened Segment 4 of the Westside Trail. While cycling education and safety are critical components of the city cycling class, so is context and understanding why and where we are riding. Again, James Tyler: 

I chose to be an instructor for the Morehouse School of Medicine City Cycling ride because of my desire to see a greater connection between the School of Medicine and the Westside Community in which the school is situated. There is great potential for Westside residents to participate in the health programs the med school provides if the school and its programs have greater visibility. City Cycling, especially with the Morehouse School of Medicine, is a public demonstration of enjoyable and healthy group exercise. 

As we continue to bring greater awareness to active-travel initiatives and facilities, please reach out to Israel Negrete-Abreu at [email protected] to engage or collaborate on a City Cycling class with your organization. Morehouse School of Medicine is one of many partners, and we are always looking to grow.

In addition, please check out the City Cycling link to sign up and RSVP for our upcoming class at Georgia Tech!

For more information on road safety tips and laws in Georgia, please attend a City Cycling class or see one of the resources below. 

Bike Law Georgia - Georgia Bicycle Laws

GoGeorgia - Bicyclist Pocket Guide