On November 4th, over 40 ABC members joined the first ever, Project Glow.
Members convened at Woodruff Park, and then divided into four groups. With fearless ride leaders and sweeps, they set out to ride roughly 8 miles each, and pass out lights to riders they saw riding without them. Along their ride, they also stopped at nonprofits to deliver lights that case managers and staff had requested.
At Lutheran Services, staff joyfully received lights that will go to newly arrived refugees who ride bikes for transportation. At Atlanta Mission, Mercy Community Church, and Gateway, light sets went to individuals facing housing insecurity.
Finally, after delivering lights to four nonprofits and to riders encountered on the streets, the volunteers ended their journey at the ABC office where pizza (thanks Cabbage Pie!), drinks, and lots of glow in the dark bracelets awaited!
While the night was certainly loads of fun, it was also meaningful. Economics should not determine someones safety. And yet so many people ride without proper lights because they cannot afford them. We are pleased to say that our volunteers rode over 22 miles of Atlanta streets, and passed out 88 light sets!
There is still so much work to do. Some of our volunteers ran out of light sets to give away! Proper lights are not only needed for riders to see the road, but also to be seen by cars. We are hoping to purchase more light sets to give away, but they are pricey. Will you help us continue project glow by making a donation? Click here to donate and help us light up the night every night.
Read more about the four nonprofits that received lights:
*Thanks to Portland Design Works for the lights, Jenny Park for the postcard design, and Matthew Mammola and Susan Schmieding for the photos.