Monday, December 12, 2011

2012 Georgia Bike Summit Coming to Augusta



Wheel Movement to co-host event with statewide organization, Georgia Bikes

Augusta, GA (December 7, 2011) – New local cycling advocacy organization, Wheel Movement, announced today that the 2012 Georgia Bike Summit will be held in Augusta.  The decision follows a unanimous vote by the board of directors of statewide group, Georgia Bikes, to bring the event here. “Georgia Bikes is very pleased to be co-hosting the 2012 Georgia Bike Summit in Augusta with Wheel Movement,” says Brent Buice, Executive Director for Georgia Bikes. “Augusta is a major bicycling destination in the state, and the Bike Summit will help advocates, planners, and elected officials understand why and how to make Augusta - and all of Georgia - safer and more accessible for bicycling.”

The date for next year’s meeting has not been set, but will probably take place in mid-October. Event organizers anticipate approximately 150 representatives from bicycle advocacy groups, the cycling industry and statewide transportation agencies. The annual Georgia Bike Summit provides an opportunity for groups to discuss the current state of bicycle related initiatives, as well as attend educational sessions on bicycle safety, infrastructure development and community outreach.

The announcement by Wheel Movement comes just days after the new organization hosted a “Ride of Celebration” honoring several local riders who passed away this year, and presented the details of their strategic plan during a community meeting and membership drive.   “We are grateful to Georgia Bikes for providing the seed money to get Wheel Movement started, and for the honor of awarding us the 2012 Georgia Bike Summit”, said Wheel Movement President Randy DuTeau. Wheel Movement was started with a $1,500 “seed” grant from statewide cycling advocacy group, Georgia Bikes, with money generated by the sale of “Share the Road” license plate. The group will advocate on behalf of area cyclists for safer roads and more bicycle friendly infrastructure.

Dr. Matthew Burke died in February from injuries received in a wreck in October during a group ride in Beech Island. A fellow doctor at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical center, Dan Dickinson, was killed Aug. 1 in the 3800 block of Belair Road while commuting to work.

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