ATLANTA — State Representative Wendell Willard (R-Sandy Springs) and other members of the Georgia House of Representatives yesterday were proud to host the fifth annual Georgia Rides to the Capitol event. The event was held to raise support for House Bill 988, legislation introduced by Willard that would require three feet of safe passing space between motor vehicles and cyclists.
“Cycling is a healthy and eco-friendly form of transportation that should be promoted,” said Representative Willard. “Unfortunately, many Georgians do not take advantage of bicycle transportation out of fear of being struck by a car passing too closely. HB 988 will help fix that problem by giving all Georgia cyclists a three foot safety zone.”
In addition to bringing awareness to HB 988, Georgia Rides to the Capitol was also aimed at raising support for the development of a regional-scale bicycle network. The network would include both on-road facilities and multi-use-trails, along with cycling connections focused around major transit facilities, activity centers and schools.
“Transportation is not just moving cars, it’s about moving people,” said Decatur City Commissioner Fred Boykin, owner of Bicycle South and one of the event organizers. “This year, we are taking the ride further by pressing legislators to introduce legislation that will help make walking and bicycling safer and more accessible. The majority of vehicle trips are less than two miles, which is an easy distance to bicycle. If we can keep improving our local infrastructure to make it safe and appealing to cycle instead of drive, we can help reduce congestion, improve our air quality and encourage a healthier way to travel.”
More than 30 metro-Atlanta mayors and council members participated in yesterday’s bike ride, taking one of two routes departing from either Roswell or Decatur. They were joined by approximately 1,200 bike enthusiasts.
For more information on yesterday’s event please visit www.georgiaridestothecapitol.org/, and to find out more about HB 988 please click here.
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Representative Wendell Willard represents the citizens of District 49, which includes portions of Fulton County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2000, and is the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations, Ethics, Judiciary Non-Civil, Rules, and State Planning & Community Affairs Committees.