Brookhaven takes steps to encourage more bicycling

Officials in Brookhaven are trying to make the city a haven for bicyclists.

First, the city will be participating in a statewide event called the Biketober Challenge, which runs through Oct. 31.

The monthlong cycling event, which is sponsored by Georgia Commute Options (GCO) to promote a healthy, environmentally friendly alternative to driving, will offer participants the chance to win cash and prizes, stated officials.

“The goal of Biketober is to get more people riding bikes,” said Roz Tucker, managing director of GCO. “We’re 11 years into this challenge, and we’re seeing strong preregistration numbers, which tells us that more and more people see the joys and benefits of biking to work, school, or recreational activities. The soaring popularity of bike riding not only highlights a shift toward healthier, more sustainable living but also emphasizes the commitment to reducing environmental impact.”

During the event, cyclists compete by logging their miles and earning points for every mile they ride, every day they ride and for every additional person they encourage to participate. The more points they earn, the more chances they have to win weekly prizes, stated officials. This year’s grand prize is an Edison electric bike.

In Brookhaven, group bike rides are scheduled for Oct. 9, Oct. 16, Oct. 23, and Oct. 30. Each ride is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. and will begin at Savi Market, located at 1388 Dresden Drive.

The event coincides with the city’s efforts to become recognized as an official Bicycle Friendly Community by The League of American Bicyclists, an organization that “provides a roadmap to improving conditions for bicycling and guidance to help make a community’s vision for a better, bikeable community a reality,” according to the nonprofit’s website.

Now through Oct. 20, Brookhaven officials are asking the community, especially those who bicycle in Brookhaven, to take a survey to “help gain a better understanding of local bicyclists’ experiences in Brookhaven” as the review process by The League of American Bicyclists is now underway.

The survey can be accessed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BFC_Fall23.

For more information, visit brookhavenga.gov and biketober.com.