Georgia Rides To The Capitol

WHO
Metro Atlanta Mayors Association (MAMA), Georgia Bikes!, and event sponsors will host more than 1,000 cyclists from the metro Atlanta region. Police escorted rides will depart from Decatur and Roswell led respectively by Mayor Bill Floyd and Mayor Jere Wood as well as other mayors and public officials from the region.

WHAT
During the sixth annual "Georgia Rides to the Capitol" event, cyclists will embark on rides to the Capitol in order to raise support for improved conditions for cycling, including the development of regional systems of both on-road bicycling facilities and multi-use-trails. The event is free and open to the public but participants should pre-register at www.GeorgiaRidesToTheCapitol.org.

WHEN
Tuesday, March 22, 2011, during the state legislative session. Estimated time of arrival at the Capitol is 11:40 a.m. Estimated start time for press conference is 11:50 a.m. Estimated departure times from originating cities are:  Decatur at 10:45 a.m. and Roswell at 9:45 a.m.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Speakers and other dignitaries will be available for interviews and photos immediately following speeches at the Capitol steps.

WHERE

Both routes will converge for the final approach to the Capitol.

The routes will vary in length and difficulty.

Decatur will be 5 miles one-way, with some hills, and ridden at a slow pace. The Decatur route starts at the north parking lot of the East Lake MARTA rail station, 2260 College Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30307

Roswell will be 21 miles one-way, very hilly, and ridden at a 12 MPH pace. The Roswell route starts at Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Roswell, GA 30075

*Novice and family (and even intermediate) cyclists are encouraged to ride the Decatur route or join the Roswell route closer to downtown Atlanta.

**Detailed route and time information can be found at www.georgiaridestothecapitol.org.

***Cyclists will embark on police escorted to the Capitol, but Return Routes WILL NOT be police escorted. Returning via public transit is an option.

WHY

Riding to raise support for the development of a regional-scale bicycle network of both on-road facilities and multi-use-trails, and cycling connections to major transit facilities, activity centers, and schools. MAMA also intends to raise awareness of the benefits of bicycling as an important form of transportation; a beneficial economic development and tourism tool; an excellent way to maintain health and fitness; and a great sport and family activity.

Visit www.GeorgiaRidesToTheCapitol.org for more event information and for