Local nonprofit BikeAthens reopened its doors on Prince Avenue recently after moving out of its former Broad Street location four months ago.
The move was due to an unexpected lease change, but BikeAthens said the community has been immensely generous in aiding with the transition. The staff celebrated the reopening with the first Fix Your Own Bike session of the year on Feb. 2, which was open to all. Board members said the new location is more safely accessible by bike, closer to client resources and presents a better work environment for staff and volunteers. BikeAthens has been operating in its previous location since 2016.
With a focus on cycling inclusivity, it firmly supports the use of alternative transportation like biking, walking and public transit. In doing so, the organization participates in research and advocacy efforts with numerous groups across the county and the state. “Our mission focuses on advocacy, education and service. So we’re advocating for safer streets, more safe infrastructure for people to ride,” executive director Scott Long said.
The organization’s most notable initiative is the bike recycling program, which refurbishes donated bikes and distributes them to those in need. Every bike donated comes with a helmet, lights and a lock. For this program, BikeAthens partners with other local nonprofit agencies such as Advantage Behavioral Health, Athens Area Homeless Shelter and Children First. The recycling program has extended to UGA as well, allowing students and staff to obtain bikes through referral.
Besides selling and donating refurbished bikes, BikeAthens offers many services at reduced prices or for free. Most repair costs are determined by sliding scales, and every week, the shop hosts Fix Your Own Bike sessions where tools and advice are available for people to make their own bike repairs, as well as cycling education classes and group rides through the city. A full calendar of events can be found on its website, along with a bike map and other guides. Resources specifically for minority groups also appear on the site to “facilitate the growth of the bicycling community in Athens and beyond.”
BikeAthens was a part of the Athens in Motion citizens advisory committee, which helped pass the bike and pedestrian master plan back in 2018. With aid from consultants at the Toole Design Group, the final plan advocates for a safe and connected bike and pedestrian network in ACC through tax funded projects. The Athens in Motion Commission is responsible for making modifications to the plan and recommending future projects and policies to the mayor and commission. The most recent projects underway include Prince Avenue corridor improvements, Atlanta Highway corridor improvements and a Lexington Road sidewalk extension. All three are being funded by the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST).
For those interested in volunteer work, BikeAthens does not require an application or prior experience, it simply asks for folks to show up in person. On that note, bike donations and spare parts are always accepted at the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials at 1001 College Ave. or in-store during the week. BikeAthens—now located behind the Daily Groceries Co-op at 1190 Prince Ave.—is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday.
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