In support of our mission to advance safe, equitable, and sustainable transportation and recreation as vital components of a thriving, livable Georgia, Georgia Bikes announces a new initiative with seed funding from the national Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) to create an Active Transportation and Recreation Resource Center (ATRRC). The ATRRC will seek to increase both the quality and quantity of applications for bicycling and walking infrastructure grants from communities statewide, with a special focus on underserved communities.

"I'm honored that RTC has selected Georgia and invited Georgia Bikes to lead the way on this exciting initiative,” Georgia Bikes Executive Director, John Devine, AICP, said. “It’s clear that Georgia’s cities and counties have a substantial interest in making their streets better for people who walk and bike.“

More federal and state support for active transportation infrastructure is available today than ever before, yet many Georgia communities lack the resources to successfully identify project and funding opportunities, or do not have adequate staff to research, write, and administer grant applications. The ATRRC will fill this gap by providing local governments and advocates with educational training and technical assistance to inform project development and pursuit of funding sources; promoting funding opportunities; advising communities on local matching requirements and responsibilities of administering awards; and preparing applications for funding.

“Local decision-makers know all about the benefits in safety and public health, equitable access, and economic development that active transportation and recreation infrastructure bring to their communities, but many places lack the in-house resources to fund and develop these types of projects,” Devine said. “The ATRRC will address this need head-on by providing both training and direct support throughout Georgia, especially in underserved communities.”

The ATRRC will start small and grow sustainably, with the first phase beginning in 2024 as Georgia Bikes seeks additional funding beyond the seed grant from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. After offering initial pilot educational and technical services, the ATRRC will expand with the eventual goal of working within every region of the state annually to directly increase dedicated infrastructure for walking and bicycling throughout Georgia.

Thanks to support from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, communities throughout Georgia will benefit from the ATRRC as they improve their local infrastructure by building more safe places for people to walk, bike, or roll. Georgia Bikes is very pleased to add the ATRRC to its catalog of services and looks forward to increasing the amount of federal and state funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects. These completed projects will make Georgia safer and more accessible for active transportation and recreation.

For more information on Georgia Bikes, please visit www.georgiabikes.org or follow Georgia Bikes on Facebook and Instagram.