Atlanta Bicycle Coalition awarded grant to address bike safety

Atlanta is the 20th safest large city for biking in the U.S., as measured by bicycle fatalities per 10,000 reported bicycle commuters.
However, Atlanta, Fulton County and DeKalb County have some of the highest total number of bicycle crashes in the state of Georgia, along with a high rate of bicycling popularity. From 2010-2015, Atlanta had 810 bicycle crashes and 8 bicycle fatalities.
To help lower those numbers, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety has awarded a $72,050 grant to the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, according to a news release.
“Our programs and initiatives aim to make biking equitable, safe, and appealing, in order to create a more livable city accessible to all,” said Atlanta Bicycle Coalition Executive Director, Rebecca Serna, in the news release. “This grant will allow us to continue to expand access to our programs and reach more riders and drivers alike.”
The grant will fund education and outreach, with a focus on traffic laws and safety. It will also include media campaigns.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost half of all bicycle crashes occur at intersections, and about a third of fatal bike crashes take place between 5 and 9 p.m.