Advocacy

The Douglas County Bicycle User Group promotes bicycling as an effective means of transportation and an alternative to the automobile. In doing so, we are trying to make Douglas County a more cycling and pedestrian friendly community while also providing information and fun activities to residents.

While some projects can be accomplished through partnering with private organizations, much of the work that needs to be done requires the local governments' involvement. So be sure to let your elected officials know you want transportation improvements to support bicycling.

Douglas County has reinstated its Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. While not exactly an advocacy group, this committee does make recommendations to city officials in an effort to improve the County's bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The Committee's emphasis is on transportation but there are some recreational issues they consider. In some cases, even, transportation and recreation can effectively be combined in the same project.

Bicycle advocacy is a serious topic. Be sure you are educated on the issues through local Douglas County resources or organizations like these:

Atlanta Bicycle Campaign	A member-supported organization working for better on-road bicycling conditions in the metro-Atlanta region.
ChainGuard	Their primary issue: "Cyclists should expect and demand safe accommodation on every public road, just as do all other users. Nothing more is expected. Nothing less is acceptable."
Georgia Bicycle Federation	Dedicated to making Georgia the most bicycle-friendly state in the nation.
John Forester's Home Page	John developed the Effective Cycling program and has written some very comprehensive books on a wide range of cycling topics.
League of American Bicyclists	A national organization founded in 1880 as the League of American Wheelmen, their mission is to promote and encourage bicycling for recreation and transportation, and to protect and defend the rights of bicyclists through advocacy and education.
Southern Bicycle League, Inc.	An Atlanta based organization offering group rides, community education through club activities, and a monthly magazine called *FreeWheelin'.*
Southeast Off-Road Bicycle Association	For all you mountain bikers, SORBA has all your MTB information.