- Women Bike, con’t. from page 25
Women Bike Atlanta sees this kind of eco- nomic impact as a positive along with the benefits of improved fitness and health as em- powering the women of Atlanta.
Women Bike Atlanta has a heavy focus on is- sues of cycling advocacy. As mentioned, At- lanta Bicycle Coalition (ABC) Executive Di- rector, Rebecca Serna is a member of Women Bike Atlanta. The group will participate with ABC on efforts to address the development process as Atlanta transforms into a bike friendly city. Some of those initiatives will be pushing for and providing input regard- ing the concept of complete streets (www.
completestreets.org). In all of those efforts Women Bike Atlanta will bring to the table the voice and concerns of women cyclists.
Women Bike Atlanta will also build a strong internal structure featuring trained wom- en leaders. Under the guidance of League of American Bicyclist Coach Neil Walker, League Certified Instructor #2935, we will develop a full team of league certified instruc- tors to service the membership of Women Bike Atlanta and other cyclists. The desire for this team of LCI’s is both in response to
a desire to increase the number of women LCI’s and to the dedication to cycling edu- cation. Women Bike Atlanta believes that safety and confidence are the result of strong education and essential to fun and long-term cycling.
Women Bike Atlanta cyclists break the con- ventional stereotypes of women cyclists. Our own Rebecca Serna commutes in “normal” clothing as opposed to spandex. She says, “One of my favorite overheard remarks at meetings is “she biked here in that?” I think it shifts the perception of what biking means for people - it can simply be a good way to get around, while getting some healthy out- door activity.”
The women of Women Bike Atlanta believe in giving back. Lori Palmer says that her achievements give her the “opportunity to give back to cycling at the Dick Lane Velo- drome youth cycling program [by] helping young riders learn and improve in the sport of track cycling. This is my 2nd year with the program and I appreciate the opportunity to share my passion of cycling with up and coming riders in the East Point area.” Re- beca Serna says, “My niche is to be the ad-
vocate that amplifies the voice of everyone who bikes or would like to bike in Atlanta, in order to create better conditions for cycling. I also advocate while I’m riding, by wearing “normal” clothes and being the change I want to see in our city. Both Lori and Dr. Lisa ride with MACC (Metro Atlanta Cycling Club), a club known for their work in the commu- nity and in particular with the BRAG Dream Team.
When asked what they see for in the future for this new cycling club, Rebecca said, “I’d love to see it become a resource for sharing experiences and welcoming women into the cycling community. Biking is the perfect tool for healthier bodies and communities, and I hope Women Bike Atlanta will contribute to the cause of women’s health by connect- ing women with biking.” Furthermore, she is excited about “The potential to tap into women’s vision and hope for change.”
“Anything that involves women coming together to build one another up and offer support excites me!” says Janice. “Women uniting to support each other as we strive for a healthier lifestyle and community is especially important. It promotes a strong
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May 2012
FREEWHEELIN’
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