Friday, November 1, 2024 at Cherry Street Plaza
Kickoff Party & Registration: 5:00 PM | Ride: 6:30 PM
Macon’s Big Bike Ride is a new Bike Walk Macon event and fundraiser that highlights the need for friendlier, safer, and healthier streets in Macon-Bibb County. This 7-mile ride through Downtown Macon and surrounding neighborhoods will unite hundreds of local riders to advocate for improved infrastructure and transportation options, showcase the benefits of biking, foster a thriving bicycle community, and raise essential funds for Bike Walk Macon.
As the largest bike ride currently taking place in Macon, this event is not just a ride—it’s a movement. By joining us, you’ll support our mission, contribute to healthier living, sustainable multimodal transportation, and a strong community spirit. Be a part of this exciting event to make a powerful statement for a better biking future in our city!
Purchase your tickets now here or use the order form below. Click here to donate to a Big Bike Ride Ambassador.
Macon’s Big BIKE RIDE TICKETS + DETAILS
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE
Event Highlights:
Kick-Off Party + Registration (5 - 6 PM): Sign your waiver, grab your wristband, and get pumped for the ride! Enjoy music, learn about our advocacy goals, and discover how you can help improve our streets. Connect with fellow riders and find ways to get involved.
Ride (6:30 PM - 8 PM): Join us for a casual 7-mile ride through Downtown Macon and nearby neighborhoods. This ride welcomes everyone—whether you're new to biking or a seasoned pro, come be part of the movement!
After-party: Grab dinner Downtown and head over to JBA Macon at 10:00 PM for our official after-party! Come celebrate an amazing night with your fellow riders. Show your rider wristband for free entry and enjoy exclusive discounts all day at participating local businesses! Check the event page for discount details!
Advocate: By joining, you support our manifesto for improved biking infrastructure, safer streets, and a more connected Macon-Bibb County. Learn more about our goals and manifesto further down this page.
Support: Further our mission by donating to an ambassador, becoming a member, or sponsoring. Your support helps create a safer, more inclusive, and sustainable biking community.
REGISTRATION + WHAT TO KNOW:
Explore rider information, incentives, and instructions here!
Registration: Only $10 per person, which includes access to both the ride and after-party. Kids under 10 ride free! Bike Walk Macon members will receive a special discount code via email.
Optional Add-On: Purchase the inaugural Macon’s Big Bike Ride t-shirt for $25. Orders placed after October 14th are not guaranteed shirts at the ride and may have to pick-up at later date.
What to Bring: Helmet (required), bike lock, front and rear bike lights, and water bottle.
Need Assistance? We want EVERYONE to join. If you need help with the registration fee, please contact us at kaylee@bikewalkmacon.com.
Make it fun! Deck out your bikes with lights and bring your speakers. It’s Halloween weekend and First Friday so wear whatever you want—let’s light up the streets and make some noise!
Safety First:
Requirements: All riders must sign a waiver, wear a helmet, and have bike lights.
Youth Riders: Kids under 16 must ride with an adult (1 adult per 2 kids).
Support: We’ll have police escorts and route leaders on hand to ensure everyone has a smooth ride.
We’re expecting a big turnout—let’s make it an unforgettable night of biking, community, and fun!
Macon’s Big Bike Ride GOALS
Why are we riding and why should you join? Expand the sections below to learn more.
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Macon’s Big Bike Ride will showcase the incredible benefits of a bike-friendly city by bringing together hundreds of bicyclists to make a powerful statement. This event highlights the need for safer, more bike-friendly streets and the advantages they bring to our community. By uniting a diverse group of riders, we aim to demonstrate the demand for better bike lanes, trails, and parking. We’ll engage with local officials to advocate for dedicated bike lanes, safer intersections, and connected biking networks, as well as push for policies and funding that support multi-modal transportation options.
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The ride will create an inclusive environment for bicyclists of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. It’s a chance for families, experienced riders, and newcomers to unite, share their enthusiasm for biking, and learn from one another. We’re committed to providing resources on bike safety and maintenance during the event, as well as offering information on how to stay connected with Macon bike groups and future events and meetups.
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Your support is crucial in advancing our mission to improve biking and walking in Macon. Funds raised will help us organize more community events, educational programs, and infrastructure projects. Your contributions also support our day-to-day operations, enabling us to continue advocating for safer streets and multi-modal transportation options.
THE MANIFESTO
By registering for Macon’s Big Bike Ride, you support this manifesto and our commitment to transforming our city into a safer, more connected, sustainable, and inclusive community.
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We call on Macon-Bibb County to:
Prioritize Safety Through Policy Implementation
Implement the Vision Zero action plan to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries. Implement the Complete Streets policy to design streets that are safe for all modes of transportation. Establish a Traffic Calming Program to reduce speeds and encourage walking and biking.Shift Towards Multimodal Transportation
Enhance bike and pedestrian infrastructure with high-quality facilities and improved transit options. Embrace new mobility solutions, such as bike rentals and innovative technology. Secure local and federal funding, including exploring TSPLOST, to support these improvements. Collaborate with major employers and universities on Commute Trip Reduction Programs to promote diverse transportation options.Connect People to Essential Locations
Expand the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail and develop a low-stress minimum bike grid to link neighborhoods. Improve pedestrian connections with new sidewalks, safe crosswalks, and traffic calming designs. Promote mixed-use development and increased density along transit routes. Address downtown traffic congestion by coordinating with the Georgia Department of Transportation to reroute truck traffic for safer streets. Utilize technology to gather data on biking and walking patterns to inform and enhance planning and infrastructure.Foster a Thriving Bicycling Community
Create an inclusive environment for bicyclists of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Support community engagement through events like Open Streets and partnerships with Bike Walk Macon. Enhance access to bicycles with rental programs and e-bike rebates.Promote Affordability, Inclusivity, and Equity
Ensure that multimodal transportation solutions are accessible and affordable for all residents. Engage the community in planning to ensure infrastructure meets the diverse needs of our population.Support Sustainability
Advocate for green transportation choices to reduce carbon emissions. Implement strategies to plant trees, preserve natural landmarks, and leverage the riverfront for travel and development to enhance environmental sustainability.Enhance Transit Facilities and Services
Improve transit facilities with amenities such as seating, lighting, and maps at bus stops. Ensure facilities accommodate diverse mobility needs for a comfortable, convenient, and safe experience.Plan for Future Regional Connections
Utilize recent funding for a rail study to explore potential passenger rail connections and improve regional connectivity.
support our 2024 AMBASSADORS
help us reach our fundraising goal!
Our goal is to raise $5,000 to directly support safer streets, promote active transportation, and enhance the quality of life in Macon-Bibb County. Your contribution makes a significant impact, helping to build a Macon that is friendlier for bicyclists and pedestrians. Our Big Bike Ride Ambassadors are championing this cause. Click on their names below to learn why they’re raising funds for our mission and support their individual goals by clicking on their giving page and making a donation.
Stay tuned! We’ll be announcing more 2024 Macon Big Bike Ride Ambassadors very soon! Interested in joining them? Reach out to Sophie Rosen at sophie@bikewalkmacon.com to get involved.
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Demarcus Beckham
Senior Regional Organizer, Human Rights Campaign
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Renee Corwine
Bike Walk Macon Board President
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Erin and Spencer Hawkins
Mama Hawk Draws + MBC Emergency Management
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Carolyn Mendes
Major Taylor Youth Coach
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Weston Stroud
Macon-Bibb County Traffic Safety Manager
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Rachel Hollar Umana
Executive Director of Bike Walk Macon
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F.M. Barron
President of Macon Tracks Running Club
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS + Partners!
Macon’s Big Bike Ride is organized by Bike Walk Macon and proudly supported by a diverse range of stakeholders. Please contact Sophie Rosen, Fundraising Coordinator, at sophie@bikewalkmacon.com if you are interested in sponsoring Macon’s Big Bike Ride.
