GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF HIGHWAY SAFETY AWARDS BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY GRANT TO BIKE WALK MACON

Bike Walk Macon is pleased to announce it has received a $40,795 grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS).

The grant will help finance efforts to develop and execute educational programs that expand and promote bicycle and pedestrian safety to reduce the number of pedestrian and bicycle fatalities, injuries, and crash rates in Macon-Bibb County, Georgia. 

“The loss of one life on our roads is one too many, and the fact that almost all fatal traffic crashes can be prevented is one reason why we are awarding this grant,” said GOHS Director Allen Poole. “The target of zero traffic deaths in our nation is achievable, and we will continue to help develop and implement educational messages, enforcement campaigns, and other safety initiatives aimed at bringing us one step closer to our goal.”

"Bicycling and walking is becoming an increasing mode of transportation for Macon-Bibb County residents every year," said Rachel Umana, executive Director of Bike Walk Macon. "Thanks to GOHS, Bike Walk Macon will be able to offer new and increased opportunities for bicycle and pedestrian classes, resources, and programs for youth, law enforcement, and the general public. We’re also grateful to GOHS for funding two new staff positions to help us achieve our goal of improving safety for everyone on Macon-Bibb County's streets. We’re thrilled to welcome Kaylee Pruitt, education and engagement manager, and Rudy Mendes, education program coordinator to our team and look forward to working with them to host many new educational programs in 2022!"

The grant year for this award will be October 1 of 2021 to September 30 of 2022.

Bike Walk Macon is Macon-Bibb County's first grassroots bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organization working to enhance mobility to create a more vibrant, healthy, and equitable city. Through community leadership and inclusive engagement, Bike Walk Macon has become the city’s voice for all things biking and walking. We seek to make active transportation an option for all Maconites, no matter where they live or where they're trying to go. We work to make our transportation network support active living and additional commuting options.

For more information on this grant program, contact GOHS at 404-656-6996 and for more information on GOHS and its other highway safety programs, visit www.gahighwaysafety.org.