Local Cyclists Participate In
"Georgia Rides to the Capitol"

On Tuesday, March 27th  the Metro Atlanta Mayors Association (MAMA), along with Georgia Bike! and event sponsors, welcomed more than 2000 cyclists from around metro Atlanta to the Capitol in downtown Atlanta having departed on bikes from their respective cities earlier on Tuesday morning. 
Cities such as Decatur, Marietta, Roswell and McDonough had hardy cyclists leaving out with police escort expecting to reach the Capitol at around 11:40 a.m.  The ride from McDonough is the longest one of the day with the roundtrip adding up to roughly 80 miles.

For the first time in several years, McDonough Mayor Billy Copeland, an MAMA member, did not join the local contingency as they stopped at McDonough City Hall.  In previous years, Epic Bikes, located in the Henry Town Center, had provide a bike and helmet for the Mayor’s use as he rode to show support for this effort within the state.  This year’s plans included City Councilman Wayne Smith and former Councilman Monta Brown joining the bikers during the stop at City Hall for the 2012 ride as members of the Southern Crescent Cyclists’ Club hit the road again heading to Atlanta.

The purpose of the annual “Georgia Rides to the Capitol” is to raise support for the development of a system of regional bike and pedestrian trials.  MAMA is also making an effort to increase awareness of the benefits of bicycling as an important form of transportation, a beneficial economic development and tourism tool, a great way to maintain health and fitness, and an excellent sport and family friendly activity.

With a City of McDonough police escort and two Henry County Motorcycle officers,
the cyclists prepare to get on with their ride following a short stop on Hwy. 155.

With a wave and a smile the cyclists left the parking lot on
Hwy. 155 as their 80 mile round-trip to the Capitol continued.

The weather could not have been more perfect for the 2012 “Georgia Rides to the
Capitol event to promote bicycling, its benefits and the need for a more bike paths within the state.