February 18, 2021
Two of the Southeast’s leading organizations dedicated to sustainable transportation advocacy — the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition and PEDS — have entered into talks regarding merging. For decades now, the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition and PEDS have been two critical pieces of Atlanta and Georgia’s sustainable transportation puzzle. We have partnered and learned from one another as we each advocated for an Atlanta where everyone can walk and bike to get where they need to go.
In today’s environment, the opportunities and challenges we each face combined with our desire to have a greater impact on these issues have led us to explore the possibility of joining forces.
We have entered into talks to consider whether a merger of some kind might help us gain efficiencies in our operations and emerge as a stronger, more cohesive voice for equitable mobility throughout Atlanta. While it is too early to speculate on the outcome, our two organizations have formed a committee of board members and staff representing both organizations, which are working diligently on the issues involved.
In 2019, in collaboration with partners, members, and supporters, the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition debuted a new strategic direction. Responding to changes in the environment and work, we expanded our goals to include streets safe for walking and biking and transit that works for people and adopted a new mission statement: “to reclaim Atlanta’s streets as safe, inclusive, and thriving spaces for people to ride, walk, and roll.” As we enter our 30th year, we are enthusiastic about the potential to create a unified voice for sustainable transportation solutions.
2021 marks 25 years of PEDS being a strong and effective voice for pedestrians and walkable communities throughout the Atlanta region and in Georgia. We are committed to continuing our mission of "making streets and communities in Georgia, safe, inviting, and accessible to all pedestrians." We are excited about this opportunity to strengthen and grow our mission to ensure that walking and wheeling is equitable and safe for everyone.
Thank you for your support over the years — we hope you’ll continue on this journey to safe streets for all with us!
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Naoya Wada Chair, Atlanta Bicycle Coalition Board of Directors |
Carolyn H. Rader Chair, PEDS Board of Directors |
Atlanta Bicycle Coalition
http://www.atlantabike.org/