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I’d like to ride my bike more, but I don’t
feel comfortable. What resources are avail
able to help people learn to ride safely?
Jason Perry, president of BikeAthens:
I talk to people who would like to ride their
bikes more, but they just don’t feel safe out
on the roads. Whether it’s distracted driv
ers, cars that pass too closely or the out
right aggression by drivers toward people
on bikes, there are legitimate reasons to be
concerned.
The first bit of advice we would give
people is to be visible and predictable. Wear
bright clothing and get some bright lights
so you can be seen, especially after dark.
Second, learn the rules of the road so
you can ride right. We partner with Georgia
Bikes to offer pocket guides that have all
the state laws about bikes. You can pick
these up for free at our shop. We offer free
classes that focus on teaching not just the
rules of the road and how to handle your
bike, but also tips on how to navigate com
plex intersections. Join us on one of our
monthly rides to build confidence with a
group—and no one gets left behind.
Ride where the cars aren’t. You could
explore mountain biking by checking out
Trail Creek Park. The North Oconee River
Greenway provides 7.25 miles of multi-use
path that is designated for non-motorized
use. It’s a great place to
get out and ride. If you
are looking to commute,
you could ride more side
streets. We have a map
on our website, bikea-
thens.org, that color
codes the streets so you
can plan a low-stress
route.
Bring your bike to
one of our Fix Your
Own Bike sessions on
Thursday nights, and
we can help you make
adjustments to give a
clearer view of the road.
Our FYOB sessions are
also a great way to learn about your bike,
get help tuning up the brakes and mingle
with local bike riders of all skill levels. Or
stop by and ask us for advice.
How can Athens-Clarke County achieve its
goal of 100% clean and renewable energy
by 2035?
Kelly Girtz, ACC mayor: From Sweden
to Spring Valley Road, people are talking
about the significant responsibility we have
to take tangible steps to address the climate
crisis. Right now, a huge opportunity exists
as we examine our energy use in your local
government—both the sources of energy
we use and the efficiency of our use. I fully
believe that we will transition away from
a carbon-based energy system in the next
two decades, but it will not happen without
outlining the essential steps along that
path. It will also not happen if we do not
commit the necessary human and economic
resources to this work.
Fortunately, we have the ideal popula
tion and the ideal staff in Athens-Clarke
County to make this happen. The public
overwhelmingly supported the SPLOST
2020 referendum in November, which will
allocate $15.8 million to renewable energy
projects to move the Unified Government
to 100% sustainable and renewable energy.
This could include solar and geothermal
systems, electrification of our vehicle fleet
and continued efficiency gains, especially
with systems such as HVAC that draw large
portions of our energy use. We will seek
grant funds and partnership opportunities
to extend the reach of your local tax dollars.
All of this is helmed by our fantastic
Sustainability Office, staffed by Andrew
Saunders and Mike Wharton, professionals
who live at the important intersection of
passion for their work and expertise to put
the programs and systems into place that
will make the difference for us, our children
and future generations. I will be the first to
say that I wish we were further down this
road, but I also live with great pride in the
clean energy advocacy among the public at
large, and internal to our government, who
are together building a solid, sustainable,
renewable foundation.
What is UGA doing to become more
sustainable?
Kevin Kirsche, director of sustainabil
ity: UGA is committed to solving grand
challenges and advancing research and
scholarship that creates healthier people,
stronger communities and a secure future
for all.
Our students gain valuable experien
tial learning and the core skills required
to create positive,
sustainable change.
UGA offers more than
2,100 sustainabil
ity-related courses
at the graduate and
undergraduate levels in
nearly every academic
discipline. Students
in the Sustainability
Certificate and the
Partnership for a
Sustainable Athens
provide meaningful
support for local busi
ness, nonprofits and
government agencies
committed to advancing
sustainability and resilience in our commu
nity. UGA’s Campus Sustainability Grants
Program funds student-led projects that
make a tangible difference on and off cam
pus, including efforts this spring to reduce
the transport of plastic waste into aquatic
environments and a pilot project to provide
trash services and water access to people
experiencing homelessness in Athens.
Operationally, UGA strives to lead by
example as we support instruction and
research to fuel innovation. Today, UGA is
using 29% less water per square foot and
21% less energy per square foot than in
2007. Recent increases in efficiency include
LED lighting retrofits and upgrades to the
campus chilled water system. UGA has
reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 17%
from a 2010 baseline, and beginning this
spring, we will further reduce emissions
by introducing 20 new electric buses par
tially powered by the UGA Solar Tracking
Demonstration Project on South Milledge
Avenue. UGA Dining Services incorporates
local ingredients in wholesome meals while
eliminating plastics from the waste stream.
UGA composts animal bedding and land
scape debris, as well as all organic materials
from campus dining halls, to restore soils
and grow wholesome produce that is deliv
ered to community members in need.
A more sustainable future: That’s our
commitment. ®
Marshall Shepherd
COMMUNITY
Sustainable Fashion
Locally Made Goods
Alterations
Tuesday, February n, 2020 I Ramsey Concert Hall I 7:30 pm
Shakhida
Azimkhodiaevci
with Anatoly Sheludyakov, piano ^
“The Many Faces of 20th Century Music ”
LTY
Tickets: $12/ $3 students I 706-542-4400 I pac.uga.edu
Hugh Hodgson
11 | 11 School of Music
vJtStJ? UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
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