Georgia Tech’s values include a commitment to nurturing the health and well-being of community members and being responsible stewards of the environment. The Student Engagement and Well-being initiative called “Move Georgia Tech”encourages students to choose “active,” or human-powered transportation, and educates about its positive impact on physical and mental health and the environment.
College and its myriad of new experiences, along with busy class schedules and academic rigor may lead to students feeling pressure, and regular physical activity helps to reduce anxiety and the risk of depression and increase positive mood. Walking, riding, and rolling are great ways to integrate activity throughout the day, and campus infrastructure and resources help them to be not just safe but also enjoyable.
Atlanta may be considered a car-centric city, but the campus and surrounding neighborhoods are deemed “very walkable” by Walk Score, which indicates that the area is pedestrian friendly. Atlanta is included on Bicycling Magazine’s list of “50 Best Bike Cities,” and Georgia Tech is recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly University.
As your student learns to navigate campus and surrounding areas, below are active transportation resources and tips that you can share to increase their knowledge and safety.
When riding, walking, and rolling, students should minizine distractions, such as phones and earphones, and focus on their surroundings.
Bikes and scooters must obey traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs and red lights and riding at an appropriate speed for conditions.
Riders should use a red rear flasher and a white front light and know the importance of wearing a helmet each time that they ride. Helmets are available for $12 from Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) customer service center in the Tech Square parking deck, just inside the Spring Street entrance.
The online Ride Smart class covers practical information on riding bikes and scooters in an urban environment and will allow students to receive a free helmet.
The monthly, in-person City Cycling class from PTS and Propel Atlanta provides students with the opportunity to ride on the road with an experienced instructor.
Students can use Citymapper to explore route options, including multi-use paths, as the safest and most enjoyable route is often different than what you would drive. PTS’s Commute Concierge can also help with route planning.
Each time they ride their bike or scooter or a shareable device, students should take ten seconds to complete the ABC Quick-Check to ensure that the device is operating correctly and safely.
Help with bike maintenance and repairs is available from Aztec Cycles at the Community Market on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Starter Bikes on Fridays from 4 – 7 p.m.
Student organizations Starter Bikes and Outdoor Recreation Georgia Tech (ORGT) can help to connect students to the riding community through classes, group rides, mountain biking, and bike packing trips.