Fuel Prices, Traffic and Gas Fumes, OH MY!
Explore the Alternative, Cleaner Commute at BikeFest

What: BikeFest presented by the Atlanta Bicycle Campaign and the Downtown TMA

When: Wednesday, May 14, 2008, rain date: Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: Woodruff Park in Downtown Atlanta

Cost: FREE

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ATLANTA – With gas prices at an all-time high and the city’s traffic situation not much better, commuting to work via bike is becoming much more attractive, not to mention eco-friendly and health-improving. Enter BikeFest. A partnership between The Atlanta Bicycle Campaign and the Downtown Transportation Management Association, the three-hour outdoor event held in Downtown’s Woodruff Park will be a chance for all attendees to meet cyclists, visit bicycle experts and win prizes. BikeFest is an event for everyone; cyclists and non-cyclists can learn more about biking and the benefits it provides and enjoy the opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow bikers.

"The number one reason why people keep biking once they have started is that it's fun. BikeFest aims to capture that feeling while giving the community a place to learn about different kinds of bicycling and how to do it safely and confidently “says Rebecca Serna, Atlanta Bicycle Campaign Executive Director. "With rising gas prices, more people are asking us how to get started bicycling; BikeFest answers that question in a fun, festival environment.” Sally Haggard, Director of the Downtown TMA says, “We hope to continue this event each year to encourage cyclists around Downtown and all over Atlanta.”

Participating Vendors include: Atlanta Police Department, City of Atlanta (Connect Atlanta Plan), Clean Air Campaign, Free Flite, Georgia Department of Transportation, Georgia State University, Bicycle attorney Ken Rosskopf, No Brakes, REI, SoPo Bike Cooperative, and more. BikeFest attendees will receive giveaways from vendors in addition to the chance to win raffle prizes, including gift certificates to French American Brasserie, City Grill and Maxim Prime, a one-night stay at the Ellis Hotel, and more.

The Atlanta Bicycle Campaign
Atlanta's largest member-based bicycle advocacy organization, Atlanta Bicycle Campaign creates better conditions for biking, provides Confident City Cycling classes that teach people to ride safely, offers programs to break down the barriers to cycling, educates drivers and cyclists on how to share the road, and strives to make Atlanta a bike-friendly, greener community.

The Downtown Transportation Management Association (TMA)
The Downtown TMA, a program of Central Atlanta Progress and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District, provides Downtown employers and employees with resources and incentives to encourage transportation alternatives to ease congestion, reduce pollution and improve the commute experience. Visit www.atlantadowntown.com to learn more. Individuals not commuting to Downtown should visit www.cleanaircampaign.com to learn more about the other alternative commuting resources in their area.

Media Contact: Tara Murphy / Ashley Hesseltine – 360 Media, Inc. - 404-577-8686 or info@360media.net

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