Kirkwood resident Nedra Deadwyler tellingly names June 7 of this year as the birthday of her company,
Civil Bikes. It was a day of pop up shopping along Auburn, and Edgewood Avenues to celebrate the Atlanta Streetcar route. Like those rails linking Centennial Olympic Park, and its Center For Civil, and Human Rights to the MLK National Historic Site, her vision is transformational. "My goal is preserving history through tours. It's a passion that pulls many things that I love together. Riding my bike puts me in a good mood automatically, keeps my body healthy, and builds relationships with people."
With help from Neil Walker of
Cycles & Change, Deadwyler obtained funding for sixty-eight Raleigh Talus mountain bicycles. She then distributed half of that bounty among youth programs in metro Atlanta. The remainder became her business fleet, either for rent or guided tours. "Right now it's Old Fourth Ward, and downtown, concentrating on civil rights."
Other days find her studying historic preservation at Georgia State University. "I like to ride downtown on Peachtree Street. Motorists are mindful, and don't go that fast. More people are riding, and acknowledging one another. A stranger called to me, 'Have a nice ride!' I ring my bell all the time, and people ring back." Civil behaviors, indeed.
By sundown Saturday, one savvy, sociable and strong cyclist will sit astride this Globe city bike that SOPO has given to be Grand Prize in the 2014 Terminus 5C. No lesser soul would prevail in a such a gauntlet of five secret way points, each providing an unique challenge. Play is for points, so bring a friend or two and take your time. Free beer and a raft of runner-up prizes await those who can find their ways to the finish. Please follow this link to register. As ever, the T5C raises funds for the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, so everyone gains both fond memories and a more bike-friendly city.
