On Nov. 12, a bus attempting to make a U-turn at the intersection of East Campus Road and Cemetery Street struck a cyclist [1]. Although the injuries were not life threatening, it brought up the question, “How safe is bike riding in Athens?”
An informal poll of both non-cycling students and cycling Athens residents conducted by JOUR 3190 showed people’s mixed thoughts on bicycle safety in Athens.
Some interviewees, such as Cara Silcox, a 29-year-old academic adviser at the Terry College of Business said they felt “the bike lanes are great.”
Other respondents, such as Jim Stradley, a 51 year-old who manages The Hub Bicycles store, said that the number of bike lanes is “sorely lacking.”
Riding in bicycles in Athens is “relatively safe,” said Lee Jourdan, a senior from Monroe majoring in mechanical engineering and entertainment media at the University of Georgia. Jourdan compared Athens to cities like Atlanta, which he believes has more traffic and fewer bike lanes.
“You know, I’ve ridden all over the country. I feel just as safe here as I would anywhere else,” said William Lanzilotta, a 48 year-old professor of biochemistry and biophysics at UGA. “Safety is certainly a matter of perspective like so many other things. People in Athens I think are a little more aware of us.”
Lanzilotta said he’s been hit by cars before and that bike riders should be “just as attentive” to their surroundings as people driving cars.
Stradley said that he felt “generally” safe riding a bicycle in Athens. He said drivers should know bicycles are vehicles by law and “entitled to the road” just as much as automobiles.
Others gave reasons why riding bicycles in Athens didn’t feel entirely safe to them.
“I personally would be nervous to ride a bike in Athens,” said Jaico Selka, a sophomore from Suwanee majoring in ecology. “I feel like a lot of cars think they own the road more than bicyclists do.”
Silcox said bicyclists should be doing more to improve their own safety and that many are unaware of Georgia’s bicycle laws.
“I can’t tell you the number of people who I’ve seen not wearing a helmet, especially on campus or in town,” Silcox said.
“Helmets are essential…I always wear a helmet,” said Ashley Gruber, a 28 year-old photographer.
Silcox also said there’s a lot of “distracted driving” making the roads unsafe and that drivers need to be aware of their surroundings.
“Put your phone down for one,” Silcox said. “That’s the biggest thing.”
Silcox said she was with her fiancé, Brian Molloy, a 44 year-old who owns The Hub Bicycles store, when they saw a cyclist almost get hit on Highway 441.
“There was no bike lane, no reflective clothing, no lights, no helmet, it was dark, and a truck almost hit them,” Silcox said.
Silcox said that the truck swerved to miss the rider, but maintained that the fault of incidents such as these is on both sides.
Molloy said that it’s important for bicyclists to do whatever they can to “stick out” to drivers and that a helmet and lights — which he said cost around $60 for a quality pair — are the two most important things.
“It’s worth it to make that investment for your safety,” Molloy said.
153 East Clayton Street, and is moderately new, having opened in May 2016. It is co-owned by another local boutique in Athens, 
service in boutiques can be crucial when it comes to keeping loyal customers, but it can also be a breaking point for those who won’t return. Fortunately for Cheeky Peach Boutique, there is a loyal customer who completely loves the atmosphere and help they provide each time she visits. Ivey Thompson is a third year student and is affiliated with the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. When inquired about her experiences there she said, “They are super helpful, but not overly annoying helpful where they push you to buy things.” Thompson enjoys Cheeky Peach and has been since her freshman year of college. She loves how they aren’t too aggressive, and are just right when it comes to pairing outfits. “They drew me in through promos during rush my freshman year,” Thompson said when asked how she heard of the store.
