Mayor Kasim Reed announced that the City of Atlanta was named one of the “Best Bike Cities of 2016” by Bicycle magazine. Every two years, the publication reviews Census and Department of Transportation data for more than 100 cities, consults with bicycle experts and interviews advocates and everyday riders to identify the 50 most bike-friendly cities in the United States. Atlanta ranked number 43 on the list for the first time.

“Atlanta is honored is be recognized as a leading bicycle city in the United States,” said Mayor Reed. “Cycling has become an essential part of Atlanta’s transportation network, and we see this mode increasingly growing in popularity. We will continue to invest in bicycle infrastructure for our residents and visitors to enjoy for generations to come.”

In 2012, Mayor Reed committed to the goal of making bicycling an integral part of daily life for Atlanta residents, workers and visitors by year 2016. Mayor Reed launched Relay, the city’s bike share program, in June 2016. Currently, 100 bikes are available for rent at 10 stations in heavily-trafficked downtown locations. Ten additional new stations will be installed this October.

The City of Atlanta has also invested in more than 30 miles of bike lanes, including four miles of protected and buffered bicycle lanes around Atlanta.

In addition, Mayor Reed named Becky Katz the City’s Chief Bicycle Officer last October. In her role, Katz supports Atlanta’s efforts to achieve national recognition as a bicycle-friendly community. Her duties also include planning bicycle projects to completion, public outreach, project development and ensuring that the Relay bicycle share program was launched.

“When I first became Chief Bicycle Officer for the City of Atlanta, I was charged with advancing our bicycle initiatives,” said Becky Katz. “I am so proud that the City of Atlanta was named a best bicycle city. This is just the beginning. We will grow our bike share system to 500 bikes by the end of the year, increase the amount of high-quality bike lanes in the city and create a connected bicycle infrastructure network making it safer for riders to get around.”