VALDOSTA, Ga.-- City leaders teamed up with Georgia Bikes, Inc. to hold a community workshop about bicycle safety.
Corey Hull with the metropolitan planning organization says the City of Valdosta and bike riders are working together to promote safety and plan new bicycle transportation projects.
"We tried to put this workshop on so that they can get some more information and we can also get some feedback," said Hull.
Doctor Mark Whatley got a chance to tell the community his story. In September of 2012, he was riding his bike in Valdosta when he was hit by an SUV.
But Whatley says he will always have a love for cycling.
"It's something that I can't give up at this point," said Whatley. When asked if he thinks bike riding is dangerous, Whatley had a simple answer.
"I think bicycling is just as dangerous as any other activity," he said, "taking a shower, driving to work, jogging, any activity."
Whatley and community members got the chance to voice their opinions on what they think the city should do to become more bicycle friendly. They said more than anything, they want to see awareness raised about the laws of the road and how to stay safe on a bicycle. In addition, they hope the city will make plans to add more bike paths.
"They do want a more bicycle dedicated infrastructure," said Hull. He added that the city does have plans to implement new bike paths throughout Valdosta, but those plans could take a few years to become a reality.
