After living in Copenhagen, East Cobb resident Joe Seconder returned changed. Living in a city where more than 30% of vehicular traffic is on two wheels will do that to you.
Back in Marietta, Seconder comes with a new mission. He wants to see Cobb County a bike friendlier city.
Currently, this Atlanta outpost doesn't even have sidewalks throughout the area. Bike lanes seem a far dream. Can Seconder do it? Maybe so. Seconder has already managed to unite over 150 supporters on a free user group dedicated to Cobb cyclists. He aims to turn those resident cyclists into a full fledged, dues paying advocacy group: BikeCobb.
Since the first of the year, BikeCobb has gathered enough interest to create a volunteer board, achieve non-profit status and secure commercial sponsorships. Seconder isn't wasting any time getting to work. BikeCobb volunteers are already at work establishing contacts and canvassing cyclists' needs in the area. Further, the group is leveraging new relationships with the established Atlanta Bicycle Campaign to find its own niche in the local advocacy efforts. BikeCobb is already on board as an advisor to Cobb County's new Bike/Pedestrian Study. The Bike/Ped study is designed to gather current and projected traffic needs for Cobb's efficient growth. BikeCobb has strategic planning sessions planned to provide accurate representation of cyclists throughout Cobb.
BikeCobb's kickoff membership meeting this past December hosted residents, county representatives and local business leaders. The new year has begun with strong leadership and determination to secure safe cycling in Cobb. Can they do it? BikeCobb says, "Yes we can."
