Georgia Tech Wins Institutional Leadership in Mobility Award
Propel ATL, metro Atlanta's premier micromobility advocacy organization, hosted its annual Blinkie Awards ceremony on May 9, celebrating achievements in micromobility and pedestrian initiatives in Atlanta. Georgia Tech was honored with a Blinkie Award for Institutional Leadership in Mobility.
"Atlanta is in many ways a university town, and Georgia Tech has led the way by building a community that integrates multimodal, sustainable transportation into campus life and beyond," said Rebecca Serna, executive director of Propel ATL.
The award recognizes leadership in creating infrastructure and public spaces that support safe, sustainable, and accessible transportation options for all. Tech was recognized for its investment in and commitment to improving micromobility travel on and around campus.
Jason Gregory, Institute landscape architect, accepted the award on behalf of Georgia Tech, recognized for its bike and micromobility programs and the ongoing installation of the cycle track spanning campus along Ferst Drive.
“The concept of the cycle track dates back to 2018, when several civil engineering students were working on a Capstone project that studied the safety of current infrastructure,” said Gregory. “That initial study, along with follow-up studies, confirmed the cycle track would improve the overall safety for all levels of riders through campus while connecting the surrounding communities. We are thrilled to be recognized for the work and look forward to seeing how well it works and how it influences future projects in the region.”
While Georgia Tech’s Planning, Design, and Construction manages bike and micromobility infrastructure, Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) partners with Propel ATL to conduct monthly group rides and bike safety classes, and also offers an online bike and scooter safety course where students, upon completion, receive a free helmet. To date, PTS has given hundreds of free helmets to students.
“As a longtime bike commuter, this recognition is near and dear to me and our many bike and micromobility users on campus,” said Lisa Safstrom, transportation program specialist for PTS. “Several departments at Georgia Tech are involved in creating our quality infrastructure and supporting our programs. My office has worked with Propel ATL (formerly Atlanta Bicycle Coalition) for many years, and we appreciate all they’ve done for the city.”
Georgia Tech will continue to create a model for the city that demonstrates what is possible to promote micromobility safety and access for all.