Cycling Made Easier

MARTA installing bike repair kiosks at transit stations

Atlanta cyclists can now ensure their bicycles are secure and road-ready by using the new self-service repair kiosks and bike racks installed by MARTA.

The conveniently located racks are part of MARTA’s ongoing efforts to make it easier for cyclists to use the transit system, and more are scheduled for installation.

Bike kiosks and racks are currently installed at transit stations including Lindbergh Center, Ashby, Edgewood/Candler Park, Five Points, H. E. Holmes, North Avenue and West End. Later this summer, the remainder of MARTA’s 38 stations will be outfitted with the kiosks.

Equipped with the necessary tools for bike maintenance and repair – from inflating a flat to tightening handlebars – the repair kiosks were paid for separately by a crowdfunding campaign sponsored by IOBY (In-Our-Back-Yards), an organization that helps neighbors grow and implement great ideas one block at a time. Other contributors to the crowdfunding campaign are the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, Lanier Parking and MailChimp.

“People who bike to places in Atlanta oftentimes rely on MARTA to help them go farther, especially in areas that aren’t yet connected to the city’s growing network of bike lanes and trails,” said Rebecca Serna, executive director of the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition. “Knowing that you’re able to make a quick repair; secure your bike and catch the train to your destination can make a difference in how accessible the city is.”

Back on My Feet

Organization helps homeless through running program, events

It’s Wednesday, so the run is led by Martin Chen, who has been volunteering with BoMF since 2011. He loves to run and sees the resident members as his running buddies.

“With BoMF, they get a sense of belonging to something bigger than themselves. Running transforms their lives – gives them a sense of purpose and achievement,” Chen said.

MARTA is testing a new double-decker bus that seats 100 people on different routes around the city during August.

The Fulton County Commission voted to spend up to $55 million to renovate Atlanta’s Central Library, scuttling plans to build a new facility Downtown.

The Atlanta Police Department says it will have body cameras for its officers within the next year, starting with Zone 4 and at the airport.

MARTA is working with nonprofit Soccer in the Streets on an idea to install a small soccer pitch in the west plaza at Five Points station in Downtown.

A tunnel-boring machine starts its five-mile journey in September from the old Bellwood Quarry to the

Chattahoochee River to create a new 2.4 billion gallon water storage reservoir for the city.

By Clare S. Richie

It’s 5:45 a.m. on a humid summer morning when runners gather outside the Salvation Army office in Downtown. On this day, Back on My Feet Team 26 is comprised of about 10 volunteers from all over metro Atlanta and three shelter residents. Everyone greets each other with a hug.

Operating in 11 major U.S. cities, Back on My Feet (BoMF) uses running and community to motivate and support individuals from homelessness to independence. The five-year-old Atlanta chapter has served nearly 400 people, of which 131 are employed and 117 found housing thanks to hundreds of volunteers and generous corporate and foundation support. Nationally, the organization has collectively run over 500,000 miles.

Franco is one of the shelter residents involved in BoMF. He had worked in manufacturing as an executive assistant, but when his mom died, his life fell apart. Running has brightened his outlook. “It adds a lot to my day to get up early and run because I feel so much better during the day,” Franco said. He’s been running for three weeks now and is almost ready to transition into the next phase of support.

BoMF recruits men and women, many of who are veterans, at homeless and residential facilities. These residential members commit to run three days a week in the early morning. After 30 days in the program, those with 90 percent attendance are provided with a personalized support plan.

“BoMF helps our members navigate housing, employment, education and transportation while advocating for them to enroll in services,” Angela Carter, local executive director of the Atlanta chapter of BoMF, explained.

She said running boosts self-esteem and proves accountability. “If you are willing to get up early and run three times per week – you may be ready to receive and retain employment,” Carter commented.

After warm-up stretches, the group gathers for a team hug and serenity prayer, then hits the pavement.

But Karl needs to walk because he is recovering from back surgery even though the college track competitor in him wants to push harder. “[At the Salvation Army], I noticed a lot of guys wearing blue shoes,” Karl said.

In addition to receiving sneakers donated by Mizuno, BoMF residential runners earn other awards like a medal, dry-fit shirt, watch or hoodie as they reach mileage milestones.

Franco and Karl are striving to follow in the footsteps of alumni members like Eugene Hardy, who has achieved employment and housing. Hardy, recently recognized at the BoMF fifth anniversary bash, was a combat veteran before becoming homeless. Today he is a thriving employee with Chick-fil-A and has his own apartment.

“BoMF is the most inspirational team members I could ever have. That first day was so awesome. I didn’t know what to expect. When I first arrived, I ran across this young lady named Lisa and she just hugged me. We’ve just been like family ever since,” Hardy said.

In five years, the Atlanta chapter of BoMF has become a viable member of the continuum of care for the homeless. It built a strong advisory board with representation from Home Depot, AT&T, UPS, Mizuno, Samsung and Marriott. Foundations like United Way of Greater Atlanta and the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta have also embraced this unique nonprofit.

“We have made believers out of the people in Atlanta,” Carter said.

The Ponce City Market 5K benefiting BoMF will be held Aug. 13 at 8 a.m. in Historic Fourth Ward Park. To sign up for the race, visit atlanta.backonmyfeet.org.