The Atlanta City Council on Oct. 20 proclaimed October as "Biketober" and heard a series of briefings from Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT) leaders and partner groups about programs, protected bike lanes and safety efforts tied to the city’s Vision Zero initiative.

Why it matters: The speakers framed Biketober as both a promotional and policy moment to increase cycling as a transportation option — linked to reduced congestion, improved air quality and Vision Zero goals to eliminate traffic fatalities.

Key points from the meeting

- Councilmember Byron Amos introduced the proclamation recognizing Biketober and Atlanta DOT’s partnerships with Georgia Commute Options, the Atlanta Regional Commission and community organizations to promote cycling for commutes, recreation and healthy living.

- Commissioner Solomon Cabiness of ATLDOT thanked councilmembers and listed partners including Georgia Commute Options, Propel ATL and Love to Ride Atlanta. He emphasized infrastructure work to add protected bike lanes and trails and encouraged residents to use the month to try biking as an alternative to driving.

- Deputy Commissioner Betty Smoot-Madison described strategies to support Vision Zero — Atlanta’s stated goal of zero traffic fatalities — including the expansion of safe bike lanes, outreach such as the "Love to Ride" platform and advice for visibility during darker fall hours. She noted the city’s safety goal of reaching zero traffic-related fatalities by 2040 and encouraged participation in LovetoRide.net, which runs a Biketober competition with prizes.

- Councilmembers representing both North and South side districts highlighted local projects: protected lanes near schools, BeltLine connections and efforts to ensure South Side neighborhoods receive investments similar to the North Side.

- A representative of the Atlanta Regional Commission said 360 employers in the region had joined the Biketober employer challenge and noted rebates and incentives to put more people on bikes.

Implementation and next steps

ATLDOT said it will continue to build bike lanes and trails, support educational outreach for safe biking and coordinate programs that encourage residents to track and log rides for incentives. Councilmembers asked for continued focus on protected lanes in neighborhoods across the city and on safe routes to school.

Ending

The council’s proclamation framed Biketober as both an awareness campaign and a policy touchpoint for ATLDOT’s broader work on safety, equity and active transportation.