Cruising the streets of Augusta on two wheels is a great experience. You can take in the sights and sounds of the rapidly growing city while getting great cardio exercise and reducing your impact on the environment. While these are fantastic reasons to cycle through Augusta, there are a few precautions you should take.

If you are a fan of people-powered transportation, this guide will help you stay safe and avoid bicycle accidents. Here’s a look at the resources The Garden City offers to promote cyclist safety. 

Everything You Need To Know About Biking in Augusta, GA

Cycling is more than a fun way to get around: You are doing good for the environment and unlocking some health benefits in the process. 

When you’re biking, your safety relies on being careful and avoiding unnecessary dangers. Everyone knows the basics of biking: wear a helmet, use a light at night, and stay alert for cars. You’ll also need to watch out for people making their way through the city on foot. 

But your journey to safety doesn’t stop there. Knowing where to ride will help you avoid the risks of bike riding while also getting some fresh air. Check out the city’s bike trails and lanes to avoid a crash and keep yourself upright.  

Do I Really Need To Worry About Bike Crashes? 

More than 200,000 people call Augusta home. As the city has grown over the last few years, it has become more bike-friendly but also busier. 

Over 7,000 bicycle crashes occurred in Georgia between 2013 and 2022, and a handful of them took place in Augusta. The majority of these bike crashes happen during the day, while one-fourth of the incidents occur in dark-lighted, dusk-lit, or dark-not-lighted conditions. 

Riding at night is still the most dangerous time for cyclists. However, more cyclists (and vehicles) are on the roads during daylight hours, which is why such a large percentage of crashes happen in lighted conditions. 

How Does Augusta Support Bike Riding? 

Augusta has invested heavily in transportation infrastructure to make the road safer for everyone, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Here are a few of the measures that the city has implemented to make riding your bike safer and more enjoyable: 

Bike Lanes

As a cyclist, bike lanes are likely already your best friend. Using a designated travel area can help shield you from vehicle traffic while also allowing you to traverse streets efficiently. You don’t have to worry about running into pedestrians as you would if you were cruising along the sidewalk.

The city of Augusta has invested significantly in bike lanes over the last few years. While avid cyclists would like to see even more of these spaces, city officials have made major improvements. So, if you’re riding your bike and see a designated lane, use it. 

Multi-Use Trails

Augusta has 13 different multi-use trails that allow bicycles. These trails range from 0.6 miles to 9 miles, giving you plenty of different options. The short Waynesboro Greenway Trail spans just 0.6 miles and is meant to help cyclists safely cross a busy segment of town. If you are looking for a more challenging ride, consider a longer path, such as the North Augusta Greenway. 

Many of the bike trails in Augusta are designed for both recreation and safe commutes for the city’s residents. 

Bike Racks and Parking

Fortunately, there’s a plethora of racks and parking areas for bicyclists in Augusta, Georgia. Whether you want to take a break during a recreational ride or need to park your bike after commuting to work, you’ll find plenty of secure locations throughout the city.

These designated areas are positioned in various parks, shopping areas, and outside of public buildings. You will need to provide your own lock, but most of the spaces are free to use. 

Ride-Sharing Programs and Rental Options 

You might not have known about it, but Augusta University launched a bike-sharing program for its students and faculty. Known as JagRide, the program allows them to rent bicycles for a small fee. The first 30 minutes are free, and students pay just $5 per hour after that. 

If city officials follow suit and add a bike-sharing program for general residents, such a program would probably be a big hit with Augusta’s cycling community. It could also provide cheap, convenient transportation for residents.

Understanding the Risks of Cycling in Augusta, Georgia

While Augusta city streets are generally safe for cyclists, you must still be mindful of potential dangers that you might encounter. 

Some common risks include:

  • Driver Inattention: People get distracted by their phones, radios, and passengers 
  • Failure to Yield: Crashes can happen when you or a motorist fail to yield the right of way 
  • Poor Road Conditions: Rain, fog, and snow increase the risk of a crash 

It’s important to remember these dangers – but don’t let them stop you from safely riding your bike in Augusta.

How To Stay Safe on Two Wheels 

As a cyclist, you generally have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Obey traffic signals, stop signs, and yield signs. Riding cautiously and following the rules can reduce your risk of a crash.

Make sure to wear safety gear, such as your helmet and reflective clothing, especially in low-light conditions. Equip your bike with front and rear lights to enhance visibility.

Stay Vigilant and Enjoy the Ride

Cycling in Augusta can be a fun and healthy activity, but you must always be aware and prioritize safety. Understand the city’s infrastructure and the various resources available to cyclists. If you’re going to ride in low-light conditions, always wear high-visibility clothing, have a headlamp, and have a rear red light to indicate your position to vehicles. 

Now that you know more about staying safe in Augusta, it’s time to hit the road (or the bike lane) and enjoy the beautiful city.