As a member-based nonprofit, the Atlanta Bicycle Campaign relies on the volunteer and financial support of its members to survive and thrive. To recognize the folks who contributed to our success in 2008, we're holding the Blinkie Awards on January 31st at Members' Night (the annual membership meeting and social). The Blinkies will go to the volunteer, business, community partner, media outlet, and government agency or employees who did the most to further our mission in 2008. I want to hear who YOU think ABC should recognize - please submit your nominations in the form below.

A reader recently asked, "I was wondering if you guys had information like the San Francisco bicycle campaign's website?" Thanks for the suggestion. We are currently updating our website and will definitely include more local data like this as part of the update. For now, read on to learn about some of ABC's successes over the years as well as our city's current state of bicycling affairs.

(From Creative Loafing, by Thomas Wheatley) Local bands and DJs are coming together to raise funds and awareness after a Dec. 3 home invasion in the Poncey-Highland neighborhood rattled both the community and Atlanta music scene. “Our tagline for the event is ‘It’s a neighborhood watch,’” says Suzy Moran, one of the fundraiser organizers. “We want it to be a benefit [for the victims], but also a way for the community to come together.”

Bike Emory tells us:

The DeKalb County Public Works Department is holding an open house tonight regarding the proposed Haygood Drive improvements.

As a part of this project Bicycle lanes would be constructed along Haygood Drive. This is a great opportunity for the cycling community to let Dekalb County know there is community support for bicycle road infrastructure improvements in the Emory/Clifton area.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution notes, "Council members approved a long-term transportation plan for the city. The plan, projected to cost at least $3.3 billion, includes streetcars along Peachtree Street, widening some busy roads, adding bicycle lanes, improving traffic signals and building sidewalks. It’s unclear where the city will get the money." Proposed city funding sources include a parking surcharge. The next step is working with the state legislature to pass a bill funding state-wide transportation investments (probably through a sales tax) that includes bicycle and pedestrian improvements. Contact your legislator today (before the January rush) to let them know you bike and you vote!

If you missed ABC's first Light Up the Night - on Bikes event, we had a great time! Volunteers distributed bike lights to the lightless courtesy of REI and Free Flite, we hung out with Sopo's inspiring volunteers and visitors, Speed Vest inventor Brady came all the way from Minneapolis, MN to show us his excellent invention, and Jett organized a well-lit group ride to Atlantic Station, where we enjoyed free valet bike parking thanks to Michael and ASAP+, then filmed Brady demonstrating the Speed Vest in holiday traffic. Whew! It was quite a night. We hope next year will be even bigger and better, and put us well on our way to ensuring that EVERY cyclist in Atlanta has lights on their bike. Video and more details after the jump.

When I saw the Speed Vest on display at Pro Walk Pro Bike in Seattle this year, I immediately thought - we need to bring this to Atlanta. This weekend, thanks to a felicitous series of events, we're going to do just that. As part of our Light Up the Night...on Bikes event, the brains behind the Speed Vest is coming to town to demonstrate his invention. I've been wishing we had a tool to let drivers know just how far the cyclist they just passed was moving (to avoid said driver cutting them off at the next turn) and the Speed Vest meets that need perfectly! Brady will join us Saturday following the bike light giveaway for a well-lit ride to Atlantic Station. Charge up your best light set-up and ride with us!

ABC volunteer Kyle and board member/volunteer Byron make appearances in this story airing on Fox 5 about bicycle commuters and Atlanta roads. Video here. The brief mention that Atlanta is considering adding 200 miles of bike lanes refers to the Connect Atlanta Plan City Council will vote on later this month. Contact your Council member now to ask them to support the plan: members' emails and district map.

A big thank you to local designer Ted Ullrich, who created these great new t-shirts - purchase benefits the Atlanta Bicycle Campaign. Shirts come in black or yellow. Get yours today by ordering here for the black shirt or here for the yellow. You can visit Ted online at tedullrich.com