It’s not just the athletic who take part in the annual Georgia Rides to the Capitol.

“Last year, there was a 70-year-old lady who joined our ride in the Ansley area and rode all the rest of the way with us,” said Eric Broadwell, vice present of BikeRoswell and coordinator of the Roswell leg of the ride.

Riders like her really underscore the point of Ride to the Capitol, which is to draw legislators’ attention to the needs of the cycling community and raise support for a regional bicycle and pedestrian network system.

More and more bicyclists of all ages are using Georgia roads for recreation and transportation, Broadwell said, and safety is a constant issue.

On March 23, Roswell Mayor Jere Wood will lead riders from Roswell City Hall at 9:45 a.m. to pedal to the Capitol building. The ride will be escorted by police.

Decatur Mayor Bill Floyd will lead a similar ride from his city and other regional mayors, public officials and private citizens will join the ride along various routes.

This year, cyclists have a specific bill to support. HB 988, introduced by District 49 Rep. Wendell Willard of Sandy Springs and co-sponsored by District 48 Rep. Harry Geisinger of Roswell, would require drivers to who pass cyclists to leave a three-foot distance between them.

While there are conscientious motorists who give bicycles a wide berth when passing, many more leave little room to spare, Broadwell said. Cyclists call it getting buzzed, and it’s a scary experience.

“The cars squeeze between you and oncoming traffic,” he said. “Some do it because part of them thinks we shouldn’t be on the road, and others do it just to say ‘look how close I can get to you.’”

Sixteen states already have this safe passing legislation. Bills have been introduced this legislative session in seven other states, including Georgia.

The 21-mile ride from Roswell follows a hill-filled route and will be conducted at a 12 mph pace. All cyclists are welcome.

“It’s more of a parade. We had to adapt the pace so that the not-in-shape cyclists don’t get dropped to the back and left behind,” Broadwell said.

The Georgia Rides to the Capitol event is sponsored by the Metro-Atlanta Mayors Association and Georgia Bikes!

For more information on the Roswell Ride to the Capitol, contact Mayor Wood’s office at (770) 641-3727 or go to

www.georgiaridestothecapitol.

org.