Decatur's Fred Boykin Recognized for Bike Safety Advocacy

Athough Decatur isn't quite Intown Atlanta, they're close enough that I can claim Fred Boykin as our hometown boy. His Bicycle South quickly became a favorite bike shop of mine after I got to Atlanta in the late 70's, so I've heard a great many stories about all the good he has done for the cycling community, and not just in Decatur, but throughout metro Atlanta.

It is a proud moment that he has been chosen as the first recipient of the Clay Mankin Award given to bicycle retailers who have provided significant contributions to the cycling industry.

What I found interesting in this article on GoDekalb.com is Boykin speaks about the health of children. He finds declining sales for children's and teens' bikes and is concerned that computers and game consoles are keeping children indoors instead of outside on their bikes getting exercise.

He makes the valid point that the habits formed as kids carry over into adulthood. Through various programs reaching out to kids, Boykin, who also serves as a City of Decatur Commissioner, sees us transforming our car-dependent society into a pedestrian-scaled society. Having cycled many years in Decatur, and met many riders from Decatur, I can say he has brought Decatur closer to that reality than most cities in Georgia.

Thanks Fred and Congratulations!