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Karen Showalter's picture
This week we're excited to feature Nedra, a bike enthusiast, healthy-living advocate, and entrepreneur from Atlanta. Nedra runs Civil Bikes, which uses bike tours and classes to get people active and teach them about social justice, all at the same time. Thanks for all you do, Nedra! 
 

Civil Bikes uses bicycles as a tool to build community and bring awareness and attention to social issues that exists within our broader community. The one thing constant activity in my life is the pursuit of personal evolution and making positive contributions to society.  Over the years I’ve learned that what is most needed is someone who demonstrates care towards people, place and planet. I aim to live out my values and a life that builds deeper connections and honoring my ancestors.

 
After years in social work and several attempts to develop a business that resonated with my skills, interests, beliefs, passion and values, I started Civil Bikes in 2013, a bike tour company retelling Atlanta’s civil rights history. Soon after its inception, my work quickly turned to bicycling education and equity issues; getting more women riding more and issues like gentrification, immigration, economic development, and other social issues; questing to gain visibility for marginalized communities.  
 
Every day in Atlanta there is a loss of history as buildings come down and people are displaced due to increase of investment in neighborhoods long neglected. Since 2012, 95% of Atlanta’s development has been luxury condos, townhouses, apartments and homes all the while removing those who have less money, less options, less social and political clout, by removing affordable housing.  Conceivably these developments meet another need, however I perceive these as hostile actions because they effectively erase social concerns, such as poverty instead of stretching towards solutions.  In the background, health and economic disparities increase nationally. Civil Bikes is a voice valuing equity and inclusion, a place where all residents matter by holding a place and telling stories of the people embedded in the history of the landscape.
 

As a start-up Civil Bikes currently does not have a storefront. We began as a pop-up shop in Sweet Auburn, the home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and worked out of a rented storage PODS along the popular multi-use paths the Atlanta Beltline. I lead tours from shop called The Spindle, selling urban bike clothing and accessories, while looking for a location where I can store bikes, begin rides, and host larger public events. This past year, I shuttled bikes around the city in my Nissan Versa. Simply put, my business model is creative, flexible and adaptable to my needs and situations.

 
I think Civil Bikes offers ways for families to become active in two concrete ways. Many moms and a few dads have come to bicycling education classes to learn how to ride in order to spend time being active with their children and/ or family. We also host bicycle tours. It is a great way to have fun learning without having to create and plan an outing!  Many people who attend tours are interested in being guided because either they are new to riding, unsure of how to maneuver the streets safely, or want to attend events but not fully plan them.  Classes and tours are great ways for families to connect to each other in ways the increase health and a sense of place.  Those who come and attend any of what Civil Bikes offers walk away with a positive feeling and connection to place.  
 
Here's one way I’m increasing my health- smoothies!  They are delicious and add fruit, vitamins, and great tastes to start my day. 
  • Almond milk
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Blackberries
  • Bananas
  • Dried, shredded coconut
  • Honey
  • Maca powder- Incan superfood to aid vitality and increase stamina
 
Please feel free to send an email to nedra@civilbikes.com and check out our website, www.civilbikes.com.  We are also on social media, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. I look forward to hearing from you!
 
 

The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of MomsRising.org.

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