Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1302793
"I THINK THAT Macon's the type of city that's small enough so that you can start something on your own and really make an impact, but it's also big enough that you're gonna touch a lot of people along the way. I recently learned that 1 in 3 people in Macon don't have a driver's license. ... So, there's definitely a need for ... better transportation options in Macon. And about two years ago is when I started trying to build an advocacy group for more improved bike infrastructure and walking infrastructure in the city. And then, as I built my confidence up to start commuting to work, I started noticing more and more of the barriers that probably people face every day, wanting to bike to work. You know, just lack of a safe place on the street or signal crossings. So, this opportunity came up to apply for a fellowship for this organization called 880 Cities. They give you $5,000 to implement your project. And so my project was to have more fun social activities and get people on bikes and then hopefully grow a voice for better biking and walking in Macon. So, I participated in that fellowship, not really knowing much about ... running any kind of advocacy group. But, it quickly caught on. And I started to realize that people are really passionate about having a more connected city, getting more people connected to downtown, to the neighborhoods, by a means other than a vehicle. I think people definitely want to see better things happening here. I think sometimes people are just looking for a leader to jump on that and then you'll have people support it. Through the work I am doing, I am trying to create a more connected city, and I'm trying to make sure people can get where they need to go, even if they don't have a vehicle. I have my dream job ... and not many people have the opportunity to work full time on what they're passionate about. That's the coolest thing. I'm glad I live in a city where I can focus all my time on something that I really care about." – RACHEL See full stories at: themaconites.com " e Maconites tell our story. is project originally was funded by e Downtown Challenge Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, created to implement the Macon Action Plan. To read the Macon Action Plan, visit MaconActionPlan.com. ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED 2017 newtownmacon.com/covid-19 Downtown Macon businesses need our support now more than ever. Visit our website for a list of open businesses and their offerings. D OWNTOWN M A C O N D OWNTOWN M A C O N DISTANCE SOCIALLY - SUPPORT LOCALLY 120 maconmagazine.com | JUNE/JULY 2020