Bike shop owner becomes first-time lobbyist, taking his mission on road to D.C.
Chain Reaction owner Phil Cohen will be heading to Washington, D.C., to attend the National Bike Summit March 4- 6, hosted by the League of American Bicyclist (LAB).
Published February 27, 2008 by Metro Spirit
BY RANDY DUTEAU
AUGUSTA, GA – This March, Chain Reaction Cycling and Fitness in Martinez turns 18 years old. That’s a healthy run for an independent business. But while some could use the occasion to rest on their laurels, Chain Reaction owner Phil Cohen will be heading to Washington, D.C., to attend the National Bike Summit March 4- 6, hosted by the League of American Bicyclist (LAB).
According to the LAB Web site, “The National Bike Summit provides a unique opportunity to inform members of Congress of the importance of bicycling and to educate them on specific bicycling issues.”
As a first-time lobbyist, Cohen intends to use the opportunity to educate himself on “how the gears of government work.” It is his hope that this education will help area cycling-related projects get the funding to become reality.
Phil is quick to recognize some of the progressive local cycling initiatives already in place, citing the Canal trail, the North Augusta Greeneway and the bike path along Evans-to-Locks Road, as well as the “best network of mountain bike trails in the Southeast (FATS).”
But according to Cohen, “We need to continue to expand these opportunities.” He adds, “I think more bike lanes will encourage people to use their bicycles to commute to work and shopping. Imagine if most vehicle trips less than three miles were done on a bicycle. It would save lots of fuel, money, congestion on the roads and people would get some exercise. What a great thing.”
Political action aside, community service has been a staple for Cohen. Annually, his shop participates in bike giveaways at Christmas, promotes bicycle safety classes, donates helmets at local elementary schools and helps scouts earn their bicycle merit badges.
Additionally, he has supported Augusta Urban Ministries, Wesley United Methodist Church, Columbia County Sheriffs Office, the Salvation Army and CSRA Outreach.
“I am happy to have helped,” says Cohen. “I like interacting with kids in the community, but I also feel it is my obligation to give back to the community that gives me and my family its livelihood.”
Let’s help Phil: The 5th Annual Best Dam Ride Ever will take place on Sunday, April 20. The bike ride offers various distance options and, for the first time, will include a 15-mile off-road course on the Historic Bartram Trail.
This year’s Dam Ride benefits the Southeastern Firefighters’ Burn Foundation. The foundation helps burn patients and their families when tragedy strikes by providing them with clothes, medicine, transportation costs and lodging.
Considering the role of the Augusta community in supporting the victims of the Imperial Sugar Plant explosion, there couldn’t be a more prescient beneficiary. If anyone is interested in being a sponsor, call Chain Reaction Bicycles at 706-855-2024. Ride information can be found at chainreactionbicycles.net or theburncenter.org.