Big Tigger and Atlanta Beltline Partnership
Atlanta BeltLine and entertainer and current V-103 DJ Big Tigger and the Big Tigger Foundation partnered to present the inaugural Big Tigger’s BeltLine BikeFest on June 4, 2023. During the event, more than 100 bikes and helmets were gifted to Atlanta Public Schools students from surrounding BeltLine neighborhoods.
The bike fest was held on the city’s new Westside Park, which is the largest green space in the city of Atlanta where the trails connect to the Proctor Creek Greenway and will eventually connect with the BeltLine Westside Trail.
The community, Tigger, and celebrities went on a 1.5-mile group bike ride throughout Westside Park.
“The inaugural BeltLine Bikefest was a true showing of community coming together at Westside Park with the BeltLine. Working together toward Big Tigger’s event vision with Atlanta icons, the day was enjoyed by all, especially the kids who left with brand new bikes,” said Atlanta BeltLine CEO Clyde Higgs.
The event featured Atlanta Falcons’ Grady Jarrett, Captain America’s award-winning actor Anthony Mackie, Slutty Vegan’s Pinky Cole, and Atlanta legend and custom bike designer DJ Mars.
Family Festival, Bike Giveaway, and Free Food
After the bike ride, a family festival was held that featured a health fair, free health checks, food trucks from Slutty Vegan and Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, bike lessons from Kidokinetics, kids activities, DJs, and live music performances. Free food was offered to the first 200 guests.
The bike ride was curated by the Big Tigger Foundation and presented by Aetna Better Health of Georgia.
The idea for the BikeFest came from Tigger who reached out to BeltLine to bring it to life. The goal was to connect his rediscovered love of biking with his desire to give back to the community through exercise and healthy living.
Big Tigger’s Vision Came to Life
“Riding my bike along the BeltLine was one of the few things that kept me optimistic. It’s important to me that our community stays physically active,” said Tigger in a press release. “We all need to live longer, healthier, more productive lives, not only for ourselves but for the generations following us. I also want Atlanta to see the BeltLine as a resource towards those goals.”
According to a press release, the BikeFest is a part of BeltLine’s pledge of support to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ “Year of the Youth.”
“With 80% of the BeltLine expected to be complete or under construction in the next two years, we are seeing great progress toward our vision of a connected, equitable community where everyone has opportunities to succeed. Advocating for the BeltLine is a vote for a better Atlanta,” said Higgs.