Episode 3 | Nedra Deadwyler

The Atlanta Story

The Atlanta Story podcast features meaningful stories of Atlanta’s builders, creators, and entrepreneurs. In this episode Jon Birdsong sits down with Nedra Deadwyler, Founder for Civil Bikes. Nedra started Civil Bikes nearly 10 years ago as a way to preserve history while also experiencing Atlanta outside of the normal lens of a car. Her tours are experienced by visitors all over the country who want to learn more about the more silent parts of Atlanta history. When she’s not leading historical tours of Atlanta, Nedra is a social worker as well as serving on the Urban Design Commission for the City of Atlanta.

In today’s interview, we learn why Nedra started this project, what places and people she highlights on her tour, biking culture in the city and much more!

The Atlanta Story is put together by the folks at Atlanta Ventures -- and we can’t wait to share some of the personalities behind the brand. Atlanta Ventures invests in entrepreneurs through community, content, and capital -- most notably through our Studio with companies like Greenzie and Intown Golf Club. We believe the best entrepreneurs learn from other great artists in different fields.

In this episode, we discuss...

1. Jon and Nedra came to the realization that walking and biking around a city gives a unique experience. Nedra explains her story learning this perspective. (1:28)
2. Nedra shares insight into the differences in walking between Atlanta and Manhattan. (3:25)
3. Nedra explains how Atlanta changed after she came back to Atlanta in 2010. (4:50)
4. The origin story of Civil Bikes. (7:50)
5. Day one of Civil Bikes. (11:26)
6. How Civil Bikes has evolved over time. (14:35)
7. The extractive nature of the tourism industry and what Civil Bikes does about it. (17:16)
8. Where Civil Bikes tours today and how Nedra designs them. (19:07)
9. Nedra discussed hidden figures in the Civil Rights movement. (23:09)
10. Why Nedra started her program with Universities and what it does. (30:00)
11. Bike safety in Atlanta. (36:45)
12. Nedra discusses progress happening in the urban design commissions. (41:05)
13. Why Atlanta and what Atlanta has done for you? (44:20)

Resources discussed in this episode:

Civil Bikes