Right Now Downtown

Columbus is making some amazing strides with bicycling.  Friday, the Cityof Columbus announced a bike-sharing program for employees.  City employees can use bicycles available at City Hall, the Columbus Health Department and the Jerry Hammond Center.

The Columbus Health Department has long been one of the most progressive in the United States.  We also have a mayor who is “finding his stride” and becoming one of the country’s truly great mayors.

On the biking issue alone, Mayor Coleman has made a huge difference.  He became personally involved in securing Federal Energy Stimulus fund so Capital Crossroads SID can develop bicycle parking facilities in downtown.  He has championed “Share the Road,” bike lanes and trails, and biking to work.

Ultimately, he may have as a big of an impact on Columbus as Manny Sensenbrenner did in the 1950s and 1960s.  His impact, however, will be to grow the city inward, not outward.

He has had his impact on me.  Thanks in large part to his prodding, I bought my bicycle on May 17 and have been riding to work virtually every day since.

BIKING GAINS MOMENTUM

Hundreds of people gathered in front of the Statehouse on Monday, May 17, 2010, to celebrate Bike To Work Day sponsored by Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District.

Bikers converged at OSU Gateway along with Mayor “Bikin’ Mike” Coleman, ODOT Director Jolene Molitoris, members of Columbus City Council, the Columbus Foundation and Consider Biking for the Third Annual Bike To Work Launch and Cycling CEO Challenge.  Dozens of area CEOs assembled teams to ride to the Statehouse to champion alternative transportation.

Riders from the Columbus Chamber even donned Pearl Market veggie costumes to show their support of bicycle commuting.

Lisa Courtice from The Columbus Foundation presented Consider Biking with a check for $295,000 to pursue the “2 by 2010″ initiative, which is a program that encourages every central Ohioan to use a bike or other form of alternative transportation to get to work or school at least two days per month by the City’s bicentennial in 2012.

Doug Morgan, attorney at Hahn Loeser and Parks, presented a check for $15,000 on behalf of the firm and challenged the corporate community to pull together to match The Columbus Foundation gift.

To see more photos of the event, click below.

Bike To Work 2010