3rd Annual Bke to Work Launch Event – Part 1
May 25th, 2010 | By Jeff Stephens | Category: News
We’d like to thank the hundreds of bicyclists that joined Mayor Coleman, ODOT Director Molitoris, Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy, MORPC Director Chester Jourdan, and City Council member Hershal Craig, for a rousing celebration of the investment in bicycle infrastructure in Columbus. We unveiled the first "sharrow" ( a shared lane marking) and look for the installation of 250+ more road markings in a 6.5 mile stretch of High Street in the coming weeks. Consider Biking is honored to be a key partner in these efforts. The times have changed; we’re so excited to see the smiles of joy, and true attitude of cooperation from these elected officials. Just look at the pictures of ODOT Director Jolene!!
I have a bike, but I am certainly not a "cyclist". This week I joined other biking advocates at the South Campus Gateway for the unveiling of the share the road graphics known as ‘sharrows’, followed by a ride en mass to the Ohio Statehouse for a rally supporting bike to work week and the accomplishments of Consider Biking. We announced the initiative ’2 by 2012′ which encourages alternate transportation, which could mean biking to work 2 days per month, using a bike for 2 mile trips or just generally being committed to two-wheeling.
What I am realizing is that the movement to increase bike utilization is going to have to appeal to the ‘Average Jody’ and not just the experienced cyclists. I will probably never train up for a century ride like the Mayor achieved this month, but I had my own version of a century ride this week. After travelling en mass downtown with police escorts, clear skies and traffic-light immunity, I realized I now had to return to campus on my own in a steady rain. I knew that I could catch COTA using their bike rack, but I had an opportunity to be a real Consider Biking advocate and not just a fair-weather fan. I figured if the rain won out, I could catch that bus at any time, but I wanted to give it a go. I strapped on my helmet and hooded rain jacket and joined the northbound traffic on High Street. Though there was a steady drizzle, I could see OK and my brakes still worked, so I kept going. It was such an empowering feeling to face my fear and make it to my destination as planned; it was only 2.5 miles, but it was MY Century Ride! It helped me see that a bicycle is not just a 3 month out of the year option, with proper planning, it can get me where I need to go most days.
That little nudge of getting my bike out of ‘bat position’ in my garage, finding a suitable rain cover and actually riding my bike is exactly what we’ll be asking of 2 by 2012 participants. It’s not about the spandex and it’s not about the bike, it’s about making small changes which add up to dramatic results. When one person makes that small change, others observe their actions and will be inspired by their courage. We can do this, the infrastructure is well on it’s way to supporting a bike-friendly city, now it’s up to the trail blazers to actually use the resources put before us. We can do this Columbus – it’s as easy as falling off a log – or in this case, NOT falling off a bike!
- Jody
Media Link:
New Safety Measures In Place For Bicyclists, 10TV
