Our Background In late 1990 a small group of Central Ohio bicyclists met to form the Central Ohio Bicycle Advocacy Coalition (COBAC). The purpose of forming a bicycle advocacy organization was stated in the meeting announcement: "to advocate, develop, foster, and facilitate bicycling in Central Ohio as a viable, valuable, and environmentally sound transportation alternative; for recreation, sport and good health; and as a means to enhance the quality of life in Central Ohio." COBAC was incorporated as a nonprofit corporation shortly thereafter. Fast forward to 2008. After years of volunteer-driven advocacy work, the organization hired its first full-time staff member, and changed its name to "Consider Biking." The organization has been a 501c(3) non-profit corporation for years, and is currently governed by a 13-member Board of Directors.

Our Impact Significant accomplishments in the last few years include the advocacy, and development of, comprehensive bicycle plans for Columbus, Ohio State University, Worthington, Dublin, Grandview, and Upper Arlington. We have supported the creation of the Regional Bikeway Plan at the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). We succeeded in the adoption of a progressive "Bike Law" which included a "Complete Streets Policy" in Columbus in December 2008. We also supported the legislative  policy of routine accommodation/Complete Streets by MORPC and the placement of the widely successful, bus bike racks by the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) on its entire bus fleet.

We have placed a representative on the Columbus Transportation & Pedestrian Commission, which has brought significant power to our efforts. Consider Biking strives to enhance the educational opportunities for both cyclists and motorists. We connect people to resources that help them learn the rules of the road and hence, increase safety for all. Consider Biking educated hundreds of new bicycle commuters in our first Bike to Work Week in May 2008. Distribution of educational materials and resources is on on-going program and our continued presence in the media has demonstrated our reputation as a reliable source of credible information. We have also supported local groups in developing Safe Routes to Schools programs.

In 2008, we submitted, on behalf of the City of Columus, to the League of American Bicyclists for their "Bicycle Friendly Community" designation. And, in May 2009, Columbus was the first city in Ohio to recieve a "Bicycle Friendly Community" designation (bronze level) from the League!

Lastly, we facilitated the development of a long-awaited Bicycle Usability Map for the Greater Columbus area.  We helped foster the key partnerships that made this project a reality. Most importantly, we convened many experienced, everyday bicyclists to provide the cyclist’s perspective of road suitability for this map.

Significant Accomplishments

• LAB Bicycle Friendly Community Award – Designated May 2009
• Bike Suitability Map – Release May 2009
• Columbus Revised Traffic Code re: bicycles – Passed Dec.2008
• Columbus Mandatory Childhood Helmet Law – Passed July 2008
• Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan – Passed May 2008
• Pedal Instead Bike Parking Valet – Founded 2006
• COTA Bus Racks – Installed 2005
• Ride of Silence – Founded 2004