Consider Biking » News

Columbus hands trail care to Metro Parks

Jody — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 20:46:48 +0000

The Columbus Department of Recreation and Parks began talking with Metro Parks more than a year ago when a team, looking at ways to cut expenses, recommended a partnership. The economic advisory committee, which was appointed by Mayor Michael B. Coleman and the City Council, was the same group that recommended the Columbus income-tax increase that voters approved in August.

Recreation and Parks Director Alan D. McKnight estimated the switch will save Columbus about $150,000 a year and benefit all who use the trails.

“We’ve already partnered on building some of the trails,” McKnight said. “So it made sense to take this relationship a step further and have one entity ensure that all of the trails are kept trimmed, cleaned of debris and repaired whenever necessary.”

Jody Dzuranin, the operations manager for Consider Biking, said she thinks consistent maintenance along all trails will be good for bikers.

She also hopes it will spur new efforts to create volunteer groups to monitor trails and help make sure they’re safe.

“We want to be part of positive change,” Dzuranin said.

bcarmen@dispatch.com

Read Full Article, 7/10/2010

7th Annual Ride of Silence

Jeff Stephens — Tue, 25 May 2010 16:20:27 +0000

It was a tragic week for local bicyclists. We lost Jeffrey Stevenson only 2 days after our Ride of Silence. And, we saw reports of several hit & run car/bike crashes…as well as the harassment of a cyclist via thrown objects from a car. We’ll continue to voice our message to respectfully share the road with motorists. We’re not going away; bicycles are “traffic” and entitled to use the roads.

Once again, Columbus drew over 750 bicyclists to the Ride of Silence. The bredth and diversity of the crowd can’t be captured in pictures. Its humbling.

Here’s a reflection from Consider Biking Board member Shari Heinrich:

In the middle of a stormy week, it would have been fitting if rain had continued to fall on the somber voyage we make each year during the Ride of Silence. But the clouds broke, and blue skies came out long enough to give us a dry window before the rain returned after dark. Cyclists of all ages and all appearances, on bikes of equal diversity, gathered as Jeff Stephens began the brief program. He was accompanied at the podium by Mayor Coleman, who rode with us, and Senator Fedor (advocate of the 3-foot passing bill).

We ride in silence, on the road effectively closed by the permit and the accompanying Columbus police officers who are in cars, on motorcycles, on bicycles. We ride, deep in memory, honoring the cyclists we have lost, the cyclists who have been injured. We remember the injuries we ourselves have sustained by motorists who have right-hooked us, have run a stoplight or a stop sign, have passed us so closely that their sideview mirror has hit us. We grieve, we remember, we cry, we get angry, we forgive. At times, we’re strong enough to smile. We make promises to ourselves, we decide if there are things we can do to help educate motorists and cyclists about the need to share the road.

Thank you, to everyone from our bicycling community who participated in this ride. We’d also like to extend a special “thanks” to the Westerville Bicycle Club for their financial contribution which allowed us to have police support and a parade permit. Many of you helped pass out the black and red armbands so we could show everyone on the street why we were riding. Others helped distribute the flier that explains a bit more about the ride. Most of all, you were there. Thank you.

====

Media from Ride of Silence

Ride Of Silence Honors Fallen Bicyclists, NBC4i

Honoring Killed Cyclists, FOX28

Congressman Blumenauer Demands Attention to Bike Fatalities

Meet Our New Staff!!

Jeff Stephens — Tue, 25 May 2010 15:59:50 +0000

As we announced last month, Consider Biking is expanding and we are thrilled to announce our three new staff professionals!

Bryan Saums is our new Program Manager responsible for developing and implementing the "2 by 2012" Mode Shift Program and Corporate Cycling Caucus. Bryan has spent the last 10 years as an adjunct professor at several of our local institutions. He has experience in devloping curriculums in many related subject matters (e.g. environmental science & GIS) and teaching, so he’ll be a perfect match to provide customized education programs to our many area workplaces. Bryan also owned an early internet-based business, which gives him all the experience to understand the needs for growing our organziation.

Jody Dzuranin is our Operations Manager wearing several hats to support the day-to-day operations of Consider Biking ranging from volunteer coordination, database management, social marketing messaging, and light bookkeeping. She brings professional financial industry experience, community service including the Junior League of Columbus and the Healthy Ohio Business Council. She also brings some technology expertise…just ask her about her Droid Incredible ‘phone’. An interesting tidbit about Jody is that in the ’70s she performed in the Worthington Unicycle Group, the FlipTwisters, riding the 6-foot unicycles over ramps and in parades. She claims she can still ride…we shall see about that!

Suzanne Birk is our new Membership and Events Manager. She is a familiar presence in the local cycling world with her role as Bicycling Activity Leader at Columbus Outdoor Pursuits and we’re glad to have her enthusiasm at Consider Biking. Suzanne has been helping organize the BikeColumbus Festival, and has established relationships within the bicycle industry in Central Ohio. She also has a long career in IT consulting, and will support our "2 by 2012" Mode shift work in the workplace envioronment. Her experience in helping identify gaps and opportunities in a consultative arena, will be easily translated to our bicycle encouragement programs.

And, Jeff Stephens has served as the Executive Director for the past 2+ years.

Pictured above – left to right: Suzanne, Jeff, Bryan, Jody

Consider Biking Supports SB 174, The Safer Passing Bill

Bryan — Tue, 25 May 2010 15:58:58 +0000

On Thursday, May 20, Consider Biking’s Executive Director Jeff Stephens testified in support of Senate Bill 174 before the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee chaired by Senator Tom Patton. SB 174, also known as The Safer Passing Bill, is sponsored by State Senator Teresa Fedor (D) of Toledo. In the State Senate, SB 174 has seventeen bipartisan cosponsors. This was the second hearing on the bill.

Representative Jeff Wagner (R) of the 81st House District in northwest Ohio is the sponsor of The Safer Passing Bill in the House.

SB 174 amends section 4511.27 of the Ohio Revised Code to establish a safe passing distance between a motor vehicle and a bicycle. SB 174 states that, “When a motor vehicle overtakes a bicycle, the safe passing distance shall be not less than three feet.” The bill also strikes antiquated language calling for the passing vehicle to provide an “audible signal” to any vehicle being passed.

In his testimony, Jeff noted that all forms of bicycling, from commuting to touring, are growing and will continue to grow rapidly in Ohio. He pointed out that fifteen other states have enacted similar safer passing legislation. He provided statistics which demonstrate that the bicyclist is safest when operating on the road as a vehicle as defined in the Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.01. Finally, Jeff provided statistics showing the growing economic importance of bicycling, bringing tourist dollars into Ohio and creating jobs in Ohio communities.

Jeff coordinated his testimony well with testimony presented by the Ohio Bicycle Federation and other citizens. One citizen provided moving testimony describing the impact that the death of a bicyclist struck by a car has on family and friends. Two middle-school aged kids, trained in bicycle safety by Consider Biking, attended the hearing and gave written testimony in support of SB 174.

Senator Tom Patton provided a fair second hearing. Senator Teresa Fedor eloquently supported the bill as did Senator Nina Turner. As he did in the first hearing, Senator Gary Cates stated his strong opposition to the bill. Senator Fedor hopes that the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee will vote on SB 174 in the next few weeks. After that, it will go before the full Senate.

3rd Annual Bike to Work Launch Event – Part 2

Jeff Stephens — Tue, 25 May 2010 15:53:58 +0000

CEO Cycling Challenge and The Columbus Foundation Invest in "2 by 2012"

After we celebrated the investment in bike infrastructure at the OSU Gateway with Mayor Coleman and other dignitaries, our band of 250+ bicycle commuters rolled down a damp High Street to the Statehouse for the 3rd annual Consider Biking Launch event. We had received commitments from over 75+ local CEOs to ride with us and show support of the business community for our work in bicycle advocacy. Despite the dreary conditions, the majority of the business leaders joined us on the ride…many on bicycles for the first time in many, many years. The sense of fun & joy was contagious and outwardly apparent!

The primary message at the Statehouse event was the launch of Consider Biking’s "2 by 2012" campaign and the significant investment made by the Columbus Foundation in our organization. Our bold “2 by 2012” Mode Shift program will work within Columbus’ major workplaces to encourage and incentivize active transportation. With the support of our corporate and civic leadership, we will demonstrate that there is a direct relationship between increased levels of active transportation and/or bicycling (in any form) and the economic competitiveness of our businesses and community. This effort in Columbus is innovative and transformative; it is drawing attention from transportation leaders across America.

Having many CEOs and significant business leaders stand in solidarity with us on this morning, sent a loud message. Or business community understands that promoting bicycling is good for their bottom lines. Yes….it enhances employee health, environmental stewardship, community livability, etc. But, the #1 reason a business leader will help promote our cause…is if it is a good business decision. So…our business leaders have made the connection!

Here’s a press release about the launch of the "2 by 2012" campaign and the investment of The Columbus Foundation.

Consider Biking Board member, Doug Morgan also challenged the business community to match the $295,000 commitment from The Columbus Foundation. He announced two $15,000 commitments from members of our Cycling Corporate Caucus – the law firms of Hahn, Loeser & Parks LLC and Manley Deas & Kochalski, LLC. Thanks to everyone for your investment in Consider Biking and your passion for the pedaling revolution!

3rd Annual Bke to Work Launch Event – Part 1

Jeff Stephens — Tue, 25 May 2010 15:36:06 +0000

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!!

Please see the press release for this event here.

Here’s Jody’s personal account of Monday morning’s experience:

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

Mayor Coleman Completes 1st Century!

Jeff Stephens — Mon, 10 May 2010 17:34:47 +0000

Columbus Mayor, “Bikin’ Mike” Coleman completed his first century ride in challenging conditions. He rode the first day of TOSRV – 113 miles from Columbus to Portsmouth and shattered his previous personal best of 55 miles! In addition to the strong and steady headwinds, the traditional route contained a detour that added 8 hilly miles to the course.

The Mayor was accompanied by Eric Brandon, the new Assistant Director of Columbus Parks and Recreation, Martin from Columbus Police, and myself (Jeff). His companions are both relatively novice cyclists too. Their experience has come from being the Mayor’s riding companions over the last year; I was a bit concerned for all of them.

However, all three rose to the occasion and completed the ride without incident. Granted….they’ll all probably tell me they’re feeling “serious incident” for a few days hereafter!

The first 50 miles to Chillicothe took a toll. Although the spirits remains high, the slowing slog into the wind began to wear the guys to a “quiet & determined” state. They learned from their mistake of a lengthy stop at Circleville…to make the lunch stop in Chillicothe as quick as possible. I could see the a little energy returning from the food, but knew we had a long way to go.

The third stretch from Chillicothe contains some rollers and probably the prettiest scenery of the day. Mayor Coleman was cursing the hills a little, so I suggested there was “no shame is using an easier gear.” For those that know me, I’m not the best role model for spinning a manageable gear. I pushed him hard to learn & practice spinning a lower gear so he wouldn’t turn into an inefficient guy like me. I know from experience, there are only a few opportunities for the student to absorb critical lessons in the early days….so, I wanted leg speed to be near the top.

This third stretch of TOSRV also contained the new detour which added 8 miles to the traditional route. Thankfully, the Mayor and his guys, had no perspective of the additional challenge to the route this year…so, I kept quite and made sure to tell lots of colorful RAAM and ultra-distance stories and point out the pretty scenery to provide distraction from the challenge.

I could tell that the Mayor and his guys were pretty thrashed at the Lake Hope rest stop. We kept the stop brief, and made sure TOSRV Director, Charlie Pace, paid a motivating visit to the Mayor. I made sure everyone was consuming a good amount of calories, and indicated the final 30 miles would be flat and fast.

And, the Mayor came alive on that last stretch of the route. He rode a very steady pace and we chatted quite a bit. I used this section of the route to try and teach drafting technique. We had more of a crosswind, so I was able to position myself in a place (riding abreast) that shielded him from the wind…without him having to “think about it” too much. He and the guys were tired from a long, tough day, so their bike handling was a bit jerky. I wanted to keep the close-quarters riding as safe as possible.

There was no doubt we’d reach our goal of Portsmouth. As we rolled into town, I shared my third big tip – weight distribution on the bike and relaxation of the upper body. This is not a real “teachable” issue for those that are new to bicycling and are horribly tired from having just pushed far beyond their comfort zone. He said, “How come you’re just telling me this now?” I countered with, “You’ve got to feel the pain before you’ll learn the lesson.” Yes – he’ll feel the sore legs and that contact point with the bike seat for a few days. However, he’ll also recognize that bicycling is a complex, complete body activity when he feels the soreness in his arms and shoulders in the next few days.

It was an honor to shepherd the Mayor on this memorable ride. Every cyclist remembers their first century and we’re excited to have played a role in the Mayor’s (and Eric & Martin’s) success in reaching their goal. We talked about all the joy and experiences that bicycling offers. And, most importantly, we talked as friends – two guys riding along in the country. We laughed when another Consider Biking member rode by and suggested that the Mayor be careful, “…that Jeff Stephens is like a gateway drug into hard core cycling.” He replied, “That’s ok….I’m already addicted!”

Congratulations Mayor Bikin’ Mike Coleman on your first century ride. We know there will be many enjoyable miles in your future!

3rd Annual Bike to Work Launch Event – May 17

Jeff Stephens — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:36:24 +0000

Join Mayor “Bikin’ Mike” Coleman, ODOT Director Jolene Molitoris, Chester Jourdan from MORPC, members of Columbus City Council, the Columbus Foundation and Consider Biking for our 3rd Annual Bike to Work Launch and Cycling CEO Challenge on May 17th! Ride with dozens of area CEOs as they champion the pedaling revolution! Let’s draw a huge crowd and demonstrate why it’s important for our business leaders to make accommodations for cycle commuters!

Monday May 17th

7:30 a.m. – OSU Gateway South - High Street Share the Road Campaign Join Mayor “Bikin’ Mike” Coleman and ODOT Director Molitoris, as they unveil more bicycling improvements for central Ohio. Free Coffee provided at the Gateway.

8:00 a.m. – “CEO Challenge” Cycling Convoy w/ Mayor Coleman from OSU to Ohio Statehouse for Kick-off Event – Ride with over 70 of your business leaders as they champion the pedaling revolution! Let’s draw a huge crowd and demonstrate why it’s important for our business leaders to make accommodations for cycle commuters!

7:30 – 8:30 Bike to Work Kickoff Event on Statehouse West Lawn - Free coffee, food, music, and cycling displays will be available from 7:30 am until we await the arrival of Mayor Coleman to begin the program at 8:30.

We’ll unveil our bold “2 by 2012” Mode Shift program which will work within Columbus’ major workplaces to encourage and incentivize active transportation. With the support of our corporate and civic leadership, we will demonstrate that there is a direct relationship between increased levels of active transportation and/or bicycling (in any form) and the economic competitiveness of our businesses and community.

MORPC Approves Complete Streets Policy

Ira Weiss — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 01:13:23 +0000

MORPC’s Policy Committee has approved MORPC’s Complete Streets policy which will replace the existing Routine Accommodations policy. MORPC is now the first large Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in the nation to have a solid Complete Streets policy. Complete Streets are streets that are designed and operated to enable safe and comfortable access for all users, including motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, transit (bus and rail) and school bus riders, delivery and service personnel, freight haulers, and emergency responders. This includes people of all ages and abilities. What this means for central Ohio is that from now on, every roadway project that is paid by MORPC-federal funding through our transportation department has to be designed to provide accommodations for cars, bicyclists, pedestrians, transit users, and other users. More information can be found at MORPC’s website.

http://mid-ohioregionalplanningcommission.createsend.com/t/r/l/bvurr/iuurlhhu/d

We’re hiring! Two Job postings

Jeff Stephens — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 03:09:53 +0000

Come grow with Consider Biking! We’re pleased to post two new job openings to help us add transformative value to the Central Ohio community via active transportation.

Consider Biking is seeking to fill a full-time, professional staff position of Program Manager. The Program Manager will be responsible for developing and implementing the "2 by 2012" Mode Shift Program and Corporate Cycling Caucus

We’re also seeking to fill a part-time, staff position of Administrative Coordinator. This position will have the opportunity to develop into a full-time position as our organization continues to grow. The Administrative Coordinator will be responsible for a wide range of tasks to support the day-to-day operations of Consider Biking ranging from volunteer coordination, database management, social marketing messaging, and light bookkeeping.

Program Manager job posting here.

Administrative Coordinator job posting here.