Question Box
Aug 24th, 2011 | By Jody | Category: Resources
Consider Biking is here to meet your needs, so what ARE your needs?
Help us plan our future…. What is the unmet need in Central Ohio?
Provide your question or suggestion here, or over on facebook.
Here are some FAQs:
Q: We need bike lanes at _______.
A: It would really help us if you would request these on Columbus 311 at http://311.columbus.gov/ and choose "bike related items". This database is used to see where spot improvements are needed. (If you are not in Columbus, contact the appropriate municipality.)
Here are the specific steps:
- http://311.columbus.gov/
- Submit Service Request
- (toggle) Create a request providing contact information.
- Begin Service Request
- BIKE RELATED ITEMS
- Request a new bike path
(PS – If you are using Chrome, it will not advance to the next menu screen. Try Firefox or Internet Explorer instead).
Q: What is the trail across Ohio and when will it be complete?
A: The Ohio to Erie trail will be a multi use trail from the Ohio River to Lake Erie. Many sections are complete, much will be completed during 2012, although some won't be done until 2013/14. Read recent newsletters at http://www.ohiotoerietrail.org/ or post your question on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/OhiotoErie
looks great, jody! looking forward to having ppl share their thoughts
I am ashamed at the system our city uses to receive input about such matters. It forces you to choose a street from a list which is nowhere near complete (West 3rd Avenue). Without choosing a proper street it will not let you continue.
If the onus is on the citizens to tell city hall where we want bike lanes, then what good is Consider Biking? Moreover, what good are those bike counts that we do every year? Shouldn’t Ridenet tell you where cyclists go? Maybe if anyone used it. It’s time to prove your worth!
We need targeted enforcement to go hand-in-hand with education to make cycling and motoring safe for all roadway users. Direct police or authorized personnnel to known hot spots where bicycling scofflaws are known to travel. Start on High St – between campus and Short North, and then work around downtown. It is illegal to: ignore traffic signals, ride on sidewalks/ped crosswalks, zig zag around cars, not have working lights on bikes during dark, etc. Let’s help make the bad apples into good ones. We also need to educate enforcement officers and agencies on bicyclists’ legal rights.
Where can I get a sticker for my helmet that has all my medical info?
A better option than your helmet is RoadID. If you have an accident, a first responder might not want to remove your helmet. You can sign up for RoadID at local bike shops, I do know it is available at the Columbus Trek Stores. Here is an example of the formats available http://www.roadid.com/Catalog.aspx?C=RoadID
Any specifics available on the proposed Worthington multi-use trail? Where will it go, start, end, etc. Will it connect to the Olentangy trail? This type of information would influence my decision on whether to attend the presentation on December 20th.
Personally I’d like to see Worthington P&R upgrade their portion of the Olentangy trail where flooding often occurs during high water.
Hey Ned, I just added this info:
Worthington’s description – “The proposed trail would link the existing trail at the Olentangy Parklands to the Shops at Worthington Place and the High Street Corridor. This idea was suggested by the Wilson Bridge Road Steering Committee which identified the need for connectivity and pedestrian access along the Wilson Bridge Road Corridor.” It looks like it’ll basically go from the Olentangy Trail trailhead at Wilson Bridge Road…east up the hill along the roadway, and jog back behind the Mall via Old Wilson Bridge Road.
The link to the Wilson Bridge Corridor Study is linked below. Check out page #25 for the map.
http://www.worthington.org/DocumentView.aspx?DID=341
I see City Manager Greeson frequently, and he’s been eager to make this happen.
Jeff
Do you have a link or database that connects riders for the purpose of safe commuting. NOT A WEEKEND BIKE CLUB.. My thought is it’s safer to travel in numbers (at least more than 1) to reduce crime and increase visability. I work just west of downtown. Our worksite has well over 1000 ppl onsite. I’d like to solicit riders from various points outside the 270 loop (not by much) to consider biking to work. I was told this potentially exists with your group. I am our Health and Wellness Coordinator, and this will be an initiative I market within our organization. A number of years ago I rode in from Clintonville daily, I was almost hit at least twice a week less than a qtr of a mile from my work (Broad Street) from drivers turning into various business in the area, not looking for bicycles… then on the trails along the Scioto behind Veterans Memorial thru OSU, the homeless ppl were continuously forcing riders off the trail with broken glass or in one case, a lady who was attacked by a homeless person for her backpack (she swam across the river to get away). I would like to see CPD bike patrol in these areas.
Who would one get in touch with to discuss protecting trail users of the Olentangy Bikeway from Rt 315 traffic? Is there already such a movement I can follow?
I’ve been commuting to work by bicycle for about seven years now. Over this time, I’ve come to wonder about the laws that require bicyclists to follow the same traffic laws that cars do. In particular, I wonder about stop signs. I confess that I do not come to a complete stop at every stop sign that I come to. I treat it as a yield sign. If I fail to see an oncoming car, and get hit, it is unlikely that the driver or passengers in the car will be injured by me. If a car fails to stop at a stop sign, and doesn’t see me approaching or in the intersection, I am likely to be injured or killed. There is quite a difference in what happens if a car fails to stop at an intersection, and if a bicyclist fails to stop at an intersection.
I think that Columbus would be more bicycle friendly if legislation were passed to permit bicyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs. Even at four-way stops, with a little communication, bicyclists can safely treat them as yield signs. Anyone who rides a bike can attest to how much more energy it takes to start from a complete stop than to speed up again after coming to a nearly complete stop.
My two cents….
How do bike racks on the transit system work in Ohio?
In the mountains, we carry thousands of bikes each summer on the Summit Stage. Demand often exceeds supply on the three-bike limit racks. The racks are not available six months of the year through the winter or after sunset. More workers would be able to commute on an extended season or with night use after work shifts.
How does the Ohio transit system handle bikes in winter, night, and overloads?
I commute 16 miles a day by bike, an hour and a half. A paved path through the Ten Mile Canyon is available six months, then I must ride the shoulder of the freeway through winter on clear days. When I stop for groceries or the weather is nasty by the end of the day, I link with the bus system.
Ohio Transit and Bike Racks:
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
http://www.cvsr.com/
Bike Aboard
http://www.cvsr.com/bikeaboard.aspx
100% of below bus systems have bike racks.
Greater Cleveland
RTA Rack-N-Roll
http://www.riderta.com/racknroll/
Greater Columbus
COTA Bike and Bus
http://www.cota.com/Bike-N-Bus.aspx
Greater Cincinnati
Go Metro – Bike and Ride
http://www.go-metro.com/riding-metro/bike-ride
Dayton
RTA – Bikes on Board
http://www.i-riderta.org/riding_rta/bikes_on_board.aspx
Hi there,
I agree that we need more distribution of information about all the bike laws. Do this before crazy enforcement that might make more bicycle pirates than we need.
I would like to ask what is being done to change the City of Columbus Bicycle on the sidewalk law and making it comply with state law which allows bicycles to use sidewalks.
To further that , I would suggest that we modify the sidewalk law to make the following changes;
1. Bicycles are allowed on sidewalks as long as they follow the flow of traffic.
2. Bicycles on sidewalks must give pedestrians the right of way.
3. bicycles must stay as close to the street as is safely possible.
That is it! Bicyclists in Germany have a painted lane on the sidewalk and very specific laws on bicycles. With the sidewalk separated, if your walking on the bike side and get hit by a cyclists then your at fault, likewise if a cyclist is on the pedestrian side they will be at fault for hitting a pedestrian.
I love the fact that bicycles are to be treated as vehicles on the roadway, we just need the awareness to increase maybe through various PSA’s and media touch-points. (local news agencies)
Thanks!!
James M Besaw
James – Thank you for your input. The City of Columbus is working on a new Share the Road Campaign. We are also hopeful about the new Chief of Police, Kim Jacobs. Here she is in a City of Columbus produced Safety Video. http://youtu.be/l6Re8G3otqM
I will have to check on your question… “I would like to ask what is being done to change the City of Columbus Bicycle on the sidewalk law and making it comply with state law which allows bicycles to use sidewalks.” Right now youth are permitted to ride on the sidewalk, so it is only prohibited for adults. – Jody
There needs to be much better signage along both bike paths and bike routes. EVERY path intersection should have signage that indicates DIRECTION. Road highway signs show direction so I don’t see any reason bike route signs should not also. In addition, the problem of multiple names for MUT needs to be dealt with. The most obvious is to put all names that are applicable at a given point on the sign. But to arrive at an intersection that says a particular path name going one way, nothing the other way, and not knowing that the Ohio to Erie is called, say Prairie Grass along some segment makes travel difficult.
Also, the generic “Bike Route” signs need to be explicit about what route, and signs erected at straight ahead points should have arrows rather than assuming everyone know that it means continue straight. How do we know if the arrow is just missing?
Dear Bryan,
There is progress in the signage you are suggesting, but we ask you to be patient. It is taking a long time to get the trails and paths connected, so signage will follow when funds are there for it. Signage for Multi Use trails are NOT funded at the level that goes toward signage for highway transportation, so to think that they would be equivalent is not the current reality. If you want to help remedy that – please contact your Senators and Congressman they are working on the next transportation bill which funds transportation enhancements. http://www.bikeleague.org/action/leaders/
Locally, there is work on connecting the Central Ohio Greenways and directional signs are being installed as part of that. If you see a place on the greenway trail that needs a specific sign, you could suggest it on the form at: http://www.centralohiogreenways.com/index.php/resources
State Route 1:
This Ohio to Erie Newsletter talks about the grant they received for signage. http://www.ohiotoerietrail.org/Content-Documents/OET-Newsletter-Winter–11–12-Proof.aspx
Nationally
The National Park System is now partnering with Adventure Cycling
http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/nbrn/usbikewaysystem.cfm
After working for months with the National Park Service Rivers Trails Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program leaders, the national agreement between Adventure Cycling and the National Park Service is on its way to the director’s desk for a signature. Director Jarvis spoke of the National Park Service Call to Action and how cycling plays an important role in the National Park System’s future. I was especially pleased to hear him mention the U.S. Bicycle Route System’s role in connecting cyclists to parks and parks to communities and how cycling plays a role in meeting the economic, environmental, and health challenges faced by park units today.
I have a suggestion for tomorrow’s Ride of Silence. Several times, I have drifted to the back of the procession to help other riders up the hill on Arcadia, and I notice that by the time we turn south on Summit, the group is easily 1/4 mile long, if not longer.
Once onto Summit, the riders at the back of the pack have no hope of catching back up to the front of the group. It’s just the nature of traffic. High Street north of Lane narrows, and Arcadia is one lane and uphill, both of which force the group to narrow, and stretch out like a Slinky. Once we turn onto Summit, the Slinky can’t snap back because the front of the group is too far away, and I wonder also riding faster than 12 mph?
This causes frustration with motorists who see the large pack of cyclists ride by with police escorts, and assume the procession has passed, and try to cross or pull out onto Summit, only to be confronted by cyclists and police, trying to maintain the temporary street closure for the entire group.
Can we try something tomorrow night? As the front police escort turns onto Summit, can they very carefully maintain the 12 mph speed for the front of the group? OR, even slow the pace slightly, to 10 mph, to allow the entire back of the group to close up the gap??
I know it will create a log jam at the front of the group, but the back of the group would benefit greatly, as well as allowing the Columbus Police easier escorting.
Mike
Mike –
I completely agree, I gave special instruction to the Lead police officer when we did the permits. I will print your comment and share it. Yes, keeping it to 10mph is important – the spread out situation was troubling to me last year.
- Jody Dzuranin
Mike did you ride? I shared your suggestions with the police. I think it went MUCH better this time. They really kept the even pace to keep the pack as compressed as possible. – Jody
When I’m on High Street looking down at the railroad that goes beneath the convention center I see (I think) a bike trail down there. Do you know where there is a map that shows where it goes?
Thanks.
My 15 year old son and his friends ride all over Columbus without helmets. His friends have told him helmets were only required up to age 12, but today I read on a bike map that helmets are required up to age 18. My son says that last night he and 5 friends were near a police officer, and the officer said nothing about their lack of helmets (and these boys are very obviously under 18). Do the police not enforce the city’s helmet requirement? I told my son he has to wear a helmet, but my chances of getting his cooperation are slim unless I get rid of his bike. What do you suggest?
Thanks,
Betsy
To Betsy – From the Department of Health: “All children and teens younger than 18 are required to wear a helmet in the City of Columbus while riding bicycles, scooters, in-line skates, roller skates and skateboards. The helmet must fit the child’s head and be buckled under the chin. A child not wearing a helmet may be given a ticket by the police.”
In reality, the tickets are not issued. We have heard they may issue warnings, but have never heard about one. My advise is to tell your son you care about his head. In our Safe Routes to School Bike Rodeos, the children MUST wear a helmet to ride the bike. And some skip riding because they don’t want to wear a helmet.
It is always recommended that children and adults wear a helmet at all times, a rider never knows when they will be involved in a crash.
To Tracy: Regarding the trail near the Convention Center.
As far as finding it on a map, its marked as solid blue line (east/west) passing by Nationwide Arena and Convention Center on the ‘Downtown Columbus’ insert of the Columbus Metro bike users map. (These are available at all area Bike Shops – a new 2012 version will be issued in June).
- Jody
One of our long time volunteers explained to me that it is a path from no-where to almost no-where..with challenging access. It would have been The dedicated downtown trail connector to/from I-670 dedicated trail which converts to sidepath at Leonard Ave exit. Instead now folks have to follow the on street wayfaring signs & sharrows from Leonard and Cleveland Ave/I-670 to Scioto Trail at NorthBank Park. Building the necessary bridge(s) is cost prohibitive at this time.
I Need Information About Membership And The Bike Event July 13-15 Weekend. My Email Is a158701@yahoo.com. You Can Also Call Me At 614-466-1816 At Work Or Home 614-868-7525. I Also Need Advice About Cyclists Who Were Hit By A Motor Vehicle. I Was Hit Sunday June 10 In Burton Ohio With Not Too Great On Injuries Due To A Careless Drivers. Thank You
Anyone know of a club or group of riders in the powell ohio area, close to wedgewood? looking for some group rides.
Chuck –
Columbus Outdoor Pursuits has rides in Worthington, Delaware and Dublin.
http://www.outdoor-pursuits.org/calendar.php?setMonth=8
Westerville Bike Club is nearby.
http://www.westervillebicycleclub.org/
Hi,
Is there a list or maybe a map of locations to get free bike tire air in the Columbus area?
If not, I’d be interested in compiling all known locations into a Google map and posting it here on the site.
Dear Zakee:
On our site we have a list of bike shops where you can get your tires filled.
http://www.considerbiking.org/resources/bike-shops/
Also here is a google map of all the bike shop locations.
http://goo.gl/maps/rwkhT
The only “public” air filling station I know of is at along the OSU Wetlands just North of Dodridge (which has been closed for a year).
It’s along the path, with a covered station. http://swamp.osu.edu/
- Jody, Consider Biking
I am writing on behalf of the Wellness Committee at Clinton Elementary, a Columbus City School. I am looking for someone to do brief, informal presentations on kids’ bike safety and hope that you can recommend someone to me.
The week of May 6-10 is the “Health Challenge” at Clinton Elementary, with many activities and programs centering around eating well and exercising. At the children’s lunch recess, there will be a variety of activities to try and healthy foods to sample. As we are planning on participating in National Bike to School Day that week as well, we would love to have someone offer bike safety information one day that week to the children at lunch recess. This could include tips on proper fit of a bike helmet as well as on safe bike riding, understanding that the children would only have a 5-10 minute attention span as they run around to see the other Health Challenge recess activities.
Please do let me know if your organization offers such a presentation, or if you can recommend someone who does.