More than 300 Cyclists Celebrate National Bike to Work Day in Columbus
For Immediate Release
May 16, 2014
For More Information:
Leslie Strader, Mayor’s Office, 645-7673
Dan Williamson, Mayor’s
office, 645-5300
John Ivanic, City Council, 645-6798
Mayor Michael B. Coleman and Council President Andrew J. Ginther traveled to work by bike today, joining more than three hundred other cyclists in celebrating National Bike to Work Day. Participants rode in seven separate groups led by Yay Bikes!, CoGo Bike Share, Friends of Camp Chase Trail, Consider Biking, Transit Columbus, the Create Columbus Commission, MORPC and car2go. The riders converged at Columbus Commons for breakfast, exhibits, awards, and two significant announcements.
“We are committed to making Columbus one of the best bike cities in the nation,” Mayor Coleman said. “We are proud to announce two new initiatives that will move us toward that goal.”
The first announcement was the launch of a new partnership between the City of Columbus, The Ohio State University and COTA to offer citywide bicycle registration. The program, known as Bug Your Bike, was implemented several years ago at Ohio State to help recover lost and stolen bicycles on campus using a radio frequency identification device. The new partnership will broaden the range and effectiveness of the program, reflecting each partner’s commitment to supporting multi-modal and alternate transportation options and to creating a bicycle-friendly community. Each partnering organization will now check incoming bicycles against a shared registration database for owner information. Registration can be completed online at www.Columbus.gov/BugYourBike, in person at events featuring Pedal Instead valet bike parking service or during select cycling related events on campus.
“The property rooms at each of the three partnering organizations receive approximately 1000 bicycles combined per year,” said Columbus Chief of Police Kim Jacobs. “The Bug your Bike Program increases the likelihood that lost or stolen property will be returned to its rightful owner.”
The second announcement was a safe streets ordinance that was recently submitted to Columbus City Council for consideration. The proposed ordinance would enhance bicycle safety by requiring cars to leave a minimum of three feet of space when passing a bicycle. Larger vehicles such as semi-tractor trailers would be required to leave six feet of space. The ordinance was developed in partnership with local bicycle advocacy organizations and mirrors similar laws that have been created in Cincinnati, Cleveland and various other cities across the country.
“As Council President, I am proud to join my Council colleagues and Mayor Coleman to raise awareness about bike safety on our streets,” said Council President Ginther. “Columbus City Council will continue to develop policies that promote biking and other transportation options that protect our environment and help our residents lead healthy lives.”