In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the number of cyclists on the roads of Columbus. Whether biking to work or biking for fun, hitting the road on two wheels is good for one’s health and for the earth. Under the leadership of Mayor Coleman and with the support of organizations such as Consider Biking, work has been underway to improve the biking infrastructure in Columbus in ways that make it easier for people to choose biking as a mode of transportation.

Capital Crossroads SID worked with the City of Columbus to apply for a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to install commuter biking facilities throughout the downtown area. After receiving the grant, the SID met with a group of bicyclists to discuss their thoughts about the best locations for bike parking and the optimal bike facility.

Using the federal grant, a total of 298 bike parking spaces are being installed downtown. There will 100 spaces located in new bike racks being placed around downtown and another 104 bike spaces found in six new shelters. Forty-two covered bike spaces will be located at the Columbus Convention Center under an overhang near the parking garage entrance on Nationwide Boulevard. There will be eight spaces in bike lockers located next to COTA at 33 North High Street. A bike room located in the City-owned garage at 100 North Front Street will house 16 spaces for City of Columbus employees, while 28 covered spaces are now available in the county garage on Mound Street for use by Franklin County employees.

"The new shelters are not just a bike parking structure, but another element that will enhance our downtown," said Jess Matthews of Consider Biking. "Leading cities build their downtown around people. The future of transportation is choice."