This is from the Columbus city council meeting from last month, I just came across it by accident looking for streetcar info. I had no idea about this.

 

"PROMOTING MORE BICYCLING: Several pieces of legislation promote the increased use of bicycles in Columbus – encouraging healthier and environmentally-friendly lifestyles:President Habash sponsors Ordinance 1718-2006 to add to the Olentangy Bikeway along SR 315,

including a new timber arch bridge. There are also three grant applications to MORPC for improvements to the Scioto Trail Greenway, the Goodale Street Bicycle Path, and a mobile Bike Corral. With more support of bicycles as an alternative means of transportation, Councilmember O’Shaughnessy (Council’s Transportation Committee chair) sponsors Ordinance 1740-2006 to purchase fifty bicycle racks for installation throughout the city, giving riders a place to secure their bikes."

 

http://council.ci.columbus.oh.us/Asset/iu_files/highlights/highlights20061023.pdf

 

 

City providing more parking options for bikes, scooters, motorcycles

Business First of Columbus - by Maria Gallucci

Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 12:58 PM EDT

 

With everyone looking to spend less on gas, Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman said today the city will increase efforts to accommodate alternative transportation in the Downtown area.

 

The Motorized Two-Wheel Vehicle Parking plan will provide better parking options for motorcycles, mopeds and motor scooters in the Short North, Downtown and Brewery District.  The first location opened today outside 61 E. Gay Street.

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/07/14/daily19.html?ana=from_rss

That's it. I am moving to Columbus, it is now more progressive than Cleveland. My understanding is similar requests here have been met with blank stares.

Walked by one of the scooter/motorcycle corrals in the alley off High Street (between Gay and Broad).  Pretty neat...and it's about time!  Now, let's start putting in more bike racks and bike lockers.

are there any pics anywhere?

Some pics here:

 

http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=15420&start=50

 

I've also posted a PDF (3.5MB) of the parking proposal (which includes future locations and photos) here:

 

http://www.columbusunderground.com/archives/scooter_parking_report.pdf

 

Hey Peabody. Wait a couple of years. I'll retire and we can trade homes.

love it. Columbus progressive? Who knew?

Columbus has been "progressive" for a while...

I am definitely not trying to start something b/c I do not care either way, but I thought they were the benchmark for middle America: the homespun folk, rather traditional and predictable in tastes and politics. Cities that already have 2 wheel parking tend to be known as more progressive. Maybe the University population skews it some

Radtacular!

Unfortunately, the city papers are also filled with Gordon Gee's daughter and son-in-law who were injured in a scooter accident. I've had to hide the paper from my wife, since I'd like to get a scooter.

So are the bicycle parking facilities being centralized? I have a problem with cities that try that, because it makes finding the bicycle parking locations difficult. I find bike lock up areas far and few between in OTR and DT Cinci because they seem to be clustered, whereas in Lexington they were scattered throughout. I see a lot locking their bikes to poles and parking meters here.

 

I wouldn't mind seeing it centralized as long as it is readily visible. Put a large "P" sign above with a bike logo. Mopeds should have a "P" sign with a moped logo. That would be cute.

"Our culture is changing before our very eyes," Coleman said.  "We're transforming ... from a four-wheel drive, SUV-society, spending hundreds of dollars a month on gasoline, to a society that's moving more toward alternative forms of transportation."

 

Yet many fear investment in public transportation-especially rapid transit-is too big of a risk...  :? $4 gallon gas and so many still don't get it...

That's it. I am moving to Columbus, it is now more progressive than Cleveland. My understanding is similar requests here have been met with blank stares.

 

Take it back Peabody, TAKE IT BACK!  :whip:  :wink:  You're not going anywhere!

Cool idea.  Cleveland is beginning to require bike parking, but making accomodations for scooters and motorcycles make alot of sense, too.

I wonder where I might start with something like this. I know it certainly makes downtown more attractive for more people. Not just the conjestion easing up, but it is more inviting for 2 wheelers to come visit, or even commute to work.  Even though you could fit 6-8 small scooters in one metered parking space, I think the law says you can only park one. Thankfully, this silliness is not enforced. I guess I am generally impressed with cities that have this type of parking, so it may make Cleveland look more desirable to more people.  Maybe some corrols near e.4th, w.6th, Ave district, Rock Hall and courthouse areas. Build it and they will come.

 

 

Regarding signs for bike parking:

 

it looks like it is being put to good use.

<img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/archives/invertedu.jpg">

 

Thanks in part to the massive feedback and suggestions submitted <A href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=14929">right here</a> on Columbus Underground, the City of Columbus has managed to install 62 new bike racks in 24 locations around the city between July 24th and October 2nd.

 

New locations include The South Campus Gateway, The Columbus Athletic Club, Studio 35, Café Corner, Café Apropos, The Surly Girl Saloon, Bodega, Claddah Irish Pub, Cornerstone Coffee, The One Columbus Building, Katzinger's Delicatessen, The Short North White Castle, B1 Bike Shop, Metro Gym, Voluneers of America, Barcelona, The Columbus Museum of Art, Four Points Real Estate, Town Street Properties, Urban Spirits Café, The COTA stop at Henderson & High, the corner of 9th and Indianola Avenues, Zettler Hardware, and at the corner of Cherry & Lazelle.

 

There are also 11 more racks pending at locations near Café Bourbon Street, The Chamber of Commerce, Café Brioso, and The Convention Center.

 

More suggestions are still needed though, as the City continues this program into 2009. In order to make the process as smooth as possible, some additional information is being requested with suggestions:

 

1.  Business name and exact street address

2.  Property owner and/or biz managers name and contact info

 

The city can install in the Right of Way in front of businesses and sometimes dense housing (such as large apartment or condo buildings)… but helping commercial areas thrive is their top priority for the time being.

 

You can post your suggestions <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=17096">directly here</a> on Columbus Underground, or use 311 via phone or <a href="http://311.columbus.gov/">web</a> to file a request. Thanks for all of the great suggestions! Keep them coming!

 

<i>Related Stories</i>:

- <A href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=14929">Need Suggestions for Urban Bike Rack Locations</a>

sweet

Very nice! Simple, effective racks. Nothing fancy, which is great.

Wonderful! 

 

This news plus this news "Columbus: City providing more parking options for bikes, scooters, motorcycles" at http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,16757.0.html shows a progressive train of thought in the capital city.

Yeah, this program has been great so far. Awesome that the city is actively polling the public online to get feedback for stuff like this. A lot of hard work is being done by our Urban Coordinator Mike Brown. Do other cities even have an Urban Coordinator? :D

Columbus is so progressive. I love it.

I like the simplicity of the racks.

"Do other cities even have an Urban Coordinator?"

 

In Cleveland, the bike rack program has been handled by the Office of Sustainability - they've placed 500 racks throughout the city so far (similar to the design posted above). Specific details are here: http://www.clevelandbikes.org/Clevelandbikeplan.htm

Do other cities even have an Urban Coordinator?

 

In Cincy, our bike program is operated through the Department of Transportation & Engineering.  You can read about the program here:

http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/transeng/pages/-6807-/

 

BTW, there is also going to be a public hearing this Wednesday for the Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee.  There are going to be lots of bicyclists there to make their case for more bicycle infrastructure funding.  Be sure to show up if your in the Cincy area.  More details can be found here:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,17567.0.html

"Do other cities even have an Urban Coordinator?"

 

In Cleveland, the bike rack program has been handled by the Office of Sustainability - they've placed 500 racks throughout the city so far (similar to the design posted above). Specific details are here: http://www.clevelandbikes.org/Clevelandbikeplan.htm

 

Booya.

Well done, Columbus.  Keep it up!  We have a lot of bike racks installed throughout Cleveland as well as every single bus, but I wish that we had more abundant (and less expensive) motorcycle and scooter parking.

"Do other cities even have an Urban Coordinator?"

 

In Cleveland, the bike rack program has been handled by the Office of Sustainability - they've placed 500 racks throughout the city so far (similar to the design posted above). Specific details are here: http://www.clevelandbikes.org/Clevelandbikeplan.htm

 

Booya.

 

I was asking it more rhetorically just as a way to lavish praise upon Columbus' Mike Brown. ;) The dude is awesome. He touches everything from bike racks to the Streetcar proposal to green initiatives to every other project aimed at making urban Columbus a great place to live. :D

Scooter parking fee: $50 a year

Tuesday,  March 3, 2009 - 3:11 AM

By Martin Rozenman, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Columbus will require an annual permit to park at its designated "corrals" for scooters, motorcycles and mopeds.

 

The cost is $50, far less than typical rates for cars.

 

http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/03/03/copy/SCOOTERFEE.ART_ART_03-03-09_B1_PQD3IE5.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

for visitors this would be steep, but for residents or downtown workers a bargain. Sounds like a winning situation for everyone

Two-wheel riders can still legally park in standard parking places (where cars park) and use coins if it doesn't make sense for them to purchase this parking pass.

 

I agree though. $50/yr is much better than paying $50/mo if you work downtown and pay to park.

Not just on campus anymore: Bike racks might be must for businesses

Idea is popular in busy areas such as Downtown

Monday,  June 29, 2009 - 3:03 AM

By Dave Hendricks, The Columbus Dispatch

 

Bike parking racks, wavy U-shaped pieces of metal that dot college campuses and have long been a fixture in coastal cities, could become the norm in Columbus if the city adopts a new set of parking rules.  New restaurants, shops, schools and a long list of other buildings would need to add at least two spots under a rule proposed by the city's Development Department.  Up to 20 bicycle spots could be required at buildings with a large number of parking spaces, such as grocery stores and hospitals.

 

Visit http://development.columbus.gov to view and comment on proposed changes to the city's parking code.

 

Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/06/29/bike_parking.ART_ART_06-29-09_B2_24EAS09.html?sid=101

I'm not a fan of forcing this type of change. We've added tons of new bike racks in the past 1.5 years. Why not keep going with the softer approach?

Actually, now that I think about it: Dragonfly, Vic's, Buckeye Donuts, Pattycake and Oxygen, all requested by moi, now have or will have (due to painted circles indicating future installation) bike racks. No need for this new rule when I'm already requesting dozens all over and they're getting installed so far. In fact, just tell me a location and I'll make the request if I haven't already.

There ya go. Let the market dictate the demand. ;)

Two More Two-Wheeler Parking Spots Added

 

Two more two-wheel motor vehicle parking spots were just added Downtown, allowing more room for scooters and motorcycles to easily find a place to park.  These two additions bring the grand total of two-wheeler parking areas up to 25, with room for over 275 vehicles to park.

 

One addition is on the north side of Gay Street between 4th and 5th Streets, in front of the Neighborhood Launch development.  These spaces can serve residents on Gay Street, as well as commuters to area businesses and restaurants.

 

The other new parking area is located on the east side of Front Street just south of Vine Street, making use of a thin strip of asphalt that has little use outside of parallel parking for two-wheeled vehicles.  These spaces can serve residents in the nearby Battleship Building and Arena Crossing Apartments as well as visitors to the North Market and various destinations along Park Street and in the Arena District.

 

The parking permit sticker for using these spaces costs $50 per year and can be purchased at the City’s Parking Violations Bureau located at 400 W. Whittier Street.  Parking enforcement in most spaces only runs until 5pm though (always check your parking signs to be sure) so a parking permit is not required for use in the evening or on Sundays or Holidays.

 

http://www.columbusunderground.com/two-more-two-wheeler-parking-spots-added

From here: http://www.columbusunderground.com/everyonebikes-new-bikeshare-program-launches

 

<b>EveryoneBikes - New Bikeshare Program Launches</b>

By Walker | July 31, 2009

 

<img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/bikes.jpg">

 

A group of Short North Businesses including Tigertree, Sandbox, and Paradise Garage jointly announced today that they’re launching the first ever bikeshare program for Columbus: <A href="http://everyonebikes.org/'>EveryoneBikes</a>. Ten brand new Africa Bikes will be available FOR FREE as of 5pm today for riders to borrow for errands, tours, exercise and other types of short trips around the city.

 

Their goal is to soon have fifty bikes available throughout Downtown, the Arena District, and the Short North neighborhoods. The bikes will be on display in front of Tigertree during tomorrow’s Gallery Hop.

 

The group chose to stock their fleet with Africa Bikes not only because of their ease of use, but also due to their ethical business practices. “For every two bikes sold, one bike is provided to an aide worker in Africa which allows to make a difference not only here Central Ohio, but also around the world.” says David Hunegnaw of Sandbox.

 

EveryoneBikes also aims to help further the “green” transformation taking place in Columbus by providing an alternative transportation alternative for locals. “This innovative approach to Bikeshare will give residents and visitors an option to use a carbon-neutral mode of transportation to navigate our city” says Josh Quinn, owner of Tigertree.

 

More information can be found online at <a href="http://everyonebikes.org/">EveryoneBikes.org</a>.

Free rides in Short North

Shops start bike-share program with 10 sets of wheels

Sunday,  August 9, 2009 - 3:23 AM

By Steve Bushong, The Columbus Dispatch

 

Ten bicycles are up for grabs at businesses in the Short North. And they're free, as long as riders bring them back within two hours.  "We hope that you'll grab a bike and explore the district," said Josh Quinn, owner of Tigertree, a clothing store at 771 N. High St., and organizer of Everyone Bikes, the bike-sharing program.  To get a bike, riders leave their credit card and driver's license numbers at one of the rental spots, which are listed at www.everyonebikes.org and include Tigertree, What the Rock?! and Sandbox.

 

More at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/08/09/bikeshare.ART_ART_08-09-09_B3_63ENGGK.html?sid=101

Free rides in Short North: Shops start bike-share program with 10 sets of wheels

 

Co-founders of the Short North bike-sharing program show off the AfricaBikes by Kona that are available to use free for two hours.  From left are Emily Burnett of Paradise Garage, David Hunegnaw of Sandbox and Josh Quinn of Tigertree.

I will be visitiing columbus by scooter for Scoot a Que 2009- I am looking forward to using some of these spaces. It looks like any scooter can use them after 5pm.  Any UO scooters going to this event? It sounds like a good one. It will be a 4 hour ride from Cleveland

:-o

New bike racks, lockers headed to Downtown parking garages

Wednesday,  November 18, 2009 - 4:02 PM

By Marla Matzer Rose

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Downtown will become more bike-friendly thanks to a $490,000 U.S. Department of Energy grant, allowing the city of Columbus to add bike shelters, bike lockers and bike parking within Downtown-area parking garages.  The Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District announced the grant at the Statehouse late this afternoon.  The organization will administer the grant on behalf of the city.  The city has not named the specific locations or number of facilities that will be added, except to say they will be put in garages throughout Downtown "near concentrations of workers."

 

Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2009/11/18/columbus-to-add-bicycle-racks-shelters-downtown.html?sid=101

Columbus in USA Today article on scooter commuting.  The two-wheeled parking permit program was featured in the article linked below.

 

Cities promote scooter commuting

Photo of the covered bike/scooter/motorcycle parking in the RiverSouth Parking Garage at Front/Rich:

 

<img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/bike-park.jpg">

Secure bicycle storage being studied for Downtown

Proposal includes 12 facilities using $490,000 grant

Monday,  December 14, 2009 - 3:02 AM

By Dave Hendricks, The Columbus Dispatch

 

The drive to make Columbus more bicycle-friendly is shifting into gear as enthusiasts and officials decide how to use a $490,000 federal grant from a program aimed at improving energy efficiency and conservation.  A proposal by the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District calls for four shelters and three "secure parking" areas for bicycles Downtown.  Bike lockers and parking areas in five Downtown garages also are under consideration.

 

MAP: DOWNTOWN BIKE PLAN

 

Full story at http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/12/14/copy/bikeplan.ART_ART_12-14-09_B3_ARG06L8.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

COLUMBUS PLAN

Recession put brakes on miles of new bike trails

Monday,  March 15, 2010 - 2:51 AM

By Bill Bush, The Columbus Dispatch

 

After a ceremonious kickoff almost two years ago, the city of Columbus has made little progress on its plan to add 50 miles of bicycle projects, including new trails.  Plans to spend tens of millions of dollars by 2012 building bike bridges, trails, lanes along roads, and other improvements largely have gone nowhere, even though voters approved a bond issue in November 2008 that city officials said would help finance the projects.  The recession caused the city to scale back the plans, said Public Service spokesman Rick Tilton.

 

Millions of dollars in proposed "demonstration projects" are stalled.  Ideas included: a new bike bridge over the Scioto River near North Bank Park in Franklinton; making several railroad crossings more bike friendly; linking existing bike trails; and adding bike lanes to the sides of roads.

 

Instead of building projects, the city has focused on some modestly priced improvements, such as putting up signs on High Street reminding motorists to share the road, painting bike-path markings on a street in Clintonville that funnels bikers through a missing link of the Olentangy River bike trail, and installing bike racks Downtown, Tilton said.  Thanks to federal stimulus money, the city was able to go forward with extending the Alum Creek bike trail on the East Side from Ohio Dominican University to Innis Park.

 

FULL ARTICLE: http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/03/15/copy/recession-put-brakes-on-miles-of-new-trails.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

Although Columbus' planned bike path improvements are mostly on hold, other Central Ohio communities seem to be moving ahead with their bike trail developments.

 

Bike path additions to join people, parks, shopping and jobs

Monday,  March 29, 2010 - 2:49 AM

By Dean Narciso, The Columbus Dispatch

 

Some central Ohio communities want their bike paths and trails to connect people to places, not lead to dead ends. 

 

In Knox County, for example, the Mount Vernon City Council has voted to negotiate to acquire about 3 acres of abandoned railway along Foundation Park to eventually connect with the Kokosing Gap Trail.  That path is part of the Ohio to Erie Trail, which aims to connect Cleveland to Cincinnati.

 

In nearby Gambier, the Village Council recently approved spending about $175,000 from state grants to create a milelong addition to the Kokosing Gap Trail to give bicyclists better access to the village center.  Grove City has two major projects to connect its neighborhoods with parks and pools.  And Hilliard hopes to direct the popular Heritage Trail through the city and beyond.

 

Full article: http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/03/29/copy/missinglinks.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

And a bike trail update for Gahanna, as well.

 

 

Gahanna working to improve bike trails via road lanes, more signs

Tuesday,  March 30, 2010 - 5:48 PM

By LORI WINCE, ThisWeek Staff Writer

 

City officials would like to improve bicycle and walking trails this year by adding signs and shared lane designations on roadways.  Gahanna updated the city's bikeway master plan in 2009 and determined inexpensive ways to implement some of the plan's ideas.

 

Gahanna parks and recreation director Tony Collins said the city does not have a lot of money to build more trails, which could cost $30 to $40 per linear foot.  But the city could spend about $5,000 to add signs, which would direct cyclists and pedestrians to trail links and recreational areas.  Gahanna currently has nine miles of multi-use trails.

 

The city's goal this year is to install one new mile of multi-use trail.  The city also intends to designate 3.6 miles of shared bicycle lanes on local roadways and to add signs on 26 more miles of shared routes to help make trails more visible for residents.

 

Full article: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/gahanna/stories/2010/03/24/Gahanna-bike-trails.html?type=rss&cat=&sid=104