Maybe we could put the Government Square bus shelters in the garage, too.

Might as well move the fountain in the garage.

Might as well move the fountain in the garage.

agreed, put the public stuff underground & put the parking up on the square.

Maybe we could put the Government Square bus shelters in the garage, too.

um, like the Transit Center?

 

 

vs.

 

 

Neither of those really bother me, but of course the latter is better than the former.  The way you said it made it sound like any curb anywhere for any reason is ugly, and that's not the case in what I would guess is the Denmark example, though maybe it's Belgium?  Nevertheless, even the utilitarian one has a nice shape and is well executed.  It looks a lot better than paint and plastic bollards. 

Wouldn't the problem with the curbs still be the lack of an alley streetsweeper? I put in my suggestion of fixed curbing with a barrier - but jersey barriers are very expensive, and it would be overkill at this point unless you had a two-way bike path, not something that is one-way right now.

^^ Yeah, the curb pictured is probably the best one in the US (though I still find it lacking). I think it's in DC. The second picture is in Holland. Another alternative would be to use attractive bollards, rather than plastic ones. But that's another thing that is simply not in the American vocabulary. (It would also have the same street-sweeper problem as Sherman Cahal[/member] identifies with the curb. But hopefully that will be ironed out eventually and a permanent, attractive solution is considered.)

 

Using tiered pavement levels like in the second picture would also take care of your complaint about the 5'-wide canyon effect produced by the bus stop.

I can't find anything specific from AASHTO or NYCDOT on the use of bollards, other than specification of what is used to keep auto traffic out of bike paths (e.g. Little Miami Trail), but I suspect that the criteria is that the bollard must be collapsible and spaced within a certain distance of each other to discourage traffic from using the bike lane. My preference would be for low-rise curbs (Kentucky calls these "mountable") as that would allow emergency vehicles and such to still drive over them, followed by plastic bollards.

 

If anything more substantial is used, like flower planters, then there would be issues of maintenance. Many of the planter placed after the choir games were not maintained after the event, and it's not like the Central Parkway bike path goes through some real attractive areas where the planters would be maintained.

the name of our bikeshare system is "Red Bike"

the name of our bikeshare system is "Red Bike"

because it's commie?

I saw a picture of one, I believe on the square, that had a different front basket & it had rear baskets. Will the cargo part of the bikes be uniform?

that appears to be the Kansas City model, the one on the square is a little different with its basket design.

They could have done so much better than that with the name...

 

Queen City bikes?  Cincycles?  Oh well.  I'm glad they are available and in time for Midpoint (its going to make the bike issue way easier to solve for the friends I'm bringing down who don't have folding bikes).

At first instinct I hated the name "Red Bike" but it will be incredible easy to talk about and it actually describes the color of the bike (easy recognition). I think CitiBike is a better name (NYC's bikeshare). I probably would have made it one work to RedBike, but it's fine.

Can anyone explain to me why people who don't bike very much have suddenly come to dominate all bike-related matters on Facebook and elsewhere on the internet?  People go on a 4-mile bike ride on a rusty bike for the first time since they were 12 and suddenly they're experts.  They'll be experts in another few years when rollerblading makes a comeback. 

 

As for bike lane design, I think rumble strips would have the same practical effect as an army of toothpicks in shooing cars out of the bike lanes. 

^I think there may be the issue of cars still parking in the bike lanes. You constantly see pictures and video of cars in DC and NYC parked in bike lanes that are simply separated by paint. Rumble strips would have the same lack of teeth I see in a physical separation such as a curb or pylons.

 

Can anyone explain to me why people who don't bike very much have suddenly come to dominate all bike-related matters on Facebook and elsewhere on the internet?  People go on a 4-mile bike ride on a rusty bike for the first time since they were 12 and suddenly they're experts.  They'll be experts in another few years when rollerblading makes a comeback. 

 

Ok Grandpa Mecklenborg, time for your nap!

 

 

 

At first instinct I hated the name "Red Bike" but it will be incredible easy to talk about and it actually describes the color of the bike (easy recognition). I think CitiBike is a better name (NYC's bikeshare). I probably would have made it one work to RedBike, but it's fine.

 

Correct. It's a very simple name, but easy to get used to.  I can't stand how everyone in Cincy loves to name everything "Queen City (Cookies/Metro/Lumber, etc.)  Thrilled they didn't go with that.

 

 

I'd be very happy with curbs. I'm not really sure why they decided to go through the trouble of building it the bus stops and nothing else. There's a lot of confusion out there. I'm glad people are parking on the correct side of the bollards, but there's still nothing to let people know where the no parking zones start or end. There is going to be a lot of people parking in front of driveways unless some sort of markings are added.

 

All appropriate no parking signs, yes parking signs, etc. were put up before the bollards.  I ride the route almost every day.  Every appropriate piece of signage is up and in all the right places. There are a couple small things I would tweak, but nothing is missing signage.  One thing I think they could do is add some "Pay to Park" signs near the metered areas because people seem to be completely perplexed by the idea of parking, crossing a bike lane, and paying the meter that is directly in line with your car. 

I can't wait for the 'Red Menace' headlines to appear when motorists get PO'd at the people using the bikeshare...

I received word that the bikes are being assembled by "volunteers supervised by B-cycle".  Um, who would volunteer to do work that could and should be cutting into B-cycle's profits?

 

Cincy Bike Share is a non-profit.  It's not boosting B-cycles profits, because if people didn't volunteer Cincy Bike Share would have to hire people to help, not b-cycle. 

 

Sorry I did not look that up before I typed.  It appears that B-cycle is some sort of non-profit consortium.  I'm going to withhold judgement of the bikes until I ride one of them.  The Nashville ones were horrible but someone told me that we're getting a different design. 

 

Can anyone explain to me why people who don't bike very much have suddenly come to dominate all bike-related matters on Facebook and elsewhere on the internet?  People go on a 4-mile bike ride on a rusty bike for the first time since they were 12 and suddenly they're experts.  They'll be experts in another few years when rollerblading makes a comeback. 

 

Ok Grandpa Mecklenborg, time for your nap!

 

 

I'm perfectly aware that I'm coming across as a curmudgeon, but I'm pretty skeptical that people who have suddenly taken up biking in the last 2-3 years will still be doing it in 10.  They'll be 10 years older, no longer taking photos of themselves on bikes for Facebook because Facebook won't be around anymore, and meanwhile electric bikes will possibly outnumber traditional bikes.  I think we'll definitely see experimentation with electric bike share sometime soon, which when perfected could be a real game changer that along with driverless cars will completely change American cities.     

Chicago's been in on the Bicycle culture trend for longer than Cincy has been.  I've been bicycling regularly for about 6 years now.  I intend on continuing it as long as I live someplace urban ;)

 

Can anyone explain to me why people who don't bike very much have suddenly come to dominate all bike-related matters on Facebook and elsewhere on the internet?  People go on a 4-mile bike ride on a rusty bike for the first time since they were 12 and suddenly they're experts.  They'll be experts in another few years when rollerblading makes a comeback. 

 

Ok Grandpa Mecklenborg, time for your nap!

 

 

I'm perfectly aware that I'm coming across as a curmudgeon, but I'm pretty skeptical that people who have suddenly taken up biking in the last 2-3 years will still be doing it in 10.  They'll be 10 years older, no longer taking photos of themselves on bikes for Facebook because Facebook won't be around anymore, and meanwhile electric bikes will possibly outnumber traditional bikes.  I think we'll definitely see experimentation with electric bike share sometime soon, which when perfected could be a real game changer that along with driverless cars will completely change American cities.     

As cities accommodate bicycles more and more, the mode will grow in popularity, not shrink. Thinking otherwise is merely a symptom of the "it won't work here" mentality. There's so much room for growth, we're nowhere near saturation.

In Cincinnati it's never going to be big like in other cities because people refuse to climb or in some cases even coast down the hills.  Yet in our current biking fad, the newcomers to biking in Cincinnati, who have never climbed any of the hills, have declared themselves authorities over those who have been doing it for decades.

 

I came up with a use for the bollards:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPw5LE535gk

Calling something a fad doesn't make it so.  The last few generations of Europeans would like to have a word with you. 

I'd be very happy with curbs. I'm not really sure why they decided to go through the trouble of building it the bus stops and nothing else. There's a lot of confusion out there. I'm glad people are parking on the correct side of the bollards, but there's still nothing to let people know where the no parking zones start or end. There is going to be a lot of people parking in front of driveways unless some sort of markings are added.

 

All appropriate no parking signs, yes parking signs, etc. were put up before the bollards.  I ride the route almost every day.  Every appropriate piece of signage is up and in all the right places. There are a couple small things I would tweak, but nothing is missing signage.  One thing I think they could do is add some "Pay to Park" signs near the metered areas because people seem to be completely perplexed by the idea of parking, crossing a bike lane, and paying the meter that is directly in line with your car. 

 

I ride the route daily as well and there are SO MANY points of conflict where cars don't really have a clue where to park.  The No Parking Zone signs at the curb are too far from the parking lane to make sense.  Then there's the face that the paint doesn't change in any way at certain driveways and curb cuts.  The absence of a bollard is really the only clue you have that maybe you shouldn't park there.  Even then, it's not really clear how close you can get to the driveway legally.  I think a simple change in paint color or tick mark could go a long way. 

I'd be very happy with curbs. I'm not really sure why they decided to go through the trouble of building it the bus stops and nothing else. There's a lot of confusion out there. I'm glad people are parking on the correct side of the bollards, but there's still nothing to let people know where the no parking zones start or end. There is going to be a lot of people parking in front of driveways unless some sort of markings are added.

 

All appropriate no parking signs, yes parking signs, etc. were put up before the bollards.  I ride the route almost every day.  Every appropriate piece of signage is up and in all the right places. There are a couple small things I would tweak, but nothing is missing signage.  One thing I think they could do is add some "Pay to Park" signs near the metered areas because people seem to be completely perplexed by the idea of parking, crossing a bike lane, and paying the meter that is directly in line with your car. 

 

I ride the route daily as well and there are SO MANY points of conflict where cars don't really have a clue where to park.  The No Parking Zone signs at the curb are too far from the parking lane to make sense.  Then there's the face that the paint doesn't change in any way at certain driveways and curb cuts.  The absence of a bollard is really the only clue you have that maybe you shouldn't park there.  Even then, it's not really clear how close you can get to the driveway legally.  I think a simple change in paint color or tick mark could go a long way. 

 

I ride or drive this route every day as well, and I agree it's confusing. There need to be some street markings to parallel the signage. Breaking the striping up at crossroads and alleys, but not at driveways, no parking zones, fire hydrants, etc. is going to lead to a lot of driveways and fire hydrants being inadvertently blocked in.

In Cincinnati it's never going to be big like in other cities because people refuse to climb or in some cases even coast down the hills.  Yet in our current biking fad, the newcomers to biking in Cincinnati, who have never climbed any of the hills, have declared themselves authorities over those who have been doing it for decades.

 

I came up with a use for the bollards:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPw5LE535gk

 

What about San Francisco then?

Looks like the first of the bike share stations has been installed in front of city hall.

Regarding the "Red Bike" name, I'm curious if the Castellini's paid anything for the promotional effect. In Indianapolis, their bike share is called the "Pacers Bikeshare", after a "significant" (though I can't find the exact amount" contribution from the Pacers' owner, Herbert Simon.

No, they didn't.  The bikes are red, red is a color that Cincinnati loves (reds, bearcats, etc.).  The Mayor in the interview said something to the effect of, Cincinnati loves the Reds and this name reflects that" but that is the extent of their connection.  I think there's a chance the Reds may sponsor the stop at GABP with some small monies.

Looks like the first of the bike share stations has been installed in front of city hall.

 

And Fountain Square. Apparently today the station at The Banks is being installed today and possibly the one at the Aronoff.

In Cincinnati it's never going to be big like in other cities because people refuse to climb or in some cases even coast down the hills.  Yet in our current biking fad, the newcomers to biking in Cincinnati, who have never climbed any of the hills, have declared themselves authorities over those who have been doing it for decades.

 

What about San Francisco then?

 

Exactly. The places in the US where cycling has taken off the most really destroy any of the arguments about extenuating circumstances.

 

Wet: Seattle, Portland

Hills: San Francisco

Cold: Minneapolis, Madison, Chicago

Hot: Tucson

 

It's actually really weird the way that worked out. Sure, places like Davis, CA are up there in modeshare, but the major US cities that have taken to biking read like a list of cities with extreme "impediments" to cycling. (Also: Copenhagen doesn't exactly have mild winters.)

In Cincinnati it's never going to be big like in other cities because people refuse to climb or in some cases even coast down the hills.  Yet in our current biking fad, the newcomers to biking in Cincinnati, who have never climbed any of the hills, have declared themselves authorities over those who have been doing it for decades.

 

What about San Francisco then?

 

Exactly. The places in the US where cycling has taken off the most really destroy any of the arguments about extenuating circumstances.

 

Wet: Seattle, Portland

Hills: San Francisco

Cold: Minneapolis, Madison, Chicago

Hot: Tucson

 

It's actually really weird the way that worked out. Sure, places like Davis, CA are up there in modeshare, but the major US cities that have taken to biking read like a list of cities with extreme "impediments" to cycling. (Also: Copenhagen doesn't exactly have mild winters.)

 

For a week I was commuting between Walnut Hills & downtown while house sitting.  Taking the bus up Gilbert after work and riding to work down the hill in the morning was great. Yes, I can ride up gilbert & end up drenched on a summer afternoon, but combining the two modes was excellent and in the urban core (including uptown and Walnut Hills) it's fairly easy with decent bus service.

Saw a Cincinnati police officer tonight riding an electric bike.  It's a huge advantage in hilly neighborhoods over the ordinary mountain bikes they've been using for the past 10 years.

The grassy spot at the corner of Orchard and Main is currently torn up. Rumor has it there will be a bike station here.

The grassy spot at the corner of Orchard and Main is currently torn up. Rumor has it there will be a bike station here.

 

I was told there would be one in that area, but they we're sure exactly where it would be. That seems like a good station location. That green space is rarely used.

The grassy spot at the corner of Orchard and Main is currently torn up. Rumor has it there will be a bike station here.

 

I was told there would be one in that area, but they we're sure exactly where it would be. That seems like a good station location. That green space is rarely used.

 

It was used "regularly" for Second Sunday and sometimes Final Friday. It seems like the space could have been better utilized, and I think the community missed an opportunity there, but I agree it wasn't used often. The bike station seems to be a much better option than the status quo.

There’s a map of all the locations on this PDF, posted here earlier I believe. What really bugs me is that there aren’t many stations in residential areas (especially in the uptown layout). The system seems to be set up for visitors and tourists, rather than residents. I think they need a balance to make this worthwhile. 

There’s a map of all the locations on this PDF, posted here earlier I believe. What really bugs me is that there aren’t many stations in residential areas (especially in the uptown layout). The system seems to be set up for visitors and tourists, rather than residents. I think they need a balance to make this worthwhile. 

 

That map is two years old and no longer accurate.  I haven't been able to find a new map, but I know that the 14th and Vine Station has been moved to the OTR Kroger, there's a station on Calhoun by the Panera that's not on the map, and the Corryville Vine St station in about two block further North.  This map was a feasibility study with recommendations.  Where the stops are actually going has been scrutinized far more since then.  I'm still crossing my fingers on a Moore St station in the middle of the black hole where Christian Moerlein is now.

Part of the bike share station outside the Freedom Center extends over the curb. I could see an unsuspecting box truck accidentally taking it out.

^that solar panel does look precarious out there over the curb. Makes me nervous. Are these stations bolted to the ground? I think in DC the bikeshare stations simply rest on the ground. If that's the case with our stations, it should be easy move it another foot or so away from the curb.

It appears they are putting in stations at Vine St. Kroger and 14th and Orchard. (It's also possible there's unrelated, but identical construction activity at these spots.)

It appears they are putting in stations at Vine St. Kroger and 14th and Orchard. (It's also possible there's unrelated, but identical construction activity at these spots.)

 

I spoke to Jason Barron two days ago.  He confirmed that there will be a station at the OTR Kroger. 

It appears they are putting in stations at Vine St. Kroger and 14th and Orchard. (It's also possible there's unrelated, but identical construction activity at these spots.)

 

I'm guessing that Main & Orchard is replacing the station previously planned for Main & 14th?

^that solar panel does look precarious out there over the curb. Makes me nervous. Are these stations bolted to the ground? I think in DC the bikeshare stations simply rest on the ground. If that's the case with our stations, it should be easy move it another foot or so away from the curb.

 

I can't really tell how high that is in relation to a bicyclist's head, but a couple years ago we had an incident up here where a sign was parallel to the road and split a guy open as he rode past. It happened in front of a bar and people initially thought he had been shot.

 

^that solar panel does look precarious out there over the curb. Makes me nervous. Are these stations bolted to the ground? I think in DC the bikeshare stations simply rest on the ground. If that's the case with our stations, it should be easy move it another foot or so away from the curb.

 

They are taller than most cars and people on cyclists.  It would take a box truck/tall bike to hit it.

 

The website for redbike is now up:

 

Rates are shown as $8/day and $80/year - I wonder if the high end rates have to do with lack of advertising (thank you Bortz/last council for your boneheaded legislation banning adverts on ROWs).

 

http://www.cincyredbike.org/locations/

 

I like the downtown/OTR locations, but Uptown needs some work - there should be a few on Highland.

I'm surprised there isn't a station or two on UC's campus.

Doesn't UC have its own student/faculity/staff only bikeshare?