Here's the latest news from the increasingly influential Consider Biking!
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Consider Biking Newsletter
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In This Issue
Two Wheel Mafia??
Complete Streets for Columbus
Bike the C-Bus this coming Saturday
Become a Member
Consider Volunteering
Greetings!
Wow! 2008 has been a time of explosive growth for Consider Biking (formally known as COBAC) We'd like to thank you for signing up for our newsletter list at one of our events in May, or by virtue of registering on the Consider Biking website, or through past involvement with COBAC.
So, what do you think of our new logo? We'd like to thank Jim Smith & Dave Bull at the design firm Shift --->Global for their contribution of work to Consider Biking!
We hope you'll find the news of our challenges and accomplishments to be relevant and inspiring.
Two Wheel Mafia??
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Bicycling topics and Consider Biking in particular, have enjoyed a great deal of exposure in local media in 2008. We are honored that the press have discovered that Consider Biking is a reliable, credible, and relatively objective source for information during the explosion of interest in bicycling as an alternative means of transportation.
While we've enjoyed all the attention in the past six months, we were especially satisfied with a recent front-page feature article by Lyndsey Teter in The Other Paper entitled "Two Wheel Mafia." The negative connotation in the headline is only a tease; the story is quite positive. The Two Wheel Mafia story is here
Consider Biking would like to thank ALL the bicyclists in our region that champion our cause, and portray a positive image of our constituency. We're grateful to those that have spoken to the media on behalf of Consider Biking and those we represent. Your letters to the editors, interviews, and most importantly, your actions on the road, have spoken volumes. We're proud to have been labeled "level-headed" and know our cause is getting easier to sell!
Perhaps the headline should have read, "Two Wheeled Ambassadors." Let's keep up the great work!
"Complete Streets" Resolution for Columbus
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After years of espousing the concept of Complete Streets to our community leaders, we're finally gaining traction! On July 28th, Columbus City Council, through the leadership of Councilmember Maryellen O'Shaughnessy, adopted a "Resolution of Support for Complete Streets." A good account of the story is here.
Perhaps, the most satisfying moment of the evening came when Director of Public Services, Mark Kelsey, provided the following quote, "What we're talking about in our society is nothing short of a revolution in the city of Columbus." Cycling advocates have struggled for years to have our traffic engineers consider routine accommodation for cyclists, pedestrians & mass transit users. The change in our urban planners' perspective in the last year is nothing short of remarkable.
Consider Biking would like to thank all those that have persisted with the call for Complete Streets. However, our work is not done. We must continue to advocate adoption of POLICIES (stronger than resolutions) in Columbus, and all our regional jurisdictions.
The City of Columbus, and many of our surrounding communities, are looking to Consider Biking as an expert voice for our cycling constituency! If you're interested in helping advocate for the best bicycle operation laws and increased accomodations, please contact Jeff Stephens (jeff@considerbiking.org) so we can include you in the process.
Bike the C-Bus this coming Saturday
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Consider Biking is proud to partner with the Long Street Businessman's Association and encourage you to enjoy a relaxed tour in the heart of Columbus on Saturday, August 23rd.
Bike the C-Bus will cover approximately 30 miles and feature stops that highlight exciting changes that are occurring in our urban neighborhoods. Each stop will be sponsored by businesses and community groups and provides snacks, drinks and entertainment for the riders.
Experience segments of the King Lincoln District, Downtown, Short North Arts District, Italian Village, University District, Harrison West, Victorian Village, Arena District, Franklinton, Brewery District and German Village. The ride is configured to allow cyclists to complete segments if they do not feel comfortable riding the entire route.
The ($25) registration fee includes an official 2008 "Long Street Tour" t-shirt and wristband along with drinks and food at designated rest stops. "Bike the C-Bus" is considered a ride and not a race and will offer a variety of course options to accommodate everyone from recreational riders to hard-core fitness enthusiasts.
And, your paid registration in Bike the C-Bus, qualifies you for a $15 discount toward a Consider Biking Membership.
Bike the C-Bus will launch a new, and different, type cycling event for recreational cyclists in Columbus. We look forward to your participation. Bike the C-Bus website
Become a Member Today!
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Consider Biking is a member-supported organization. We can only accomplish our goals through the support of our cycling constituents. There are over 130 peer organizations across the country, demonstrating a need for cycling advocacy groups. Many of these organizations have THOUSANDS of members, and benefit by the financial support, and the "body of cyclists" that stand behind them when they advocate for enhancements to cycling accommodation.
We'd like to ask you to join Consider Biking. We need your support to represent our common interests in Central Ohio.
What's in it for you??
You benefit by knowing we'll have the resources to fight for our needs.
You'll benefit by knowing that we're working hard so you can "just ride."
You'll benefit by knowing we partner with strong coalitions to advance the healthy movement of people, not just cars.
You'll benefit by knowing we coordinate unique events that serve some of the dynamic segments of our cycling audience.
And, you'll benefit through our on-line presence, where ALL cyclists are welcomed, respected, and have a safe place to share their perspective.
Your membership donation to Consider Biking is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. We thank you for your support.
Information on membership here
Organizational Development
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Consider Biking is developing into a fully functioning organization. We are an Ohio corporation designated as a 501c(3) non-profit organization. After the merger of Consider Biking into COBAC last winter, we have had a vibrant Board of Directors that has met monthly. Additionally, the Programming, Communications, and Fundraising Committees, have been very active. And, through a grant from Columbus Outdoor Pursuits, we have hired a full-time staff person to work everyday for your needs.
In the meantime, we welcome your feedback, and participation, on events, activities, and committees. We are seeking volunteers to help with items such as: developing bicyclist education, public relations, data entry, regional outreach, event coordination, LAB Bicycle Friendly Community application, Safe Routes to Schools, Care Team, etc. We need your help, and welcome your participation. Please contact Jeff Stephens at jeff@considerbiking.org for more information about volunteer opportunities.
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Executive Director, Jeff Stephens - jeff@considerbiking.org 614-579-1127
President Board of Directors, Meredith Joy - meredith.a.joy@gmail.com
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