Downtown 2010 Plan Idea #8 - Biking Improvements « Columbus Underground Messageboard

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Downtown 2010 Plan Idea #8 - Biking Improvements

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Started 2 years ago by Walker
Latest reply from Walker

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Walker
The KLD / Downtown
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Develop a Downtown Bike Station
Main CU Feature: 12 Ideas Laid Out for Downtown 2010 Strategic Plan

Numerous bike infrastructure investments are currently planned to take place Downtown. The City is working to implement its Bicentennial Bikeways Plan by installing lane markings on High Street and constructing new bike paths. The Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District recently was awarded federal funding to build end-of-ride facilities such as bike shelters, garage parking and bike lockers. As recommended in the CityÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Bicentennial Bike Plan, the next step is a Bike Station that combines storage facilities, lockers and showers for commuters, in addition to bike rentals and repairs. Cities from Chicago to Washington, DC have built these facilities as a way to further encourage and promote cycling as an alternative to automobile transportation for both residents and visitors.

MORE HERE: http://www.downtowncolumbus.com/plan/bike-station

Posted 2 years ago #
cc

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very good news!

Posted 2 years ago #
jfellrath
Clintonville
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As I pointed out on the #4 post (Broad Street road diet idea), I think that bike lanes and paths do less to protect cyclists than many people think, and can actually do them a disservice. However, I'm a big fan of the amenities to attract more cyclists - such as Bike Stations, parking, shelters, lockers, etc. The best way to make cyclists safer is to have more of them around.

Posted 2 years ago #
Walker
The KLD / Downtown
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This is one idea that I think is going to happen one way or another. Capital Crossroads is already working on these types of bike facilities:

http://www.columbusunderground.com/capital-crossroads-announces-new-biking-facilities

Posted 2 years ago #
colrex7
Ohio
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*thumbs up*

Posted 2 years ago #
lifeontwowheels
Highland West
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Love the ideas. I assume they are thinking High/Broad for a centralized commuter station? On the surface it seems great, I just wonder if we would better to work with the downtown gyms to promote what Grant is doing-access to lockers, showers and the walking track for a reduced price.

It would populate downtown with a number of facilities vs. 1, serve a wider constituency rather than just those in the immediate area of Broad and High and probably be done at less cost since it would be largely privatized. You could install outdoor bike lockers at select locations (like proposed transit hubs) and utilize storefronts at select locations for self-serve, indoor secured parking.

I would also like to see them work with Everyone Bikes for the rentals. No need to reinvent the wheel when we have local program.

Posted 2 years ago #
Columbusite
Minneapolis
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Sounds good to me.

Posted 2 years ago #
Walker
The KLD / Downtown
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lifeontwowheels wrote >>
I assume they are thinking High/Broad for a centralized commuter station?

I don't think a location was specified. Definitely submit some feedback on this one about multiple stations/locations and where you think they should be. I agree that multiple stations throughout Downtown is key.

Posted 2 years ago #
lifeontwowheels
Highland West
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Walker wrote >>

lifeontwowheels wrote >>
I assume they are thinking High/Broad for a centralized commuter station?

I don't think a location was specified. Definitely submit some feedback on this one about multiple stations/locations and where you think they should be. I agree that multiple stations throughout Downtown is key.

Done. When I worked at the Statehouse and biked in Lifetime fitness was right across the street from me. I went in and asked if they offered some type of lower cost membership for shower/locker use and was told no. Next closest would have been Grant, since it was on my way in. I don't think they had their program running at the time, though.

Seems like it would be cheaper for the city to subsidize half-off coupons at downtown gyms for a year or two and get some interest for those companies to eventually offer it.

Posted 2 years ago #
sarahb
clintonville
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this is great news!

Posted 2 years ago #
Walker
The KLD / Downtown
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From here: http://www.streetsblog.org/2010/04/19/eyes-on-the-street-bike-share-demo-on-hudson-greenway/

I wouldn't mind seeing something like this in Columbus.

Posted 2 years ago #
lifeontwowheels
Highland West
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Walker wrote >>
From here: http://www.streetsblog.org/2010/04/19/eyes-on-the-street-bike-share-demo-on-hudson-greenway/
I wouldn't mind seeing something like this in Columbus.

Why reinvent the wheel?

Posted 2 years ago #
Walker
The KLD / Downtown
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Yeah, if EveryoneBike can be expanded in this sort of fashion, I'm all for it.

Posted 2 years ago #
Walker
The KLD / Downtown
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It sounds like what they have in mind for this is something grander than what Capital Crossroads has in mind.

From Here: http://www.columbusunderground.com/planning-downtown-with-msi-design-part-2

Andrew Overbeck: Their focus sounds like theyÃ¢â‚¬â„¢re moving towards trying to spread the wealth, and I think thatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s a good first step because we need to have a broad infrastructure before we can have a pie-in-the-sky kind of bigger ticket idea. I think what theyÃ¢â‚¬â„¢re doing fits in perfectly with this. And if you look at the Bicentennial Bikeways plan, it recommends a larger bike station Downtown, so I think this is the next step. WeÃ¢â‚¬â„¢re trying to make sure that people donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t get too complacent.

Posted 2 years ago #