[jmathews5]

I have a love-hate relationship with Columbus. I moved away and lived in San Francisco and absolutely fell in love and I’m sure you can guess one of the many reasons why.
My hate relationship is the fact that I just feel this city likes to talk things to death instead of doing. Our city talks of leadership and edgy and innovation but when change SHOULD happen… we talk. We can’t keep consulting ALL the time. Somethings, its better to ask forgiveness than to ask for permission. I’m just tired of feeling like we’re always playing ‘catch up’ with other diverse, progressive, bigger cities.
On the flip side, I love this city. It’s affordable, diverse and it has SUCH potential. Being in the world of advocacy, that’s a huge benefit b/c I feel like I have the ability to SEE the change I’ve contributed instead of it already being done and that’s very satisfying.
I do know I’ll eventually leave again.

[jmathews5]

Well prepare for an even fatter America. I don’t know if any of you have read the recent news but Chairman Senator Mica and Senator James Inhofe have attacked funding that would completely eliminate Active Transportation (Safe Routes to School, Trails and Transportation Enhancements). The fact that these individuals want to take away CHOICE for more healthy and walkable communities shows that they are not in touch with what is working and with what WE want!
Mica is the lead Chairman for writing the Federal Transportation Bill. Inhofe is on the Senate side and said cutting funding for biking/ped is one of his top three priorities.
If you have a few moments to write your Representative, follow this link and do so:
http://www.peopleforbikes.org/page/speakout/funding-for-bicycling-is-in-jeopardy

[jmathews5]

Erin,

The pics are great! Congrats on the opening. Another positive for Franklinton :) Excited to bike over and check it out.

[jmathews5]

I’m really sorry to hear about your experience and especially on your wedding day. The last thing you need to be worrying about is transportation!
I have no intentions of using the Trolley at any point while living here in the city.

[jmathews5]

Thanks, Jody!
Yes, I believe that debuting this street as a pedestrian priority street – right off the bat is the way to go. The City can develop then enforce that during the months of April – Oct, every Wed (just threw that day out there) cars are not allowed on the Mile.

If we want more businesses to open up downtown, we need the area walkable. Many states are creating their own ‘Car Free’ Days and we need to get on board. We finally have an urban park downtown yet its surrounded by arterial streets designed to get cars in the city and get cars out of the city – this needs to be changed.

[jmathews5]

1. Should cbus roads be narrower – Yes, absolutely. If cbus wants to mnove forward and create successful social, complete placemaking then the streets need to be dieted. We should have bike lanes and space for Rapid Transit. I moved back here in early 2000 and the fact that COTA is still the ONLY mode of public transit here within the city is sad. We need other options to connect areas like OSU, Gahanna and Dublin to downtown or to Grandview. We can bump out sidewalks and create parklets – another avenue for this city to create a ‘staying’ event for people. Currently downtown is not walkable and it is not bike friendly.
2. Should cbus roads be turned into two-way streets – Yes. Two way streets are helpful to businesses on those streets. Two way streets can help decrease traffic speed as oppose to one ways where cars are speeding at 40+ mph (3rd and 4th are perfect examples). Decreased vehicle miles traveled by eliminating indirect routes.
3. On Street Metered Parking – I don’t think there’s a chance in hell that these would be removed.

Thanks for sharing and posting, Walker.

[jmathews5]

Just when I try to get on track with running, a Jeni’s goes in on my route. I feel dually elated/saddened by this.

You could always create your route where you end @ Jeni’s :) That’s what I plan on doing. 91 sq ft. of awesomeness, finally in gville :)

[jmathews5]

Thanks Walker :)

[jmathews5]

I was waiting for the bus, right outside H.G. last night and looks like they were serving the public…
I liked what I saw from the outside.

[jmathews5]

HUGE advocate for Third Hand. Great group of volunteers there and I always feel comfortable fixing my bike there.
Also, B1 is another great resource. The crew in there has been nothing but friendly to me and even showed me a bunch of tips on maintenance which they didn’t need to do but they did.

[jmathews5]

stoked about dirty franks up and coming food cart.. :)
wc hands down would make a killing w/ the snack packs. my sis would surely be happy :)

[jmathews5]

mmmmmmmmm all about the grits and comfort food. this is just in time for fall and winter.. good luck!

[jmathews5]

So I’m a huge fan of Belgian beers. What I love right now are Leffe Blonde and Matilda, both excellent. I bike up to one of the carry outs in Grandview and get them :)

I’m also in love, love, love with The New Belgium Brew Company and continuosly coax them to distribute here. I love their ‘Blue Paddle’ and they just recently came out with a ‘Ranger IPA’ that’s lovely. If you’re into a nice stout – ‘1554’ is delicious :) And lets not forget about Jeff and Kims amazing, sustainable practices… UGH! I wish more companies were as cool as NBBC

[jmathews5]

I can’t remember the last time I saw Jeni behind the counter in the North Market.

She may not be at the NM behind the counter but have no doubt, she’s in her test kitchen creating more amazing flavors for you all :) I can attest to this.

[jmathews5]

What a great idea! I’ve never seen this before. I think as well, it could do quite well with regards to our winters. They lag on for so long it seems and folks can’t / won’t take their dogs out the way they would when its warm out.

Nice!! I’d tell all my dog friends about it, for sure!

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