May is Bike Month and what a month it has been for bikes and the people who ride them!  We hosted the first Ohio Women's Bicycling Summit on May 10, followed by the Cyclofemme Columbus ride on May 12.  The 10th Ride of Silence Columbus was held on May 15 and writer (and rider) Shari Heinrich has shared what the 10th Ride of Silence means to her.  We also have photos from Shari and several others in the Ride of Silence Columbus photo Album. 

As bike month concludes there is still the Miami Valley Cycling Summit in Springfield on Friday May 31 and next week the Ohio Bicycle Awareness Day is June 4 in the Statehouse Atrium.  See our Calendar section below for details.  

On May 21, Consider Biking had the opportunity to join with Bicycle Advocates from across the state to support the Safer Ohio Bicycling Bill at the testimony before the Ohio House Transportation, Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee, chaired by Representative Rex Damschroder.  The bill would clarify tha

  

Brian Hagerty, President

Consider Biking

by Jess Mathews 

 

May 10th, over 70 women gathered at the Goodale Park Shelter House for the first statewide 'Ohio Women's Bicycling Summit.'  Women traveled from all over Ohio and two made the journey from Indiana.  The day was filled with a diverse panel of engaging speakers- sharing their stories, sharing best practices, and answering questions.   In between sessions, women connected with one another, 

Ohio Women's Bicycling Summit

TREK's demo product specialist provided simple bicycle maintenance demos, and women had the opportunity to try bikes built by Detroit-based business 'AutoBike.'  These bikes are automatic shifting bikes. 

 

This event was such a success that it will become an annual event.  Consider Biking is passionate about continuing the forward momentum with getting more women to ride bikes and feel safe.  Consider Biking would like to thank:  ROLL, Trek Bikes, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, Paradise Garage, AutoBike, ARC Imaging Solutions, OH! Burgers!, Lynch Ginger-ale and Green Bean Delivery for the tremendous support of such a successful event.  

by Jess Mathews 

 

'Girls in Gear' is ramping up again and will be beginning another round, June 10th from 1-3p at the Gladden Community House in the Franklinton neighborhood.  'Girls in Gear' will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1-3p for four weeks.   We are currently recruiting (6) girls between the ages of 9-14yrs.  We'd also like to announce that 'Green Bean Delivery' will become a part of the 'Girls in Gear' curriculum - teaching girls 'Nutrition Education.'  'Girls in Gear' now currently focuses on five areas of skill-building and girl empowerment:

1. Bike Safety
2. Basic Bike Mechanics
3. Community Urban Design
4. Public Speaking
5. Nutrition Education

For interest in the 'Girls in Gear' program or any related questions, please contact:  Jess Mathews - 'Girls in Gear' Program Coordinator via email

or 614-447-8894. 

by Jess Mathews 

 

Any women interested in becoming a certified cycling instructor - teaching bicycle safety to both children and adults?  Consider Biking is looking to host a weekend 'women's-specific' LCI course either the weekend of August 23 or August 30.  To date, there's only been one 'women's-specific' LCI course - nationwide, we'd love to host the second!  For more information on becoming an LCI, go to the seminar section of 

BikeLeague.org. There needs to be a minimum of eight women in the weekend-long class.  If you would like to participate in this class, please contact Jess Mathews by email or at 614-447-8894. 

 

The summer cycling season is in full swing and all great events are made that way with the wonderful volunteers who support the effort.  Can you share your time and talent at these upcoming events?