Recent News

May 16, 2008

"Lose some weight, save some money, and become part of the biking trend in Columbus"

~ written by Jeffrey A. Willis, Dinsmore & Shohl

Columbus recently was recognized for being an up-and-coming bicycling city. In the June 2008 edition of Bicycling Magazine, Columbus was named as a "Top 23" new and best city for bicycling and one of five bicycling cities of the future.

The benefits of bicycling are great. According to statistics from Trek, the average commuter loses 13 lbs. during their first year of bicycle commuting and bicycling just three hours per week can reduce the risk of heart disease by 50%. With gas prices recently pushing $3.75 per gallon, the money savings also is substantial. Based on a commute to work of 10 miles each way, an average person bicycling to work is saving, daily, over $3.40 in gas and $4.00 in parking downtown. That is a savings of at least $37 per workweek and over $150 per month.

I have been commuting to work on my bicycle for the last two years and average about three days per week. I live seven miles from downtown and simply take the Olentangy River bike path near OSU and ride the path right into downtown. Because the bike path goes under most roads and train tracks, I am able to avoid bicycling on busy roads. After bicycling into work, I feel invigorated and refreshed for the remainder of the day and I have my work-out finished when I get home. It also has been beneficial for networking as I have met many other professionals over the last two years on the bike path.

Now may be a great time to consider joining the growing trend of Columbus commuters cycling into work. Columbus Bike to Work Week started last Monday, May 12. More information on Bike to Work Week can be obtained from a local, non-profit website: http://www.considerbiking.org/site.