As many of you know, going from drawings to reality is a long process, with many competing interests, budget constraints, approval steps, etc. For that reason, an advocacy group such as BikeEyes can play a vital role. My initial idea for BikeEyes was to serve as both a bicycle and pedestrian advocacy group, because I feel the conditions for pedestrians here also are in need of attention. The group hasn't been "officially" formed yet, but I think the timing is great for us to get it going.

The question we're faced with at this point is what shape the advocacy group should take to help express and achieve our goals most effectively and efficiently. There are a few options (student org, university committee, unaffiliated advocacy group). I don't know which is best, this needs to be worked out.

In the meantime, I think the most important steps now are: (a) establish a forum for discussion in the near term, and (b) reach a consensus to support the initial bikeway plans presented by FPD strongly. For (a), I suggest we use COBAC's nice online discussion forum; there is already a topic for the OSU Campus.

To get things going, please take a few minutes to post to the forum your impression of conditions at OSU, how/where you ride, which areas need the highest priority, etc. PLEASE do this!! It's a great way to start discussing these important issues openly.

The future for cyclists at OSU looks bright, but it will take a lot of work and support to get us there!

Over the past few months, I've been contacted by many people and organizations at The Ohio State University that feel the way I do: OSU needs better programs, policies and facilities for cyclists and pedestrians on and around campus. These pages are an aggressive first step toward forming an advocacy group to tackle those needs.

Many large universities around the country have similar advocacy groups, which certainly have contributed to the recent emergence of other bicycle-friendly college campuses. An advocacy group can provide a stronger voice for members of the OSU community who want to create a safe and more pleasant environment for cyclists and pedestrians, working with the university administration and neighborhood groups to achieve that goal.

OSU is taking steps in the right direction, having recently (5/23) developed a conceptual plan for adding bike lanes and routes to campus. Unfortunately, many recent developments in and around campus have disparaged bikers and walkers so blatantly that more immediate action is warranted (click here for a related Lantern op-ed column). Most roads, bridges, intersections, shopping districts, and parking policies around campus strongly favor car convenience over pedestrian safety.

On these web pages, I've identified the main issues as I see them, to get the advocacy ball rolling. Please contact me if you want to get on the ad-hoc mailing list, or better yet, if you want to help organize the group. It will take all of your help to get this off the ground. Let's work toward making OSU a great place for biking and walking!

Thanks,
Dan Magestro
magestro.1osu.edu