Two recent local stories emphasize the importance of biking and the need to think of ways to further support biking in Fort Thomas.
1. Gas Prices, fitness trend lead to bike revival – this Cincinnati Enquirer article speaks of the growing bike ridership in the greater Cincinnati area:
With high gas prices and people trading their couch-potato ways for healthier lifestyles, communities are learning the financial and recreational impact of bike trails and city planning that includes the needs of cyclists.
Miami Township is enticing riders to Hamilton County’s first official mountain bike trail.
2. Rather bike? Park plan adds riverfront cycle shop – the multi-million dollar plan for the Riverfront park in Cincinnati will apparently include a bike shop that includes lockers and showers for those commuting to downtown on a bike.
These recent articles underscore the need to include cycling as an important component of any community development plans – including those for the Midway district. Fort Thomas has a strong cycling community and attracts cyclists from all over the area because of trails in Tower Park. Why not promote this with additional trails, sign-age, and marketing? Other thoughts include reducing Fort Thomas Ave to 2 lates, expanding the center berm with trees and adding bike lanes each direction. What are your ideas?