According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Ohioans spend an average of 22 minutes commuting to work -- more than 90 hours every year. Lost time coupled with rising gas prices and increasing urban congestion make driving an expensive headache.
Being stuck in a traffic jam is bad for your health, too. According to the American Heart Association, commuters in major metro areas are exposed to high concentrations of diesel fumes that can lead to cardiovascular problems.
There are numerous ways you can free yourself from the rolling cage. Metro (www.sorta.com) handles public transit all over Hamilton County and offers limited service to surrounding counties north of the river. The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (www.tankbus.org) offers rides in Kentucky.
All local busses have bike racks on the front, so you can extend your range as a cyclist, and many routes have lots where you can park for free and ride into the city.
There are numerous bicycle advocacy groups in the area. Check out our Alternative Transportation listings (page 07) for details.
If you must use your car, consider using a local rideshare program. Check out the online listings at ERideshare.
Green Transit
Bike Newport
Advocating a bicycle-friendly Newport.
Bike/PAC
The Cincinnati Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee is dedicated to making our city a friendlier place to bike and walk. They focus on such topics as bike racks on buses, bike lanes and bike and hike trails. Meetings are the second Tuesday of each month. City Hall, 801 Plum St., Downtown, 513-352-5305.
Bikewise Oxford Center
A shop for cycling enthusiasts and activists. 9 N. Beech St., Oxford, 513-523-4880.
Cincinnati Cycle Club
Since the 19th century, the CCC has promoted bicycle recreation, health and safety and helped riders develop friendships. It’s a great way to find out about local rides, races and tours or even find a used bike on the cheap.
Fast Wheels
Catering to urban families, Fast Wheels is a friendly sales and service cyclery center. 4217 Smith Road, Norwood, 513-841-2453.
Gargoyle Board and Bike
Bikes, skateboards and almost any people-powered wheels are available at Gargoyle. 25 Village Square, Glendale, 513-825-3333.
Metro Bus
Cincinnati’s mass transit network offers routes within a mile of most people’s homes and bike racks on all their buses to extend your riding range. Free WiFi is an emerging feature of Metro routes. 513-632-7575.
The Miami Trail
Also known as the Loveland Trail, it’s a 70-mile segment of the Ohio-to-Erie Trail, which stretches from the Ohio River in Cincinnati all the way to the shores of Lake Erie in Cleveland. The Loveland segment is closed to motorized traffic and composed of flat, paved-over train tracks.
MoBo Bicycle Co-op
Offers low-cost mechanical training, parts and
community for bicycle enthusiasts. Open Mondays and Wednesdays 6-9 p.m. and Sundays 1-4 p.m. at 1415 Knowlton Ave., Northside, 513-541-4025.
Montgomery Cyclery
Sells a huge selection of bikes, including electrics. Various locations.
Queen City Bike
News and events for the two-wheeled community.
Queen City Bike + Dine
Organizes bike trips to local restaurants. Yum!
Reser Bicycle
OutfittersNorthern Kentucky’s shop for road and mountain bikes. 735 Monmouth St., Newport, 859-261-6187.
Tank Bus
The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky provides transit South of the river including to CVG airport. Bike racks on all busses.
Team Cycling and Fitness
Bike sales and service. Focused on quick turnaround time for repairs and a large selection of bikes. 7765 Colerain Ave., Mount Healthy, 513-522-1551.
- Stephen Carter-Novotni
This originally ran as part of the story Unplug, Rethink and Simplify Your Life in our Green Issue.
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