New Program Combines Recycling, Fitness

COLUMBUS, Ohio—A new program from the City of Columbus combines recycling with fitness and may save the city a lot of money along the way.

Carl Williams rides his bike to work on a regular basis. But now, he and his fellow city employees can borrow bikes to ride between city buildings during the day.

“I can just get to where I need to go pretty quickly,“ Williams said.

The bikes were donated from the police impound lot and have been refurbished with city logos and all.

There are six bicycles at City Hall, two at the health department and two at the Hammond Center on Broad Street.

Employees just sign out the bicycles, take the key to the lock, wear a donated helmet and leave.

“The idea is to get fit, get active and the idea is to save on transportation and parking costs,“ said Maryellen O’Shaughnessy, of Columbus City Council.

O’Shaughnessy said she proposed the idea partly because it helps promote Columbus as a bike-friendly city.

In many cases, riding a bicycle is faster than driving because you don’t have to circle around the area, looking for a parking space—or pay for one.

“If they have a meeting, they can just ride a couple miles and stay active and fit,“ said Jose Rodriguez, of Columbus Public Health.

Williams said he’s not worried about riding the bicycle in the winter—it’s just a matter of layering on some more clothes, and most of the rides aren’t too far.

“I think it will catch on pretty quickly,“ Williams said.

If the program does catch on, there are plenty of bicycles to use from the police impound lot.

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