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CoGo Bike the Lights

A complete guide for exploring Columbus's best holiday displays from the comfort of a CoGo bike!

Should take approximately 2 hours to complete.

Start

Bicentennial Park & Scioto Mile Holiday Lights - 233 S Civic Center Dr

CoGo Station – Bicentennial Park to CoGo Station – Columbus Commons

Lazarus Building Holiday Window Display - 141 S High St and Columbus Commons Holiday Lights - 160 S High St

CoGo Station – Columbus Commons to CoGo Station - Columbus Museum of Art

State Auto Nativity Scene - 518 E Broad St

CoGo Station – Columbus Museum of Art to CoGo Station – Bicentennial Park

Parking

Meter Street Parking

Bicentennial Lot - 226 S Front St

Lot 179 - 110 W Main St

243 S Ludlow St Parking - 243 S Ludlow St

Lot 20 - 473 S Ludlow St

Other Bikeable Holiday Light Adventures

Short North – CoGo Station: High St. and Warren

Topiary Park – CoGo Station: Topiary Park

Franklin Park Conservatory – CoGo Station: Franklin Park at Fairwood Ave.

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Top Women of CoGo - Sandy

#WomensBikeMonth

A little about you…

My name is Sandy and I live in downtown Columbus. 22 years ago, my husband and I joined forces to start our own business, Orange Boy Inc. Fun fact: we named the company after our pet cat, an orange tomboy named Opie. Our company focuses on analytics software and strategic planning. We do a lot of our work for public libraries. When I’m not working, I really enjoy gardening, home decor and fitness.

 How did you get into bicycling?

We purchased bicycles about 10 years ago, to take long rides on the weekends.  We enjoyed it but found the time commitment and bicycle storage/maintenance inconvenient.  Our cycling interests started to wane, so we sold our bikes.  Once we decided to move downtown from Grandview, CoGo was there to help us get around.

 What fears did you face when you first started bicycling and how did you overcome them?

While I was still learning, I was nervous about biking in heavy traffic. I tried to be aware of the times of day and the areas that had lighter traffic. I also admit, I will use the sidewalks from time to time if I am feeling uncomfortable with the flow of traffic. The good thing about CoGo is, the flashing lights really help to make you more visible to motorists.

 What advice would you give to a new rider to overcome their fears?

It’s simple, research everything you need to know before you start. Just like any other hobby you start: learn the rules, plan your route, and check out some things that will help make you visible. With CoGo, it helps to learn where the stations are. Just be smart about it.

 How do you stay safe while bicycling?

I like to ride early in the morning when traffic is light. I also avoid dark clothing and use hand signals, especially when turning left.

 Why do you love CoGo?

It is just super convenient. It helps me venture out a little bit and enhances my quality of life. I truly don’t know what I would do without it. It enables me to work out where I want to, which is on the opposite side of town from where I live. It’s also faster for me to get to work. By the time I get in my car and sit in traffic, it takes me a lot longer than hopping on a CoGo.  I also love that CoGo is adding more stations! I hope to continue using CoGo throughout the winter.

 When do you think CoGo is most convenient?

I use it the most when I am heading to the office or to the gym, it is a lot faster than using a car. I also enjoy using it for OSU football games. We like to bike to the Neil & 11th station and then walk the rest of the way to the stadium. You can really cut down on your walking time. With the new stations being added, there are even more stations by OSU that can get me closer on game day!

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Meet the CoGo Team

Tara Newmyer | CoGo Marketing Specialist

What does a CoGo Marketing Specialist do?

I wear lots of hats as the Marketing Specialist. My duties include: social media, email campaigns, events, customer service, membership fulfillment, sales, CoGo blog, assisting Derek (CoGo General Manger), communications, etc.

What do you like about working for CoGo?

I enjoy working for CoGo because I get to do different things every day. I also like being a part of the bike share/transportation industry. Learning about all the transportation initiatives that Columbus and our parent company, Motivate International, are making, is so fascinating and inspiring. I also enjoy seeing our customers relying on CoGo for their commute. Whether it’s getting to work or exploring the city , CoGo riders know that it’s a fast and healthy way of getting around. Why not use your commute time to exercise instead of sitting in bumper to bumper traffic? You kill two birds with one stone and can skip the gym!

What is your favorite summer activity?

Spending time with my friends and family at festivals and fairs.

What is your favorite hangout spot downtown?

The Scioto Mile, I like to people watch on the swinging benches.

What is your hobby?

I enjoy golfing and skiing with my husband. If I’m not doing that, you’ll find me eating, napping, or hanging out with my family and friends.

What skill do you wish you had?

I have always wanted to play the violin. I took the first step and bought a violin but have yet to take a lesson.

What is your favorite smell?

Pumpkin Candles

What is your go to Taco Bell order?

I love shredded chicken quesadillas!

What 3 things can you not live without?

My family and friends, Dr. Pepper, and TV.

What would make the world a better place?

Less opinions and more time to spend with family.

What is your favorite dessert?

Tie between confetti cake and crème brule.

Where would you camp out during a zombie apocalypse?

I would camp out at Menards during a zombie apocalypse. Plenty of supplies, weapons, and nonperishable food! They even have mattresses to sleep on and seeds and soil so you can plant your own garden!

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Meet the CoGo Team

John Farren | CoGo Rebalancer

What do you like about working for CoGo?

I am proud to work for an expanding company in the growing city of Columbus. CoGo combines tactical urban transportation, fun, and exercise to produce a consumer friendly service. As an advocate for alternative transportation and cycling in general, I find CoGo to be an affordable and practical transportation option for folks rich and poor, young and old.

What’s your favorite spot in Downtown Columbus to hang out?

Scioto Audubon park provides the best view/most activities in Downtown Columbus.

What are your hobbies?

When I am not at CoGo I run a small fleet of three pedicabs in Columbus for events such as concerts, festivals, and football games. I am also a guitar player of twenty three years with an associate's degree in music recording. For the past three years I have been learning to play the drums in order to write, record, and release music entirely on my own. My preferred style lies in the realm of fast and technical heavy metal. Cycle racing is also a passion of mine. I have been racing road, cyclocross, and mountain bikes for nine years.

What is your favorite sweet treat?

I really like the "Psst brand" Dutch Cocoa cookies at Kroger.

What skill do you wish you had?

In the next decade I would like to learn more about carpentry, plumbing, and other necessary skills to owning and maintaining a house or rental properties. Learning to cook healthy meals that are also consistently delicious is also a priority.

What 3 things can you not live without?

food, water, shelter

What is your favorite restaurant?

My favorite restaurants in Columbus are Dirty Franks Hot Dog Palace, Tip Top Lounge, and High Beck Tavern.

What is a fun fact about you?

I have no tattoos or piercings because I become unconscious at the sight of needles.

Where would you camp out during a zombie apocalypse?

Unfortunately I am not a doomsday prepper so I would likely be unable to get out of the city during a zombie apocalypse. It would be necessary to move quickly, quietly, and through obstructions to obtain survival supplies. I would probably use a fixed gear bicycle (which is mechanically silent) as my vehicle and a crossbow (retrievable ammo) or sword as a weapon, since modern zombies are attracted to noise and can mobilize in large swarms. I would likely be barricaded in one of my warehouse spaces with other survivors offering a fire ladder to enter via the roof. We would wait there for the peaceful bliss of Columbus' eight month winter to thin the hoards.

What do you do first thing when you get home from a long day at work?

After work I usually try to pick up a guitar, a bike, or a barbell before I have a chance to get tired or lazy.

How long have you been growing your hair?

I have been growing my hair out for a month short of four years. I will continue to grow my hair until I have completed a few life goals such as releasing a new original body of music and becoming competitive in the elite class of cyclocross.

What is you perfect pizza?

I have recently become a fan of build your own pizzas at fast casual shops like Blaze Pizza and MOD pizza. You can choose any amount or type or amount of like 50 toppings for the same price, it's fun to split one with a friend to see which toppings you can agree on.

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Meet The CoGo Team

Dan Nuñez | CoGo Bike Fleet Technician

By: Tara Newmyer

 What does a CoGo Bike Fleet Technician do?

I inspect and maintain every CoGo bike on the street. My duties include routine upkeep and major repairs.                        

What do you like about working for CoGo?

I like knowing that I have a hand in getting an alternative form of transportation out there for people to use.

What is your favorite thing to do in downtown Columbus?

People watch from the Tip Top patio.

What are your hobbies?

BMX and playing the drums.

What skill do you wish you had?

Poaching eggs.

What is 1 thing you cannot live without?

My baby daughter, Athena.

What would make the world a better place?

Cars are dumb, get rid of them.

What is your favorite thing about Columbus?

Columbus encourages everyone to be themselves.

What is your favorite dessert?

Lately, it’s been Dairy Free Ben & Jerry’s Peanut Butter & Cookies Ice Cream, but I am very easy to please.

What is your favorite smell?

Coffee

What is the most interesting fact about you?

I have never broken a bone, despite my many valiant attempts at doing so.

What should everyone do at least once in their lives?

Participate in the Annual Naked Bike Ride.

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Meet the CoGo Team

Ryan McAuley | CoGo Rebalancer/Station Tech

By Tara Newmyer

What does a CoGo Rebalancer/Station Tech do?

My main duty is to distribute the bikes evenly among stations. I take bikes from stations that have too many and bring them to stations that don’t have enough. Ideally, each station should have a similar number of empty and full docks. I also make sure each station is working properly. I ensure each station is connected to our network and fix any issues.

What do you like about working for CoGo?

I like that every day is a different challenge and that 90% of my job is done outdoors.

What is your favorite summer activity?

Grilling outside and hanging out with friends.

What is your favorite hangout spot downtown?

The Scioto Mile. I love people watching and the scenic views of the river are incredible. It’s a downtown hub so, there are always people around.  

What is your hobby?

Music. I can play the guitar, keyboard, saxophone, and I also sing. I have played in several bands.

What skill do you wish you had?

I wish I could play the drums. I am a musician so I can play several instruments but I just can’t seem to figure out the drums.

What is your favorite smell?

Vanilla and cocoa butter.

What is your go to McDonald’s order?

A sausage McMuffin, a hash brown, and a black coffee.

What 3 things can you not live without?

Music, my pets, and my family.

What would make the world a better place?

Peace, love, and understanding.

What is your favorite beverage?

Cran-grape juice.

Where would you camp out during a zombie apocalypse?

Malabar Farm State Park in Mohican. It has caves you can hide in and a giant hill that you can camp out on.

#CoGoBikeShare GetThereWithCoGo ExperienceColumbus Columbus BikeShare Bike Biking CBus AsSeenInColumbus

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It’s a #GetCoGoing Summer Challenge!

This Summer, we are challenging our Annual CoGo Members to get out and ride. As you are out enjoying the summer months, why not be rewarded? After all, you did survive winter...you've earned this! 

Become an Annual Member→

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Meet the CoGo Team

Derek Wurst | CoGo General Manager

By Tara Newmyer

What do you like about working for CoGo?

I like being part of an organization that is good for the community. I like that CoGo bikes are a sustainable alternative form of transportation. By biking instead of driving, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint. I also think it’s a fun way to travel and exercise.

What did you do before working for CoGo?

Before working for CoGo, I spent time working for other bike share companies within our Motivate International system. When I started with Motivate, I took a position as a Rebalancing Manager for Capital Bike Share. After a year, I moved on to be the General Manager of Chattanooga Bike Share. Two years later, I became General Manager of CoGo Bike Share, here in Columbus, and have been with CoGo for three years. Before I decided to make the change to bike share, I worked for 19 years in Logistics.

What’s your favorite spot in Columbus to hang out?

I love taking my two dogs to Heritage Trail Dog Park in Hilliard. I have an English Bulldog named Jersey and a Lhasa Apso named Charlotte.

What is your hobby?

I am a BBQ enthusiast. I enjoy smoking meats like ribs and pork butts on my smoker. I also love spending time with my kids and working. I really enjoy my job!

What is your favorite TV show?

Game of Thrones

What do you order at Starbucks?

Venti Vanilla Latte

What is your favorite movie?

It’s a tie between Dances with Wolves and the Godfather Trilogy. Everyone knows the first Godfather is the best though! What is your dream vacation destination?

Italy, my family and I are taking a trip there next spring. I want to go because my family originated from there. I think it would be cool to see where it all began. I probably still have some distant family members who still live there. What is a fun fact about you?

I am very organized. I like to schedule out everything for my family in my calendar app on my phone. It definitely helps with the laundry schedule!

What are three things you cannot live without?

Authentic New York-style pizza, my family, and COFFEE

What would make the world a better place?

If people focused more on living in harmony instead of bickering.

What skill do you wish you had? I wish I could fly an airplane.

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Top Ways to Stay Visible on a Bicycle

Guest post by Molly Clarke 

Cycling is one of the healthiest ways to get from point A to B. Not only will commuting via bike help keep you in shape, but it also reduces your carbon footprint and is faster than driving in busy areas! One of the top ways to ensure you have a smooth ride is by staying visible. Here are some practices you can incorporate into your next ride to guarantee that any motorists or other cyclists will see you.

1. Dress to Be Seen

We're not saying you should strap Christmas tree lights to yourself and your bicycle (although if you're inclined to do so, you'll certainly stand out). But dressing as if you're about to attend a funeral isn't ideal either. Depending on when you're riding your bicycle, you'll want to wear at least one piece of either fluorescent or reflective clothing.

Fluorescent clothing is great during the day. Bright colors like orange, yellow, and lime green draw the eye's attention. At night, it is important to wear reflective clothing. Reflective clothing helps you "light up" under a car's headlights. Without it, no one can see you.

A bright and reflective vest is ideal for night-time riding:

Source: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Hot-Night-Cycling-Safe-Vest-Cycling-Reflective-Jersey-Road-Bike-Racing-Safety-Vest-Outdoor-Bicycle-Sport/32391846370.html

2. Use Hand Signals

Using hand signals will help drivers know where you're going. Avoid using traditional cyclist hand signals, like raising your left hand if you're turning right. There's a good chance motorists won't know what you mean, or worse, think you're turning in the opposite direction. A better idea is to simply point directly in the direction you intend to turn so there's no doubt as to where you're turning.

3. Don't Pass Motorists on the Right.

While it's tempting to weave expertly through a line of idling cars at a red light, always try to do so to the left of vehicles. When you pass on the right, you face two situations where you won't be visible:

     -The cars you're passing won't see you. Motorists in a line of traffic don't expect a cyclist to approach from the right, and they certainly won't be looking to their right to see if another car is in the way, as there wouldn't be space for one. This sets you up for the right hook.

     -Oncoming traffic also, will not see you. A bicycle is much smaller than a car, so if you're hidden behind a motorist you're passing on the right, a car could turn directly in front of you.

4: Enforce a 4' Rule

Getting "doored" is one of the scariest situations for any cyclist. The best way to ensure a motorist doesn't open their door in front of you is to make it mathematically impossible to do so. An average car door is about 5' long. A good rule of thumb is to be 4' away from any parked cars. If you can reach out and touch the car's mirror, you're too close.

The 4' rule also helps protect you from pedestrians that may step directly into your path. Pedestrians typically only look for cars so sometimes, they may not see you. Leaving 4’ between your bike and the curb ensures that you won't have any close calls with pedestrians.

What are some of your favorite ways to stay seen?

This article was created Personal Injury Help (www.personalinjury-law.com), an organization dedicated to providing the public with information about personal injury and safety information. Nothing in this article should be construed as legal advice, and it is intended for informational use only. Be sure to review your local cycling ordinances to ensure you ride safely and legally!

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CASTO TO PROVIDE COMPLIMENTARY BIKE-SHARE MEMBERSHIPS FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT

11/18/2016

Columbus, OH — CASTO announced today that they will provide complimentary CoGo bike share memberships to residents of their new Merion Village development, The Barrett Urban Apartments.

CoGo and CASTO worked together to bring a bike share station to the corner of Thurman Avenue and Bruck Street, on The Barrett’s site. The new station will be deployed over the next couple of days and complimentary memberships will be available to residents upon move-in.

“We see this as an opportunity to connect residents of The Barrett to surrounding neighborhoods, and a way to advocate for alternative transportation methods available in Columbus,” said Hilary Deason, CASTO’s Marketing & Communications Specialist. “Our residents can hop on a CoGo and be at Stauf’s on Third in minutes, or ride to a station and take COTA’s Cbus to the Short North or Downtown.”

The Barrett project includes 51 adaptive-reuse and 52 townhouse apartments for rent, and 22 single family homes for sale in Merion Village. The first apartment buildings are expected to be completed next month.

"CoGo is excited to have the opportunity to partner with CASTO’s The Barrett to provide affordable and environmentally friendly transportation to their residents. We are always looking for creative ways to partner with developers and business owners, as these are always a win-win for the City of Columbus, local communities and the bike share program," said Derek Wurst, General Manager of CoGo

Built in 1898, The Barrett was originally Columbus’ South High School, and is CASTO’s third historic adaptive reuse project in Columbus.

About CASTO

CASTO, a fully integrated real estate organization since 1926, is a recognized leader in the ownership, management, acquisition and development of multi-family residences, commercial shopping centers and office buildings. CASTO’s growing portfolio currently includes over 23 million square feet of commercial property and over 4,000 residential units located throughout the midwestern and southeastern United States. CASTO is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio and serves a variety of clients from five offices in Florida, North Carolina and Ohio. To learn more about CASTO, visit www.castoinfo.com.

About CoGo

CoGo is Columbus’ bike transit system operated by Motivate International. CoGo provides residents and visitors convenient access to bicycles on-demand at 46 stations locations in the downtown Columbus area. CoGo serves as both a transportation and recreational amenity offering its customers convenient, fun and affordable transit rentals. Since launching in late July 2013, riders have taken more than 153,600 trips riding over 441,000 miles and collectively burning over 18 million calories and offsetting 299,000 pounds of CO2.

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October is for #WomenWhoBike

Did you know that women are less likely to ride a bicycle, either for recreation or transportation, than men? And only 34% of U.S. bike share members are women. CoGo Bike Share and Motivate, the operator of CoGo, wants to see more ladies on bikes. So earlier this month we launched Women’s Bike Month!

October weather is lovely and perfect for exploring on two wheels, but it can be understandably intimidating if you haven’t been on a bike in a while. Sometimes a little support is all you need. These events are meant to create a comfortable and inviting space for a re-introduction to biking and will have you feeling like queen of the road in no time.

If you don’t have a bike of your own CoGo Bike Share has many locations around town and the online resources to make it easy. With a 24-access pass, you get unlimited 30 minute trips. Perfect for hopping off to enjoy the sites and activities.

Grab a girlfriend and check out the trails along Scioto Mile while the weather is still warm. We made sure to highlight a few areas of interest for your ride. Before you go…HERE are a few more resources for #womenwhobike.

1) Start at Scioto Audubon Center where you can park your car and pick up a CoGo bike. If you have the time, visit the Grange Insurance Audubon Center or check out one of the many events.

2) Head north on the Scioto Mile toward Bicentennial Park where you can dock your CoGo, making a pit stop at the Cultural Arts Center to check out Dare to be Heard, an exhibition exploring contemporary art in created by women about women’s issues.

3) Travel further up the trail to Town Street where you’ll head east toward downtown Columbus. Dock your CoGo bike at the Columbus Commons before enjoying a snack or meal at one of the many Downtown restaurants.

When you’re finished, cruise back down Main Street to pick up the trail back to the Scioto Audubon Center.

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Women’s Bike Month Profile

Say Hi again to Sheri! She was one of our famed members who thoroughly enjoyed our #ChipotleBike when it roamed the streets last summer. Sheri is ready to attack Women’s Bike Month and enjoy these fall days.

In which neighborhood do you live? 

For three years we lived in the Brewery District, but we recently moved downtown. We are now fortunate enough to both live and work in downtown Columbus.

Why did you decide to sign up for CoGo? 

My husband and I decided to sign up for CoGo when we first moved to Columbus. We saw a CoGo station outside our building and thought it would be a great way to see the area. When considering the annual CoGo cost, we did some quick math and determined for a few nights worth of gas and parking, we could easily pay for an entire year of membership.

Do you use CoGo to get to work? 

I use CoGo to get to and from work, in addition to walking and using the COTA Cbus.

What other kinds of trips do you use CoGo for? 

CoGo has been a great option to use when I want to get around to areas not serviced by the Cbus and when I want to take a break from walking. My husband and I have found ourselves biking to new areas to get familiar with more neighborhoods and to also try new restaurants. We are planning a fall adventure to do a loop around the map to check out the kiosk expansions.

How did you make those trips before CoGo started? 

I have not known life in Columbus without CoGo. Having an annual membership has allowed me unlimited trips to explore areas I would have otherwise not ventured to, for fear of not finding a parking spot.

What’s your favorite thing about riding a bike in Columbus? 

I love how bike friendly Columbus is becoming. I appreciate the initiatives to bring awareness to the needs of those who bike daily and those who bike for recreation. The addition of new bike lanes and even more CoGo kiosks being added has expanded the area I feel comfortable riding in.

Any tips for newer CoGo members? 

Always remember to check the light to ensure your trip has ended when docking your bike, scope out the map of stations so you are familiar with your options for docking, and I set a timer on my phone to keep on top of time restrictions - but most importantly bike safe and have fun!

Before CoGo I would… circle the block looking for a parking spot but now I… dock near my destination and continue on with my day!

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Friday, October 21

We are offering up 65 seats for a FREE screening of Alfred Hitchcock's Notorious at Gateway Film Center. *RESERVE TIX ON EVENTBRITE*

There will be a mixer at 6p and the film will begin at 7p

All attendees will also receive a free popcorn and drink voucher!

This is general admission, so please arrive early

Wednesday, October 26

Join us for a bike ride with 2 Wheels & Heels. 

Riders will meet up at the CoGo warehouse (610 Oak Street, Columbus, OH, 43215) at 6p, and the ride will take off promptly at 7p and last about an hour.

Bring Your Own Bike, or check out a CoGo bike at the warehouse. For the CoGo riders, there is the option to take an alternative shorter route.

Please dress casual comfy, heels are NOT required but encouraged. 

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We are celebrating #WomenWhoBike this month with Women’s Bike Month! Visit our site: http://try.cogobikeshare.com/womenwhobike/ to see local events and resources that can help us all learn about urban biking and get you started with friendly faces!

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Members: Celebrate With Us!

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Membership Appreciation Week 2016

Sunday, July 17 - Saturday, July 23

It's our 3rd Birthday! Here's our gift to you.

SUNDAY - SATURDAY

·  CoGo: New members who sign up during the week will receive a free month of membership added to their account. 

·  Green BEAN Delivery: Sign up for the delivery service during the week to get 15% off your first 3 orders.

·  Gateway Film Center : Buy One Get One admission to all CoGo members who show their membership key fob

MONDAY & TUESDAY

·  Jeni's Ice Cream: 1 Free Scoop to all CoGo members who show their membership key fob.

WEDNESDAY

·  Chipotle: Buy One Get One entree to all CoGo members who show their membership key fob