link dayton | Dayton937

Kicking off their first round of investments, The City of Dayton has awarded Bike Miami Valley $100,000 in American Rescue Plan funds (ARPA) for further expansion of the Link: Dayton Bike Share system into West Dayton. Members of the Bike Miami Valley board and its Executive Director, Laura Estandia were on site for the contract approval. “We’re thrilled that Link will be one piece of this historic investment on the West Side,” says Estandia.

Bike Miami Valley currently operates 37 hubs in the core of downtown and the surrounding historic districts, but more capacity is needed on the west side to make a convenient and viable network. Bike Miami Valley has also received a grant from the Better Bike Share Partnership to support the neighborhood outreach efforts to select the new locations. “Bike Miami Valley is excited for the opportunity to work with new and existing neighborhoods to add capacity for bike sharing hubs that are convenient and accessible for residents,” says Estandia.

The project would fund 5-7 new hubs in the priority areas, as well as electric pedal assist bicycles that would fill the hubs. The target neighborhoods are Grafton Hill, Wright Dunbar, Wolf Creek, Five Oaks and Old Dayton View. The project would also fund some one-time hardware expenses to help with operations of the Link system including a new van, which would be used by Link operations staff to balance bikes in the expanded network.

Link is a hub based bike share network that allows users to make point to point trips between its 37 pick-up and drop off locations. Users can access the system by downloading the Link Dayton app to access Link’s fleet of pedal and pedal assist (or electric) bicycles. The system serves roughly 3,700 users annually. In 2021, the Link system expanded into the Carillon neighborhood of Dayton and has seen growth in ridership at those new locations.

“This investment in the West Dayton Link expansion complements the work the city is doing to increase active transportation options in the city and improve the quality of life and health of our residents,” said Mayor Mims.

Since my car-less adventure way back in the day, I’ve always believed that one of the best ways to see our beautiful city is on a bike. With all the bike-love happening in Dayton these days – Link Dayton (bike share), recognition of our top ranking for the most off-street paved trails, the RiverScape bike hub, an increased number of bike lanes for commuting, our bronze ranking as a Bicycle-Friendly community and more – it’s no wonder that more cycle tours and races are popping up for community members of every interest level and ability to strap on that helmet and ride.

On Saturday, June 20, there’s a fun, free and unique new addition to the cycling opportunities. Dayton Regional Green and Courteous Mass have teamed up to host Bike the Arts – Downtown Dayton. A total ride of just under 7 miles on a (mostly) flat surface – this event showcases both our bike-friendly environment and our talented arts community. Registration for the ride begins at 10:30 a.m. at RiverScape MetroPark; the ride goes from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00(ish) p.m.

An all-volunteer effort, born out of the Arts and Culture team from Dayton Regional Green and relying upon the experience from the cycling gurus at Courteous Mass, this ride is slow, smooth and filled cool visits to local arts spots.

Jane Black, co-chair of the DRG Livability pillar, is the lead docent on the tour. With oodles of experience as a both a professional artist, educator and administrator – Jane will share exciting insights and behind-the-scenes stories about the public art and spaces; she’ll introduce you to great pieces of art in plain view that you’ll see in a whole new way. Riders will also hear from staff at Dayton Art Institute and K12 Gallery, as well as artists/performers Bing Davis, Suzy Richardt, Ryan McCullough and Justin Howard. How’s it work? Ride a bit, meet an artist, ride again, see a performance, back on the bike to visit a gallery, and keep on going as you enjoy exploring your city!

The ride is escorted by Dayton Police Officer Jeff Brown for everyone’s safety and comfort (this is an on-street ride, we’ll follow all traffic rules). Helmets are recommended.

Bonus! The first 30 registrants receive a FREE 24-hour membership to try Link Dayton, and the first 50 registrants receive a FREE Take Back the Tap water bottle from the City of Dayton. Plus, snacks and water will be provided. Don’t miss your chance to bid to win a beautiful piece of art created by Suzy Richardt in honor of the ride.

No bike? No problem! You can rent one from Five Rivers MetroParks or try Link Dayton (multiple Link Stations are along the route, so you’ll be able to check-in as needed).

This program is part of a larger initiative of Dayton Regional Green. While many of the action teams are working closely with municipalities, organizations and corporations – the Arts and Culture team is working to provide fun and easy ways for individuals to learn more about multi-modal transportation, energy savings and personal steps to environmental sustainability.