Since securing the title of “bicycle-friendly city” in 2010, Dayton has been rolling out more cycling infrastructure, amenities and advocacy to support its growing population of bicyclists, which is a cornerstone of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan. This spring, Dayton Bike Share formally made Dayton only the second city in Ohio to raise the capital funding for a bike share program, announcing that roughly $1 million has been secured to launch the program, which further supports the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan’s calls for enhanced multi-modal transportation. Today, local cycling advocacy group Bike Miami Valley (BMV) and its community partners have two important announcements regarding the future of Dayton’s bicycling scene.
Philly’s Bike Share branding pictured here
The Downtown Dayton Partnership (DDP), a BMV partner, is accepting proposals to design key brand elements for Dayton Bike Share. This will be a concept-to-completion production. “The community has really responded positively to the bike share program,” said Scott Murphy, Bike Miami Valley board president. “The bid-winner will work with the DDP’s marketing and branding team to create an identifiable logo and brand aesthetic to carry the momentum of this exciting new program for the Dayton community.” Requests for proposals (RFP) are due by 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8. Details of the RFP process and submission requirements can be found at bit.ly/DaytonBikeShare.
The formal launch and management of Dayton Bike Share will require a leader who is passionate about cycling. BMV is now accepting applications for an executive director, who will manage the bike share program for Bike Miami Valley and provide leadership in financial development, planning and program implementation. “We seek a highly-motivated, goal-oriented candidate with excellent leadership skills and entrepreneurial spirit,” Murphy said. “The successful candidate demonstrates clear and effective communication skills, comfort in outreach efforts, and has the ability to grow Bike Miami Valley into a self-sustaining organization.” Download the complete application information at bikemiamivalley.org.
Dayton Bike Share volunteers and community partners have been hard at work planning the launch of the bike share program. The team includes BMV, along with the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority (GDRTA), plus supporting organizations the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC), City of Dayton, DDP, Five Rivers MetroParks andMontgomery County. Current plans for Dayton Bike Share include 200 bicycles and 22 stations serving 4 square miles from the heart of downtown Dayton. Opportunities for partnerships via sponsorship of bike share stations and bicycles, as well as corporate membership programs, are still available. Stakeholders estimate the program will be fully functional by spring of 2015.
