Since opening in 2012, the
Cincinnati Bike Center has signed up about 30 commuters who ride their bicycles to and from downtown on a daily basis. That number continues to grow and has allowed the CBC to educate the public on its services.
The CBC is underneath the Schmidlapp Event Lawn at
Smale Riverfront Park, just at the base of the Walnut Street Steps. There’s a bike runnel so bicyclists can get from the top of the park to the bottom easily. Originally built as a commuter station for downtown workers, the CBC also serves tourists and locals who want to ride along the riverfront or to other neighborhoods.
Members have 24-hour access to a secure, camera-monitored space with bike racks and locker rooms as well as discounts on repairs, apparel and other services. Memberships are available on a daily, monthly or yearly basis and are a great way to try living a less car-dependent lifestyle.
A variety of bicycles are available to rent by the hour or for the day, including cruisers, road bikes, electric assist, kids’ bikes, tandem bikes and bikes that can be driven by a hand-powered crank for the disabled. There are also small, large and extra-large “Quadcycles,” which have four wheels and can seat up to nine people.
The CBC also offers daily bicycle and Segway tours that run along several routes throughout the downtown area and even into Northern Kentucky. Bike tours are 2-3 hours and are $30 for adults, $25 for kids and free for kids 12 and under. Segway tours are 2-2.5 hours long and are $60 per person.
In the near future, the CBC plans to host monthly group bicycle rides, which will be open to the public. Stay tuned to the CBC on
Facebook and on Instagram.
If you’re interested in reserving a bike or taking a tour, send an email to
[email protected].
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