When I started pushing for a bikeshare system in Dayton, some people scoffed. Of course, that’s what always happens when people think ahead of the curve. Even Thomas Watson of IBM didn’t get the potential for the computer- predicting a market for maybe 5 of the machines- globally.

So, in Columbus it’s happening:

A group of Short North Businesses including Tigertree, Sandbox, and Paradise Garage jointly announced today that they’re launching the first ever bikeshare program for Columbus: EveryoneBikes. Ten brand new Africa Bikes will be available as of 5pm today for riders to borrow for errands, tours, exercise and other types of short trips around the city.

Their goal is to soon have fifty bikes available throughout Downtown, the Arena District, and the Short North neighborhoods. The bikes will be on display in front of Tigertree during tomorrow’s Gallery Hop.

The group chose to stock their fleet with Africa Bikes not only because of their ease of use, but also due to their ethical business practices. “For every two bikes sold, one bike is provided to an aide worker in Africa which allows to make a difference not only here Central Ohio, but also around the world.” says David Hunegnaw of Sandbox.

via EveryoneBikes – New Bikeshare Program Launches | ColumbusUnderground.com.

Campus programs are starting up– and not on the “official side”- but, ad-hoc, with the “yellow bike” program at Ohio University- and a bike rental program at Ohio State. Students at Ohio Wesleyan are also starting “Bike Movement”- all low-tech systems compared to the Bcycle system I’ve envisioned for Dayton.

We’re still working on bringing Bike Share to Dayton- and we’ll have updates soon.