wellness
Columbus Opens 12 Protected Cycling Paths for Families, Beginners
Columbus families now have multiple protected paths that keep young riders away from heavy traffic while connecting to major parks.
How we reported this
Columbus Recreation and Parks opened 4.2 miles of new separated bike lanes along the Olentangy River in May, giving families a direct route from the Short North to Worthington without crossing major roads.
The lanes arrive as summer temperatures climb above 80 degrees and more residents seek outdoor activity that does not require gym memberships or indoor equipment. City data shows trail visits rose 18 percent from June 2025 to June 2026, reflecting steady demand for low-cost exercise near neighborhoods such as Clintonville and Victorian Village.
Protected paths through city parks
The Olentangy River Trail runs flat for 12 miles south from Worthington Hills Park to the Arena District, with wide shoulders and frequent crosswalks marked for child speeds. A second option starts at Schiller Park in German Village and follows the Scioto Greenway Trail north for 3.8 miles to the confluence with the Olentangy, passing the new bike repair station installed last month at the Main Street bridge. Both routes stay inside park boundaries for long stretches and avoid the high-volume lanes on High Street and Broad Street.
Columbus Bike Coalition volunteers lead free Saturday rides that begin at Goodale Park at 9 a.m. and cover the first three miles of the Olentangy route at an average pace of 8 miles per hour, suitable for riders still using training wheels or balance bikes. Helmets are required and spare child seats are available on a first-come basis.
Numbers and next steps
The city spent $2.1 million on the new Olentangy lanes in 2025 and recorded 312,000 individual trips on the corridor during the first six months of 2026. Daily rental bikes at the two kiosks near the trailheads cost $8 for two hours or $25 for a full day, with family packages that include four helmets for an added $12.
Parents can check the Recreation and Parks website for lane closures before heading out and can join the next coalition ride on July 18. Riders who prefer shorter loops can park at the lot on Whittier Street and cover the 2-mile round trip through Schiller Park before returning to their cars.