After safety issues, shipping complications and ongoing construction postponed its original May 1 opening date, the Cincinnati Bike Center at Smale Riverfront Park opened its doors to the public Sunday, May 6.
The Center, which is the third of its kind in the U.S., follows in the footsteps of already-existing centers in Chicago and Santa Monica, Calif., and is located next to the Moerlein Lager House at 120 E. Mehring Way. Its place on the Cincinnati riverfront marks one of the first recreational benchmarks added to the Smale Riverfront Park landscape, which will soon be augmented by a labyrinth, tree grove, promenade, the Jacob G. Schmidlapp Stage and Event Lawn and the first section of the riverfront Ohio Bike Trail when Phase I of the Smale Riverfront Park is officially completed May 18.
Features at the center include bicycle and Segway rentals, guided tours, secure bicycle parking, showering and changing facilities for commuters, an in-house mechanic on hand for repairs, bicycle education and encouragement programs and bike and Segway sharing programs. Visitors can rent tandem bikes, bike “wagons,” quadcycles, electric assisted bikes and other models.
“People are excited to have a bike resource downtown and to be able to explore downtown,” says Jared Arter, general manager of the Center.
The Cincinnati Park Board will host a grand opening celebration on May 18 that will include a dedication ceremony, live music, food and a fireworks display.