Bicycle Are Not Just Toys!

By Gary J. Boulanger

Engineers Club of Dayton

December 2001

Despite the bicycle industries best efforts, the American public still views bicycles as toys for children. But that’s all about to change.

Comfort

As baby boomers reach retirement age, many are turning to the bicycle for much-needed exercise and a return to “youthful discovery.” In fact, a new category was created recently to address the boomers’ needs:  the comfort bike.

Not too long ago, bikes sold in the U.S. came in a few flavors:  adult road racing (or 10-speed) and touring, juvenile BMX racing, and cruisers (or balloon tires – think Schwinn Phantom). Now, as the graying of America becomes more widespread and boomers are becoming empty nesters, bicycles, in various styles and shapes, are becoming interesting again.

Comfort bikes offer a wide, cushy seat, easy shifting and braking, and a more desirable upright position than other styles. And, adjustable stems and suspension seatposts make customizing your bike that much easier. The mantra, “no muss, no fuss” can be heard in bicycle product manager’s offices all throughout the land, and boomers everywhere are taking to the safe, paved trails in search of a life-altering experience on two wheels.

Trails & Transportation

The last 10 years have been very good for bicyclists in the Miami Valley. Nearly 200 miles of safe, paved bike trails along river corridors and converted railroad tracks has expanded the world of bicyclist’s young and old. Bike Miami Valley, formerly the Miami Valley Regional Bicycle Council, contributed to the outgrowth by acting on the grand vision of Horace Huffman, Jr., who formed the nonprofit organization while CEO of Huffy Corporation in 1965. Huffman’s dream of a useful, linked bike trail system was brought to fruition by the efforts of Bike Miami Valley and several agencies, chiefly among them the City of Dayton, Five Rivers MetroParks, Miami Conservancy District, Greene County Park District, Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, and countless volunteers.

Today, several miles of connected trail spurs are being planned. People regularly use the trail network to commute to work, share a sunny Saturday afternoon with family, or travel to Xenia and beyond. The vast network has drawn praise from all over the country, and the League of American Bicyclists has recognized Dayton, Vandalia and Yellow Springs as “bicycle friendly communities”, and honor bestowed on just 55 communities nationwide since 1995.

History

The Miami Valley is rich in bicycling history. The Wright Brothers developed their theories and models for manned flight in their bike shop at the turn of the century. They sold and serviced bicycles before manufacturing their own line, including the Van Cleve and St. Clair models.

The Dayton-based Davis Sewing Machine Company, later to be known as Huffman Manufacturing, then Huffy Corporation, has been a world leader in mass merchant bicycle sales for decades. It was during his tenure at Huffy that Horace Huffman, Jr. realized a need for a connected bikeway system in Dayton. His legacy continues to this day through the efforts of Bike Miami Valley, the Dayton Cycling Club, and the Ohio Bicycle Federation, all founded by Huffman and his associates in 1965, 1961, and 1980, respectively.

Future

The future of bicycling in the Miami Valley promises to be exciting, dynamic, and attractive. In addition to more trails, there’s been talk of bike lanes downtown, a comprehensive digital bike map of southwestern Ohio, and several partnerships to bring bicycling to the forefront of our community. The Bike Miami Valley board of directors and advisory council are committed to a broad range of initiatives, and our rich history points toward success.

From the vantage point of my bike seat, what I see pleases me more and more as a bicyclist. Let us know how we can create a livable community through bicycling, and watch us grow. Together, the Miami Valley can be a glorious example to the world.

Mr. Boulanger is executive director of Bike Miami Valley. He is a member of the Engineers Club of Dayton, and can be reached at 937-463-2707.