Columbus City Council is taking action to advance the development of a two-mile bike and pedestrian pathway known as the Capital Line, positioned right in the Columbus core. The council convened yesterday to cement a partnership between Downtown Columbus Inc. and the city's public service department, marking an essential move towards realizing the project, as reported by NBC4i. The initiative aims to transform downtown into a more accessible area for bikes and pedestrians, potentially generating significant economic benefits.
According to Downtown Columbus Inc. President Amy Taylor, the project will proceed in phases with the goal of completing the first segment by the first quarter of 2027. "The exciting part is, we will be immediately moving on to phase two, three and four," Taylor told NBC4i. Drawing inspiration from similar urban trails in cities like Charlotte, N.C., and Indianapolis, the project is anticipated to yield a high return on investment, with Taylor citing a $27 return" for every dollar spent.
Plans for the pathway, as detailed by MYFOX28Columbus, include looping around significant landmarks such as city hall and the Ohio Statehouse, enhancing connectivity to various attractions and living spaces. However, specifics about the funding and financial commitment of the city have not yet been disclosed. The project, hatched from resident feedback in the 2022 Downtown Columbus Strategic Plan, exemplifies the strength of public-private partnerships, as lauded by Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther.
The anticipation for the Capital Line is palpable among residents. Columbus local Yesenia Alvarezpadilla told WBNS, "It's just dangerous to bike around town how things are currently set up, so I'm excited to hear about the new bike pathway because it gives folks especially people who are central here to bike around safely, bring kids and everything." The project, taking off with the Gay Street corridor due to its burgeoning residential nature and cultural significance, seeks to not only improve safety and access but to also act as a draw for visitors and prospective residents alike. Heidi Martin, from Atlanta, shared with WBNS that she looks for "bike-friendly areas to go riding" when choosing cities to visit.
