DELAWARE, Ohio — Three employees from the Ross County Health District and Chillicothe City Planning recently completed the Ohio Department of Health’s (ODH) “Train the Trainer” bicycle ride leader training from September 11-13 in Delaware, Ohio. This intense, 30-hour training, expertly orchestrated by Catherine Girves and her team from Toole Design, aims to enhance bicycle safety, leadership, and community involvement across the state.
Attendees, ranging from coordinators of the Creating Healthy Communities Program (CHC) to avid road biking enthusiasts, were treated to a comprehensive learning experience. Inside the classroom, they took part in discussions, route-planning, and role-played common riding scenarios. Outside, the attendees practiced riding techniques, tested their skills in rush-hour traffic, and even led group rides around town.
“The training was about more than just improving our biking skills. It was about bringing those skills back to our community and making Ross County a safer, more inclusive place for all bicyclists,” commented Kim Hardesty, the Ross County Health District’s Director of Health Promotions and Quality Improvement. Hardesty emphasized the value of bicycling as a component of active transportation, a term which includes all forms of travel sans automobiles.
This training aligns perfectly with Chillicothe’s long-term vision. The city’s recently developed “Choose Chillicothe” comprehensive plan stresses the importance of safe mobility options for all and aims for the city to gain a Bicycle Friendly Community Status.
Those interested in Chillicothe’s commitment to healthier communities can find more information about the CHC program on the Ross County Health District’s website. Further details on the city’s active transportation strategies can be found at Chillicothe’s Active Transportation Plan.
Additionally, the Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library offers a unique “Book-A-Bike” program, further emphasizing the community’s focus on bicycling for all.