COP Member • Jeff Stephens

First Executive Director of Consider Biking

Consider Biking is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Stephens as the organization's first Executive Director. Consider Biking is a non profit organization whose mission is to create a better environment for cycling in central Ohio, and to encourage all our citizens to make active transportation a part of their everyday lives.

After several years of consideration by the Bike Development Fund Committee of Columbus Outdoor Pursuits, the Board made a three-year commitment to seed the growth of a local cycling advocacy organization. There are over 130 cycling advocacy organizations across the country, and the 60 that are staffed, have reached self-sufficiency and effectiveness at their missions of enhancing local environments for cyclists. COP is proud to support the efforts of Consider Biking, in hopes that more people will make active transportation a part of their daily lives.

Stephens brings vast experience from a 20 year career in the non profit health industry. His background in program development, marketing, and fundraising, encompass all the critical elements necessary to provide growth to Consider Biking.

First, and foremost, Stephens is deeply committed to the mission of Consider Biking. His involvement in the cycling community extends over a lifetime, and he's been actively engaged in promoting cycling for 20 years. Most recently, Stephens was appointed by Mayor Coleman to the Columbus Transportation & Pedestrian Commission in 2003, and now serves as the Chairman of that Commission. Mr. Stephens was appointed to the Commission as a representative of the bicycling and health community and has been one of Columbus' most vocal advocates to champion more "reasonable" means to move our citizens.

City Council Member, Maryellen O'Shaughnessy expresses support for Stephens by saying, "We value the voice of Jeff Stephens. Jeff's longtime leadership in promoting mobility via walking and cycling, have certainly influenced our Transportation Division to begin integrating these forms of mobility in their plans."

Mr. Stephens is an avid bicyclist; so he brings a first-hand knowledge of the need to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians within our transportation systems. He was an internationally recognized ultra-endurance bicycle racer, placing 11th in the grueling Race Across America in 2001. In addition to his racing achievements, he has cycled in almost every state, and used his bicycle to commute to work and run errands when possible. Stephens has seen the wonderful opportunities afforded cyclists and pedestrians in localities with the foresight and initiative to consider more than the automobile.

Stephens is also the founder of the Columbus Ride of Silence, an awareness event that has drawn over 500 cyclists to memorialize those cyclists killed or struck by automobiles. His leadership in educating local cyclists and motorists in a respectful manner at the Ride of Silence has been applauded by the Columbus Police Department and City Council.

Stephens says, "I'm excited to provide leadership to Consider Biking at a time when our region is calling for more alternative modes of transit. Mayor Coleman's 2012 Initiative and the pending release of the Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan, provide great hope that our community is poised for change. Given the environment, we envision that Consider Biking will grow into the preeminent, and most respected, resource for all matters associated with cycling in central Ohio."

Stephens resides in Worthington with his wife, Julie. The Stephens family are often spotted cycling around Worthington or on the Olentangy Bike Trail, being pushed by their 5-year-old daughter, Paige, on a tag-along bike. Julie also enjoys commuting by bike to work at Ohio State University several times a week.

Consider Biking is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization who's vision is that everyone use a bicycle, and that cycling and walking are respected and safely integrated within our transportation system. The mission is to serve Central Ohio through education, outreach, advocacy, and empowerment to create a friendly environment for bicycling and walking, while enabling all our citizens to make active transportation a part of their everyday lives. Consider Biking champions a positive and dynamic culture for cycling and walking. <<We promote bicycling and walking as healthy alternatives that promote community well-being and preserve the environment.>>

The Central Ohio Bicycle Advocacy Coalition (COBAC) merged in December, 2007 with Consider Biking, a new local commuter cycling organization. The merger brought the energy of the many Consider Biking participants to bear on the major education and advocacy initiatives with which COBAC had experience, expertise, and success. The new organization will continue to use the Consider Biking name.

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