Icon viewers: This a progress report of the Bluffton Pedestrian and Bike Pathway board. It is an abridged version of the offical report created in May by Fred Steiner, member of the committee.

This is the story of one community’s efforts to construct a bicycle and pedestrian pathway that encircles that community, thus improving the quality of life of its residents.

This on-going project to date has generated approximately  $476,278 in donations, grants and gifts-in-kind from all sources.

In addition, hundreds of volunteer hours are the fuel that keeps this project in motion.

What a biking and hiking path means to a community
Bike and walking trails are becoming more and more popular in northwestern Ohio. Area trails range from as short as 4 miles all the way to 76 miles in length. Thanks to the continuing efforts of the Bluffton Bike and Pedestrian Pathway Board, Bluffton is joining the list of communities boasting these recreational gems.

Community-organized bike trails serve various functions in addition to local recreational purposes. Communities with bike trails promote them in a range of ways from promoting tourist all the way to attracting persons to purchase homes in those communities.

These trails represent a vital part of a much larger vision for the supporting communities. That vision includes bicycle advocacy for bike-friendly communities, recreational and commuting opportunities, trail networks, preservation of green space, eco-friendly and energy efficient transportation and healthy living.

The following examples demonstrate how northwestern Ohio communities have caught the bike and hike bug. To view a larger biking and hiking picture of the Ohio several Internet sites show statewide trail maps. Google “Ohio Bike Trails.” Several bike and walking trails are in Bluffton’s own backyards

Blanchard River Greenway – 5.7 miles of asphalt. It is part of the Old Mill Stream Parkway in Findlay. The Greenway includes picnic sites, playgrounds, recreational open space and other features. The trail connects a network of river parks and sites along the Blanchard.

Ottawa River Bikeway and Rotary River Walk – 7.3 miles of asphalt and 3.4 miles of an asphalt connector to Lima. The Walk, located in Shawnee Township and Lima, is part of the Lima Parks and Recreation Division and the Johnny Appleseed Park District.

Slippery Elm Trail – 13.9 miles of asphalt. The Trail followed an abandoned railroad from North Baltimore to Bowling Green, The Wood County Park District is the Trail’s caretaker.

The Tallgrass Trail – 12 miles of asphalt when completed. The Trail, in Marion County, is currently being developed.

The Wabash Cannonball Trail – 43 miles of bikeway, 22 miles of which are paved. The Trail is expanding into a 63-mile bike and walking trail. When completed it will cover Lucas, Fulton, Willliams and Henry counties.

The Celina-Coldwater Bikeway – 4.6 miles of asphalt. The trail, in Mercer County, parallels an existing railroad.

The Miami and Erie Canal Towpath Trail (southern portion) – 55 miles of crushed limestone. The path takes bikes and hikers from Delphos to Piqua through Allen, Auglaize Shelby and Miami counties. A northern portion covering 10.1 miles of dirt, gravel and concrete covers an area in Wood County, which connects the communities of Providence and Waterville.

The Little Miami Scenic Trail – 76 miles of various pavements. The Trail winds along the Little Miami River through wooded countryside and through communities. The trail passes through Yellow Springs, Xenia and Waynesville before reaching downtown Milford.

History of the Triplett Bikeway
While most residents today take the Triplett Bike Path for granted, efforts that went into that project took over 10 years to complete.

The late Ropp and Mary Em Triplett were the original promoters of the idea. They became involved when they learned that the Bluffton park board wanted to have a bike and walking path to the village park that would keep youth off County Line Road.

The Tripletts launched an effort in the late 1970s to create a pathway that went under Interstate 75. They raised $29,480 from 61 donors in the community to get the spec work for the project underway.

The entire project cost much more than that, however.

Mary Em Triplett, who was on the Village Cultural Affairs Committee at the time, had full support of that committee for the project. Other members of the committee were Sandy Miller, chairperson, Sue Fett, Carolyn Urich, Sheryl Schirmer and Jan Simons.

A letter from the committee to Bluffton council in May 1980 stated its dream of having a “foot path and bicycle trail from Harmon Field to the village park.”

“This would be a great community asset,” the letter stated. “The group decided to pursue the idea and see if this could be accomplished by a concerted effort of the private sector, with the backing of the public sector.”

And so, the project became just that: an effort from Bluffton residents and organizations with the Bluffton council’s backing.

“We had two trips to Columbus to talk with Ohio Department of Transportation officials, just on the hang up of going under the interstate,” said Ropp. “Larry Core, who was village administrator at the time, was very instrumental in the design work under the I-75 bridge. That was key to getting ODOT to agree to participate in the project.”

Mary Em said that another crucial point in getting ODOT’s permission to go under the interstate was that the village needed to demonstration that the bike path had a designated starting point and ending point.

The village volunteers and the Bluffton council then outlined the path to start at the Buckeye, cross Main Street and go to the County Line Road. At that point, a dedicated bike-walking path was constructed. It connects Lake Street with Jefferson Street.

The bike path uses village streets from Jefferson to Mound to East College. At East College, it turns east where, just beyond Albert Street, it becomes a dedicated bike-walking path. That path goes behind properties on Albert Street to Riley Creek and under the interstate bridge.

On the south side of the interstate the path travels through the village park until it ends at the large shelter house near the high school baseball field.

The bike path project obtained written approval from all property owners on the bike path side of Albert Street to create the path from College Avenue to the creek.

After reviewing the bike path plan, ODOT agreed to allow the path to go under the interstate.

In November, 1989, the village received a letter from ODOT District One Deputy Director James Schmenk. It stated that Schmenk would come to Bluffton to pick up a check for $10,800 and the final village legislation, authorizing the bike path. Schmenk personally took the check to Columbus, and the rest is history.

“I remember cutting brush behind the houses along Albert Street just to clear the way for the path,” said Ropp. “There was lots of community support and help for the project.”

A citizen-led crew helped clear a 12-foot path and installed tiles where needed for the drainage areas.

On Aug. 18, 1990, the new bicycle path was dedicated.  A celebration, planned by Bluffton Family Recreation began at the Buckeye at 2 p.m. with swimming and water games. At 3 p.m. persons gathered at the Buckeye Park where a ribbon-cutting cut opened the bike path.

The community celebration then moved to the village park, with most participants using the bike path. At the party were more games and a McDonald’s Bingo game. The Bluffton chamber’s Christmas committee held a hog roast. The Bluffton Masonic Lodge also assisted with the roast.

As a point of history, a 1980s effort for a pathway program attempted, but failed, to create a path from Bluffton to Pandora using the abandoned A.C.&Y. Railroad.

Bluffton pathway today – How we arrive here
Imagine a pedestrian and bike pathway encircling the Village of Bluffton.

It could:
• connect the Interstate 75 corridor to the village.
• connect outlying residential areas, including Riverbend and Maple Crest, to the village.
• enable someone to walk, bike or jog all the way around the village, without competing with motor vehicles.

In March 2009 Bluffton village council held a pedestrian–bikeway master plan hearing at the urging of several community organizations including the Bluffton Lions Club. Following the hearing, council established a Pedestrian and Bike Pathway Steering Committee to further explore the concept.

In the fall of 2009 the Lions Club pledged over one-half of the initial master plan study with a matching $4,500 grant.

Bluffton resident Neil Hauenstein of Bassett Associates, landscape architects of Lima, designed a plan accepted by the Bluffton council.

The plan recommended a proposed 9.13 mile pathway around the village. A full-color brochure was created to outline the pathway plan, goals and benefits and show where the pathway might be placed.

The plan identified and sought to preserves green space in the village, thus demonstrating the community’s commitment to recreational activities and addresses pedestrian and bicycle safety concerns.

 Fred Rodabaugh, Bluffton mayor, appointed the committee to see the project to completion. It was given authority to seek funding sources, grants, and creates planning steps and pre-building processes. The committee reported directly to the Bluffton council for final approval of its recommendations.

The committee included Richard Ramseyer (committee chair), Greg Denecker, Dima Snyder, Jim Harder, John Rich, Laura Voth and Fred Steiner to proceed with the project. An ex-officio member was Jamie Mehaffie, village administrator at the time.

At the committee’s formation, Ramseyer said: “A pathway for bikes and pedestrians encircling the village is not a new idea. It was part of a comprehensive village plan created in the late 1960s.

“Several parts of that plan were adopted. However, the pedestrian-bike path is still a dream. We hope to make that dream a reality.”

The committee initially identified two starting points for the pathway. One connected the Riverbend-Maple Crest area to Bentley Road. Another connects County Line Road to the I-75 corridor.

In September 2010, the committee signed an agreement with the Bluffton engineering firm of (Brion) Rhodes and Company.  The agreement enabled Rhodes to assist the village in estimating costs and developing detail design plans for the pathway between Bentley Road and Maple Crest, along the north side of Augsburger Road.

Involvement of Bluffton Lions Club Foundation
The pathway project could not have developed without involvement by the Bluffton Lions Club and Bluffton Lions Club Foundation.

Bluffton Lions have a long history of supporting community projects. One of the oldest organizations in the community, the club was chartered in 1934. It formed as a community service club to create and foster a spirit of cooperation for the needed programs in the community.

And, the impetus for the pathway began with a challenge picked up by Dick Ramseyer, president of the Bluffton Lions Club from 2008-10.

The Lions District Governor challenged the Bluffton Lions Club to initiate a community project. That prompted the club to develop two signature programs:
•  A funding source, which became the Bluffton Lions Foundation’s charity Corvette raffle.
• A community improvement project, which became the Bluffton Pedestrian and Bike Pathway Project.

A crucial piece of the pathway project is the Bluffton Lions Club Foundation. In 2010 the Foundation, a 501 C (3) public charity, formed as a sister organization to the Bluffton Lions Club.

The foundation’s members included Ramseyer, foundation president, and Richard McGarrity, vice president. Other foundation members were Gary Bishop, Lowell Hostetler, Greg Denecker, Vanessa Greer, Elaine Harris, Matthew Jordan and Robert Amstutz.

The charity Corvette raffle program had its first raffle in 2010, raising $25,000 and 100 percent of the financial resources supported are public charities and the pathway program.

The raffle continued until 2013. During its existence it generated $45,611 used for the pathway project.

In November, 2014, the Dare to Dream wine tasting and auction launched at the Sycamore Lake Winery, rural Columbus Grove. The event replaced Charity Corvette car raffle for benefit of the Bluffton pathway program. This annual auction has realized $47,367 to benefit the pathway program.

The following news stories bring the pathway story to the present.

Bluffton receives $61,600 grant for bike path
March 17, 2014

The Bluffton Lions Foundation, Inc. received a one-year matching grant totaling $61,600 from the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation to expand the greater Bluffton bike and pedestrian pathway system in the Hancock County portion of Bluffton.

The announcement was made at the March 14 Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast.

Dick Ramseyer, President of the Bluffton Lions Foundation & Chair of the Bluffton Pathway Board, said, “The primary goal of this project is to enhance public safety and recreation by extending the Bluffton pathway system from its current eastern terminus along a scenic abandoned railroad spur to Bluffton’s Commerce Lane business district located in Hancock County and near the I-75 interchange.”

In addition to the immediate benefits for public safety, appearance and quality of life, the project will benefit residents of the Bluffton-Findlay-Hancock County area by adding to the destinations and opportunities for recreational biking.

The Bluffton pathways master plan, that was formalized in 2009 when the Lions Foundation partnered with the Village of Bluffton through the Bluffton Pathway Board, identified two top priority projects due to the potential to greatly improve public safety on heavily trafficked routes that lack sidewalks: a west side connection along Augsburger Road to growing residential areas and retirement communities, and an east side connection that would link Main Street, the Village Park and the Commerce Lane business district near the I-75 exchange.

The Village of Bluffton’s Pathway Board has already secured a $260,000 commitment from the Ohio Transportation (ODOT) for the west side connection along Augsburger Road which covers 80% of the projected construction cost plus a 20% local match commitment from the Bluffton Lions Foundation. The project is scheduled by the ODOT for construction to begin as early as July 2016.

The Community Foundation is providing grant funding to partially support the completion of the east side connection, a .6-mile, 8-foot wide asphalt pathway along the abandoned Norfolk and Southern railroad spur that will link the heart of the Village to the high traffic business district near the I-75 interchange.

Expected to be completed in October 2014, the bike and pedestrian pathway will provide a safe, scenic and appealing route for residents and visitors and greatly enhance the quality of the greater Bluffton area located in Hancock County. This area includes a variety of retail and hospitality businesses whose customers and employees will benefit from the addition of safe and appealing bike and pedestrian access.

According to Ramseyer, there are many benefits of trails and greenways. “Trails and greenways make our communities more livable, improve the economy through tourism and civic improvement, preserve and restore open space, and provide opportunities for physical activity to improve fitness and mental health. Bike and pedestrian paths provide important transportation options, economic development opportunities and recreational outlets and are also critical transportation links to residences, businesses, schools, dining and other daily destinations.”

The $61,600 grant was approved at the Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees meeting on February 20, 2014. The grant was one of five competitive grants approved at the board meeting, totaling $161,200.

About The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation
The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation will improve the quality of life in Hancock County through collaborative leadership, responsible grant making, and the development of philanthropic giving. Established in 1992 as an outgrowth of a one-time gift from L. Dale Downey, the Community Foundation has granted more than $27 million to fund projects that support our community. Visit www.community-foundation.com or call 419-425-1100 to learn more about how the Community Foundation is helping our community.

First new pathway opens along abandoned railroad bed
Oct. 13, 2014

Now, almost a one-quarter century after the Triplett Bike Path was created, a new bike-pedestrian path opens. It connects with the Triplett Bike Path near Tower Automotive.

The Bluffton Lions Club and Bluffton Lions Club Foundation spearhead this project, in cooperation with the Village of Bluffton. Bluffton Pedestrian and Bike Pathway Steering Committee oversees the project.

This path, named Lions Way, follows the abandoned Akron, Canton and Youngstown Railroad from Comfort Inn to its western entrance near Tower Automotive.

The bike and pedestrian pathway project measures seven-tens of a mile and was built at a cost of approximately $123,000. The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation provided one-half of the funding of the project.

Riverbend-Maple Crest path next
Lions Way is also not the end of this story. The pathway vision is to create a bike and pedestrian pathway connecting Bluffton to Riverbend and Maple Crest on the west side of Bluffton.  Funding for that project is nearly complete and construction is anticipated to take place in 2016.

"The Lions District Governor challenged the Bluffton Lions Club to initiate a community project," said Ramseyer. That challenge, now five years later, will be answered with a ribbon cutting on Oct. 21.

Lions Way donors
The Lions Way Bike and Pedestrian Pathway in Bluffton was made possible by donations from several area businesses, organizations and individuals. Two anonymous gifts also are among donations to this project.

Major project donors:
• The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation
• Norfolk Southern Railway Co.
• Don Snyder Excavating, LLC, Don and Dima Snyder
• Comfort Inn Bluffton, Jamila Noor
• George Kentris, Ann Kentris Arthur, Matthew Arthur and Emily Kentris Coleman
• Citizens National Bank
• Bluffton Hospital
• DTR Industries
• Lewis Family McDonald’s
• Tower Automotive
• Bluffton Lions Foundation
• Hancock Handlebars Bike Club
• Chase Bank
• First National Bank
• Bob Rhodes Co., Bluffton Arby’s
• Tom and Jan Langhals, Diamond Manufacturing of Bluffton
• Ken and Diana Lugibihl
• Dick and Elfrieda Ramseyer
• Springfield Fireworks, Bill and Carol Huff
• Tommy Tire Sales and Tommy’s Trailer Sales
• U.A.W. Local 1327
• Masterpiece Signs and Graphics

Additional donors:
• The Barnett family memorial
• Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce
• Marathon Petroleum Co.
• Subway
• Laura B. Voth
• American Legion Post 382
• Mitchell L. Kingsley
• Cooper Tire and Rubber Co.
• Bluffton Veterinary Hospital and Pet Care Center
• Bluffton Icon, Fred and Mary Pannabecker Steiner
• James M. and Karen Klassen Harder
• Gregory Denecker

Ribbon cut for Lions Way
Oct. 1, 2014 

The public is invited to a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for the Lions Way Bike and Pedestrian Pathway in Bluffton at 4 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 21, according to Richard Ramseyer, chair of the pathway board.

The event takes place at Comfort Inn, 117 Commerce Lane, at the eastern entrance of the pathway. The pathway follows the abandoned Akron, Canton and Youngstown Railroad from Comfort Inn to its western entrance near Tower Automotive, 18717 County Road 15.

Lions Way was named to recognize the efforts of the Bluffton Lions Club and Bluffton Lions Foundation, which spearheaded the project.

The bike and pedestrian pathway project measures seven-tens of a mile and was built at a cost of approximately $123,000.

The dedication program includes an invocation by Rev. Kevin Mohr of the Bluffton Area Ministerial Association, comments from Ramseyer, Judy Augsburger, Bluffton mayor, and Katherine Kreuchauf, president, The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation.

A Foundation provided one-half of the funding of the project.

The pathway vision is to create a bike and pedestrian pathway connecting Bluffton to Riverbend and Maple Crest on the west side of Bluffton, and to State Route 103 business district on the east side.

Trailhead Park  constructed at pathway entrance
March 11, 2015

A Lions’ Way Trailhead Park will be constructed at the Commerce Lane entrance to the Lions’ Way Trail, according to the Bluffton Bikeway and Pedestrian Pathway Board.

When completed, the park will include a 225- by 60-foot green space bordering Commerce Lane.

The park enhanced the appeal and use of the Lion’s Way Trail as it serves as a great bike rest stop for area residents and visitors to the greater Bluffton area.

The project includes several phases. Phase I includes placement of a steel picnic shelter, concrete pad, picnic tables, water hydrant, bikes racks and landscaping.

Implementation of Phase I, estimated at $33,115, will take place from July 6 to Aug. 31 this year.

Phase I funding comes from:
•  The Findlay-Hancock Community Foundation, $12,070
•  Pledges from individuals and businesses who participated in the initial Lions’ Way project
•  Labor from the Village of Bluffton

The Foundation’s portion includes unspent grant funding from its original grant totaling $61,600 to construction the bike path. The pathway board raised a matching amount.

The project has several phases. Future phases call for construction of rest rooms, park benches, playground equipment and parking for vehicles.

Pathway board- Council committee discuss next steps
April 2, 2015

Bluffton council’s streets and alleys committee (Joe Sehlhorst and Roger Warren) was updated on the Bluffton Pedestrian and Bike Pathway Steering Committee progress during a joint meeting of both groups on April 2.

“Now that our two top priorities are completed, where do we go from here?” Ramseyer asked village representatives at the meeting.

Pathway committee members have identified Bentley Road as a possible project, but wanted to hear from village officials on the idea.

Sehlhorst said that a village study of improving Bentley Road from Augsburger to Kibler is estimated at $62,500. That money would include a sidewalk on one side of Bentley and would not include any road widening.

Several ideas were discussed but not action was taken. The two groups decided to meet four times a year as a group.

Lions Foundation gives village $16,370
July 22, 2016

Dick Ramseyer, resident the Bluffton Lions Foundation and chair of Bluffton Pathway Board presented a $16,370 check to the village at its July 18 council meeting.

The check represents the final payment of the Village of Bluffton’s share in the $244,000 Lions Way-Augsburger Road pedestrian and bike path project. Earlier the Bluffton Lions Foundation paid $8,400, making Bluffton’s share $24,770, which is 20 percent of the project.

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has already agreed to pay the remaining 80 percent of the project.

Ramseyer said that bids on the project came in lower than anticipated, which worked out in favor of Bluffton’s total cost in the path.

With the village portion of the project paid, work will begin on construction of a 10-foot wide asphalt biking, running and walking pathway. The pathway will connect Augsburger Road to Riverbend, Maple Crest and Bluffton University’s  nature center.

The Pathway Board has an anticipated completion date of late October 2016. The major emphasis on the Augsburger Road Pathway project is safety. With the development of Maple Crest retirement community and Riverbend residential housing subdivision has created a safety issue for pedestrian traffic on the narrow Augsburger Road.

The Bluffton Pathway board’s next focus is a Bentley Road pathway. It will connect the Lions Way - Augsburger path from Bentley to Grove Street and eventually to Main Street at the Dari Freeze.

Augsburger Road Pathway opens
Oct. 31, 2016

Connectibility, safety and community cooperation joined hands as the Lions Way Augsburger Road Pathway opened last week. Here’s what was accomplished at the Oct. 31 ribbon cutting and dedication:

• Distance shortened from Point A to Point B.

Point A being Maple Crest, Willow Ridge, Riverbend, Augsburger Road residents and the Bluffton University Nature Preserve; Point B being Bluffton proper.

• Safety issues disappeared.

Young and old walkers, joggers, bikers, seniors in motorized wheelchairs, and, yes, vehicle drivers, no longer compete for space along Augsburger.

• Community cooperation in place.

The Bluffton Pathway Board was not alone in making the path a reality. Many local groups, individuals, businesses, industries, county and state groups came together making the pathway a reality. It would not have happened otherwise.

Emphasizing these three points were ribbon-cutting speakers.

Dr. James Harder, Bluffton University president, noted the collaborative spirit and strength of community involvement working together wonderfully making the project a reality.

Greg Denecker, Bluffton school superintendent, pointed to the safety factor the path brings to Riverbend Development youth who up-to-now relied on Augsburger Road to travel back and forth from school to their homes.

Debbie Mohr of the Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio staff, said the path “enhances our small but mighty town.” In the two weeks prior to the ribbon cutting, she witness parents with baby carriages, students on roller blades, bikers and Maple Crest elders on motorized wheelchairs using the path.

Judy Augsburger, Bluffton mayor said that the pathway goes a long way to promote Bluffton. On a historic note, she gave credit to her husband’s great-great-grandfather Henry Augsburger. “He petitioned the township to gravel the road in the 1800s. The success of his petition gave the road its name,” she said.

Also speaking at the dedication was Rev. Jeremy Mann, pastor of Emmanuel United Church of Christ, representing the Bluffton Area Ministerial Association. He provided an invocation.

Dick Ramseyer, chair of the pathway board and president of the Lions Foundation, was the master of ceremonies.

A recognition sign was erected along the path to identify the donors and leaders who provided the financial resources, vision and dedication to the project.

The Pathway board’s focus is now to connect the Augsburger pathway from Bentley Road to the Parkview subdivision, ending at the Bluffton Dari Freeze on South Main Street.

Following are Bluffton bicycle-related stories that affirm the work of the pathway.

Hancock Handlebars appreciate Bluffton rest stop
Sept. 9, 2011

Since 2010 Bluffton has served as a rest stop on the Hancock Handlebars Club Horizontal Hundred annual bike event held each September.

The ride brought as many as 700 bikers through Bluffton annually. The event offers routes of 4 miles, 20 miles, 40 miles, 62 miles and 100 miles.

Bikers are expected to be in Bluffton anytime between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., with most arriving between noon and 1 p.m., according to Paul Craun of the club.

The bike route that includes Bluffton brings bikers from Findlay via Bentley Road at the south. Bikers will head north on Main Street. A Bluffton Lions Club rest stop is at the Bluffton Presbyterian Church lawn. From the church, bikers will head back to Findlay on Main Street and on to County Road 313.

Craun said that the bikers will promote the Lions Club Foundation's Corvette Raffle.

"For many years we have stopped just outside of Bluffton at the village park for our rest stops," said Craun.

"After the streetscaping project was completed we felt that if would be great to have our riders ride the entire length of your beautiful Main Street and stop in downtown to showcase a great small town in northwest Ohio. Many of our riders are not from northwestern Ohio and may have never been in Bluffton. The communities welcome and assistance has been great."

The Ride to Remember inaugural launch
May 2015

Bicycle enthusiasts may register for the inaugural Ride to Remember bicycle ride scheduled Saturday, July 11, in Bluffton. 

The event offers short bike routes for families interested in biking together all the way to a 100-mile route for experienced riders starting and ending at Bluffton Family Recreation, 215 Snider Road, Bluffton.

Richard Ramseyer, president of the Bluffton Lions Foundation, sponsor of the ride, said, “This serves as a springboard to a make Bluffton a bicycle destination and bike center for enthusiasts of the sport.”

Ride to Remember offers a 10-mile loop, a 64-mile loop with cutoffs for 13, 17, 24, 50 and 57 miles and a 100-mile course.

The 10-mile fun loop offers riddles to solve for families participating. There is also a two-mile walk, run, bike loop through Bluffton.

The ride is a fund-raiser for the Bluffton Bike and Pedestrian Pathway Committee. The organization has constructed one Bluffton bike path and is working on additional paths, to eventually encircle the northwestern Ohio village.

Bluffton Family Recreation, CG Pro Bikes and the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce assist the Bluffton Lions Foundation in putting on the event.

Ride to Remember announces second year’s ride
March 2016

Bluffton’s 2nd annual Ride to Remember bike ride on Saturday, July 16, offers several new features, according to the planning committee.

This year’s ride begins and ends at the Bluffton Community Swimming Pool at Main and Snider Road, Bluffton.

The bike event offers several routes, including those for families wanting a biking experience together all the way to serious bikers wanting a 100-mile route.

Among this year’s ride items of interest:
• New rest stops
• Three route options with cutoffs for additional options
• Entertainment from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Lunch options on site
• Optional mass start at 8 a.m.
• 100-mile riders start at 7 a.m.
• CG Pro Bikes, Bluffton, open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for bike adjustments.
• Free showers at BFR

All ride proceeds go to the Bluffton Lions Foundation pedestrian and bikeway projects.

Ride sponsors are Bluffton Lions Foundation in cooperation with BFR Sports and Fitness, CG Pro Bikes, Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce and Hancock County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Over 150 riders generate nearly $3,000 from Ride
Aug. 23, 2016

Last month’s Ride to Remember bicycle ride, with over 150 riders, generated approximately $3,000 for the Bluffton Pedestrian and Bike Pathway project.

That total was announced at this year’s Aug. 22 wrap-up meeting of the ride planning committee.

This year’s ride increased in riders and amount donated as last year’s first-ever ride had 101 participants, generating approximately $1,600 to the pathway project.

Richard Ramseyer of the Bluffton Lions Foundation, sponsor of the event, said that the enthusiasm from riders and the community is growing and that next year’s ride, should be even larger.

While the ride attracts mainly northwestern Ohio bikers, this year’s participants were also from Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.

And, participants ranged in age from 4 to 80 with the average biker’s age at 49. Nearly 100 of this year’s 150 riders were men and 50 were women.

One of the ride’s features provides participants with downtown Bluffton restaurants coupons. The coupons, worth $8 per meal, generate traffic to downtown.

Among comments bikers provided in a feedback form about this year's ride include: “Great ride…great time…thanks so much!...well done…lunch was wonderful…rest stop snacks were very good…very nice people manning the stops…loved the riddles on the route…great route choices…good course.”

Sponsors of Ride to Remember are the Bluffton Lions Foundation, Inc., in cooperation Bluffton Family Recreation, CG Pro Bikes, Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce and Hancock County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Bluffton’s ride includes riding loops from 2 miles all the way to over 100 miles. With the variety of route lengths, participants range from families looking for a great biking experience, to recreational riders and serious riders.

The committee set next year’s event for Saturday, July 8, 2017. The committee will start planning next year's event in January. Volunteers are welcome to assist in the event's planning.

Ride to Remember background
The idea for a Bluffton bicycle event took hold three years ago when Bill Triplett, Bluffton native now of suburban Chicago, son of the late Ropp and Mary Em Triplett, proposed the idea of a bike ride to several Bluffton organizations. His parents helped launch Bluffton's first pedestrian and bicycle path.

The Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure comes to Bluffton 2015

There will be more fathers in Bluffton this Father's Day than ever before. Most of the fathers will arrive on bicycles.

GOBA - the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure - arrives in Bluffton on Sunday, June 21 (Father's Day). Over 2,000 bikers will tool through town from Van Wert via Columbus Grove Road to Grove Street, then Jackson, then College Avenue...on to the GOBAville campgrounds on the Bluffton University practice fields at Rosenberger and Elm.

While countless events are planned for the visitors, all events, activities and food choices are open to the public. The bikers will spend Sunday in Bluffton and before you know it, Monday morning, they are off to Defiance.

Following is the GOBA schedule of events. Activities take place during the afternoon on Bluffton University campus, downtown (Main Street will be blocked off from Main to Citizens National Bank parking lot) from 1 to 6 p.m.

Many downtown businesses will be open and entertainment is planned. In addition, Southgate Lanes' first-ever Summerfest takes place from 3 p.m. to dusk.

CG Pro Bikes business of the year
Dec. 11, 2016

The Allen County Bike and Pedestrian Task Force recognized Bluffton business CG Pro Bikes as Business of the Year because of their enthusiastic work towards the mission of making Allen County more bike and pedestrian friendly.

The announcement was made during the Dec. 8 Allen County Bike and Pedestrian Task Force volunteer recognition meeting at The Met, in downtown Lima.

Monica Harnish of the Allen County Public Health Department, listed several reasons for naming the Bluffton bike shop as Business of the Year.

• Raymond and Liz Harner, owners of CG Pro Bikes, host weekly group rides in Bluffton for anyone interested. The rides have become so popular that the group now organizes themselves if Raymond and Liz can’t attend.

• The Harners have co-sponsored and participated in the annual Bluffton Lions Foundation Ride to Remember Bike Ride.

• They were participants in the Bluffton Lions Foundation’s annual Dare to Dream Wine Tasting Auction Fundraiser, where proceeds are used to construct new Bluffton pathways.

"Raymond and Liz are always ready to help find solutions for people with their bike related concerns," added Harnish.

During the evening, volunteers were also recognized for their contribution to assisting with bike and pedestrian counts, bike rodeos, and their work towards supporting a bike and pedestrian friendly community.

About the Allen County Bike and Pedestrian Task Force:
In January 2013, the Allen County commissioners passed a resolution endorsing the Allen County Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force.  A bike and pedestrian friendly community is a benefit to our local economy by boosting the real estate market and supporting local development; it also helps youth stay active, makes the air more breathable, and increases safety.

Proposed national and statewide bike route network considers Bluffton
Jan. 16, 2017

This is the first in a two-part series on a proposed national and statewide bicycle route network that could pass through Bluffton’s Main Street. Bluffton council passed a resolution approving Bluffton’s participation in the route.

If Bluffton council agrees, the village will be on “the map.”

 “The map” is Ohio’s first U.S. and State Bike Route network map.  It’s part of an Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) long-range plan, Access Ohio 2040. It’s a coordinated effort with local jurisdictions like Bluffton to get the bike route network in place.

According to Beth Clark, of ODOT, who presented the plan to Bluffton council members on Jan. 9, the network is similar to the interstate and state route system of highways.

ODOT will have five U.S. bike routes and 18 state bike routes. One of these, Route 25, may pass through Bluffton’s Main Street. Bluffton’s route is designated as a national route and takes bikers in Ohio from Cincinnati to Toledo. It follows the old U.S. Route 25.

The Jan. 9 meeting was a packed house of pro-bike supporters. Eight persons spoke in favor of the route down Bluffton’s Main Street. They were Jennifer Wilson, Jonathan Andreas, Tobias Buckell, Shelly Miller, Lisa Robeson, Steve Harnish, Raymond Harner and Fred Steiner.

Jan. 20, 2017
This is the second in a two-part series on a proposed national and statewide bicycle route network that could pass through Bluffton’s Main Street.

Ohio Department of Transportation’s long-range plan, called Access Ohio 2040, hopes to coordinate efforts with local communities to designate Ohio’s first U.S. and State Bike Route network.

The network, according to Kirk Slusher, district deputy director, will be similar to the interstate and state route system of highways.

ODOT intents to have five U.S. bike routes. One, a north-south route, is proposed to go on Bluffton’s Main Street. Two will intersect in Beaverdam – one east and west and the other north and south.

The proposed routes intention follows:
• Intended for use by long distance, experienced commuters
• Generally will connect communities or points of interest
• Are a combination of trails and on-road facilities
• Will use facilities that are available today
• Are not a recreational route
• Are not a construction route
• Are not a wish list for future roadway or trail improvements

ODOT’s plans to complete the designation of these routes this spring. Once identified, the routes will be on ODOT’s website.

The route through Bluffton is designated as U.S. Bike Route 25. In Ohio it would take bikers from Cincinnati to Toledo – through Bluffton.

Bluffton featured on county pathway guide
March 8, 2017

As bicycling becomes more and more synonymous with Bluffton, here’s another connection talking up biking in our community.

The Allen County Bike and Pedestrian Pathway Guide, a full-color promotional piece, features Bluffton on one of its panels.

Bluffton’s feature panel includes a map of the village with bike paths, shared use paths and unpaved paths marked.

A brief description of the village states that Bluffton has over 9 miles of paved pathways, crushed aggregate, mulched and natural trails, plus several additional features.

The guide also includes an Allen County map, showing the county’s bike and path opportunities for interested persons.

The guide has supported funding from Activate Allen County, Allen County Public Health Department, Allen County Bike Walk and Allen County Creating Healthy Communities.

Copies of the guide are available at no charge at CG Pro Bikes, and in several other Bluffton locations.

Timeline of Bluffton’s biking, running and walking pathway program
• 1970 – 1980 – Triplett Pathway vision

• 2008 – 2009 – Small group discusses need to expand Bluffton pathways. Results developed a study funded jointly by Village of Bluffton and Bluffton Lions Club

• 2009

March 22 – Bluffton Lions Foundation established as an Ohio Corp.

June 6 – Bluffton Lions Foundation approved as a 501 (c) 3 public charity by IRS

July – The Comprehensive Bike & Pedestrian Pathway Master Plan Village of Bluffton developed by Neil Hauenstein of Bassett Associates unveiled

Sept. 20 – Bluffton council adopts the plan

Sept. – Bluffton council creates Bluffton Pathway Board and gives board responsibility to implement the plan

2009 – Bluffton Lions Foundation creates Charity Corvette Car Raffle fundraiser to provide financial support for Pathway projects

• 2010

2010 – Pathway Board’s focus is research to build pathways along Augsburger Road and extension of the Triplett path to State Route 103 and I-75 businesses

Sept. 12 – Bluffton Lions and Hancock Handlebars Bike Club team up to host  Hancock Horizontal Hundred Bike Tour Bluffton 75 mile rest stop

September – Brion Rhodes, Rhodes & Co., LLC, hired to conduct engineering study to develop the Augsburger Road Pathway – work to be completed by Feb. 1, 2011

October – Bluffton Pathway Board considers pathway using abandoned AC&Y railroad bed as a part of route to SR103 and I-75 businesses

December – Bluffton Pathway Board sends letter to Norfolk Southern Chairman and President C.W. Moorman about using the AC&Y railroad bed for the pathway

• 2011

Jan. 28 – As result of positive response from Moorman, a meeting was held with Solomon P. Jackson, Senior Real Estate Manager, Norfolk Southern Railroad

August – All agreement between Norfolk Southern, Bill Huff (Springfield Fire Works) and Village of Bluffton reached signed – The Pathway can now be constructed

September  – Possible 80/20 matching grant for Augsburger Road Pathway is under consideration by ODOT

• 2013

Aug. 13 – Financial solicitation begins for the 103 Pathway Project … primarily business at SR 103 and I-75

• 2014
March 11 - $61,600 matching grant approved by the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation to the Bluffton Lions Foundation for the SR 103 pathway project

May - George Kentris donates $50,000 parcel of land to Village of Bluffton through the solicitation of the Bluffton Lions Foundation

June 29 – Confirmed by Tom Mazur that ODOT construction of the Augsburger Pathway  scheduled to begin July 2016

July 14 – Don Snyder Excavating, LLC, starts construction of  SR 103 Pathway Project

July 14 –  SR 103 Pathway Project groundbreaking and ribbon cutting ceremony

Aug. 12 – Official name for the SR 103 Pathway project is Lions Way

Oct. 2 – Masterpiece Signs agrees to donate current and future pathway project signage

Oct. 21 – Lions Way Path ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony

Nov. 5 – Dare to Dream wine tasting and auction at the Sycamore Lake Winery - replaces Charity Corvette Car Raffle for benefit of the Bluffton Pathway Program

• 2015

Feb. 20 – Findlay-Hancock Community Foundation approved request to repurpose  $12,070 excess grant money from the Lions Way path to the Lions Way Trail Head Park

March – Bluffton Pathway board starts to review Bentley Road Pathway options

July 11 – First  Bluffton Lions Foundation Ride to Remember Bike Ride fundraiser benefiting Bluffton Pathway projects. Inspiration of the Triplett family to honor Ropp and Mary Emma Triplett

Sept. 16 – Dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for Lions Way Trail Head Park

November – Bentley Road bridge scheduled for replacement in 2022

December – Bentley Road boundary survey…marker stakes place on each side of road

• 2016

Feb. 3 – Joint meeting of Bluffton Pathway board and Johnny Appleseed District commissioners

April – Don Snyder Excavating, LLC, provided estimate to construct new path along Bentley Road between Augsburger Road and bridge

May 18 and July – Bluffton Lions Foundation reimbursed $8,400 and $16,370 to the village for its share of the Augsburger Road Pathway

Aug. 15 – Agreement for a Bentley Trail Study between Choice One Engineering and Village of Bluffton