Columbia Association’s (CA) annual BikeAbout will be held Saturday, Sept. 17, with riders setting off from the Downtown Columbia Lakefront. The free, fun and informative tour presents Columbia’s history and showcases the connectivity of its pathway system.
Preregistration is not required but is encouraged via ColumbiaAssociation.org/bikeabout. Columbia BikeAbout will begin at 9:30 a.m. with riders able to start up until 10 a.m. They are expected to complete the ride by 1 p.m.
This year’s route is 10.6 miles. The course will wind through Town Center, Hickory Ridge, Harper’s Choice and Wilde Lake with interpretive stops that include the past, present and future of Downtown Columbia and Howard Community College; Columbia’s commitment to preserving open space, including the creation of Wilde Lake; and the history of the 19th century historical buildings that border Wilde Lake.
To accommodate families with young children, a 1.5-mile ride is available around Lake Kittamaqundi on the pathway loop, offering an opportunity to learn about two elements of Columbia Town Center — the built environment and the enhanced natural landscape.
An important aspect of Columbia’s design was preservation of the land. The topography, stream beds and heavily wooded areas were preserved as much as possible. Lakes were created and pathways built to make the natural environment accessible. Columbia BikeAbout is an easy way to explore the extensive 94-mile pathway system, which contributes to the high quality of life that defines Columbia.
Columbia Association also is seeking volunteers, who will assist with traffic control, directions, registration, and acting as guides at places of interest along the route. Flexible shifts are available between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Training and a free T-shirt will be provided. For more information, email Columbia.Archives@ColumbiaAssociation.org or call 410-715-6781.
Columbia BikeAbout is brought to you by Columbia Association’s (CA) Columbia Archives and Open Space Management.
Columbia Archives, which collects and preserves the history of Columbia, is located in CA Headquarters at 6310 Hillside Court, off Stevens Forest Road. It is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The collection covers the planning and development of Columbia as well as the extensive James Rouse Collection, which chronicles Rouse’s long career that influenced urban and suburban development in the United States and around the world. It is rich with correspondence, speeches, photographs and memorabilia. The public is welcome to visit and spend time researching to get a deeper understanding of the history of Columbia. Appointments are encouraged. For more information, call 410-715-3103 or go to ColumbiaArchives.org.
About Columbia Association
Columbia Association (CA) is a nonprofit community services corporation that manages Columbia, Maryland, a planned community that is home to approximately 100,000 people and several thousand businesses. Additional information about CA is available at ColumbiaAssociation.org.
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