Union Terminal is one of Cincinnati's oldest and most recognizable buildings and is on the National Historic Landmark registrars list. Since it's inception as the Midwest train terminal in the 1930's, Union Terminal has changed hands throughout the years, most recently becoming the Cincinnati Museum Center. Working directly with the CMC, a studio was developed to help envision a sustainable future for the building and its surrounding district.

As an avid cyclist, I joined the transportation team of the studio and began research Cincinnati's cycling history. Through my research I found an increasing desire and need for a unified cycling network with much backing from city and private investors.

In the minds of several people, the overall benefits of cycling were quite apparent. From obvious health and environment, to economic and social benefits, the research assembled began to describe a ever-growing need to invest in city cycling.

Assembling statistics and research from several cities that included Cincinnati comparative cities as well as some of the top cycling cities in the United States, it was possible to compare and contrast how well Cincinnati as a city was investing in its cycling program. The results were dismal, finding that of the 12 cities researched, Cincinnati was ranked 10 overall that compared elements of Infrastructure, Policies, Mode Share, and Health statistics.

Diving deeper into the successes and shortcoming of Cincinnati cycling, key aspects were identified through a short survey sent to members of leading cycling organizations in the city. Shown above are highlights of the survey and additional rationale for increased city investment.

As a central concept that began with a re-envisioning of Union Terminal, it soon became clear that in order for Union Terminal to have a future, it must find a way to connect with other parts of the city. Establishing a bicycle network would place Union Terminal as one of three central terminals throughout the city.

In order to achieve the goal of a city-wide bicycle network, a three-phase plan was developed beginning first with an Awareness program. As part of a changing exhibit at Union Terminal, a proposed bicycle display highlighting the history, benefits, and overall pleasure of riding would be set up in the main lobby of Union Terminal.

The second phase would be the development of a bicycle tour throughout the city complete with iPhone Tour Guide App, customized bicycle racks, and attraction markers that would provide an interactive display of information at each stop. This tour would help to not only link Union Terminal with other major attractions in Cincinnati but also provide connections throughout the city.

The final phase would be the development of a Bicycle Hub within Union Terminal itself. Complete with storage, classrooms, locker rooms, and professional bike shop, Union Terminal would serve as the ultimate bicycle haven for cycling enthusiasts.

Utilizing the existing structure and way-finding of Union Terminal, a separate bicycle entrance would be opened from the once, taxi cab entrance. Leading right into the heart of the building, cyclists would be provided entrance into the facility through key-card access and have the option to store their bicycles and use the facilities.

The interiors would have the most modern facilities and provide an experience that would rival the train passengers of the past. With the most up-to-date amenities, Union Terminal would truly become Bicycle Hub of Cincinnati.

Through this three-phase campaign, it would not only ensure a sustainable future for Union Terminal but reintroduce the nation to one of its greatest cities, Cincinnati.