U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame coming to Dayton?
From a Dayton Daily News article:
Dayton is one of 11 communities under consideration to be the new home of the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame.
Dayton certainly has the cycling provenance, being the home to the Wright brothers (who were bicycle mechanics, let us not forget) and the original home of Huffy bicycles. However the article goes on to say:
the organization is looking for at least 15,000 square feet of climate-controlled and secure space in a community that can provide support, draw in visitors and is bicycle friendly.
This could be a sticking point. I’m not sure about Dayton’s ability to draw visitors and Dayton is far from “bicycle friendly” especially compared to Madison, Wisconsin and Davis, California (which are also among the 11 communities being considered). I’d also wager that the rate of violent crime is lower in those two cities as well (note: I checked, it is; much).
Having said that, it would be quite a coup for the area if they do land the USBHOF and I would certainly visit, were it to come to Dayton. Ohio is the home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (don’t even get me started) and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, so who knows?
I think Dayton could draw a reasonable sized crowd. Wright-Patterson and the flight museum is there as well, as is King’s Island.
But the cycling-friendly could be a show stopper. Then again, it’s probably at least as friendly as most other places would be. Davis, while cycling friendly, has no history to speak of.
I couldn’t find the list of 11. I would assume something in Colorado is in there as well? Austin? PA near the velodrome?
todd, on 2-24-2009 @ 4:20 pm |