While cyclists pedal for a purpose all around the city during Pelotonia's Ride Weekend, drivers may run into some inconvenience.
From Aug. 1-2, more than 8,000 riders are expected for Ride Weekend, with routes ranging from 17 to 165 miles, according to a press release. Pelotonia raises money for innovative cancer research at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James. Though most routes are "Rules of the Road" rides on open public roadways, drivers can expect road closures.
Riders expected to follow 'Rules of the Road'
Most roads along the reported routes stay open to traffic rather than being fully closed, Pelotonia spokesperson Katie Wilson said in an email.
Pelotonia's Safety & Training Handbook and Event Handbook emphasize that riders should be familiar with and follow
Rules-of-the-Road riding, like staying right, obeying signals and passing on the left, rather than a closed-course experience.
Turn-by-turn and caution signage marks the course instead of barricades, Wilson said.
Where will roads be closed?
Drivers can expect road closures at:
- Spring Street and Long Street between Hocking Street and Marconi Blvd. in downtown Columbus. Closed with no vehicular access during Pelotonia ride starts and the 17-mile finish celebration Aug. 1.
- Streets around McFerson Commons (West St. area) beginning July 31 at 9 a.m. through Aug. 1 at 7 p.m.
Pelotonia spectators should avoid driving on or over the Pelotonia routes while riders are on the roads.
What are the Ride Weekend routes?
Pelotonia is introducing all-new routes this year, including a 17-mile Downtown loop, the event's shortest distance ever. This route starts and ends at McFerson Commons and North Bank parks and rides through Bexley and Ohio State's campus with a rest stop at Goodale Park.
Ride Weekend 2026 routes/distances include:
- Aug. 1 – downtown Columbus loop route, 17 miles
- Aug. 1 – downtown Columbus to New Albany, 23 miles: Designed for cyclists of all experience levels who are ready for a few hills; this point-to-point route begins in downtown Columbus and finishes in New Albany.
- Aug. 1 – downtown Columbus to New Albany, 46 miles: This point-to-point route begins in downtown Columbus and finishes in New Albany, featuring more hills for experienced riders. This route is at capacity and registration is no longer available.
- Aug. 1 – New Albany Schools to Kenyon College, 66 miles: From New Albany, riders will bike through Granville and Homer before tackling a final stretch of hills ahead of finishing in Gambier.
- Aug. 1 – downtown Columbus to Kenyon College, 100 miles: This route begins in downtown Columbus, passes through Granville and Homer and features a final stretch of hills before the finish line in Gambier.
- Aug. 1 and 2 – New Albany Schools to New Albany Schools, 131 miles: This two-day option includes a New Albany to Gambier 66-mile route Aug. 1 and a 65-mile Gambier to New Albany return route Aug. 2.
- Aug. 1 and 2 – downtown Columbus to New Albany Schools, 165 miles: This two-day option includes a downtown Columbus to Gambier 100-mile route Aug. 1 and a 65-mile Gambier to New Albany return route Aug. 2.
- Aug. 2 – New Albany loop route, 27 miles
Dispatch Reporter Nora Igelnik can be reached at nigelnik@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Pelotonia ride weekend means some road closures in Columbus
