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Bexley to bike for Choices
(by Christine Bryant, Eastside Editor - May 14, 2009)
One in four American women will be physically abused by an intimate partner at some point in her life.
Bexley Police Chief Larry Rinehart knows this statistic all too well.
No matter what end of the county residents live in, domestic violence is a serious issue, and Rinehart's officers are not immune to seeing the destruction to families.
But with the help of an event later this month, Rinehart hopes to spread awareness and put a stop to the violence.
The 2nd annual "Ride, Bexley, Ride" event will take place May 30 and will include a 2-mile bicycle ride or 1-mile walk. Both routes will make stops at the Governor's Mansion and OSU President Gordon Gee's home.
The event will start at Jeffrey Mansion, 165 N. Parkview, with registration at 8 a.m. Registration fees are $25 per person or $50 for a family. The ride begins at 9 a.m.
All proceeds for the event will go to Choices, a local organization that offers alternatives to people living in violent situations, as well as counseling, support and other resources to survivors of domestic violence who do not require residential services.
"Choices against Domestic Violence is a dynamic nonprofit organization that is saving lives and helping victims get their lives back on track," Rinehart said. "They accomplish these things through charitable donations. It is our hope that the bike ride will raise awareness and maybe raise a couple dollars along the way."
In its second year, "Ride Bexley Ride" began after Rinehart - a self-described bicycle officer at heart - wanted to bring attention to an issue close to him while providing a fun event for local families.
"When I came to Bexley I wanted to do something to raise awareness about the good, critical work of Choices," he said. "Many people are not familiar with Choices even though they operate the only domestic violence shelter and the 24-hour hotline in Franklin County, in addition to tons of great advocacy work."
A member on the Choices board of directors, Rinehart began looking into the idea of a bike ride.
"I bounced the idea of a bike ride off of some of our residents and elected leaders and found they were very receptive," he said. "After that, it all fell in place."
Rinehart will lead the event on his police bicycle and several other officers will accompany the riders and walkers on bike and in police cars.
"The ride/walk will highlight some of the most beautiful parts of our city," Rinehart said. "This is a great opportunity for residents to invite friends and show the city off while supporting a great cause."
If you go
2nd annual "Ride Bexley Ride"
When: 9 a.m. May 30 (register at 8 a.m.)
Where: Jeffrey Mansion, 165 N. Parkview Ave., Bexley
Cost: $25 for individuals, $50 for family
FYI: (614) 224-7200
How to contact Choices:
Information and crisis line: (614) 224-4663
Business line: (614) 258-6080
Web site: www.choicesdvcols.org
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