Assignment #4: Public Space

The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway

The Athens bike path, known formally as 'Hockhocking Adena Bikeway,' is located along the bank of the Hocking River as it runs past the Ohio University Athens Campus.

It is primarily used for walking, roller-blading, skating, running, and biking. At several major highway and road crossings, the bike path goes under a bridge for the safety of its users – and with extensions up the road on both sides for easier access. 

This 20-mile path was specifically created for bikers in Southeastern Ohio to enjoy the scenic routes in the foothills of Appalachia, as well to provide a means of transportation from Athens to Nelsonville. Control over this space in conveyed through the defined smooth asphalt that was paved for users to indicate the path, as well as signs, water fountains, and benches all along the path. 

Since this is a public space for all users, there are not many indicators that exclude certain people. The bike path has handicap access for wheelchairs and has no indicators for excluding individuals aside from the occasional police officer patrolling the path for loiterers. The organization of path is laid out across 20 miles of the foothills in Hocking County by smooth asphalt, this indicates that it was specifically created for bikers and individuals who want to enjoy the natural scenic features of the midwest.

Bike Path along the Hocking and Ohio University with lit pathway on campus 

Map of the Full Bike Path from Nelsonville to Athens, OH

Campaign by Black Diamond Biking Company promoting breweries and biking along the scenic bike path

Public funding was used to create this bike way, and it has existed for the past 20 years. Due to the creation of the pathway by the public for the public, it was a planned space created just for the public. This representation of the public space is imprinted in who created and funded the space. The construction of the smooth black asphalt also welcomes users of all, except motorized vehicles.

The narrow construction of the space controls users to only be travelers of feet, bike, skateboarding, roller blading, but no motorized vehicles. It is controlled through concrete polls that are installed in areas in between crosswalks between car roads. The controlling of who may enter these paths only discriminates that of motorized vehicles, indicating this path is only for users who are traveling in eco-friendly ways.

The bike way has rules of etiquette to accommodate such a diverse group of users, however the path invites and encourages public use. Types of users include runners, walkers, children on tricycles, infants in strollers, roller bladers, cyclists, bird watchers, wildflower viewers, and dogwalkers, to name a few.

Rules of etiquette

1.) All users stay to the right to maintain two-way traffic

2.) Pass on the left – slow down and call out before passing

3.) Move off of the pavement when stopped

4.) Bicycle racing or riding in a reckless manner is prohibited

5.) Motorized vehicles are limited to those authorized for emergency or maintenance functions and those used by individuals with disabilities

6.) Keep dogs leashed and curbed

7.) Carry out what you carry in

8.) Leave plants and flowers intact

9.) Remember, the path is shared by bikers, joggers, individuals with handicaps, children, bird watchers and others

10.) No horses allowed

The bike path is ordered in where it was constructed in terms of the most scenic route they could choose along the hocking and foothills of Southeastern Ohio to create an atmosphere of outdoor activity and adventure. The path is also organized in terms of access to facilities like restaurants, breweries, and stores along the path. However, it appears that perhaps those amenities were placed there based on the bike path itself, since it was created well before many of the attractions were put up.

The 21-mile Hockhocking Adena Bikeway is named in honor of the first inhabitants of this southeastern Ohio region. "Hockhocking," which means "bottleneck" of "twisted," was the native Shawnee name for the Hocking River. "Adena" reflects the history of the Adena Indians who lived in the Hocking Valley more than 2,000 years ago. This historic path was planned and created around the history of the old Columbus and Hocking Valley Railroad bed. The Hockhocking Adena Bike Path was a planned space for outdoor activity, exercise, green transportation, and a historic path of Appalachian Ohio's natural beauty, history, and culture.

Typical users of the bike path operate in this public space mostly as the space was 'designed' to function – for biking, jogging, running, and walking. On a Sunday morning in early October, it is common to see both students and adults cycling back and forth between Athens and Nelsonville, strolling with a friend and a cup of coffee in hand, or running beside an animal companion. In this way, it's 'lived in' function closely resembles its 'planned' function.

One evening along the bike path | photo by Bethany N. Bella

The users of the bike path are as eclectic as the City of Athens itself. University students looking to exercise in between classes use the bike path, just as Athens residents and university professors utilize the bike path for morning stress relief before work or a lunch-hour break in between meetings. 

Some parts of the bike path, though, are used more by others – and for other 'uses.' The bend in the path that follows the Hocking River close to the university golf and fitness facilities is occupied more frequently by students, and is used more for walking and running activities. The part of the pathway that leads to Nelsonville is more commonly used by Athens residents, and typically sees activities like biking and cross country fitness training. 

The uses of physical activity and the users representing many demographics of the city support the original design and purpose of the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway. Nonetheless, the bike path becomes a public space for 'unintentional' activities – like smoking and loitering – when daytime bike path goers are gone. After hours along the student-centered parts of the bike path become a playground for those looking to escape prying eyes. Its relative seclusion and minimal lighting makes it an ideal spot for 'unintentional' activities after dark. 

Perhaps because of this 'alternative' reputation of the bike path during darkness, women on campus and in the community do not usually enter the bike path solo, and thus are absent from this 'public' space. The author (Bella) knows firsthand how electrifying and frightening running on the bike path after dark can feel, even if no danger is readily apparent; as well as how isolating the more fringe parts of the path feel (i.e. on the road to Nelsonville) when the sun starts to set and you are miles from the 'safe' dominion of the city proper. 

The bike path after dark

But not every woman of Athens avoids the bike path after dark. Former Ohio University student and local food volunteer Janice Brewer used to traverse the pathway on bike after dark during her days as an Athens resident. Now in California away on a tangerine farm, she spoke adamantly when in Athens about her right as a citizen to use and operate public space (in this case, the bike path) without facing harassment or intimidation.

Janice routinely chose to ride on the bike path at night – a feat not many of her female peers choose to do. But Janice is right: Why should half the population fear this part of the public realm?

The answers, we've been told, are because of public violence, harassment, and (potentially) death by assault. But what if every person could feel as liberated as Janice, to 'cross into' public spaces like the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway as if she, too, felt belonged there?

Imagine a world where all of public space felt free to every person of the public. Is that such a far-fetched reality?