Co-chair of Leadership Columbia Class of 2026 highlights upgrades to Cola Town Bike Collective

A co-chair of the Leadership Columbia Class of 2026 said the class selected the Cola Town Bike Collective as its class project and completed facility improvements to support cycling and neighborhood access.

"We selected the Cola Town Bike Collective because we saw a need to improve their facilities," the co-chair said, adding the work included visible site enhancements. "There was a beautication aspect of it where the class came in a really enhanced the physical space here, from the restroom to what we're sitting in here today."

The presenter emphasized that the effort "wasn't just about bikes, it was about the city," framing the project as part of broader efforts to make Columbia more walkable and accessible for residents and young professionals. They said the class focused on programming and outreach as well as physical repairs: "Now, on the flip side, the part of me and my co-chair, we were a part of the programing side. We really focus on really getting the message out of what Cola Town Bike Collective is doing in the community."

The co-chair also highlighted the practical importance of cycling for some residents: "For many, it's a livelihood. For many, it's hard to get to work." They described the upgrades as intended to magnify opportunities for people who rely on bicycles.

The speaker noted the facility is located in District Four and said the site has a growing role in the area’s community life. They closed by expressing optimism about Columbia’s changing transportation modes and the class’s contribution: "Columbia collectively is growing... Cola Town Bike collective is a part of that. And we're excited that we played part of that story."