By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Stephen Langendorfer has spent many years trying to build a peaceful co-existence between motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians in Bowling Green.
Last week, he was recognized for those efforts as the namesake for the annual award presented to bicyclists in Bowling Green – now to be known as the Stephen Langendorfer Bicycle “Spokesperson” of the Year Award.
During a City Council meeting, Mayor Mike Aspacher read a proclamation noting the multiple terms served by Langendorfer on the city’s Bicycle Safety Commission.
“He’s been a tireless advocate for cycling of all ages and abilities,” improving the safety and quality of life for city residents, Aspacher said. “He’s left a meaningful legacy that will benefit the community for years to come.”
As a member of the Bicycle Safety Commission, Langendorfer has worked enthusiastically to improve safety, encourage responsible riding practices, and advocate for infrastructure and education, the mayor said.
Jason Sisco, of the commission, then announced this year’s recipient of the newly named Stephen Langendorfer Bicycle Spokesperson of the Year Award for 2026 – Adrien Lowien Kirian.
Kirian, who walked up on crutches to receive her award, assured that her injuries were not due to a bicycle accident.
Sisco noted that Kirian has been an advocate of safe and inclusive bicycling for people of all abilities in the community. She coaches the K-12 mountain biking team of the Black Swamp Rollers. Kirian organizes group rides, races, trail maintenance, and is a mentor to youth and adults, he said.
In other business at last week’s meeting, City Council approved an ordinance allowing the city to proceed with a shared use path along North Main Street, from Poe Road to Nims Road. The municipal administrator can now seek qualifications, advertise for bids and enter into contracts for design, engineering, right-of-way acquisition, construction and other services for the shared use path.
Last year, the city received $3.6 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation “Safe Streets for All” program for the shared use path.
The funds will be used to construct a 10-foot wide paved shared use path and intersection improvements along North Main Street and Ohio 25, from Poe Road to Nims Road. The funding is intended to provide enhanced safety and connectivity for bicyclists and pedestrians in the city.
Bowling Green is now in the process of constructing four multi-use paths in the city:
- North Main from Poe to Nims.
- South Main from Napoleon to Gypsy Lane.
- Linking Cogan’s Crossing subdivision to the BG Community Center, and the BG high school and middle school complex.
- Linking Crim Elementary School to residential neighborhoods and Carter Park.
The North Main path will be built on the east side of the road
Last fall, Amanda Gamby, director of communications for Bowling Green, talked about the importance of the transportation projects. After years of debating the need versus the expense of providing better accommodations for bicyclists and walkers, the pieces – and the funding – are falling into place, she said.
Gamby also pointed out that the entire length of Main Street is being studied for a possible combination of protected on-street bicycle lanes or shared use paths.
“These will increase the mobility options for our pedestrian and bicycling traffic,” including connections for workforces, Gamby said.
At the same time, the multi-use paths are aimed at increasing safety.
“The ultimate goal is zero deaths and injuries for all road users,” she said.
