Participants in last year’s Pelotonia bike through Columbus. Credit: Shelby Lum / Photo editor

Participants in last year’s Pelotonia bike through Columbus.
Credit: Lantern file photo

Pelotonia, Ohio State’s grassroots fundraising bike ride aiming to alleviate cancer, is slated to have one additional starting location this year in order to maintain rider safety due to an increased number of riders, according to a Pelotonia press release.

“With approximately 7,000 riders expected to participate in Pelotonia 14, a second downtown starting location is necessary to maintain rider safety and alleviate route congestion,” Kristopher Anderson, director of Event Operations and Safety at Pelotonia, said in the release. “Rider safety continues to be our top priority, so this new start location will only enhance the rider experience.”

This year’s ride is set for Saturday, Aug. 9.

Unlike past years, riders participating in the 25- and 50-mile bike rides will depart from McFerson Commons in the Arena District at 8 a.m.

Riders planning to complete the 100- and 180-mile rides will still start at 7 a.m. at the Columbus Commons as usual. In addition, riders who plan to complete the 75-mile ride will still leave from Pickerington High School North, at 7:30 a.m.

Pelotonia was established in 2008 to raise funds for cancer research. The annual three-day event is in its sixth year. In the past five years, Pelotonia has raised more than $61 million for cancer research, according to Pelotonia’s website.