"Using funds from the $1.66-billion bond package passed by Columbus voters in November, the city planned to construct a 2.2-mile trail connecting two pieces of the Alum Creek Trail.
"When city leaders decided not to issue bonds early this year because of budget shortfalls, that project, along with many others, lost its funding.
"But with help from the federal government's stimulus package and an Ohio Department of Natural Resources grant, the bike trail project will move forward this summer, said Brad Westall, greenways planner for the Columbus Department of Recreation and Parks." Read more...
"Police in Ohio are accusing two men of using a bulldozer to destroy a recently created trail along the Cuyahoga River.
"Briton Woolf, 20, and Bryan Gaugh, 23, allegedly knocked over trees and damaged a covered bridge at the Portage Hike and Bike Trail behind the Kent Water Reclamation Facility at about 2:45 a.m. Monday, WEWS-TV in Cleveland reported." Read more...
Here's another report on the vandalism with video. And another video clip here.
"There's something new in the Cuyahoga Valley: primitive camping for users of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
"The National Park Service has opened five campsites behind the Stanford House at 6093 Stanford Road in Boston Township. The new accommodations got a big boost from an Akron Boy Scout's Eagle project.
"The sites are the first established campsites in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and are only for long-distance hikers and bicyclists on the Towpath and Buckeye trails. Drive-up users are not permitted." Read more...
" Federal funding is being sought to extend the Little Beaver Creek Greenway Trail from Lisbon to East Liverpool.
"Dottie Betz, president of the Columbiana County Park District board, met Wednesday with county commissioners to obtain a letter in support of efforts to obtain the money.
"This is part of an effort by the Greater Ohio Lake-To-River Greenway Coalition to lobby area congressmen to secure enough federal funding to complete the proposed 115-mile bicycling/walking trail that would connect Ashtabula to East Liverpool by linking with existing trails.
"Of the 115 miles, 64 miles have been completed, including the 10-mile Little Beaver Creek Greenway Trail that runs from Leetonia to Lisbon, with plans under way to get it extended north the final 1.5 miles to the Mahoning County line. Betz said they would like to extend it another 25 miles to the Point of Beginning in East Liverpool on the Pennsylvania line, following a patchwork of back roads and other means to get there." Read more...
"London City Council is seeking public input on a plan to reroute the Prairie Grass Trail through the city in order to steer bicyclists closer to downtown restaurants, retail shops and other points of interests.
"Wayne Roberts and Casey Elliott, representing the Friends of Madison County Parks and Trails, told council on Thursday evening the current bike route, which channels cyclists mostly along Center Street between the West High Street and Maple Street trailheads, bypasses most downtown retailers and is disliked by users.
"Elliott said the trails group polled users and studied alternate bike paths for 18 months before suggesting both a “business route” and a “scenic route” through the city." Read more...
" For nearly a decade, Mayor Mary Ann Lefker has been beating the bushes to garner support for a 2.5-mile nature trail so hikers and bicyclists can travel between this Clermont County village [Williamsburg] and East Fork State Park.
"Phase I of the Williamsburg-Batavia Hike/Bike Trail, which cost about $250,000, will officially open to the public Friday. A ribbon cutting is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the trailhead on Broadway.
“It’s a beautiful, unique trail,” Lefker said. “There are some hills, twists and turns … and two scenic overlooks.” Read more...
"Ashtabula County commissioners Thursday approved a $20,097 change order for the construction of a bike trail at Geneva State Park.
"...The change order became necessary because original specifications for the bridge over Cowles Creek did not call for replacement of the substructure framework. However, as the design of the new bridge developed, it became evident the existing framework would not provide the correct elevation and would have to be replaced." Read more...
Tipp City has announced it has extended its trail. Vist their web site to learn more and view a small map.
"A Franklin man, already residing in the Butler County Jail for an unrelated charge, will be charged today, May 28, by the Franklin Police Department for aggravated robbery in connection with an April 29 incident that occurred on the bike trail." Read more...
See a previous report on this subject.
"The City of Columbus is faced with more tough financial decisions as low tax revenues continue to trickle into the city.
"Columbus leaders are being forced to scale back infrastructure projects. From road repair to building maintenance, many projects that were expected to be completed have been scratched off the list.
"The city hoped to fund $239.1 million in capital improvements this year. But instead, just 10 percent of that will be done." Read more...
Here's another news brief on the subject.
"Lebanon police said they are still following leads on a rape that occurred on the city’s bike path nearly a month ago." Read more...
Read an earlier report on this case.
"The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is taking a fresh look at its trails.
"Issues to be studied include possible new trails in the park, connections from surrounding communities to the popular Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, the need to rebuild the bridle trails in northern Summit County and the possibility of allowing mountain biking." Read more...
Here's a story on the Trailblazer patrol program at the CVNP.
"After three years of looking at alternatives, work on a main trail to connect the city's east side to the west may begin later this year.
"Park Superintendent Eric Hutchinson asked Council June 9 to accept bids for the Turnpike Trail, which would be the main east to west connector in the trail system.
"The trail will run from Hudson Springs Park to the future location of the Brandywine Trail in the northwest quadrant of the city." Read more...
There's a brief mention of potential federal funding for unfinished portions of the Great Ohio Lake-To-River Greenway at the end of this article.
"Those who enjoy biking, running, walking and being in the great outdoors gathered Saturday at the Noble Township Hall. In correlation with National Trails Day, a new portion of the towpath was dedicated and became part of the Heritage [Trails] Park District. The section begins at the hall and continues north.
"What a great trail to have, linking St. Marys to Delphos and eventually Cincinnati to Toledo, one day it will be like it was 150 years ago,” Miami and Erie Canal Corridor Association Director Neal Brady said." Read more...
"Metro Parks, Serving Summit County, on Friday hired an Akron engineering company to prepare plans to deal with two areas of potential landslides along the Bike and Hike Trail.
"URS Corp. will be paid $40,369 for plans to deal with unstable soil along the trail south of Boston Mills Road in Boston Heights and north of Barlow Road in Hudson."
The news brief also mentions that Summit County Commissioners have agreed to work on a new trail plan with the CVNP. "The effort is being directed by the National Park Service and will involve Cleveland Metroparks. The federal park completed its last trail plan for the Cuyahoga Valley in 1983." Read more...
"One trail idea has come to fruition and another is just getting underway in Van Wert County.
"At 11 a.m. Saturday, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held for the first section of the Van Wert West Recreation Trail for hiking and biking. The 1.25-mile section of the paved trail runs from Richey Road east to U.S. 224, south of Lincoln Highway. A second phase is planned to run under 224 east to Smiley Park in Van Wert." Read more...
"The city of Piqua opened another section of the city’s bicycle path on Friday, which is part of the Great Miami River Recreational Trail.
"A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the three-mile section of the [trail] that extends from Piqua south to Peterson Road." Read more of this news brief which includes video.
Here's piece on a recent ruling against Preble County Commissioners who have been trying to establish bike trails in the area. Landowners have challenged the legality of the county using an abandoned rail corridor for trail use and have won 3 cases thus far in that regard.
Read an earlier report on this subject.
We can find no other news reports on this subject, particularly from the press in the Preble County area, which is most peculiar.
"Outdoor enthusiasts will help cut the ribbon Saturday on the biggest project ever completed by the Kent Parks and Recreation Department.
"The second of two long stretches of The Portage Hike and Bike Trail following the Cuyahoga River through Kent will open this weekend. Workers are expected to lay down the final layers of pavement today [June 5th] on the approximately 2-mile trail section leading from Middlebury Road near S.R. 261 along the river to Fred Fuller Park near S.R. 59." Read more...
Here's another story on the grand opening.
"A piece of village history is becoming the centerpiece of Huron County's portion of the North Coast Inland Trail.
"In a ceremony Saturday, Firelands Rails to Trails took possession of the 1850s railroad depot on Ohio 99 at Monroeville's southern edge, where four railroads once intersected. Over the next year or two, the depot will be transformed into the Donald E. Morrow Park." Read more...
"The Holmes County Park District signed an easement agreement that will open four miles of former railway to development of the Holmes County Trail.
"The perpetual easement, purchased from the Helen Taylor family, gives the Holmes County Park District access to the entire 29-mile trail, from Fredericksburg south to Brinkhaven.
"This is the last piece of the puzzle, so to speak," Park District Director Jen Halverson said. "We now have the entire railbed, either through ownership or by easement." Read more...
Here's the summer schedule for trail maintenance work days on the mountain bike trail at Huffman MetroPark in Fairborn, Ohio.
"When officials set out to restore Horns Hill Park to its former glory as the gem of the city's parks system, it was with the hope that it would again become a place where Licking County residents come to relax and spend time with their families.
"In doing so, they also created an outdoor sports destination that has drawn hundreds from across Ohio and even neighboring states. Officials now say the park might never have reopened after closing for the 2008 season had it not been for the volunteers who spent countless hours reshaping the park at their own expense.
"The former parks director literally walked into a local bike shop looking for someone to build mountain bike trails," said Bob Bevard, a downhill mountain-bike enthusiast from Heath who used to drive out of state to get his fix of the adrenaline-fueled sport.
"Now, Bevard and a growing number of riders head to Horns Hill two or more times a week to bike the four downhill courses they helped build there. The twisting trails require heavy, high-end bicycles and full-face helmets and can launch a rider more than 10 feet into the air on the many jumps and obstacles." Read more...
"With the help and prodding of a new citizen’s group, Ohio State Parks has found money to pave 11 dangerous wooden bridges along the Little Miami Scenic Trail.
"Construction will begin Monday, June 1, closing 25 miles of the trail between Xenia and Morrow, said Alan Ferguson, assistant park manager state’s Cowan Lake Region. The project is expected to be completed by Friday, June 5." Read more...
"A Franklin man is under arrest Thursday, accused of robbing someone at knifepoint on a bike trail." Read more...
This blog covers the recent 2-mile extension of the Piqua Trail.
"Rail-trail users from across the lake-to-river corridor gathered Thursday morning to celebrate completion of the 27-mile-Ashtabula County section of the Western Reserve Greenway Trail.
"Phase III of the trail was wrapped up last fall, with the opening of the tunnel under Route 84 and paving of several miles of trail in southern Ashtabula County. Phase I was completed in 2002, Phase II two years later."
The piece also mentions the multiple bridge constructions that will be necessary to connect the bikeway to Lake Erie. Read more...
"Cincinnati City Council voted unanimously to accept any federal funding, to create a capital grant project account, and to enter into a local public agency agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation for the $2.3 million [Ohio River] trail segment linking Wilmer Avenue and Carrel Street in the East End, which could now begin as soon as fall 2009.
"...In addition to the trail surface, construction would also include a controlled trail crossing at Wilmer Avenue and Airport Road, the remodeling and remediation of an abandoned freight transfer terminal and railroad tracks, landscaping, and trail parking." Read more...
"The Heart of Ohio Tailwinds Bicycle Club recently announced a donation of $1,000 to the Marion Tallgrass Trail. The Marion County Park District has grants to purchase the trail property from CSX and to begin paving the trail, but needs local matching funds for these grants.
"Club members presented the check to park director Karen Kelley at the future Gateway to Health Park on Holland Road, which will serve as the trailhead for the park. The trail, which will be built in stages, will eventually travel 12 miles west to the Hardin County line." Read more...
The bike club sponsors the Hot Tamale Tour which is coming up on June 6th.
"The road to the nation's future, as the League of American Bicyclists sees it, will be bracketed by bike lanes and happily pedaling cyclists who feel safe and secure in their communal comfort zone.
"It's enough to make Middleburg Heights resident Fred Oswald retch.
"That's not because Oswald hates bikes or bikers. On the contrary: He is one. He rides some 5,000 miles a year, including almost daily commutes to and from his job as an engineer at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. He lobbies for bike-friendly state and local code reform. He writes bike-safety curricula for cyclists and police.
"But he detests bike lanes and bike paths, and the aggressive agenda pushed by the league's leadership and its pro-bike and pro-environment allies. Their shared goal: to get billions of government dollars for thousands of more miles of bike-isolating pavement for millions more Americans on bikes.
"Those organizations might as well funnel cyclists into stockyard chutes, Oswald says, because they're herding ill-equipped novices to a traffic slaughterhouse." Read more...
"Three people, including a father and daughter, were flown to a Dayton hospital after a bicycle collided with an ATV on the Little Miami Bike Trail.
"The crash happened just before 10 p.m. Saturday, May 23, on the bike trail near the intersection with New Burlington Road in the Corwin area of Warren County just south of Waynesville, WKRC-TV Local12 reported." Read more...
Here's a 5/25 update on the story that reveals more details on the accident.
"The first of four community meetings for the Valley Parkway Trail Alignment Project is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Broadview Heights City Council Chambers, 9543 Broadview Road.
"The purpose of the meeting is to identify existing conditions in the study area, which extends from Ridge Road east to Brecksville Road along Valley Parkway. The plan also takes in the areas 1 mile north and south of Valley Parkway along that stretch." Read more...
Here are some updates on the progress of the OTE from their spring newsletter:
The slow economy has affected everyone, including the Ohio-to-Erie Trail Fund which has seen a marked decrease in contributions this year, especially from corporate and foundation contriubutors.
Consider donating to the Ohio-to-Erie Trail Fund to help close the remaining gaps in the trail. The fund spends less than 3% annually on fundraising and is a tax deductible non-profit corporation. Visit their web site or email jrampelt@columbus.rr.com.
Or mail your donation to:
The Ohio-to-Erie Trail Fund
118 Graceland Blvd. #146
Columbus, OH 43214-1530
In case you've missed it, ODOT has posted its Ohio trail news & updates for 2009.
"If you're a motorist passing a bicyclist on a roadway, make sure your car stays at least three feet away from the bicycle. That's the safety rule that bicyclist groups want to put into Ohio law, so that drivers who violate it could be handed a traffic ticket. Chuck Smith is chair of the Ohio Bicycle Federation. He says that a dozen other states already have that kind of law."
Read the complete news brief that also features audio.
Included in this article on biking culture in Toledo, is a report on trail expansion plans in the area.
"As more sections of the north-south Miami County Bike Trail [Great Miami River Trail] are completed, planners are looking to extensions east and west and to county parks.
"In the meantime, they’re also hoping to finalize, by month’s end, the path for a key trail section north from Lytle Road at Troy to the area of the Eldean Covered Bridge over the Great Miami River between Troy and Piqua." Read more...
"Cincinnati City Council is considering an ordinance that would allow the City to accept $1.75 million in federal economic stimulus funding to build a portion of the Ohio River Trail in the East End." Read more...
"The ownership dispute over Licking Township land proposed for a bicycle path is not finished despite a recent ruling by Licking County Common Pleas Judge Thomas Marcelain.
"John G. Neal, the attorney representing township residents opposed to the bike path, said Wednesday the residents will appeal Marcelain’s April 29 ruling in favor of the Thomas J. Evans Foundation." Read more...
Read an earlier report on the court ruling.
"...With the Memorial Day weekend approaching, Ohio's bike/hike trails will be busier. Every year, at least a few other parks groups or cities that maintain trails call the London folks for tips on how to organize and run a successful sentinel program.
"A dozen volunteers patrol the Ohio to Erie Trail at least four hours every month. Each is trained in CPR, first aid and bike repair. Local police officers give the sentinels a crash course in defusing situations and coach them on what to do in emergencies." Read more...
The future connection of the Little Miami Trail, from Lunken Airfield to downtown Cincinnati along the riverfront, is called 'The Final Link.' Learn more about this trail connector and the fundraising efforts needed to make it happen.
"The Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) has released the 2009 Cincinnati Bike Route Guide, and it's now available in print or online (PDF).
"Prepared by OKI with assistance from the City of Cincinnati Department of Transportation and Engineering, Bike/PAC, the Cincinnati Cycle Club, and other area bicyclists, the map covers most of Hamilton County in Ohio and the northern parts of Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties in Kentucky." Learn more...
We've added a link to this map on our Map page under 'City Networks' in the left-hand margin menu.
Police are investigating the similarity between two attacks along bikeways in the Little Miami Trail system. The most recent was reported a few days ago and occurred on the Lebanon Trail. The other incident took place in 2006 along the Little Miami, not far from the Lebanon Trail junction. Read more...
Here's an article that suggests it's too early to link the two incidents.
In light of this recent news, here's a piece that offers some tips on safe trail travel. Also, visit our Bikeway Safety page to learn more.
"The Pleasant Street bridge over the Little Miami Scenic Trail will be replaced this summer.
"The aging bridge will be removed and replaced with a 14-foot-tall, 10-foot-wide box culvert pipe that will serve like a tunnel for the bike path below, City Engineer Leo Shanayda said.
"The pipe, which will be lighted for trail users, will be covered with dirt and the road will go on top." Read more...
"Lebanon police are investigating a sexual assault that happened outdoors in broad daylight.
"Police said the 22-year-old woman told officers that she was walking on a bike trail near the Lebanon National Guard Armory just after 3 p.m. Sunday when she was attacked." Read more...
Here's an earlier news brief on the assault.
"The city hopes to expand its bike trail from the MetroParks Hike and Bike Trail parking lot at Springdale Road to the intersection of Hudson Drive and Springdale Road.
"To do so, Stow applied for $50,000 from the Ohio and Erie Canal Corridor of the Summit County Trail and Greenway community grant project.
"The request for money for the 900-foot asphalt addition was approved April 23 by Council." Read more...
"Officials with a northern Auglaize County village are set to unveil what its village councilors call a “master plan” to provide safety to children and link the community to outlying areas. Cridersville Mayor Lorali Myers said Monday Cridersville Village Council members intend to showcase their plans to install a network of walking and bicycle paths during an open house at 6:30 p.m. June 1 at Otterbein-Cridersville.
"The proposed project is part of the Ohio Department of Transportations’ (ODOT) Safe Routes to Schools program. Myers said she hopes the village is a prime candidate for the $250,000 grant. “The students in our new school are between the ages of five and 10, and the primary road leading to the school (Reichelderfer Road) is not conducive to walking,” Myers said after Monday’s village council meeting. “This is an opportunity for us to look at that and see how we can improve the safety for the students.” Read more...
Here's a related piece on Bicycle Safety Day that was held in Wapakoneta recently.
"The city got a bit of a wrench thrown in some of its future plans recently.
"Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Mavis said, in preliminary chats with the railroad company, an issue arose in the city’s plan to connect Kokosing Gap Trail and the Heart of Ohio Trail near Foundation Park. The railroad company has a strict policy against pedestrian and bicycle trails crossing working railroad lines. For the city to connect the two trails, they would have to dig a tunnel or build a bridge to get across the working railroad line that passes between Foundation Park and the land near The Station Break." Read more...
"A county recreational project that has been 10 years in the making could break ground for construction as early as this fall.
"Marion County Parks District Director Karen Kelly on Friday presented an overview of the local rail-to-trail project she took hold of four years ago to the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and other local and state-wide representatives who meet regularly to share tips and plans about trail initiatives across Ohio.
"The purchase of 182.6 acres that will form the bike trail, an almost 12-mile route, should be finalized in the next two months, she said. Additionally, construction on the trail head that begins along the Little Scioto River and Holland Road should begin by the end of May." Read more...
"The city of Mount Vernon Parks Department is carving accessible trails around West Lake and East Lake at Foundation Park this spring.
"...The work is expected to take two weeks, with finish grading, tree trimming and planting this summer. The trails will provide views of the lakes as well as the Kokosing River. Two picnic areas are planned along the new trails.
"...Future uses in the park will include paved bike trails which will connect with Riverside Park along the dike way, paddle boating and mountain biking. Rest rooms, an amphitheater and activity center building are being planned as possible park structures." Read more...
Here's an article that details recent visits to the Holmes County, Maple Highlands and North Coast Inland Trails.
More details have been reported regarding the Licking County Judge's ruling in favor of the Evans Foundation in the disputed trail build in Heath, Ohio.
The landowners had several points of contention, including: that they had been paying taxes on the land in question and that the corridor had legally reverted back to them when the tracks were removed. This piece explains the judge's ruling on those points.
Read an earlier post on this matter.
"The Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) has updated its 1993 regional bike plan, identifying problems and making recommendations to improve bicycling conditions in the counties of Boone, Butler, Campbell, Clermont, Hamilton, Kenton and Warren." Read more...
A Licking County judge ruled in favor of the Evans Foundation in the disputed trail build between Heath and Hebron, Ohio. However, there are no plans to resume paving while the legal process continues. The residents who contested the ownership of the trail corridor have up to 30 days after the case is decided to appeal the ruling. Read more...
"A devoted walker gets an unwelcome surprise when his morning stroll is interrupted by a man with a knife.
"It happened Wednesday morning on the bike path at Crain's Run Park. That's when police say a walker called them to report a robbery." Read more...
"... the Western Reserve Greenway, remains under construction in various parts of Trumbull County. When it's done, it will connect Trumbull County to Ashtabula and Mahoning counties as part of the Great Ohio Lake to River Greenway.
"Now, work on three parts of the bicycle path is being done." Read more...
View a map of GOLTRG.
"...ODOT has awarded $250,000 to the Ripley-Union-Lewis-Huntington School District and the village of Aberdeen for the construction of a one-mile shared use path and for educational programs that promote walking and bicycling to school safely...
"The $250,000 will also include funding for bike racks for the village to use as well as educational safety materials." Read more...
"...The three-hour open house gave residents an opportunity to view a draft of a study, which outlines the best locations for the development of recreational outlets, including bike trails, walking paths and parks. The year-long study, conducted by Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, is intended to be a framework for local governments and developers for planning-related decisions. The information will be used to help villages and municipalities develop bike trails, walking paths and parks, in the future." Read more...
A 1/4-mile section of the Akron Bike-Hike Trail will close on Monday for a culvert replacement. See the news brief.
"Construction is scheduled to begin this year on at least a dozen bike and pedestrian projects in the region, from Austin Boulevard in the south to Piqua in the north and from Union City in the west to downtown Xenia in the east.
"...The Piqua project is one of four breaking ground this summer on the Great Miami Trail in Miami County. The others are in Troy, Tipp City and just south of Piqua."
The work also includes the installation of regional trail signage. Read more...
"A draft of the Fairfield County Active Transportation and Open Space Plan will be available for the public to view at an open house April 23.
"A new study outlines the best locations for the development of recreational outlets, but officials want to hear from the community about what they want." Read more...
"A "Rails to Trails" project proposed by the Guernsey County Community Development Corporation to span an abandoned railroad bed from Lore City to Senecaville is raising the ire of several residents along the proposed path." Read more...
"City officials want to have a bike trail that connects Oakwood to the bike trail that runs along The Great Miami River, according to Oakwood City Manager Norbert Klopsch.
"There is no definite plan yet, but Klopsch said city officials have been discussing several options with the engineering firm LJB, Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, Miami Conservancy District, and the University of Dayton." Read more...
"City officials are moving forward with plans to draft a citywide bicycle route master plan to better link the city's existing trails with parks, schools, shopping centers and other destinations throughout town." Read more...
"It's looking more likely that Reynoldsburg will receive $425,000 in federal stimulus money to construct a multi-purpose trail system around Civic Park.
"The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, responsible for distributing $28 million for transportation-related funds in Central Ohio suburbs as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, finalized a list of projects Monday, March 31 for consideration.
"Development Director Lucas Haire said construction of a trail system around the 137-acre park along Blacklick Creek has been on the city's to-do list for a while." Read more...
As funding begins to line up with the approved projects, Ohio communities are learning what to expect in their area.
This piece from Champaign County mentions a funding search for the Simon Kenton Trail's proposed 18-mile expansion through West Liberty to Bellefontaine. It also summarizes the Franklin County Trails that will receive funding, including $2.1 million for the Alum Creek Trail in Columbus, Ohio. Read more...
A trail cleanup day for the I-670 Bikeway is scheduled for April 9th from 10 am to 12 pm. Read more...
Buried in this piece on much-needed road work in Broadview Heights is a mention of a 5-foot bike lane that will be added to Broadview Road when it is resurfaced.
"For decades, the Mill Creek has been viewed as a detriment to the communities around it. The polluted condition of this waterway, which cuts through the middle of Hamilton County and empties into the Ohio River, caused one national river conservation group 12 years ago to call it “the most endangered urban river in North America.
"But the Mill Creek corridor is on the cusp of a major transformation. The first phase of a plan to change the corridor into an area that people will want to live near and visit is about to get under way.
"The non-profit Mill Creek Restoration Project will begin building a 0.6-mile hike/bike trail along the creek from Salway Park in Spring Grove Village to the Dooley Bypass and Ludlow Avenue in Northside." Read more...
Buried in this Madison County report is word that 6.5 miles of the Prairie Grass Trail will be seal coated this year.
"The Thomas J. Evans Foundation awaits a ruling from Judge Thomas Marcelain that it hopes will end the bike path dispute in the foundation's favor.
"The foundation and numerous Licking Township residents have been locked in a stalemate about ownership of a strip of land from Heath to Hebron that previously was used for a railroad." Read more...
A short stretch of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail will be closing in a few days for repairs. Read more...
"Sandusky County Park District officials are waiting to hear if any federal stimulus money is heading their way to complete the next phase of the North Coast Inland Trail."
"...The Ohio Department of Transportation Enhancement Grant supplied money for previous phases. Those funds, however, have been frozen because of the economic climate..." Read more...
A proposed trail from Bellbrook to Spring Valley would connect with the Little Miami Trail. Unfortunately it would also have to cross private property and therefore raises some concerns. Read more...
Bridge construction has begun over Rt. 104 in Chillicothe. The bike bridge will link two sections of trail that are separated by the roadway. Read more...
Plans are coming together for the last leg of the Ohio & Erie Towpath Trail into the Flats and to Lake Erie at Cleveland. The proposed Cuyahoga & Mahoning Rail-Trail would provide the last link needed for the towpath to reach its final northern destination. Read more...
"A proposed hike and bike trail plan in the works since 2006 cleared another hurdle at the March 9 meeting of the planning commission.
"The planning commission unanimously approved the half-mile, 8-foot wide asphalt path along the turnpike, to be known as the Stow Aurora Trail, which will run along the turnpike from Hudson Aurora Road to Stow Road." Read more...
A new color-coded map is being drafted for cyclists looking for the most bike-friendly streets in Franklin County. The map will denote streets that are safe for all skill levels, moderately safe, or only for the most experienced riders.
The difficulty levels are based on several factors including traffic and truck volume, speed limits, pavement quality and lane width. The free map will be available in May. Read more...
"The city's multi-use trail project is running ahead of schedule by about a month, and construction could begin on it this summer.
"Otherwise known as the New Carlisle Bikeway, the trail has been in the design stage for two years. It will be the first such trail in western Clark County and will someday connect with Springfield's trail at George Rogers Clark Park." Read more...
With economic stimulus money coming into the state, one may well wonder how Ohio trail projects and bikeway plans will benefit. According to this commentary, southwestern Ohio residents shouldn't hold their breath.
Commentary: We wouldn't suggest that road and bridge projects shouldn't have priority when it comes to rebuilding or maintaining transportation infastructure. But transportation planners that put trail programs at the bottom of their lists reveal a number of things about their thinking, such as:
Transportation plans that display this cars versus trails mindset are short-sighted. Incorporating alternative transport with current road and bridge projects -- when both plans share the same turf -- is a much wiser long-term approach that adds minimal extra cost. In urban areas where much-needed transportation projects abound and ped and bike travel is often problematic or impossible, there should be ample opportunities to serve both needs.
A sluggish economy can be a boon for those taking bids for construction projects. Tipp City accepted a bid nearly 35% under the engineer's estimate to build a trail in Kyle Park for a savings of over 57k.
The project attracted an impressive 17 bids, all of which came in under the engineer's estimate. Read more...
This Cincinnati area project involves combating soil and bank erosion as well as greenway development that includes trails. Read a summary of the project or view the web site and learn more about the master plan.
"Meetings will be held next week to start planning for construction of a paved bike trail at Geneva State Park.
"Ashtabula County commissioners on Thursday approved the bid of Mr. Excavator, a Kirtland company, for the project. Mr. Excavator's base bid of $325,105 was the lowest of the nine bids received. Commissioners also approved three enhancements, which bring the total package to $427,454." Read more...
Read a previous post on this subject.
The Granville Rotary Club is working to connect a local trail to the nearby Thomas J. Evans Bikeway. The project involves a challenging bridge build to Racoon Valley Park, along with repairing an eroded section of bikeway at the proposed bridge site. Read more...
"Metro Parks, Serving Summit County unveiled plans Wednesday for a new visitor center and a new trail at Liberty Park in northern Summit County.
"The visitor center would be the park district's second. The other is the Seiberling Nature Realm off West Smith Road in Akron that is closed for major renovations. The park district is considering similar facilities elsewhere in the county." Read more...
"If you enjoy mountain biking, here's your chance to do your part to help maintain the trails that we enjoy. The Cleveland Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) is holding one of their trail building sessions this Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 9:00am at West Branch State Park, near Ravenna." Read more...
"...Council members also approved two appropriations of $38,000 and $31,000 to pay for engineering services that will mean new bike paths in the Windsor Park addition and between the Westgrove development and the Town Center, respectively." Read more...
"The Lorain County Metro Parks system plans to expand the trails at one of its most popular parks.
"Currently, the Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation has 1.2 miles of paved trail that loop past a small marsh into the Beaver Creek Valley and through a pine forest. By 2010, that trail will nearly triple in size as the Metro Parks add 3 miles of paved trail." Read more...
Visit the park's web site.
"A project to build a half-mile extension of the Blanchard River Greenway Trail in Findlay has been suspended by the state, and is not on the state's short list of projects to be funded. The Hancock Park District board had halted the project in September because of climbing costs, but resurrected the project last month when a grant request was made to the state Department of Transportation.
"The grant was sought after the state contacted park district personnel last month seeking "shovel ready" projects which could use federal funds, expected to be approved by Congress soon to spur the economy. The park board decided to request a grant, but there was no guarantee the project would receive funds, and it did not." Scroll to 'Bike Trail' on this page to read more.
A landowner was provided gates to move his horse across the Heart Of Ohio Trail, when necessary. Knox County Commissioners have decided to remove them claiming the gates have been used to unnecessarily block the trail at times. "The commissioners advised that when maintenance workers are sent to remove the gates, they should be accompanied by a sheriff?s deputy." Read more...
Read an article that gives the landowners perspective on this issue.
Commentary: We must admit that we don't fully understand the controversy here. It's not unusual for property owners to own land on both sides of a trail corridor and require access across a trail. Farmers typically do this from time to time with their pickups, tractors or livestock. They simply regard the trail as a road and yield right-of-way to trail users to cross safely. This is often done at a pre-determined point to control the traffic impact on the trail as well.
When these situations occur in rural settings, as appears to be the case here, trail traffic is sparse and sporadic and causes little or no inconvience to property owners doing what they need to do. So, the big question is: "Why were gates needed here?" It appears that the proverbial mountain may have been made of the mole hill in this case. If you can shed more light on this issue, contact us.
The 1444-mile Buckeye Trail is commemorating its 50th year with a number of events across the state. Read more...
..."Started last year and continuing into this year is clearing of a walking and bicycle path along the Sandusky River in cooperation with Clinton Township trustees. Tentatively named "Clinton Trails," the stone path starts at the north edge of Tiffin's Schekelhoff park and is to continue down an unpaved township road to TR 132, providing about three miles of traffic-free bi[k]ing and walking for families. The first phase might be finished this spring." Read more...
"The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), which administers the Clean Ohio Trails Fund, is reviewing grant proposals for trail projects across the state that will help develop and revitalize communities.
"ODNR received 40 grant applications for the Clean Ohio Trails Fund from local entities statewide. Total projects are expected to cost $24.9 million with grant requests totaling $10.1 million. Applicants must provide a 25 percent local match for their projects. ODNR will award $6.25 million in Clean Ohio Trails Fund grants in 2009. Recipients will be notified this summer." Read more...
"Today, President Obama signed into law an economic recovery package that contains $825 million in funding for Transportation Enhancements. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) applauds Congress for its foresight in recognizing the job creation benefits of building bicycling and walking infrastructure, including trails. While representing less than two percent of transportation funding in the bill, this investment could create tens of thousands of jobs and critical active transportation connections that communities need." Read more...
Restoration of the historic Richard Rowe House was one of 10 projects awarded grants by the Ohio & Erie Canalway Association. Read more...
The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail will span roughly 110-miles along the old canal route, when completed.
"The proposed shared-use path along SOM Center Road in Willoughby and Willoughby Hills will be considered this week by the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency's Transportation Advisory Committee. Read more...
View an earlier report on this trail project.
"Bids for a mile-long bike trail at Geneva Lodge and Conference Center are on the table for review.
"Ashtabula County Commissioners on Thursday received the bids that were opened Feb. 11. Nine contractors bid on the project, which has a base bid of $352,523.80 and will be funded with $100,000 of Community Development Block Grant money and $300,000 from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources." Read more...
Among the $420 million-dollar projects that Cuyahoga County has ready for consideration for the economic stimulus program, is "$187 million to complete the Towpath Trail, relocate the port, stabilize the Riverbed Road hillside, advance the Green Bulkhead Project, redevelop the lakefront and create a bridge from the Towpath trailhead to Wendy Park." Read more...
"Newark is applying for money to extend the bicycle trail north from Manning Street to Waterworks Road.
"The idea is to eventually close the northern loop of the trail, which currently ends with two spurs -- at Goosepond Road and at Baker Boulevard. " Read more...
Learn more about this trail.
Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC), chair of the Senate Steering Committee, was recently quoted on the stimulus bill as saying, ?When people see bike trails and hiking trails and golf courses, they know this is not designed to stimulate the economy and create jobs,? DeMint says. ?It?s just basically special-interest pork barrel spending..." Read the full article.
It's revealing to hear politicians that are clueless about the benefits of any form of transportation projects other than those for the almighty automobile. Sure, keeping highways, roadways and bridges properly mainained is essential. At the same time, building alternative transportation corridors that can reduce traffic on traditional roads, reduce oil consumption and energy use should hardly take a back seat. Especially when you consider pedal-power is also preventative health care in a society that's struggling with afforable health care costs and obesity.
Fortunately, some politicians do get it, such as Congressman Earl Blumenauer from Oregon. Here's his take on the subject.
Does your representative in Washington know your views on bike trail spending? Let them know. Contact your local senator or congressmember.
The Cleveland Planning Commission approved the Big Creek project on Friday, making it a part of Cleveland's master plan. The plan includes cleaning up the Cuyahoga tributary, building a trail link from the Cleveland Zoo to the towpath, and redevelopment that could include an adventure sports area. Read more...
Read a related article. View an earlier post on this subject.
The city of Loudonville is taking consruction bids for a trail that will effectively connect the downtown to Riverside Park and the existing bikepath to Mohican State Park Class A Campground and the Pine Run Grist Mill. Plans include a 116' single-span bridge over the Black Fork River in Riverside Park. Read more...
"Rod Wilson and Greg Gurney, both of ODOT, said the plans they developed for the project depended upon 66 feet of right-of-way property along state Route 14, in the village's center; however, after further investigation they found the village owns 30 feet and that 36 feet may be owned by Jack Waggle under a quit-claim deed. Waggle currently uses the property for parking spaces for his End Zone sports bar." Read more...
A 1/4-mile trail spur, known as the Buchert Trail, opened recently as a new connection to the Headwaters Trail. It includes an observation deck overlooking the Cuyahoga River. Read more...
An Akron transportation agency has drafted a transportation plan that includes $105 million for bicycle and pedestrian improvements through 2030.
The report, "... 'makes maintaining existing roads and bridges the highest priority for investment of transportation dollars,' said Jason Segedy, the agency's executive director. 'The draft plan includes recommendations that ensure that the area will retain viable transit service and will complete a regional system of bike trails.' "
Public hearings will be held February 10 & 11 where the draft will be open for public comment. Learn more...
" The plan presents 'a new vision for the Valley Greenway. The creation of this vision incorporates detailed future land use, public access, infrastructure, ecological restoration and environmental regeneration, open space and trail linkages and economic development concepts.' "
The plan is being presented to the Cleveland Planning Commission on Feb. 6. Learn more...
Here's another post on the subject.
"On Wednesday January 7, 2009, the Preble County Commissioners noted receipt of a court case filed in Common Pleas Court by Paul A. Beisner. The Beisner case represents the third lawsuit filed against the County Commissioners over the same issue. All have been in response to the county claiming title to old railroad property that two of the complainants have already proven they own." Read more...
Though this dispute has apparently been going on for several years, this is the first we've heard of it. If anyone has a response from the Preble County Commissioners, or knows their position on this matter, submit it and we'll post it here.
"Village engineering consultant Bird & Bull will present a $3 million plan for new utility lines and a new road and bike path to serve existing and potential development on River Road north of Ohio 16." Read more...
This is a follow up to an earlier report on 1/6/09 regarding a body found along the Olentangy River in Columbus, Ohio. The corpse has been identified and is being investigated as a suicide at this time. Read more...
"On June 11, 2001, a $56,701 contract was awarded to Poggemeyer to provide professional engineering services for ?Various Bikeway Projects,? including the Stadium Road Bikeway, phase I, the Municipal Complex Connector, phase I, and the Pearson Park connector.
"The city received a $228,000 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) grant from the Federal Highway Administration to fund the construction of the Pearson Park connector in 2010."
Included in the plans is a unique railroad crossing design where users enter a type of maze and are forced to dismount and walk to cross railroad tracks. Though this concept has been used elsewhere, it may be the first of its kind in Ohio. Read more...
The city is using public input to help shape their bikeway plans.
"The extended plan for the bike trails in the city would connect with the Great Ohio Lake-to-River Trail, which runs from Ashtabula to East Liverpool, and the Stavich Trail, which runs from Lowellville to New Castle, Pa." Read more...
As plans move forward to connect the Ohio & Erie Towpath Trail with its final northern destination, the Flats in Cleveland, so to are plans for towpath connectors in the area. The Treadway Creek Trail is one such connector already in place, while the Train Avenue Connector is a more recent concept. Read more...
Scroll down this page to 'We Like Bikes' for another report on this topic.
"Motorized vehicles likely will be banned from the city bike trail, reflecting policies of trails at area park districts." Read more...
"In 2008, volunteers donated 788 hours of labor at Mohican-Memorial State Forest. Hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders who value the forest and its scenic trails contributed time, materials, tools and machinery use to ensure the facility's upkeep...
"Horse clubs, including Cowboys for Jesus and the Wayne County and Holmes County chapters of the Ohio Horseman's Council, purchased and spread forty tons of gravel for horse tie areas, spent four days cleaning bridle trails after the September 14, 2008 wind storm, furnished and installed two horse mounting stations and purchased and installed trail directional signs.
"The Mohican/Malabar Bike Club worked five days clearing the twenty five-mile mountain bike trail after the wind storm. The Mohican Trails Club marked the Hog Hollow hiking trail and installed a forty foot bridge there. Hiking and biking volunteers also re-routed sections of trails." Read more...
Buried toward the bottom of this article is word that construction bids are being accepted for a 1.7-mile trail to be built in Geneva State Park. Bids will be opened on February 11.
The Simon Kenton Pathfinders are seeking funding to extend the SKT 16 miles north to Bellefontaine. Read more...
The Alum Creek Trail underpass beneath Schrock Road is in need of redesign. Periodic flooding requires city crews to close and clean up the asphalt surface by scaping the resulting sediment off the bikeway. Funding is being sought through the ODNR Recreational Trails Program to eliminate the problem. Design work could be begin this year. Read more...
The .4-mile Steelyard Commons towpath trail section is devoid of design or landscaping. It's primarily a straight-line corridor with 8' chain-link fencing closely bordering on both sides. At the moment it looks more like a gauntlet than the a first-class greenway. Will it remain this way or is it simply a placeholder for better design yet to come? Read more...
The catch-phrase 'shovel ready' is being used to describe potential economic stimulus projects that are ready to launch. Everyone is lining up their 'shovel ready' lists for consideration in the big (perhaps 1 trillion dollar) plan. Here's a piece on a northeast Ohio list which includes trail projects for the region.
The public is invited to attend a meeting on the proposed Berlin Lake Trail at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Deerfield Town Hall. 1450 State Route 14, Deerfield Township. The 2-mile trail proposal in southeastern Portage County would utilize the old Lake Erie, Alliance and Wheeling Railroad corridor. It also includes a 475-foot concrete bridge over the reservoir. Read more...
"Results of a community survey showed a clear interest in expanding the village's pathway system. Now, it will be up to an advisory committee to develop a plan to guide future improvements." Plans may include a TJ Evans Trail Connector. Read more...
On a related note, there's a series of 'Simply Living' lectures coming to the Bryn Du Mansion in Granville. "On Jan. 27, a Simply Living subgroup called the Alternative Transportation Project will present "Walk, Bike!," a program on how to reduce your reliance on the automobile. There will be information on what other communities are doing to increase walking and biking opportunities, said Redman." Learn more about the lecture series.
Congressman John Boehner, Representative, Ohio's 8th District was on 'Face The Nation' last Sunday when he made a disparaging remark regarding bike paths. The League Of American Bicylists responds to the "trash talk." Read more...
Here's another response from BikePorland.org.
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is lobbying to get a part of the federal economic stimulus package. After all, if transportation infrastructure is the desired vehicle, then bike and ped projects should certainly be in the mix. Read more about the petition drive.
Here are some recent developments along the 305-mile OTE corridor in which the OTE Fund played an important role:
In October '08, the OTE Fund purchased a 2-mile right-of-way in Delaware County that was previously thought to be unattainable. That recent acquisition depleted the OTE treasury. The fund plays a critical role in closing many of the gaps that remain along the trail.
Consider donating to the Ohio-to-Erie Trail Fund. Donations allow them to assist communities in seeking state and federal dollars to build the trail across the state for all Ohioans. The fund spends less than 3% annually on fundraising and is a tax deductible non-profit corporation. Visit their web site or email jrampelt@columbus.rr.com.
Or mail your donation to:
The Ohio-to-Erie Trail Fund
118 Graceland Blvd. #146
Columbus, OH 43214-1530
"The gray industrial landscape and parking lots on the west bank of the Flats, now edged with housing and nightclubs, could soon be crisscrossed with parks, trails and green spaces.
"The new "Flats Connections Plan," completed by the nonprofit organizations ParkWorks, Cleveland Public Art and Building Cleveland by Design, shows how an abandoned railway and the vacant strip under the Main Avenue Bridge could become playgrounds, bikeways and artificial wetlands." Read more...
The Green Avisory Group is looking to develop city-wide walking and bike trails in Brunswick, Ohio. "The first portion of the project the city is looking to build would lead from Laurel Road to Brunswick Lake, where the city intends to construct a trail system around Brunswick Lake." Future plans call for a potential connector to the Cleveland MetroParks Mill Stream Reservation. Read more...
Metro Parks of Summit County is holding a public trail meeting on Jan. 22.
The Freedom Secondary Trail would connect the Portage Bike-Hike Trail in Kent, with the existing Tallmadge Trail and run west to connect with the towpath at Akron's Northside Station. Learn more...
"Law-enforcement officials are trying to identify a man whose frozen body was found yesterday on the west side of the Olentangy River, just south of Goodale Boulevard." Read more...
Another write up on the incident.
Building trails and bike lanes and installing some bike racks is certainly a move toward making any city more bike-friendly. But a well designed plan considers the whole enchilada, right down to local codes and bicycle laws and how well they work in urban areas today.
The city of Columbus, Ohio started addressing these issues last summer when they introduced their "Complete Streets" plan. Read more...
"City leaders want to take a 17-acre tract of land along the riverfront and turn it into a recreational venue with an amphitheater, picnic tables, walking and biking trails and restrooms. Scroll down this page to 'Quality of Life' to learn more.
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