The Circle-Heights process
Over the past year, EcoCity Cleveland has conducted a citizens' planning process to create the concept of the Circle-Heights Bike Network. We started by identifying the major destinations to which people would like to bike destinations such as retail districts, employment centers, public buildings (libraries, schools, municipal offices), and cultural institutions. Then we attempted to identify the best bike routes between these destinations. We also thought about connecting bike facilities to transit stops, since bikes are allowed on RTA buses and the Rapid.

After sketching out our initial concept, we consulted with city planning officials and several focus groups of avid bicyclists. We also organized two public meetings to gather input.

This illustrated map is the product of our thinking and citizen comments. The map is a concept, not an official plan. Its purpose is to stimulate public discussion about the potential for bicycle transportation in the Circle-Heights districtand inspire people to start riding the suggested routes.

Next steps

In the coming months (of 2003), the staff of EcoCity Cleveland will continue to work with city officials, the region's transportation planning agency, and citizens to promote the implementation of the Circle-Heights Bike Network. Much of the network could be created inexpensively by marking existing streets with signs and paint.

In some places, more expensive improvements (such as bike lanes, off-road paths, safer catch basin grates, or smoother pavement) will be needed. Transportation funding is available for such projects. The cities in the Circle-Heights district can obtain the funds if they work together on this exciting concept.

We started thinking about bike-friendly areas in the Circle-Heights district because it has one of the highest concentrations of bikable destinations in Northeast Ohio. If the concept succeeds, we hope to inspire other places to do similar conceptual plans. For example, other obvious choices would include Downtown/Ohio City or Lakewood and surrounding communities.

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EcoCity Cleveland
3500 Lorain Avenue, Suite 301, Cleveland OH 44113
Cuyahoga Bioregion
(216) 961-5020
www.ecocitycleveland.org
Copyright 2002-2003