Proposed Bike Plan Would Connect Large Portions of Westlake

Westlake cyclists, rejoice.

The city’s planning commission approved a citywide bike plan Monday that will connect major areas of the city, including hotspots such as the city's recreation center and Porter Library.

The approval also means the city will be able to pursue federal funding for the project.

Planning Director Bob Parry outlined the plan (see attached PDF) that would essentially create a network of roadways throughout the city, Parry said.

Residents were previously queried as to where in the city they would like to see bike paths and which roadways they would use. The study was conducted by a grant from the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency. The plan was completed in February of 2012.

When community members were asked in the survey which specific destination(s) would they ride their bicycles to, 84 respondents selected Crocker Park as the most likely place they do/would ride. According to the survey, the next five most selected destinations were all parks and recreation destinations, with three being the major Metro Park reservations.

Top six selections were all leisure destinations while work was listed as the top seventh and eighth choice. The survey suggests that users do or will consider local and regional destinations.

Numerous goals are cited in the plan including improving the quality of life for the residents, employees, and visitors. A bicycle network will “reinforce the City’s commitment to provide a desirable place to live, work, and play; provide an alternative cost-effective transportation network; ease congestion on existing road networks; Promote health and wellness of residents and employees; and Improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists,” among other reasons.

Parry reviewed the proposed plan that shows existing off-road trails, bike lanes and nature trails as well as proposed bike lanes, share-use roads and off-road routes.

When complete, the plan would create a continuous Westshore Bike Loop that includes a stretch in Bay Village.

Parry said the project would be completed in “bite-sized” stages as funding became available.

Commission member Bonnie Smith gave her approval saying it was important to establish a plan so funding could be pursued.