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AMATS will present its draft Regional Bike Plan to the public for review during two meetings in mid-February.

The draft Bike Plan identifies regional bikeway needs and presents recommendations to improve the area’s bicycle trail network.  AMATS Planning Coordinator Krista Beniston says that the plan’s purpose is to promote cycling in the region as a viable transportation option by providing safe, accessible and efficient bike routes and facilities.

“Many of the plan’s recommendations address the needs that we heard voiced by the area’s cycling community,” Beniston continues, “The plan includes new on-road facilities such as bicycle lanes, wider road shoulders and ‘sharrows’ and other off-road facilities – mostly trails – to improve the area’s network.”

AMATS will present the plan for public comment during meetings in Portage and Summit counties.  The meetings are open to all and are scheduled for the following locations, dates and times:

• Kent Free Library

312 West Main Street in Kent

Monday, February 13, 2012

@ 6:30 p.m.

• Hudson Library & Historical Society

96 Library Street in Hudson

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

@ 7 p.m.

Beniston notes that the draft Bike Plan is an indicator as to how the area’s network of bike facilities and trails is evolving from one that is largely used for recreational purposes to one that promotes cycling as a viable transportation choice alongside motor vehicles and public transit.

“The plan’s on-road bike recommendations were identified by our agency based on their connections to employers, downtowns, community centers, schools and retail areas.  We hope that these recommendations will spur infrastructure investments so that someday people can ride their bikes to a store or library as easily as they can drive their car or take a bus,” Beniston says.

The draft Bike Plan’s recommendations are available on our Biking in the Region page.  For additional details, please contact Beniston at 330-375-2436 or by email at KBeniston@AkronOhio.gov.