There are many, many sources of information on the greenways, the trails and parks out there on the web. I try to collect a lot of this information and pass it along. In most cases, if there is no conflict, I will post a copy of the information on the site as well as supplying the linking URL. So I find that, after a few years, I have a lot of information and, while I usually post it to the Updates page first, eventually, it ends up here. Some of the information may be partially out of date. In some cases--usually newspaper articles--the original URL information may have changed or the article may have been taken down.

For the most current information about current trail construction go to the Trail Detours and Updates. For earlier information, go to the catchall TRAIL CONSTRUCTION. page. I am trying to keep 2-3 years of past construction info available.

MORPC  CAPITALWAYS REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN

http://www.morpc.org/transportation/capitalways/capitalways.asp

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission has posted the CapitalWays Regional Transportation Plan to their website. It is an extensive set of documents which puts forth the entire scope of transportation projects and plans through 2030. Obviously, Bikeways and Trails are a part of than plan and you can read about what is coming and send comments to MORPC as well at the link above. It is a rather large set of files but if I can distill down to a few relevant pages, I will post them on the site.

COBAC CHANGES - NOW "CONSIDER BIKING" also BIKE TO WORK WEEK UPCOMING.

For anyone who uses the COBAC website (Cobac.org) that site is going away as that group has merged with and will operate under the "Consider Biking" website: http://www.considerbiking.org/site/ If cycling is your exercise or transportation of choice, check it out. Also (and you'll find more info on their website) we have Bike to Work Week coming up May 12 - 18.

Dave also sent along this note:

SPRING TRAIL CONDITION UPDATES

I've ridden or run all the major riparian trails (except the Darby Creek Greenway) in the past few weeks. There are no major obstructions though I should point out that there are a number of low lying spots which, with heavy rains, can be partially or completely flooded when the high water comes. Keep an eye out for ponding during wet times.

Additionally, sometimes winter can be very hard on asphalt--especially older surfaces. Some areas to look out for - the stretch from the north Antrim Lake turnout all the way up to SR 161 on the Olentangy Trail has numerous small buckles and one very large one (just at the turn in to the Lake area.); the trail surface from Woody Hayes Dr south to the power station on the OSU campus was in terrible shape before and now is really a problem--holes, broken pavements etc. Especially under John Herrick Dr. OSU has put it out that they will begin some sort of repair/reconstruction this year. Hopefully so because another year of floods and deterioration and there might not be a trail in some parts.

STATE OF THE CITY

UPDATE (3/27) Dave Roseman sent a link to a recent radio appearance by Mayor Coleman on WOSU's Open Line on 3/21. The Mayor discussed the State of the City speech. Dave had the opportunity to ask the Mayor about the bikeway budget and the Mayor responded. For the archived show go to:

http://www.wosu.org/radio/radio-open-line/?archive=1&date=03/21/2008 (David's question comes around the 11:30 minute mark.)

I wasn't able to attend the "State of the City" address last week though I did watch it on Channel 3. Mayor Coleman, long a supporter of bike paths and bike lanes, pedestrian (inclusive of runners and joggers) access, spoke to the Bicentenntial plan to build more bike lanes and bike trails. (Let me digress for a sec and mention that "bike" is something of a misnomer. They are, indeed, bike trails. They are also running trails. And rollerblading trails. And walking trails. And fitness trails. And commuting trails. And strolling along in the woods and parks trails. And walk the dog trails. And bike or walk to school trails. And take a walk after a big picnic lunch trails. And bike to the OSU home game trails. And watch the river festival trails. And so on.

To my ear, the applause for the ambitious plan was not quite as enthusiastic as for other parts of the mayor's speech. I've come to expect that, to a degree from the public. The amount spent for these projects is chump change compared to the annual road expenditures but every little bit seems too much when you're dodging potholes and spending hours of your life idling in rush-hour traffic. And a lot of folks, I think, see cycling still as "kid" stuff. The only adults who cycle regularly, they suppose, are hard core enthusiasts, health nuts or tree huggers. Somehow, the pressures of overcrowded roads and $4 a gallon gasoline do not translate, for these folks, into the possibility of cycle commuting. That seems strange because, as the mayor pointed up, we live in a metropolitan area whose terrain seems ideal for large scale bike commuting. And the health benefits are obvious -  for kids who can walk and ride out in the fresh air and adults who can do the same. And let's face it, we may not see ourselves as "cowtowners" but we are in the midwest and we love our Rib Fest. So we need trails and recreational paths to help work off a little of that.

IAnyway: the full text of the State of the City Address can be found here:

http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/03/13/fulltext.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

The relevant portion on Bikeways :

Bikeways

"We can do better, and rather than be hungry for a doughnut, we should be hungry for new throughways like bikeways!

Tonight I am proud to announce that we will make our start this year, and I am committed to investing $20 million to build 86.3 miles of new on-street and off-road bike routes and trails by 2012. This will be funded by our current capital budget and by the Bicentennial Bond Package going on the November ballot, if our voters agree.

That includes 54 miles of new on-street bike routes and lanes by the bicentennial, which will require rebuilding dozens of intersections in this city to make them safer for walkers and bikers alike.

In the next four years, we're also adding new bike racks, bike lockers, and water stations for riders. This is just the start, as we wrap up the Bicentennial Bikeway Planning process, which will guide further construction and bikeways planning for many years to come.

This plan sets a higher standard for bike safety, convenience and connectivity. We will team up with Franklin County Metro Parks and other regional partners as they build another 49 miles of bike trails by 2012. I want to thank all our partners, especially MORPC, and the bike riders, bike commuters and neighborhood leaders.

Let's take advantage of our city's flatness. Flat is good. We haven't beaches and oceans, we haven't mountains to climb, but we do have hundreds of square miles of flat land, and we should make the most of it and make biking the No. 1 outdoor activity, something everyone can do.

So, watch out Ford, wake up Chrysler, take a break Toyota, GM will no longer stand for General Motors --  but Get Moving! We will be moving on bikes --  all over our city."

COLUMBUS BIKEWAYS MASTER PLAN

NEW: The 9/26 Public Meeting is now showing on Channel 3 - The Government Channel. Check the channel schedule for times

The City of Columbus along with partners MORPC (Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission) and Central Ohio Metro Parks and others is in the process of evaluating and proposing a master plan for adding, lengthening, connecting and otherwise improving our current system of trails and on-road paths. Although it is called a "bikeways" plan, many of the trails involved are multi-use and include use as "Safe Routes to Schools," recreational walking, running and hiking, blading, park-access and even regular point-to-point pedestrian use. The plan is in its public commentary phase. Check the website:

Columbus (OH) Bikeways Plan for announcements about future public meetings. A copy of the current presentation can be accessed by clicking on the thumbnail below.

The existing inventory of trails and paths is shown on these two plans: (Click on thumbnails for larger images.)

COMPREHENSIVE TRAIL SIGNING PROGRAM - installations underway

Looking through the gate at Easton Way at the sign.	Close up of trail sign.at Easton	Another marker at Morse Rd.

The recent completion and opening of the trail-friendly Clifton Ave bridge across the Alum Creek also allowed for the placement of some of the new trail signing package being rolled out. A couple of pictures below. The signing is to be installed by the various jurisdictions through which the trails pass. If you have one of the trails through your neighborhood, it would certainly help move things along if you call up your local authorities and ask when they will be installed.

Identification signs will locate trails within their communities.	Map boards will supply points of interest and directions.

NEW: COLUMBUS MARATHON ROUTE IN PICTURES/GPS FILE

I rode the route on Sunday 8/12. Documented on five pages. Marathon Route Documented

THE LONG RIDE

Someone sent me a note asking what the longest continuous trail route might be. Allowing for the occasional shift to surface streets, the longest single trail route these days is the Olentangy/Scioto from Worthington Hills to near SR 104 south of downtown. Something close to 18 miles, one-way.

In terms of absolute distance, however, if you depart on the Olentangy at Worthington Hills north of

I -270 travel south to North Bank Park then exit on Neil and follow the proposed Downtown Connector route to the I-670 Trail.  That trail merges with the completed Alum Creek Trail. Follow that trail south all the way to and through Three Creeks Metropark continuing east on the Blacklick Trail as far as Old Bixby Rd. Exit the trail and follow Bixby and Ebright (across the new overpass) and rejoin the Blacklick off Shannon Rd and travel east to Pickerington Ponds Metro Park.

The distance, one-way, roughly measures out to a shade under 35 miles.

COLUMBUS BIKEWAYS MASTER PLAN - INFORMATION

I was unable to attend last night's meeting. Dave Roseman reports that it was well attended and that the public input was direct and probing. The Dispatch has an article on it in today's (9/27/07) paper. You can access that here: Dispatch 9/27 Article. The session was filmed by Channel 3: Govt TV and will probably be shown numerous times in the coming weeks.

The presentation from last night is available on the altaplanning website:

Columbus (OH) Bikeways Plan (altaplanning.com website) as a pdf file of a Powerpoint presentation.

DISPATCH ARTICLE

There was a fairly sizeable article with a large graphic on the front page of the second section of the Columbus Dispatch today (9/26/07) It summarizes the trail story in our area and speaks also to the individual community efforts as well as the Master Plan meeting this evening (9/26/07) More information on the effort can be found at: Columbus (OH) Bikeways Plan (altaplanning.com website)

The article can be accessed here: Dispatch 9/26 Trail Article

A page on accessing specific community info on this site is here: Community Resources

OHIO TO ERIE TRAIL UNVEILS NEW WEBSITE

DISPATCH CITES OSU BIKE PATH PROBLEMS
 

In an article that ran on Monday, 8/20, the Columbus Dispatch ran an article on the poor condition of the Olentangy Greenway Trail on the OSU Campus. You can read the article here. The 1.5 miles section is a patchwork of old crumbling asphalt, concrete walkways, building arcade walkways with uneven surfaces, potholes, sharp turns, steep inclines and other issues. There is a University plan to upgrade and improve (and build some new) the trail but this plan, in prelim form, was generated in, I believe, 2005. It looks as though it will be 2008 before even the first phase can begin. I would hope that the University might take some short-term measures to improve the situation.

The state of this section of trail is documented on the Campus/Harrison West Photos.

My increasingly impatient take on this situation can be read http://jnybny.blogspot.com/

CAUTION ADVISED: ANTRIM LAKE TO HENDERSON RD

Trail users are cautioned to beware in the area around Antrim Lake and south along the trail to Henderson Rd. One female user was attacked but escaped and two more were menaced over the past several days. Police have increased patrols. For more information check out the Dispatch article here: Dispatch Article. This is a fairly busy area on the weekends and at times during the day but. at always, it is advisable to travel with a partner or in company especially on days and at times when trail traffic is light.

If you are threatened or have information: contact the Police Division's sexual-assault unit at
614-645-4701.

DISPATCH  ARTICLE ON TRAIL WATCH PROGRAM

The 8/8 Dispatch had an op-ed reply to an earlier article. The substance of the article talks about the Trail Watch program and provides contact information. You can call 645-3342 or visit the Recreation and Parks Web site http://recparks.columbus.gov for an application and more information.

The article can be found here: Dispatch article

Columbus Bicentennial Bikeway Master Plan

TRAIL PLANS: THE COLUMBUS BICENTENNIAL BIKEWAY MASTER PLAN

Our trails don't build themselves. We have a lot of dedicated individuals working an a variety of agencies and organizations who are involved in the planning and execution. The link below brings a lot of that together and also shows how we can participate in the process. As noted above, the city has engaged Alta Planning to help formulate goals and develop the master plan with MORPC, CRPD and Metro Parks and the other partners involved.

Columbus (OH) Bikeways Plan (altaplanning.com website)

 here's a lot of good information here including a flyer for the first public meeting on the 26th of September at the pavilion in North Bank Park

Click on the thumbnail to bring up the most current newsletter.

Click on the thumbnail to bring up the stakeholders presentation on the Bikeways Master Plan (36 page pdf file. You might want to right click and save as it take a while to open in a browser.)

TRAIL COURTESY

There is an article in the Dispatch today regarding issues of trail courtesy. It focuses mostly on the issue of cyclists speeding and not giving right-of-way. You can find the article here: Dispatch Article. There is also a poll and a comment page here: Hot Issue. (It asks whether the reader believes that cyclists observe the rules.

As you may have surmised, I spend a fair amount of time on the area trails. I have my own take on this matter and you can read it here: TRAIL COURTESY

OUR NEW METROPARK HAS A NAME

The new metro park being created on the Whittier Peninsula south of downtown has a name. As per the Columbus Dispatch today (7/11/07)  it will be called the "Scioto Audubon Metro Park." (Dispatch Article )

For a look at the city skyline from the new park click on these thumbnails. The view is from the end of Whittier St near the blocked off overpass. The pools visible to the lower right in the one picture are ponds created as part of the site remediation which has been taking place over the past year. Where once there were cement factories and a Lazarus warehouse, a park starts to blossom.

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOLS

Trails are not just for sports and fitness enthusiasts or nature lovers. They are an important part of the Safe Route To Schools initiative--this is a state program with federal support to encourage school age children to walk or ride their bicycles to and from school with the obvious health and fitness benefits by providing funding for projects such as sidewalks, bike paths and trails. For more information go to: http://www.dot.state.oh.us/SafeRoutes/Default.htm

NEW PARKS DEPARTMENT WEBSITE

Check out www.bicyclecolumbus.com. It's a nice Parks Dept consolidation website that organizes the information relating to cycling on the regular Parks website.

A CONSTRUCTIVE SUMMER.

Summer is just about here and we have a number of projects going on around the trails. The closures range from minimal to significant though, at this point, I can report that they all have detour through routes. There may be some occasional complete closures, at noted

In order to keep this page from taking forever to download, I have created separate pages for each project with a summary and detour directions on this page. You can access more detail and pictures by clicking the link at the bottom of each project section.

PROPOSED NORTHWEST TRAIL CONNECTION

NEW TRAILS

There are couple of new trail projects to report: at the meeting this week, Brad Westall (CRPD)mentioned that a (mostly) new connector trail to Olentangy Highlands has been completed from the Olentangy Trail at SR 161 in Worthington and John O' Meara (Metroparks) also told me that the planned extention of the Darby Creek Trail in Battelle-Darby Creek Metropark.was in the process of being built.

TRAILS, TRAILS, TRAILS

A lot of things going on today (7/26). Earlier today, there was a Stakeholder's Meeting at North Bank Metropark. Before the meeting, we had a media event at which the mayor of Columbus, Mike Coleman, city councilwoman Maryellen O'Shaughnessy (website) were in attendance. The mayor spoke again about the Bicentennial Plan for increasing both dedicated recreational trails as well as on-road cycling facilities and introduced Jeff Olson, from Alta Planning, a consulting firm working with the city to formulate the final plan. (See below) A few pictures of the event and the meeting can be found here: TRAIL EVENTS The press release can be read here: PRESS RELEASE

The meeting itself spoke to the state of development and objectives of the Columbus Bicentennial Bikeway Master Plan and allowed input from the interested parties as to which projects should be added or which existing ones should be emphasized.

Later in the day, there was a city council meeting with councilwoman Priscilla Tyson
(website) which I was unable to attend but watched on Columbus Govt TV. (Channel 3). The most significant bit of information was the news that the long-planned trail identification system had received funding and would be installed an in place within the next several weeks. . This will includes mile and half mile markers. Color-coded signs and so on.

TRAIL SIGNING AND GRAPHICS

Brad Westall, of CRPD and Erin Moran of MORPC mentioned at a city council presentation meeting on 7/26 that the planned trail signing initiative has received a funding grant and would be put into place in the very near future. The plan graphics were rolled out

A brochure for a plan developed by Kolar Designs for the Columbus Parks Dept to create uniform informational sign and graphics for the trails. Available on the Greenways page of the MORPC website: http://greenways.morpc.org/

The proposed trail signage program was rolled out a few years ago. The thumbnail to the left is to an 8 page graphics package that gives some idea of the planned installation. A few things may have changed. (The most obvious example is that the Blacklick color coding went from canary yellow to a forest green).  Some idea of the type of signing is shown to the right. Click on the thumbnail to bring it up in a browser window or right-click to save it to disk.

These JPEG files were from an earlier presentation. They are a little difficult to read. Especially the last page. The images are clearer in the above presentation.

TRAIL PLANS: THE COLUMBUS BICENTENNIAL BIKEWAY MASTER PLAN

Our trails don't build themselves. We have a lot of dedicated individuals working an a variety of agencies and organizations who are involved in the planning and execution. The link below brings a lot of that together and also shows how we can participate in the process. As noted above, the city has engaged Alta Planning to formulate goals and develop the master plan and work with CRPD and Metro Parks and other agencies to make it happen. There is a lot of good information on the site.

Columbus (OH) Bikeways Plan (altaplanning.com website)

 here's a lot of good information here including a flyer for the first public meeting on the 26th of September at the pavilion in North Bank Park

	Click on the thumbnail to bring up the most current newsletter.		Click on the thumbnail to bring up the stakeholders presentation on the Bikeways Master Plan (36 page pdf file. You might want to right click and save as it take a while to open in a browser.)
	Click on the thumbnail for a pdf file containing the map of existing Columbus and surrounding area cycling and trail facilities. These are 24x36 versions.		This thumbnail is a detail of the downtown area of the map to the left.

MORPC: DRAFT BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLAN

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission has released a draft plan for current and future development with regard to cycling and pedestrian activity.(which is inclusive of walkers, joggers, runners, etc.) Clicking on the webpage below provides access to the draft plan and numerous other resources related to recreational and commuter use of auto-alternative routes. There are maps and plans and more. Check it out.

http://www.morpc.org/web/transportation/bikepedplan.html

OHIO TO ERIE UPDATES

CENTRAL OHIO GREENWAYS IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE

MORPC has published an all-encompassing brochure with a lot of information about trail development, standards etc.. The brochure is intended for people and agencies involved in trail building but it is an informative source of info for users in that it helps to understand the process. You can access the brochure here: http://greenways.morpc.org/documents/GreenwaysImplementation2006GUIDE_000.pdf or click on the thumbnail to the left.

THE PROPOSED NORTHLAND BIKE ROUTE: OLENTANGY TRAIL TO ALUM CREEK TRAIL

Ira Weiss sent along a link to a story about a proposed Northland Bike Route. The media story is not correct about the nature of what is being proposed. I have notes from David Roseman and Robert Hooper to the effect that the project involves signing bike-friendly streets to create a safe, useable street route. The project will not involve trail construction or, as of the current plan, use any existing or new bike lanes along Morse Rd but will provide feeder access for folks living along the Morse corridor to either or both the Olentangy (via the new Broadmeadows trail bridge when built) and the Alum Creek Trails (via Parkridge Park) direct northern connection between the two trails. (Once in place, this could be combined with the Downtown Connector, the Olentangy Trail, and the future completion of the Alum Creek Trail to create a 26-27 mile circular north side tour loop.)

More information can be found here: The Northland Connector

METRO PARK PROPOSED BUDGET ITEMS FOR 2007.

Several projects of interest to trail users can be found in the budget report. The report can be accessed on-line here: http://www.metroparks.net/Finance2007proposedbudget.aspx This is a 28 page report of interest to anyone who uses the Metroparks and/or the trails administered by that agency. Projects relating to trails can be found on report pages 19-22 and include the following:

1. Funding and information regarding the bridge which will span US33 and connect the Blacklick Trail east and west sections and Three Creeks with Pickerington Ponds and Portman Park.

2. Several funding projects for the Blacklick including the approach to the bridge listed above from the recently completed section which terms at Shannon Rd; trail sections south from Blacklick Woods Metropark and north from Portman Park with an eye to connecting (the middle section, at Turnburry Golf Course will involve working with the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department.) Once completed, this will link three Metroparks on the southeast side--Three Creeks, Pickerington Ponds and Blacklick Woods.

3. A section of trail for the developing Darby Creek Trail that will underpass I-70 and eventually connect to Battelle-Darby Creek.

4. A Trail Connector from Sharon Woods Metropark to the Existing Alum Creek Trail access off Cooper Rd opposite St. Ann's Hospital.

5. Funding for the reconstruction of the Petzinger Rd / College Ave--US33 intersection as a part of the new Alum Creek trail section from Livingston Rd to Three Creeks Metropark.

6. Funding for continued development of the new Whittier Metro Park some of which may impact the Scioto Trail (Lower)

7. Numerous in-park trail repavements and improvements at Highbanks, Inniswood, Sharon Woods and Glacier Ridge.

There's a lot more. If you have an interest in the Metroparks and what's happening, check out the report.

TRAIL UPDATES: THE CENTRAL OHIO GREENWAY & TRAIL FORUM

The fifth Central Ohio Greenway & Trail Forum was held on Friday, the 23rd at the Powell City hall. As always, it was interesting and informative and provided a great deal of information on ongoing and future trail construction and development. Some of the highlights for our immediate area are listed below. Much more was discussed and I have some notes here: 2/23/06 COG Forum. David Roseman also sent some notes which you will find here: David Roseman Notes

Steve Studenmund, Bill Busher and Steve Brown from Metroparks spoke on some ongoing projects:

THE DARBY CREEK TRAIL

They will be  working on a four mile trail in the Battelle-Darby Creek Metropark from SR40 to the main picnic area to be completed later this year. This will be the second section of the Darby Creek Greenway Trail to be completed and the first section in the largest Metropark in our area. Also in work are an underpass of I-70 south of Prairie Oaks Metropark and a routing to the new section as well as an extension from the main picnic area to the southern reaches of the park. In all, there are plans for 25 miles of trail on the Big Darby.

THE BLACKLICK CREEK TRAIL

Much of the future work on this trail is detailed below. We saw a map for the relocation of Shannon Rd to allow the trail to pass to the north of that roadway. It will underpass Winchester Rd. and run out to SR 33 where it will cross on a bridge to be built.

At the other end,  north of Portman Park, they are looking at an underpass of I-70 to connect the trail to Blacklick Woods Metropark. The target date for completion for these and some other projects is 2008-9.

THE BIG WALNUT CREEK TRAIL

There was some discussion of efforts to work with the Airport by the city of Whitehall and of obstacles represented by existing land owners in an effort to begin to develop this trail which is still in the preliminary development stages.

Dean Ringle, Franklin County Engineer spoke about some construction projects:

THE ALUM CREEK TRAIL

The short section of trail that crosses between Columbus and Bexley via the automotive creek bridge on Clinton Ave/Greenway Ave is being upgraded. (The Trail Construction has some now out-of-date information on the bridge.) The project will build a nine-foot wide trail path on the south side of the bridge with an traffic barrier and a pedestrian railing on the river side. (There will also be a five foot walkway on the north side. The crossing to the trailhead in Nelson Park will be enhanced with marking and a collection area.

I learned the name of the small park that was recently upgraded south of Main Street at Alum Creek Dr. It is "Pumphouse Park." This would explain some of the ruins that are shown in some of the Rivers and Creeks photos.

Brad Westall, Greenways Planner for the CRPD, spoke to the construction of the Alum Creek Trail and reiterated the goal of being completed from Westerville to Three Creeks Metropark by 2008 and the plan to extend the Olentangy Trail north to Highbanks Metropark in the future. He also talked about to the recent initiative by Mayor Coleman on a doubling of the current trail mileage and other improvements (see below) and the Mayor's commitment to complete these by the city's bicentennial in 2012.

Michael Hooper, of the Westerville Parks Department talked about completion of sections of the trail to connect to the Genoa trail and south to the bike lane on Schrock Rd and plans to also connect city services such as the library and post office to the trail.

THE SCIOTO TRAIL

The removal and replacement of the Town and Main Street bridges and their replacements (the latter will connect to Rich Street) was mentioned. More specifically, the reengineering of the Greenlawn bridge was discussed. The narrow sidewalk on the north side is being replaced with a ten foot, barriered trail path to connect to the trail on Front St on the east side to the trail off Scioto Blvd on the west.

There was also some discussion of the Whittier Metropark project that involved a presentation on some of the mediation of environmental issues. Although the existing trail is currently open, some of the major changes are going to be starting up soon and the section of trail from Bicentennial Park to Front St (Miles S0.5 to S2.0) may be out of service for some time as it is relocated during park construction.

THE OHIO TO ERIE TRAIL

Many of the discussion from surrounding counties revolved around completing sections of trails in their localities which would form a part of, or connect to the OTE. In discussion the specifics of the trail in our area, the main topic was the routing from London, to the south east. The Camp Chase Trail appears to be stalled indefinitely. Some discussion was had on other possible routes including routing to an extension of the Scioto Trail to be built.

MAYOR COLEMAN PROPOSES ADDITIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO OUR TRAILS AND WALKWAYS

As part of his recent "State of the City" speech, Mayor Coleman proposed increasing the trail mileage and building more sidewalks. The relevant portion of the speech:

If I can add a personal reflection: when I was young, my brothers and I along with other neighborhood kids walked or biked about a mile to school every day and back home at night. We did so on sidewalks and used cross walks at signalized intersections. More than the health benefits it provided, it was a time of socialization and interaction outside of school or the home. And it helped develop a sense of responsibility in us, particularly the older among us, because we looked out for each other and the smaller kids.

Every time I sit in traffic these days and watch a school bus stop at every driveway down the road in order to pick up kids who walk only a few yards from their front door, I can't help but think that they are missing something. I realize that the walkways and trails are not yet in place and, in the absence of that, safety comes first--my work used to take me up through Richland County daily and many of the Mennonite and Amish children up there do walk to and from school every day along high-speed two-lane country roads. That's just not a safe situation.

So the mayor's initiative is well-received. Hopefully the funding and public support will be there to make it happen.

THE SCIOTO TRAIL: NEWS REPORTS: THE SCIOTO MILE

There have been a number of news reports covering the recent announcements regarding the long-existing plan to renovate and improve the Downtown east bank of the Scioto from Battelle Park to Bicentennial Park. This involves creating a pedestrian arcade along Civic Center Drive and adding a lower level walkway along the river. This last would be an extension of the existing walkway below Battelle Park that ends just south of and under Broad St. Since the Scioto Trail passes through this area, likely any construction will involve improvements that enhance the recreational use. Details of the project funding, through a contribution from AEP and the City can be found here:

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/02/20/20070220-D1-04.html
http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/02/20/20070220-D1-02.html

The artist renderings that I've seen are pretty basic. Currently, the Scioto Trail runs under the CSX trestle and ramps up to Battelle/Alexander Park on the north side of the Courthouse. It runs through Battelle and out to the sidewalk at Broad and Marconi, crosses Broad and runs on the sidewalk along Civic Center Dr south crossing Town and Main (by the closed bridge) and into Bicentennial Park. How the trail would run--either at river level to Bicentennial, or as it does now, up top,  with improved surfaces, isn't indicated.

The information below relates to the section of trail planned to connect the two existing sections of the Upper Scioto Trail. The segment the runs west out of Confluence Park dead ends near the waterworks. Another segment exists, running from Grandview Ave near I-670 out to a business park near 5th Ave.

SCIOTO TRAIL: ODOT CONNECTOR PROPOSALS   On Nov 29th, 2005, ODOT held an open house and unveiled eleven alternative proposals for connection this section and the Grandview section. A detailed look and all relevant documents can be found at: http://www.cobac.org/ The proposals (eleven of them) along with other information can be found in an article at the Central Ohio Bicycle Advocacy Coalition (http://www.cobac.org/) I am reproducing here (and on the relevant Scioto Trail section pages) two summary documents which outline the proposals. There are much more detailed reports on each proposal the environmental foundation linked to the Cobac website. (They are fairly large). The two reports below can be viewed or downloaded as PDF Files: Scioto Bikeway Handout.  Scioto Bikeway Alternatives Discussion The top line is a summary with maps and a page for comment. (The comment periods has been extended to 12/23/05) The second is a detailed discussion of each alternative.   SCIOTO BIKEWAY NEWS   ODOT held a meeting on 11/29/05 to unveil several alternative proposals for connecting the existing sections of the Upper Scioto Trail. (ODOT is involved because this is part of the Spring-Sandusky Interchange project).  The sections are detailed under Confluence/Dublin Rd and Grandview. The proposals (eleven of them) along with other information can be found in an article at the Central Ohio Bicycle Advocacy Coalition (http://www.cobac.org/) I am reproducing here (and on the relevant Scioto Trail section pages) two summary documents which outline the proposals. There are much more detailed reports on each proposal the environmental foundation linked to the Cobac website. (They are fairly large). The two reports below can be viewed or downloaded as PDF Files: Scioto Bikeway Handout.  Scioto Bikeway Alternatives Discussion The top line is a summary with maps and a page for comment. (The comment periods has been extended to 12/23/05) The second is a detailed discussion of each alternative.

The section of trail on the OSU campus proper is the one of numerous subjects included in the draft plan.

CAMPUS BIKEWAYS: FINAL DRAFT PLAN The bikeway plan for the OSU Campus (including the section of Olentangy Trail from Lane to King Aves) has been published on the OSU website. Thanks to John Gideon for posting it to the COBAC website. I'm reproducing his note and posting a PDF copy here. I have a section with pertinent photos of the proposed new trail routes here: OSU FINAL DRAFT PLAN PICTURES Friends of cycling,   On Friday, December 2nd the final draft of The Ohio State University's "Campus Bikeways Sub-District Plan" was posted and is now available on the Facilities Planning & Development website of the OSU University Architect's Office at http://www.fpd.ohio-state.edu/   This final draft is the result of a lot of public open houses, meetings of the "Planning Team," and hard work by the team of planners and consultants including Sarah Richardson of Kinzelman Kline and Michael Jones of Alta Planning + Design beginning back on February 21st.   The draft of the OSU bike plan can be found under "Document Library" and then under "Master Plans in Development" and then under "Final Draft Plan." Or just click  on this address: http://www.fpd.ohio-state.edu/OFPD/assets/Master_planning/development/final%20draft%2011-11-05.pdf to go to the final draft bike plan in Adobe format.   Laura Shinn, the Senior Campus Planner who is leading the creation of the OSU bike plan along with Steve Volkmann, the University Landscape Architect, welcome your comments on the draft. Send comments to Laura at Shinn.15@osu.edu. The deadline for submitting comments is January 6, 2006. Even if you don't plan to send in any comments, you should take a good, long look at the first comprehensive bike plan in Central Ohio.   Once the bike plan is finalized the OSU Bikeway Committee is expected to meet to continue working on implementation.                                                                     John Campus Bikeways Final Draft Plan (Click on image to bring up plan in PDF format) Pages pertinent to the Olentangy Trail. Click on page image to bring up in separate window. Current Trail End under Woody Hayes Dr Same view last Winter Another view The trail ends in this short section of heavy brush Once past, though, the terrain is flat. The existing trail on the berm above A little farther south Looking back toward Woody Hayes Dr South to the picnic shelter Closer view with existing wood bridge. Bridge (Would remain) crosses old power plant inflow. South side looking towards Drake Union. Note culvert Approaching the NW corner of Drake Union View of the boat slips. Closer view. A new bridge would span the area over the current slips .View back from SW side. Slips would be moved to opp side. Continuing along west side of Drake. Looking towards Herrick View back of boat area. Closer view of lawn and Herrick Dr. Another view   These pictures were taken in '05 after an earlier draft of the Bikeways plan was released. In the interim, as noted Closer view of trail under Herrick. The new section would intersect here. View back to Drake from existing trail. View under Herrick. Plan calls for retaining wall and shift of trail along power plant.

COLUMBUS PARKS DEPT / METROPARKS GREENWAYS MASTER PLAN MAPS Two pages -  the left side is a more current plan. The right side is the plan map taken from the original master plan which can be view at the Columbus INFO BASE website. (I would reproduce it here but it consists of 5 large PDF files.) The dramatic growth of the planned system is evident in comparing the earlier and current maps.

WHITTIER PENINSULA METRO PARK TAKES SHAPE

The Metro Parks proposal for the new Whittier Peninsula Metro Park. Note the changed routing for the trail (the heavy black line.) Also of note, the possible connection to Dodge Park which would extend the Scioto Loop options. (Click on the thumbnails to bring up the plans in a separate window). This is exciting stuff. Much more detailed stuff can be found at: http://www.columbus.gov/whittier.asp

PROPOSAL FOR TRAIL SIGNING AND GRAPHICS

A brochure for a plan developed by Kolar Designs for the Columbus Parks Dept to create uniform informational sign and graphics for the trails. Available on the Greenways page of the MORPC website: http://greenways.morpc.org/

The jpg files are a little difficult to read. Especially the last page. I am worked on cleaning them up. For the nonce, the implementation schedule reads:

Fall 2004: Finalize Design Elements / Gather Input From Greenway Partners
Winter 2005: Produce Final Plans / Develop Budget
Spring 2005: Fabricate Prototypes / Conduct Initial Design Reviews
Summer 2005: Fabricate Initial Greenways Signage Program / Install Phase I
Fall 2005: Create Greenways Signage Template for MORPC / MORPC To Distribute Template to Regional Greenways Parners
2006: Obtain Funding for future development.

The Initial Trail Development includes the Olentangy Trail from the Confluence to Worthington Hills and the Alum Creek Trail from Westerville to Easton. (Inclusive.)

HARRISON WEST PROPOSAL FOR EXPANDED TRAILS AND BIKEWAYS

PDF file outlines proposed riverfront development including improvements and expansion of the Olentangy Trail, additional bikeways etc.

Harrison West Plan

(This is an expansion and update of a portion of the existing Columbus Riverfront Vision Plan which can be found here, also in PDF format: Riverfront Vision Plan)

GRANDVIEW DEVELOPS PLAN FOR BIKEWAY SYSTEM

You can read about it here: http://www.cobac.org/news/grandview_09052005.htm
It's always encouraging when a municipality promotes the health and recreation needs of its citizenry and if we are going to get to the goal of having trail access within a mile of everyone in our area, many more cities and towns will need to follow the example here. Below, a copy of the proto-plan:

GREATER COLUMBUS GREEN MAP

Also from John, a link to the on-line page for the Green Map which is a terrific resource that lists just about every green and recreational venue in the area. It has been available in paper format for some months but you can read it here: http://www.greatercolumbusgreenmap.org/GreaterColumbusGreenMap.htm

MAKE YOUR OWN AERIAL TRAIL MAPS

Gary Evans sent me an e-mail with a link http://www.usatf.org/routes/ where you can create and store your own favorite routes using the same Google mapping that I use for the maps on this site. He has collected some local routes that he uses here:

Local Running Routes (Gary Evans)

TRAILS FOR OHIOANS

The link below will bring up the PDF file of a report prepared by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources: Division of Real Estate and Land Management. It covers not just the trails in and around Columbus but throughout Ohio and discusses just about every conceivable topic. The report was issued in April of this year ('05)

Click on the thumbnail to download the PDF file (You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view) or click on the link for the source website:  http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/trailsplan/default.htm. Word of caution: this is a 5 MB PDF file. If you don't have Adobe Reader, you can download and install it free using the link below.

TRAIL AND GREENWAY DEVELOPMENT

Recently, there was a forum back on Nov 3rd on trail development. I was unable to attend due to other commitments but there is a fair amount of information which was developed which is of interest to users of the trail system. Three documents are tagged below. The first is a final draft on the trail signing and official website for COG (Central Ohio Greenways) as developed by the visual arts company. The second is an official forum report from Erin Miller at MORPC and the last is a personal report from Ira Weiss on the forum (which I hope he doesn't mind that I've reproduced here). All are in PDF format.

Final Draft	Forum Presentations	Ira Weiss Forum Report

OHIO TO ERIE UPDATES

Two recent updates from Jerry Rampalt, Executive Director, Ohio-to-Erie Trail FUND passed along by Ira Weiss.

2/12/2007

Website:  The Ohio to Erie Trail website will be ready for beta testing on May 1 or sooner with a break in the weather.  Our board made the decision to GPS map the trail and convert that to a map that rides on Google Maps.  The budget is $30,000 for the online map(s), and a company stepped forward to underwrite the cost of securing the GPS coordinates for the map.  That cut the cost by $10,000 to $13,000.  Attached is a PDF of the Home Page.  It is a mock up so ignore the text, and it is not interactive.  Your comments are welcome.

Wayne County:  There is some progress in negotiating the purchase of a section of trail right of way in Wayne County, but I cannot go into many details at this point. 

Ohio Parks & Recreation Conference:  The Ohio to Erie Trail had a booth at OPRA's annual conference (Feb 7-8), and I had the opportunity to talk with countless park employees about trails.  Almost everyone told me about a local trail project, regardless of their county.

Cuyahoga County Bridges:  I visited two new bridges on the Ohio and Erie Canalway trail in Cuyahoga County, and they are miniature versions of the Golden Gate Bridge.  They are stunning and a commitment to trail users. You can find them along Canal Road at the Warner Road and Granger Road intersections.  Our winter newsletter will have a page devoted to bridges and feel free to email a picture of your favorite bridge.

Ohio Bikeways Resource:  Pete at www.ohiobikeways.net has put together a website providing information and links to other trail websites.  It is worth spending some time at his site, which is ad free. 

12/14/2006

Ohio to Erie Trail Board Meeting

 On December 6 the board had its quarterly meeting, and the on the agenda was election of new officers and directors.  Officers: Tom Moffitt - President; Jim Flaherty - Vice-President; Elizabeth Watts - Treasurer; Carolyn Sullivan - Secretary.  Ellen Tripp, who served on the board from the beginning, resigned after 16 years of service.  She will be missed for her sound judgment, professionalism, and long-term perspective.  Ellen said it was time to make room for some new board members.  Replacing Ellen is Bill Daehler, who recently retired from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.  Many of you knew Bill from his work with the Clean Ohio Fund at ODNR. 

The board also approved expenditures for the development of a web based map of The Ohio to Erie Trail.  The same company that developed the Ohio and Erie Canalway website will be doing the work.  The goal is for the new website to be operational by June 2007.

 Capital Spending Bill

The Ohio to Erie Trail has been lobbying for the current version of the Capital Spending bill that should pass the General Assembly in the next few days.  If passed, there are significant expenditures for sections of The Ohio to Erie Trail.

Camp Chase Route (Franklin County

Discussions continue over the best route from Madison County to downtown Columbus.  After the Camp Chase Railroad pulled out of negotiations several months ago with Franklin County Metro Parks, a working group from The Ohio to Erie Trail, Metro Parks, MORPC, and the City of Columbus have been exploring alternate routes.  Discussions with Camp Chase Railroad have been reopened over using part of the right of way, and this opens some new options for a route.  The work group will get back together after the first of the year to develop further plans.

Cincinnati Ohio River Trail - from Don Burrel in Cincinnati

The City of Cincinnati has created a working group of City department heads, interested citizen groups and OKI to move forward the long standing proposal for a shared use path along the Ohio Riverfront between Lunken Airport and downtown. (Cincinnati is the beneficiary of $2.6 million of SAFETEA-LU High Priority Project funding for this project.) The working group is studying the two alternative alignments: one along the riverfront and the other using a portion of the Oasis rail corridor. On Nov. 7, a progress report was presented to a joint meeting of the Health and Recreation Committees which was well attended by interested citizens. Council members on the committees were supportive of the project and encouraged the staff to proceed with the plans. The working group expects to complete the feasibility analysis soon and have cost estimates for a selected route by March.

Ohio Share the Road License Plates

Chuck Smith, President of the Ohio Bicycle Federation, announced at the October meeting that the goal for selling 1,000 plate registrations was met for 2006. Renewals for 2007 have started, so please consider ordering or renewing them for your car next year. Part of the extra $15 goes for bicycle safety information in Ohio. You can do it at www.oplates.com under Specialty Plates.

If you are interested in working with or contributing to the Fund, contact:

Jerry Rampelt, Executive Director. The Ohio to Erie Trail Fund
PO BOX 21246
Columbus, Ohio 43221
614-267-2915 (O)
614-783-5809 (M)
614-267-2916 (Fax)
jrampelt@columbus.rr.com
www.ohiotoerietrail.org

TRAIL BUILDING DEBATE

A few weeks ago, I sat down to read Ira Weiss's weekly cycling e-mail and the lead was a repro of a column which ran in the Columbus Dispatch on October 15th written by Ronald D Utt of the Heritage Foundation. The gist of it was a call for givebacks on the recent highway bill passed by Congress with which, incidentally, I agree. I took exception, however, to his proposal to take these cuts in "pork" funding that included several recreational trail-building or improvement projects. You can read the article and my response here. When measured up to the millions (tens of millions? hundreds?) spent on health care issues related to obesity and poor fitness, the cost of trail-building seems a relatively small investment.

HARRISON WEST PROPOSAL FOR EXPANDED TRAILS AND BIKEWAYS

PDF file outlines proposed riverfront development including improvements and expansion of the Olentangy Trail, additional bikeways etc.

Harrison West Plan

(This is an expansion and update of a portion of the existing Columbus Riverfront Vision Plan which can be found here, also in PDF format: Riverfront Vision Plan)

GRANDVIEW DEVELOPS PLAN FOR BIKEWAY SYSTEM

You can read about it here: http://www.cobac.org/news/grandview_09052005.htm
It's always encouraging when a municipality promotes the health and recreation needs of its citizenry and if we are going to get to the goal of having trail access within a mile of everyone in our area, many more cities and towns will need to follow the example here. Below, a copy of the proto-plan:

COLUMBUS PARKS DEPT / METROPARKS GREENWAYS
MASTER PLAN MAPS

Two pages -  the left side is a more current plan. The right side is the plan map taken from the original master plan which can be view at the Columbus INFO BASE website. (I would reproduce it here but it consists of 5 large PDF files.) The dramatic growth of the planned system is evident in comparing the earlier and current maps.

WHITTIER PENINSULA METRO PARK TAKES SHAPE

The Metro Parks proposal for the new Whittier Peninsula Metro Park. Note the changed routing for the trail (the heavy black line.) Also of note, the possible connection to Dodge Park which would extend the Scioto Loop options. (Click on the thumbnails to bring up the plans in a separate window). This is exciting stuff. Much more detailed stuff can be found at: http://www.columbus.gov/whittier.asp The work will begin, apparently, sometime next month with the demolition of some buildings.

REGIONAL GREENWAYS WEBSITE IN THE WORKS.

I had a nice conversation with Brad Westall, the Greenways Planner for the Columbus Parks Department this morning. (That was his picture in the Columbus Monthly article last month). The Parks Department is working with other agencies like Metro Parks, MORPC and cities and towns in the surrounding counties to put together an official website which will cover all the various trails and greenways and recreational paths in the nine county area and provide more information about what's available, how to get there and all the recreational options. At the same time, they are looking to standardize information and to increase trail signage throughout the central Ohio region to make it easier to use the trails. The proposed web site is in the planning stages and I will pass long and link as soon as it's up and running. Thanks Brad!

RUNNER'S WORLD MAGAZINE TRAVEL ARTICLE ON COLUMBUS

This article dates from 1998 so the information is somewhat dated. It used to be available on the RW website but has long since disappeared. Currently, the only Ohio cities available in their "On The Road" section are Cleveland and Cincinnati.

COLUMBUS MONTHLY JULY '05 ARTICLE ON THE TRAILS

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