Columbus Bikeway and Trail System

Council was an early and remains a strong proponent of expanding a regional bikeway and trails system in Columbus and Franklin County.  At year-end 2005, the system consisted of 60 miles thanks to partnerships with suburban neighbors, Metro Parks and Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). In 2007, Councilmember Priscilla Tyson sponsored legislation for enhanced signs and graphics throughout the Columbus system.

The Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan is the first master plan for on-street bikeway development in the city of Columbus, completed February 1, 2008. The plan recommends a holistic approach to city-wide bikeway development, including the establishment of polices, goals, education programs, encouragement efforts, enforcement, a comprehensive bikeway network and infrastructure maintenance programs. The Columbus Bicentennial Bikeway Plan reflects a "complete streets" approach by providing additional mobility options to the traveling public.

The Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan represents a twenty-year vision of the development of bicycle facilities over the following three phases:

Phase 1 recommends the construction of 58 miles of bikeway facilities and the initial start-up of education and encouragement programs, and enforcement of bikeway safety laws.

Phase 2 recommends the continued construction of an additional 200 miles of bikeway facilities along with growth in education, encouragement and enforcement program activities.

Phase 3 completes the plan with the construction of an additional 280 miles of bikeway facilities with continued efforts in education, encouragement and enforcement activities.

When fully implemented, the Columbus Bicentennial Bikeway Plan will add 538 miles of on-street bikeway facilities to the existing system of 50 miles for a total of 588 miles of bikeway facilities city-wide. The on-street bikeway system complements and connects neighborhoods and business centers to the regional greenway and bike trail system being implemented by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and Franklin County Metro Parks District.

In developing the Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan, extensive community outreach was made to gain public input and support. These outreach efforts included two public meetings, meetings with groups of stakeholders, local government leaders and bicycle advocacy groups, an interactive website, and coordinated efforts with local jurisdictions.

The Columbus Bicycle Advisory Committee reviewed the Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan on April 16, 2008, and subsequently indicated support for its adoption. The Columbus Transportation and Pedestrian Commission was presented the Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan on May 8, 2008, and voted unanimously to recommend its adoption by City Council.  Subsequently, City Council adopted the plan on June 9, 2008.

For more information on the Columbus/Franklin County Bikeway and Trail program, please visit Columbus Department of Recreation and Parks, Metro Parks and MORPC.