So you want to write an Active Transportation Plan…
 With new federal funding emphasizing active transportation safety and connectivity, and growing recognition of the health, economic, and environmental benefits that walking and biking can bring, you may be thinking about a plan dedicated to addressing the needs of people travelling by foot or by bike in your community. But how do you get started?
Many local governments, regional planning organizations, and partners are developing active transportation plans (ATPs) that identify projects and priorities, while others lack the resources, capacity, or expertise to do so. To assist local governments in developing an ATP, ODOT is accepting applications for Active Transportation Plan Development Assistance. ODOT will provide consultant assistance to support the selected local governments with the development of a standalone ATP outlining the strategies needed to support safe, convenient, and accessible active transportation options. This assistance will follow a specific Scope of Services and be developed in conjunction with the ODOT AT Plan Development Guide & Template.
Applicants will be selected based on their level of readiness and ability to demonstrate that this assistance will meaningfully impact Ohio’s six Active Transportation goals, outlined in the Walk.Bike.Ohio Policy Plan:
- Network Connectivity – Promoting comfortable and continuous bicycle and pedestrian facilities that connect people to destinations.
- Safety – Reducing bicyclist/pedestrian injuries and fatalities.
- Equity – Ensuring the system accommodates users of all ages, abilities and incomes.
- Network Utilization – Increasing walking and biking usage.
- Livability – Improving the quality of life for all Ohioans.
- Preservation – Ensuring critical existing infrastructure is in a state of good repair.
Cities, villages, townships, and counties are eligible to apply. It is possible for more than one of these agencies to collaborate on an application and plan. Park Districts may collaborate on an application and plan along with another eligible applicant but may not be the sole applicant. Applications will be accepted through April 22, 2022. Questions can be sent to Caitlin.Harley@dot.ohio.gov.
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For communities that are interested in pursuing an ATP on their own, ODOT’s recently released Active Transportation Plan Development Guide walks through all the steps for creating a plan, and the accompanying Active Transportation Plan Template can help you pull your plan together. This guide encompasses national best practices, links users directly to statewide data and resources, encourages a standard approach to analyzing bicycle and pedestrian needs, and aligns priorities with statewide active transportation goals and funding priorities. |
 Announcements
- FHWA’s Active Transportation Funding and Financing Toolkit highlights innovative funding and finance strategies for implementing active transportation projects. View the toolkit here and a webinar recording here.
- The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. Learn more here and apply by March 22.
- RAISE discretionary grant program applications are due April 14.
- Last call for Put a Lid On It bike helmet applications.
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