New Report: Economic Value of a Walkable and Bikeable Ohio
Why Walking and Biking Matter
Active transportation opportunities, such as sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails, provide more than just mobility. They also support health, improve safety, and enhance the quality of life for residents. Every dollar invested in active transportation infrastructure in Ohio generates approximately $2 in output, while supporting tourism and business activity across the state.
The Payoff for Ohio
ODOT’s new report shows that walking and biking save Ohioans money every year:
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$1.3 billion saved from vehicle operating costs and fares, as well as reductions in costs to society from congestion, noise, crashes, and poor air quality.
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$368 million in annual health savings from walking or biking to work.
When people choose where to live, good walking and biking options make a community more appealing. In Ohio, major trails have boosted home values by $1.6 billion across the state. Bicycle tourism also brings money into local communities. In 2024 alone, more than 110 cycling events in Ohio generated $8.81 million in business sales.
To better understand and share the economic value of active transportation investment in Ohio, check out The Economic Value of a Walkable & Bikeable Ohio, a 2025 report available here: https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/programs/Active+Transportation/economic-value/economic-value. For a more in-depth overview of this report’s methodology, please refer to the Technical Appendix.
 Do you want to understand the potential impacts of a future or existing project in your area? Stay tuned for the next newsletter, which will highlight ODOT’s new benefit-cost analysis tool and resources for transportation practitioners.
 Announcements
- ODOT’s Transportation Alternatives Program is now open for applications through November 30th. Review program guidance and apply here: Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) & Guidance.
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December 1st is the deadline to apply for ODOT consultant assistance to develop an Active Transportation Plan or School Travel Plan. Planning assistance is highly competitive, with about 5-8 plans being selected in total.
- ODOT’s Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) program will also consider School Travel Plan requests as part of the annual SRTS application due March 6th, 2026.
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The Ohio Department of Public Safety is seeking law enforcement officer candidates to co-instruct a new Pedestrian & Bicycle Law Enforcement Training Program! Learn more about this program and have interested law enforcement partners submit an interest form by December 7th. Questions can be sent to caitlin.harley@dot.ohio.gov.
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Save the Date: The Ohio Traffic Safety Office is accepting presentation submissions for the 2026 Ohio Traffic Safety Summit on May 19-20th, 2026. Visit ohiotrafficsafetysummit.com for more details and to submit!
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