NOACA Plans Promote Bicycling and Transportation for Special Populations

Bicycling and public transit services are likely to get a boost in Northeast Ohio. The Governing Board of the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) will consider adopting a Regional Bicycle Transportation Plan and Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan at its March 14 meeting. If the Board members approve these plans, both will be added to the transportation plan for this area, Connections 2030: A Framework for the 2030 Transportation System.

The bike plan identifies goals and strategies to promote bicycling as a means of transportation and recreation. It also includes a priority bikeway system that shows where bikeway facilities should eventually be installed.

The Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan identifies strategies and priorities to improve transportation for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and people with low incomes. It was developed with input from the transit agencies in Northeast Ohio, human services agencies, and people who use public transit through surveys, public meetings, focus groups, and a workshop. The coordinated plan is available for review.

“Both of these plans are consistent with NOACA’s goals of promoting all modes of transportation, especially alternatives to single-occupant vehicles,” says Howard R. Maier, NOACA executive director. “The coordinated plan also addresses the needs of special populations who do not have their own means of transportation, and I’m proud that NOACA is playing a major role in looking out for their interests.”

In addition to considering these two plans, the Board will also consider adding 15 new projects to the transportation plan. Details about these projects are posted for public comment and have undergone comprehensive staff, committee, and intergovernmental review. The Board will also consider adding these projects to the State Fiscal Years 2008 – 2011 Transportation Improvement Program, the comprehensive, four-year listing of federal-aid highway, transit and bikeway projects scheduled for implementation in NOACA’s five counties (Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina).

The Governing Board meeting will be held on Friday, March 14, at 10:00 a.m. at NOACA’s offices, 1299 Superior Avenue in downtown Cleveland. For more information, e-mail us.