Cleveland Unveils "Cleveland Moves" to Foster Safer, Inclusive Transportation Through Community Engagement

Cleveland's streets are set to become more inclusive and safer for alternative modes of travel as the city rolls out public engagement for its new multimodal transportation plan, Cleveland Moves. With a focus on updating the city's 2007 Bikeway Master Plan and the Vision Zero Action Plan, Cleveland aims to not only enhance bike and pedestrian safety but also improve the overall experience of non-automotive transit. In a statement obtained by the City of Cleveland, Mayor Justin M. Bibb underscored the essence of streets being more than mere passageways but spaces for people to engage and commute safely.

Residents are encouraged to actively participate in shaping this plan by sharing insights on preferred routes, barriers to safe travel, and other necessities through an interactive online map. The city also aims to heavily engage in neighborhood gatherings and events throughout August, such as the Metroparks Summer Concert Series and Senior walks, to gather community input. “Our streets can and should be so much more than thoroughfares from one place to the next,” Mayor Bibb emphasized, per the City of Cleveland news. The objective is to not only identify issues but also securely act upon the public's preferences to foster safety and accessibility.

As expressed by Sarah Davis, the city's Active Transportation Senior Planner, during the 2022 Vision Zero outreach, there was an overwhelming concern regarding dangerous driving behaviors and speeding. "During our 2022 Vision Zero outreach, we heard overwhelming concern about speeding and other dangerous driving behaviors", Davis told the City of Cleveland. It is integral for the planning team to understand not just the statistical data on accidents but also the community's perspective on priority areas for improvement. The multifaceted approach includes reviewing current policies and scrutinizing the city's biking and walking programs to identify and bridge gaps that hinder safety and comfort.

The initiative also coincides with Cleveland adopting new regulations for shared mobility device providers, expanding access to electric bikes and scooters to not only reach beyond downtown but also substantially grow the availability of these services. Jenna Thomas, Advocacy and Policy Manager at Bike Cleveland, highlighted the community's eagerness to bolster road changes, stating through the city news report, “It's clear that residents want changes to our roads and are excited to make it happen.” Local endeavors to embolden better street committees and engagement reflect a collective push towards safer and more sustainable urban travel. In addition to planning, the city is also implementing practical measures like the installation of 100-speed tables this summer to curb high vehicle speeds on residential streets.

For more details and to contribute to the conversation on Cleveland's transportation future, residents can sign up for email updates and find outreach events listed on the City of Cleveland's website. The planning process incorporates more than just ongoing projects. It is also set to tailor new recommendations into a prioritized five-year plan, complying with Cleveland’s 2002 Complete and Green Streets Ordinance.