Two Steps Forward, One Step Back for Cleveland Cycle Track Plans

Advocates are thrilled that the city of Cleveland is seeking federal funding for a pair of ambitious cycle track plans—but one of the plans has been significantly watered down.

1 minute read

June 28, 2021, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Steven Litt reports that the city of Cleveland is seeking $32.5 million in federal funding for the Superior Avenue Midway in downtown, along with a similar cycle track project planned for Lorain Avenue on the West Side of the city.

The Cleveland Planning Commission approved the Lorain Avenue concept in 2015, but the project has changed in the ensuing years. Advocates expressed dismay, reports Litt, "that the city appears to be backpedaling on building the 2-mile Lorain Avenue project as a sidewalk-level, two-way cycle track from West 20th to West 65th Street," as approved in 2015.

Tom McNair, executive director of the nonprofit Ohio City Inc. community development corporation, "said the 2015 concept offered a chance to create a local equivalent of the highly-acclaimed Cultural Trail in downtown Indianapolis. That eight-mile, sidewalk-level cycle track separates cyclists from traffic and pedestrians along its entire length."

The Superior Avenue Midway is planned "as a two-mile, sidewalk-level cycle track in a 30-foot-wide central median that would extend from Public Square east to East 55th Street."

Wednesday, June 23, 2021 in Cleveland.com

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Close-up on woman in white and blue striped knee-length dress standing next to mint green cruiser bike resting against low wrought iron fence in front of green lawn.

Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.

49 seconds ago - domus

Close-up of man in manually operated wheelchair waiting at urban crosswalk.

Making Mobility More Inclusive

A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.

1 hour ago - Greater Good Magazine

US and Texas flags flying in front of Texas state capitol dome in Austin, Texas.

Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness

A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.

2 hours ago - The Texas Tribune