The city of Cleveland's first protected bike path has planning commission approval. The protected path is a component of the city's ambitious bike infrastructure plans.
Steven Litt reports that the Cleveland Planning Commission "unanimously approved conceptual plans for the Lorain Avenue Bikeway, modeled after the widely acclaimed Cultural Trail in Indianapolis."
"The $16 million Lorain Avenue project would transform 2.25 miles of the four-lane avenue from West 20th to West 65th Street into a multi-modal route with two lanes for vehicles, a lane for parking and bus stops, and a 10-foot strip separated from traffic for bikes."
If granted final approval, the protected path along Lorain Avenue would further the city's goals of doubling the mileage of city bike paths by 2017. The city also plans to add another 80 miles by 2019, according to Litt. The controversial Opportunity Corridor project also includes plans for a two-mile protected bike path along the route.
Litt notes the argument of complete streets and bike advocates that the city's road infrastructure was built for the larger population of the city in the 20th century, like other cities around the country.
Litt also describes the Cultural Trail in Indianapolis in more detail as an inspiration for the Lorain Avenue Bikeway.
FULL STORY: Lorain Avenue Bikeway concept gets a big boost from Cleveland planning commission (photos)

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