Scioto County Active Transportation Plan
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Scioto County Active Transportation Plan MARCH 2020 Contents 1. Introduction ............................................2 2. Existing Conditions Analysis .......................6 3. Community Engagement Summary ...........32 4. Recommendations ..................................35 5. Implementation .....................................67 Appendix ...................................................94 ii | Scioto County Active Transportation Plan Acknowledgments Advisory Team Consultant Team Zac Allen, Wayne National Forest David Shipps, AICP, Columbus Office Director, Toole Design Jon Born, Portsmouth City Schools Sally Sharrow, AICP Candidate, Heath Fields, OVRDC Planner, Toole Design Stephanie Gilbert, OVRDC Michael Blau, AICP, Senior Planner, Toole Design Caitlin Harley, ODOT Central Office Galen Omerso, GIS Manager, Toole Dianne Kahal-Berman, ODOT Design District 9 Mariel Colman, PE, Engineer, Toole Bill Kirby, Portsmouth Connex Design Larry Mullins, Access Scioto County Tyler Frazier, Engineer, Toole Design Tracy Shearer, City of Portsmouth Paul Sheets, Scioto County Engineers Foresta Shope, Sciotoville Schools Melissa Spears, Scioto County General Health District Kara Stump, Shawnee State University Jacob Taylor, OVRDC Wendi Waugh, Portsmouth Connex | iii THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Introduction 1 Introduction What is Active The Scioto County Active Transportation Plan is the first official document Transportation? “Active Transportation” is an umbrella term to focus on pedestrian and bicycle improvements across the county. The for all the ways people can get around Ohio Department of Transportation funded the plan’s development, and without using a motorized vehicle. This the Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission (OVRDC) led the term emphasizes the role of physically active forms of transportation in improving planning process, with support from a consultant team led by Toole Design community health. It reinforces that Group. This chapter describes the Plan’s purpose and structure, defines bicycling and walking are valid forms of transportation, not just forms of recreation, active transportation, and examines the benefits associated with active and it is a more inclusive term that reflects transportation. the use of mobility assistance devices, such as wheelchairs and scooters, and other modes, such as skating or skateboarding. Active transportation also implies a This Active Transportation Plan grew out of the neighbors. This plan provides Scioto County with more comprehensive approach to the need to provide more opportunities for physical an actionable road map for improving community transportation system which recognizes activity and safer, more equitable transportation mobility through a safe, well-connected, the importance of active transportation options. In Scioto County, a number of factors will countywide network that everyone can use, in accessing public transit, and addresses set the stage for a successful active transportation regardless of age or ability. associated infrastructure like bike racks and network. The more densely urbanized areas along wheelchair ramps. the river have an historic street grid conducive to short walking and bicycling trips, and a large Active Transportation proportion of children live within walking or Benefits cycling distance of their schools. Many county Quality of Life residents are already walking or bicycling, often Active transportation can provide many Comfortable and accessible bicycling and walking due to economic need. In the county’s rural area, community benefits, even beyond personal provide a host of quality of life benefits. They the beautiful Appalachian scenery and large mobility, such as public health, economic increase the number of travel options for everyone wilderness areas are an attraction for long- development, quality of life, and environmental and can lead to a sense of independence in distance cycling. Recent projects have already quality. In order to obtain these benefits it is seniors, young people, and others who cannot added new bicycling and walking infrastructure important to invest in the infrastructure and or choose not to drive. Providing a high-quality in the City of Portsmouth, and regional and programs that support active transportation. active transportation network is important for statewide projects such as the State and US Scioto County’s residents who do not have full Bicycle Network will connect the County to its access to a vehicle. This includes people who are 2 | Scioto County Active Transportation Plan under 16 years-old, unlicensed adults, suspended Activity Guidelines for Americans, 150 minutes of to traffic crashes and inhaled air pollution.8 drivers, and people who live in households with moderate-intensity aerobic activity (for example, more drivers than vehicles. brisk walking) each week reduces the risk of Mental Health many chronic diseases and other adverse health Physical activity, including walking and bicycling, Active transportation options are associated outcomes.4 For young people ages 6–17 the can help prevent or treat some mental health 1 with inviting places for people to live and work. USHHSD recommends participating in at least 60 conditions. Physical activity reduces depression, Bicyclists often report greater satisfaction with minutes of physical activity every day. Engaging can improve the quality of sleep, and has 2 their commute than people who drive to work. In in physical activity beyond these amounts can been shown to improve cognitive function for communities that have invested in bicycling and impart additional health benefits. older adults.9 Active transportation can also walking infrastructure, bicyclists and pedestrian improve social conditions in communities, commuters report the highest levels of “commute Being overweight increases an individual’s risk for which contributes to positive mental well-being well-being,” which is a measure of commute- many chronic diseases, including hypertension, among residents. While there may be many based stress, confidence in arrival time, boredom diabetes, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease reasons people feel socially isolated, land-use or enthusiasm, excitement, pleasure, and ease of and stroke, gallbladder disease, arthritis, sleep and transportation systems designed around trip. disturbances, mental health issues, breathing the automobile can exacerbate these feelings. 5 problems, and certain cancers. Increased Car dependence reinforces solitary lifestyles Additionally, more “eyes on the street” improve opportunity for recreation and destination- safety and support more activity: one study found and reduces opportunities for positive social oriented trips using active modes of travel are key 10 that violence and the fear of violence prevent interaction in public spaces, particularly in rural to reducing obesity and, by extension, the risk for areas. people from being physically active and spending developing chronic diseases. time outdoors, causing a ripple effect of reduced social interactions, reduced community cohesion, A 20-year study of 5,115 people in four U.S. cities Economic Development 3 and more barriers to community investment. found that walking and bicycling to work are There is broad consensus across the country, and associated with greater physical fitness among in Ohio, that investing in active transportation Public Health both men and women. Active commuting is produces a positive return on investment for host also associated with lower obesity rates and The health of Scioto County’s residents may communities. This is especially true when it comes better cardiovascular health for men. The study be improved directly or indirectly through to trails, which serve as major regional attractions called strategies to enable and encourage active investments in active transportation infrastructure for recreational riders. Trail-based tourism is an commuting “effective interventions to reduce and programs. Active transportation, including economic boon for many small communities, obesity and improve cardiovascular disease risk.”6 walking and bicycling, can help people supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and increasing property values.11 For example, annual incorporate routine physical activity into their Research has also found that the health benefits trail tourism spending along the Great Allegheny daily lives. of bicycling instead of driving far outweigh the Passage in Maryland and Pennsylvania exceeds risks.7 For example, one study found that on $40 million. It has resulted in 54 new or expanded Physical Health average, individuals who shifted from driving to businesses, 83 jobs, and $7.5 million in local wages According to the U.S. Health and Human bicycling gained an estimated 3 to 14 months of every year.12 Another study found that customers Services Department’s (USHHSD) Physical life expectancy, compared to 5 to 9 days lost due Introduction | 3 who walked or biked to local stores spent as much or more than those who drove over the Environmental Quality Planning Process and course of a month, often because they visited Support for bicycling and walking comes in part Document Structure more often or stopped on impulse when walking from concerns about greenhouse gas emissions, The Plan was created under the leadership of past.13 Businesses such as bicycle shops are also stormwater runoff from highway facilities, and an Advisory Committee (described in Chapter needed to support a strong bicycling community, other