Dayton, Ohio, is actively investing in its future by prioritizing active transportation. The city envisions a community where people of all ages and abilities can easily and safely navigate Dayton using methods like cycling, walking, and other forms of micro-mobility. This commitment to diverse transportation options aims to create a more accessible, safe, and convenient environment for everyone living, working, and visiting the city.
Understanding Active Transportation in Dayton
Active transportation is defined as any human-powered mode of transport. This encompasses walking, bicycling, using mobility devices like wheelchairs and scooters, skateboarding, and rollerblading. It’s about incorporating physical activity into our daily commutes and travels, promoting healthier lifestyles and more sustainable urban environments.
Dayton’s approach to active transportation involves comprehensive planning that specifically addresses the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and those using mobility devices. The resulting Active Transportation Plan (ATP) serves as a roadmap, outlining the city’s vision, goals, and strategies for fostering safe, convenient, and accessible active transportation options throughout Dayton. Investing in infrastructure and programs that support active transportation is crucial for meeting the diverse needs of the community and enhancing overall quality of life.
Why Dayton Prioritized an Active Transportation Plan
Dayton’s unique geographical setting, nestled along the Great Miami River and its tributaries, makes it exceptionally well-suited for active transportation. The relatively flat terrain and the presence of the extensive Miami Valley region’s trail network—boasting over 350 miles of paved, multi-use recreational trails—position Dayton as an ideal location for walking and cycling. This vast network, recognized as the Nation’s Largest Paved Trail Network, connects key destinations including schools, parks, historic landmarks, and various attractions across the region.
By developing a focused Active Transportation Plan, Dayton aims to capitalize on these natural advantages. The plan provides a clear framework for leveraging the existing trail network to significantly improve the quality of life for its residents and strengthen Dayton’s reputation as a premier recreational destination. The ATP is instrumental in guiding project prioritization and securing necessary funding, effectively moving Dayton closer to realizing its vision for active transportation.
Dayton’s Network Vision and Key Infrastructure Projects
Through careful analysis of existing conditions, valuable public input, and dedicated steering committee meetings, Dayton has developed a comprehensive vision for a complete active transportation network. This vision is translated into actionable infrastructure recommendations, including:
- Adding 10 miles of sidewalks to enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility.
- Implementing 124 miles of on-street bikeways to create safer cycling routes throughout the city.
- Developing 12 miles of shared-use paths, accommodating both cyclists and pedestrians.
- Improving 252 intersections to ensure safer crossings and smoother traffic flow for all users.
A map illustrating Dayton’s proposed Active Transportation Plan routes, highlighting planned sidewalks, bikeways, and shared-use paths to improve connectivity.
To further illustrate the impact of the Active Transportation Plan, three priority projects were selected for detailed visualizations. These visualizations offer a glimpse into the potential transformation of Dayton’s streets and public spaces through the implementation of the ATP.
Artist’s rendering of Project 12 on W 3rd Street, showcasing potential improvements for pedestrian and cyclist safety and accessibility.
Visualization of Project 38 at W Stewart Street and Randolph Street, demonstrating enhanced infrastructure for active transportation users.
Project 49 visualization along E Monument Avenue, illustrating the integration of active transportation enhancements into existing urban environments.
The Future of Dayton’s Active Transportation Initiatives
The development of Dayton’s Active Transportation Plan was intentionally collaborative, emphasizing community engagement and input. This spirit of collaboration will continue to guide the plan’s implementation. In March 2024, the Bike.Walk.Ride Committee was reconvened to spearhead the implementation of the various programs and projects outlined in the ATP.
The Committee’s Action Plan, approved in 2024, provides a framework for moving forward. Regular quarterly meetings are held, with agendas and minutes publicly available, ensuring ongoing transparency and community involvement in shaping Dayton’s active transportation future.
For deeper insights into the planning process, findings, and the final Active Transportation Plan document, residents and stakeholders are encouraged to explore the resources provided by the City of Dayton.
Learn More About Dayton Transportation and Active Mobility
To delve deeper into Dayton’s Active Transportation Plan and related initiatives, please visit the following resources:
- Explore the planning website for notes and results from the 2021-2023 planning process: Visit our planning website
- Access the final plan on the Plans, Studies, and Reports page: Plans, Studies, and Reports page
- Review the analysis of existing conditions and safety considerations in the State of Walking and Biking report: State of Walking and Biking report
- View the Bike.Walk.Ride Committee Action Plan: Bike.Walk.Ride Committee Action Plan
- Access agendas and minutes from Bike.Walk.Ride Committee meetings: Bike.Walk.Ride Committee Agendas and Minutes
By prioritizing active transportation, Dayton is creating a more connected, healthy, and vibrant city for all.
