Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Board outlines 2025 projects; council approves bicycle and pedestrian improvements funding

Rebecca Green, speaking for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, presented the board’s mission, recent accomplishments and 2025 priorities and asked council for continued support. "Our mission statement is to connect the community by advocating for enhanced mobility for all citizens and visitors on bike and foot," Green said.

Why it matters Council approved Ordinance 9-2025 to appropriate funds in the capital improvements program for bicycle and pedestrian projects that staff tied to the board’s presentation. The funded items include feasibility and design work, trail maintenance grant preparation, intersection enhancements and construction-level work for a bike lane and a "bike box" at the Karen/High location.

Board priorities and completed work Green summarized accomplishments since 2020, including rapid‑flash pedestrian beacons at Lynworth Road and Beachview, a pilot sidewalk gaps program, a bicycle boulevard pilot in Colonial Hills, bike corrals for events, mapped bike-rack locations, and feasibility/design studies for high‑priority intersections such as Five Points in Colonial Hills. She said the board will seek better communications and a revised bicycle boulevard policy based on resident feedback from the pilot.

Planned 2025 work funded by ordinance On March 17 Mr. Moorhead told council the five projects expected to be funded in 2025 are: a feasibility study of Worthington‑Galena‑Schrock (referred to in presentation as Worthen/Singelina Road); an update to the bike/ped master plan (Pike Boulevard section); grant application work for Olentangy Trail maintenance; intersection and construction work at Karen and High (the bike lane/bike box); and concept studies and drawings for improvements at the 315/161 interchange to position the city for LinkUS funding.

Olentangy Trail and amenities A council member asked whether Olentangy Trail improvements could include water fountains. Mr. Moorhead deferred to Mr. Hurley, who said that trail plumbing is limited and that Parks & Rec will coordinate trail amenity discussions with the design process.

Council action Council took a roll call and passed Ordinance 9-2025. The resolution and staff comments say the work is tied to the Capital Improvements Program and to the board’s recommendations; specifics such as final designs, grant awards and construction schedules will follow separate design and bidding steps.

What to expect next Funded studies and concept work will be used to pursue funding (including LinkUS and ODOT partnerships) and to prepare construction documents. Staff said the Olentangy Trail maintenance project is targeted for grant application work this year and that the Karen Avenue work would be coordinated with a waterline project where appropriate.