Active Transportation Plan

Regional Active Transportation Plan

Public Comment Draft | Lake Erie West Regional Council

Public comments are now being accepted on the Regional Active Transportation Plan, which outlines a shared vision to expand safe, accessible transportation options that allow people to walk, bicycle, and roll more easily across communities throughout the Lake Erie West region.

Active transportation, such as walking, biking, and using mobility assistance devices, is an essential part of modern community planning. These modes help residents reach jobs, schools, parks, shops, and transit while supporting public health, reducing congestion, and improving quality of life.

Communities with safe streets, connected trails, and walkable neighborhoods are increasingly recognized as more livable and economically competitive.

“This plan represents hundreds of hours of collaboration among governmental agencies, partner organizations, and members of the public across the region,” said Sandy Spang, Executive Director of Lake Erie West Regional Council. “Public feedback is a critical part of this process. Continued input will help ensure the final plan reflects community priorities and provides a comprehensive roadmap for improving active transportation throughout the region.”

How to Submit Comments

Public comments are being accepted through Monday, June 1, 2026. Comments may be submitted to Sean Sammon, Transportation Program Manager, at sammon@lakeeriewest.org

All comments will be reviewed and used to refine the final plan, which will be submitted to the appropriate governing bodies within Lake Erie West Regional Council for final approval.

About the Plan

The Regional Active Transportation Plan establishes a long-term framework for improving safety, accessibility, and connectivity for people who walk, bike, or roll, whether for daily trips, recreation, or access to public transit. The plan focuses on linking neighborhoods, schools, parks, employment centers, and regional destinations through routes that are safe, convenient, and accessible for users of all ages and abilities.

Key elements of the plan include:

• A connected regional network of multiuse trails and paths
• Data, tools, and resources to support local planning and investment decisions
• Strategies to increase active transportation through awareness, collaboration, and engagement

Public input played a major role in shaping the draft plan, with strong support for safer streets, improved bicycle routes, and more walkable communities.

The Lake Erie West Region

Lake Erie West Regional Council—formerly the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG)—is the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Lucas and Wood counties in Ohio and three townships in Monroe County, Michigan. To better address regional connectivity, the plan also includes Ottawa, Sandusky, and Seneca counties in Ohio.

First developed in 2026, the Regional Active Transportation Plan will be updated every five years to reflect new data, evolving needs, and continued public input.

Regional Goals

The plan is guided by three core goals:

1. Expand and connect the regional multiuse path network and link it to statewide and neighboring systems.
2. Support local jurisdictions with data and resources to make informed decisions about active transportation infrastructure.
3. Ensure ongoing public and private participation through education, outreach, and awareness of available resources.

Together, these goals address regional connectivity, local implementation, and individual safety and access.

Looking Ahead

The Lake Erie West region already has a strong foundation of trails and infrastructure supporting active transportation, with additional connections planned. Strategies such as Complete Streets, Safe Routes to School, Vision Zero, traffic calming, and coordinated land use planning will help improve safety and close gaps in the network.

Public engagement and safety data will continue to guide improvements, with a long-term focus on preventing serious crashes and advancing a goal of zero fatalities. Major projects, including new regional trail connections and the pedestrian and bicycle facilities on the Gordie Howe International Bridge, will further strengthen local, regional, and international connectivity.

Through continued collaboration and public involvement, the Regional Active Transportation Plan sets a path toward a safer, healthier, and more connected Lake Erie West region.

Active Transportation Plan Appendices

All Appendices

Appendix C
Appendix C 2r
Appendix D
Appendix D 2
Appendix D 3
Appendix D 4
Appendix E
Appendix F Q6
Appendix Q7
Appendix H
Appendix I
Appendix J