It might be hard to believe, but one out of every 10 households in Ohio does not have a motor vehicle for transportation. That means thousands of Buckeye residents take to walking and biking to get where they want to go. ODOT is addressing the needs of those forced to walk, and others who do it for enjoyment, by enhancing walkways and trails. While walking and biking make-up only 2.6% of our total trips in Ohio, walkers and bicyclists made-up about 14% of the traffic deaths in the state. Pedestrian deaths jumped 30% last year alone.
ODOT reports Ohio has the 8th largest roadway network in America; but the state is lacking in the pedestrian and bicycle network, so look for more improvements coming to your communities in those areas. ODOT is also hoping these upgrades will help Ohio move from 40th in the nation for overall health, to a more lofty ranking, with additional exercise opportunities.