Building a Sustainable Cycling Future for Youngstown

Good Morning, Daniel,

It was a pleasure to be on the panel, and I truly appreciate you reaching out with these thoughtful questions. It's a testament to your team's dedication to understanding the nuances of sustainable transportation in Youngstown. As the owner of Cruise the Creek E-Bike Rentals, and with my involvement in projects like Yo' Motion and YoGo Bikeshare, as well as my collaboration with Outspoken Wheelmen, I'm happy to share my perspectives. I also want to draw parallels to successful cities like Davis, California, and regional examples such as Akron's Towpath Trail, Cleveland Metroparks' extensive network, and the recreational opportunities in areas like Hocking Hills, which offer valuable insights for Youngstown.

Let's dive in:

What purpose(s) is the cycling infrastructure meant to fulfill for Youngstown, and where is it falling short?

The cycling infrastructure in Youngstown is fundamentally meant to fulfill several critical purposes: enhanced mobility, improved public health, economic development, and environmental sustainability.

 * Enhanced Mobility: It should offer a legitimate, safe, and efficient alternative for commuting, errands, and recreation, connecting people to jobs, services, and green spaces.

 * Improved Public Health: By promoting active transportation, it should contribute to a healthier populace, reducing rates of chronic diseases linked to sedentary lifestyles.

 * Economic Development: Good infrastructure can attract new residents and businesses, support local tourism – as I've seen firsthand with Cruise the Creek E-Bike Rentals generating interest along the Mahoning River and being primarily focused on Mill Creek Park – and increase foot traffic for local businesses. Successful multi-use trails, like Akron's Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, demonstrate significant economic impact, generating over $408 million in economic activity annually and supporting 4,200 jobs in the region. 

 * Environmental Sustainability: It's a crucial component in reducing our carbon footprint and improving air quality.

Where it's falling short is primarily in connectivity and perceived safety. While we've made strides, particularly with initiatives like Yo' Motion aiming for a holistic, integrated transportation system, there are still significant gaps in the network. Specifically, there's a critical infrastructure gap between the award-winning Mill Creek MetroParks Bikeway system and the public roadways that provide access to park entrances in Youngstown, Ohio. Despite the park system's extensive 11-mile internal trail network and status as a major regional cycling destination, cyclists face significant safety challenges when accessing park entrances due to inadequate bicycle infrastructure on surrounding public roads. Half-measures such as sharrows or the absence of any bicycle accommodation do not serve the public interest and contradict the substantial public investment already made in the park system's internal infrastructure. The rapid growth of e-bike adoption has made this infrastructure gap even more critical, as e-bike users are legally required to operate in roadways but often lack the experience necessary for safe mixed-traffic navigation. Many existing lanes aren't fully separated, leading to a feeling of vulnerability for cyclists, which discourages widespread adoption beyond recreational riders. The lack of protected intersections is a major concern.

Of the cycling improvements that have been made so far, which have the best and worst reception from the public?

Generally, any improvement that feels safe and direct has received positive reception. Dedicated multi-use trails, even short segments, are universally loved for their recreational and family-friendly appeal. As the owner of Cruise the Creek E-Bike Rentals, I can attest to the immense popularity of our service within Mill Creek Park, demonstrating the strong public desire for safe, scenic cycling opportunities. The success of Akron's Towpath Trail, a developing 101-mile trail that connects dozens of Northeast Ohio communities, further underscores the positive reception for extensive, well-maintained trail networks. The introduction of the YoGo Bikeshare has also been well-received, particularly by university students and downtown residents, as it provides an accessible entry point to cycling without the upfront cost of ownership.

The worst reception tends to come from painted bike lanes on busy roads without any physical separation. These are often viewed as mere suggestions rather than protective infrastructure, sometimes even increasing frustration for both cyclists and drivers who feel the road space is not clearly defined or respected. The current approach of relying on sharrows or providing no bicycle infrastructure at key park access points contradicts established best practices and creates unnecessary safety risks.

How does cycling infrastructure impact the long-term repair cycle of transport infrastructure?

This is an excellent question that often gets overlooked. Investing in cycling infrastructure can actually have a positive long-term impact on the repair cycle of our overall transport infrastructure.

 * Reduced Road Wear: Every person who chooses a bicycle over a car reduces the wear and tear on our roadways. Fewer heavy vehicles mean less stress on the asphalt, potentially extending the lifespan of roads and bridges.

 * Diversification of Investment: By investing in diverse modes of transport, we can allocate resources more strategically. Instead of solely focusing on widening and continually repairing car-centric infrastructure, we can create a more resilient and multi-modal network.

 * Smarter Design: Designing for bicycles often means considering human scale and permeability, which can lead to more durable and context-sensitive urban design overall.

What would affect people’s perception of bicycles as a legitimate method of transportation?

Several factors are crucial here, and it's a core focus of Outspoken Wheelmen, an organization dedicated to advocating for cyclists' rights and promoting safe cycling practices:

 * Safety and Comfort: This is paramount. People need to feel safe and comfortable cycling. This means protected bike lanes, clear signage, and traffic calming measures. For example, Davis, California, known as "The Bicycle Capital of America"  was the first U.S. city to install dedicated bike lanes in 1967 and an early adopter of bike-only traffic signals, which led to fewer conflicts with vehicles. Their emphasis on safe infrastructure has contributed to them having no bike accidents recorded in recent years. Similarly, Cleveland Metroparks provides over 100 miles of shared-use, paved, all-purpose trails, linking to regional networks like the Ohio & Erie Trail, prioritizing safety and connectivity. The success of this dedicated infrastructure contributes significantly to people feeling safe and legitimizing cycling.

 * Convenience and Connectivity: Can I get where I need to go easily and directly by bike? This ties back to the network gaps we discussed, especially at critical access points like those leading to Mill Creek MetroParks. Davis boasts 102 miles of bike lanes and 63 miles of pathways within its nearly 10 square miles, creating a highly functional bicycle transportation system. 

 * Societal Normalization: Seeing more people on bikes – diverse people, going about their daily lives – helps normalize cycling as a legitimate mode. This is where initiatives like YoGo Bikeshare play a role, making cycling more visible. Organizations like the CycWard Bike Club, and Thrive Mahoning Valley also contribute significantly by organizing rides and fostering a strong, visible cycling community in Youngstown.

 * Policy Support: Clear urban planning, zoning, and incentives that prioritize cycling. This is an area where advocacy groups like Outspoken Wheelmen are constantly engaged. Davis has consistently earned Platinum status as a Bicycle Friendly Community since 2005, recognizing its commitment to improving conditions for all people who bike through investments in bike education, events, policies, and infrastructure.

 * Visibility and Advocacy: Consistent public education and advocacy, like what we strive for with yomotion in promoting integrated mobility solutions, and the active presence of groups such as Thrive Mahoning Valley in pushing for a more livable and connected community.

What methods have you used in the past to create a positive relationship between the community and infrastructure projects?

My approach has always been rooted in community engagement, transparency, and demonstrating tangible benefits.

 * Early and Consistent Engagement: Bringing community members to the table before plans are finalized. Listening to their concerns and incorporating their feedback. For YO Motion, this involved numerous public workshops and surveys to understand local needs and aspirations. Organizations like Thrive Mahoning Valley are instrumental in facilitating these broader community dialogues around regional development.

 * Pilot Projects and Demonstrations: Sometimes, a temporary demonstration can be incredibly effective in showing people what's possible and gathering real-world feedback.

 * Highlighting Local Benefits: Clearly articulating how a project will directly benefit residents, whether it's improved access to parks, economic opportunities, or health benefits. With Cruise the Creek E-Bike Rentals, being primarily focused on Mill Creek Park, I consistently emphasize the enjoyment of the park's natural beauty and the support for local businesses that comes from increased visitation. The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is a prime example of a trail that connects communities and directly supports local businesses through user spending.

 * Partnerships: Collaborating with local businesses, community groups, and educational institutions. This builds trust and shared ownership. Groups like the CycWard Bike Club often serve as excellent grassroots partners, bringing cyclists' perspectives directly to projects. We've also seen successful partnerships in our region, such as between Hermitage and Sharon with Buhl Park, where a collaborative effort secured funding to extend bike lanes directly into the park, demonstrating the power of inter-municipal cooperation.

 * Accessibility and Inclusivity: Ensuring projects benefit all community members, not just a select few. The affordability and ease of use of YoGo Bikeshare are key to its community acceptance.

What benefits would the community gain from a shift towards cycling as a primary means of transportation?

The benefits are vast and interconnected:

 * Improved Public Health: Reduced rates of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Better mental health through physical activity and outdoor exposure. Organizations like Thrive Mahoning Valley consistently highlight these health benefits in their broader community wellness initiatives. Cleveland Metroparks estimates that 114,000 adults receive measurable health benefits through physical activity in their park system, leading to an annual medical cost savings of $160 million.

 * Economic Vitality: More vibrant downtowns and neighborhoods, increased local spending, reduced transportation costs for residents, and new job opportunities in bike-related businesses. Specifically, addressing infrastructure deficiencies can fully realize the economic and recreational benefits of the e-bike revolution. The opportunity exists to establish Mill Creek MetroParks as a national model for park accessibility and e-bike integration, attracting cyclists from across the Mahoning Valley region. The Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area, encompassing the Towpath Trail, generates over $408 million in economic impact annually, supporting 4,200 jobs and $34.7 million in tax revenue. Bike infrastructure in Cleveland has been shown to increase retail employment by 12.6% and food sales by 52.4% along corridors with new bike lanes .

 * Environmental Resilience: Reduced greenhouse gas emissions, cleaner air and water, and decreased noise pollution.

 * Enhanced Quality of Life: Quieter streets, more human-scale environments, increased social interaction, and a stronger sense of community. The social aspect fostered by groups like the CycWard Bike Club through group rides and events is a testament to this benefit.

 * Greater Equity: Providing affordable transportation options for those who can't afford or choose not to own a car. Studies highlight that bicycling is often the least-costly mode of transportation, offering massive cost savings to residents, particularly in cities with high proportions of low-income residents like Cleveland.

What indicators would show you that bike infrastructure is truly working economically, socially, and environmentally?

* Economically:

   * Increased bike sales and usage of services like YoGo Bikeshare and Cruise the Creek E-Bike Rentals. For my business, this means consistent bookings and positive customer feedback.

   * Growth in bike-related businesses (repair shops, retailers). Davis, California, for example, has 4,300 bike racks, nearly four times the number of downtown parking spaces, indicating a robust bike-supported economy. 

   * Increased foot traffic and sales for businesses along bike routes. The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, for instance, has a significant impact on local business spending.

   * Reduced parking demand in certain areas.

   * Data showing a decrease in vehicle miles traveled.

 * Socially:

   * Visible increase in the number of cyclists of all ages and demographics, including participation in rides organized by CycWard Bike Club.

   * Reduced number of car-bike accidents. Davis, California, has achieved maximum points for traffic safety, with no bike accidents recorded in recent years.

   * Increased community events centered around cycling (e.g., bike-to-work days, group rides), often supported by organizations like Thrive Mahoning Valley and the Outspoken Wheelmen.

   * Positive public perception and anecdotes about cycling convenience and safety.

   * Improved access to jobs, education, and recreation for non-drivers. In Davis, California, 12% of adults commute by bicycle, and historically it was as high as 28% in 1980. In Fort Collins, Colorado, a city with a population around 170,000, over 4% of commuters choose cycling as their main mode of transport, supported by over 280 miles of bike facilities.

 * Environmentally:

   * Measurable reduction in local air pollutants.

   * Decrease in per capita carbon emissions from transportation.

   * Increased tree canopy and green infrastructure integration along bike paths. Davis also built the Davis Greenbelt starting in the 1980s, which includes paved paths weaving through natural areas.

If Youngstown had the opportunity to secure a major federal grant for sustainable mobility, what role would biking play in that proposal?

Biking would play a central and foundational role in any such proposal. It wouldn't be an add-on; it would be an integral part of a holistic sustainable mobility strategy, echoing the principles of yomotion. The path forward requires recognition that excellent park facilities, like those in Mill Creek MetroParks, must be matched by excellent access infrastructure.

Our proposal would likely focus on:

 * Building a Connected, Protected Network: Prioritizing the construction of separated bike lanes and multi-use trails, filling critical gaps to create a cohesive network that connects residential areas to major employment centers, educational institutions, and recreational facilities. This would include bridging the critical infrastructure gap between the Mill Creek MetroParks Bikeway system and public roadways providing park access. We can look to cities like Fort Collins, Colorado, which has over 280 miles of designated bike lanes, shared routes, and trails, and a network of under and overpasses that minimize interactions with cars. The success of trails like the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail (90 miles currently, aiming for 101 miles) demonstrates the power of a connected regional network.

 * Expanding Bikeshare and E-Bike Access: Significantly scaling up the YoGo Bikeshare program, potentially adding more e-bikes and expanding its reach into underserved neighborhoods. We'd also look to establish more locations at the primary entrances to the Park, similar to the success I've seen with Cruise the Creek E-Bike Rentals primarily focused on Mill Creek Park, but integrated into a broader network. This opportunity exists to create a truly integrated bicycle transportation system that serves both recreational and transportation objectives, while establishing Mill Creek MetroParks as a national model for park accessibility and e-bike integration.

 * Safe Routes to School/Work: Dedicated funding for infrastructure improvements around schools and major employment zones to encourage active commuting.

 * Integrated Mobility Hubs: Developing multimodal hubs where people can easily transfer between bikes, public transit, and other sustainable options, making the entire journey seamless.

 * Education and Promotion: A robust public awareness campaign to encourage cycling, address perceived barriers, and highlight the benefits, with active involvement from advocacy groups like Outspoken Wheelman and community development organizations such as Thrive Mahoning Valley.

Have you seen a shift in how different generations in Youngstown view biking, especially older adults and youth?

Absolutely, there's a noticeable shift.

 * Youth: Younger generations are often more open to alternative transportation methods. They're growing up with an awareness of environmental issues and often have different priorities than previous generations regarding car ownership. The ease of access provided by YoGo Bikeshare resonates strongly with them. They see biking as cool, practical, and fun. The increasing visibility of groups like the CycWard Bike Club further reinforces this positive perception among younger riders.

 * Older Adults: This is where the e-bike revolution is truly making a difference. The barrier of physical exertion is significantly reduced, allowing older adults to rediscover cycling for recreation, exercise, and even errands. I've seen this firsthand with the popularity of Cruise the Creek E-Bike Rentals within Mill Creek Park among all age groups, including many who haven't ridden a bike in decades. The perception is shifting from "biking is only for fit, young people" to "biking is for everyone." The rapid growth of e-bike adoption has made the infrastructure gap even more critical. Ohio's Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) allows Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on many hard surface and shared-use paths, further opening up recreational opportunities in places like Hocking Hills, where e-bike rentals are readily available for the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway [cite: 4.1, 4.3]. This broader acceptance of e-bikes for varied terrain and distances is a key factor in changing generational views.

Do you believe the current traffic laws and infrastructure in Youngstown do enough to protect cyclists? Why or why not?

Bluntly, no, not yet.

 * Infrastructure: As mentioned, the lack of truly protected infrastructure is the biggest shortcoming. Painted lanes offer minimal protection. Without physical barriers, cyclists are vulnerable to distracted driving and feel less safe sharing the road with cars, especially trucks. This analysis demonstrates that relying on sharrows or providing no bicycle infrastructure at key park access points contradicts established best practices and creates unnecessary safety risks. Intersections remain particularly dangerous. This is a constant focus for organizations like the Outspoken Wheelman who advocate for safer designs. While projects like the one connecting Sharon to Buhl Park with dedicated bike lanes are positive steps, they highlight the need for more widespread implementation across Youngstown.

 * Traffic Laws: While Ohio has a "3-foot passing law," enforcement can be inconsistent, and many drivers are simply unaware of it. More importantly, laws alone cannot overcome poor infrastructure design. Even with perfect adherence to laws, if the physical environment is hostile to cycling, it's not enough to ensure safety. We need to move towards a "safe systems" approach where the infrastructure itself helps prevent serious injuries, ensuring safe access for all users, regardless of their cycling experience or the type of bicycle they choose to ride.

As someone who has studied psychology, I want to know how we can change the mindset of people who have been set with the mindset that cars are better than cycling since their upbringing?

It's perhaps the most challenging aspect. It requires a multi-pronged approach to shift deeply ingrained behaviors and perceptions:

 * Exposure and Normalization: The more people see others cycling safely and happily, the more it becomes normalized. This is where initiatives like YoGo Bikeshare and events promoting cycling become crucial. "Seeing is believing." Organizations like the CycWard Bike Club contribute directly to this by making cycling a visible and positive community activity.

 * Reducing Perceived Barriers (Risk/Effort): Addressing the primary psychological barriers: fear of injury and perceived physical effort. This means building truly safe infrastructure (reducing perceived risk) and promoting e-bikes (reducing perceived effort).

 * Positive Framing and Benefits: Shifting the narrative from "giving up my car" to "gaining health, saving money, enjoying my community, and reducing stress." Highlighting the joy and freedom of cycling. Thrive Mahoning Valley often uses this broader wellness framing in their community initiatives.

 * Role Models and Social Proof: Showcasing diverse individuals from the community who cycle and sharing their positive experiences.

 * Education from a Young Age: Integrating cycling education and safety into school curricula helps shape perceptions from an early age, fostering a new generation that views cycling as a natural mode of transport.

 * Experiential Learning: Providing opportunities for people to try cycling in a safe, supported environment. This is exactly what Cruise the Creek E-Bike Rentals does within Mill Creek Park – it allows people to experience the joy and ease of e-biking without commitment. Similar opportunities exist at Hocking Hills Bike Rentals on the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, offering accessible e-bike experiences in scenic natural areas.

Are there partnerships with local schools, universities, or health departments related to bike safety?

Yes, these partnerships are vital, and we're actively pursuing and strengthening them:

 * Universities (YSU): The YoGo Bikeshare program is a direct affiliate with Youngstown State University, providing a convenient and sustainable transportation option for students and faculty. We're also exploring educational outreach programs on campus, such as this one. 

 * Health Departments: We've had initial conversations with local health departments to discuss the public health benefits of active transportation and how cycling infrastructure can support community wellness initiatives. There's a strong alignment here for future collaborations, particularly in promoting cycling as a prescription for better health, often with support from organizations like Thrive Mahoning Valley. Cleveland Metroparks' 2018 study estimated that their trails and reservations provided $160 million in annual medical cost savings due to increased physical activity.

 * Schools: "Safe Routes to School" programs are a key area of focus for future expansion. We've engaged with some school districts to assess routes and potential for educational programming around bike safety and encouragement. This is an area with significant potential for growth.

 * Community Groups: The Outspoken Wheelmen and CycWard Bike Club are crucial community partners, actively engaged in promoting bike safety education, advocating for better infrastructure, and organizing rides that build community and encourage safe cycling practices. The partnership between Cruise The Creek and Mill Creek MetroParks to offer our e-bike rentals is another prime example of successful local collaboration in providing recreational access.

How have the YoGo E-bikes been utilized by the community and what could improve their role in making cycling a viable alternative to driving?

Though this question should be directed at Ronnell Elkins the president of YoGo Bikeshare. I can give you my PERSPECTIVE! Their E-bikes have been a tremendous success in their initial utilization, primarily for:

 * Commuting: Particularly for YSU students and downtown workers, they offer a quick, convenient, and affordable way to get to classes or work.

 * Errands and Short Trips: Many use them for quick trips to local businesses, restaurants, or events, avoiding parking hassles.

 * Recreation and Tourism: Both locals and visitors use them to explore downtown Youngstown, the riverfront, and connect to existing trails, often complementing the experience offered by Cruise the Creek E-Bike Rentals, which, as you know, is primarily focused on the extensive 11-mile MetroParks Bikeway within Mill Creek Park.

To improve their role in making cycling a viable alternative to driving, they need to:

 * Expand the Network: Increase the number of stations and bikes, particularly in residential neighborhoods and connecting to key destinations outside the immediate downtown core. Stations at uptown Mahoning Ave, Market Street, South Avenue, Etc. 

The current geographical coverage, while a good start, limits their utility for longer or more diverse trips. This includes bridging the critical gap between the internal park network and public roads.

 * Integrate with Public Transit: Seamless payment and transfer options between YoGo e-bikes and WRTA buses would significantly enhance their utility as a "first and last mile" solution.

 * More E-Bikes: The demand for e-bikes within the YoGo fleet is consistently high. Increasing the proportion of e-bikes would make cycling accessible to an even wider demographic, especially for those less accustomed to physical exertion or navigating Youngstown's varied topography.

 * Long-Term Rental Options: Explore options for longer-term rentals or subscription models to encourage more consistent use and integration into daily routines.

 * Complementary Infrastructure: The e-bikes are only as viable as the infrastructure they operate on. Expanding safe, protected bike lanes will unlock their full potential and encourage more people to choose them over cars for a wider range of trips, especially addressing the inadequate bicycle infrastructure on public roadways leading to park entrances. The example of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Akron and Cleveland shows how a cohesive network drives greater usage and benefits across multiple counties.

Daniel, I hope these detailed responses provide the input you're seeking. The work you're doing, in collaboration with vital community partners like Thrive Mahoning Valley, the Outspoken Wheelmen, and the CycWard Bike Club, is incredibly important for Youngstown's future. As the owner of Cruise the Creek E-Bike Rentals, I'm deeply invested in seeing our city become more bike-friendly, both for recreation and daily transportation. I'm eager to see how these discussions shape your planning. Please don't hesitate to follow up if you have any further questions or if there's anything else I can assist with.

Best Regards,

Pat

Owner of Cruise the Creek E-Bike Rentals