First, I would like to thank the CASE Board for the substantial time and effort they have invested in reviewing these code amendments. I appreciate the Board's mission of creating a safer, more accessible transportation network for all, and I support many of the recommendations being considered.
My concern is with one specific aspect of the proposal: removing the speed restriction on shared-use paths. The current City ordinance limits certain mobility devices to 12 mph. As a frequent cyclist on multi-use paths, I can attest that this is a reasonable speed that allows users time to react to pedestrians, cyclists, and other potential conflicts.
The proposed Bunts Road Shared Use Path is fundamentally different from any existing shared-use path in Lakewood and unlike most facilities found in neighboring communities.
Most local multi-use paths operate in parks, reservations, or corridors with relatively few conflict points. The Bunts Road facility will be a bi-directional path immediately adjacent to a busy roadway while crossing an extraordinary number of driveways, commercial entrances, and intersections.
Bunts Road contains approximately 116 driveway, road, and business intersections within roughly 1.25 miles—about one conflict point every 50 feet.
At the same time, Ohio law permits Class 3 e-bikes capable of up to 28 mph. At those speeds, a rider may require more than 130 feet to perceive a hazard, react, and stop. Even at 20 mph, stopping distances can exceed 80 feet.
Recent Lakewood crash reports involving bicycles, scooters, mobility devices, pedestrians, and vehicles frequently occurred at driveways, intersections, crosswalks, and sidewalk crossings. These incidents involved both driver and rider errors, but they share a common theme: crossing conflicts are likely to continue to happen.
Our goal should be infrastructure that is not only accessible and connected, but also predictable and safe for every user.
First, I would like to thank the CASE Board for the substantial time and effort they have invested in reviewing these code amendments. I appreciate the Board's mission of creating a safer, more accessible transportation network for all, and I support many of the recommendations being considered.
My concern is with one specific aspect of the proposal: removing the speed restriction on shared-use paths. The current City ordinance limits certain mobility devices to 12 mph. As a frequent cyclist on multi-use paths, I can attest that this is a reasonable speed that allows users time to react to pedestrians, cyclists, and other potential conflicts.
The proposed Bunts Road Shared Use Path is fundamentally different from any existing shared-use path in Lakewood and unlike most facilities found in neighboring communities.
Most local multi-use paths operate in parks, reservations, or corridors with relatively few conflict points. The Bunts Road facility will be a bi-directional path immediately adjacent to a busy roadway while crossing an extraordinary number of driveways, commercial entrances, and intersections.
Bunts Road contains approximately 116 driveway, road, and business intersections within roughly 1.25 miles—about one conflict point every 50 feet.
At the same time, Ohio law permits Class 3 e-bikes capable of up to 28 mph. At those speeds, a rider may require more than 130 feet to perceive a hazard, react, and stop. Even at 20 mph, stopping distances can exceed 80 feet.
Recent Lakewood crash reports involving bicycles, scooters, mobility devices, pedestrians, and vehicles frequently occurred at driveways, intersections, crosswalks, and sidewalk crossings. These incidents involved both driver and rider errors, but they share a common theme: crossing conflicts are likely to continue to happen.
Our goal should be infrastructure that is not only accessible and connected, but also predictable and safe for every user.