COLUMBUS — Ohio will direct more than $21 million toward bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements in communities across the state, Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation Director Pamela Boratyn announced. The funding comes through ODOT’s Transportation Alternatives Program, known as TAP, and will support 17 projects in 16 counties. A full list identifying which counties or communities were selected had not been released at the time of this report.
Governor Emphasizes Community Impact
“These new projects are about more than just paving a path; they’re about making communities safer and more vibrant,” DeWine said. “This is an investment in Ohio’s future and a commitment to building a more connected, healthy, and accessible state for all.”
TAP dollars fund a range of project types. Eligible categories include on and off road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure that improves access to public transportation, community improvement activities, environmental mitigation, recreational trail projects and Safe Routes to School projects.
Safety Message Extends to Drivers
Boratyn tied the funding to a broader safety message that extends beyond construction. “Safety is always our top priority, no matter the mode of transportation,” she said. “These partnerships with local governments significantly contribute to keeping Ohioans who walk and bike safe, but we also need motorists to do their part. Drop the distractions, pay attention, obey the speed limit, and drive sober.”
How Projects Were Selected
ODOT chose projects through a scoring system built around three priorities: safety, connectivity and preservation. Officials said funding favored areas with high demand for walking and biking infrastructure and communities ready to move projects forward quickly. Selections also balanced short term infrastructure projects that could be delivered fast alongside larger projects considered significant statewide.
Readers watching for a Northeast Ohio connection will need to wait for ODOT to publish the full project list. NHN will follow up with local details once the department releases the county by county breakdown.
