LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- The Ohio Department of Transportation recently announced its long-range Access Ohio 2040 plan, which in coordination with local jurisdictions will designate the Ohio and U.S. Bike Route network.

The plan includes two proposed routes in Lakewood along Lake Avenue (U.S. Bike Route 30) and Riverside Drive (State Bike Route 71).

"We're happy to support ODOT's initiative to become more bike friendly," Lakewood Director of Planning and Development Bryce Sylvester said. "Part of their Access 2040 master plan is to create statewide and support national bike corridors. We support the effort at this stage."

Part of that support includes a future visit by ODOT to explain the Access 2040 initiative. Similar to the interstate and state route system of highways, the Ohio network will include five U.S. Bike Routes and 18 State Bike Routes.

The proposed bike routes for Access Ohio 2040 are intended for use by long-distance, experienced commuter cyclists. The routes generally connect communities and points of interest.

"These bike routes are not a new construction project, but utilize a combination of existing trails and on-roads facilities," ODOT District 12 Modes Management Engineer David A. Short said. "This effort is designed to identify the safest, most scenic routes to connect destinations via riding a bike today.

"The routes are proposed by ODOT, supported by local municipalities with resolutions and ultimately approved by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials," Short said.

"Lakewood is an important part of the network because the routes passing through the city will provide connectivity to neighboring communities," he said.

Sylvester noted that Access Ohio 2040's two Lakewood corridors are already a part of the city's bike master plan.

"On Lake Avenue, we're hopeful that we'll have bike infrastructure installed in the next couple of years," Sylvester said. "Riverside (Drive) is also possibly on that timeline. Overall, we're focused on mobility in our city and providing opportunities for many means of transportation."

Bike Cleveland Executive Director Jacob VanSickle said ODOT's plan includes economic development potential for the area.

"Being on the network is good for business," VanSickle said. "Nationwide, bicycle travel has been shown to contribute $133 billion annually to the U.S. economy, support nearly 1.1 million jobs and produce $53.1 billion annually in retail sales and services."

While ODOT plans a bike network throughout the Buckeye State, Sylvester noted that Lakewood has its own system in mind.

"It's important to methodically work through our city -- Clifton Avenue Extension, Lake Avenue, Madison Avenue, Franklin Boulevard -- and make periodic improvements so the network is connected," Sylvester said. "That's what we're working hard to do."