The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Active transit getting easier
Walking and biking are now safer and easier in the cities of Elyria and Oberlin.
A news release from Lorain County Public Health says its partners in the two cities have undertaken improvements to infrastructure to make these forms of active transportation a more viable option for residents.
In the 2015 Lorain County Community Health Assessment, 23 percent of adults in Lorain said they do not get the physical activity they need to stay healthy.
The respondents to the survey said their attempts to stay healthy were hindered by unsafe conditions, poorly maintained or no sidewalks, no walking or biking trails and no access to parks, the release said.
“We’ve collected data from Lorain County residents that tells a story about what makes it hard to live a healthy lifestyle,” said Lorain County Public Health Commissioner David Covell said. “(Lorain County Public Health) and our partners work together to find solutions to real problems that people face.”
In Elyria, the community partners have improved entrances and crossings and installed bike repair stations and bike racks at Cascade Park, the Elyria Public Library System West River Branch and Lorain County Community College and promoted walking and biking to and at Pioneer Plaza’s seasonal farm market, the release said.
In Oberlin, partners have created a new midblock crosswalk on Pleasant Street which connects Park Street Park to City Hall, the Oberlin Library and the downtown area, installed a covered bike rack to support the bicycle checkout system at Oberlin City Services and created a free opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to walk indoors at the Splash Zone from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. every Monday, the release said.
Also, Lorain County Public Health’s county-wide partners have distributed free bike maps which highlight safe routes for travel across the county as well as distributed bike lights and safety education at various community events, the release said.
Oberlin City Manager Rob Hillard said the additions fit in perfectly with the city’s goal of getting their citizens healthier.
“It’s absolutely important,” Hillard said. “Those projects enhance neighborhood outreach for our community, provide for opportunities for individuals to access downtown and neighborhood services without using vehicles.”
Citizens from across the county had ample opportunity to take advantage of these projects and services Dec. 14 as the temperature rose to an unseasonable 51 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
The unusually warm temperatures aren’t expected to last through the weekend, though, as the National Weather Service is forecasting temperatures to dip into the low 40s.
These efforts are supported by Lorain County Public Health’s Creating Health Communities program, which seeks to make the healthy choice the easy choice and reduce barriers to living a healthy life, the release said.