CITY OF STOW CONNECTIVITY PLAN - A CONNECTING COMMUNITIES PLANNING GRANT
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City of Stow
CONNECTIVITY PLAN
A connecting communities
planning grant
City of Stow
Akron Metropolitan Area
Transportation Study
City Architecture
Boulevard Studios
May 26, 2022
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to Mayor John Pribonic and the Stow Connectivity Plan Steering Committee for
their guidance and leadership throughout this process:
Mayor John Pribonic, City of Stow
Nathan Leppo, City of Stow
Jim McCleary, City of Stow
Linda Nahrstedt, City of Stow
Mike Jones, City of Stow
Nick Wren, City of Stow
Curtis Baker, AMATS
Heather Reidl, AMATS
Alex Pesta, City Architecture
Krysta Pesarchick, City Architecture
Christine Meske, Boulevard Studios
2 CITY OF STOW / AKRON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY / CITY ARCHITECTURE
Contents
Acknowledgments Vision 32
Contents Best Practices
Big Idea - Loop Network
Introduction4
Recommended Approach
Project Overview
Prioritization
Connecting Communities
Toolkit
Regional Context
Prototypes
Discover12 Seasons Road
Quantitative Analysis Graham Road at Kings Mill Boulevard
Quarter Mile Connection Study Springdale Road at Future Veterans Trail
Addressing Sidewalk Gaps
Connect22
Qualitative Analysis Implementation54
What we heard Next Steps
Did You Know?
Look for speech bubbles throughout this report calling out important
facts from nationally published sources about the importance of a well-
connected, multi-modal transportation system.
STOW CONNECTIVITY PLAN 3
Introduction Project Overview 4 CITY OF STOW / AKRON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY / CITY ARCHITECTURE
1 STOW CONNECTIVITY PLAN 5
Project Overview
The City of Stow is well positioned to direction for Stow to develop a city-wide
become the regional standard for multi- trail network that increases alternative
modal infrastructure and connectivity. The transportation options to connect people to
findings and recommendations that result places, promotes complete streets principles
from this plan can take this city to that next to create vibrant and safe places for all users.
level.
The City of Stow has been committed to an
Through a 2020 Connecting Communities open and transparent process. Throughout
Planning Grant, the City of Stow, in the duration of the plan, project updates,
partnership with the Akron Metropolitan Area meeting presentations, and opportunities for
Transportation Study (AMATS), is pursuing the community to engage and provide input
greater connectivity throughout the Greater were hosted on a dedicated project web
Akron area while seeking “to plan, fund and page on the city’s website, as well as through
construct a trail within a 1/4 mile of every in-person activities.
resident and business in the City over the
next 20 years.” The project study area was established by
the City’s municipal boundary with a look to
Stow has used its grant to establish the the surrounding communities for context.
framework presented in the following pages This helps to ensure a comprehensive and
for a city-wide, multi-modal trail network that complete plan across the entire community
will accommodate all users. Once built, this while staying within the bounds of places
network will not only serve Stow’s various over which the City has jurisdiction.
populations, businesses, and visitors, but will HUDSON
connect the city to adjacent and regional
DARROW
NICHOLSON
IC LSONN
RA
VE
TE R NN
TR
EX A
destinations and multi-modal networks.
UX
QUI CK
LOW
EL
KENDALL PARK
BAR
L
TEREX
STOW
BAR
BIK LO W
SU
E&
BOSTON HUDSON
LLIV
HIK
AN
E
Seeking to build upon the existing bikeways
WE
TM
OR
E
and trails, the main objective is to develop a SEASONS NORTON
O NO
RTO
N
HIKE
strategy to create the missing connections
SEASONS
&
ND
BIKE
VE LA
B A
HIBBARD
CLE
WYOGA LAKE
ON
ALLEN
between these existing assets and the people
AKR
BIKE &
HIKE
Franklin
ON
DS
DARROW
HU
who use them. The city and its partners ARNDALE
YOUN
G
FIS
HC
RE
STEELS CORNERS
EK
have explored the potential of shared-use
STEELS CORNERS
NORTHAMPTON
ORD
WE XF
W
BRYN MAWR UNKEER
BBUNKER
BBAUMBERGER
BIKE & HIKE
CHART
paths and side paths as the primary facilities
G
STOW
MBE
MARC
M
AUM
GRAHAM
for the city’s trail network. The study has
BATH
G
ENGLEWOOD
BAIRD
also determined the viability of placing trails
LE
D
AR
KENT
OD
KENT
WO
SILVER
LAKE NT
HHARR R IN CROSS
KE
within one-quarter mile of every resident and CUYAHOGA
CCHARRING
HARDY A E
SILLLVER LLAKE
SSILVER JENN NINGSS
JENNINGS
NT
LLONGMERE
N ME E
FALLS
O
Y
BA
UR
FR
ILLE
EB
business. Project partners solicited input and MUNROE
Y
OOAAKKW
DL
MID
W
NORTH RIVER
OOD
FALLS
STATE
Cuyahoga
AT
H
STA
4T
PO
feedback from the community several times
RTTA
D
2N
AG MUNROE FALLS BIK
G ET E
Falls
E TRAIL RA &H
T
IKE
ON
PORTAG ILIL
FR
27TH
THH
CH
SSCHOOL
throughout the planning process to confirm
OA
BBROAD SOUTH RIVER
HIIGH
HIGH
I H
T M OR LA D
NNORTHMORELAND
TH
44TH
EERRRYY
BER
TT
KE
WBE
SA
C CHESTNUT
H S N T AIL
the data and help inform and prioritize key
TR
W
EW
NEW
M
TTAAL
DO
BAILEY
EE
LM
FR
AD
MUNROE
GE
CUYAHOGA
RIVER
focus areas. This resulting plan will provide N
T
ON
CLYD E
FR
HOWE HOWE
MERRIMAN
TOWP
261
6 STOW CONNECTIVITY
CITY OF STOW / AKRON METROPOLITAN PLAN - DIAGRAM STUDY / CITY ARCHITECTURE
AREA TRANSPORTATION
City of Stow - AMATS
City Architecture
s Steering Committee Meeting (3-4 Group Meetings)
Community Meeting/Presentation (3 Public Sessions)
This work is framed around five goals: and identifiable metrics. Additionally,
a development framework classifies
• Connect people to the planning process interventions based on route and connection
• Complete trails & connections via missing types for easy applicability across the City,
links / last mile and a “menu” of items for implementation
has been created. Big-thinking has been
• Design initiatives at key focus areas complemented with implementable initiatives
that will establish strategies for incremental
• Create implementable plan improvement.
• Implement an early win to demonstrate At the conclusion of this work, the proposed
& gather momentum concepts and collective recommendations
aim to result in immediate implementation,
Planning Process
with the ultimate goal of comprehensive
This planning process was guided by a connections within 20 years. The results
Steering Committee made up of elected of this process seek to put the appropriate
officials and staff members from the City measures in place to attract and invest in the
of Stow, along with staff members from quality and location of trails the community
the Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation desires, and enhance the entire connectivity
Study. of the Stow community.
A brief timeline of the planning process
is shown above, highlighting key project
milestones and engagement activities.
Over the course of 8 months, spanning
from August 2021 to February 2022, this
dedicated group met on a regular basis to
shape the vision for the City’s multi-modal
infrastructure. Additionally, community
members helped guide the process through
a series of three public meetings: a Bike-N-
Brainstorm, Community Open House, and a
final public presentation and discussion at a
City Council Meeting.
With affirmation through the engagement
process, missing links and key focus areas
have been prioritized based on criteria
STOW CONNECTIVITY PLAN 7
Connecting Communities
Overview developed through this program should
enhance neighborhoods by improving
The Connecting Communities Planning transportation connections and promoting
Grant program is designed to provide alternative modes of transportation like
communities with funding to develop bicycling, walking and transit. Grant funding
transportation plans that will lead to the is used to hire a consultant to study a general
identification of projects eligible for Akron area of a community. The funds are not
Metropolitan Area Transportation Study used for preliminary engineering, but instead
(AMATS) funds. to develop plans containing analysis and
recommendations. Recommended projects
The purpose of these plans is to focus on
are then eligible for implementation funding.
the concept of livability as it relates to a
community’s transportation systems. Plans To begin to change the transportation
8 CITY OF STOW / AKRON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY / CITY ARCHITECTURE
patterns that have created auto-dependent investments. They have been framed around
communities and create places that are more the eight recommendations of Connecting
vibrant and livable, the planning agency has Communities, listed on the previous page.
developed the Connecting Communities
program. This helps communities work While many communities in Northeast
together and rethink their approach to Ohio have developed trails, our roadway
transportation and economic development. infrastructure is primarily geared toward
vehicular movement with little thought
In AMATS’ words: given to complete streets that provide safe
and equitable transportation options within
“We can, however, begin to give serious a shared right-of-way. Thankfully, that is
thought to a new way of doing things; of changing, with opportunities provided for
creating a built environment where walking, planning and implementation through
biking, and using public transportation again programs like the AMATS Connecting
become a viable option for the majority of Communities Program. With smart
our residents; where roads are designed investments in our infrastructure, we can
to accommodate a variety of modes of begin to create an interconnected region.
transportation; and where public buildings This will lead to:
and residential spaces retain their utility, but
regain a sense of dignity and an appealing • Increased community health
design aesthetic.”
• Safer transportation options
And this is what Connecting Communities • Improved access and opportunity
is all about: Encouraging incremental, small-
scale, and practical modifications to the • New investment opportunities
way that our transportation systems and • Positive impacts on community character
our built environments interact with one
another. It is our hope that by following • Positive impacts on the environment
the recommendations contained in this
document, communities, such as Stow, will When we create neighborhoods and districts
become better, more interconnected places that decrease dependence on automobiles,
to live. we create healthier, more supportive, and
more sustainable communities for all.
Goals
The recommendations in this document are
intended to be used by AMATS and other
agencies as a framework for increasing
transportation alternatives and supporting
land use patterns through targeted
STOW CONNECTIVITY PLAN 9
Regional Context
Centrally located in Northeast Ohio, The City
of Stow is easily accessible from a variety of
nearby municipalities throughout the region.
Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown
and Warren are all within a 40-mile radius
of the City, making it well-positioned to
lead the region as a thriving and connected
community. This convenient proximity and
accessibility can be leveraged to advance the
City’s growth, prosperity, and success far into
the future.
The City of Stow has historically been
deliberate about its growth and development,
much of which occurred very rapidly
during the middle of the last century. That
intentionality can be seen in its balance of
high-quality schools, business and industrial
development, established residential
neighborhoods, and quality civic amenities.
Additionally, Stow has existing connections
to surrounding parks, trails and natural assets,
including the Cuyahoga Valley National Park,
Summit Metro Parks and municipal parks.
It is through these partnerships that Stow
has been able to position itself as a regional
leader in developing off-road trail systems
and provides an immense opportunity for
new and enhanced community connections.
10 CITY OF STOW / AKRON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY / CITY ARCHITECTUREwilloughby
chardon
beachwood
cleveland
lorain
strongsville twinsburg
warren
stow
40 20 10 5
distance (miles)
youngstown
akron
alliance
mansfield
north
canton
wooster
canton
N
STOW CONNECTIVITY PLAN 11Discover Existing Conditions 12 CITY OF STOW / AKRON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY / CITY ARCHITECTURE
2 STOW CONNECTIVITY PLAN 13
Quantitative Analysis
As part of the City of Stow’s Connecting While examining the data, a few topics
Communities Grant Application, a series began to stand out: Pedestrian and Bicycle
of existing conditions and analysis maps Crashes, Assets & Destinations, and Existing
were developed by AMATS. These maps, Connections.
highlighted on the following pages, help to
identify where challenges and opportunities Crashes & Safety
presently exist while guiding ultimate
Safety was identified as a primary concern
recommendations.
within the community. One dataset mapped
There was a two-pronged approach taken and quantified all the pedestrian and bicycle
to analyze the existing conditions of the city: crashes that occurred within the City of Stow
Quantitative and Qualitative. The first consists between 2015 and 2021. Of the 35 total
of data collection, mapping, and statistics. occurrences, 29% resulted in a serious injury
The second part is much more interactive, or fatality. Another 49% sustained injuries that
with site visits occurring from different were non-incapacitating. It is the goal of the
vantage points (modes of transportation) and community to eliminate all traffic fatalities
gathering concerns and suggestions from and severe injuries while increasing safe,
locals, who are the true experts of their city. healthy, equitable mobility for all. This is the
mission of the Vision Zero Network, which
At the outset of this project, AMATS set the could be a resource to Stow moving forward.
tone with an incredibly detailed Discovery
Document. This is a standard part of the
Connecting Communities Grant Program.
Within it, there are a series of existing
conditions maps covering a wide range of
information including zoning; ownership;
roadway types, locations, and conditions;
existing and missing pedestrian scale
connections; transportation routes and
locations; traffic counts; and locations of
large employers. These maps helped to
identify where challenges and opportunities
presently exist. This information supported
a deeper analytical dive into the existing trail
and sidewalk connections, to identify missing
connections, and an initial set of priority
locations for further study. AMATS supplied
the raw data tables, Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) files, and many photographs of
the existing conditions.
14 CITY OF STOW / AKRON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY / CITY ARCHITECTURENarrowing a roadway lane
width (physically or visually) by
1 ft. reduces car speed by 7 mph.*
*Source: WalkBoston.org, accessed Feb. 2022.
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Adell Durbin Park Hiwood Open Space
DAYTON AVE
ECHO RD
WHIT AVE
POWELL RD
TAFT ST
DEIDRICK RD
MARSH RD
VERNER RD
ADAMS AVE
SARATOGA BLVD
HIGHPOINT TRL
Legend
L
E TR TRL
SU
ELIN
RID G IDE
FF
LS
OL
HIL
K DO
WN
City of Stow limits
S
OAKLAWN PARK BLVD
NORTH RIVER RD NORTH RIVER RD LN
ILL
of Stow limits YH
OAKLAWN PARK BLVD
PIMLICO BLVD
R RE
Streets SU
ets RIVER
DOW
e Employers Large Employers NS
Metro
ols m
n Schools
Metro Parks Bike & Hike Trail
s Parks
CONNECTIVITY PLAN - ANALYSIS MAP City of Stow
STOW CONNECTIVITY PLAN - ANALYSIS MAP City Arc
Assets & Destinations that draw people – civic institutions, schools,
public parks and recreation places, and
An interesting dataset that was collected commercial areas. All of these locations are
identified locations across the city where community assets that attract a variety of
large employers are located. There is a people. The mapping of these destinations
diverse range of types of major employers begins to demonstrate potential patterns of
within Stow. The key takeaway of this movement for work, school, errands, and
information is identification of two main job recreation.
hub clusters. These are concentrated in the
northwestern and southeastern edges of the Today, most of these trips are completed
City. in an automobile, but it raises the question:
how many of them could be completed on
From an analysis standpoint, this starts to foot or bike? Community connections, trails,
inform trip generation through the location and new multi-modal infrastructure should
of key destinations. This information was consider these hubs and connect them
then layered with other datasets of locations with residential neighborhoods. This would
16 CITY OF STOW / AKRON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY / CITY ARCHITECTUREZoning Map
Limited Retail (C-2)
Community Retail (C-3)
n of sum ACRESGeneral
by Business
Zoning
(C-4)
Highway Services (C-5)
3083
Office (C-6)
C-7
2493
C-8
/
Limited Industrial (I-1)
Industrial (I-2)
Conservation (O)
1533
Residential (R-1)
855 (R-2)
Residential
705
521 Residential (R-3)
67 119 34
Residential (R-B)
48
Stow Boundary
C-6 C-7 C-8 I-1 I-2 Comparison
O R-1 of R-2
sumR-3 R-B
ACRES by Zoning
3083
Zoning
3000 Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study
2493
Sum of ACRES
/
2000
1533
expand opportunity and access for 855
residents both within residential neighborhoods and
1000
while enhancing their experience 521 of705
traveling between those neighborhoods and adjacent
26 159 250 93 67 119 34 48
to and0
from their destinations. employment and commercial assets. Parcel
C-2 C-3 C-4 C-5 C-6 C-7 C-8 I-1 I-2 O R-1 R-2 R-3 R-B
ownership information shows where the City
Additional Data and Information
Zoning of Stow has ownership
Akron Metropolitan in addition
Area Transportation Study to public
rights-of-way. This is helpful in determining
Additional base data was analyzed at the
where future City trail connections and other
parcel and roadway levels. The existing City
public realm enhancements may be made.
zoning map illustrates how the majority
It is recommended and preferred that these
of the community is made of Residential
types of initiatives are made on property that
zones, with clustered nodes of both
is controlled by the City.
industrial and retail/commercial. Similar
to the employment and destination maps, Roadway data provided a different type of
this zoning analysis presents opportunities information, including roadway types, their
to study where better multi-modal and condition, and the amount of traffic on
pedestrian connections can be made certain corridors. It is helpful to understand
STOW CONNECTIVITY PLAN 17Zoning Map
Limited Retail (C-2)
Community Retail (C-3)
n of sum ACRESGeneral
by Business
Zoning
(C-4)
Highway Services (C-5)
3083
Office (C-6)
C-7
2493
C-8
/
Limited Industrial (I-1)
Industrial (I-2)
Conservation (O)
1533
Residential (R-1)
855 (R-2)
Residential
705
521 Residential (R-3)
67 119 34
Residential (R-B)
48
Stow Boundary
C-6 C-7 C-8 I-1 I-2 Comparison
O R-1 of R-2
sumR-3 R-B
ACRES by Zoning
3083
Zoning
3000 Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study
2493
Sum of ACRES
/
2000
1533
which roads are classified as either 855
Freeways, intersections require greater attention to
1000 705
Arterials, Collectors, and Locals, 521 because safety, and additional considerations such
159 250 119
26 93 67 34 48
each 0is characterized by certain widths, as buffered or off-road trails to keep users
speeds, C-2
andC-3capacities.
C-4 C-5 C-6 C-7 C-8 streets
Local I-1 I-2 OareR-1 R-2 R-3 R-B
safe from busy traffic. Additionally, knowing
Zoning speed limits
typically distinguished by slower whereAkronroad pavement
Metropolitan conditions
Area Transportation Study are poor
and fewer vehicular travel lanes than the generally correlates to roadways that are due
other classifications, and they provide the for reconstruction or resurfacing.
greatest opportunity for new and enhanced
multi-modal connections and infrastructure.
Whereas different strategies would need to This presents an immense opportunity for
be considered to create new and/or safer the integration of new and/or improved
non-vehicular transportation options on bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure during
the faster, wider, and more highly traveled an already anticipated capital improvement
roads (such as collectors and arterials). project.
Specifically, higher traveled corridors and
18 CITY OF STOW / AKRON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY / CITY ARCHITECTUREn
R
d
Ba r
low
Rd
oo k
Seasons Rd Seasons Rd
Br
s
Dr
M
d s 103
er
on
ac
Po
w
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Youn g Rd
Wyoga Lake Rd
Hibbard Dr Ju
A lle n R d
60X
ds
104
on
Fi
C o mm erce Dr R
sh
cr
Call Rd
ee
k
3
Rd
102
10
East Steels Arnd ale Rd
Corners
104 102
103 103
Rd
Lillian Rd John so n
K le i n Ave
ow
W y o ga La k
St
53
Fi
Stow
sh
B aird Rd
En glewoo d Dr
51
cr
51
H ud so n D r
60
ee
Graham Rd
e
k
X
Rd
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103
53
Ha rri e t Rd
k
Cha r rin g Cros s Dr
Rd
ee
53
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103
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lli
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30
va
ut
ra
30
n
Hiwood Ave
R
G ln a
5 1
d
Ba r
W
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ook
Silver Lake Seasons Rd
Marsh Rd
Seasons Rd
Stow Transit Map
y
Br
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Young Rd
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9 th St
Al le n Rd
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60X
ds
104
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C o mm erce Dr
sh
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cr
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ee
r ta
Cuyahoga Mi
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ge 104
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Munroe Falls
10
Tr Munroe Falls Ave
l
30 Falls East Steels
1 4 th St
Arnd ale Rd
4 th S t
51 Corners
10 t h S t
High S t
S Riv e r R
104 102
53 d
2nd St
S Main St
103 103
Ba
Rd
Lillian Rd John s
60X
K lei n Ave
ile
ow
W yo ga La k
/
y Rd
St
53
Fi
Stow
sh
B aird Rd
En glewood Dr
51
cr
51
H ud so n D r
60
ee
Graham Rd
e
k
X
Rd
Rd
103
53
Ha rrie t Rd
k
Char rin g Cros s Dr
Rd
ee
53
103
Cr
53h a
m
103
E B ath Rd
Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study
30
ut
ra
30
Hiwood Ave
ln
G a
W 5 1
B a ile
Silver Lake
Marsh Rd
y
Rd
Oak
Lastly, access to the seven transit routes
woo
N M ai n
0 0.5 1 2 Miles
9 th St
d Dr
should be prioritized, as they serve Po
key N River Rd
l
dd
St
locations within Stow and as well r tas ag
e adjacent
Tr
Cuy ahoga
Munroe Falls Ave Munroe Falls
Mi
l Falls
communities. Transit stops should have
1 4 th St
4t h S t
10 t h S t
convenient and safe access to sidewalks
High S t
S Riv e r R
d
2nd St
S Main St
Ba
and trails, since all transit users are instant
ile
y Rd
pedestrians when they deboard a bus.
For these users, that “last mile”, as it is
popularly called, between a transit stop
Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study
and a destination is critical. Addressing
gaps in sidewalks and crossing conditions
at intersections should be prioritized when
determining where the next wave of future
connections should occur.
STOW CONNECTIVITY PLAN 19Quarter Mile
Connection Study
At project inception, one of the City’s goals bikeway network is very limited in terms of
was to determine the viability of placing trails geographic reach, primarily located along
within one-quarter mile of every resident main corridors on the perimeters of the
and business. This is an ambitious and community. This demonstrates significant
respectable goal. It is important to provide potential to expand bicycle infrastructure to
supportive infrastructure that increases better support connections within the City
accessibility for all. The City currently has 186 and between neighborhoods, while linking
miles of sidewalks and 18 miles of bikeways. with surrounding assets.
The map to the right demonstrates that this
20 CITY OF STOW / AKRON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY / CITY ARCHITECTUREAlmost 1 out of every 2 adults
had at least one chronic illness in
2005. An increase in physical activity,
such as walking, lead to improved
health and delay or prevention
of disease.*
*Source: Canada Medical
Journal, 2006.
In the diagram, each circle represents a point areas are indicative of locations that are not
and its surrounding quarter-mile radius. Areas presently served by trails or sidewalks.
that are colored green represent locations
that are connected to or in close proximity to
a trail or designated bike route. Yellow areas
identify areas that have some sidewalks but
either are not contiguous (meaning there are
stretches of missing sidewalks) or are farther
than one quarter mile from a trail. Lastly, red
STOW CONNECTIVITY PLAN 21Connect Learning from the Community 22 CITY OF STOW / AKRON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY / CITY ARCHITECTURE
3 STOW CONNECTIVITY PLAN 23
Qualitative Analysis
As noted earlier, the qualitative analysis takes
on a much more interactive and personal
approach to information gathering. The
planning team spent a considerable amount
of time with “boots on the ground” in the
City of Stow. Numerous site visits enabled
the team to walk, bike, and drive around the
community to experience existing conditions
firsthand from the various perspectives of
everyday travelers. This also provided the
opportunity to have chance conversations
with other users who could share their
experiences with and wishes for the city’s
network of connections.
In-person experiences gave the team a
deeper understanding of the context and
situations presented by the data. While the
data is incredibly informative to the analysis
work and recommendations, it is equally
important to get outside and evaluate
existing conditions firsthand. This ensures
that any suggested interventions are realistic
and appropriately scaled.
Bike-n-Brainstorm
On a rainy Saturday in the fall, the planning
team, city staff representatives, and a number
of residents and their families braved the
elements on an 8-mile group bike ride. Free
bike rentals were available courtesy of the
Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition.
The pre-mapped route took participants on a
loop through the city that traversed a cross-
section of varying conditions and road / trail
types. The route started and ended at Stow
City Hall, went through a series of residential
streets, paused at Stow High School, took
the off-road Bike and Hike trail north to
24 CITY OF STOW / AKRON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY / CITY ARCHITECTURESummary of Meetings
• Bike N Brainstorm - October 16, 2021
• Community Open House - November
14, 2021
• City Council Meeting - March 10, 2022
• 3 steering committee meetings at key
intervals
Young Road where there is a paved on-road
shoulder for cyclists, stopped at the Young
Road trailhead before continuing west on the
Bike and Hike Trail, and finally returned via
Stow Road.
This gave the group a feel for what
conditions were comfortable for cyclists
regardless of experience level and which
ones were very uncomfortable and in need
of intervention and enhancements. The bike
ride was followed by group discussion and
brainstorming session where the participants
shared their thoughts on the experience and
some ideas for things that could be done to
improve it.
Community Meetings
In November, the planning team held an
open house to update the community on
the project’s process, report out on analysis,
and gather input. The preliminary data
analysis and findings were presented along
with some early takeaways about emerging
themes. A series of stations were created
and set up around the council chambers.
Participants could walk around to each
station where a combination of informational
feedback boards were paired. They were
asked to provide their preference on a series
of choices and had the chance to talk with
a team member about their experiences
walking and biking around town.
In March, the consultant team presented
to City Council a summary of the planning
process and final recommendations. There
was an opportunity for both community and
council member questions with responses
and clarifications from the consultant.
STOW CONNECTIVITY PLAN 25Online Engagement
Throughout the planning process, a project Participation in this map activity exceeded
web page was maintained on the City of the team’s expectations. The box below
Stow’s website. This page provided a brief summarizes the community’s engagement
overview and goals of the project, along with with the map. The high amount of cross
a project schedule, list of past and upcoming interactions of “likes” and replies between
community engagement events, and a members demonstrated agreement and
continually updated list of links to resources consensus-building and was a positive
and presentations. This was also the central example of civil discourse among residents
point for project updates and links to active that was similar to what might take place
online activities. during a traditional in-person community
meeting. A grand total of 178 visits to the
One of the primary online activities was an map that included new visitors and returning
interactive map. This was launched at the participants could be considered the
end of the Bike-N-Brainstorm event and equivalent of holding three public meetings
was accessible via computer, tablet, and and having about 60 people in attendance at
smartphone. Individuals who participated each.
in the Bike-n-Brainstorm session or had
experience with walking and biking in the
city were asked to provide their thoughts
on the map. Users were able to drag the
icons from the top of the page onto the map
where they had a specific comment about
multi-modal transportation experiences in
the city. Topics included places they often
Summary of Interactions
visit, places they currently bike to, places they • 44 unique users
would like to bike to, locations/facilities that
need attention, specific ideas or suggestions, • 70 individual data points from 35
and places / things that they like. Space was stakeholders
provided for brief or detailed commentary,
and there was no limit to the number of • 53 interactions on previously posted
comments that one could add. The bike comments (likes + discussions)
icons allowed participants to draw a path • 178 total visits (new + returning)
by following the on-screen instructions
and clicking multiple points along the
desired route. They were also able to read
comments left by other users and either “like”
or “dislike” the original comment and provide
a response if they wanted.
26 CITY OF STOW / AKRON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY / CITY ARCHITECTURESTOW CONNECTIVITY PLAN 27
Survey 1. Welcome
After the November Open House, a brief Please select the option that you most identify with.
online survey was created to supplement
information gathered from that second
community meeting. It was intended to
provide residents who were unable to attend
an additional opportunity to provide their
input on the same items that were asked of
attendees at that meeting. The survey was
brief, consisting of six questions about the
participants’ preferences regarding trails,
experience, and amenities. The following
images show a summary of the combined
results of both in-person and online
participants.
2. Trail Types
Select the types of trails on which you would feel
comfortable biking or walking. (You may choose more
than one).
28 CITY OF STOW / AKRON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY / CITY ARCHITECTURE3. Why I Bike 4. Supportive Infrastructure & Details
Select how often you bike for each purpose. Select the images of the amenities that would
encourage you to bike more or make your
experience better.
5. What is the most important thing the
City of Stow can do to improve your
biking and/or walking experience?
• “Create more sidewalks on roads that don’t
have any.”
• “Map showing existing and future bike trails in
the city.”
• “Enhance bike lanes along major roadways.”
• “Connectivity is key. All trails should connect
to another trail or to a destination. Dead ends
or bike lane road shoulders that simply end
are worthless. I think Stow is already doing a
good job of that so keep that concept…”
• “Paved walkways”
• “More opportunities to bike on streets that do
not have sidewalks or paths.”
STOW CONNECTIVITY PLAN 29What we heard
Emerging Themes Raise awareness (2-fold)
After analyzing all of the results from This issue is actually two-sided in Stow. The
the community meetings and online first is about enhancing user wayfinding. The
engagement activities and comparing them City and the Metroparks have a few really
against the findings of the data analysis, a exceptional trails that run through Stow, but
few common themes began to emerge. A they are not all well marked as to what they
selection of quotes from the community that are or where they go. Additionally, there are
demonstrate these points can be read on the no signs indicating connections between
next page. trails; once one ends, users don’t know
which way to turn to get to the next leg of
Safety the route.
This is always a high priority with any plan The second side is about increasing
of this nature, especially when families and automobile driver awareness and attention.
children are involved. The mapped data and There needs to be improved signage,
early conversations with City staff members pavement markings, and other physical
revealed the concern about vehicular indicators that let motorists know to expect
crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists. bicyclists and pedestrians adjacent to them
Comments from residents also brought to or crossing their paths. This comes back full
light specific incidents and locations where circle to the earlier theme of safety.
they had near misses or felt uncomfortable
when walking, riding, or crossing the road.
Connect the missing links and
complete the network
A significant amount of sidewalks can be
found throughout the City of Stow, including
along main corridors and within residential
neighborhoods. The major issue, however, is
that they are not contiguous. Some homes
and businesses have sidewalks, but they stop
at the property line. There are also stretches
where entire lots or blocks lack sidewalks.
This is a real problem for people who want
to walk or bike somewhere because those
missing stretches force individuals to move
out into the street in areas where that may
not be the safest option.
30 CITY OF STOW / AKRON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY / CITY ARCHITECTURE“Add paths along
Seasons Road to provide
better connectivity between
trails.” “Stow Rd. needs better
pedestrian access. With two gas
stations and Dollar General many
pedestrians are forced to walk on
side of road. Safety hazard.”
“[Need] signage on Young
Rd to notify motorists of bikes,
pedestrians, children walking etc
on or near roadway due to lack of
sidewalks and shoulder.”
“Would love to have
a safer crossing here,
perhaps flashing pedestrian
“This [Bike and Hike Trail] signs for the road.”
crossing can be pretty dangerous
with the amount of traffic on Seasons
Road—especially with the increase in
heavy vehicles from recently constructed
warehouses and other commercial
facilities.”
“Children and families
who live within the Eastwicke
Farms subdivision would benefit from
having connectivity to Echo Hills school,
thus helping cut down on drop off/pick
up traffic at Echo Hills as well because
kids could walk to bike to school
“New sidewalk has a safely.”
gap here, forcing people to
travel off the sidewalk or make
a dangerous crossing over
Darrow.”
“...with access to
sidewalks are a larger shoulder
or bikelane, residents could more
“Better curb cuts for easily utilize the recreation area just
path [and] Better crosswalk up the street without having to
signs. [C]ars never stop in drive.”
this area.”
STOW CONNECTIVITY PLAN 31Vision Laying out the Framework 32 CITY OF STOW / AKRON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY / CITY ARCHITECTURE
4 STOW CONNECTIVITY PLAN 33
Best Practices
Once areas of focus are established, the supporting government officials at all levels
consideration of best practices from other and empowering cities to take action,
places can help to inform relevant design create connections, and support the bike
approaches and solutions. industry. They offer a number of resources,
guides, and programs to help cities promote
One of the resources studied was the and facilitate inclusive and sustainable
website for Bicycling Magazine, an transportation. They also have an annual
authoritative source for all things biking. The city rating program that ranks cities around
organization has ranked the best bike cities in the world for their bike friendliness. Their
America. They sift through thousands of data rankings are based on two parts: a Network
points and identify the systems and features Score that rates the quality of the bicycle
that are of the greatest benefit to riders of all network, and a Community Score that
ages and abilities and for all purposes. To rate measures how people feel about biking in
a city, they award up to 100 points that are their community. The Network Score looks
weighted across four categories: at access to neighborhoods and residents,
• Safety (40 possible points) – based on opportunity connections to jobs and schools,
rate of cyclist crashes and fatalities, an basic needs and essential services, retail, and
active Vision Zero program, and adoption transit connections. The Community Score is
/ installation of safe streets practices in similar to the rating system used by Bicycling
response to or prevention of a fatality. Magazine. For this, a community survey is
published that rates responses based on
• Friendliness (30 possible points) – based the weighted scoring categories of Safety,
on infrastructure that is friendly to all Network, Ridership, and Awareness.
users from ages 8-80, including protected
bike lanes, safe off-road pathways, and The biggest take away from these case
connection to transit routes. studies is that the priorities that emerged
from the analysis and community input align
• Enthusiasm (20 possible points) – based perfectly with these rating systems. The
on city spending and advocacy for bike other important things that can be learned
transportation, number of regular bike are the design components and policies that
commuters, and not blocking/removing successful cities are implementing to support
bike lanes. safer, healthier and more complete networks.
• Culture (10 possible points) – based In exploring best practices, a final case study
on bike share program(s), bike-friendly takes a look at the trail that was rated number
businesses and workplaces, open streets one on USA Today’s 2021 “10 Best Readers’
events, and police relations. Choice” Travel Award Contest. The Chuck
Huckelberry Loop in Tucson, Arizona, offers
People for Bikes is another national an inspirational concept for the City of Stow.
organization whose mission is to get This recreational trail consists of 136 miles
more people riding bikes more often, by of paved shared-use paths and buffered bike
34 CITY OF STOW / AKRON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY / CITY ARCHITECTURElanes that loop through and around Pima for city branding, artwork, and tourism
County, Marana, Oro Valley, Tucson, and attraction.
South Tucson. It connects people to parks,
bus routes, workplaces, schools, restaurants, The recommendations made later in this
hotels, shopping, and entertainment areas. plan will focus on these priorities and
While this is significantly larger and more interventions that will work to directly
ambitious than what might be reasonably improve the City of Stow’s bicycle network in
proposed for the City of Stow, it does a range of areas.
illustrate example conditions and design
tools that are directly applicable here. It also
provides ideas about potential opportunities
STOW CONNECTIVITY PLAN 35Big Idea - Loop Network
After considering the details for a successful door for sponsorship opportunities where
bike and pedestrian network, the team funders could contributed to the costs of
identified a series of routes that link residents construction for the naming rights of that
and their destinations. These routes are loop.
a combination of existing and proposed
off-road trails and on-street or street-
adjacent lanes. A loop approach provides
built-in wayfinding and easily understood
connections. An analysis of the existing
paths and destinations indicated the ability
to create a series of easily understood and
connected loops. The identified loops and
connectors have been strategically located
to serve a particular set of users and to meet
the project goals:
• Fill-in the missing links and gaps in the
existing infrastructure
• Connect people and places
• Increase awareness of the available
multi-modal transportation options and
locations
• Improve visibility of pedestrians and
cyclists for automotive users
• Add safety design components for all
users
The loop system offers a unique opportunity
for the City of Stow to incorporate fun
community branding. The distinctive colors
for each of the loops of green, orange,
and yellow, and the monikers of “wolf”,
“bulldog”, and “puppy” as a play on of the
Stow Bulldogs, are two examples of how
this could be accomplished. Creating
memorable identifiers can help with
recognition, wayfinding, and awareness for
all users and passersby. This also opens the
36 CITY OF STOW / AKRON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY / CITY ARCHITECTUREA 2011 study from the University
of Cincinnati showed that the
property value of a house goes up by
$9 for every foot closer it is to a
trail entrance.*
*Source: UC.edu, 2011,
accessed Feb. 2022.
Priority Intersections
STOW CONNECTIVITY PLAN 37Recommended Approach
When it comes to prioritizing the Orange Loop
improvements, the team sees opportunity
in filling in loop connectors throughout the Serving commuters within the city, the
city to maximize the impact of investments. “Bulldog Loop” is largely on-road or corridor
Mapping these trails as part of this study adjacent. Cyclists on this trail would still find
revealed that an infrastructure is already challenge completing its 10-mile length,
largely in place, having formed under a were it to be more complete. Completing
logical hierarchy by user and location. For the Bulldog would require establishing better
example, an outer loop serves as a regional bikeway infrastructure along some of the
connector, encircling the edges of the city’s busier thoroughfares.
city and connecting in places to trails in
Yellow Loop:
neighboring communities. While this trail
is definitely better suited for experienced These “Puppy Path” connectors give even
cyclists, a few breaks in its continuity the youngest cyclists a chance to learn and
create impediments to its use by all ability for families of all abilities to bike together.
levels. Likewise, shorter bikeways can Routed mostly through interconnected
better connect core civic and commercial subdivisions, these pathways are shorter and
destinations from local residential areas as find their way through areas where safety is
these gaps are addressed. of utmost importance to the residents who
live along them, making them appropriate to
The study, thus, seeks to identify emergent
a wide range of users.
loops within city limits and determine
connections that will make them more The opportunities to physically connect
contiguous and in turn improve their these points on the loop trails will vary by
accessibility and usability. A branded system type and existing conditions. In some cases,
will go further to make the loops more user the need to incorporate better infrastructure
friendly, providing better wayfinding and for cyclists ought to be considered in
offerings by ability. tandem with major roadway improvements,
especially where pathways follow city
Green Loop corridors. Others, however, may present as
At 17 miles and circling the city, the “Big low-hanging fruit, in which completion is
Wolf Loop” is regional, focusing mostly on no more complicated than land acquisition
recreation and connection to other park trails and some asphalt paving. No matter the
in the area. While the majority of this loop is level of intensity, however, each will require
formed by off-road pathways, it also has the funding that ought to be carefully integrated
greatest diversity of missing link typologies in future budget considerations. Grants
and therefore provided the case studies for for recreational improvements are widely
potential design solutions illustrated in this available; and should be sought to support
report. this impactful work.
38 CITY OF STOW / AKRON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY / CITY ARCHITECTUREMissing Link ID STOW CONNECTIVITY PLAN 39
Prioritization
The following list of locations align with the a series of categories were listed as the
illustration on pages 37 and 39. Given that grading criteria:
30 missing links were identified on those
maps and recognizing that constructing all • Safety: locations were given a score of
of them at once is not feasible, a system was 3 points if there had been a fatal crash, 2
devised for rating each of the connections points for severe crashes, and 1 point for
and ultimately identifying the priority ones. A anecdotal comments about near miss
number was assigned to each of the missing incidents or uncomfortable experiences.
links and they were listed in the chart below.
Based on the earlier identified areas of focus,
Part of
Part of Part of Yellow
Awareness/ Green Orange Connec
ID Name Safety Children Visibility Loop Loop EW
27 Darrow Rd-Kent Rd intersection 2 3 1 - -
8 Graham Rd (North Side) 2 2 1 - 1
17 Seasons Rd / Norton Rd 3 1 1 1 -
26 Graham Rd-Fishcreek Rd intersection 2 2 1 - 1
2 Call Rd 3 1 - - -
4 Fishcreek Rd (SE from Stow) 2 1 - - 1
6 Fishcreek Rd (NW from Stow) 1 2 - - 1
28 Hibbard Dr-Darrow Rd intersection - 1 1 - 1
30 Stow Rd/Fishcreek Rd intersection 1 1 1 - 1
16 Springdale Rd 1 1 - 1 1
3 Young Rd South of Call Rd 1 1 - - -
18 Darrow Rd - 1 1 - -
20 Stow Rd 2 1 - - -
21 Progress Park Dr - 2 - - -
23 Kent Rd - 3 - - -
25 Graham Rd-Kings Mill Blvd intersection - 1 1 1 -
7 Graham Rd (South of HS) - 1 1 - -
5 Fishcreek Rd (@ Progress Park Dr) - 1 - - 1
22 Newcomer Rd 1 1 - - -
13 Hibbard Dr (east) 1 - - - 1
1 Young Rd - 1 - - -
9 Hillside Trail - 1 - - -
10 Lillian Rd - 1 - - -
14 Hibbard Dr across McCauley Rd - - - - 1
15 Rail line - - - - 1
19 Arndale Rd - - - - -
24 Bike and Hike - 1 - - -
11 Commerce Dr - - - - -
12 Hudson & Campus Dr - - - - -
29 Hudson Dr-Commerce Dr intersection - - - - -
40 CITY OF STOW / AKRON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY / CITY ARCHITECTURE• Children: locations were given 1, 2, or • Part of an Identified Route: a point was
3 points depending on their proximity to given for each loop or connector the
places children were known to frequent, missing link would help extend.
e.g. schools, parks, trails.
All of the points were then totaled across the
• Awareness: a point was given if a rows. The routes were sorted by their total
location has high visibility to travelers of score, with the highest scoring items at the
STOW CONNECTIVITY - MISSING CONNECTIO
all modes and could bring heightened time representing the highest priority items.
awareness to anticipate cyclists and
pedestrians.
Part of Part of
of Yellow Yellow
ge Connector Connector Total
EW NS Index Notes from Mapped Public Comments
- - 1 7
1 - - 6 5 for sidewalks
- - - 6 8 for better crossing @ BnH trails ; 3 thumbs-up for connection btwn trails
1 - - 6 3 for better ped/bike conditions
- - - 4
1 - - 4 8 comments / thumbs-up; 3 for more ped access
1 - - 4 3 for more ped access
1 - 1 4
1 - - 4 7 for better ped access
1 - - 4
- 1 - 3 4 for warning signage; 4 for sidewalks or bike lane; 3 for off-road route
- - 1 3 3 for wider sidewalks; 3 for filling in sidewalk gaps; 3 for connection to BnH
- - - 3
- 1 - 3 2 for safe connections for kids
- - - 3 4 for sidewalks
- - - 3
- - - 2
1 - - 2 6 for more ped access
- - - 2
1 - - 2 2 for sidewalks
- - - 1
- - - 1
- - - 1
1 - - 1
1 - - 1 2 in support
- 1 - 1 3 for sidewalks
- - - 1
- - - 0
- - - 0
- - - 0
STOW CONNECTIVITY PLAN 41You can also read
