Cleveland Moves Adopted, Promising 50 Miles of Bike Networks in Next Three Years

Cleveland officials adopted Cleveland Moves in April 2025, a five-year multimodal transportation plan that updates the 2007 Bikeway Master Plan and targets construction of 50 miles of high-comfort bike networks within three years, according to city documents. The policy, mandated by the city’s Complete and Green Streets Policy, requires updating the multimodal plan every five years. Implementation was already underway as of early 2025.

The plan directly affects residents who rely on biking, walking, or public transit for errands, commuting, and recreation. By focusing on high-comfort bike networks, separated paths and protected lanes designed to feel safe for riders of all ages and abilities, the city aims to make cycling a more viable option for everyday trips. For neighborhoods currently underserved by dedicated bike infrastructure, the new routes could connect residents to jobs, grocery stores, and transit hubs without a car.

Transit and street safety upgrades on the horizon

Alongside Cleveland Moves, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) is conducting Pillar Studies, including System Redesign, Fare Equity, and Financial Analysis, to review operations and inform a new strategic plan, according to agency materials. NOACA, the regional planning body, is updating the Downtown Cleveland Transportation and Livability Study to improve connectivity and safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders, with a focus on equity for non-driving travelers.

These overlapping efforts mean that in the coming years, residents may see changes in bus routes, fare structures, and street design downtown. The GCRTA Board, however, approved cuts to both services and staff positions in its 2026 budget, while removing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) language to comply with federal grant requirements. The cuts could affect service frequency and coverage for riders who depend on transit most.

What happens next

The city’s Complete and Green Streets Policy sets the framework for ongoing plan updates every five years. With Cleveland Moves now in place, city transportation staff are expected to begin implementing the bike network projects, prioritizing routes that connect underserved areas to key destinations. Community input from the planning process will guide which corridors get high-comfort improvements first.

The GCRTA’s Pillar Studies will continue to shape the authority’s long-term direction, with findings expected to inform budget and service decisions beyond 2026. For Cleveland residents, the next few years will determine whether the promised bike miles and transit upgrades translate into tangible changes to daily commutes, street safety, and access to the city’s core.