Cleveland to Expand Bike Lanes and Electric Fleet via Federal Grant

Cleveland is moving forward with plans to upgrade local streets with new sidewalks and separated bicycle lanes while transitioning city vehicles to electric power. Through the passage of emergency ordinance 1218-2025, the city will implement "high-comfort" pedestrian and cycling infrastructure across 15 specific roadway segments. These projects are designed to target high-crash areas and locations that connect residents to essential destinations, such as schools and the lakefront, supporting the city’s Vision Zero and Cleveland Moves transportation plans.

What's in the file

This ordinance authorizes the expenditure of a grant from the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program. The CMAQ program is a federal initiative designed to reduce roadway congestion and improve air quality by investing in transportation system modifications. According to the 1218-2025 Legislative Summary - CMAQ expend 2025, the total project cost is $6,815,532, which includes a $5,450,000 grant and a local match of $1,365,532.

The funding is divided into two primary components:
* City EV Fleet: $2,500,000 total ($2,000,000 grant; $500,000 match) for purchasing electric refuse collection vehicles and charging equipment to advance the city’s climate action plan.
* Cleveland Moves Implementation: $4,315,532 total ($3,450,000 grant; $865,532 match) to implement separated bike lane improvements and sidewalk additions to 14 roadway segments.

The identified street segments for these improvements include:
* East 55th Street (from Opportunity Corridor to Broadway Avenue)
* Ontario Street (from Lakeside Avenue to Huron Road)
* Lakeside Avenue (from West 9th Street to East 13th Street)
* Berea Road (from Triskett Road to Detroit Avenue)
* St. Clair Avenue (from East 55th Street to East 101st Street)
* West 44th Street (from Franklin Boulevard to Bush Avenue)
* Randall/West 41st Street (from Woodbine Avenue to Bush Avenue)
* Fulton Road (from Bush Avenue to Park Drive)
* Detroit Avenue (from Berea Road to West Boulevard)
* Jennings Road (from Treadway Creek Trail to the Towpath Trail)
* West Boulevard (from Detroit Avenue to Lake Avenue)
* Community College Drive (from Cedar Avenue to Outhwaite Avenue)
* Abbey Avenue (from West 11th Street to Lorain Avenue)
* Walworth Avenue (from West 53rd Street to Junction Road)
* Dick Goddard Way (from East 55th to Horizon Academy driveway)

To carry out these projects, the ordinance authorizes the Director of City Planning, in partnership with Public Works and Capital Projects, to enter into professional services and public improvement contracts, acquire necessary real property or easements, and enter into contracts for electric/no-emission vehicles and equipment.

Who may be affected

The improvements will impact Wards 3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16. The ordinance also involves the Department of City Planning, Department of Public Works, and the Department of Capital Projects.

Status and timeline

The ordinance has passed. It follows Ordinance No. 851-2025, which granted the Director of City Planning the authority to apply for and accept the CMAQ grant.

Residents can verify the details of this legislation by visiting the Cleveland City Council website.

Source record

File
1218-2025
Type
Emergency Ordinance
Status
Passed
Committee
City Council
Introduced
September 27, 2025

View on Cleveland Legistar

Official documents

Sources