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Participate in the development of the 2040 Long-Range Transportation Plan
 NOACA is developing Northeast Ohio's next long-range transportation plan- a 20-year vision for transportation in this region. NOACA staff will hold several public engagement events to provide the public with an opportunity to inform the region's transportation priorities.
NOACA invites you to be involved with the plan update by participating in public and stakeholder meetings. The first long-range transportation plan stakeholder meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 from 9:30 - 11 a.m. at NOACA, 1299 Superior Avenue in Cleveland. If you want to attend this meeting, please email Amy Stacy or call her at 216-241-2414, ext. 205, to register. Additional stakeholder meetings will be held during the summer and fall.
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Celebrate National Bike Month
May is National Bike Month and a perfect time to hop on your bike for a healthier, cleaner way to get to work. Grab your bicycle helmet and join others commuting to work on National Bike to Work Day, this Friday, May 20. Anyone who bikes to work can gather at The Bike Rack, 2148 East 4th Street, between 7:00 - 9:30 a.m. for coffee, goodies and camaraderie courtesy of Bike Cleveland. NOACA will have a display at The Bike Rack and collect comments on the draft Cuyahoga County Bicycle Transportation Map that is currently in progress.
On May 20, Bike Cleveland will also set up "energizer stations" for bicyclists seeking a coffee break at the Uptown Corner Alley in University Circle,  Lakewood Public Library and at the corner of Edgehill and Overlook Roads in Cleveland Heights. If the weather doesn't cooperate that day or your commute is long, take your bike on an RTA bus or train-passengers with bikes can ride all day for free. The annual Bike to Work Day is just one in a string of events for the month and beginning of summer- check Bike Cleveland's website for the rundown of scheduled events in and around Cleveland. NOACA encourages commuters to consider biking this month for all sorts of trips-work, shopping, short errands, or simply for pleasure.
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Try new bicycle facilities during National Bike Month
During National Bike Month, explore the region's newest bike trails and paths. This evening at 6 p.m., the City of Shaker Heights will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Phase 2 of the Lake to Lakes Trail, which begins at Horseshoe Lake Park, follows Fairhill Road and connects to Phase 1 of the trail in Cleveland. On its way to Gordon Park and the lakefront, the Lake to Lakes Trail
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Maple Highlands Trail
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connects to bicycle lanes on Euclid Avenue, giving Shaker Heights residents choices for commuting to work in University Circle or downtown Cleveland. NOACA committed $540,000 toward construction of the Phase 2 portion of the trail. NOACA also committed funding to the following trails and shared use projects that were completed during the past year:
- Maple Highlands Trail Phase 1, $373,000 in NOACA-controlled funding. NOACA also committed $118,500 toward right-of-way for that project.
- Black River Bikeway Phase 4B in Lorain and Elyria, $1 million
- Mill Creek Connector Trail Phase 2, beginning in Bacci Park and ending at Garfield Boulevard/Warner Road, $1.5 million
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Go for the gold! Pledge to participate in the 2016 Commuter Choice Challenge
To help celebrate the Year of Sustainable Transportation, NOACA and Sustainable Cleveland are conducting the Commuter Choice Challenge and encourage Northeast Ohio organizations of all sizes actively to support sustainable transportation modes. To participate in the challenge, organizations should embrace alternative commute modes-including transit, carpooling, bicycling and walking-and show support by offering special incentives and  programs to employees who take alternative modes. Organizations that take the Commuter Choice Challenge can earn a Gold, Silver or Bronze rating based on their incentives, programs and investments that support alternative modes. This year, employers can also receive some great prizes for participating, including grants to implement projects.
Examples of award-winning incentives and investments for employers:
- Support alternative commutes through location efficiency and other policies
- Subsidize monthly transit passes
- Provide showers and lockers for bicyclists and pedestrians
- Install bicycle racks
- Offer premium parking spaces to people who carpool or vanpool
- Educate employees about the benefits of alternative commuting.
To be considered for an award, employers must complete a tracking sheet that records activities and incentives that support alternative commutes. Employers may apply for the award at any time before July 31, 2016; however, bonus points will be earned if the organization pledges to participate in the challenge prior to May 31. If you have questions about the challenge or tracking sheet, contact Amy Stacy at 216-241-2414, extension 205. Organizations that complete at least eight of the actions on the tracking sheet will be recognized at the Sustainable Cleveland Summit-September 21-22, 2016-and be eligible for prizes.
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NOACA Board of Directors meets June 10
NOACA's Board of Directors will hold its quarterly meeting on Friday, June 10, 2016, at 9 a.m. At the meeting, members will consider approving projects recommended for NOACA Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI) planning and implementation grants, and technical assistance. The TLCI offers assistance to communities and public agencies for integrated transportation and land-use planning that strengthens community livability.
The Board will also consider action on the following agenda items:
The public is welcome to attend all NOACA Board of Directors and committee meetings.
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RTA considers reducing Waterfront Line rail service
In an effort to close a 2.5 percent gap in its 2016 operating budget, the Greater Cleveland RTA is considering, among other changes, reducing hours of service on the Waterfront Line light rail that operates between Tower City in downtown Cleveland and the South Harbor station/municipal parking lot. This reduction may affect weekday and/or weekend service. RTA held a public meeting on May 16 to obtain input regarding reduced Waterfront Line hours, during which NOACA expressed support for maintaining transit services and exploring ways to strengthen transit facilities through transit-oriented development. You can voice your opinion: RTA will take public comment about proposed changes through Tuesday, May 31. Final recommendations will be presented to the RTA Board of Trustees on June 7.
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