Active Transportation

The City of Kent's Bike Master Plan guides the development of a safe and connected bicycle network including:

• Existing Bike & Hike Trails
• Existing On Street Bike Lanes
• Proposed Segments
• Trail Parking

View the plan: City of Kent's Bike Master Plan

The League of American Bicyclists administers the Bike League’s Bicycle Friendly America program which they describe on their website as “a tool for states, communities, businesses, and universities to make bicycling a real transportation and recreation option for all people and it recognizes those doing it well.” 

The League of American Bicyclists awards Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) designations to cities that promote and support biking. The City of Kent earned Honorable Mention status in the Spring of 2020 for its efforts. The BFC program runs on four-year cycles and the City recently submitted its application for 2025. 

BFC report card topics include:

• Bike education and enforcement
• Engineering and infrastructure
• Encouragement and evaluation

City of Kent's Report Card (2020)

The City of Kent is actively involved in the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program, which aims to improve the safety and convenience of walking and biking to school for students. The program involves a comprehensive approach with infrastructure improvements, education, and encouragement initiatives.

Key aspects of the City of Kent's SRTS program:

• School Travel Plan
  In 2024 the City of Kent developed a School Travel Plan (STP), in collaboration with the Kent City School District, outlining strategies to promote active transportation.
• Infrastructure Improvements
  This includes projects like building new sidewalks, improving existing ones, and enhancing pedestrian crossings.
• Non-Infrastructure Strategies
  These involve education and encouragement programs, such as Walk to School events, and safety campaigns.
• Community Involvement
  The City of Kent's SRTS program emphasizes community participation, involving students, parents, teachers, and local leaders.
• Funding
  The program is partially funded through the ODOT Safe Routes to School program, which provides resources for both infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects.
• Focus on Equity
  The program aims to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have safe and accessible routes to school.

ODOT Safe Routes to School Program

Through thoughtful planning, design, and construction, the City of Kent delivers infrastructure that improves connectivity, encourages healthy lifestyles, and supports environmental goals. These projects include new and upgraded sidewalks, bike lanes, multi-use trails, pedestrian crossings, and traffic-calming features.

From neighborhood bike networks to Safe Routes to School improvements, our goal is to make active travel in Kent safer, more convenient, and more enjoyable for everyone. Together, we’re connecting neighborhoods, improving safety, and supporting a healthier, greener community.

Current Projects:

• East Main Street Project

• North Mantua Street Improvement Project

• St. Rt. 59 Alternative Transportation Improvements

The City of Kent has a long history of environmental and social advocacy, having many stakeholders who are committed to promoting the responsible protection of ecosystems, the conservation of natural resources, and reducing the community's carbon footprint.

The City adopted a Climate Action Plan (CAP) in April of 2023 and the CAP contains 15 suggested strategies to help the City meet goals within the following strategic focus areas:

• Stationary Energy
• Transportation
• Waste
• Agriculture, Forestry & Other Land Uses
• Education and Outreach
• Updated Greenhouse Gas Inventory

Implementing the CAP initiatives will provide economic and financial benefits to our city, and a healthier environment, with improved quality of life for those living, working, and playing in Kent. To learn more about the City’s CAP and other sustainability efforts, visit: https://www.kentohio.gov/business-building-development/sustainability-overview/

Find information and tools to help you walk, bike, or use other active modes of transportation.

• PARTA Route Finding and Bike Services
  The Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority (PARTA) offers tools for planning your transit route, as well as bike-friendly buses and services.  Resources include:
  • Online Route Finder and Trip Planner
  • Bike racks on all buses
  • Campus and city route connections
  • PARTA Travel Training 

• SPIN KSU sBikes and eScooters 
  In partnership with Kent State University, SPIN provides shared bikes and e-scooters around the city and Kent State campus, offering a convenient, low-emission way to get around. Resources include:
  • SPIN mobile app for rentals
  • Parking and riding rules
  • Safety and riding tip

• AMATS (Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study) 
  AMATS is the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the Akron area, which includes the City of Kent. It plays a key role in funding, planning, and implementing regional transportation projects. Resources include:
  • Regional bike and pedestrian plans
  • Transportation funding opportunities
  • Public engagement and planning data
  • AMATS Bike Map 2025

• Bike Safety Resources
  Whether you're biking for fun, commuting, or exercise, safety is key. These resources help you stay informed and protected. Topics covered:
  • Helmet use and bike checks
  • Understanding traffic signals and bike lanes
  • Night riding and visibility tips
  • Local and state cycling laws  

League of American Bicyclists Learning Center

Bicycle, Pedestrian & Micromobility Law Guide | Ohio Department of Transportation

Kent Codified Ordinances – Chapter 373 Bicycles and Motorcycles 

Help shape the future of active transportation!

The City of Kent recently applied for Bicycle Friendly Community status from the League of American Bicyclists! The League is seeking your input to gain a better understanding of local bicyclists’ experiences in the City of Kent.  Please take a minute to complete this brief survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BFC_2025 

This survey is open to anyone familiar with or interested in bicycling in the community. We want to hear from residents, local area bicyclists, and bike advocates about your experiences and perceptions of bicycling in the community. Your input will help the League and the City to better understand current bicycling conditions and potential areas for improvement.

Whether you bike every day or on occasion, we encourage you to complete the survey. It only takes a few minutes to complete and will be open until October 5^th, 2025.

For any additional comments, questions or suggestions regarding Active Transportation in the City of Kent:

Contact us: (330) 678-8106
Email: Hallie.Stone@KentOhio.gov