The City of Westerville’s leisure path system concept originated in 1996 when the city completed a citizen-driven strategic plan for the Parks and Recreation Department. The plan, which was named Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) 2000, proposed a number of ideas for the city, including a network of bikeways and walking paths. PROS 2000 was approved by City Council and in 1998 Westerville voters gave their approval by voting “yes” to a quarter percent income tax that has funded the PROS 2000 Initiative projects.
The Westerville bikeway/leisure path system now covers over 26 miles and has contributed much to the quality of life in Westerville, increasing recreational opportunities and serving to help make connections to many of the city’s parks, school, public places, businesses, the metropolitan Columbus area, the scenic counties of central Ohio, and the state-wide Ohio-to-Erie Trail.
The Parks and Recreation Department has developed a new information system to help both residents and visitors interpret Westerville’s 26 miles of bikeways and leisure paths, known as the Westerville B&W (Bike & Walk Route).
The B&W takes a page from the old railroad system by color-coding each walking path, so residents will be able to jump on the “blue line” or the “yellow line” to reach their destination. The plan for the B&W was to create paths that form loops, which allows the biker or walker to begin and end at whatever location he or she would like. Each loop has a set, posted distance, so the path user would know how far he or she has traveled after completing a loop. Also, a path user is able to detour off the main bikeways to one of the many loops and navigate around the city.
The B&W includes half-mile markers and informational kiosks at the Westerville Sports Complex and Spring Grove North Park. The kiosks include information about the current location as well as a map of the entire B&W system. Notations will be made on the maps to indicate where path users can rest, find a drinking fountain, lock up bicycles, use restrooms or make a call on a pay phone. New in 2011 - Westerville Parks and Recreation introduces "Sharrows" - shared lane markings to indicate shared lanes for bicycles and automobiles along a main thoroughfare. Sharrows alert motorists to expect bicyclists and provide an increased level of safety for bicyclists. Click the following link for more information.
Bikeway Rules
- Abide by all signage
- Yield to cross traffic at intersections
- Keep right except to pass
- Announce passing
- Avoid blocking trail
- Respect others and private property
- Pets must be leashed/Obey scoop law
- Unauthorized motorized vehicles prohibited
- Users shall observe a fifteen (15) miles per hour speed limit on all Park Trails
Rules under Ordinance No. 05-13