Transportation Terms#
Active Transportation#
Any human-powered mode of travel — walking, bicycling, skateboarding, using a wheelchair, etc. Distinguished from motorized transportation.
Why it matters: Lakewood adopted an Active Transportation Strategic Plan in April 2024 after an 18-month planning process. The plan identifies infrastructure projects, policies, and programs to improve conditions for walking and biking.
See also: Complete Streets
Learn more: Lakewood Mobility | The Land
Complete Streets#
A transportation policy that requires streets to be designed and operated to enable safe access for all users — pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and motorists of all ages and abilities.
Why it matters: Lakewood’s Complete Streets ordinance was introduced in 2025 as a practical implementation roadmap for the Active Transportation plan. Council President Sarah Kepple described it as moving from the strategic plan’s “big picture” to “how the work gets done.”
See also: Active Transportation
Learn more: The Land | Smart Growth America
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA)#
The public transit agency serving Cuyahoga County, including Lakewood. Operates bus routes, the Red Line rapid transit, and paratransit services.
Why it matters: Lakewood is served by six RTA bus routes (25, 26, 43, 55, 78, 83) and two rapid rail stations (W. 117th and Triskett). Transit access varies significantly across the city, leading to “last mile” challenges for many residents.
See also: Last Mile
Learn more: RideRTA | Lakewood Mobility
High-Risk Network#
A map of roads with the highest risk for pedestrian and bicycle crashes, based on historical crash data and statistical modeling of roadway characteristics.
Why it matters: Lakewood’s Active Transportation plan identifies a High-Risk Network for Walking and Biking that highlights Detroit Avenue, Madison Avenue, 117th Street, Clifton Boulevard, Hilliard Road, and Franklin Avenue as the roads with the most potential for future crashes.
Learn more: The Land
Last Mile#
The gap between a transit stop and a rider’s final destination. Often the most difficult part of a transit trip to serve efficiently.
Why it matters: Lakewood hired Iteris Inc. in 2024 to study options for closing the last mile gap, using nearly $150,000 in county-awarded American Rescue Act funds. The city’s previous circulator service was discontinued roughly 15 years ago.
Learn more: Ideastream
Level of Service (LOS)#
A metric (graded A through F) that measures traffic flow and congestion on roads and at intersections. Originally designed for car throughput.
Why it matters: LOS has historically been used to justify wider roads and more car lanes. Urbanists argue it fails to account for pedestrian safety, transit efficiency, and non-car modes. Lakewood’s Complete Streets approach rebalances priorities beyond LOS.
Learn more: TRB Highway Capacity Manual
Mode Share#
The percentage of trips taken by each transportation mode — car, transit, walking, biking, etc.
Why it matters: In Lakewood, an estimated 77% of residents commute by car, while about 10% walk or use transit. The Active Transportation plan aims to shift mode share toward walking and cycling by improving infrastructure.
Learn more: Lakewood Mobility
Safe Routes to School#
A federal and local program that promotes walking and biking to school through infrastructure improvements, education, and encouragement.
Why it matters: Lakewood has never operated school buses — every student walks to school. The city partners with Lakewood City Schools, PTA, and Bike Lakewood to support walking school buses and bike trains.
Learn more: Biking Lakewood | Governing
Walk Score#
A national ranking system that measures the walkability of any address or city on a 0-100 scale based on proximity to amenities.
Why it matters: Lakewood has the highest Walk Score in Ohio at 70, compared to the state average of 34. The city has over 180 miles of sidewalks serving its 90 miles of streets.
Learn more: Walk Score - Lakewood | Lakewood Mobility
Last updated: February 2026