Analyzing Mobility in the Short North: Insights and Innovations

The Short North Arts District is a vibrant cultural hub for the Columbus area. Thanks to its mix of uses and dense urban environment, it is one of the most walkable communities in the city. Residents and visitors alike can reach a variety of destinations without ever needing to get behind the wheel of a car. These destinations include cultural and art centers, the iconic Goodale Park, grocery stores, and a multitude of restaurants and stores, amongst other businesses. While the district has one of the strongest urban networks throughout the city, it can always be improved. Recognizing this opportunity for improvement, the Short North Alliance asked itself not just how mobility within the district can be expanded, but also how it can be better connected with surrounding communities that are underserved in their non-automobile transportation infrastructure. To achieve this goal, the Short North Alliance partnered with the Neighborhood Design Center to conduct the Short North Mobility Assessment. This comprehensive study evaluated pedestrian infrastructure, urban connectivity, and mobility solutions across the district, with the goal of enhancing safety, convenience, and community connectivity.  

Analyzing Existing and Proposed Mobility Conditions 

In today’s data-driven world, planners and policy makers are able to corroborate user experiences with data provided by a multitude of organizations and government agencies. The NDC collected data from a variety of sources, including MORPC, the City of Columbus, ODOT, and COTA. Data collected included pedestrian crash data, current and proposed bike infrastructure, bus stop conditions and routes, and sidewalk conditions, along with other key mobility measurements. Thanks to the wealth of data available, the NDC team was able to accurately paint a picture of current mobility conditions for the district as well as what the future of mobility for the area could look like. To help paint this picture, the team generally relied on Esri’s ArcGIS mapping software for spatial analysis and displaying these datasets. Field verification was used to complement these insights, ensuring the data accurately reflected on-the-ground realities. The assessment also explored potential improvements, from filling sidewalk gaps to redesigning intersections, with the aim of creating a more inclusive and efficient mobility network. 

Existing Bike Infrastructure

Bike Plus Plan Proposed Bike Infrastructure

Engaging the Community 

The NDC recognized the importance of community input in developing this assessment. Community members, workers, and visitors alike will all be impacted by any changes to the mobility network and also understand best the everyday experience of navigating the street network of the area, providing valuable insight for the study. To better understand these experiences, the NDC used an online survey through the site Typeform. A variety of mobility related questions were asked of respondents, including general information on their relationship with the area, preferred modes of transportation, perceptions of safety, and desired transportation infrastructure improvements. Key takeaways include a lack of pedestrian safety due to dangerous road conditions, a desire for expanded bike infrastructure, and sidewalk obstructions (such as electronic scooters), just to name a few. The NDC also used an online web mapping survey site called Map.social to see where specifically respondents want to see improvements or see as problem areas. Respondents were able to place map markers directly onto a map of the district and provide specific comments attached to that marker. Key areas for improvement include West 5th Avenue, Neil Avenue, and North High Street, where respondents were most concerned with improvements in walking and biking. These two surveys gave community members the opportunity to have a voice in the future of mobility for the district, allowing them to share their experiences and suggest improvements.

Map.Social Interactive Map results

Data-Driven Recommendations for Change 

Through extensive data collection and community feedback, the NDC was able to better understand what it may take to create a safer environment for all modes of transportation throughout the district. Relative to pedestrian and bike infrastructure for the rest of Columbus, the Short North Arts District is much better served but still has much room for improvement. This type of infrastructure is lacking throughout the city, with Columbus generally falling behind most of its peer cities for this type of infrastructure. The city is heading in the right direction, with the development of the Columbus Bike Plus Plan, the LinkUS Initiative, and the Zone In Columbus, amongst other efforts. The recommendations for this assessment take into account the wider citywide efforts to create a safer network for non-automobile travel. Recommendations identify areas for improvements such as gaps in sidewalk and bike networks, potential bus line and stop enhancements, and particularly dangerous areas due to reckless drivers. This assessment will help planners and policy makers to take these wider efforts and tailor specific community needs to the area and create an even more enjoyable pedestrian experience for all who have the opportunity to enjoy the Short North Arts District.

The Short North Mobility Assessment showcases the power of collaboration, innovative tools, and community feedback in shaping a more inclusive and navigable urban environment. By addressing the findings of this study, the Short North Arts District can continue to thrive as a place where art, culture, and people come together seamlessly. 

Want to learn more? Keep an eye for the full report to be made available online at a future date.