AMATS | Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study | Planning for Greater Akron

The summer months not only herald the start of warmer weather, but they also bring a new traffic counting season for the Greater Akron area.

AMATS uses mechanical counting devices to record the number of vehicles that pass a roadway segment during a 24-hour period.  Traffic count data collected by the agency is used to prepare area congestion and accident studies and – perhaps most central to the agency’s mission as the area’s designated metropolitan planning organization – to identify locations that need transportation improvements.

AMATS expects to conduct between 300 and 400 segment counts this year alone.  Data gleaned from this season’s counts will be posted on the Traffic Count Data page of our web site.

For more information about the AMATS Traffic Counting Program, please contact AMATS Transportation Engineer Eugene Paczelt via email at epaczelt@akronohio.gov or at 330-375-2436.

Our agency needs the help of cyclists in the Greater Akron area.  AMATS will unveil its final draft Bike User’s Map during a public meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 16 at the Highland Square Library in Akron.

We’re asking the area’s cycling enthusiasts to review this map and share their opinions.  AMATS prepared this map as a tool to help people bike safely on the area’s roads.  The map rates major roads as Easy, Moderate, Difficult, or Very Difficult.

Why should you come?

• Cyclists know the streets and paths that they ride.
• Cyclists need good maps to plan routes.
• We need your input!

If you would like to view our draft Bike User’s Map before the meeting, it will be available at the following locations:

• Blimp City Bike & Hike
• Falls Wheel & Wrench Bike Shop
• Marty’s Bike Shop
• Summit Cycling Center

The Bike User’s Map Meeting is scheduled for the following date, time and location:

Thursday, June 16 @ 6 p.m.

Highland Square Library

807 West Market Street

Akron, Ohio 44303

Please click here for a map and directions.

For additional information, please contact Phyllis Jividen at pjividen@akronohio.gov or AMATS by phone at 330-375-2436.

AMATS' Phyllis Jividen, standing, right, answers questions about the agency's Commuter Challenge during Munroe Falls' River Day Festival.

May saw AMATS host its first Commuter Challenge in celebration of National Bike-To-Work Week and participate in a number of events throughout the region.

We have announced the Top Six winners in our Commuter Challenge and they are listed on our Bike Week 2011 page.  Congratulations to all of our winners and thanks to our 28 “challengers” that participated in this event.  We hope to see you next year.