According to the League of American Bicyclists, Ohio ranks sixteenth among states that are bike-friendly. Of the 19 cities in Ohio that seek individual recognition for their bike-friendliness, Lima stands out. It currently holds a Bronze Award for its efforts, and only Dayton and Dublin rank higher.

However, city and county officials recognize that Lima can improve bike safety and access, especially given the risks of bicycle accidents in urban areas. As a result, their planners have installed several facilities, including bike lanes and multi-use trails, and have plans for additional infrastructure.

Bicycle Crash Statistics in Lima

Lima’s population is approximately 36,000. According to the city’s report card from the League of American Bicyclists, only about 0.5% (roughly 180 people) of that population commutes to school or work via bicycle.

Over the five years preceding the 2024 report, Lima averaged 11 bicycle accidents and about 0.5 fatal accidents per year (about one bike fatality every two years, in other words). In 2024, Lima had no deadly bicycle accidents. However, a bicyclist was rear-ended and killed on Reservoir Road just outside of Lima near the Procter & Gamble warehouse in Bath Township. 

According to the most recent report from Allen County on traffic safety, the county saw 38 accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists. Seven of these caused fatalities, and 28 caused injuries. In turn, over 92% of collisions with non-motorized road users resulted in injury or death.

That same reported year, a cyclist was killed in Lima at the intersection of 4th St. and OH-65/St. Johns Ave., two of the city’s busiest roads. A cyclist was also killed in Shawnee Township on Shawnee Road. when a car hit a bicycle from behind in the dark.

Bicycle Infrastructure In Lima

According to the Allen County Bike and Pedestrian Pathway Guide, Lima has about 40 miles of bicycle infrastructure within its city limits, which consists of the following:

  • Eight miles of shared-use path
  • One and a half miles of dedicated bike lanes
  • Over 15 miles of shared bike lanes
  • Over ten miles of multi-use trails

Shared-use paths and multi-use trails are reserved for non-motorized users, such as pedestrians, scooter riders, and bicyclists. Examples of these paths in Lima include paths around Lima Reservoir, Lippencott Bird Sanctuary, and Heritage Park, all of which serve recreational users rather than commuters.

Bicycle Lanes

Bike lanes are divided into two types. Dedicated bike lanes have painted road markings that identify them as being exclusively usable by bicycles. Vehicles can only cross dedicated bike lanes when making a right turn.

Shared bike lanes, on the other hand, refer to roads where cyclists either share travel lanes with motor vehicles or ride on paved shoulders. These represent the least safe form of bike lane because motor vehicles travel near or in the same lane as bicycles. Nevertheless, these lanes make up the majority of Lima’s bicycle infrastructure.

As a result, most commuters must share roads with motor vehicles as they drive into and around Lima. While Allen County has proposed 32 projects to improve safety and access for non-motorized road users, only three of those projects, covering roughly eight miles, focus on bicycle facilities.

Riding Safely in Lima

Although Lima has several routes on its official bike map, most of these are geared toward recreational use. Those identified for commuters must be shared with motor vehicles. Thus, riding safely in Lima requires planning and caution. Riders should avoid congested roads and travel during daylight hours. They should also wear helmets to reduce the risk of head injuries.