On September 2, the Greater Ohio Policy Center, hosted the 2026 Ohio Active Transportation Conference. More than 200 attendees joined together to make the conference a success.
Attendees had the opportunity to learn the latest on bike and pedestrian infrastructure, funding and financing for complete streets infrastructure improvements, successful strategies for educating the public, and more across eight breakout sessions.
More importantly, attendees had the opportunity to interact, network, and engage with experts and peers, learning more about ways to improve access to safe and reliable transportation networks for all mode users. This includes the 18 sponsors who made the conference possible, as well as our panelists who shared their knowledge and insights to make the day educational, informative, and relevant.
Scenes from the 2026 Ohio Active Transportation Conference
First Lady of Safety Recognized
During lunch at the 2026 Ohio Active Transportation Conference, GOPC made a surprise presentation to one of the conference attendees - a panel moderator who brought more than 30 years of experience to her session.
In April of this year, Michelle May retired from the Ohio Department of Transportation after 37 years. She began as an intern in the Public Information Office and ended her career as manager of the Highway Safety Program.
The program’s name is confusing because it is, actually, the greatest source of funding for active transportation projects in Ohio. Under Michelle’s leadership, it has grown to become one of the largest safety programs in the county. Today, ODOT provides $185 million to state and local governments to improve safety on Ohio roads.
Michelle has done more than just oversee the grants. She and the Safety Program have been instrumental in encouraging colleagues in other offices and programs within ODOT to think about the design for vulnerable road users.
Since leaving ODOT, she has founded May Day and Associates, a consulting firm; joined the GOPC Board of Directors, helped plan the Ohio AT conference, and continued to maintain an active professional schedule.
All this has rightly earned her the nickname “First Lady of Safety”.
While the recognition was provided by GOPC, the award, presented by GOPC Board President Tania Menesse, was done so on behalf of every Ohioan who has benefited from her hard work, commitment, and dedication to roadway safety.
Congratulations Michelle, and thank you for all you have and continue to due!