YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – A downtown walking series now has a broader focus to help get more Mahoning Valley residents moving.

The Healthy Community Partnership, Mercy Health Stepping Out Program, Youngstown State University Campus Recreation, Bikeshare Youngstown, Thrive Mahoning Valley and YoGo Bike Share announced Move the Valley, an expanded version of Walk the Valley.  

Walk the Valley has hosted the Walk Wednesday walking series at Wean Park since 2023. With new community partners, a new location and a new name, Move the Valley will launch a new walking group that will replace Walk Wednesdays at the Downtown Youngstown Farmers Market, held from 4-7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday of each month. Walkers will meet in front of the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County’s Main Library at 5 p.m. through October for a 1-mile walk around downtown and return to the market. 

In celebration of Bike Month and the May Commuter Challenge held throughout May, Move the Valley will host a kickoff event at 5 p.m. May 14 for a new beginner bike ride series. Register HERE for the event. The rides will continue on the second Thursday of each month through October. 

The event offers participants three options to get active: 

  • Walking group.
  • Beginner bike ride (led by ride leaders from Thrive Mahoning Valley).
  • Advanced bike ride (offered in partnership with the Thursday Night Bike Ride group).

Bike ride options include:

  • Beginner riders can choose to try a YoGo e-bike during a 3-mile ride through downtown Youngstown and YSU’s’ bike infrastructure. The cost of the e-bike rental will be covered by the Healthy Community Partnership. The ride will take about 30 minutes. 
  • Advanced riders are invited to join a 21-mile ride, lasting about an hour and a half, led by Michael Billock and the Thursday Night Bike Ride group. Advanced, experienced cyclists who feel comfortable riding on the road in a group and through Mill Creek Park are encouraged to participate. YoGo E-Bike rentals will not be available for the advanced ride. Cyclists for this ride should expect to bring their personal e-bike or traditional bike.  

Helmets are required for all riders. 

Register HERE to participate in the walks or bike rides.

For more information, contact Robin Perry, network coordinator at the Healthy Community Partnership, at rperry@hcpmahoningvalley.com or 330 743 5555.