The Grand Rapids area has one of the worst bicycle-related crash rates in Michigan, according to data from the City of Grand Rapids and one way city officials are hoping to change that is through the approval very first Bicycle Action Plan. Here is Kristin Bennett, transportation planning and programs supervisor for Mobile GR.
“What comes out of it is that hopefully we have the ability for more people to confidently choose bicycling for whatever reason they want and that they feel good about it, and that it’s a safe activity—not only its safe, but they feel it is safe and comfortable for them.”
Since the last census data was collected the city has increased the number of commute trips via bike by three times, and to help drive those numbers up the plan focuses on connectivity which according to Bennet is known to have the most positive impact on safety and density.
“Really focusing – we recommend about 80 miles of sort of low stress bike routes on local streets and these don’t require striping and a lot of improvements. It’s a lot of signage and a little bit of pavement markings near where you might make some route changes. You focus a lot of your improvements on busier intersections.”
Michelle Jokisch Polo, WGVU News.
Kayla Sosa contributed to this story.