GRAND RAPIDS, MI - City officials want Grand Rapids to be a "world-class community for bicycling."

That's why they've developed a "bicycle action plan," which provides direction for the future of bicycling facilities, routes, programs, policies and other infrastructure needed to support bicycling for all purposes.

The plan was born out of a recommendation in the 2016 Vital Streets Plan and has reached the public input stage. A public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14, in the ninth-floor Commission Chambers of City Hall, 300 Monroe Ave. NW.

"We're working to move Grand Rapids forward as a community where bicycling for transportation and recreation is a safe, comfortable and integral part of daily life for people of all ages, abilities and socioeconomic levels," said Kristin Bennett, the city's transportation planning and programs supervisor, in a statement.

"We want to hear from those who live, work and play in Grand Rapids on what they think about this plan so, together, we can foster a thriving bicycling community."

The action plan features modifications of commuter and community bicycle corridors, the addition of new bicycling facilities and upgrades to existing facilities, policy changes and enhancements, and program recommendations. It also includes suggested performance and evaluation measures, resource needs and investment strategies, and some recommended short-term projects and actions.

Its timeline is setup for action between 2018 and 2023, with goals of:

5 percent of Grand Rapids will commute to work or school by bicycle by 2035.

A balance of genders, ages, races, ethnicities and abilities will be bicycling in Grand Rapids.

The number and severity of bicycle-related crashes will be lower than today.

There will be zero fatalities of persons riding bicycles (Vision Zero).

The city will have implemented at least one significant separated bikeway project in each ward;

At least 12 low-stress bicycle routes will be designed and implemented to provide more comfortable bicycle access to a broader range of residents and visitors.

An effective and unified bicycle route signage system for both on- and off-street facilities will have been developed and implemented throughout the city.

Bicycle parking will be added to all neighborhood business districts and expanded throughout downtown Grand Rapids.

The number of people participating in bicycle education and outreach programs will have doubled.

An accessible and financially sustainable bike share system will be operating in downtown and surrounding neighborhoods in the city.

The plan refers to bicycling as an affordable means of transportation, an efficient and environmentally friendly source of enjoyment and leisure, and a significant economic generator.

Grand Rapids has invested in its urban bicycle infrastructure in the form of a 115-mile bicycle facilities network, and an award-winning bicycle and motorist safety-education program, GR Driving Change. The city is also a bronze-level bicycle friendly community, according to the League of American Bicyclists.

Having a bicycle action plan is one component of climbing from bronze status to silver, gold, platinum or diamond level.

The city commission asked for the action plan to be completed before officials acted on a recent Bike Share Feasibility Study and Strategic Business Plan project.

City officials said the action plan includes public input from previous community plans, input sessions and surveys, including the Vital Streets Plan in 2012-15, the fall 2017 bike share feasibility study, the 2002 city master plan, the 2011 Green Grand Rapids Plan, and the 2017 Parks and Recreation Strategic Master Plan.

"Through the Vital Streets initiative, we have made a sustained commitment to improve equitable access and mobility," Bennett said in her statement.

"The Bicycle Action Plan carries the Vital Streets vision forward,

highlighting the strategies needed to implement a safe and efficient bicycling network with supportive policies and programs."

Feedback on the plan can be emailed to the city at mobilegr@grcity.us, called in at 616-456-3000, or mailed to Mobile GR-Parking Services Department, 50 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.