Commissioners press for connected protected bike lanes, stronger transit and pedestrian-first design
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Summary
During the workshop commissioners prioritized transit and bike infrastructure, urged continuity of bike lanes, protected lanes downtown, and recommended treating walking as a primary mode; equity, data collection and communications were highlighted as cross-cutting needs.
Commissioners at the Grand Rapids Mobility Commission workshop prioritized transit and bicycle infrastructure and spent substantial time debating design, continuity and safety for active transportation.
Commissioner (Speaker 2) argued that mobility investments must be measured against housing costs and that removing the need for a car can reduce household costs; he said, “If I can eliminate a car in my life, I’ve eliminated $10,000 a year in cost.” Commissioners called for protected, separated bike lanes and consistent route design so bike lanes do not begin and stop unpredictably.
Speakers also emphasized pedestrian-first design and accessibility. One commissioner noted that ADA compliance is the baseline and that designing for the most vulnerable users benefits everyone. Several participants urged the commission to track mode share and demographic data to rebut skepticism and to measure equity impacts.
On transit, commissioners recommended investing in bus rapid transit (BRT) and dedicated lanes to increase speed and reliability. Discussion stressed that transit, bike lanes and pedestrian investments should be planned as an integrated network rather than as isolated projects.
The commission did not adopt formal policy at the workshop but directed staff to incorporate these priorities and equity lenses into the Blueprint and to return with concrete prioritization criteria and mapping for capital projects.