Oak Park accepts $100,000 transit grant to design 9 Mile bike-lane extension; city to seek additional funding

Oak Park’s City Council voted to accept a $100,000 Oakland County Transit grant on April 6 to fund engineering and design work to extend bike lanes along 9 Mile Road to Greenfield.

Director Kim Maroney told council the grant covers engineering and design to extend the city’s existing 9 Mile cycle track and said the total design budget is $120,000. Maroney said the city will apply for a SEMCOG planning grant for $60,000 this month to reduce the city’s share of the design cost. She described the effort as part of a countywide strategy to link 9 Mile bike infrastructure across municipal borders.

Mayor Pro Tem Julie Edgar and other council members questioned whether the bike lane is used enough to justify the expense. Maroney said the city has already seen an increase in bicycle traffic after previous 9 Mile improvements, and that the project would close a critical gap between jurisdictions; she also noted Southfield and other nearby communities are pursuing similar projects.

Council approved acceptance of the grant by roll call. Staff said the engineering plans will allow the city to apply for construction grants once design is complete.

What’s next: staff to pursue the SEMCOG planning grant and complete engineering reports so Oak Park can compete for construction funding.