By Jason Islas
Lookout Staff

August 5, 2011 – After nine months of public input sessions and community meetings, Santa Monica will unveil its proposed Bicycle Action Plan at a meeting Monday night.

The plan – which must ultimately be approved by the City Council – is meant to be a comprehensive “toolkit” designed to deal with all aspects of biking in Santa Monica, from bike parking and lanes to education and safety courses.

The final plan will provide a compendium of funding options and project ideas that can be adjusted in response to community concerns.

“This is the first iteration that will go through committee,” said Cynthia Rose, spokesperson for Santa Monica Spoke, an organization of bicycle activists who will co-host Monday’s meeting along with the City.

The plan, in the form revealed Monday, must now run the gauntlet of government approval, starting with the Planning Commission on Wednesday.

The unveiling, which will be at the Colorado Community Room at 5th Street and Colorado Avenue, will give the community a chance to view the plan before it winds its way through various City commissions.

Although there will be no more official input sessions, the public can continue to weigh in on the plan at those meetings, where City officials will prioritize projects, especially when it comes to funding

The plan could reach the City Council for a study session and possible revision and approval by mid autumn, Rose said.

This draft has taken longer than expected to complete.

Back in February, Lucy Dyke, the deputy director for Special Projects, told The Lookout she hoped the plan would be finalized and approved by July. But as is often the case, there have been some delays.

Still, Rose is optimistic.

“I'm pleased that the process isn't being rushed,” she said, adding that as a result, there has been “time for proper community input.”

City Officials are aiming high.

At the last public session meeting in May, Parks & Recreation Commissioner Richard McKinnon said, “We want to send a clear message that this city deserves and expects the leading bike plan in the country.”