Simi Valley’s bike paths are gearing up for a major upgrade, thanks to a recent decision by the City Council.

Last month, the council awarded a $249,050 contract to Los Angeles-based Chen Ryan Associates to craft a citywide bicycle master plan.

The updated plan, slated to be completed in 2025, will transform Simi Valley’s cycling infrastructure, officials said. It will lay out an extensive network of bike paths, provide safety guidelines and introduce policies to promote cycling as a mainstream mode of transportation.

Funded by a state Active Transportation Program grant, the plan also will provide a detailed inventory of existing facilities, document transportation-related incidents and offer recommendations for new amenities and safety features, all aimed at reducing collisions, serious injuries and fatalities.

Chen Ryan Associates’ proposal includes an outreach program featuring at least three community workshops, 10 local events, and web and social media engagement. An interactive website will enable residents to suggest new facilities and improvements.

Additionally, a stakeholder advisory committee, composed of members from various community groups, will guide the process.

The item was on the consent calendar at the council’s June 24 meeting.

Councilmember Elaine Litster highlighted the project’s significance, noting the community’s eagerness for progress and wanting to get involved with the effort.

“This is important to a lot of people. I just want to bring this to the public consciousness. It is happening,” Litster said, urging interested residents to contact the city’s Public Works Agency about joining the advisory committee.

Chen Ryan Associates has worked on the City of Ventura’s Active Transportation Plan, the Santa Paula general plan update, the Ventura River Trail Improvement Project and the Ventura portion of the Santa Paula Branch Line’s “Rails to Trail” project.

Simi Valley’s last bicycle master plan update in 2008 laid the groundwork for a safe and convenient cycling network.

Chen Ryan representatives said in its proposal to the city that it aims to build on that foundation, enhancing infrastructure for safe, efficient and enjoyable cycling throughout the city. One primary goal is to establish a low-stress bicycle network that integrates seamlessly with regional bikeway systems, including connections to Moorpark and the San Fernando Valley.

Strategic interventions to improve intersection safety will be a key focus, addressing the fact that most bicyclist involved collisions in the past five years occurred at intersections. Of the 85 such incidents in Simi Valley from 2019 through 2023, 74 happened at intersections, the company’s report said.

The city’s street grid and existing bicycle facilities will serve as a solid starting point, Chen Ryan representatives said.

“Rather than significantly altering those past efforts, we intend to build upon them while identifying opportunities for enhancement,” they said.