BIKE PATH PROJECT TO GET ROLLING.

Byline: Angie Valencia-Martinez Staff Writer

SIMI VALLEY - The City Council on Monday will likely begin the process of getting a bike path built that connects Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks.

The $420,000 plan to build a 14-mile, crosstown bike route from Kuehner Drive to the Thousand Oaks city limit is aimed at improving safety and is part of a plan to spend about $18 million over the next 18 years on paths connecting the city to other parts of Ventura County.

``This is a long time coming for Simi Valley,'' City Councilman Steve Sojka said. ``Our residents want that amenity, being able to get on their bike and ride in safety. It's always been dangerous for them. We're making a safe route for them to go from one end to the other.''

The new route will include on-street bike lanes and routes, as well as ``Share the Road'' signs in some areas.

The system would start at Katherine Road and Kuehner Drive on Simi Valley's eastern side and wind up on Madera Road on the western border with Thousand Oaks near the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

The crosstown route would include parts of Los Angeles Avenue, Sequoia Avenue, Fitzgerald Road, First Street, Long Canyon Road, Wood Ranch Parkway and Country Club Drive.

Planning for the trail began years ago. The city received a $378,000 grant from the state's Bicycle Transportation Account and will be responsible for the remaining $42,000.

While there is funding for $420,000, Ron Fuchiwaki, the city's assistant public works director, said the project likely will end up costing about $275,000.

``Since it's state monies, if we have any left over we would contact the state and ask if we can use those monies in a related bike project,'' he said.

Angie Valencia-Martinez, [phone]

angie.valencia(at)dailynews.com