Regional Bicycle Route System Project

Cascade Advocacy Issue Summary

Goal:

To identify the regional route system and recommend improvements needed to create a seamless, easily navigable major bicycle route network by 2010.

To promote the adoption and implementation of the regional route system by the many governmental entities in the region responsible for planning, designing, constructing, or operating bicycle routes and facilities.

Background:

What is the Regional Bicycle Routes System Project?

The “Regional Routes” project is a cooperative effort of central Puget Sound bicycling organizations to identify and promote development of a comprehensive network of regional class bicycle routes – major routes which serve city-to-city and other major destinations and travel corridors.

What area does the project cover?

The project covers the four counties of central Puget Sound – King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish.

This is the area covered by the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) – the area’s regional planning organization. Transportation facilities and services in this region are provided by 84 cities, four counties, the Washington State Department of Transportation, six transit systems, several special districts and Indian tribes, and the U.S Forest Service and National Parks Service. The project’s public outreach and coordination needs are substantial.

What types of bike facilities are included and how are the routes chosen?

The regional route system will include shared roadways, bike lanes, paved shoulders, and paved shared-use paths. In cases where routes follow a shared-use path, an on-road alternative may be provided.

Workshops with representatives from local bicycling organizations developed the criteria for regional route selection. The criteria include connectivity to other routes and major destinations, continuity, safety (as is and/or after bike improvements are made), inclusion of existing and planned facilities, minimal hills and distances, and attractiveness. Utilitarian travel on routes which are reasonably direct and convenient is given major emphasis.

Who is participating in the project?

Cascade Bicycle Club (CBC) is leading the project, but it would be impossible without contributions from groups such as the Kent Bicycle Advisory Board, Tacoma Wheelmen, BIKES, Edmonds Bicycle Group, Seattle Bicycle Advisory Board and Bicycle Alliance of Washington. Cities, counties and PSRC are contributing planning data and a sounding board function.

Benefits of Advocacy:

When completed, the regional route system will provide safe, convenient and easily navigable bike routes to all major destinations in the region.

The regional routes plan will help draw attention to areas in the route network that need improvements and will also reinforce locally-developed bike plans.

Bicycle transportation advocacy is strengthened, made even more proactive, and future road and development projects will better promote and be less likely to adversely impact the bicycling system.

Status:

Extensive field reconnaissance of candidate and alternative routes has been completed, and the regional route network for each county subregion has gone through two drafts and been published in the CBC Courier. Solicitation of input and feedback from transportation agencies continues. Route refinements and several alternative routes are still under study. The project's draft report is targeted for Spring 2003.

How you can help:

For more information please contact:

Dennis Neuzil,
dennisneuzil@foxinternet.com
425-455-1419 (fax 425-454-9122).