Title
Projects for Bicycle Improvements Program
Recommended Action
Move to recommend projects for the Bicycle Improvements Program.
Report
Issue:
Whether to support staff’s recommended projects for the Bicycle Improvements Program.
Staff Contact:
Sophie Stimson, Senior Planner, Public Works | Transportation, 360.753.8497
Presenter(s):
Sophie Stimson
Background and Analysis:
The Bicycle Improvements Program started in 2016 as a way to prioritize small fixes that the City can make to the existing network of bicycle infrastructure. We created this program in response to comments that the BPAC made about past Capital Facilities Plans.
The first project in the program was to extend the bike lane on Cooper Point Rd/Automall Dr to Caton Way. We will be able to do this in the summer by restriping the lanes after a resurfacing project. The funding set aside for that project can now be applied to another project.
Role of the Bicycle Commuter Challenge
Each year, people who participate in the Thurston County Bicycle Commuter Challenge (BCC) have a chance to comment on the transportation system when they submit their mileage log. The BCC coordinator forwards those comments to each jurisdiction. In Olympia, City staff review those comments each year and use them to help prioritize maintenance and projects.
In recent years, the top concerns have been the Cooper Point bike lane, mentioned above, and the condition of the bike lanes on Martin Way. We will be patching the Martin Way bike lanes this summer.
Staff has made a list of projects for the Bicycle Improvements Program. We drew on the comments submitted by the BCC, comments made to us from the public, and our own knowledge of the transportation system. Please see the attached list.
Upcoming projects
The first proposed project in the program is to widen the shoulder through the curve where 28th Ave NW turns into Division Street. We want to give people biking more space from cars. This is a well-used bike route for people riding between The Evergreen State College and Olympia.
The second project is a proposal to reconfigure Lakeridge Drive to give uphill bicyclists a bike lane. We will likely need to install sharrows for downhill cyclists.
These projects will be listed in the preliminary 2018-2023 Capital Facilities Plan (CFP), available for review in July. Staff had to submit projects for the draft CFP prior to this BPAC discussion. If the BPAC does not support these projects, we may be able to change the draft. If not, the BPAC can comment about changes it wants to see to the CFP when it reviews it later this year.
Options:
Option 1: Support staff’s recommendation to pursue the Division/28th widening and Lakeridge Drive projects
Option 2: Make a different recommendation
Financial Impact:
The program is proposed to be funded at $50,000 in the preliminary CFP.
Attachments:
Project list for Bike Improvements Program