Title
Special Recognition - Proclamation Recognizing Olympia Bicycle Month
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Proclaim May as Olympia Bicycle Month.
Report
Issue:
Whether to proclaim May as Olympia Bicycle Month.
Staff Contact:
Kristin Gilkerson, Program Specialist, Public Works/Transportation, 360.753.2731
Presenter(s):
Kristin Gilkerson, Program Specialist
Duncan Green, Bicycle Community Challenge Coordinator, Intercity Transit
Background and Analysis:
Intercity Transit's 36th Annual Thurston County Bicycle Community Challenge (BCC) happens in May. Participants are encouraged to ride their bicycle to commute, run errands, recreate or for any other reason. Bicycling is an important way for people to get exercise and experience the outdoors. When people ride their bikes instead of driving their cars, it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Last year, 758 people in Thurston County took part in the BCC. They biked 72,110 miles to run errands, go to school or work, visit friends, go shopping, or explore their neighborhood. Among them were 31 City employees and family members, who rode a total of 2,489 miles.
This year, the City will finish the safety improvements at the intersection of State Avenue and East Bay Drive, which will significantly improve safety for bicyclists. We will also improve the bicycle and pedestrian crossings along Boulevard Road between the Union Avenue Pathway and Wheeler Avenue, linking the regional trails system to the Bike Corridor that runs into downtown. This closes a gap in our low-stress bicycle network.
Climate Analysis:
In Thurston County, the transportation sector is the second-largest producer of greenhouse gas emissions. Making it easier to bike is an important strategy for reaching our emissions and vehicle miles reduction goals.
Equity Analysis:
Our current street system is oriented around the car, which means that people who do not or cannot drive...
Click here for full text