Title
Neighborhood Pathways Program Review
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee recommends changes to the Neighborhood Pathways Program listed in Attachment #1.
City Manager Recommendation:
As recommended by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, move to accept recommended changes to the Neighborhood Pathways Program listed in Attachment #1.
Report
Issue:
Whether to accept recommended changes to the Neighborhood Pathways Program. These changes would be implemented in 2014, the second year of the program.
Staff Contact:
Sophie Stimson, Senior Planner, Public Works Transportation, 360.753.8497
Presenter(s):
Sophie Stimson, Senior Planner, Public Works Transportation
Background and Analysis:
A neighborhood pathway is an off-street connection for bicyclists and pedestrians that shortens trip lengths and provides inviting route alternatives. Pathways connect streets to parks, trails, schools and other streets where no motor vehicle connection exists.
The City's Neighborhood Pathways Program was started in 2013 as a result of a City Council initiative to improve neighborhood walkability. Council specified that instead of working from a list of prioritized projects, the program should address improvements that neighborhoods believe are important. In addition, the City would provide a variety of options to implement the improvements. Projects could be entirely grant funded and completed by residents, entirely City constructed, or a collaboration between the City and a neighborhood.
2013 Project Selection
The Council specified that Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) be closely involved in shaping and implementing this program. The BPAC kicked off the program with a call for projects in September 2012. BPAC created a two-stage application process. The preliminary application is simple and focuses on the value of the pathway to the neighborhood, and how the...
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