A Big Year for Walking and Biking Policy Updates
- clara
- Dec. 27, 2018
2018 was a big year for walking and biking policy updates! These wins may not be as sexy as new bike lanes, but they make a big difference in how our city feels to people walking and biking:
- Bike Parking Regulations: City Council passed major improvements to the city’s bike parking regulations in new buildings this April, updating requirements for new buildings and for street parking. There can only be as many people biking as there are safe, convenient, and accessible places to lock up, and we’re thrilled!
- Bikeshare in Seattle: As of July, bike share permitting is officially approved in Seattle! Numbers show 1.4 million rides during the first (pilot) year. Check out this Seattle Bike Share Guide to get in on the action!
- Adaptive Signals Standards: In November, the City Council restricted funding to Adaptive Signals systems which to date have been used to prioritize moving cars at the expense of everyone walking, biking, or taking transit. In order to build more of these signals systems, SDOT would need to demonstrate they aren’t just prioritizing cars over everyone else. The proviso states that "Pedestrians and bicyclists should have frequent and ample opportunities to cross the street, and transit mobility should be prioritized over SOV traffic on key corridors.” We think so too!
- Construction Routes: In December, SDOT released their new Traffic Control Manual outlining a new set of requirements for routing people through or around construction, highlighting prioritizing safe routes for pedestrians and people on bikes!