Citation

Anthony F. APWA Reporter 2009; 76(7): 61-63.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, American Public Works Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article explains how Bellingham, Washington has installed bike and pedestrian facilities in urban and suburban areas as a means of improving multimodal travel in the city. The author acknowledges that “multimodal” travel encompasses many areas, but because the bus system runs on existing roads and is independently owned and operated, the Bellingham Public Works Department has focused its multimodal efforts on pedestrian and bike facilities. While the author gives an overview of state and pending federal legislation regarding bike and pedestrian facilities, he adds that there is great flexibility where lane width, marking, and other design aspects of a multimodal corridor are concerned. He notes that in urban areas of the city, street re-striping is an opportunity to add bike lanes but at a cost for established parking. Bike lanes, however, were ultimately approved by the city council. In suburban areas, Bellingham added a sidewalk and bike lanes using porous paving for these new facilities.