WSDOT Bike access planning meeting, Wed 6/27 6:30

[colin]

Below is some info I cut and pasted from an email I received last week. I'm unable to attend this meeting, but thought I'd post this in hopes that some bike-oriented folks could make it to this meeting.

> WSDOT Kicks Off Updated Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan

June 27th, 2007
> > 6:30-8:30 PM
> > Spokane City Council Chambers
> > 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.
> > Spokane, WA
> >
> > WSDOT announces the kick off its State Bicycle Facilities and
> > Pedestrian Walkways Plan update. The plan, which is an element of
> > Washington's Multi-modal Transportation Plan, was last updated in
> > 1995. WSDOT has conducted a survey of public opinion about needs
> > related to sidewalks, crosswalks, trails, and bike lanes, which will
> > serve as the basis for the plan. As part of this effort, WSDOT will
> > also propose a strategy for addressing these needs and improving
> > coordination between local governments, regional agencies, and the
> > state. For updated information related to the draft plan, please call
>
> > 360-705-7258 or visit the web
> > site: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Bike/Bike_Plan.htm. Join WSDOT at one
> > of four scheduled public meetings to discuss the plan, and provide
> > comments and feedback (see dates below). Comments can also be
> > submitted either through the web site or by calling the toll free
> number: 1-866-375-6729.
> > Comments will be taken throughout the update process. All comments
> > will be considered in the final plan, scheduled for completion in
> > spring 2008

[Mike S]

Thanks for posting this Colin.

[Mike S]

I showed up for this last night. It was mostly city and state government folks voicing ideas for improvements in bike and ped accessibility with in the city limits of Spokane. Eileen Hyat sp? and other members of the Spokane Bicycle Advisory Board were there. There were also some folks that sounded like pedestrian advocates. It's good to know people are out there doing this, but I also got the feeling that there are more political obstacles to change than momentum to make the change.

Interestingly, city council president Shoogren sp? gave a 3 minute introduction. He talked about why Spokane needs to be more bike and pedestrian friendly. His talk included points such as, global warming, oil costs, urban congestion, and obesity. To me it was good to hear a city councilmen verbalize these items, even if he just read someone else's prepared text.

News 4 wanted to interview Sarah and me, but we declined because we're not camera friendly. They seemed impressed that we were the only ones who actually showed up to the meeting on bikes.

All and all you guys didn't miss much. I think the best things we can do as cyclists are to talk to your elected officials, and more importantly, continue to lead by example.

Get out of your death traps and ride your bikes! Whenever possible.

[colin]

mtnmike said:

To me it was good to hear a city councilmen verbalize these items, even if he just read someone else's prepared text.

Totally true! Man, that is nice to hear. I wish I could've made it. I'll vote for any leg-shavin' politician!