Bike advocacy ride Tuesday the 17th

[Jeff Youngstrom]

Howdy Issaquah Bike Club people! Sorry if you just got this from the GAIT list, but I figure there's lots of people who are only on one of the lists.

Join the Cascade Land Conservancy for a leisurely bike ride around Issaquah, Tuesday, May 17th from 6-7:30pm. Starting and ending at the Issaquah Brew House (35 West Sunset Way), we will ride around the city, learn about how city planning can improve bike safety and enjoy the fine spring evening. Stick around afterward at the Brew Pub to chat more about how to shape current City plans to improve "bike-ability" in the Central Issaquah Plan. All are welcome - bring your friends and neighbors!

People can RSVP via the link on this event page:
http://cascadeland.onenw.org/events/5-17-community-bike-ride-in-issaquah

Hope to see you there!
Jeff

[Paul Winterstein]

Issaquah Bicycle Club,

 

Thanks Jeff.  I’d like to add my 2 cents about the bike ride around Issaquah this coming Tuesday, May 17^th from 6:00 to 7:30PM.  I’m extremely grateful to the Cascade Land Conservancy for organizing this ride and their overall efforts on behalf of Issaquah.  If you’re unable to participate in the ride, you may want to come by the Brew House afterwards to join the discussion about Issaquah’s “bike-ability” and all non-motorized transportation considerations in the Central Issaquah Plan.

 

What is the Central Issaquah Plan?

The Central Issaquah Plan (CIP) is about many things, and the best way to learn about it is by visiting the City web site at http://www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/page.asp?navid=1597  For a shortcut, take note of the “Improved non-motorized mobility” recommendation summary of the CIP Task Force at http://www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/Page.asp?NavID=2574 

 

Why is the Central Issaquah Plan important to bicyclists?

If the CIP is implemented as envisioned, the City’s bike-ability should be better than what we have today.  But this outcome isn’t guaranteed.  It takes participation from people like you to assure that the City’s bike-ability really does improve.

 

The CIP Task Force has recommended that, compared to today, in the future a greater portion of transportation spending should go towards non-motorized improvements, including bike-lanes.  This sounds great, and I strongly support the concept.

 

But that’s all it is at the moment: a concept.

 

Current Action on the Plan

Since January, the City’s Planning Policy Commission (PPC) has been holding public meetings to review and discuss the CIP and the Task Force’s recommendations.  Many in our community have already participated.  You can find detailed information about their contributions and the efforts of the PPC here http://www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/Page.asp?NavID=2680.  The PPC is driving towards making their own recommendations to City leadership in the near future.  As of the public meeting on May 12^th, the PPC has yet to come to a consensus on their support for or against the non-motorized elements of the CIP.

 

Good Government at Work

This is why your familiarity with the CIP the discussions at the Brew House after the ride on the 17^th are so important.  The PPC will soon conclude its work on the CIP.  City staff will continue its work, and eventually the City Council will vote on the matter.  In other words, there still is plenty of time to add your voice to the process.  And what could be a better way to get informed than over your favorite beverage at the local watering hole with those who share your passion for riding?  I’ll be there and I hope you can too.

 

Thanks!

 

Paul Winterstein

 

 

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