Bicycle Friendly Community

Spokane, WA | Bronze Level

Community Highlights: The City has progressively been developing the foundational components for becoming an increasingly bicycle-friendly city.  They established their first bikeway plan in 1976, created a Bicycle Advisory Board in 1992 and adopted a combined, "Bike & Pedestrian Plan" in 1996.  In 2008, they developed the "Smart Routes" document and campaign for improved regional transportation and began developing a Master Bicycle Plan.  June 2009 marked the adoption of a completed, detailed Master Bicycle Plan and the hiring of the first Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator. Spokane has a commitment to implementing the Master Bicycle Plan – including the construction of 4 miles of new bicycle lanes, construction of Fish Lake Trail, 4 miles of new paved shared use trail, plus other bike amenities in the core of downtown. Spokane is also working to restore and convert the Historic Iron Bridge into a significant bike/ped bridge, implement and survey from the City's first Sharrow markings on three street areas. There is a strong level of commitment and passion from Mayor Verner and city council members to increase non-motorized transportation and improve facilities.  Multiple Spokane based non-profit organizations, including Pedals-2-People and Cool Water Bikes, empower community members, build healthy communities, serve as full service bike rides, and lead group youth rides.  These efforts represent the growing community support, involvement, and advocacy from the Spokane community for improved and connected bicycle facilities, and education.