Here is the letter detailing Redmond's objections to Bellevue's use of a multi-use trail instead of bike lanes in improvements to West Lake Sammamish Parkway (the Bellevue City Council is set to vote on the issue Monday, April 11):
April 6, 2005
Ms. Nancy Lacombe
City of Bellevue Department of Public Works
P.O. Box 90012
Bellevue, WA 98009-9012
RE: West Lake Sammamish Parkway Improvement Project Recommendation
Thank you for inviting Redmond to comment on Bellevue's proposals to enhance the West Lake Sammamish Parkway corridor.
Having recently gone through a process to enhance Redmond's portion of this corridor, we recognize the considerable public process required to develop and evaluate the several alternative designs.
Redmond does not agree that the alternative currently identified as Bellevue's staff preference should be the option selected for construction. Instead, we propose that Bellevue select a design consistent with what now exists elsewhere in the corridor, a consistent layout that features bicycle lanes on both sides and a pedestrian facility along the western side.
The Redmond layout stands out when compared to the Bellevue staff alternative in that it:
Is consistent with transportation design guidelines and best practices.
Provides a lower potential for traffic accident.
Should cost less.
Provides consistent operational patterns along this regional corridor.
Provides adequate non-motorized facilities on both sides of the corridor.
Redmond's portion of the corridor has existed for approximately two years. In this period we have noted no operational concerns. There has been no increase in volume, no increase in speed, a complete lack of complaint, and even a few compliments.
Contrarily, there are some features of Bellevue s concept of concern:
The design does not satisfy recognized transportation design guidelines.
Opportunity for grant funding is reduced.
Inconsistent multiuse path design and transitions confuse all roadway users.
Wrong-way bicycle traffic produces multiple operational conflicts.
Maintenance is difficult and often becomes inadequate.
Bike-ped transition areas between the Bellevue and Redmond facilities.
Redmond appreciates this opportunity to offer considerations to our neighboring community.
Sincerely,
David R. Alm
Transportation Operations Manager
Cc: Mayor Ives
Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee
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