City seeks WWU feedback on Pedestrian Master Plan

The creation of the Bellingham Pedestrian Master Plan is currently underway, and you have an opportunity to help shape this plan with your input.

“The Bellingham Pedestrian Master Plan is being developed during 2011 to help create a safe, well-connected and attractive walking environment for all members of the community,” said Ted Carlson, Public Works Director. The development of this plan will consist of four phases: assessing existing conditions, developing a vision for the plan, determining user needs and demands and developing the pedestrian network priorities. Public input is sought throughout all of these phases. Once adopted, this master plan will also be incorporated into the Transportation Element of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

Western Washington University is a transportation hub and destination for thousands of people. As a student or employee of Western, you utilize pedestrian and transportation facilities around Western, and are likely aware of areas that are functioning effectively and those that would benefit from improvement of some kind. Input about walking conditions in these areas as well as in your neighborhood and other Bellingham destinations are vital to the plan.

You have the opportunity to help shape this plan by submitting comments & concerns regarding walking facilities (both near Western as well as citywide) through an online survey. This survey can be accessed via the City of Bellingham Website at this link: http://www.cob.org/services/neighborhoods/community-planning/pedestrian/pedestrian-master-planning.aspx . Phone access and paper comment forms are also available to those without internet access.

For more information, visit cob.org/walk or contact Kim Brown, Transportation Options Coordinator (kimbrown@cob.org, 778-7950).