I Heart Bellingham, WA

On Wednesday, lovely little Bellingham, WA captured my heart. The 70,000 person green, hilly NW town already has built up an enviable bicycle mode share of six percent. Are they satisfied? Of course not. Their dedication to green sustainable living is deep and sincere, and they know they can make their town even better, safer, more livable, cleaner, and greener. The City’s major employer, Western Washington University, certainly sets a great example, with an 80% bike/walk/transit mode share, while the City is rapidly transforming many of its streets with bike lanes, is on the verge of adding its first bike boulevard, and is engaging residents in shifting trips in partnership with a regional Smart Trips program. Adding to the package is a focus on green development, local food, low waste, recycling, and waste reduction.