Spokane is a livable, thriving community that is building new streets and trails that will connect the city and provide increased access to active transportation choices. Let’s keep the momentum going by re-electing Spokane city council’s current bike-friendly leaders and electing strong voices to the council.
Washington Bikes’ 2017 Spokane endorsements:
- City Council Dist. 1 Pos. 1, Kate Burke
- City Council Dist. 2 Pos. 2, Breean Beggs
- City Council Dist. 3, Pos. 2, Candace Mumm
In the coming years, Spokane can take big steps forward in building safer streets and more connected bikeways, but it needs strong leadership from its city council to do the following:
- Implement its six-year comprehensive street program and prioritize projects with new bike lanes, new safe attractive spaces for walking and improved connectivity throughout Spokane.
- Take advantage of the new connections that will happen when the University District Gateway Bridge is completed. This new connection represents much more than a bridge; it’s a conduit between the University District and the East Sprague Avenue area. The bridge will not only be a safer bicycle and pedestrian route to and from campuses, but is already spurring development and revitalization of the communities on either side. Building on that momentum will require smart choices by the next Spokane city council.
- Become the next Washington city to have a bike share program. The city of Spokane has convened a workgroup to address bike share planning and the hope is that a program will be on the ground by 2019. Bike share systems have enormous potential to increase access to bicycles and fill gaps in the transportation network.
- Leverage the growing momentum for all ages and abilities infrastructure and programming, like through Safe Routes to School and the Walk Bike Bus program.
There is demand and momentum for a bikeable and walkable Spokane, but in order to ensure the City continues to reach it’s potential as a healthy, vibrant community, it’s critical to elect champions who share our vision and priorities for Spokane.
Washington Bikes has endorsed candidates who have committed to ensure Spokane is investing in safe, connected places to bike and walk. If elected, Washington Bikes will work with its partners to hold the candidates accountable to create a more bike-friendly Spokane.
Ballots drop this week! Be sure to vote for your local bike champions and to mail in or drop off your ballot by November 7. With less than four weeks until Election Day, doorbelling and phone calling on behalf of Washington Bikes’ endorsed candidates will take place between now and November 7. Sign up below to get plugged in to ways to support your nearest bike champion!
