In a recent Shoreline city council meeting, residents voiced strong support for the 175th Corridor Safety Improvement Project, emphasizing the urgent need for safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists. The discussions highlighted the critical intersection of safety and climate action, with community members advocating for infrastructure changes that would facilitate bike travel and reduce vehicle emissions.

Lee Lambert, Executive Director of Cascade Bicycle Club, underscored the importance of bike lanes, citing a U.S. Department of Transportation study that found such installations can reduce collisions by 50% for all road users. He called for enhancements to the current design, including concrete barriers for bike lanes and clear indications for shared paths, to ensure safety for all, particularly children commuting to nearby schools.

Several students, including Madison and Carter Lambert, shared personal experiences of navigating the dangerous streets, expressing their desire for safer routes to school. Madison, an eighth grader, noted the lack of sidewalks on 175th, which forces students to take longer, less safe routes. Carter recounted a frightening experience walking along the road, emphasizing the need for immediate improvements to protect young pedestrians.

Adrienne Thompson, a parent, echoed these sentiments, stating that the current conditions on 175th are unsafe for her children and other students. She urged the council to prioritize safety improvements, highlighting the growing population in Shoreline and the necessity for safe corridors.

Community member Cyndal Reddick Ponti raised concerns about the environmental impact of tree removals associated with the project, advocating for transparency regarding the fate of the trees and the importance of maintaining the city’s tree canopy. She emphasized that safety and environmental considerations should not be mutually exclusive.

Heather Drummond, a parent of a first grader, shared her experiences crossing the busy intersection at Meridian and 175th, noting the frequent disregard for traffic signals by drivers. She called for the city to adhere to its commitment to complete streets policies, ensuring safety for all users as the community prepares for the upcoming light rail station.

The meeting underscored a collective call for action to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists while addressing environmental concerns, reflecting a community eager for progress in urban planning and infrastructure development.