Bellevue council addresses safety concerns and housing code amendments amidst community feedback

Concerns over micromobility safety and housing density dominated the Bellevue City Council meeting on March 4, 2025, as residents voiced their apprehensions about the city's future.

Dr. Matthew Ruhl highlighted alarming statistics regarding micromobility vehicle injuries, revealing a staggering increase from 751 e-bike injuries in 2017 to over 23,000 in 2022. He urged the council to take responsibility for educating users about helmet laws and safety measures, questioning the Bellevue Police Department's lack of citations for helmet usage. "If you do not measure it, you will not improve it," Ruhl emphasized, calling for a proactive approach to address the growing safety concerns.

Meanwhile, Anne Rittenhouse expressed her outrage over proposed housing code amendments that exceed state requirements. She argued that the increased density could lead to the destruction of single-family neighborhoods and displacement of families unable to afford rising property taxes. Rittenhouse pointed out the lack of infrastructure in areas like Newport Hills, warning that blanket density increases could jeopardize emergency response times. "I urge the council to protect Bellevue residents and neighborhoods by only addressing the minimum densities required by the state," she implored.

Nicole Myers echoed these sentiments, cautioning that the draft proposals could double the impact of significant housing bills, which had already sparked extensive public debate.

As Bellevue grapples with these pressing issues, the council faces the challenge of balancing growth with community safety and neighborhood integrity. The discussions signal a critical moment for the city as it navigates the complexities of urban development and public safety.