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Spokane transportation panel adopts Bicycle Priority Network resolution after exchange on pedestrian access
Summary
Spokane’s Transportation Commission unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing the Bicycle Priority Network and asked staff to add language ensuring pedestrian infrastructure referenced in that network will be designed to serve pedestrians as well as cyclists.
Spokane’s Transportation Commission unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing the city’s Bicycle Priority Network during its Jan. 15 meeting, after commissioners raised questions about how pedestrian infrastructure referenced in the network would be designed and installed.
The resolution formalizes the commission’s support for the Bicycle Priority Network and will guide staff recommendations to City Council on prioritized bicycle investments. Commissioners debated language to make sure pedestrian facilities, including pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHBs), remain accessible to pedestrians and are installed to applicable standards.
Kyland introduced the resolution and said staff’s intention was to “recogniz[e] the work that is done in the bicycle priority network.” Commissioners then asked for clarifying language after noting the resolution’s supporting documentation references PHBs and pedestrian infrastructure without specifying installation standards.
One commissioner expressed a concern that certain installations could “provide more benefits to bicycles than pedestrians,” and asked whether the resolution could include a clause requiring that PHBs and related pedestrian infrastructure be “designed to serve both populations” and be installed in accordance with accepted standards. Staff replied the network guidance and supporting documents already reference PHBs; they suggested adding a short amendment—"be it further resolved…that pedestrian hybrid beacons and other investments in the bicycle network be designed to also serve the pedestrian network and adhere to applicable installation standards"—rather than attempting to rewrite technical guidance in the resolution.
Commissioners discussed which national standards to cite during installation (participants referenced the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and PROWAG during the exchange) and agreed that referencing adherence to accepted installation standards or the applicable guidance would help protect pedestrian access. Staff offered to follow up with the exact standard name to include and to circulate revised language for review.
A motion to adopt the resolution as printed was moved and seconded; the commission called the question and the resolution passed by voice vote with unanimous approval. Commissioners also approved the meeting minutes at the start of the session by unanimous voice vote.
What happens next: staff will incorporate the commission’s requested language into a draft amendment and circulate it; the resolution and any recommended edits will be forwarded to City Council as part of the Bicycle Priority Network implementation process.
Votes at a glance
- Approval of minutes (motion): Unanimous voice vote; outcome: approved. - Adoption of Bicycle Priority Network resolution (motion): Unanimous voice vote; outcome: approved.
