Sandpoint advisory committee weighs protected bike lane versus shared multi‑use path for downtown Phase 3

Sandpoint — The Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee reviewed conceptual plans March 12 for the downtown First Avenue Phase 3 revitalization, where city staff are considering either a shared multi‑use path or an in‑street protected bike lane to improve connections to City Beach and the Long Bridge.

Public Works Director Holly Ellis introduced the project and turned the presentation over to project manager Eric Bush, who summarized the scope: full roadway reconstruction from Church Street to Lake Street with building‑to‑building frontage improvements, widened sidewalks, street trees and updated stormwater features, and replacement of an aging water main under the roadway. Bush said the design team is developing two primary east‑side options for the corridor and that the section south of Lake Street will advance to 30% conceptual design to preserve options for future…