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Bicycle and pedestrian committees press for better sidewalk access and highlight 35th Avenue flood mitigation
Summary
The Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committees presented 2025 reports to the committee, urging improved sidewalk maintenance and clearer communications for renters and citing the 35th Avenue flood mitigation project as a process win while recommending removing parking to make room for green infrastructure and bike facilities.
Alex Schieflecker, Public Works pedestrian and bicycle coordinator, introduced the 2025 annual reports from the Pedestrian Advisory Committee (PAC) and Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC).
Lisa May Wistreben (PAC chair) said sidewalk accessibility and maintenance remain inconsistent across the city, noting winter clearance, flooded sidewalks and trip hazards tied to temporary asphalt patches and utility work. "We wanna make sure that the renters are being made aware of what resources they do have available," she said, urging better communication to renters and improvements to 311 responsiveness.
BAC chair Alyssa Shuffman used the 35th Avenue North flood mitigation project as a case study. She noted the BAC reviewed over 40 projects in 2025 and argued that a parking study for 35th Avenue showed peak utilization of about 35%, leaving space to reallocate curb parking for green stormwater infrastructure and bike facilities. "The numbers don't justify keeping parking," Shuffman said, and the BAC resolution accompanying the project supports removing parking on one side at 34th/35th to allow for widened sidewalks and green infrastructure.
Committee members thanked the advisory committees and asked follow-up questions about projects where PAC/BAC opposed designs; staff noted engagement and recommended follow-up on Lindale Avenue ahead of the July 9 public comment period. The committee received and filed both reports.
