New Perspectives on Transportation

This story by Kyle Loring is reprinted with permission from FRIENDS of the San Juans…

Supporting multiple forms of transportation improves our community for everyone

Envisioning Complete Streets to improve health, our economy, and quality of life

A cyclist, a pedestrian, and a car meet on a street…

This setup is no joke if the street isn’t part of a “Complete Streets” solution—which provides all modes of transportation, including walking and biking, with safe and convenient options for getting around.

A typical San Juan road, where sharing the lane with multiple forms of transportation can be hazardous

Historically, San Juan County’s roads have been designed primarily for motor vehicles. This means that cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers all must do their best to share the winding, narrow-shouldered roads, often with limited sightlines and high speed limits. This creates an unsafe mix for all involved.

This sense of danger (both perceived and real) reduces people’s motivation to leave the car at home for errands, commuting, and recreating. The lack of safe places to walk and bike can negatively impact our health, environment, economy, and even a sense of connection within neighborhoods.

While some improvements have been made over the years, they have come slowly and irregularly. We hope to change that!

With community members, Friends of the San Juans has been working on a “Complete Streets” ordinance to pitch to the Town and County. Complete Streets ordinances typically direct local governments to consider and implement bicycle, pedestrian, and transit-friendly infrastructure whenever they develop new roads or do substantial reconstruction of existing roads.

An option on a rural road in the Netherlands

In San Juan County, these options could look like separated paths, wider shoulders, lower speed limits, or road striping and painting that helps highlight areas of potential traffic conflict. Since 2011, when Washington passed the Complete Streets Act, 86 towns and counties have adopted a Complete Streets policy. In 2012, Ocean Shores, WA was named one of the 10 best Complete Streets communities in the nation. There’s no reason we can’t do it here, too!

Kyle exploring bicycle systems on a recent cycling trek through Europe. Let’s make cyclists feel just as welcome here!

Why are so many places adopting Complete Streets ordinances? One practical answer is because it unlocks state funding to help defray infrastructure costs. And, once a town gains a reputation for welcoming cycling and walking, it can see a significant economic boost (see graphic below). Plus, Complete Streets decreases the carbon footprint, offers less expensive and healthier transportation options, and provides greater safety for all.

Want to join our efforts? Contact Kyle, at [email protected] or 360-298-7615.

Kyle Loring
Staff Attorney – FRIENDS of the San Juans

Bicycles are economic drivers Source: Outdoor Industry Foundation, The Active Outdoor Recreation Economy 2006. (Click to enlarge)

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