Parking Removal for Bike and Pedestrian Upgrades

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Consultation has concluded

To make space for pedestrian and bicycle upgrades, some on-street parking will need to be removed for a few of the 2023 transportation projects approved by the Bellingham City Council in the 6-year Transportation Improvement Program. The project areas include:

  • W. Illinois Street (Sunset to Lynn)
  • Meridian Street (East Victor to West Illinois)
  • Girard Street (Broadway to Young)
  • Eldridge Ave (Broadway to Nequalicum)
  • Cornwall Ave (Laurel to Pine)

The City of Bellingham prioritizes pedestrians, bicyclists and people over single-occupancy vehicles, both driving and parked (Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan). Parking studies help guide the decisions of where to remove parking to implement the 2012 Pedestrian Master Plan and 2014 Bicycle Master Plan.

Parking studies have been completed for the project areas listed above. The parking study results, along with project overviews, were presented to the Transportation Commission on September 13, 2022. The Transportation Commission is an advisory panel that helps shape the future of Bellingham by taking a long-range, strategic look at transportation issues (BMC 2.44). The Transportation Commission's recommendations on the removal of on-street parking were presented to the City Council in October 2023. Impacted and interested community members shared their support or concerns about one or more of the proposed 2023 parking removal projects on the City Council- General Public Comment page, during the public comment session at the Transportation Commission meeting on September 13, and at the public hearing that will be held on October 3 at 7 pm during the Bellingham City Council meeting.

Community members who live adjacent to one of the proposed projects were notified through a mailed project flyer and were provided a survey that will partially inform the Transportation Commission about community support of these projects. All community members were invited to participate in the survey (below).

To make space for pedestrian and bicycle upgrades, some on-street parking will need to be removed for a few of the 2023 transportation projects approved by the Bellingham City Council in the 6-year Transportation Improvement Program. The project areas include:

  • W. Illinois Street (Sunset to Lynn)
  • Meridian Street (East Victor to West Illinois)
  • Girard Street (Broadway to Young)
  • Eldridge Ave (Broadway to Nequalicum)
  • Cornwall Ave (Laurel to Pine)

The City of Bellingham prioritizes pedestrians, bicyclists and people over single-occupancy vehicles, both driving and parked (Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan). Parking studies help guide the decisions of where to remove parking to implement the 2012 Pedestrian Master Plan and 2014 Bicycle Master Plan.

Parking studies have been completed for the project areas listed above. The parking study results, along with project overviews, were presented to the Transportation Commission on September 13, 2022. The Transportation Commission is an advisory panel that helps shape the future of Bellingham by taking a long-range, strategic look at transportation issues (BMC 2.44). The Transportation Commission's recommendations on the removal of on-street parking were presented to the City Council in October 2023. Impacted and interested community members shared their support or concerns about one or more of the proposed 2023 parking removal projects on the City Council- General Public Comment page, during the public comment session at the Transportation Commission meeting on September 13, and at the public hearing that will be held on October 3 at 7 pm during the Bellingham City Council meeting.

Community members who live adjacent to one of the proposed projects were notified through a mailed project flyer and were provided a survey that will partially inform the Transportation Commission about community support of these projects. All community members were invited to participate in the survey (below).

Consultation has concluded
  • Share Have you seen bidirectional bike lanes in Seattle that are only on one side of street? There is one on Ravenna, another around Green Lake and others in the UW District. Seem to use street space well. Might help on Eldridge to save space for delivery vehicles to park. on Facebook Share Have you seen bidirectional bike lanes in Seattle that are only on one side of street? There is one on Ravenna, another around Green Lake and others in the UW District. Seem to use street space well. Might help on Eldridge to save space for delivery vehicles to park. on Twitter Share Have you seen bidirectional bike lanes in Seattle that are only on one side of street? There is one on Ravenna, another around Green Lake and others in the UW District. Seem to use street space well. Might help on Eldridge to save space for delivery vehicles to park. on Linkedin Email Have you seen bidirectional bike lanes in Seattle that are only on one side of street? There is one on Ravenna, another around Green Lake and others in the UW District. Seem to use street space well. Might help on Eldridge to save space for delivery vehicles to park. link

    Have you seen bidirectional bike lanes in Seattle that are only on one side of street? There is one on Ravenna, another around Green Lake and others in the UW District. Seem to use street space well. Might help on Eldridge to save space for delivery vehicles to park.

    JHR asked about 2 years ago

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts, your comment has been shared with staff for consideration.

  • Share A couple of questions -- who were the consultants hired to perform your parking studies, and at what times of the day were the studies performed? As a Parking and Transportation professional with over 30 years experience, I have a great deal of interest in Bellingham's curious management of its parking program. on Facebook Share A couple of questions -- who were the consultants hired to perform your parking studies, and at what times of the day were the studies performed? As a Parking and Transportation professional with over 30 years experience, I have a great deal of interest in Bellingham's curious management of its parking program. on Twitter Share A couple of questions -- who were the consultants hired to perform your parking studies, and at what times of the day were the studies performed? As a Parking and Transportation professional with over 30 years experience, I have a great deal of interest in Bellingham's curious management of its parking program. on Linkedin Email A couple of questions -- who were the consultants hired to perform your parking studies, and at what times of the day were the studies performed? As a Parking and Transportation professional with over 30 years experience, I have a great deal of interest in Bellingham's curious management of its parking program. link

    A couple of questions -- who were the consultants hired to perform your parking studies, and at what times of the day were the studies performed? As a Parking and Transportation professional with over 30 years experience, I have a great deal of interest in Bellingham's curious management of its parking program.

    Rand asked about 2 years ago

    Thank you for your questions. Parking surveys are typically conducted by Public Works staff each morning, mid-day, and evening during the calendar week. Below are the collection periods for the areas where parking removal is being considered: 

    • Eldridge Avenue (Broadway to Nequalicum): November-December 2017 and July 2022;
    • W. Illinois Street (Sunset to Lynn): January - February 2019 and March - April 2021;
    • Meridian Street (E. Victor to W. Illinois): January - February 2019 and March - April 2021; and
    • Girard Street (Broadway to Young): January - February 2019 and March - April 2021.
    • Cornwall Avenue (Laurel to Pine): July - August 2022


    You can get more details about the results of these parking studies in the staff report to the Transporation Commission from Sept. 13, 2022.

  • Share How can we also get vertical posts for the bike lanes on Meridian and Illinois? They're wider and Bellingham's traffic count map shows higher numbers for those streets than for Eldridge. on Facebook Share How can we also get vertical posts for the bike lanes on Meridian and Illinois? They're wider and Bellingham's traffic count map shows higher numbers for those streets than for Eldridge. on Twitter Share How can we also get vertical posts for the bike lanes on Meridian and Illinois? They're wider and Bellingham's traffic count map shows higher numbers for those streets than for Eldridge. on Linkedin Email How can we also get vertical posts for the bike lanes on Meridian and Illinois? They're wider and Bellingham's traffic count map shows higher numbers for those streets than for Eldridge. link

    How can we also get vertical posts for the bike lanes on Meridian and Illinois? They're wider and Bellingham's traffic count map shows higher numbers for those streets than for Eldridge.

    flinn asked about 2 years ago

    Thank you for your question. At this point in time, many options are under consideration and will be evaluated during design work, which will happen after Council gives direction about parking removal. Their direction determines how much space is available for the new bike facilities. We are considering and open to the concept of buffered bike lanes with delineators and will give it due consideration during design, factoring in multiple perspectives and needs.

  • Share What measures are being taken to ensure continued access for people who need to park close to their destinations for accessibility reasons? To prioritize cyclists and pedestrians without a plan for accessible parking can greatly reduce the mobility and independence of disabled residents. Not everyone uses mobility aids and many need parking readily available. on Facebook Share What measures are being taken to ensure continued access for people who need to park close to their destinations for accessibility reasons? To prioritize cyclists and pedestrians without a plan for accessible parking can greatly reduce the mobility and independence of disabled residents. Not everyone uses mobility aids and many need parking readily available. on Twitter Share What measures are being taken to ensure continued access for people who need to park close to their destinations for accessibility reasons? To prioritize cyclists and pedestrians without a plan for accessible parking can greatly reduce the mobility and independence of disabled residents. Not everyone uses mobility aids and many need parking readily available. on Linkedin Email What measures are being taken to ensure continued access for people who need to park close to their destinations for accessibility reasons? To prioritize cyclists and pedestrians without a plan for accessible parking can greatly reduce the mobility and independence of disabled residents. Not everyone uses mobility aids and many need parking readily available. link

    What measures are being taken to ensure continued access for people who need to park close to their destinations for accessibility reasons? To prioritize cyclists and pedestrians without a plan for accessible parking can greatly reduce the mobility and independence of disabled residents. Not everyone uses mobility aids and many need parking readily available.

    Oceana asked about 2 years ago

    Serving the needs of our disabled community members is a priority for the City. Project staff members are prepared to work with individuals who have an ADA placard, no driveway and a signed ADA spot in front of their residence. Anyone with concerns about accommodations for someone with disabilities can reach out to ada@cob.org for assistance. 

  • Share From the survey: what is the distinction being made between "dedicated space for bikes" and "physically separated bike lanes"? Also, where parking will be retained on one side of a street, are there opportunities to place the bike lane between the parked cars & the curb? (through or over bulbouts if they already exist) on Facebook Share From the survey: what is the distinction being made between "dedicated space for bikes" and "physically separated bike lanes"? Also, where parking will be retained on one side of a street, are there opportunities to place the bike lane between the parked cars & the curb? (through or over bulbouts if they already exist) on Twitter Share From the survey: what is the distinction being made between "dedicated space for bikes" and "physically separated bike lanes"? Also, where parking will be retained on one side of a street, are there opportunities to place the bike lane between the parked cars & the curb? (through or over bulbouts if they already exist) on Linkedin Email From the survey: what is the distinction being made between "dedicated space for bikes" and "physically separated bike lanes"? Also, where parking will be retained on one side of a street, are there opportunities to place the bike lane between the parked cars & the curb? (through or over bulbouts if they already exist) link

    From the survey: what is the distinction being made between "dedicated space for bikes" and "physically separated bike lanes"? Also, where parking will be retained on one side of a street, are there opportunities to place the bike lane between the parked cars & the curb? (through or over bulbouts if they already exist)

    redwagon asked about 2 years ago

    “Dedicated space for bikes” is inclusive of all types of bicycle facilities dedicated to bicycle travel.

    “Physically separated bike lanes” refers to a specific type of bicycle facility that is physically separated from vehicle travel lanes and can be either on or off of the street. A couple of examples of these include the buffer-separated bike lanes on Cordata Pkwy and the cycle track by the waterfront on Granary-Laurel.

    The type of bike facility you describe is referred to as a parking-protected bike lane, such as the one on Forest St. between the roundabout and Rose St. This type of facility is not what staff are recommending for these projects for a variety of reasons, but ultimately because they would not be the safest options for bicycles in these areas.

  • Share I watched all three of the videos offered by the city. I didn't hear any talk about personal accountability in watching all three videos. I see, on a daily basis, people on bikes not following the rule of law that they demand cars follow, why is this? It is frustrating and frightening having a careless biker hop off the curb or dart in and out of vehicles while not adhering to stop signs or traffic lights. My pity or willingness to share the road diminishes more and more every time I see these actions of the large community of bike riders. Also, parking is already limited around all of Bellingham, taking away more without having an option is short-sighted. on Facebook Share I watched all three of the videos offered by the city. I didn't hear any talk about personal accountability in watching all three videos. I see, on a daily basis, people on bikes not following the rule of law that they demand cars follow, why is this? It is frustrating and frightening having a careless biker hop off the curb or dart in and out of vehicles while not adhering to stop signs or traffic lights. My pity or willingness to share the road diminishes more and more every time I see these actions of the large community of bike riders. Also, parking is already limited around all of Bellingham, taking away more without having an option is short-sighted. on Twitter Share I watched all three of the videos offered by the city. I didn't hear any talk about personal accountability in watching all three videos. I see, on a daily basis, people on bikes not following the rule of law that they demand cars follow, why is this? It is frustrating and frightening having a careless biker hop off the curb or dart in and out of vehicles while not adhering to stop signs or traffic lights. My pity or willingness to share the road diminishes more and more every time I see these actions of the large community of bike riders. Also, parking is already limited around all of Bellingham, taking away more without having an option is short-sighted. on Linkedin Email I watched all three of the videos offered by the city. I didn't hear any talk about personal accountability in watching all three videos. I see, on a daily basis, people on bikes not following the rule of law that they demand cars follow, why is this? It is frustrating and frightening having a careless biker hop off the curb or dart in and out of vehicles while not adhering to stop signs or traffic lights. My pity or willingness to share the road diminishes more and more every time I see these actions of the large community of bike riders. Also, parking is already limited around all of Bellingham, taking away more without having an option is short-sighted. link

    I watched all three of the videos offered by the city. I didn't hear any talk about personal accountability in watching all three videos. I see, on a daily basis, people on bikes not following the rule of law that they demand cars follow, why is this? It is frustrating and frightening having a careless biker hop off the curb or dart in and out of vehicles while not adhering to stop signs or traffic lights. My pity or willingness to share the road diminishes more and more every time I see these actions of the large community of bike riders. Also, parking is already limited around all of Bellingham, taking away more without having an option is short-sighted.

    3rd Gen Hamer asked about 2 years ago

    Thank you for your comment. We share your concern and our Travel With Care campaign is designed to help educate all modes of travel about being predictable, aware of other travelers and respectful. The City of Bellingham is trying to create safe mobility options and dedicated public street space for people of all ages and abilities who walk, roll, bike, ride transit, and drive.  

  • Share I don't recall that much "street" parking in some of the areas you are planning on putting your bike lanes. How does that work? on Facebook Share I don't recall that much "street" parking in some of the areas you are planning on putting your bike lanes. How does that work? on Twitter Share I don't recall that much "street" parking in some of the areas you are planning on putting your bike lanes. How does that work? on Linkedin Email I don't recall that much "street" parking in some of the areas you are planning on putting your bike lanes. How does that work? link

    I don't recall that much "street" parking in some of the areas you are planning on putting your bike lanes. How does that work?

    Jath asked about 2 years ago

    The arterial streets in all of these project areas currently have street parking on both sides of the street. It is on these streets that removing some of the street parking is being considered to make room for bike lanes. In the Parkview Safe Routes to School project, some residential streets will also see improvements, but those mostly do not require the removal of parking.

  • Share I see that part of the improvements to W Illinois St. include adding sidewalks to both sides of the street. I live on the south side of Illinois where there are no sidewalks. Do we know at this point if the width of the added sidewalk will be accommodated by the elimination of parking on one side of Illinois, or will there be an additional easement needed onto properties on the south side of Illinois? on Facebook Share I see that part of the improvements to W Illinois St. include adding sidewalks to both sides of the street. I live on the south side of Illinois where there are no sidewalks. Do we know at this point if the width of the added sidewalk will be accommodated by the elimination of parking on one side of Illinois, or will there be an additional easement needed onto properties on the south side of Illinois? on Twitter Share I see that part of the improvements to W Illinois St. include adding sidewalks to both sides of the street. I live on the south side of Illinois where there are no sidewalks. Do we know at this point if the width of the added sidewalk will be accommodated by the elimination of parking on one side of Illinois, or will there be an additional easement needed onto properties on the south side of Illinois? on Linkedin Email I see that part of the improvements to W Illinois St. include adding sidewalks to both sides of the street. I live on the south side of Illinois where there are no sidewalks. Do we know at this point if the width of the added sidewalk will be accommodated by the elimination of parking on one side of Illinois, or will there be an additional easement needed onto properties on the south side of Illinois? link

    I see that part of the improvements to W Illinois St. include adding sidewalks to both sides of the street. I live on the south side of Illinois where there are no sidewalks. Do we know at this point if the width of the added sidewalk will be accommodated by the elimination of parking on one side of Illinois, or will there be an additional easement needed onto properties on the south side of Illinois?

    JNathanielSmith asked about 2 years ago

    Yes, the improvements proposed on W. Illinois St. do include the addition of sidewalks to complete the recommendations in the 2012 Pedestrian Master Plan. The parking removal would primarily allow for the addition of bike lanes, and the public right-of-way will be utilized for sidewalks. If Council approves the parking removal this October, City staff will start contacting and working with impacted property owners to discuss the unique impacts.

  • Share In some places having parking along the roadway helps to keep speeds lower. Would there be appropriate treatments to the roadway to help keep traffic speeds from creeping up? on Facebook Share In some places having parking along the roadway helps to keep speeds lower. Would there be appropriate treatments to the roadway to help keep traffic speeds from creeping up? on Twitter Share In some places having parking along the roadway helps to keep speeds lower. Would there be appropriate treatments to the roadway to help keep traffic speeds from creeping up? on Linkedin Email In some places having parking along the roadway helps to keep speeds lower. Would there be appropriate treatments to the roadway to help keep traffic speeds from creeping up? link

    In some places having parking along the roadway helps to keep speeds lower. Would there be appropriate treatments to the roadway to help keep traffic speeds from creeping up?

    Nick Sotak asked about 2 years ago

    The parking studies that were conducted for all of these streets documented low parking utilization rates and sporadically parked vehicles do not generally have a slowing effect on drivers.  In some cases, parking will be concentrated on one side and individual parking stalls will be marked, along with dedicated bike lane markings (Examples: Orleans Street from Alabama to W. Indiana and Woburn Street from Iowa to Texas).  In other places, parking will be completely removed, which will allow for physical separation of bikeways from vehicle lanes with a vertical element that will help to visually narrow and define the roadway.

  • Share Could there be a different street used for west-bound bike traffic? The north side of W Illinois has no cross streets for parking or deliveries. on Facebook Share Could there be a different street used for west-bound bike traffic? The north side of W Illinois has no cross streets for parking or deliveries. on Twitter Share Could there be a different street used for west-bound bike traffic? The north side of W Illinois has no cross streets for parking or deliveries. on Linkedin Email Could there be a different street used for west-bound bike traffic? The north side of W Illinois has no cross streets for parking or deliveries. link

    Could there be a different street used for west-bound bike traffic? The north side of W Illinois has no cross streets for parking or deliveries.

    SarahZ asked about 2 years ago

    The 2014 Bicycle Master Plan recommends W. Illinois as an important east-west connection across the entire City. The current consideration is to remove parking only on one side of W. Illinois, therefore parking will still be available near all houses and businesses in that corridor. Similar measures were taken on both Orleans Street and Woburn Street in 2017-2018.