Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan Updates

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Consultation has concluded

Two cyclist in green bike lane as they approach road intersection with red car waiting.

Getting where we need to go is one of the most important parts of our lives. Whether it's getting to work, school, doctor’s appointments, or recreating, running errands, or for emergencies - we depend on safe and reliable transportation options to move from place to place. Pedestrian and bicycle networks provide options to commute safely and efficiently via biking or walking; the City identifies and prioritizes improvements to these networks through the Pedestrian Master Plan and the Bicycle Master Plan.

Comment Period has closed.

The comment period has closed. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans were adopted by City Council in May of 2024.

Review the Plans here.

Staff plans to return to the Transportation Commission and City Council in 2025 with specific metrics for measuring success in the plan implementation.

Why update the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plans?

The Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plans are each city-wide plans that identify future projects to create a more walkable and ridable community. The Pedestrian Master Plan was adopted in 2012 and the Bicycle Master Plan in 2014. Since they were adopted, many projects identified in these master plans have been completed while the city has grown and the needs of the community have changed. The updates will continue the work to advance safe, connected walking and biking networks and supportive programs that encourage active transportation in Bellingham.

  • The Pedestrian Master Plan Update will focus on integrating the ADA Transition Plan and further refining the project list, priorities and design toolbox to better reflect the City’s available resources and needs.
  • The Bicycle Master Plan Update will focus on completing bike network connections, evaluating options for more challenging connections and developing a prioritized list of projects.

Both plans will identify and prioritize needs in Bellingham’s Urban Growth Areas and consider the network value and feasibility of integrating unimproved rights-of-way. Public engagement is an integral part of both plan updates and will be used to inform projects, programs and priorities for further building out Bellingham’s pedestrian and bicycle networks for people of all ages and abilities to safely and conveniently walk, bike and roll.


Getting where we need to go is one of the most important parts of our lives. Whether it's getting to work, school, doctor’s appointments, or recreating, running errands, or for emergencies - we depend on safe and reliable transportation options to move from place to place. Pedestrian and bicycle networks provide options to commute safely and efficiently via biking or walking; the City identifies and prioritizes improvements to these networks through the Pedestrian Master Plan and the Bicycle Master Plan.

Comment Period has closed.

The comment period has closed. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans were adopted by City Council in May of 2024.

Review the Plans here.

Staff plans to return to the Transportation Commission and City Council in 2025 with specific metrics for measuring success in the plan implementation.

Why update the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plans?

The Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plans are each city-wide plans that identify future projects to create a more walkable and ridable community. The Pedestrian Master Plan was adopted in 2012 and the Bicycle Master Plan in 2014. Since they were adopted, many projects identified in these master plans have been completed while the city has grown and the needs of the community have changed. The updates will continue the work to advance safe, connected walking and biking networks and supportive programs that encourage active transportation in Bellingham.

  • The Pedestrian Master Plan Update will focus on integrating the ADA Transition Plan and further refining the project list, priorities and design toolbox to better reflect the City’s available resources and needs.
  • The Bicycle Master Plan Update will focus on completing bike network connections, evaluating options for more challenging connections and developing a prioritized list of projects.

Both plans will identify and prioritize needs in Bellingham’s Urban Growth Areas and consider the network value and feasibility of integrating unimproved rights-of-way. Public engagement is an integral part of both plan updates and will be used to inform projects, programs and priorities for further building out Bellingham’s pedestrian and bicycle networks for people of all ages and abilities to safely and conveniently walk, bike and roll.


Consultation has concluded
  • Share On LP ID #94 The map shows a project on Xenia extending all the way to Lakeway Dr. but Xenia doesn’t go through from Old Lakeway to Lakeway. There’s a good-sized gully related to the creek there. Can this part be removed from the project? It adds no value to the connection since the Old Lakeway multi-use path is available in either direction from the intersection of Xenia & Old Lakeway. on Facebook Share On LP ID #94 The map shows a project on Xenia extending all the way to Lakeway Dr. but Xenia doesn’t go through from Old Lakeway to Lakeway. There’s a good-sized gully related to the creek there. Can this part be removed from the project? It adds no value to the connection since the Old Lakeway multi-use path is available in either direction from the intersection of Xenia & Old Lakeway. on Twitter Share On LP ID #94 The map shows a project on Xenia extending all the way to Lakeway Dr. but Xenia doesn’t go through from Old Lakeway to Lakeway. There’s a good-sized gully related to the creek there. Can this part be removed from the project? It adds no value to the connection since the Old Lakeway multi-use path is available in either direction from the intersection of Xenia & Old Lakeway. on Linkedin Email On LP ID #94 The map shows a project on Xenia extending all the way to Lakeway Dr. but Xenia doesn’t go through from Old Lakeway to Lakeway. There’s a good-sized gully related to the creek there. Can this part be removed from the project? It adds no value to the connection since the Old Lakeway multi-use path is available in either direction from the intersection of Xenia & Old Lakeway. link

    On LP ID #94 The map shows a project on Xenia extending all the way to Lakeway Dr. but Xenia doesn’t go through from Old Lakeway to Lakeway. There’s a good-sized gully related to the creek there. Can this part be removed from the project? It adds no value to the connection since the Old Lakeway multi-use path is available in either direction from the intersection of Xenia & Old Lakeway.

    flinn asked over 1 year ago

    We will pass this comment on to the project team for consideration in the plan.

  • Share Can we lower the speed limit from 35 to 25 on Samish Way between I-5 and Ellis? 3 pedestrians have been hit here in the past two years. Reducing the speed here might make these less fatal. on Facebook Share Can we lower the speed limit from 35 to 25 on Samish Way between I-5 and Ellis? 3 pedestrians have been hit here in the past two years. Reducing the speed here might make these less fatal. on Twitter Share Can we lower the speed limit from 35 to 25 on Samish Way between I-5 and Ellis? 3 pedestrians have been hit here in the past two years. Reducing the speed here might make these less fatal. on Linkedin Email Can we lower the speed limit from 35 to 25 on Samish Way between I-5 and Ellis? 3 pedestrians have been hit here in the past two years. Reducing the speed here might make these less fatal. link

    Can we lower the speed limit from 35 to 25 on Samish Way between I-5 and Ellis? 3 pedestrians have been hit here in the past two years. Reducing the speed here might make these less fatal.

    Aaron Dutton asked over 1 year ago

    Thanks for the comment. We actually have a speed study planned for next year to evaluate the policy that we use to determine street speeds. Keep an eye out for more coming on that soon!

  • Share Under the new proposed plan, what is the optimal route to downtown from the Yew St & Lakeway intersection. With a low priority on Lakeway up to this intersection to add bike lane, and no markings on Woburn to get to left on Fraser St, this still seems it will be unsafe for the next 10 years. on Facebook Share Under the new proposed plan, what is the optimal route to downtown from the Yew St & Lakeway intersection. With a low priority on Lakeway up to this intersection to add bike lane, and no markings on Woburn to get to left on Fraser St, this still seems it will be unsafe for the next 10 years. on Twitter Share Under the new proposed plan, what is the optimal route to downtown from the Yew St & Lakeway intersection. With a low priority on Lakeway up to this intersection to add bike lane, and no markings on Woburn to get to left on Fraser St, this still seems it will be unsafe for the next 10 years. on Linkedin Email Under the new proposed plan, what is the optimal route to downtown from the Yew St & Lakeway intersection. With a low priority on Lakeway up to this intersection to add bike lane, and no markings on Woburn to get to left on Fraser St, this still seems it will be unsafe for the next 10 years. link

    Under the new proposed plan, what is the optimal route to downtown from the Yew St & Lakeway intersection. With a low priority on Lakeway up to this intersection to add bike lane, and no markings on Woburn to get to left on Fraser St, this still seems it will be unsafe for the next 10 years.

    bike asked over 1 year ago

    Thanks for the comment. The project team will take a look at this when putting together the final plan. 

  • Share There was a recent change to the WA State law in Jan 2020 that requires cars to pass with at least three feet of separation from a cyclist. Would this plan add signage to convey this message. WA is one of the last states to add this state law, so it is not as well known, and some cities in other states have adopted appropriate signage and enforcement of this. What is the plan taking this into account? on Facebook Share There was a recent change to the WA State law in Jan 2020 that requires cars to pass with at least three feet of separation from a cyclist. Would this plan add signage to convey this message. WA is one of the last states to add this state law, so it is not as well known, and some cities in other states have adopted appropriate signage and enforcement of this. What is the plan taking this into account? on Twitter Share There was a recent change to the WA State law in Jan 2020 that requires cars to pass with at least three feet of separation from a cyclist. Would this plan add signage to convey this message. WA is one of the last states to add this state law, so it is not as well known, and some cities in other states have adopted appropriate signage and enforcement of this. What is the plan taking this into account? on Linkedin Email There was a recent change to the WA State law in Jan 2020 that requires cars to pass with at least three feet of separation from a cyclist. Would this plan add signage to convey this message. WA is one of the last states to add this state law, so it is not as well known, and some cities in other states have adopted appropriate signage and enforcement of this. What is the plan taking this into account? link

    There was a recent change to the WA State law in Jan 2020 that requires cars to pass with at least three feet of separation from a cyclist. Would this plan add signage to convey this message. WA is one of the last states to add this state law, so it is not as well known, and some cities in other states have adopted appropriate signage and enforcement of this. What is the plan taking this into account?

    bike asked over 1 year ago

    Thanks for the comment. Outreach and education are part of the new plan- this is a great thing to highlight in that effort. We tend to be hesitant about adding new signs. It leads to sign fatigue and people stop looking at our signs altogether.

  • Share This looks great! I look forward to trying out some of these new bikeways :}. So they'll be installed over the next 10 years? on Facebook Share This looks great! I look forward to trying out some of these new bikeways :}. So they'll be installed over the next 10 years? on Twitter Share This looks great! I look forward to trying out some of these new bikeways :}. So they'll be installed over the next 10 years? on Linkedin Email This looks great! I look forward to trying out some of these new bikeways :}. So they'll be installed over the next 10 years? link

    This looks great! I look forward to trying out some of these new bikeways :}. So they'll be installed over the next 10 years?

    Ripley D asked over 1 year ago

    That is the plan. Logistically, there are a lot of projects on the list. The final scope of the project will create an implementation plan for how and when these projects will be constructed. 

  • Share Hop on a bike, and ride west-bound on Lakeway at 8am through the Y intersection with Electric. Yikes. A cyclist needs to make eye contact with desperate motorists trying to turn west-bound from Electric onto Lakeway, while simultaneously watching out for even more desperate east-bound motorists making uncontrolled left turns from Lakeway to Electric. Bare minimum there should be a hard lane divider here, as there is at Kenoyer. I cannot over-emphasize how dangerous this intersection is. The only reason why there is not more car vs. bike carnage at this spot and along Lakeway in general is because Lakeway is so bad that the vast majority of Lakeway commuters elect to drive. on Facebook Share Hop on a bike, and ride west-bound on Lakeway at 8am through the Y intersection with Electric. Yikes. A cyclist needs to make eye contact with desperate motorists trying to turn west-bound from Electric onto Lakeway, while simultaneously watching out for even more desperate east-bound motorists making uncontrolled left turns from Lakeway to Electric. Bare minimum there should be a hard lane divider here, as there is at Kenoyer. I cannot over-emphasize how dangerous this intersection is. The only reason why there is not more car vs. bike carnage at this spot and along Lakeway in general is because Lakeway is so bad that the vast majority of Lakeway commuters elect to drive. on Twitter Share Hop on a bike, and ride west-bound on Lakeway at 8am through the Y intersection with Electric. Yikes. A cyclist needs to make eye contact with desperate motorists trying to turn west-bound from Electric onto Lakeway, while simultaneously watching out for even more desperate east-bound motorists making uncontrolled left turns from Lakeway to Electric. Bare minimum there should be a hard lane divider here, as there is at Kenoyer. I cannot over-emphasize how dangerous this intersection is. The only reason why there is not more car vs. bike carnage at this spot and along Lakeway in general is because Lakeway is so bad that the vast majority of Lakeway commuters elect to drive. on Linkedin Email Hop on a bike, and ride west-bound on Lakeway at 8am through the Y intersection with Electric. Yikes. A cyclist needs to make eye contact with desperate motorists trying to turn west-bound from Electric onto Lakeway, while simultaneously watching out for even more desperate east-bound motorists making uncontrolled left turns from Lakeway to Electric. Bare minimum there should be a hard lane divider here, as there is at Kenoyer. I cannot over-emphasize how dangerous this intersection is. The only reason why there is not more car vs. bike carnage at this spot and along Lakeway in general is because Lakeway is so bad that the vast majority of Lakeway commuters elect to drive. link

    Hop on a bike, and ride west-bound on Lakeway at 8am through the Y intersection with Electric. Yikes. A cyclist needs to make eye contact with desperate motorists trying to turn west-bound from Electric onto Lakeway, while simultaneously watching out for even more desperate east-bound motorists making uncontrolled left turns from Lakeway to Electric. Bare minimum there should be a hard lane divider here, as there is at Kenoyer. I cannot over-emphasize how dangerous this intersection is. The only reason why there is not more car vs. bike carnage at this spot and along Lakeway in general is because Lakeway is so bad that the vast majority of Lakeway commuters elect to drive.

    Sumner asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for the comment. We have that stretch of road identified as a priority for improvement, but I have your comment about the intersection specifically recorded for the project team.

  • Share I would love to be able to cycle into town, but there isn’t a safe road on the east side to get to town. Both James street and Hannegan are so dangerous. Are there any plans to add walking or bike path to either road. I often see people walking north on Hannegan on a terribly small path on the other side of the guardrail. on Facebook Share I would love to be able to cycle into town, but there isn’t a safe road on the east side to get to town. Both James street and Hannegan are so dangerous. Are there any plans to add walking or bike path to either road. I often see people walking north on Hannegan on a terribly small path on the other side of the guardrail. on Twitter Share I would love to be able to cycle into town, but there isn’t a safe road on the east side to get to town. Both James street and Hannegan are so dangerous. Are there any plans to add walking or bike path to either road. I often see people walking north on Hannegan on a terribly small path on the other side of the guardrail. on Linkedin Email I would love to be able to cycle into town, but there isn’t a safe road on the east side to get to town. Both James street and Hannegan are so dangerous. Are there any plans to add walking or bike path to either road. I often see people walking north on Hannegan on a terribly small path on the other side of the guardrail. link

    I would love to be able to cycle into town, but there isn’t a safe road on the east side to get to town. Both James street and Hannegan are so dangerous. Are there any plans to add walking or bike path to either road. I often see people walking north on Hannegan on a terribly small path on the other side of the guardrail.

    Pms asked over 1 year ago

    Thanks for the comment! Both stretches of road are identified as priorities in the new plan. For James Street, we already have several projects planned in our 6-Year Transportation Improvement Program.

  • Share Connecting the bike lane from south Yew street to Samish would be very helpful. In the summer there are a lot of mountain bikes coming/going to Galbraith and road bikes using this road but it is very dangerous due to the curves and lack of shoulder. I have seen a lot of near misses here over the years due to lots of traffic and bikes riding slowly in the road. It also makes sense to connect the popular riding destinations with the neighborhoods for kids to use. on Facebook Share Connecting the bike lane from south Yew street to Samish would be very helpful. In the summer there are a lot of mountain bikes coming/going to Galbraith and road bikes using this road but it is very dangerous due to the curves and lack of shoulder. I have seen a lot of near misses here over the years due to lots of traffic and bikes riding slowly in the road. It also makes sense to connect the popular riding destinations with the neighborhoods for kids to use. on Twitter Share Connecting the bike lane from south Yew street to Samish would be very helpful. In the summer there are a lot of mountain bikes coming/going to Galbraith and road bikes using this road but it is very dangerous due to the curves and lack of shoulder. I have seen a lot of near misses here over the years due to lots of traffic and bikes riding slowly in the road. It also makes sense to connect the popular riding destinations with the neighborhoods for kids to use. on Linkedin Email Connecting the bike lane from south Yew street to Samish would be very helpful. In the summer there are a lot of mountain bikes coming/going to Galbraith and road bikes using this road but it is very dangerous due to the curves and lack of shoulder. I have seen a lot of near misses here over the years due to lots of traffic and bikes riding slowly in the road. It also makes sense to connect the popular riding destinations with the neighborhoods for kids to use. link

    Connecting the bike lane from south Yew street to Samish would be very helpful. In the summer there are a lot of mountain bikes coming/going to Galbraith and road bikes using this road but it is very dangerous due to the curves and lack of shoulder. I have seen a lot of near misses here over the years due to lots of traffic and bikes riding slowly in the road. It also makes sense to connect the popular riding destinations with the neighborhoods for kids to use.

    NackH asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for the comment. The project team will include this in the analysis of the final plan. 

  • Share We desperately need a protected bikeway to connect the Meridian/ King Mountain neighborhood to downtown. The north side of town is cut off by I5. In my opinion this should be a very high priority in the bike master plan. The I5 interchange/Telegraph rd on Meridian is the busiest intersection in town, and having a safer bike route across the freeway could go a long way towards reducing traffic in that area. on Facebook Share We desperately need a protected bikeway to connect the Meridian/ King Mountain neighborhood to downtown. The north side of town is cut off by I5. In my opinion this should be a very high priority in the bike master plan. The I5 interchange/Telegraph rd on Meridian is the busiest intersection in town, and having a safer bike route across the freeway could go a long way towards reducing traffic in that area. on Twitter Share We desperately need a protected bikeway to connect the Meridian/ King Mountain neighborhood to downtown. The north side of town is cut off by I5. In my opinion this should be a very high priority in the bike master plan. The I5 interchange/Telegraph rd on Meridian is the busiest intersection in town, and having a safer bike route across the freeway could go a long way towards reducing traffic in that area. on Linkedin Email We desperately need a protected bikeway to connect the Meridian/ King Mountain neighborhood to downtown. The north side of town is cut off by I5. In my opinion this should be a very high priority in the bike master plan. The I5 interchange/Telegraph rd on Meridian is the busiest intersection in town, and having a safer bike route across the freeway could go a long way towards reducing traffic in that area. link

    We desperately need a protected bikeway to connect the Meridian/ King Mountain neighborhood to downtown. The north side of town is cut off by I5. In my opinion this should be a very high priority in the bike master plan. The I5 interchange/Telegraph rd on Meridian is the busiest intersection in town, and having a safer bike route across the freeway could go a long way towards reducing traffic in that area.

    Cyrucom asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for the comment. The project team will include this in the analysis of the final plan.

  • Share Looking better. When I moved from Eugene to Bellingham in 2006 I was appalled by how poor the biking infrastructure here was compared to Eugene. Definitely continues to move in the right direction. Highly suggest looking at Eugene as an example of good hiking infrastructure. Keep up the good work. on Facebook Share Looking better. When I moved from Eugene to Bellingham in 2006 I was appalled by how poor the biking infrastructure here was compared to Eugene. Definitely continues to move in the right direction. Highly suggest looking at Eugene as an example of good hiking infrastructure. Keep up the good work. on Twitter Share Looking better. When I moved from Eugene to Bellingham in 2006 I was appalled by how poor the biking infrastructure here was compared to Eugene. Definitely continues to move in the right direction. Highly suggest looking at Eugene as an example of good hiking infrastructure. Keep up the good work. on Linkedin Email Looking better. When I moved from Eugene to Bellingham in 2006 I was appalled by how poor the biking infrastructure here was compared to Eugene. Definitely continues to move in the right direction. Highly suggest looking at Eugene as an example of good hiking infrastructure. Keep up the good work. link

    Looking better. When I moved from Eugene to Bellingham in 2006 I was appalled by how poor the biking infrastructure here was compared to Eugene. Definitely continues to move in the right direction. Highly suggest looking at Eugene as an example of good hiking infrastructure. Keep up the good work.

    Patrick Beebe-Sweet asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you!