The pedestrian network consists of sidewalks, trails, connector stairs, crosswalks, curb cuts, lighting, and traffic signals and signs. This network is used by not only people walking from point A to point B, but also for exercise, enjoyment, skateboarding and riding bikes. Whether it is walking a short distance, such as from where your car is parked into the store, or a marathon, access and connectivity affects us all.

During the pedestrian discovery phase, we will collect public input through the survey and webmap and at the open house. At the same time we will also assess the existing pedestrian network, conduct Technical Review Committee meetings with topic-oriented advocacy and community organizations, and compile and integrate existing policies and applicable plans.

How you can get involved

The public input period for the Pedestrian Master Plan Discover Phase ended July 1, 2022. You can still:

• Participate in Neighborhood Association meetings.
• Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to get involved.

What type of public input are we looking for?

No idea is too big or too small to be considered as a possible pedestrian improvement. Pedestrian upgrade suggestions could be, but are not limited to:

• Adding a crosswalk at an intersection or across a road that does not have an intersection nearby.
• Improving overhead lighting to improve pedestrian safety.
• Installing a pedestrian crossing signal.
• Adding sidewalks alongside a street.
• Improving accessibility.

For more immediate action, non-complaint ADA sidewalks, curb ramps, pedestrian push buttons or other pedestrian-related facilities can be directly reported to the City of Bellingham's ADA Coordinator through SeeClickFix or:

ada@cob.org
(360) 778-7950
Relay 7-1-1

SeeClickFix is a tool to report non-emergency issues from your phone or desktop.

What happens after the discovery phase?

The information gathered during the discovery phase will then be used to update the existing Pedestrian Master Plan. The draft plan update will be presented to the public in Fall 2022 for additional input. We anticipate completion of plan updates and presentation to City Council in Summer 2023.

In Fall 2022, the bicycle discovery phase will begin; a similar process which will include public input, gathering stakeholder input through Technical Review Committees, assessing the existing network and integrating policies and plans.