BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The bike lanes on Holly Street in downtown Bellingham will see improvements in the coming weeks.
The City of Bellingham has announced that interim safety improvements to the bike lanes will be installed during the week of July 21. According to the city, the updates will take one to two days to complete.
Lane closures will occur while crews work to update the bike lanes, so drivers are advised to expect traffic delays.
The city will be replacing the existing parking-protected bike lanes with standard buffered bike lanes. Vehicle parking on Holly Street will be moved next to the sidewalk as it was before the bike lanes were first put in last year.
Intersections are also scheduled to be upgraded in the area as well as striping adjustments and features to calm traffic and support safer pedestrian/bicycle crossings.
“We’ve listened carefully to community feedback and analyzed our pilot data,” said Public Works Director Joel Pfundt. “These adjustments to the Holly Street corridor reflect our commitment to creating a vibrant space that serves all modes of travel, balancing diverse needs for a safer, more connected downtown.”
Data from the bike lane pilot project shows that Holly Street is the busiest road used by bikers in downtown Bellingham. Vehicle travel times increased by an average of 40 seconds during the busiest hours, still remaining under three minutes for the road’s 10 intersections.
Vehicle speeds have also decreased during the pilot program to 15-19 mpg, which the city says lowers the risk of severe collisions.
Bellingham is currently in the design phase for the final installment of the Holly Street bike lanes between Ellis Street and Broadway Avenue. Community members can submit input at the Engage Bellingham website until Sept. 30.
