Bellevue Invites Cyclists on Two Rides to Help Identify Street Improvements

As the city considers ways to improve how people get around downtown, it will start by asking cyclists. The city is sponsoring two group bike rides, on Saturday, Sept. 24 and Wednesday, Sept. 28, with participants invited to identify potential street improvements and suggest helpful signage and way-finding.

The city is launching an effort to update Bellevue's downtown transportation plan. Adopted in 2004, the plan needs to be modified to address the rapidly changing transportation environment created by the new RapidRide bus rapid transit line, East Link light rail, expansion and tolling on State Route 520 and other projects.

The bike rides are only the first of what will be many opportunities for residents and downtown workers to offer feedback, including public meetings, an interactive website and guided pedestrian audits. The Transportation Commission will provide guidance and recommendations and listen to ideas and concerns from the community.

Saturday's ride, geared toward Bellevue residents, will be 9 to 11 a.m. Traveling at a leisurely pace, participants will follow a three-mile route, starting at Top Pot Doughnuts, 10600 NE Ninth Pl., and visiting Bellevue Downtown Park, the Regional King County Library, Old Bellevue and City Hall.

The second ride, intended for bicycle commuters to downtown Bellevue, will be 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 28.

Riders will meet at Compass Plaza at Bellevue Galleria (106th Avenue Northeast, between Northeast Fourth and Eighth streets) and break up into three groups. One group will head northwest toward the SR 520 bridge, one will ride northeast toward the SR 520 Trail, while the other heads south toward the I-90 trail. Each will loop back and finish at Compass Plaza.

All rides are free, and all abilities are welcome. Helmets and lights are required and the ride will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain. Please RSVP to hayley@bellevuedowntown.org.

-- Information from the city of Bellevue