Active Transportation Planning
SRTC is committed to planning increased and safer opportunities to bike, walk, and/or roll in the Spokane region, which is generally referred to as active transportation. Not only is active transportation efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly, but it also helps provide economic development for local businesses. SRTC staff continue to work with communities throughout the region to plan and implement effective non-motorized projects and programs, such as bike lanes, multi-use paths, education campaigns, and complete streets for all users.
Regional Bicycle Priority Network
SRTC maintains a map of key bicycle routes throughout the region, including both existing paths and planned connections. This map helps guide our long-term planning as we work with local municipalities and agencies to create a better-connected network of bike routes that more people can use. We review and update this priority network every 4-5 years when we update our region’s overall transportation plan.
Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress
This data-driven approach evaluates bike routes for bicyclist comfort and willingness to travel by looking at factors such as the number of roadway lanes, vehicle speeds, and bike facility type. It categorizes bike network segments into levels of stress one to four, with one being the least stressful for bicyclists.
Why does level of traffic stress matter?
It provides better understanding of the diversity of stress levels on our bicycle network.
It helps bicyclists identify what type of bikeways meet their needs.
It assists future planning efforts to prioritize improvements and create more lower-stress connections.
How is each level of stress defined?
Level of traffic stress ranges on a scale. Levels 1 and 2 are generally comfortable and desirable, while levels 3 and 4 cause increasing levels of stress that many cyclists will try to avoid.
Safe and Complete Streets
A complete street is defined as a road all users can move along and across safely. These roads are designed with all users in mind including:
- Public Transportation Vehicles
- Transit Riders of all Ages and Abilities
- Bicyclists
- Pedestrians
- Drivers of Private vehicles
SRTC supports Complete Streets through its Safe and Complete Streets Policy and Checklist. The SRTC Board of Directors approved the Policy and Checklist on September 13, 2012.
Safe and Complete Streets & Call for Projects
When transportation funding is available, SRTC conducts a “Call for Projects,” where local jurisdictions are invited to submit applications for funding to build and implement projects. Applicants are required to fill out the Safe and Complete Streets checklist to demonstrate that the needs of all users were considered in their projects’ design.
Complete Streets Features
The following features may be included when designing transportation projects.
- Crosswalks
- Well-placed crossing opportunities
- Sidewalks
- Separated sidewalks
- Pedestrian signals
- Lighting
- Median Islands
- Landscaping/Street trees
- Bike facilities
- Transit stop enhancements like benches, shelters and more
- Congestion relief measures
Other Biking & Walking Documents
Spokane Regional Pedestrian Plan
Developed in coordination with the Spokane Regional Health District in 2009, this plan outlines goals and objectives to guide area jurisdictions in developing walking facilities and systems.
Washington State Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project 2012
A summary of Washington State Department of Transportation efforts, in conjunction with the Cascade Bicycle Club, to track changes in levels of bicycling and walking across the state by collecting bicycle and pedestrian travel data.
