Submitted by Thurston Regional Planning Council
Riding a bicycle is an affordable, environmentally friendly, and active way to get around Thurston County. However, bike routes are not always connected to each other, and they don’t always feel safe. That’s why Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) has launched the Bicycle Connectivity Strategy, a countywide planning project to make bicycling safer, more connected, and more convenient. As part of this work, TRPC is inviting community members to participate in a survey about community bicycling needs.
Thurston County has more than 60 miles of paved trails and 110 miles of bike lanes. But because these routes were built over time by different jurisdictions, there can be significant gaps between key destinations and communities.
“Gaps in our bike routes and concerns about safety keep many people from riding,” said Paul Brewster, Interim Planning Manager at TRPC. “Our policymakers want to create a strategy to develop a bike network that supports all riders — from kids biking to school to retirees running errands.”
The Bicycle Connectivity Strategy will take a comprehensive, regional approach to bicycle planning in Thurston County. TRPC will work with local jurisdictions and other agencies to develop a common vision for a countywide network of bicycle routes.
Essential to this work will be identifying safety improvements for bicycling in our region. Since 2020, Thurston County has seen a rise in the number of serious collisions involving cyclists, according to data from the Washington State Department of Transportation.
The project will analyze crash data and identify high-risk areas for cyclists. This information will help determine recommended infrastructure improvements so that more people feel safe and confident bicycling on our region’s streets, roads, and trails.
Community members are invited to learn more about Thurston County’s current bicycle route network through the Bicycle Connectivity Strategy’s online open house. The online open house, available 24/7, also provides additional information about the project and will be updated regularly.
TRPC’s survey about community bicycling needs is open until June 30. Feedback from people of all backgrounds — from experienced cyclists to those who haven’t ridden in years, to drivers who have traffic concerns — is valuable and appreciated.
“We’re relying on peoples’ experiences and their feedback to guide plans for a bike network that works for people of varying ages and skill levels,” Brewster said. “TRPC encourages community members to help the project prioritize where bike routes should go and how they can be built safer.”
The Bicycle Connectivity Strategy is anticipated to continue into 2027. The project is funded by a Surface Transportation Block Grant from the Federal Highway Administration.
For More Information
- Bicycle Connectivity Strategy project webpage
- Bicycle Connectivity Strategy online open house
- Bicycle Connections Survey
