Downtown Bellevues Curbside to be Science Experiment

Downtown Bellevue is poised to launch a crucial pilot project focused on curbside management as part of the 2020 Smart Cities Collaborative. The initiative addresses the growing congestion issues faced by urban centers, which have seen increased activity from Transportation Network Companies (TNC), freight, and service vehicles competing for limited curb space. The City of Bellevue is leading this effort with research equipment being installed along 106th Ave NE to monitor travel behaviors, although the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed back the study's start date. The Bellevue Downtown Association (BDA) is actively supporting the city's involvement, indicating a strong commitment to finding solutions for curbside management challenges. With the pandemic reshaping travel patterns, the data gathered will provide insights into new behaviors in a post-COVID environment.

This project is particularly timely as cities across the nation grapple with the implications of increased curbside demand. By engaging in this research, Bellevue aims to set a precedent for effective urban mobility strategies. Overall, this pilot project underscores the city's proactive approach to enhancing mobility and addressing a critical local issue.