Bike lanes in downtown Bellingham to see safety improvements in coming weeks

The City of Bellingham will improve bike lanes on Holly Street starting July 21, with updates expected to take one to two days. Existing parking-protected lanes will be replaced with standard buffered lanes, shifting vehicle parking back to the sidewalk as it was prior to last year's installation. The city will also upgrade intersections for safer pedestrian and bicycle crossings. Public Works Director Joel Pfundt highlighted the city's response to community feedback in these adjustments, which aim to create a more vibrant and safe downtown. Data from the pilot program showed that Holly Street is the busiest bike route downtown, with vehicle speeds dropping to 15-19 mph, reducing collision risks.

Despite an average increase of 40 seconds in vehicle travel times during peak hours, the city reports that travel remains under three minutes at the road’s intersections. Bellingham is currently designing the final installment of bike lanes between Ellis Street and Broadway Avenue. Community members can submit their input until September 30 on the Engage Bellingham website.