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Bellingham · BEL-CP-2025 · Pages 72-83

Transportation

The Transportation chapter commits to building a safe, multimodal transportation network that prioritizes pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders while reducing dependency on single-occupancy vehicles. It establishes policies for transit investment, infrastructure improvements aligned with pedestrian and bicycle master plans, transportation demand management, and equitable access for all users. The chapter supports a community-wide mode shift by 2045 and requires new development to contribute proportionally to transportation system improvements through impact fees.

Transportation Social Environment Economy Safety
Key Commitments
2045 Mode Shift Goals (referenced for monitoring in T-13)
Goals (5 total)
  • T-A: Safety and Reliability – Provide a transportation system that prioritizes safety, comfort and reliability for all ages and abilities
  • T-B: Transit – Commit to transit as a key element of Bellingham's overall growth strategy
  • T-C: Mode Shift – Provide a multimodal transportation network that promotes a community-wide mode-shift from single occupancy vehicles to active transportation
  • T-D: Multimodal Connections – Ensure a multimodal transportation network that efficiently connects people to opportunity, social networks, recreation and services
  • T-E: Equitable Access – Ensure that the needs of diverse and vulnerable transportation users are addressed in all transportation projects
Stronger Policy Language (21 policies)
  • T-14: Incorporate sidewalks, crosswalks, and bikeways identified in the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plans into all transportation capital improvements on public streets, wherever feasible.
  • T-17: Assess all new development for transportation impact fees to recover a proportional share of the costs of constructing planned transportation system improvements.
  • T-3: Proactively fund ongoing maintenance, preservation, and repair to sustain the substantial investments that the City has made to the transportation network.
  • T-36: When existing transportation facilities are temporarily disrupted due to construction, safe, clearly marked, accessible, and protected detour routes should be provided for vulnerable users.
Aspirational / Monitoring Language (15 policies)
  • T-19: Improve the efficiency and usability of the transportation network by employing Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies to incentivize alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle trips.
  • T-23: Reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips through continued collaboration with Whatcom Council Of Governments (WCOG) to implement commute trip reduction initiatives.
  • T-24: Evaluate the potential of future shared mobility services and develop a policy framework as appropriate.
  • T-28: Provide mobility choices and opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

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