FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2014
 
MEDIA CONTACTS
Gwen Schuler, Media and Communications, gschuler@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5160
Carrie McCausland, Media and Communications Office, cmccausland@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-2005
 

Celebrate 13.1 Miles of Bikeways and Pedestrian Improvements Thursday, Sept. 4

What do 13.1 miles of bike and pedestrian improvements look like? They look like 58 new pedestrian ramps, 2 miles of bike lanes, 296 sharrows, five pedestrian islands and 15 improved intersection crossings. Yet, the real impact of these improvements, which span from South 96th Street and Park Avenue South, through downtown along Fawcett Avenue to North 26th and Stevens streets, is increased connectivity to the things that make Tacoma a great place to live: vibrant business districts, distinctive neighborhoods, notable parks and community services. 

“These improvements create a more comfortable and pleasant experience,” said Active Transportation Coordinator Diane Wiatr. “We think it’s going to facilitate more people walking or riding a bicycle – you’ll save money, improve your health and protect air quality when you move on your own power.” 

Join the City of Tacoma to commemorate completion of Tacoma’s 13 Miles of Bikeway and Pedestrian Improvements Project in Wright Park on Thursday, Sept. 4. Mayor Marilyn Strickland and former U.S. Representative Norm Dicks will start the celebration with a ribbon cutting at 5 p.m. at the Division and Yakima entrance near the statues. Then, what better way to celebrate the project than by seeing the improvements in person:

• Take a 1.5 mile walk with Mayor Strickland and Downtown on the Go
• Go for a southern 3.5-mile bike ride along the project with City Council Members Lauren Walker and Marty Campbell to the Lincoln District
• Go for a northeast 3-mile  bike ride along the project with City Council Members David Boe and Robert Thoms though the Proctor District 

Tacomans first envisioned this project four years ago as part of the City’s Mobility Master Plan. City staff secured a Federal Discretionary Grant for $1 million, a Congestion, Mitigation and Air Quality Grant for $500,000 as well as a $350,000 Federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant to make it a reality. This project completes the highest four priority projects called for by residents in the Mobility Master Plan and completes 10 percent of all its outlined improvements. For more information, visit cityoftacoma.org and search “13 miles of bikeways”.