A group of engaged residents recently concluded that Issaquah is a beautiful place to ride a bike, but the poor continuity of bike lanes and trails along with a lack of signage, are critical issues for avid bicyclists and potential obstacles to getting more bicycles on the road.

Cascade Land Conservancy and residents are working to improve Issaquah for biking and walking, however, through the city’s new Central Issaquah Plan, a document that will establish guiding principles for the city’s redevelopment.

Twenty-three residents—ranging in bicycling experience and from ages 8 to 74—came to that conclusion after attending Bike Night Issaquah. The July 21 event was hosted by Cascade Land Conservancy in partnership with the City of Issaquah, Issaquah Environmental Council, and Getting Around Issaquah Together.

The night featured a bike ride led by residents John Johnson & Lisa Kreeger to explore Issaquah’s existing bicycle infrastructure (or lack thereof) followed by a gathering at the Issaquah Brew House to discuss how to improve infrastructure and bikeability in Issaquah.

"It was informative to experience Issaquah from the eyes of a transportation bike rider, rather than the recreational rider that I am,” said Nina Milligan, an Issaquah resident who attended the event. “Issaquah has many nice features for bike riders they just need to be connected to one another.”

This was the second bike ride in Issaquah that CLC has hosted. It is part of a larger effort to improve provisions for walking, biking and transit in the Central Issaquah Plan and to advocate for non-motorized transportation in the entire city.

“Riding bikes or walking instead of driving to work can help reduce congestion for everyone, and saves money, improves health and reduces our nation’s dependence on foreign oil too,” said Skye Schell, CLC Community Engagement Manager. “Improving alternative transportation options is part of our goals to make cities better and more livable through the Cascade Agenda.” 

For information on the Central Issaquah Plan and to help create a more walkable and bikeable Issaquah, please visit: www.ci.issaquah.wa.us

For more information on Issaquah Community Stewards--a group dedicated to providing input on the Central Issaquah Plan—please visit them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Issaquah-Community-Stewards/139813612697968 or contact Andrea Gousen at andreag@cascadeland.org.