Spokane plans 2025 traffic calming and adaptive street projects for safer cycling

Spokane City is set to enhance its transportation infrastructure with a series of adaptive projects aimed at improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. During the Transportation Commission meeting on July 1, 2025, officials outlined plans for two key project packages scheduled for construction in late summer 2025.

The first package focuses on traffic calming measures, including the installation of bicycle delineators and bump-outs at various school crossings. These enhancements are designed to improve safety for students and cyclists, particularly around Regal Elementary and Woodside Elementary schools. The city will employ a small works bid process for these projects, with a budget cap of $300,000 per package.

In addition to the traffic calming initiatives, the second package will utilize funding from the West Quadrant Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to implement adaptive treatments along the Chestnut and Elm Greenway. This includes improved crosswalks and the addition of bike lanes, which are part of a broader strategy to create a more connected and user-friendly cycling network in Spokane.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of community feedback in evaluating the effectiveness of these new treatments. Officials indicated that user experiences would be monitored, and a web page may be established to gather public input on the new installations.

Furthermore, the commission discussed the Safe Streets for Spokane initiative, which aims to enhance crosswalk safety through the installation of rapid flash beacons and pedestrian hybrid beacons at various locations throughout the city. This initiative is expected to prioritize high-traffic areas, particularly near schools and hospitals, ensuring that pedestrian safety remains a top priority.

As Spokane moves forward with these projects, the city is committed to fostering a safer and more accessible environment for all residents, particularly those who walk or bike in the community. The upcoming construction phases will not only address immediate safety concerns but also lay the groundwork for a more integrated transportation network in the future.