To the editor:

Since 1994, Squeaky Wheels has worked to improve the safety and efficiency of bicycling on Bainbridge Island. One critical effort has been to raise local government awareness about specific dangers on island roadways and identify improvements so people can more safely use our roadways, most which have narrow or no shoulders for walking and riding.

Years ago, we developed the Core 40, an Island-wide plan to improve the most dangerous shoulders on 40 miles of Island roads. In 2017, the city incorporated the Core 40, and other improvements, into its comprehensive Island-wide Transportation Plan (IWTP). This was a positive first step, but projects were rarely implemented due to limited city funds for road projects.

Meanwhile, traffic on the island is growing at a rate that makes it difficult to keep up with needed safety improvements and pedestrian and bicycle accidents are on the rise. Proposition 1 will provide funds to accelerate implementation of needed improvements.

As drafted, Prop. 1 identifies some of the highest priority projects yet allows the city the flexibility to be efficient and strategic in deploying its resources. The IWTP provides a roadmap for implementation of a specific plan of improvements. Significantly, 45 percent of the levy funds will be directed to Core 40-type basic shoulder improvement projects.

The city of Bainbridge Island has a clear transportation vision — to make the Island transportation network safe and accessible for all modes of transportation. Prop. 1 provides dedicated funding to turn that vision into reality. Please vote yes.

HELAINE HONIG

Bainbridge Island