Victory at Sea for Bikers
The tide has turned towards the Colman Dock having great bicycle facilities
After a lot of hard work from many people, Washington State Ferries will incorporate Squeaky Wheels recommendations for the new Colman Dock design. This means that the north gate will re-open and a larger, more efficient, safer and more pleasant holding area along the new north rail will be created.
In an email from Captain George A. Capacci, Washington State Ferries confirmed that a north entry and staging area can be included in the design of the project. It will require funding for staff at the north entry location when in operation.
Squeaky Wheels extends a heartfelt thank you to Governor Jay Inslee, Senator Christine Rolfes, Representative Drew Hansen, Secretary Lynn Pedersen and Captain George Capacci (and those who worked to support them) for helping us on this project and for their ongoing support of non-motorized transportation on Washington ferries. This clearly demonstrates their commitment to accommodate a growing ridership safely, effectively and ecologically. Thank you, too, to all of you who came to the public meetings and submitted comments.
This process also involved the invaluable support of other bicycle advocacy groups including Washington Bikes, West Sound Cycle Club and Cascade Bicycle Club. Thank you! Importantly, thank you to the engineers, staff and supporting consultants of Washington State Ferries, particularly Genevieve Rucki, Elizabeth Faulkner and Leonard Smith for engaging all stakeholders throughout this process and ultimately incorporating key concepts in the final design.
Final funding still needs to be secured but this is a great example of WSDOT / WSF embracing the role of a full multi-modal transportation agency that optimizes bicycling, walking and transit for a smarter transportation system with more capacity for all users. This kind of change is important to our health, environment, happiness, economic viability, and freedom. Thank you.
– Ross Hathaway,
President of the Board of Directors, Squeaky Wheels
