A RESOLUTION expressing support for the Seattle Monorail Project's (SMP) efforts to develop a Monorail system that integrates Seattle's existing bicycle routes and alternative modes of transit, provide adequate bicycle storage at stations, and provide for bicycles to travel on Monorail cars; and stating the City of Seattle's intent to work cooperatively with the SMP to support that agency's expressed commitment to develop a Monorail system that offers transit mode connectivity and other environmental and community benefits.

WHEREAS, Seattle is consistently recognized as one of the most bicycle friendly cities in the country, thanks in large measure to the City's work to complete and expand the Urban Trails System, address the safety needs of bicycle riders, install bicycle storage facilities, and enhance connectivity between bicycle facilities and other modes of transit; and

WHEREAS, through its Transportation Strategic Plan (TSP), the Bicycle Spot Improvement Program and the Seattle Transit Initiative, the City has expressed support for installation of safe and convenient bicycle storage facilities (TSP Strategy B5) and promoted bicycle access on transit systems (TSP Strategy ST8) as a means of increasing transit ridership and reducing traffic congestion near transit stations; and

WHEREAS, the Seattle Monorail Project (SMP) Board has adopted a sustainability policy (Resolution 03-34) that directs the SMP to develop a Monorail system that maximizes the public's investment by providing reliable, high-quality transportation choices and connections; and identifying and implementing creative ways to increase the project's benefits to Seattle's environment; and

WHEREAS, the SMP Board is in the process of finalizing a Request for Proposals (RFP) that expresses the agency's intent to design stations that are integrated with the City's existing bicycle routes and other modes of transit, provide adequate space for racks and storage for bicycles, and provide for bicycles to travel on Monorail cars; and

WHEREAS, the Seattle Monorail Project held a city-wide public workshop in April 2003 to begin working on connections to the Green Line for transit, bicyclists, pedestrians, motorists and those with disabilities, with many of the 150 workshop participants indicating that investments in bicycle access are among the most important that the SMP should make, immediately after investments in pedestrian and transit connectivity; and

WHEREAS, the SMP hired Place Architects in early 2003 as one of its first urban design teams, specifically for the purpose of developing design guidelines for bicycle access to the Monorail; and

WHEREAS, Place Architects recently concluded a survey of more than 550 Seattle residents to determine what bicycle access and related services they want to see on the Monorail, with 89% of non-bicycle commuters indicating they may access Monorail stations by bicycle, and 91% of all respondents indicating a desire to have bicycles allowed on Monorail cars; and

WHEREAS, transit systems in Portland, Oregon; New York; San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, Washington D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and many other major cities around the world provide excellent bicycle facilities at transit stations, and allow bicycles on transit vehicles;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEATTLE THAT:

Section 1. The City of Seattle supports the Seattle Monorail Project's (SMP) efforts to develop a Monorail system that integrates the City's existing bicycle routes, provide adequate space for racks and storage for bicycles at all Monorail stations, is seamlessly integrated with alternative modes of transit, and provide for bicycles to travel on Monorail cars, thereby reducing vehicle congestion in our neighborhoods.

Section 2. The City shall work with the Seattle Monorail Project to help determine the appropriate type and number of bicycle storage facilities for each Monorail station. To facilitate this effort, the Seattle Department of Transportation shall make available to the SMP any data regarding current and projected bicycling demand within Station Planning Areas.

Section 3. While recognizing that the SMP's core mission is to develop and operate the Monorail Green Line, the Seattle City Council urges continued cooperation to identify and address bicycle, pedestrian and transit connectivity issues in Monorail Station Planning Areas to ensure seamless transit mode connectivity that can increase ridership, reduce vehicle congestion, contribute to improved air quality, and provide other environmental and community benefits.

Adopted by the City Council the _____ day of _______________, 2003, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its adoption this _____ day of _______________, 2003.

________________________________________

President of the City Council

Filed by me this _____ day of _______________, 2003.

________________________________________

City Clerk

(Seal)

HW/JHT-JB

Wills Bicycle-Monorail Reso

09/5/03

V #10