A
bikeable Vashon is one where people ride bicycles because it is a
convenient, fun, safe, and healthy choice. It is an island on which people
of all ages and abilities bicycle for any trip purpose. The Vashon
Bicycle Master Plan aspires to encourage and accommodate more
people to ride a bicycle, walk or jog. It provides a blueprint to make it
easier to decide to ride a bicycle. The vision of the Bicycle Master Plan, which implies an important shift in the way Vashon will accommodate people
riding a bicycle, is:
“Riding a bicycle is a comfortable and integral part of daily life on Vashon for people of all ages and abilities.”
There are several important themes embedded in this vision
statement. First, the idea that bicycling is “comfortable” suggests it
is safe, convenient, and an attractive travel option for a large number
of people. “Integral to daily life on Vashon” means that bicycling is
not a niche activity only for the fast and fearless riders, but is
desirable for a wide variety of people and trip purposes, especially with the growing popularity of electric bicycles. Finally, “people of all ages and abilities” is a key
theme for the entire plan, meaning that the emphasis is on planning,
designing, and building bicycle facilities that will be used by a wide
range of people on bicycles and on foot. A central focus of this plan is to
design and implement bicycle facilities and infrastructure that are safe and appropriate
for riders and pedestrians of all ages and abilities, while also making the island safer and more pleasant for equestrians at the same time.
(Inspired by the Seattle Bicycle Master Plan)
