World-class expert on transportation

From https://www.bainbridgewa.gov/1155/Sustainable-Transportation-Planning-Stud:

What if every way of travel on Bainbridge Island – going to the park, school, ferry or restaurants – was suitable for an 8-year-old and an 80-year-old? If it’s good for 8 and 80-year-olds, then it’s good for everyone, world-class sustainable transportation expert Gil Penalosa says. This “communities for all” concept will be the focus of Penalosa’s presentation at the March 16 City Council study session, and you’re invited to listen to the conversation.

Penalosa, the founder of Canadian-based nonprofit 8 80 Cities, will discuss the benefits of transforming transportation systems and public spaces to benefit an all-ages community, and tactics and lessons learned from his experience assisting small and large communities around the world.

The presentation, which begins at 5 p.m. on Zoom, is part of the City’s ongoing effort to build a Sustainable Transportation Plan to establish a vision for how we travel safely around the island and reduce our carbon footprint. The Sustainable Transportation Plan effort began in July 2020. The City’s project team and Sustainable Transportation Task Force, comprised of community volunteers, are evaluating project ideas and programs and will present those ideas in May for community input. The feedback will be used to shape the Sustainable Transportation Plan’s long-term scenario and near-term action plan. It’s anticipated that a draft plan will be forwarded to the Council for consideration of approval in August.

Leaders from some community organizations will participate in the March 16 event with the Council.

“I’m so excited to have leadership from the Park District, Parks Foundation, school district and Land Trust to join Council for this chance to learn from Gil about what is possible,” Councilmember Leslie Schneider said. “Cities and towns around the world are making the kinds of transportation changes that benefit both the planet and our quality of life, and we all will want to work together to be part of that. The discussion will be amazing.”

There will not be an opportunity during the March 16 event for the public to ask questions, as this meeting is being held during a study session, which does not include a public comment period. If you have any questions or comments following the meeting, please email the Council at council@bainbridgewa.gov.

Ways to watch the March 16 meeting

• Zoom (Webinar ID 929 4733 8351)
  1. Online: https://bainbridgewa.zoom.us/j/94169646282
  2. By phone: 1 + 253-215-8782 and enter the webinar ID
• City website livestream
  • Visit the Agendas & Minutes page, then click on “In Progress” when the meeting starts.
• Bremerton Kitsap Access Television (BKAT)
  • Channel 12 on Comcast & Channel 3 on WAVE.