EDITED: Lime bike shares are here, parking on neighborhood sidewalks

Credit/ Bob Yoder, 7:30 pm

I was surprised and bothered to see my first lime ebike (electric) in my Education Hill neighborhood 5:30pm a few days ago. The cyclist was riding on the sidewalk, not always safe since electric bikes are powerful.  Then, tonight I saw this ebike share parked on a sidewalk in a nearby cul-de-sac' It was left by a college student.  "It only costs a dollar" said the little boy.

According to new city code AND Jill Smith, Director of Communications  bike and scooter share vehicles will be allowed to park on sidewalks in neighborhoods so long as 5 feet of the sidewalk is free from obstruction. “Well, as good citizens we can always move them off the sidewalk.   Though bike shares are useful downtown, as more come up the hill we may find them less than desirable. Please, please stay downtown, where they have the most benefit. If you have questions write: council@redmond.gov 

-- Bob Yoder

My trip to Europe -- Redmond History & urban transportation

Two long rows of "scooters-motorcycles " blanket a plaza
in Sorrento credit/ Pam Yoder

On July 23, our family burst out of the Redmond bubble for an eye-opening visit to Ireland and Italy.  After 40 years of life in Redmond it was about time to gain new perspectives!

Our trip was instigated by my nephew, playing the Irish in a  Aussie Rules Football. tournament.  We lost both games but the Guinness, Jamison and lively pubs made up for it.

I had my eye out for the McRedmonds in Ireland.  None to be found.  Luke McRedmond immigrated to America during the potato famine and homesteaded here in 1850.  Upon becoming postmaster in 1882 he renamed the town from "Salmonberg" to Redmond.  [Click on the hyperlink to read a fascinating account of the early development of Redmond up to Microsoft's presence.]

My daughter Lexie, and her boyfriend had to leave after the tourney.  Pam and I extended our trip to visit Venice, Rome, Sorrento and Capri.  Great times!! but the biggest negative was a plethora of noisy, invasive "scooters" in Sorrento (pop. 16,500.)  They appeared as a scooter-motorcycle hybrid....not the kind I know...and often drove only feet from back-street restaurants.  As opposed to Ireland, Italian streets have no curbs so the "scooters" can drive and park most anywhere,  Cars had less presence. I saw a handful electric bikes and bicycles but no bike shares.  Rather, the streets and plazas were loaded with many large scooter parking spaces, as seen in the photo.

Electric bikes and bike shares have a smaller parking footprint than scooters and our curbed streets make these bikes less invasive and more controlled.  Electric bikes and bike shares are more appropriate than scooters for our urban centers and are the wave of the future for Redmond.

B. Yoder, opinion

Bike shares in our neighborhoods and parks?

W

Internet photo

Council reviewed the draft "bike share pilot program" at their last study session.  Staff made the following recommendations for the pilot project.  As I read it:

1)  The total fleet (composed of 2 bike share companies) will initially be 400 bike shares. Council member Margeson said "this is a very conservative number."   A minimum amount of electric-bike shares (e-shares) will be 10%, because as Mr. Margeson says "We have a lot of hills in Redmond."  Council member Hank Myers said this regulation is unneeded.  I agree.

Internet photo

2)  "Bike shares shall not be parked within the 5-foot pedestrian walk zones of a sidewalk." Thus, they won't be allowed to park on our neighborhood sidewalks.   However e-shares can climb our neighborhood hills to all of our city parks and park there.

In all likelihood, we can expect bike shares legally available in our city by late August.  These bike shares will change the look and feel of our city.

If you have any questions or concerns contact info@redmond.gov.

B. Yoder, opinion

UPDATED OPINION: Bike Shares could pollute our city

These Lime bikes and other "bike shares" will be invading Redmond.

Well, it looks like the unpleasant "Lime Greens" will shortly be seen on most corners of our downtown and some even polluting our neighborhoods and trails unless the city doesn't put firm regulations on them. The "Limes" and other bike shares coming out of Seattle could pressure our three bike shops out of Redmond; we'd lose the tax income from these shops and our city's character.  But, they do provide short transportation links to and from the transit centers.

Lake Union (Kiro.)  Lake Sammamish next?

I saw a large tangle of about 20 unused Limes at the Bothell bridge over the Sammamish River.  And, I saw one Lime abandoned on the green-belt next to the river.  I guess someone wanted to ride from Bothell, to a nice spot on the river, dump the bike (like trash) and hike back.  And then, there's the safety issue.  People who have never ridden a bike, especially in downtown streets, are more susceptible to a collision. 

The Limes are now electric so have the capability to run through our downtown transportation corridors-- and be left on roads like East and West Lake Sammamish Blvd. 116th and 124th.  Residents could drive them to the Downtown Park and surround it (art?) before heading back up the hill to neighborhood feeders. Same with the soccer fields and community center.

Shelly, a salesperson for Seattle Electric Bike in Bothell said she had some concerns about the bike shares but indicated permitting should solve most problems.  She sells a wide variety of sturdy, aesthetically pleasing electric bikes as does PIM and PEDEGO-Redmond. (PIM is out of Freemont and PEDEGO-Redmond is at 8296 160th Ave, NE.).

"Read More" for the City of Redmond's plans and point of view

Youth Bike Camps at Marymoor Park

When I learned about Pedalheads Bike Camps at the Redmond Town Center Extravagance festival I was blown away.  Twenty years ago when my daughter Lexie was learning how to ride we struggled teaching her, she fell a lot, became anxious about the sport and never tried it again. Had a bike camp existed we would have immediately put her into it.

I rode the PIM ebike to Extravaganza and chatted with
Pedalheads at their booth

Even though Redmond is known as "The Bicycle Capital of the Northwest" it's hard to believe the city's  never offered a bike camp.  We have lacrosse camps, softball classes, flag-football clubs, soccer camps, swim classes, basketball camps, baseball clubs, a variety of community center classes but nothing for parents wanting to teach their kids how to ride safely and securely.

I called Pedalheads to learn about their Marymoor Park classes.  The popular Level One class, June 26-29 is already filled.  They have a special, July 2-6 for $188.00.  July 9-August 27 half day classes cost $235/week and are still open. To register call 1-888-886-6464 or visit their website.

B. Yoder

My e-bike hill climb

Richard Morris holding the PIM bike (see the battery?)

We had our first good weather in months today!  The sun even came out!  It was time to finally roll my PIM e-bike (electric bicycle) demo out from the garage.  I invited my neighbor, Richard Morris, to come over, check it out; he immediately wanted on.   Richard walks 2-3 miles everyday with his dog so had no problem climbing this gentle hill  He didn't need any power, just down-shifted some. I think this particular bike has 18 gears....just like a regular bike.

I tried the bike months ago but it was way too frigid to shift and I was in crappy shape.  I was dying to get out today to try Power level 3 since I had trouble finding it earlier.  I needed Power 3 to get up 166th.  Pam, my wife, was on me to be safe so I took 171st from the Redmond Bike Park down to Redmond El. (virtually no traffic.)   A few huffs or two and I was up.  Yikes! ...next time I'll gear up for a better fat-burn.

It was awesome to get some fresh air and see the green native-growth easement again.

B. Yoder

Steve Fields responds to "Washington Conservation Voters" Questionnaire

Steve Fields responds to Washington Conservation Voters

2017 Municipal Candidate Questionnaire:

---

Steve Fields:  Please describe what motivates you to run for public office and what or who inspires you?

Throughout both my personal and professional life I have been active in environmental protection, conservation, and sustainability.I am motivated to run for public office by a deep passion to ensure the well-being and sustainability of human life and existence. The most dramatic and important inspiration I received was from my then 6-year-old son, who is now 19. At that time, he was crying in the middle of the night and concerned about polar bears drowning and “his planet burning up and why was no one doing anything about it”. It was at this time I left a corporate position to work in local Government. I am also inspired by sincere and involved people from all over the world who address the issues of protecting our planet and work to create environmental quality along with quality of life. Conversely, I am also inspired by organizations who work against the interests of our environmental sustainability and work to expose or mitigate actions and perspectives that promote environmental damage and create an uncertain future. On a personal level,  I have lead a lifestyle since I was a child that focused on reducing my impact on our environment. I grew up in a home where my parents insisted that we to turn off lights and electrical items when not in use. Recycling was a major part of our lives and when plastic and disposable containers become popular my family minimized there use. I have commuted by bicycle throughout my 40-year professional career. I have supported the Sierra Club, was active in Greenpeace in the 1980s and have purchased numerous Robert Bateman art that supported environmental causes (“Spotted Owls Continuation Generations” for example)

On a professional level, I have worked throughout my career on environmental protection. Examples and Highlights include;

Phase 2 construction of the Redmond Central Connector advances

Looking north from 95th Street towards Overlake Christian Church
Busy Willows Road is on the left.  Commercial on the right. (click pic to enlarge)

Several amenities are only minutes from the trail by bike at this 95th Street location.  Black Raven Brewery, Hi-Fi Brewery, Eastside Gym, Willows Deli  Good stopping place!

This Redmond Central Connector is the artery of the City that links Sammamish, Redmond, and Kirkland and knits together Redmond Town Center, historic Downtown, Grass Lawn neighborhood, and Willows business district. (COR)

Redmond's Senior Park Planner, David Shaw is the narrator in this city video.  He works closely with Carolyn Hope, Manager of Parks and Culture.  Both designed and built the Redmond Bike Park.  David managed the construction, recruiting and directing scores of volunteers. (The Randall family was at the core of the park's development. Councilmember Hank Myers put in a day or two of shoveling.) 

Visitors: Experience Redmond

Redmond is centrally located between Seattle/Bellevue and the Sammamish River Valley. We invite you to Experience Redmond for your perfect weekend getaway any time of year.

Redmond offers all of the natural beauty and eclectic activity for which the Pacific Northwest is known. From serene and meandering bike paths to competitive cycling events; from lively outdoor concerts to diverse family activities; from an upscale outdoor shopping center to local boutique stores, Redmond is an unforgettable experience. You can also experience nearby wineries, dining for every taste, and luxury accommodations in Redmond's world-class hotels.

Fun and exciting events take place all year long in Redmond. Check out the Experience Redmond website or calendar to learn about upcoming Redmond events. Regional and neighborhood parks, outdoor movies and concerts, sports tournaments, theater performances, annual festivals, a Saturday Farmers’ Market, and local arts highlight the long list of Redmond activities and events.

Primary Visitor Assets

1. Marymoor Park
2. Redmond Town Center
3. Willows Run Golf Course
4. Five World-Class Hotels
5. Microsoft Visitors Center
6. Sammamish Trail
7. Sixty Acres Soccer Fields
8. Redmond Parks & Trails

-- redmond.gov

Water Tenders is resurrected

Key Club members help to restore a Bear Creek tributary
My daughter Lexie is far left; she recruited the Key Club
members.

Water Tenders is a group of people who care about the wetlands and streams in the Bear Creek area and King county.

The torch of Water Tenders (WT) leadership was passed from President Eric Soshea to Susan Wilkins at the WT Annual Meeting last week.  Many of the of the original tenders were present, including a relative of the founder. Leader Terry Lavender and past president Dick Schaetzel were out of town. Gary Smith was present. Debbie Aftebro from Novelty Hill had never attended a WT meeting yet she collects and measures rainwater for Guy Baltzelle's program. She wanted to meet Guy but unfortunately he wasn't at the meeting.  Shirley Doolittle-Egerdahl was up front with Susan and Eric. Shirley was once President and is now the Treasurer, replacing John Reinke,who replaced Dick S.  One of the new board members, Heather Poe was president and secretary for WT in the Early 2000 - 2005 era (before Susan became a member.) Shirley Doolittle-Egerdahl was also once a president along with five others. 

In her presentation, (video) Susan held up a map of the entire Bear Creek watershed. She was re-directing and expanding our attention to the entire Bear Creek watershed.  She states:

UPDATED: Bear Creek advocates hold meeting

Credit/ Water Tender John Reinke 

Water Tenders is a group of people who care about the wetlands and streams in the Bear Creek area and King county.

The torch of Water Tenders (WT) leadership was passed from President Eric Soshea to Susan Wilkins at the WT Annual Meeting last week.  Many of the of the original tenders were present, including a relative of the founder. Leader Terry Lavender and past president Dick Schaetzel were out of town. Gary Smith was present. Debbie Aftebro from Novelty Hill had never attended a WT meeting yet she collects and measures rainwater for Guy Baltzelle's program. She wanted to meet Guy but unfortunately he wasn't at the meeting.  Shirley Doolittle-Egerdahl was up front with Susan and Eric. Shirley was once President and is now the Treasurer, replacing John Reinke,who replaced Dick S.  One of the new board members, Heather Poe was president and secretary for WT in the Early 2000 - 2005 era (before Susan became a member.) Shirley Doolittle-Egerdahl was also once a president along with five others. 

In her presentation, (video) Susan held up a map of the entire Bear Creek watershed. She was re-directing and expanding our attention to the entire Bear Creek watershed.  She states:

"The Bear Creek Basin is an exceptionally natural and healthy environment for our native salmon runs given that it is so close to a major metropolitan area.  We want to direct more community involvement into observing the stream habitat and collecting year-round data (such as rainfall, water temperature, stream flow) across the whole Bear Creek Basin.  We also want to carefully monitor land use planning by the local government jurisdictions to encourage preservation and protection of our land and water resources."

Five members who volunteered for the new Board met with Susan after the meeting.  The first order of business was to select officers.  Susan is the President, Mark Reynolds is the V.P. (he told a touching "avatar" story about the value of engaging children.)  Mark is a software engineer for Nordstrom and a "take charge" kind of guy.  He is working on a new website and very motivated for WT to make a difference for kids.  Me too.

Youth have been involved in WT over the years:

My daughter, Lexie Conley, was once a Youth Board member -- the first and last.  She wrote an article on the history of environmentalism that was published in the WT's 25th Anniversary Issue of the newsletter.  Terry recruited her to lead the Green Team in a Derby Day parade...and work the booth. Lexie recruited her Key Club members to help restore a forest in what is now the Redmond Bike Park site.  Notably, Dick S. attended that.  The Key Club also spent a day restoring a northern Bear Creek tributary -- an ongoing WT project.

Susan Wilkins actively engaged her children in the environment.  Her daughter was a docent for the annual WT salmon "SEEson" event.  In 2007 her children surveyed the Camwest Perrigo Heights preliminary plat's northern forest boundary ...in preparation for the citizen/council/mayor/Eric Campbell's woodland march to the proposed Steep Slope sewer location.

Colorful salmon cut-outs were made for children. (don't have the details.)  Kiosks were built to educate children and adults. Exhibits were held at REI.  Terry Lavender worked at the Redmond Medical Center from where the Derby Day Children's Parade started every year. She organized the kids and I think gave them a short education on salmon before they took off on their bikes. 

### 

A 5-minute YouTube of Susan Willkin's presentation at the Annual Meeting:  https://youtu.be/_SfMBTinhqg

A slide show of my daughter and her Key Club/ Bio-Chem classmates restoring the Bear Creek tributary.  

Education Hill Neighborhood Association poll recommends a "neighborhood center" at Hartman Park

Letter submitted to the Mayor and City Council during "Items from the Audience." 

As a member of the Education Hill Neighborhood Association, (EdNA) I can’t thank you enough for the terrific job you’ve done building and maintaining our parks.  I want to encourage you to budget to replace the Hartman Pool (on Hartman Park) with a neighborhood community center.  Promotion of a neighborhood center in Hartman might dovetail with your downtown recreationcenter promotion…. and help to move it forward.   

Yesterday, a poll was taken on the EdNA site asking members what they’d want on the Hartman Pool site when it’s demolished.  

Of 573 association members. 95 members participated, including Metropolitan King County Council member Kathy Lambert.  In short, the poll and threads indicated over 70 of the members would accept, and most would want, a neighborhood center as long as the trees are saved.  Interestingly, only 5 members wanted a new pool.  I swim laps and wouldn’t mind giving it up to take a morning walk and meet my neighbors over coffee.    

Benefits of the Center:     

Downtown nature, bridges and waterways

During a recent Council meeting three members starting talking about building a pedestrian suspension bridge from Redmond Town Center over SR520 to Marymoor Park. A bridge would provide an excellent connection to Marymoor's many events and fields. Making it nice with artwork was suggested...a good view of Bear Creek, too.  Councilmember Stilin reviewed funding options. What do you think?

This got me thinking about the Trestle Bridge renovation now in planning stages for the corridor trail.
I hope the powers that be install some nice artwork on the bridge and trail....and the public is included in the planning process.  I'd personally like to see some some Great Blue Heron art on or near the trestle bridge.  The heron is designated the City of Redmond's "species of local importance,"... it's graceful, large and would be easily seen wading, feeding, and flying around the Sammamish River. The heron is embedded in our city logo and is culturally significant.

Watershed leaders visiting the $11M
Bear Creek Restoration project.

The heron "wader bird" is occasionally seen on the Sammamish River.  They may well be feeding and wading in lower Bear Creek, especially since the $11M restoration project.  But, unfortunately you'd never know it since there's no trail out through the restored riparian to the Creek.  (Bear Creek and Sammamish River riparian is proclaimed by the city as our "habitat of local importance.")  The public also misses out on the culturally significant salmon runs of September and October. A nature trail from the Bear Creek Parkway bike trail through the riparian to the Creek would be of great interest and educational for our growing population.  Don't you think?  Please send your comments and ideas to council@redmond.gov.

Bob Yoder

Downtown art

UPDATED:  Yesterday, I was fortunate to spend an hour with a city planner to talk about outdoor art.  I'm very concerned about the rapid pace of urbanization in our city and how overly dense and uniformly green the downtown is starting to look.  Where's the art?  The pace of growth and demands to plan for it appear overwhelming.  Can the city keep up?   

Redmond is special to the Northwest in that we have a very diverse population of residents from all over the world...and we become more diverse with every year.  Art is especially crucial for us because of our diversity.  It offers a great way to connect and engage us in conversations and activities. We get to know and accept each other through art.   

The Downtown Park has a great opportunity to be our centerpiece for art.  I'm concerned that too few of us have participated in workshops on its design.  I pray and trust the city will make the right decisions. 

Frazer Court is a private development that installed this
interactive art.  See the stones on the pedestals?
You can move them around.  

What about the private developments -- those 6 -9 story apartment buildings and 4 hotels? Flowered pots and green shrubbery smartly dress up the buildings, but where's the art to engage us with each other as we walk down the sidewalks?  Look (left) at the attractive and inviting art of Frazer Court. It's interactive, too! Doesn't it look cool? Unfortunately, when you look around town very few, if any other developers are installing art. Have you seen any artscapes?  The city needs to come up with an incentive program soon before it's too late.
  

Kudos to the council, staff and community volunteers for bringing art to the Redmond Central Connector trail.  SIGNALS is prominent, interesting and easy to understand.  It creates a great place for us to interact and get to know each other.  Just look at So Bizarre! 

SIGNALS

SKY PAINTING ($95k) and the ERRATIC ($115k) on the other hand are different. Was there ever a workshop to involve us at the ground level of these projects?  The city had to spend $1M to move the ERRATIC off the light rail easement to Leary Way gateway (good choice)  Even though these art pieces are on the trail and very large, few people have seen them.  Do you know where they are?  

The city planner said they will install some temporary art in the Downtown Park and neighborhood parks.  This ought to give the planners some "wiggle room" as they await a response from the viewing public.  Phase 2 of the Redmond Trail Connector is underway.  I hope there's enough time to hold workshops so we can participate in this part of the trail.  I'm concerned there's not enough time or resources to hold another workshop for the Downtown Park.  The demands on staff are intense.  More and better delegation to the city commissions is called for.  

Bob Yoder, opinion  

*The workshop for the Bike Park was very useful in the design.  (Its location was taxing.)  

Commentary: Change and growth are always a challenge

Council member Kim Allen
March 2, 2013 
                                    
Kim originally published this in 2013 as a comment under "Redmond's Identity Crisis"

Council member Kim Allen

As downtown Redmond builds out, it is my wish and intent for the old and new to complement each other. The Downtown park already hosted several successful outdoor concerts last summer and I have often seen folks throwing a ball or frisbee or stopping to sit s spell at the red tables-weather permitting, of course. As the Redmond Way/Cleveland St. Corridor is restored to 2 way traffic over the next couple of years, the elements like street lighting and such will be added to give us a more walkable downtown.

I have been working hard on regional transit to make sure Redmond gets what we need to get more folks out of their cars to lessen congestion. I can tell you that there are many cities competing for a limited pot of transit dollars and hours. We work regionally to keep Redmond at the table as a leader to deliver the transit that is such an important part of a green and walkable Redmond. Through those regional efforts, we are working in partnership with Metro to plan to try out some new ways to access transit in our neighborhoods.

As to the 166th St. 4 to 3 conversion, Councilmember Margeson and I took a firm stand and insisted that adequate funding be put aside in our capital fund during this budget session to do that work as soon as possible. We moved funds from a less urgent project to do so. It is a priority for safety and to give Ed Hill folks a comfortable environment to choose to walk and bike where they need to go.

Change and growth are always a challenge but I believe we can integrate those elements that make Redmond a great place to call home, even as we prepare to welcome more people who will also call it home.

Source:  March 2, 2013 comment on Redmond Neighborhood Blog

A downtown "nature walk" -- and talk with Council member David Carson

My daughter and I took a walk down Education Hill to Frankies for lunch, then Target, then Avondale to 180th, up the Ashford Trail to Perrigo Springs, past the Redmond Bike Park and home. (Beloved Frankies, the Italian restaurant icon is going to be demolished in October to make room for a hotel.) Click the links to read the old stories.of the Ashford Trail, Perrigo Springs and the Redmond Bike Park.  

The Avondale stretch was congested and noisy as usual.  But we were surprised the sidewalk took us on a bridge over our magnificent Bear Creek!  Incredible how nature was only a few yards from the arteriole. To me, Bear Creek, Evans Creek, the Sammamish River and the green ring of conifers surrounding the city are what makes Redmond special.  

David Carson

At the half way mark of our walk, we stopped at Kringles Bakery.  I had never been inside and was curious.  Guess who we found with his computer?  Council member David Carson!  He must have talked with Lexie for 25 minutes. Homeless encampments, the Landing, downtown development, the EvergreenHealth Board expansion, and the Design Review Board were a few of the topics he touched on with me. Then, David got into his love of motorcycling and all the places he's traveled. He's clocked 40,000 miles on his chopper.  Montana, Idaho, Canada, Oregon and on.

Bakeries and any coffee shop other than "Charbucks" are his favorite hangouts...breweries too.  He likes the "savory" food of independent coffee houses and the whiskeys at Woodblock Redmond.  

Mr. Carson's city website Bio:

Position #7
Term Expires 12/31/19
Chair of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Member of the Public Safety Committee
Member of the Finance, Administration, and Communications Committee

David moved from Southern Oregon to Redmond to work for Microsoft in 1991 and works as a Software Test Engineer. He graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. His hobbies are riding motorcycles, cooking and playing in Redmond's recreational softball league. He lives with his wife Danielle and pets in the Viewpoint neighborhood of Redmond.

dcarson@redmond.gov
425.556.2113

By Bob Yoder

LETTER: Redmond Central Connector is an important addition to Redmond's trail network

Redmond Central Connector: An Important Addition to Redmond’s Trail Network

The Redmond Central Connector (RCC) trail is a rail trail. A rail trail is the conversion of a disused railway into a multi-use path, typically for walking, cycling and sometimes horse riding [Wikipedia].  

The City of Redmond purchased the BNSF railroad right of way in Redmond in 2010 specifically to create a rail trail. Design of Phase II of the RCC is complete and construction will begin this summer.

While the RCC will enable easier, safer, faster pedestrian and bike access to Digipen and tech companies along Willows Road, that was never the main intention.

Rather, the RCC was envisioned as several things: First, it is a beautiful (and popular) linear park in downtown Redmond. Second, it is a means for cyclists to bypass Redmond Way and Cleveland Street to travel through Redmond from north to south (and vice-versa). And third, the RCC is an important component and connector in the Puget Sound regional trail network.

To the south, the RCC will connect directly with the East Lake Sammamish Trail and enable non-motorized travel to Sammamish, Issaquah and beyond. To the north and west, the RCC will connect to the Cross Kirkland Connector and the Eastside Rail Corridor. In the near future, one will be able to cycle by trail to Kirkland, Bellevue and Renton. Additionally, Snohomish County has purchased BNSF right-of-way and plans to develop a trail from Woodinville to Snohomish.

Traffic is an unavoidable part of life in our region. Trails enable people to walk and bike more safely – and remove cars from roads. In an ideal world, trails would be designed with no traffic intersections. Sadly, we do not live in an ideal world. Fortunately, trail intersections can be improved with signage and warning mechanisms for both trail users and vehicle operators.

There are plenty of examples of trail users and traffic coexisting peacefully. The Burke-Gilman Trail in Seattle has many intersections as does the Sammamish River Trail in Bothell and Kenmore. The East Lake Sammamish Trail has a number of intersections including an entrance to busy Lake Sammamish State Park. The relatively new Cross Kirkland Connector follows the old BNSF railbed as well, with a number of street crossings.

The Sammamish River Trail – a multi-use recreational trail where bicyclists, dogwalkers, kids, and commuters all coexist – is owned and maintained by King County. Yes it does get delightfully crowded on sunny days.  A faster, less crowded alternative trail will be welcomed by many even if it is not as scenic.

Still concerned about safety issues and traffic near the RCC? Simple solution: Use the Sammamish River Trail. I’m looking forward to biking the second phase of the RCC when it opens in late 2016!

I’m not speaking for anyone but myself; however, I have served on the Redmond Parks and Trails Commission for six years, including a year as Chairperson. Anyone is welcome to attend our Commission meetings to express his/her concerns, ideas, and questions.  We meet first Thursday of every month, 6:30 pm at Redmond City Hall.

Tom Sanko

Opinion: Redmond City Council has no policy valueing or addressing neighborhood services

OPINION:  As you can see below, the City of Kirkland is proud of their neighborhoods and recognizes their neighborhoods with a mission statement and an extensive neighborhood services program.  Why doesn't the City of Redmond have a mission statement for their neighborhoods, active neighborhood associations, and frequent, regular and organized Council/city staff meetings in their neighborhoods.

City legal costs with neighbors escalated from the Redmond Bike Park land use decision.  A neighborhood association could have smoothed communications and saved taxpayer money.
City-Neighborhood communications on the encampment ordinance was poor.  A neighborhood association, per Kirkland's model, could have improved dialogue and outcomes. School and city levy communications are restricted.

It appears the only in-neighborhood services the City of Redmond offers is a dormant "matching gifts program",council visits to those neighbors holding annual National Night Out parties, the fireman's Santa Christmas visit, Redmond Ready, the national CERT program and the Police Academy.  Other in-neighborhood services may be offered but they're scattered all over the city web-site and not readily found or known.

After the Marchione-Fields election the Marchione Administration appears to be reaching out to the neighborhoods with an April 28 Town Hall.  Lisa Rhodes, the city Communications Director announced a "two-way communications" initiative.  Several Education Hill residents are trying to form a neighborhood association, but the city is offering them no assistance or resources.

The city appears to have no interest in establishing formal neighborhood associations nor advocating for them.  A leader of the school district levy bond committee was looking for Redmond associations like Kirkland's but we have none to offer.  For years Mayor Marchione has been aware of Kirkland's associations (his mother is a Kirkland councilmember) but hasn't been empowered by Council to form them.  Council has no policy that addresses neighborhood services.  

Read More about Kirkland's neighborhood mission statement and neighborhood services >>

Redmond Bike Park Work Party This Saturday

Redmond Bike Park Work Party  |  This Saturday 9/12  |  9am to 4pm
Trail Builders needed this weekend!  We will be re-working some of the jumps on the Shredmond jump line and fixing some drainage issues on Easy-A.  Our Work Parties are a great time to learn about jump building, get some great experience then ride with people that know how to shred!
Help us get the jumps riding great then…it's Mega-Train time!
https://youtu.be/izrtzNWiShc
Everyone working at the park needs a waiver form signed by an adult.  Forms will be available on site or download it at www.Redmond.gov/BikePark    As always, bring your own water, food, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, etc.  We'll provide training, tools and safety gear.

Contact Dave Shaw with questions
425-556-2387
dashaw@redmond.gov

Community Invited to Celebrate Cleveland Street

Redmond, WA – The community is invited to celebrate the grand opening of Cleveland Street on Wednesday, March 25 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

. Join Mayor John Marchione and the Redmond City Council on Cleveland Street between 161st Ave NE and Leary Way for a 7:00 PM program and ribbon cutting. Guests will be introduced to Redmond’s new Moving Arts Center, while enjoying festive music and food samples provided by several local restaurants.

Cleveland Street, Redmond’s new Main Street, looks different than other streets: its design, parking and amenities encourage its use for 18-hour days. Decorative lighting continues the historic theme, while specialty catenary lights encourage more evening activity and provide connection between the Redmond Central Connector and Downtown Park. New landscape areas, wider sidewalks and small plazas provide more pedestrian opportunities to enhance the Downtown’s economic vitality.

The Cleveland Streetscape project, which is located on Cleveland Street between 161st Ave NE and 164th Ave NE, began construction in January of 2014. The project follows ten public and private development projects in the historic core in just the last seven years. These projects are all part of a 20 year vision for Downtown Redmond which includes supporting an urban environment that accommodates the City’s share of regional growth; offers a connected street grid with new street connections; provides bike, walk and transit access; prepares for conversion of Redmond Way and Cleveland Street to 2-way traffic; and supports opportunities for events, arts and culture.

More information about Cleveland Street, as well as other Downtown projects is available at www.Redmond.gov/Downtown. For more information on the Cleveland Street grand opening, contact Jill Smith at 425.556.2448 or jesmith@redmond.gov. This press release is available on www.redmond.gov.