November 8, 2006 - Seattle, WA

Seattle voters chose to support citywide investments in pedestrian improvements, including sidewalks, crossings, trails, and improved standards in the general election Tuesday, November 7th.

Proposition 1, or "Bridging the Gap" includes a guaranteed minimum of 18% funding for pedestrian and bicycle improvements.  A Pedestrian Master Plan will be funded, as well as, increased tree maintenance, new street trees, safety around schools, corridor projects that will make streets like Rainier Ave, Aurora, and Mercer Street more pedestrian friendly.  Transit service in the city will be enhanced and matched through an agreement with King County Metro. 

Citizens have shown that pedestrian improvements are a priority. This package was originally conceived as a way to replace what amounts to $25 Million in annual lost revenue for the city's street and bridge maintenance.  But after a community process, SDOT admitted that pedestrian issues were a much higher priority than they had anticipated.

After the Mayor's initial proposal, two additional revisions to the plan increased funding for pedestrian projects.  The measure came to feature pedestrians prominently.  Despite questions about funding maintenance items through a levy, citizens demonstrated support for these investments.

The campaign web site can be found at:
http://bridgingthegapseattle.com

Feet First endorsed the proposition and served on the campaign's steering committee.