Sustainable Transportation Plan

BAINBRIDGE STP_White Background_Logo - Default

The City Council adopted the Sustainable Transportation Plan on March 22, 2022. The Plan was developed to establish the long-range vision for how we travel on the island by providing a transportation system (streets, transit, trails, etc.) that improves mobility and safety for all users while respecting the character of neighborhoods and maintaining a climate resilient environment. 

Scenario 2, “Connecting Centers” was identified as the preferred implementation plan. With nearly $31 million available over 6 years, this scenario focuses on rapid implementation and delivery of a marquee “Connecting Centers” project that would provide a complete all-ages-and-abilities spine, as well as traffic calming projects on key routes. Transportation was responsible for approximately 34% of 2018 community greenhouse gas emissions. We can help improve the health of our environment and our community members by adding more biking and pedestrian infrastructure and promoting the use of electric vehicles.

Bainbridge Island Sustainable Transportation Plan – February 2022 (PDF)

Sustainable Transportation Plan – Appendix A  (Scenario 2 Project Details on Pages 4-5; PDF)

Sustainable Transportation Plan – Q2 2023 Implementation Status Update (PDF)

Island Vision for Sustainable Transportation

A walking and rolling network that supports people of all ages and abilities with safe, comfortable connections between our neighborhood centers and important Island destinations. Learn more by watching the short video below. 

  • That network will be complemented by a transit and shared mobility network that provides a­ffordable, accessible options throughout the day and into the evening and takes advantage of new and emerging technologies. 
  • Through partnerships and by leveraging both public and private sector resources, we’ll expand the funds that are available to maintain our current system and build networks that respect our Island’s natural character while making important strides to address climate change. 

Measuring GHG Emissions Associated with the Sustainable Transportation Plan

The City contracted with the firm Fehr & Peers in 2022-23 to: 

  • measure the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction potential of the Connecting Centers scenario from the STP,
  • evaluate additional scenarios to determine which strategies and transportation projects could provide substantial progress towards reducing GHG emissions on Bainbridge Island, 
  • establish 2021 VMT and transportation-related GHG emissions data for the Island, and
  • analyze the impact of federal and state policies and legislation on future greenhouse gas emissions related to transportation. 

A summary of their findings is available in an Arc GIS Storymap and a detailed report (PDF).

STP Storymap Graphic

Sustainable Transportation Plan Goals

Background

In 2019, the City Council expressed support in providing a transportation system (streets, transit, trails, etc.) that improves mobility and safety for all users while respecting the character of neighborhoods and maintaining a climate resilient environment. The initiative, which became known as the Sustainable Transportation Plan, establishes the long-range vision for how we travel on the island. In addition, the Council determined that this project should result in a transportation system that supports the City’s Climate Action Plan goal to reduce carbon emissions on Bainbridge Island by 90% by 2045.

Additional goals identified by the Council include:

  1. Present a unifying vision for the future of transportation on Bainbridge Island;
  2. Create a holistic, inclusive definition of sustainable mobility with suite of solutions;
  3. Integrate the island’s transportation and land use visions;
  4. Complete missing links and make first/last mile connections;
  5. Build a toolbox of facility types and solutions tailored to people of all ages and abilities and the island’s unique contexts; and
  6. Demonstrate transparent decision-making based on community values, with a clear link to implementation planning, investments, and subsequent funding requests.

For more information about the activities of the Sustainable Transportation Task Force and Council meetings associated with adoption of this plan, please visit the Sustainable Transportation Planning Study page.