Proposed Roundabout On 305 More Dangerous For Cyclists/Pedestrians

We encourage you to attend the WSDOT Open house this Wednesday 8/21/13 5-7 p.m. to call for facilities which are at least as safe as the existing condition. We believe the current design of a double lane roundabout proposed by WSDOT for the SR 305/ Suquamish Way intersection by the casino would put cyclists, pedestrians and transit users at greater risk. US Dept. of Transportation studies show double lane roundabouts increase hazards for cyclists (Notes). This intersection has 21,000 cars a day, is a primary cycling route with no alternatives, a transit connection and pedestrian connection for Suquamish.

WSDOT should change this double lane roundabout design to improve bike and pedestrian safety. There should be at least one bike/pedestrian underpass under 305 (similar to what was built on highway 101 near the Jamestown Casino), separated bike/ped paths on the outside and possibly user activated hazard lights at the side intersections.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013, 5 - 7 pm
Chico Room, Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort Hotel

What did NKTA get done last year?

NKTA has wonderfully effective volunteers, here are some 2012 accomplishments:

Kitsap Forest and Bay Conservation efforts: NKTA wrote the "Port Gamble Shoreline Trail Plan" to support the successful grant applications that will conserve over 500 acres & 1.5 miles of shoreline. NKTA proposed and funded the first printings of the "Save the Land and Trails!", Port Gamble trail map brochure. Now on its' 5th printing, close to 25,000 have been handed out! NKTA spearheaded the effort to fund & install 17 different Trail map signs on the Port Gamble Trails. (Thanks to Pope Resources, NW TrailRiders & Back Country Horsemen.)

Trail Projects: NKTA obtained grants from REI, PSE and the Suquamish Tribe to support trail projects in the North Kitsap Heritage Park, and helped obtain $15,000 for Poulsbo trails from the NK Regional Event Center partnership.

Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails: NKTA partnered w/ the Kitsap VCB to design and fund the regional water trail map, which is now distributed through many REI stores. The Kitsap Water Trails received national press as the National Park Service's December Trail of the month and the application for National Water Trail designation was completed this spring.

Events: NKTA volunteers supported many regional events that draw visitors who support local businesses. Donations from the Poulsbo Marathon, Stottelmeyer 30/60 mountain bike competition and Poulsbo Running's Lumberjack Endurance Run not only benefit local directly fund NKTA's efforts to create trails. And there's more!

And here's what NKTA is focusing on in 2013:

Kitsap Forest and Bay Project: NKTA continues to be active in efforts to conserve almost 7,000 acres of land and trails. NKTA partnered with the Great Peninsula Conservancy to submit a grant proposal for a 2 mile long trail corridor across the Divide, to link the NK Heritage Park on Miller Bay Road to Port Gamble-Suquamish Road near the Port Gamble Trails. Finding a route to avoid most wetlands was quite the challenge that took many tries and sucked off many intrepid explorers' boots! Our application wasn't funded, but the efforts of 39 volunteers who worked on the Birkenfeld Heritage Trail proposal, will be put to good use. We're exploring other options and looking for new grant opportunities. Already over $500,000 has been lined up toward conserving a portion of the unique Divide wetlands. NKTA volunteers have now danced down streets in eight local parades to publicize the KFBP land conservation opportunity. Last year we dressed as a 20' octopus and a flying thunderbird, but this year we went as a forest of crazy trees; all while handing out thousands of "Save the Land and Trails " brochures.

Environmental Stewardship: NKTA volunteers built a "Beaver Deceiver" on OPG's property adjacent to the NK Heritage Park. This keeps beavers from damming the culvert, stops flood damage to the road and trail and keeps beavers from being trapped. Evan Stoll and volunteers tackled this project in January! NKTA's REI grant funded a Scotch Broom removal competition where Kingston High School clubs competed for cash prizes.

Trail Projects: NK Heritage Park Steward volunteers completed the Boundary boardwalk, are planning parking improvements and working on array of trail projects using REI grant funds. Community members are already enjoying Millie's Trail, connecting Big Valley Road to the Port Gamble Trails. This special trail was dedicated to Millie Dove Muller on her 97th birthday, with her extended family celebrating as she cut the ribbon. NKTA partnered w/ the Poulsbo Historical Society to showcase the Dove family history of six generations on Big Valley.

Bike facilities and bike safety: Ride Kitsap and NKTA teamed up to bring the International Mountain Bike Association to teach sustainable trail construction techniques to fifty volunteers. Recently NKTA and four other Kitsap cycling organizations met to voice our shared commitment to support connected and achievable improvements that will increase the safety, enjoyment, and numbers of people of all ages, cycling and walking in our region. We collaborated to provide cyclists' input on technical details of the County Road standards for affordable policies to improve bike safety

Increasing membership and volunteer participation: Membership numbers and participation make an enormous difference in what NKTA can accomplish. You can become a member for as little as $10, but joining NKTA helps demonstrates the number of people who care about trails. Your donations allow NKTA volunteers to build trails, post trail signs, keep our website going, design and print maps, apply for grants and support land conservation efforts. Our online calendar shows how you can help. You can make a difference by putting in a few hours building trails, helping with the Poulsbo Marathon or involving your office, church or team in a larger project. We're actively looking for help with County wide Water Trails implementation, monthly accounting & newsletter writing including adding a "Trail Of The Month " feature. We'd love to hear from you!

See what else NKTA is working on.

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