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Pedaling Toward a Better Future

Writer's picture: Bobo Yuansi CaiBobo Yuansi Cai

Updated: Sep 5, 2023

Sultan, a picturesque town nestled in the heart of nature, is not only known for its scenic beauty but also for its growing community of biking enthusiasts. The sight of families biking around Sultan has become increasingly common, and their experiences hold valuable insights into the town's future. In this blog, we'll highlight the voices of these families, shedding light on their biking adventures, the barriers they face, and what might encourage them to pedal more often. These experiences are crucial as they align with the aspirations of 68% of community survey takers: 44% envision a future of walking and 24% desire a future of biking to everyday destinations.

The award-winning Sultan River Pedestrian Bridge project was designed to provide safe passage for pedestrian and non-motorized users such as bicycles and wheelchairs across the Sultan River. Today the fruits of that effort are seen by visitors to the Red Apple Market. The existing bridge was unsafe and did not meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. The project also accommodated upgraded utility lines including a new water line and a sewer line connecting all of Sultan to the upgraded sewage treatment plant. Many thanks to the Puget Sound Regional Council Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the WA State Department of Transportation and community leaders who made this connection possible.


Biking with the Family: A Community Perspective

Sultan's Red Apple grocery store has become a focal point for these biking families. Here, they not only shop for their essentials but also share their biking experiences and aspirations. Let's delve into their stories.


The Joy of Family Biking: For many families in Sultan, biking isn't just a mode of transportation; it's a bonding experience. Parents and children alike relish the opportunity to explore the town's scenic beauty, connect with nature, and stay active together. The shared joy of pedaling through Sultan's picturesque streets fosters stronger family bonds.


Barriers to Biking: While biking as a family in Sultan is gaining popularity, it's not without its challenges. Families have identified several barriers:

  • Limited East-West Connections: One significant hurdle is the lack of alternative east-west routes, making it challenging to navigate the town efficiently and safely. Families express the need for more interconnected biking paths.

  • Recreation and Community Identity: Many families believe that biking should be a defining aspect of Sultan's identity. They hope for more recreational biking facilities that cater to residents and visitors alike.

  • Improved Infrastructure: Families express a strong desire for better biking infrastructure. Investing in alternative east-west connections and enhancing safety on Sultan Basin Road would make a significant difference.

  • Recreational Facilities: Building recreational biking facilities such as trails, parks, and bike shops would not only enhance the town's identity but also provide attractive options for biking families.

Sultan's families on bikes represent a thriving and growing community that has a lot to say about the town's future. By addressing the barriers, they face and implementing their suggestions, Sultan can become an even more bike-friendly destination. Furthermore, aligning these efforts with the broader community priorities ensures that Sultan remains a safe, enjoyable, and vibrant place for all its residents and visitors. As we move forward, let's celebrate the families who are pedaling together towards a healthier, sustainable, more connected Sultan.


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Mark Bond

Assistant Planner-Code Enforcement, City of Sultan

mark.bond@ci.sultan.wa.us

Tyler Quinn-Smith

Project Manager, Framework

tyler@weareframework.com

© City of Sultan

PO Box 1199, 319 Main Street, Sultan, WA, USA 98294-1199

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