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Introduction
Walking is the oldest and most efficient, affordable, and environmentally-friendly form of transportation—it’s how transit riders eventually reach their destinations, how drivers get from the parking lot to the front door, and how cyclists get from the bike rack to the business.
And walking is about more than transportation. Walking helps to build strong communities and is the primary way that neighbors get to know one another. Walking is also great exercise and an easy way to improve your mental and physical health.
Nearly everyone, for at least some portion of every day, is a pedestrian. That is why the City of Seattle has developed the Pedestrian Master Plan, which defines the steps needed to make Seattle a more walkable, livable, and healthy city.
Developing the Plan
The Seattle Pedestrian Master Plan is a long-term action plan to make Seattle the most walkable city in the nation. The plan establishes the policies, programs, design criteria, and projects that will further enhance pedestrian safety, comfort, and access in all of Seattle’s neighborhoods. Through the Pedestrian Master Plan, Seattle will make its transportation system more environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable.
| The Task: |
Make Seattle the Most Walkable City in the Nation |
| The Reasons: |
Increase pedestrian safety
Provide mobility and access for all
Offer alternatives to driving
Reduce pollution
Address global warming
Connect to transit
Foster economic growth
Increase social interaction on streets
Build strong communities and livable neighborhoods
Address obesity and health concerns
Become a sustainable city
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| The Answers: |
Improve communication and coordination
Engage all Seattleites in the solutions
Recommend new and revised policies and programs
Maintain existing and prioritize investments in new infrastructure
Increase funding for pedestrian improvements
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Navigating the Plan
This plan is unique for the City of Seattle—it is the first plan developed entirely for web-based use. (This printed version of the plan has been prepared for those who do not have access to a computer and for those who prefer a paper document.) To review the plan, it’s best to start with the Summary, which will give you an overview of the plan’s contents. The summary is a stand-alone document, available in hard copy as well as online, with an option to download and print.
This hard copy version of the plan has the same key information presented in the online plan, with a wide variety of maps and documents available in the appendix. However, the online version of the plan has several options for getting additional information on a number of topics, including right navigational bars and live links that connect to web sites and documents. (These sites and documents are referenced and included in the hard copy, when possible.)
If you have questions, comments, or concerns about the plan or require an alternate format, please contact us at mostwalkablecity@seattle.gov or 206-733-9970.
What’s New for Pedestrians in Seattle?
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is working continually to make it easier and more comfortable to walk in Seattle. Check the plan’s web site regularly to learn about new projects or programs underway in Seattle.
Highlight of the Month: New Sidewalk in Southeast Seattle
Location: 39th Avenue South, between Rainier Avenue South and South Hudson Street
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