I am writing to commend the King County Roads Department for their willingness to consider input from bicyclists from Vashon regarding the upcoming Vashon Highway pavement project.

Several years ago, rumble strips were installed in a way that negatively impacted the safety and experience of non-motorized users of the road. On the other hand, the rumble strips were found to statistically show reduced run-off-the-road accidents for motorized vehicles. Recognizing that the safety of all road users is important, the county roads department was willing to listen to bicyclists’ concerns, collaborate on solutions that achieve increased safety for all and adapt the plan to meet these objectives. I met twice with the county on this topic and found them to be conscientious and thoughtful in their approach. One of their engineers visited Vashon to take stock of all the areas of concern that an ad hoc group of Vashon cyclists identified. We met and discussed each of these areas and came up with tangible solutions that benefit everyone.

All too often our public servants are called out for making decisions that make people unhappy. I’d like to take this opportunity to give kudos to the roads department for their good work on Vashon.

— Henry Haselton