In portraying their decision to continue installing rumble strips that defy Federal Highway Administration and Washington State DOT safety guidance, county officials present their new plan as a “compromise.”

The High Risk Rural Road Program (HRRRP) grant funds used for this project have a very simple, clear rule: Rumble strips must “not adversely affect the safety or mobility of bicyclists, pedestrians, and the disabled.”

HRRRP funds simply cannot be used for rumble strips that create any hazard for bicyclists or any access difficulties for the disabled. There’s no “unless local officials think the adverse effect is a reasonable compromise” clause in that rule.

Calling their design a “compromise” is, in my opinion, an admission to misuse of federal funds.

— Joshua Putnam