From Project to Reality: How We Actually Make Our Streets Safe

By Kelli Refer, Move Redmond
September 9, 2026

It is the Biennial budget cycle for the City of Redmond. Move Redmond wants to help you understand why the budget process is important for transportation, what projects need your support, and how to make your voice heard. 

Transforming Redmond from a car-dependent suburb to a safe and resilient, multimodal community takes time, but thankfully we are well on track for success. Earlier this year the city of Redmond passed a Transportation Master Plan that maps out the goals and objectives for the City’s streets. The plan has forward-thinking goals to improve safety for all road users, increase access to public transit, and build a bike network of low-stress bicycle facilities. These goals aim to reduce the City of Redmond’s greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled by improving mobility options for our community.

When we shift our transportation habits away from driving alone, the whole community benefits through  cleaner air, a more connected community where people see each other face-to-face, and less congestion for those who need to drive. 

Having the TMP goals approved by the council is a great first step; but we need to ensure the plan is implemented. The City of Redmond will host a public hearing on Tuesday, September 15th on the Capital Investment Program (CIP) which outlines what major projects the City of Redmond will focus on planning and building in the next six years. Your voice is critical in showing up for projects that improve the safety of our streets.

Transportation Projects we are really excited about and why: 

  • ADA Improvements: Curb ramps help everyone! From people with wheelchairs, to strollers to deliveries, making ADA improvements across Redmond helps us all get where we need to go. 
  • Cycletrack on 161st: Learn more about this planned project at the Downtown Redmond Walk & Talk with Move Redmond 
  • NE 36th Street Bike Facilities: his is a newly added project that creates a new connection to the 520 trail. 
  • Improvements on West Lake Sammamish Parkway: There are several phases to this project, including a new roundabout and critical bike connections that will enhance the recently-built BelRed bike lanes 
  • Active Transportation Safety Program – This new project that streamlines smaller improvements throughout the City of Redmond. We will discuss opportunities to improve safety infrastructure at Marymoor Walk & Talk on October 2nd. 

Testify in support of these projects at the September 15th Public Hearing at 7 PM

Get informed about upcoming projects at Move Redmond Events

Move Redmond is hosting several events to help highlight specific projects and provide space for community members to gather and discuss transportation! Each of these events will gather feedback that is then shared in a public hearing the following week.

Bike Policy Ride (THIS THURSDAY!) will highlight the BelRed bike lanes and highlight the need for safe bike infrastructure on West Lake Sammamish Parkway. We will also discuss the importance of making our bike network low-stress so that people of all confidence levels can bike safely in a network that is connected and protected. 

During the Week Without Driving, Move Redmond is hosting two Walk & Talks:

These events will discuss both planned improvements and opportunities for quick build solutions to improve pedestrian safety.

Tell Your Story, It Matters!

Testifying at one of the upcoming public hearings is an important way to get involved in the budget process. This is how projects go from a plan to a reality. Together we can ensure that Redmond is funding projects that make our streets safer for everyone, improve access to transit, and ensure the bicycle network is connected and protected. 

Your lived experience matters! Have you wanted to bike on city streets, but are nervous to try if there isn’t a separate bike lane from driver traffic? (Psst…you can also sign up for our Biking 101 and 201 classes to help you out) Do you wish you could walk to the bus, but the street by your house doesn’t have a crosswalk? Share your story at a public hearing. Check out our How to Testify Image for some tips. 

If you can’t attend the public hearing, you can share your story by emailing the Council and Mayor: MayorCouncil@redmond.gov

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