Kelso reviews bike, walking options in city
Kelso officials are working to create a plan to improve walking and bicycling in the city, and another strategy to help the city meet federal accessibility standards.
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The goal is to finish the plans by the end of the year, after evaluating existing conditions, gathering public comments and setting goals, according to an online city report.
People can take an online survey about the plans at https://tinyurl.com/kp8t42dd.
People can also identify problem areas on an online map using the same URL.
One person has already noted that Bates Road and North 19th Avenue, near Scot Hollow Park, is a problem area because there is no crosswalk, yet kids walk there.
Another person marked Burcham Street as having an issue because its sidewalk is narrow and covered in moss, making it hard to reach the skatepark at 1400 Burcham St.
The online city report states Kelso has more than 75 miles of roadway, but incomplete sidewalks and limited bike lanes make it hard for people without a vehicle to travel.
There are about 50 miles of sidewalks in the city, according to the report. But the further from the city center, the fewer sidewalks exist.
Crosswalks are also more common near schools and downtown than elsewhere in town.
Kelso has nearly 9 miles of bike lanes and trails.
Between 2020 and 2024, the report states 42 crashes involving a bicyclist or a pedestrian occurred. Most of those accidents occurred on State Route 4, also known as Allen Street, as well as State Route 411, also known as West Side Highway or First Avenue.
Other locations with such common accidents include North Pacific Avenue and Southwest Fifth Avenue.
Cracked and uneven sidewalks, as well as a lack of curb ramps, make traveling hard for people using walkers and wheelchairs, as well as those who are blind, according to the report.
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