Richland citizens are able to engage in city government by serving on commissions such planning, economic development, parks and rec., and arts commission.  Our local city governments lack advocacy for non-motorized transportation.  Many cities in the northwest have Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committees. 

BPACs function similarly to any other city government commission and advocate for safe and complete infrastructure for pedestrian and bicycle traffic.  Some smaller cities with BPACs include Wenatchee/East Wenatchee, Olympia, and Bellingham (Whatcom County). Walla Walla, Deschutes County (Bend), and Missoula have had their own for 20+ years. 

Our area is the fastest growing in Washington state.  With more people come more complex transportation issues.  In order for pedestrian and bicycle traffic to be treated with equal importance as private auto traffic, it must have a voice. We urge our city council to implement a BPAC.