Planning study news
We completed the Cycle Highways Action Plan in June 2025. Findings from the plan may guide the development of a statewide cycling network that provides connected, comfortable active transportation between cities and towns.
Purpose
In 2024, the Washington State Legislature directed WSDOT to begin an action plan describing how to support a network of long-distance bicycle routes across the state. A network in Washington would connect communities and make it easier to travel longer distances without driving.
The report establishes a framework for a program to develop cycle highways, and recommendations for creating the program if funding became available.
To produce the report, we:
- Analyzed national and international case studies describing bicycle network development to identify best practices.
- Discussed network possibilities with state partners.
- Reviewed existing related policies and resources.
- Reviewed research from states that have or are developing similar networks.
- Incorporated more than 100 pieces of initial feedback from partner agencies and organizations involved in bicycle network development.
Planning study report
The Cycle Highways Action Plan, published by the WSDOT Active Transportation Division, creates a framework for launching a program that could connect Washington communities through cycle highways, as well as recommendations for successfully implementing the framework.