Spokane to Complete 27-Mile Cycling Network by 2027

The city is upgrading roads with traffic-calming measures to improve safety for local cyclists by next year.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Cycling

Bold vector editorial illustration of two yellow traffic bollards on a street corner, representing urban cycling safety infrastructure.
Spokane officials are accelerating the installation of traffic-calming infrastructure across the city, aiming to complete a 27-mile cycling network by 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The city of Spokane is working to connect 27 miles of cycling routes by the 2027 completion deadline. Recent upgrades in the South Hill, downtown, and West Central areas aim to improve connectivity and manage traffic speeds for local cyclists.

Why it matters

By adding infrastructure like speed bumps and dedicated crossings, the city is attempting to lower vehicle speeds on non-arterial streets. These improvements aim to create a safer environment for residents to navigate the city by bike.

The city of Spokane is executing an infrastructure project to integrate 27 miles of cycling routes into a cohesive network by 2027. Future installations of roundabouts and additional traffic-calming measures remain scheduled for the upcoming year.

The details

Engineers are modifying road geometry to prioritize cyclist safety through several tactical methods. Crews are shortening intersection lengths and installing channelizers, while painting sharrows on pavement to guide riders. Speed bumps, new signage, and roundabouts are designed to physically force drivers to reduce speeds on non-arterial routes.

Timeline

  1. 2026: The city installed new signage, speed bumps, and road crossings.

  2. 2027: The project reaches its 27-mile network completion deadline.

Health Landscape

The city's effort to integrate 27 miles of cycling routes aligns with broader urban design shifts toward traffic calming and active transportation. These improvements reflect a departure from car-centric planning in favor of safer, multi-modal street access.

Residents should take note of new crossing patterns on Elm Street at Maxwell, Boone, and Northwest Boulevard. If you cycle in the South Hill or West Central areas, these infrastructure changes are intended to provide safer, more consistent routes for your daily commute.

The takeaway

Reliable cycling infrastructure can improve city accessibility and encourage consistent physical activity. Consider mapping out your regular routes to account for the new crossings and traffic-calming zones throughout the South Hill and West Central areas.

What happens next

Spokane is scheduled to complete the remaining route connections and install additional roundabouts throughout the city in 2027.

Further reading

For more tips on navigating local transit safely, see the Cycling section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Spokesman Review.

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