The City of Kirkland recognizes pedestrian safety and walkability as key components in the quality of life for those that live, work, and play here. The City has preserved its public pathways along Lake Washington Boulevard, a walker’s paradise. Below are highlights of programs that reflect the City’s commitment to an active and healthy community:

Active Living Task Force

The Active Living Task Force, created in 2007, is comprised of residents, community agencies, local businesses, and City representatives. The vision is to work with Kirkland policy makers and provide support for local strategies aimed at promoting community-enriched physical activity as an integral part of everyone’s (including the disabled) daily life.


Recreation Programs

• The Kirkland Steppers Walk Program: Adults 50+ meet every Tuesday and Thursday for walks in downtown Kirkland (June–September).
• Neighborhood Walking Opportunities: Printable neighborhood walking maps are available on the City of Kirkland website to inspire and encourage a walkable and healthy community.
• Parks and Community Services Department: Adopted the National Recreation and Parks Association’s Step Up to Health campaign.

Pedestrian Safety

• “PedFlag” Pedestrian Safety Program: Yellow flags are used by pedestrians at over 30 crosswalks. Research shows flags are effective at getting drivers to yield to pedestrians.
• Flashing (In-Pavement Lights) Crosswalk Program: Flashing light units installed just below crosswalk lines provide early warning of pedestrians. Studies show a significant increase in drivers who yield to pedestrians in these crosswalks.
• Complete Streets Ordinance: Complete streets are designed to enable safe access for all users. Kirkland was the first Washington State city to adopt a Complete Streets Ordinance.
• Kirkland Police Department Programs:
• Crosswalk monitoring enforces high-volume pedestrian crosswalks.
• School speed zone enforcement enforces speed limits in school zones.
• Police Partners Program teaches kindergarten through 3rd grade about pedestrian safety.

City of Kirkland Policies

• Comprehensive Plan: Supports walking and other non-single occupancy vehicle forms of transportation. 
• Land Use regulations: Requires pedestrian connections that promote walking within commercial and multi-family projects and adjoining streets. 
• Non-motorized Transportation Plan: Provides improvements to pedestrian and bicycle systems. 
• Capital Improvement Program (CIP): Includes downtown design guidelines for pedestrians.

Achievements

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Award for “Building a Healthy Community for Active Aging”
• First city outside of California to install in-pavement light crosswalks
• First city in U.S. to implement pedestrian flag program
• First city in Washington to adopt a “Complete Streets” ordinance
• NRPA Community Spotlight Award
• WRPA Award of Excellence for “Step Up to Health Initiative”
• Voted “Top 15 Most Walkable City” by Walking Magazine

Walkable Community Profile (PDF-580 kb)