Bremerton’s 6th Street Bicycle Lanes
The 6th Street Active Transportation Improvement Project has advanced from concept into active design and policy review. It is one of Bremerton’s most significant bicycle and pedestrian safety projects because it would transform 6th Street into a safer east-west corridor connecting neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and downtown.
Current status
The project is now being reviewed by the City of Bremerton Complete Streets Committee as part of the design process. At its May 27, 2026 meeting, city engineers presented updated concepts and specifically discussed:
- New on-street bicycle lanes.
- Safer pedestrian facilities.
- Whether to remove or repurpose some on-street parking.
- Eliminating “dooring” hazards where parked-car doors can open into cyclists.
- Using bollards, planters, or other treatments to protect bicycle lanes where feasible.
One of the key design discussions concerns two existing parking spaces immediately west of Washington Avenue. City engineers concluded these spaces conflict with the proposed bicycle lanes because they create a significant door-zone hazard for cyclists. The presentation cites national guidance that dooring crashes account for roughly 12–27% of reported bicycle-motor vehicle collisions.
What advocates have been requesting
For several years, local advocates have argued that simply repaving 6th Street without redesigning it would miss an important opportunity.
The advocacy goals have generally included:
- A “road diet” that reallocates roadway space rather than simply replacing pavement.
- Protected or buffered bicycle lanes.
- Better pedestrian crossings.
- Lower traffic speeds.
- A safer corridor for people walking, biking, and rolling.
Street Smart Bremerton
Street Smart Bremerton has been one of the principal grassroots organizations advocating for redesign of 6th Street.
The group publicly campaigned against a simple repaving project and urged the City to incorporate a road diet and bicycle infrastructure at the same time. Their messaging emphasized that repaving is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve safety rather than preserving the existing street configuration.
West Sound Cycling Club
The West Sound Cycling Club has consistently supported safer bicycle infrastructure throughout Kitsap County, including the 6th Street corridor.
The club has:
- encouraged members to attend public meetings,
- supported Complete Streets policies,
- advocated for protected cycling facilities,
- promoted projects that connect Bremerton to the broader regional bicycle network.
The City has also acknowledged the club’s long-standing advocacy for related bicycle and Safe Routes to School projects.
Dianne Iverson
Dianne Iverson has become one of Kitsap County’s best-known bicycle and pedestrian advocates.
Regarding the 6th Street project, public records show that she:
- participated in the May 2026 Complete Streets Committee meeting,
- took part in discussions on the 6th Street Active Transportation Project,
- has consistently advocated for streets that are safe for people of all ages and abilities,
- has been active through organizations including the Leafline Trails Coalition, West Sound Cycling Club, and Street Smart Bremerton.
Her advocacy philosophy has consistently emphasized that transportation infrastructure should safely accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users, and families—not only motor vehicles.
Outlook
The project appears to have strong momentum. The City is no longer debating whether bicycle facilities belong on 6th Street; instead, current discussions focus on how to implement them while balancing parking, traffic operations, and safety. The engineering team is actively refining design alternatives, indicating the project has progressed beyond initial concept planning into detailed design.
For more information, you can visit the City of Bremerton’s project page:
https://bremertonwa.gov/1342/6th-Street-Active-Transportation-Improve