Signs point the way for Vancouver bicyclists

More than 800 bicycle wayfarer signs have sprouted up around Vancouver recently including this one near the Interstate 5 Bridge. (Troy Wayrynen/The Columbian)

Bicycle wayfarer signs have sprouted like dandelions this spring across Vancouver.

More than 800 signs have been erected across the city during the past two months, thanks in part to a $218,000 federal grant intended to reduce congestion and improve air quality.

The signs guide bicyclists to 42 distinct destinations.

Major destinations, such as downtown Vancouver and Hazel Dell, are indicated as far as 13 miles away. Secondary destinations such as transit centers or regional parks are sited at a distance of five miles. Finally, third-tier destinations such as community centers and trails are signed no farther than three miles away.

The signs are generally too small to be seen by motorists zipping past in automobiles, but they can be crucial for cyclists operating on pedal power.

"A driver who misses an exit or a turn can easily turn around," said Todd Boulanger, a Vancouver bicyclist and former transportation planner for the city. "For a cyclist, that could be 10 to 15 minutes."

The signs are posted at "decision points" along established bicycle routes.

The signs encompass an area loosely bounded by Vancouver Lake to the west; on the north by Orchards and Salmon Creek; and the city of Camas to the east. The general idea is to make it a little easier to entice people into bicycling.

"The overall mission is to direct people to the proper routes where they're not striped with bike lanes," said Matt Ransom, Vancouver's transportation planning manager. "You're human-powered, so a sense of distance is important."

The city is matching the $218,000 federal grant with about $135,000 out of a city fund set aside for bicycle improvement projects, transportation planner Jennifer Campos said.

Besides the signs, the money will go toward widening the bike path leading from Columbia Street onto the Interstate 5 Bridge; constructing a wider shoulder for bicyclists along Fruit Valley Road from Bernie Drive north to 78th Street; striping new bike lanes across the city; and generally promoting the city's "bikability" with an event on June 24 and a subsequent ride later in the summer.

Campos said she intends to set up a table near the clock tower in Esther Short Park from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. on June 24.

She will entice bicyclists during the morning commute with reflectors, tire-patch kits, drinks, snacks and a prize drawing. She said the prize is a night's stay at the nearby Hilton, a restaurant gift certificate, movie tickets and a dessert.

Erik Robinson: 360-735-4551 or erik.robinson@columbian.com.