BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – An outpouring of community feedback has led to some updates on Bellingham’s bike lane pilot project.

Councilmember Hannah Stone provided more details at Monday’s City Council meeting.

“Overall, we’ve seen additional usage by bicyclists in our community, as well as slower speeds,” Stone said. “But recognizing that there will be continued improvements as the city moves forward.”

The project removed a lane of vehicle traffic on Holly Street last May. Many were critical of the plan, citing longer commute times and visibility issues for both cyclists and vehicles.

Councilmember Stone said the most pressing issues have already been addressed.

“The main points of concern early on in the pilot have been addressed. One related to traffic congestion and adjustments that were made to the cycle lengths at the lights,” Stone said. “The other was some visibility concerns and right hook conflicts when bicyclists and cars were turning right off of Holly.”

Stone added that the city’s scaling back of “streateries” along Holly Street helped them fix the flow of bike traffic through the intersection at Bay Street.

The city will continue to work on a final design plan for the bike lane, with the possibility of future projects extending the path towards Broadway.