The Bainbridge Mobility Alliance has started a survey of island residents to determine their support for biking and walking trails, bike lanes and other non-motorized transportation projects on the island.

“We hope the survey will engage many residents and provide meaningful information about these critical non-motorized elements,” said Susan Loftus, a private citizen who is helping to spearhead the survey and the future work of the group.

The goal of the alliance, which includes representatives from Climate Action Bainbridge, the Bainbridge Parks Foundation, the city’s Multi-Modal Advisory Committee, Squeaky Wheels, Sustainable Bainbridge and private citizens, is to generate support for a future bond issue to finance new trails, bike lanes and other non-motorized transportation needs on the island.

City officials have been exploring the idea of putting a $15 million bond measure to pay for new trails, sidewalks and other related projects.

The alliance is hoping positive feedback from the survey will provide the impetus for the Bainbridge city council to put the bond proposal on the November ballot. Residents can take the online survey by visiting http://walkbikebainbridge.com/.

The mission of BMA “is to significantly improve and expand opportunities for walking and biking on Bainbridge Island,” Loftus said.

“An enhanced network of facilities for walking and biking will improve conditions for current users and attract more islanders of all ages to walk or bike for exercise, recreation, or to reach a destination,” she added. “Benefits of improved infrastructure include giving kids safe options to bike or walk to schools, supporting health and wellness, reducing carbon emissions, enabling connections with nature and parks, and better serving islanders with mobility limitations.”