Seattle PostGlobe - Top News: City looking for new members of Pedestrian Advisory Board

Policies on pedestrian safety in Seattle made substantial gains during Mayor Greg Nickels' time, even if he couldn't be called a crusader. There may be opportunities for bigger gains when Mike McGinn takes office, especially since the City Council has taken a big interest in the subject.

So, this might be a good time for anyone interested in the issue to pay attention to upcoming openings on Seattle's Pedestrian Advisory Board. Three of the spots on the volunteer board will come open because the members have served the maximum of two terms, according to Brian Dougherty of the city Department of Transportation. Each term is for two years.

The board started in 1993 and became permanent with City Council adoption of legislation in 1997. Its duties include advising the mayor and council on pedestrian safety policies and promoting pedestrian safety as part of city design guidelines. Pedestrian-friendly development possibilities have received greater attention locally in recent years as Seattle, King County and suburban cities have all realized that too many people are being hurt or killed while, on the other side, more opportunities to walk would improve public health and the environment. Indeed, by a number of accounts, some of the suburbs have led the way in certain improvements, such as the use of pedestrian flags.

For anyone who is interested in applying, here's a city press release about applying for the vacancies:

SEATTLE – Mayor Greg Nickels is seeking three volunteers to serve on the Pedestrian Advisory Board. Residents are invited to apply to serve on a volunteer committee that plays an influential role in implementing Seattle’s Pedestrian Master Plan. The board advises the mayor and City Council, participates in planning and project development, evaluates policies and makes recommendations.

Board members serve a two-year term, with an opportunity to serve a second term. The volunteers are frequent walkers of a variety of ages, levels of mobility and walks of life, and from areas throughout the city. Members must be Seattle residents and may not be city employees. The group meets the second Wednesday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m. at City Hall, located at 600 Fourth Ave., James and Cherry streets.

People interested in serving on the board are encouraged to submit by Dec. 16 a resume and cover letter explaining their interest to:

Brian Dougherty, Seattle Department of Transportation,

P.O. Box 34996, Seattle Washington, 98124-4996,

700 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3900,

or via e-mail to brian.dougherty@seattle.gov.

For more information, call Brian Dougherty at (206) 684-5124, or e-mail him at the address above.