pacific nw transportation consortium region 10 Pactrans

On May 21, 2025, twenty-five participants gathered on beautiful spring day in Seattle, Washington, for a hands-on learning experience as part of the PacTrans WDI’s “Field Course in Active Transportation Design”. Attendees explored real-world applications of active transportation principles in two of Seattle’s most dynamic neighborhoods: University District and Capitol Hill.

The course attracted a diverse group of participants, ranging from newcomers to active transportation to experienced practitioners. The day began with a classroom session led by Chris Breiland, P.E., of Fehr & Peers, who provided an overview of active transportation planning and design concepts. Following the presentation, participants broke into small groups for concurrent walking and biking tours, guided by Breiland and fellow Fehr & Peers engineer Chris Grgich, P.E.

During the tours, participants examined implemented infrastructure projects firsthand, prompting discussions and comments about design choices. Dialogue focused on how various user groups—including truck drivers, emergency responders, visually impaired pedestrians, and individuals using personal mobility devices—interact with and are impacted by active transportation designs. The course provided an opportunity to evaluate these projects through multiple lenses and encouraged participants to consider the broader implications of design decisions.

The event concluded with an impromptu networking social at a local establishment, where attendees continued their conversations and built professional connections in a relaxed setting.

View all our upcoming courses at pactranswdi.org.