Renton works on a plan to make Cedar River Trail safe for all

City of Renton officials from multiple departments are working on plans to make the Cedar River Trail safer, following the death of an 83-year-old woman knocked down by a bike rider on April 18.

City of Renton officials from multiple departments are working on plans to make the Cedar River Trail safer, following the death of an 83-year-old woman knocked down by a bike rider on April 18.

Mayor Denis Law met this week with several departments, including Community Services, public works, transportation and police and fire to discuss options open to the city.

The goal is to have a plan in place by summer, when the trail is most heavily used.

“That will include enhanced enforcement, more signage and an education campaign to inform the public about trail safety,” Law said Tuesday after the meeting.

Velda K. Mapelli was hit while walking on the trail on that Sunday afternoon and died of her massive injuries the next day at Harborview Medical Center.

Her death has resulted in numerous e-mails and calls to city officials and the media, many expressing outrage at her death and relating near-misses on the Cedar River Trail.

Law said the departments “did a lot of homework” before Tuesday’s meeting, resulting in a “whole pile” of information to consider.

The city’s rules of etiquette and speed limit for the Cedar River Trail are similar those in other cities with trails, Law said.

As part of this review, the Police Department is looking at ways to improve bike safety on city streets.

Law will present options to the City Council at its meeting on May 24.

Law said the city is already doing what other cities are doing. But the question, he said, is “Is there something else we can do.”