As previously reported here on the SDOT Blog, our city’s network of cycle tracks is growing slowly but surely. You’ll now find these bikeways in several locations around Seattle including segments of Linden Avenue North, NE 65th Street, and the Alki Trail.
Cycle tracks are a relatively new feature on our roadways (though the Alki Trail has been around for a while) that provide cyclists with a bike lane(s) that is physically separated by grade or barrier from motor traffic and distinct from the sidewalk. Cycle tracks have different forms, but all share common elements—they provide space that is primarily used for bicycles and are separated from motor vehicle travel lanes, parking lanes, and sidewalks.
As drivers it’s imperative that we understand how to react to these roadway features to ensure that everyone’s safety. Parking near cycle tracks can be confusing for some people so let’s us explain how it’s done: vehicles should park in the marked lane between the vehicular travel lane and the bike lane in instances where on-street parking is available as shown in the images below:
A parking job well done along the Linden Avenue North Cycle Track
Cycle tracks bring another level of safety to our streets. Be sure to visit our website to learn more about these features.