The City of Seattle is continuing to expand its bicycle network to make cycling more comfortable for people of all ages and abilities, and neighborhood greenways play a key role in helping us get there. Over the past year, we have seen some very positive increases in ridership on a number of our recently built greenways.
58th Street NW Bicycle Counts
Along the 58th Street NW Greenway in Ballard, the average weekday volume in 2013 was 64 cyclists. In 2014, that number increased to 579 per weekday, with an average peak ridership of 49 cyclists per hour at 6 p.m. These counts were taken in March and April of both years.
Bikes Counts from 58th Street NW
26th Avenue SW Bicycle Counts
Along the 26th Ave SW Greenway in Delridge, the average weekday volume in 2013 was 86 cyclists. In 2014, that number increased to 632 per weekday, with an average peak ridership of 90 cyclists per hour at 5 p.m. These counts were taken in May of both years.
Bike Counts from 26th Avenue SW
This increase in cyclists using greenways is significant and shows that people are using these safer, calm residential streets as an alternative to busier arterials with high automobile volumes. In addition to being a great place for cyclists, neighborhood greenways are designed for pedestrians too!
If you haven’t used a neighborhood greenway to walk or bike to restaurants, cafes, and other spots in your neighborhood, give it a try and let us know what your experience is like.
To learn more about greenways, where we’ve built them, and where we’re planning to build more, check out our neighborhood greenways page.