Hey Bikers and Trail Users,
The new Bicycle Leaning Rails have been installed at 25th Avenue NE and NE Blakeley Street along the Burke-Gilman Trail crossing, and are ready to use!
These rails and foot rests allow riders to rest an arm and/or foot when waiting at the trail intersection. Crews working for SDOT began installing the foot rests and rails last week in addition to the new wider bike-and-pedestrian friendly Curb Ramps. Please check out our latest Blog Video below:
Improvements to this intersection include:
- Upgraded curb ramps to be compliant with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
- Signal modifications for the new protected bicycle/pedestrian phase for the south crossing on the Burke-Gilman Trail with bicycle icon signal heads and push buttons are in the works and are expected to be finished by the end of March.
- Signal modifications to accommodate a new right-turn only pocket and protected turning phase on the west side of the intersection for eastbound motorists on NE Blakeley Street are also in the works and are expected to be finished soon.
New Bike Leaning Rail open and being used.
New Curb Ramps at 25th Avenue NE and NE Blakeley Street.
The Bike Leaning Rails are already used in places like Copenhagen, Denmark and Chicago, and allow bicyclists to rest their foot and have something to hold onto for balance while waiting at the traffic light rather than using traffic light posts or other poles around them.
The rails also help align bike riders to one side of the trail so the sidewalk is kept clear for pedestrians, making it safer for all to cross the street.
We’ve also made improvements to the intersection of 30th Avenue NE and the Burke-Gilman Trail by building a raised crosswalk that alerts drivers of this crossing with the intent of slowing vehicle speeds. Raised crosswalks also help improve visibility between motorists and pedestrians and help maintain a level crossing for people biking, walking or with disabilities.
Installation Crew Adrian and Jonathan set new Leaning Rail.
This project is the first of its kind in Seattle; SDOT will be evaluating potential future sites.
You can learn more about this project by visiting: www.seattle.gov/transportation/UnionBlakeleyImprovements.htm.