Biking between Rainier Valley and Lake Washington is now a lot easier thanks to the new bicycle “runnel” built by SDOT crews at S. Hinds Street and York Road S. stairway. Stairway runnels create an easier way for bicyclists to push bikes up or down a staircase in a channel (like a concrete rain gutter) on the side of the staircase. This can save bicyclists injury from slinging their bike over their shoulder to climb stairs. The new stairway runnel (as seen on the left side of the photo) features a handrail for the runnel user, which also delineates the space for pedestrians.
S. Hinds Street stairway: before (left) and after (right)
These improvements are part of SDOT’s Stairway Maintenance and Repair Program. The S. Hinds Street stairway is one of more than 500 stairways owned and maintained by SDOT’s Roadway Structures Division. Learn more about SDOT’s stairways and upcoming repair projects by visiting http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/stairways.htm.