Neighborhood greenways are in high demand and right now SDOT is implementing the fifth one in Seattle. Located in the North Delridge Neighborhood we are making it safer and more comfortable for people of all ages and abilities to walk and ride a bike along 26^th Avenue SW.  In a neighborhood known for a just-get-it-done attitude, staff worked with the North Delridge Neighborhood Council to figure out what improvements should be made.

Bike riders on 26th Avenue SW which is being enhanced to become a greenway.

Already 13 speed humps have been constructed along a 1.5 mile stretch, pavement repairs made and 20 mph signs installed. Speed humps help keep traffic speeds low and are built with gentle slopes so it is easy for bike riders to move over them. Over the next few months, ADA ramps are being constructed;two radar speed feedback signs placed near the Delridge Playfield and Skate Park; crosswalk marked at SW Genesee and a raised crosswalk installed at SW Andover Street. Complementing the raised crosswalk, in 2014 SDOT will widen the sidewalk on Delridge Way SW that connects Andover to the West Seattle Bridge Trail.  

Neighborhood greenway amenities can be especially beneficial for families, children and seniors who might find these routes more comfortable than busier nearby streets like Delridge Way SW. Local access to homes along neighborhood greenways is always preserved and there are usually minimal, if any changes to on-street parking.Next, SDOT is holding a community meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9 at the Highland Park Improvement Club, 1116 SW Holden to consider possible neighborhood greenway routes on the east side of Delridge Way SW. More details will be available soon.

We look forward to traveling the “green way” with you.

Linden Avenue North between North 128th and North 145th streets is a fabulous new version of itself – awaiting a unique artwork installation in early July to call the “Complete Street” a completed project. Part of the newly neighborhood friendly Linden Corridor is the City’s first urban cycle track - modeled after designs in Vancouver, British Columbia. The two-way cycle track on the eastern side of the street features green boxes at intersections and driveways to raise awareness of bicycle travelers.

The special green thermal-plastic pavement treatment is much longer lasting than standard road paint, making it a good safety investment.

Another safety measure along the cycle track is a special bicycle signal at North 130th Street. The bicycle signal turns green prior to the vehicle signal; this allows the cyclist to enter the intersection so that right-turning vehicles see the cyclist before making a right-hand turn (a common bicycle/vehicle risk). In addition, southbound vehicles have their own left-turn phase, during which time the bicycle signal is red.Other new sites along the corridor include some temporary educational signs, telling bicyclists how to use the bicycle track, among other things. The goal of the educational signs along the side of the cycle track, as well as area posters and flyers throughout the neighborhood, is to make the new 2-way cycle track configuration something travelers are aware of and understand. 

One other thing to be aware of, a private development at the intersection of Linden Ave North & North 141st Street will temporarily block a portion of the cycle track until early August. That said, the project team is still planning a big Linden Complete Street Celebration July 13, 10 a.m. to noon! Look for details soon…

Mary Kalhor Photography

Hundreds of people joined the Alki Summer Streets Party on Sunday, May 19, following the West Seattle 5K Run/Walk, West Seattle High School’s fundraiser event. It was cool along the waterfront, but the weather held up for visitors to enjoy the streets by walking, biking, skateboarding and playing along Alki Avenue SW.

Our vision of a Seattle street where people can walk and bike more became a reality for six hours. The activities ranged from art by Alki Arts Fair to a musical performance by local favorite Sarey Savey to Zumba with instructor Jennifer Cepeda to West Seattle’s largest costumed bike parade (organized by the Alki Beach Creeps)! Restaurants bustled with business and people enjoyed the sound of laughter and the waves.

Mary Kalhor Photography

There is still more to come! Come see what Seattle is like without traffic, pollution and noise at these three events.

Ballard – Friday, May 31 from 3:30 to 7 p.m.  

PhinneyWood – Friday, August 9 from 6 to 9:30 p.m.  

 Rainier Valley – Saturday, August 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Check out the new Seattle Summer Streets video for your enjoyment: Share broadly.

Mary Kalhor Photography

Mark your calendars: SDOT’s 2013 Walk Bike Ride Challenge launches June 15 and runs through the summer until September 9. Sign up NOW and start inviting your friends, neighbors, family, co-workers to join in on the fun.

The Walk Bike Ride Challenge is an SDOT incentive program to inspire you to try new transportation options this summer, and hopefully change some of your habits in the long-term. If you walk, bike, ride transit, carpool, skip, skate (you get the idea!) to your destination instead of driving alone, you can win one of these great prizes:

• A brand new bike and helmet from Gregg’s Cycles
• Family pack tickets to the Woodland Park Zoo
• $200 REI Gift Card
• $100 Nordstrom Gift Card
• $100 Farmers Market gift certificate
• $150 Zipcar gift certificate
• Car2Go membership and four hours of driving
• And more to come!

You can sign up now and start logging trips anytime between June 15 and September 9, but remember: the more trips you report, the higher the chance you have of winning! If you refer-a-friend that participates in the Challenge, we’ll enter you into a weekly raffle for a $20 Orca Card. If that wasn’t enough, we’ll also be offering other fun incentives throughout the Challenge so everyone has a shot at winning.

Once you sign up for the WBR Challenge you become part of a community making Seattle a more active and better place to live.  The Walk Bike Ride Challenge is partnering with Luum this year and using a brand new platform to track your progress, provide tips and encouragement, and engage with fellow Challengers.  We’re really excited for the new features, and can’t wait to hear what you think.  So, what are you waiting for?  Get moving, get active, get prizes!

Contact us at:
waytogo@seattle.gov
206-684-5545
http://www.seattle.gov/waytogo/wbr_challenge.htm

Learn more about the Walk Bike Ride Initiative here.

The Seattle Bicycle Advisory Board is seeking new members

Whether you’re an occasional bicycle rider or “hard core” cyclist, now is your chance to weigh in on the on-going development and implementation of Seattle’s bicycle facilities network.The Seattle Bicycle Advisory Board (SBAB) is seeking applications for new members to advise the City on the concerns and needs of the growing bicycling community. The volunteer board of 12, which was created by Seattle City Council in 1977, plays an influential role in implementing Seattle’s Bicycle Master Plan. The board advises the Mayor and City Council, participates in planning and project development, evaluates policies and makes recommendations to all city departments including the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT).

Board members serve a two-year term, with an opportunity to serve a second term. Current members represent all types of cyclists and skill levels, from casual weekend riders to year-round commuters. Members must be Seattle residents and may not be city employees. The board meets the first Wednesday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m. at Seattle City Hall.

The vision of the board is to make Seattle a world-class city for bicycling; to make bicycling a viable transportation choice by encouraging active participation in policy and planning efforts through all levels of government. The board strives to build a more inclusive bicycling community by representing the needs of the diverse population of bicyclists in the city.

According to Allegra Calder, current chair of the Bicycle Advisory Board, “Serving on the board is an opportunity to work closely with SDOT staff and bicyclists from across the city to review and weigh in on planned projects in an effort to make Seattle a great and safe place to bike.”

Mayor McGinn and City Council are committed to promoting diversity in the City’s boards and
commissions. Women, youths, seniors, persons with disabilities, sexual minorities, and persons of color are encouraged to apply. Interested persons should submit a resume and cover letter explaining their interest via email by May 31 to: walkandbike@seattle.gov .  Please put “SBAB” in the subject line.

Interested persons without internet access may call: 206-684-7583.  To learn more about the board or join the mailing list for agendas and other board updates, please visit the SBAB website.

We’ve said it was coming but that doesn’t make it any easier…11PM tonight through 5AM Monday, May 20 FULL CLOSURE OF:

• SR 99-Valley Street to the southern end of the Battery Street Tunnel
• Mercer Street-Fifth Avenue N to Dexter Avenue N

Sidewalks will be closed on both sides of SR 99 between Thomas and Valley Streets, and on the south side of Mercer Street between Fifth Avenue N and Dexter Avenue N.

That isn’t the worst of it, because we are really just beginning this segment of the Mercer Corridor effort – meaning MAJOR impacts are beginning.

Following the full weekend closure of SR 99, lane restrictions on Mercer Street will remain in place between Fourth Avenue N and Ninth Avenue N.

                                Click map for larger PDF version

To help alleviate traffic congestion on eastbound Mercer Street, eastbound Broad Street will re-open to traffic on Monday, May 20, as an alternate route for travelers heading to I-5.  Additional traffic revisions will include:

• Mercer Street between Fourth and Ninth avenues north down to two eastbound lanes (local access maintained at Taylor Avenue N)
• Sidewalk on the north side of Mercer Street closed between Fifth Dexter avenues north (sidewalk on the south side of Mercer Street will remain open)
• SR 99 traffic between Valley and Harrison streets shifted to the west side of the roadway (two lanes of SR 99 in each direction will remain open)

The northbound SR 99 off-ramp to Mercer Street will be permanently closed. A new signalized intersection at Republican Street and Dexter Avenue N will be available for northbound SR 99 traffic to reach South Lake Union.

OK, that’s all for now, but it really seems like enough…

Infographic: Four Requirements for a Bikeable City

Check out this great infographic from ChangeLab Solutions:

Click to view larger version

Enjoy Bike to Work Day on Friday!

SDOT is excited to announce the kick-off of the Westlake Cycle Track project. This project improves safety for people biking, improves the pedestrian experience, and will be done in coordination with the Ballard to Downtown Seattle Transit Expansion Study, because Westlake is one of the possible corridors being considered for future rail.

The Toole Design Group, a planning, engineering and landscape architecture firm whose specialty is bike and pedestrian transportation, has been selected to do the planning and design of pedestrian and bicycle improvements. One element of their effort will be figuring out just how folks and freight will move safely up and down (and across) the strip between Lake Union and the eastern bluffs of Queen Anne, no matter how they travel. 

The centerpiece of the study is a brand new cycle track to link the Ship Canal Trail with bike and pedestrian facilities on South Lake Union. The public right-of-way on Westlake can accommodate all modes of travel—people walking, transit, people riding bikes, vehicles and freight — and a cycle track will be a great way of helping to keep everyone safe. It improves safety for all modes of traffic and can make it easier for motorists to see people walking on bikes when entering and leaving the parking lot adjacent to Westlake.

Read more »

Are you a seasoned veteran or a newbie rider?!  It’s time to celebrate Bike to Work Day this Friday, May 17.  Bike to Work Day is annual event and has been used to inspire many folks to try riding to work for the first time.  Biking to work can be a challenge, but with a little pre-planning and thought, many of the obstacles can be overcome fairly easily.  Below are a few of the common questions heard. 

What route should I follow? 

The City of Seattle has an on-line bike map to help you pick the best route to get from home to work and back.

Can I ride on the street or sidewalk? 

Bicyclists must follow the same rules of the road as other vehicles.  This link will help you become reacquainted with the do’s and don’ts of riding a bike in Seattle!

Where can I take a shower or get cleaned up after my ride?

Check with your building management to see if there are locker facilities in your building.  Many of the new buildings offer these facilities.  If that is not an option, check with a local gym as many offer day passes.  As a last resort, you can always clean up in the bathroom at work.  Many long-time riders utilize this option daily. 

How do I get my clothes and shoes to work?

Plan ahead!  Many riders will bring stuff in the day before or keep a set of clothes at their desk.  Many items needed for one day can be packed neatly in a back pack for the day.

What if I can only ride one way?  

You can always put your bike on the bus if you can only ride one way.  All King County Metro, Sound Transit, Pierce Transit and Community Transit buses have bike racks for your use.  For information on how and where to load your bike on a bus, please visit King County Metro.  

Planning ahead and doing a little bit of research can make your ride much less worrisome.   The Cascade Bicycle Club has a whole host of links, tips and ideas available on their commuter webpage.    In addition, the Bicycle Alliance of Washington is a great resource for issues facing cyclists across the state, for information please visit their web page. 

There has been a big increase in the number of cyclists on the road already this month with the good weather.  However, you can expect to see many more this Friday.  It’s a good opportunity for all of us to slow down, look out for each other and be respectful of all roadway users!  For more information on Bike to Work day and the scheduled events please visit the webpage. 

SDOT is hosting a street party Sunday, May 19 along Alki.  This free event opens the city’s largest public space – its streets – so people can walk, bike, roll, run, skip and shop – without having to watch out for cars! Participate in the West Seattle 5K Run/Walk in the morning, sponsored by West Seattle High School PTSA.  Stay for the party starting at 11 a.m.  And what a great time it is going to be. The Alki Beach Creeps are joining forces with us to bring the largest costumed bike parade in West Seattle’s 111 year history. Skate Like a Girl is planning skating workshops; Hollow Earth Radio is spinning tunes in-between live music; Coastal Boutique is hosting a t-shirt tye-dyeing station; Alki Bike and Board will be repairing bikes; and the Alki Art Fair—West Seattle’s premier art and music showcase—is inviting local artists to join the fun.  Check out our activity location map for more details on who is coming out to play and the location of all the restaurants along the corridor—yummy!

And that’s not all. We’re holding an art contest to capture the vibe of Summer Streets! Paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculptures, crafts, photography, video, we want to see what it’s like for you tho have the street free of cars for a few hours. There is $175 worth of VISA gift cards available for prizes. All submissions must be posted to our Facebook page by close of business Wednesday, May 15.

The fun continues throughout the summer. Celebrating its sixth year, Summer Streets has quickly become a tradition and a special part of summers in Seattle.  Local merchants and artists work together months in advance to make each event even better every year.  Neighbors, families and friends mark their calendars so they don’t miss it. Remaining events are scheduled for:

 Ballard—Friday, May 31 from 3:30 to 7 p.m.
PhinneyWood —Friday, August 9 from 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Rainier Valley—Saturday, August 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Get more details at www.seattle.gov/summerstreetsand follow us at www.facebook.com/seattlesummerstreets for the latest updates.