We’ve been working hard to better connect bicycle pathways across the city and beyond, and regularly report on progress. The assessment of efforts thus far in 2018, shows dedication toward the larger Bicycle Master Plan (BMP) vision is producing positive results. The BMP is primarily funded by the Levy to Move Seattle, approved by voters in 2015.
The BMP vision is for riding a bicycle to be a comfortable and integral part of daily life in Seattle, for people of all ages and abilities.
Working closely with the Bicycle Advisory Board to prioritize projects, decisions within the 2017-2021 implementation plan have focused on how well each project connects to the existing network. Construction plans are also measured against One Center City goals, to align pedestrian, bicycle, street, transit, and development projects. Highlights of what BMP projects are completing in 2018, include:
- 17.5 miles of bike facilities (adds to ~16 miles built 2016-2017)
- Rainier Valley Neighborhood Greenway (the longest Greenway in Seattle)
- An all-ages/abilities connected bike route (with 2nd Ave. protected bike lane)
- 12 spot-safety improvements (fixing areas with the potential to trip up a cyclist)
- 180 bike parking spot installations (170 more planned by year’s end)
Specific locations of added bicycle facilities in 2018 include:
- Banner Way PBL Upgrade – 0.57 miles
- 2nd Ave PBL – 0.92 miles
- 7th Ave PBL – 0.39 miles
- Highland Park NGW Connection – 0.52 miles
- Olympic Hills NGW Connection – 0.76 miles
- Rainier Valley NGW Phase 1 – 5.5 miles
By the end of 2018, the total of bicycle facilities complete, or in construction, is expected to be 19.47 miles. That number includes, but is not limited to:
- S Dearborn PBL – 0.46 miles
- S Columbian Way PBL – 1.11 miles
- North Seattle NGW – 2.7 miles
- Eagle Staff Middle School NGW Connection – 0.65 miles
A definitive restart of the BMP effort last year, saw a dedication to more downtown pieces of the bicycle path network and to more bicycle projects making it to the “construction-ready” stage, increasing efficiency when any one project runs into a delay.
2nd Ave Protected Bike Lane at Pike St | Downtown Seattle
A much-desired result this year, that came after completion of the 2nd Ave protected bike lane, is a significant increase in ridership. From the 2nd Ave bike counter, the numbers show a 31% increase in ridership from 2017 to 2018.
Moving forward in developing the 2019-2024 BMP implementation plan, we will continue coordination with bicycle stakeholders, to:
- Balance available funding with BMP priorities;
- Manage project delivery on time and within budget;
- Develop strategies for growing bicycle ridership; and, wherever feasible,
- Make use of lower-cost design options (e.g. paint striping and posts instead of concrete curbs) to deliver the maximum amount of bicycle network connectivity.
As we assess and lay out BMP projects for the remainder of the levy, we will be providing quarterly updates on status to the Seattle Bicycle Advisory Board and the Levy Oversight Committee. It’s this continued collaboration that supports success in addressing bicycle traffic stress; bicycle and pedestrian safety; and safe connectivity, complete with destination tools such as more bike parking spots.
