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A Vibrant Seattle Through Transportation Excellence.

A little snow didn’t stop some of Seattle’s bikers from getting around.

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Central District bike rider (in 2019). Photo by Jeanne Clark

While bicycle traffic goes down when it snows, there were still many riders who got around on their two wheels this week.

 

The Fremont Bridge Counter recorded a total of 1,167 bicycles on Monday, January 13th! That’s down 59% from the Monday prior with 2,845 bicycles over the bridge, but that’s still a lot of people braving the cold and snow on bike.

 

If you decide to bike next time it snows, please dress for the weather with reflective clothes, lights and a helmet, make sure your bike is tuned and equipped to handle inclement weather, ride slowly and use extra caution. Road conditions can change at any time. Remember that drivers may also be navigating unfamiliar road conditions.

 

SDOT crews spreading salt on a protected bike lane.

SDOT crews spreading salt on a protected bike lane.

 

We’re working to help people get around by bike when it snows.

 

One thing that we’re doing differently this year is we now have a designated team for treating and clearing protected bike lanes along with a separate team to treat and clear curb ramps and pedestrian paths on overpasses.

 

On Monday, January 13, 2020, we were able to inspect, treat, & spot clear 46.82 miles of protected bike lane.

 

In some cases, we re-treated the same lanes multiple times for very heavily used bike routes like the 2nd Ave protected bike lane.

 

Our crews focused on protected bike lanes in the Central Business District, Capitol Hill, and Westlake. We have smaller plows for the bike lanes, but much of the work this week was done by hand where snow depth wasn’t enough for motorized vehicles. We continue to inspect, treat, and clear protected bicycle lanes as-needed, between the hours of 7 AM and 7 PM during snow and icy conditions.

 

Mini snow plow for bike lanes

We’re not able to clear most of our neighborhood greenway routes because by design, their routes are narrow & have roundabouts & speed bumps to keep car traffic to a minimum.

 

Unfortunately, these features that increase the bike-ability of these roads the majority of the year, prevent snow plows from accessing the roads. Thank you for being patient and finding alternative routes.

 

Plan your bike commute in the snow.

 

Know which roads have been recently plowed and treated on our Winter Weather Response map. Our snow plows push snow to the right. In some cases this means more snow is in bike lanes before the plows are able to do another pass at the road and move snow completely to the side.

 

Use caution & know your comfort level.

 

If you don’t feel comfortable biking in the snow, choose an alternative option. You can bus, walk, light rail, or maybe even cozy up at home. You can hop back on your bike next week when temperatures are forecasted to be in the 40s with typical Seattle winter rain.

 

If you’re one of the brave who choose to bike in the snow, dress for the weather with warm layers, reflective clothes, lights and a helmet, pay attention to road conditions, ride slowly and use extra caution, and turn around if you realize conditions are beyond your comfort level. And have fun!

 

More resources:

 

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Link Light Rail Riders + Bike Riders, get ready for Connect 2020 Link closures & detours.

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Commuters at International District/Chinatown Link Station. Image by Jeanne Clark

 

We’re on the next track of the Chapter 3 Seattle Squeeze journey: Link light rail expansion to I-90.

 

The Seattle Squeeze is the period from now until 2024 when private and public construction projects put pressure on our transportation system and change how we all travel through and around Seattle.

 

Starting January 4, Sound Transit will build new Link light rail tracks connecting International District/Chinatown Station across I-90 to Judkins Park, Mercer Island, Bellevue and Redmond and it will result in ten weeks of construction and commute disruptions. It will be a short-term inconvenience for a long-term gain for you and our region. This Sound Transit project is called Connect 2020.

 

If you’re a Link light rail rider (especially if you’re planning to bring your bike on the train), you need to know about the details of Connect 2020 & plan your commute.

 

  • Give yourself time – plan an extra 30 minutes into your commute.
  • Trains will run every 12 minutes.
  • There will be a train transfer at Pioneer Square Station to continue your light rail ride.
  • There will be no bikes at Pioneer Square Station.
  • There will be a few weekend closures.
  • Sound Transit Ambassadors will be at stations to help answer your questions.

 

Read on for details.

 

Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.

 

Plan ahead! It’s likely that during peak weekday commutes both trains and buses in downtown Seattle will see more crowding and delays based on demand. Leave a half hour earlier than normal so you’re not stressed about being late.

 

There will be a train transfer at Pioneer Square through a central platform to continue your Link ride.

Animation by Sound Transit via https://connect2020.soundtransit.org/

 

Except during weekend closures, four-car trains will run every 12 minutes and riders traveling through Pioneer Square Station will change trains on a new temporary center platform – as seen in the animation above – to continue on from either Pioneer Square to Angle Lake and Pioneer Square to University of Washington.

 

There will be no bikes allowed at Pioneer Station (fret not, use new protected bike lanes!).

 

You can expect more crowded Link trains during Connect 2020. Maintaining a safe environment is a priority. With hundreds of passengers switching trains at a time, Sound Transit is prohibiting bicycles at the Pioneer Street Station during the duration of the 10-weeks of construction. Southbound riders with bicycles will need to exit at University Street and northbound riders with bicycles will need to exit at International District/Chinatown.

 

Bike detour map by Sound Transit via https://connect2020.soundtransit.org/

 

People riding bicycles between University Street and International District/Chinatown stations can use new protected bicycle lanes on S. Main Street and 5th Avenue S.

 

New protected bike lanes were installed this year connecting the Dearborn Street bike lanes to the 2nd Avenue bike lanes. These lanes will come in handy during the Connect 2020 construction when bicycles won’t be allowed at Pioneer Square Station. Learn more about Seattle bike routes and how to bring your bike on Link.

 

These, plus new bike facilities on 7th Avenue and King Street, will take you from station to station and connect you to other downtown destinations. The new bike lanes are part of Seattle’s Center City Bike Network of protected bike lanes that make biking a reliable travel choice and calm traffic as more people compete for limited street space.

 

There will be a few weekend closures. Set up a reminder.

 

Depending on construction progress, Link light rail service between Capitol Hill and SODO will be closed on the weekends of January 4-5, February 8-9 and March 14-15. During the closure, use the free surface street Link shuttle bus that will depart every seven minutes (during normal Link hours). There will be signs showing you the way to the shuttles, and Sound Transit staff will be there to help navigate.

 

Diagram by Sound Transit via https://connect2020.soundtransit.org/

 

As seen on the Sound Transit map above, Link will run from UW-Capitol Hill and Angle Lake-SODO only during the weekend closures. Subscribe to email or text Link light rail alerts to stay up to date about the weekend closures.

 

Visit Sound Transit for more information about Connect 2020, train schedules, and station closures. Also, visit our seattle.gov/traffic website to help plan your commute and stay informed with all the changes happening from now until 2024.

 

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Let’s work together. It’s time to prepare for Sound Transit’s Link light rail construction.

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Animation by Sound Transit via https://connect2020.soundtransit.org/

Our goal is to keep people moving during Sound Transit’s 10 weeks of light rail construction and reduced Link service. Our team is prepared with small changes to the system to help trains stay on schedule.

 

Starting Jan. 4, Sound Transit will build new Link light rail tracks connecting International District/Chinatown Station across I-90 to Judkins Park, Mercer Island, Bellevue and Redmond and it will result in 10 weeks of reduced Link service, commute disruptions and three weekend closures. This Sound Transit project is called Connect 2020. 

Animation by Sound Transit via https://connect2020.soundtransit.org/

 

Remember: It will be a short-term inconvenience for a long-term gain for you & our region. 

 

We’re making small changes to the system to ensure trains stay on schedule. 

For example, the automatic gates at Royal Brougham Street will close a few seconds sooner so Link trains won’t be slowed down by traffic. 

 

We’re adding temporary passenger load zones for pick-up and drop-off at Link stations.

We expect more travelers may choose to use a rideshare, so we’re adding more load zones at station areas. 

 

We added the South End Connection, a protected bike lane that connects 2nd Avenue to the International District/Chinatown Station via Main Street and 5th Avenue S. 

Bikes won’t be allowed between the University Street Station and International District/Chinatown Station during Connect 2020, so we completed the needed pathway to give people with bikes a protected ride between these two stations. 

 

We’re spreading the word. 

People from the City have been out and about in the Rainier Valley providing information to travelers and businesses in Chinese, Vietnamese, African languages, and Spanish.  If you need translated information, Sound Transit’s Connect 2020 website is available in 10 languages.

 

Image of connect 2020 website via https://connect2020.soundtransit.org/

Image of Connect 2020 website via https://connect2020.soundtransit.org/

 

We’ll monitor traffic 24/7 and make real-time adjustments. 

The Link light rail changes could cause disruptions, but staff in our incident management control center will monitor congestion and traffic cameras 24/7 to make real time adjustments. 

 

Tag, you’re it! Have you been thinking about commuting a different way? Now’s your time to Flip Your Trip!  

 

#FlipYourTrip by commuting car-free just once a week to do something good for yourself, your city, & your planet.

 

Try biking on your own bike or using a bike share. JUMP bikes is offering a discount during Connect 2020 – riders simply apply the promotion code “JUMPCON20” to their accounts, and their subsequent rides will be 20 percent off until mid-March. Try using transit (bus, streetcar, monorail, ferries, water taxi, carpool, and/or vanpool – there are lots of options). Maybe you live close enough to walk to your destination. Also, consider talking with your employer about flexing your work schedule or teleworking. Here are a bunch of tools to help you plan your commute. More info on ways to #FlipYourTrip can be found on our website at FlipYourTrip.org. 

 

Prepare yourselves. Here are the top 5 things you need to know about Sound Transit’s Connect 2020 project.

 

There will be three weekend closures. Link light rail service between Capitol Hill and SODO will be closed on the weekends of January 4-5, February 8-9 and March 14-15.  A free bus shuttle will be available to take passengers to each station area.   

Give yourself enough time. Trains will run every 12 minutes. Sound Transit suggests planning an extra 30 minutes into your commute so you can stress less. Spread out on the platform and onboard the trains to avoid overcrowding. Also, it’s likely that during peak weekday commutes both trains and buses in downtown Seattle will see more crowding and delays based on demand.  

Pay attention to signs in the station areas. Platforms for boarding will sometimes differ from regular service. Have a question? Ask a Sound Transit ambassador in a teal vest – they’re there to help.

There will be a train transfer at Pioneer Square Station. You’ll disembark one train and hop on the other across from you using the inner doors and a central platform to continue your light rail ride in either direction.

There will be no bikes allowed at Pioneer Square Station. With hundreds of passengers switching trains at a time, Sound Transit is prohibiting bicycles at the Pioneer Street Station during the duration of the 10-weeks of construction. Southbound riders with bicycles will need to exit at University Street and northbound riders with bicycles will need to exit at International District/Chinatown.

 

We’re working hard to get you where you need to go. Sound Transit, King County Metro, WSDOT and Seattle Department of Transportation are working together to keep people moving. Awareness is key – the more people who know about the Connect 2020 Link light rail disruptions, the more people can plan around them. Help spread the word so your friends aren’t stuck without a plan.

Subscribe to email or text Link light rail alerts to stay up to date about the weekend closures. Visit Sound Transit for more information about Connect 2020, train schedules, and station closures. Visit our seattle.gov/traffic website to help plan your commute and stay informed with all the changes happening from now until 2024. For regional or statewide travel alerts, download the WSDOT App.  

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The Two-Way Columbia St Transit Pathway is On Its Way!

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RapidRide C Line Bus from West Seattle.

 

We’re working with King County Metro to install a two-way transit pathway on Columbia St between Alaskan Way and 3rd Ave, opening to transit in early 2020. This pathway will support all-day transit service between West Seattle and downtown Seattle by creating an efficient and reliable route for buses to access the new Viaduct-free Alaskan Way in early 2020, relocating these routes from 1st Ave and 4th Ave.

 

These changes are crucial to the next step in opening up the Waterfront for transit use and are the final step of the larger project to reconstruct Columbia St to accommodate two-way transit operation.

 

Here’s what you can expect.

 

Click here to download our Columbia St transit pathway flyer:

Two-Way Columbia Street Transit Improvements

Between Alaskan Way and Western Ave:

 

 

  • The southern curb lane will be a 24-hour bus-only lane to allow buses to travel eastbound on Columbia St.
  • The center lane will be a left turn only lane onto southbound Alaskan Way.
  • The northern curb lane will be a 24-hour bus-only left turn lane onto southbound Alaskan Way.

 

Between Western Ave and 1st Ave:

 

 

  • The southern curb lane will be a 24-hour bus-only lane to allow buses to travel eastbound on Columbia St. There will also be 24-hour bus-only lane to travel westbound toward Alaskan Way.
  • The two other lanes are for traffic turning left onto southbound Western Avenue or heading straight toward Alaskan Way and a right turn only lane onto northbound Western Avenue.

 

Between 1st Ave and 2nd Ave:

 

  • The southern curb lane will be changed to a 24-hour bus-only lane to allow buses to travel eastbound on Columbia St.
  •  The existing left turn only lane will be converted to a left turn plus through lane.
  •  A new bus signal will be installed at Columbia St and 2nd Ave to keep the new eastbound buses moving.

 

Between 2nd Ave and 3rd Ave:

 

  • The southern curb lane will be changed to a 24-hour bus-only lane to allow eastbound buses on Columbia St to turn left onto 3rd Ave.
  •  The existing westbound through lane adjacent to the new lane will be converted to a left turn plus through lane.
  •  A new bus signal will be installed at Columbia St and 3rd Ave to manage the new left turning bus traffic.

 

Which buses will use the Columbia St Transit Pathway?

 

RapidRide C Line in downtown Seattle

 

West Seattle, Burien, and neighboring area buses including the 21x, 37, 55, 56, 57, 113, 120, 121, 122, 123, 125, and the RapidRide C Line will use this new pathway.

 

West Seattle bus riders, we heard you about the extended travel times on 1st Ave through Pioneer Square this summer. Working with King County Metro, we moved southbound buses to 4th Ave S and temporarily moved northbound buses to that pathway while S Dearborn St was closed.

 

Northbound buses will remain on the 1st Ave pathway and southbound buses will remain on 4th Ave S until early 2020, when these buses will move to Alaskan Way and begin using this two-way transit pathway on Columbia St to access  Ave.

 

 

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The plan to make bike share work better for everyone.

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Parked bike share on 5th Avenue, Seattle. Photo by Jeanne Clark.

 

We released our Q2 2019 Bike Share Report today, which shows that people took nearly 900,000 trips on Lime & Jump bikes in the first half of 2019. 

 

We’re excited that so many people are embracing bike share as a healthy and environmentally friendly way to get around. We also need to address the problem of improperly parked bikes which are left blocking sidewalks and creating barriers for people with disabilities.

 

Improperly parked bike share bikes blocking sidewalk access. Photo by Jeanne Clark.

 

We want the bike share program to be successful, & to do that we must have a program that makes it easier for all groups of people to travel safely. 

 

To address the problem of bikes creating obstacles for residents with disabilities, we’re building 1,500 more bike parking spaces by the end of the year, improving education about correct bike parking, and holding bike share companies accountable for where their bikes are parked.  

 

Here’s the right way to park a shared bike: read a blog post & watch a video. 

 

We’re over halfway to building 1,500 new bike parking spaces this year. 

 

Newer bike share parking installed on Alki.

 

At the start of 2019, there were parking spaces for about 10,000 bikes in Seattle and we announced a plan to build 1,500 more spaces by the end of the year. We’re over halfway to this goal and have built parking for over 830 bikes as of August 16.  

 

We’ve built over two-thirds of these bike parking spaces in the street, mostly in areas near crosswalks with “No Parking Within 30 Feet” signs. This takes advantage of space that isn’t currently being used and helps keep the sidewalk clear so everyone can get around. It also enhances safety by preventing cars from parking illegally in a way that blocks other drivers view of oncoming traffic and people crossing the street.  

 

We need everyone to their part to park bikes the right way.

 

Bike share parking installation locations from January 1 to June 30, 2019.

We’re optimistic that most people want to do the right thing but might not realize the right way to park a shared bike or the harm that they can cause by parking bikes carelessly.

 

To help get the word out, we teamed up with Disability Rights Washington and with Rooted in Rights to create a video showing how real people are affected when bikes are left blocking the sidewalk.  

 

At our suggestion, Jump and Lime emailed the video to every bike share customer in Seattle. So far, the video has been watched by over 50,000 people.  

 

We’re holding bike share companies accountable. 

 

While we’re confident that getting the word out and building more bike parking will help, we also need bike share companies to do their part as well.  

 

 

One way that we’re keeping companies accountable is by conducting neighborhood audits to measure how bikes are parked. This Spring, we found that 2% of bikes were parked in a way that violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and that 17% of bikes were parked in ways which could block access for people with disabilities under a stricter and more comprehensive standard we adopted earlier this year. This is based on audits conducted between April through June.  

 

In order to keep bike share companies in compliance with their permit requirements, we recently notified Lime & Jump that we’re reducing the maximum number of permitted bikes to about 4,500 each (about 2000 less than originally allowed). 

 

People who are blind sometimes use the walls of buildings to get around. It’s really important that we keep the sidewalk, from the edge of buildings to the “planting strip” clear.

 

Neither company had deployed the maximum number of bikes, so they won’t need to remove bikes from city streets but this does limit how much they can expand their fleets until they take steps to reduce the number of improperly parked bikes. Our goal is to keep sidewalks clear and accessible for everyone and to encourage bike share companies to take stronger action to address this problem.  

  

Since we notified Lime & Jump, both companies have committed to taking new steps to improve bike parking.

 

Lime has launched a team of people who will help educate customers and move problem bikes to keep sidewalks clear. Jump is taking steps to encourage customers to lock their bike to a rack at the end of a ride. We’re excited and optimistic that both companies are trying innovative strategies to address the problem, and will continue to keep a close eye on the results. 

 

If we see positive progress then we’ll consider restoring the maximum fleet size. This will allow us to grow a robust bike share program which makes it easier for people of all abilities to get around Seattle.  

 

Correctly parked bike share.

 

Thank you to everyone who has been doing your part. We need the bike share program to work for everyone.

 

Many aspects of the bike share program have been successful and are benefiting a lot of people, and we’re optimistic that we’ll be able to work collaboratively with the bike share companies to address parking challenges. We know that most people in Seattle really want to do the right thing, and are thankful for everyone who is already doing their part by parking bikes considerately so that everyone can have an easier time getting around Seattle.  

 

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Don’t Blend In

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Mother and children walking across the street with crosswalk flags.

Smith Family. Photo credit: Tariqa Waters

Commuters watch out for our neon friends!

Seattle’s highest collision corridor occurs on Rainier Avenue South. On average, Rainier Avenue South sees one crash per day that takes 45 minutes to clear.

 

 

Why Rainier Valley?

Rainier Valley is home to some of Seattle’s most culture-rich and diverse residents and schools. Rainier Valley’s Safe Street project “Don’t Blend In” safety awareness campaign seeks to empower youth and communities of color throughout Rainier Valley with a creative campaign to share safety and mobility information and build awareness. Special thanks goes to NONWHITEWORKS for their vision and support of this campaign emphasizing communities of color and safety in Rainier valley. The campaign was funded by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

 

Community members cross the street on Rainier Ave. S.

Community members cross the street on Rainier Ave. S. Photo credit: Ishisaka

 

The campaign kicked off in early summer with community outreach events in Rainier Beach, Pioneer Square, and Columbia City that featured local performance and visual artists, button making, safety information and giveaways to community members, offering safety tips and increased awareness to commuters. In July, we sponsored posters and advertisements at Rainier Beach Light Rail Station, on Sound Transit Trains and King County Metro buses. In August, we sponsored two billboards along Rainier, with imagery targeting vehicle drivers. To conclude the campaign, we will be distributing custom “Back to School’ themed safety items and information to the community.

These efforts follow a collaborative process that was launched in 2014 to improve Rainier Avenue South, as part of Seattle’s Vision Zero initiative to end traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030. Vision Zero takes a three-pronged approach: smarter street design, targeted enforcement, and public engagement. We are in Phase 2 of the project and recently:

  • Added bus lanes
  • Optimized signal timing for better signal coordination
  • Added leading pedestrian intervals for safer pedestrian crossing
  • Repainted crosswalks so that they are more visible

Our upcoming work later in 2019 and in 2020 will continue to enhance access and safety through Rainier Valley.

 

 

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Come on down and ride the new 8th Ave protected bike lane!

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Sam Zimbabwe, Vicky Clark, and Mayor Jenny Durkan hold the ribbon as a person biking approaches. Celebrating the opening of the bike lane!

SDOT Director Sam Zimbabwe, Cascade Bicycle Club’s Vicky Clark, and Mayor Jenny Durkan hold the ribbon as a person biking approaches. We had a blast celebrating the opening of the bike lane!

 

Bring your bike (and don’t forget a helmet!) and come ride on the new protected bike lane on 8th Ave in downtown Seattle!

 

Center City Bike Network Map

Center City Bike Network Map

 

The redesigned 8th Ave includes a one-way northbound protected bike lane between Pike St and Bell St, one travel lane, paid parking and load zones, and new bike signals at busy intersection. This project completes a two-way couplet for people biking with the existing one-way southbound 7th Ave protected bike lane.

 

It will connect with protected bike lanes on Bell St and 9th Ave to get people to and from the Westlake Cycle Track and north Seattle neighborhoods, and it will connect with bike lanes on Pike St and Pine St to get people to and from greater downtown, Pike Place Market, and Capitol Hill.

 

This project also extends the Pine St protected bike lane between 7th Ave and 8th Ave in order to provide a connection to the new facility on 8th Ave.

 

We celebrated the opening of the bike lane on Wednesday, August 14 along with many members of the community!

 

SDOT Director Sam Zimbabwe and Mayor Jenny Durkan at the 8th Ave protected bike lane ribbon cutting event.

SDOT Director Sam Zimbabwe and Mayor Jenny Durkan at the 8th Ave protected bike lane ribbon cutting event.

 

We celebrated with Cascade Bicycle Club, the Washington State Convention Center, Commute Seattle, and many more of our local neighborhood groups, advocates, and other stakeholders. Thank you to everyone who attended this fun event and rode through the ribbon, officially marking the grand opening!

 

Mayor Durkan with our awesome SDOT staff who worked on this project! Great job, everybody!

Mayor Durkan with our awesome SDOT staff who worked on this project! Great job, everybody!

 

Why did we install this bike lane?

 

Connected Bike Network Coming Soon!

A sign on the newly installed 8th Ave protected bike lane.

 

These improvements are part of the Center City Bike Network, which is a longstanding city priority to make center city streets safer and more predictable for everyone, have biking be a real transportation choice in our densest jobs center, and to maintain transit priority. The goal is to have these projects completed by the end of this year.

 

During the #SeattleSqueeze, Seattle’s period over the next five years where increased construction projects impact how we all get around downtown, it’s important for all of us to change our commutes to keep people and goods moving safely. Biking continues to be a great option during the Squeeze, and our numbers show that you all increased the amount of biking you were doing during the first chapter – keep it up!

 

We’re committed to providing bicycle options to keep you moving during the Seattle Squeeze and beyond to keep traffic volumes low and our collective spirits high.

 

What’s next?

 

  • PIKE ST: New protected bike lanes between 9th Ave and Broadway. A redesigned Pike St will include one general travel lane in each direction, paint-and-post bike lanes, parking removal, and reconfigured load zones.
  • 9th AVE N: New protected bike lanes between 8th Ave and Harrison St. The redesigned 9th Ave N and Bell St will include one general travel lane in each direction, paint-and-post bike lanes, no center turn lane, minor parking removal, and a new 4-way stop at 9th Ave N and John St.
  • SOUTH END CONNECTION: New 2-way protected bike lanes on 2nd Ave Ext S, S Main St, and 5th Ave S between the existing 2nd Ave protected bike lanes and the S King St Neighborhood Greenway. We’re redesigning these streets with separate bike facilities while maintaining transit priority. The project includes general travel lanes on a mix of 1-way and 2-way streets, paint-and-post bike lanes, and minor parking changes.

 

Questions?

 

Email ccbike@seattle.gov and follow along on our Center City Bike Network webpage!

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Fearless Tyler! Making the Most of Outdoors for All’s Free Adaptive Cycles.

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Tyler and Jan (his Mom) on recumbent bikes surrounded by Outdoors for All staff

Tyler, Jan, and Outdoors for All Staff. Photo courtesy of Outdoors for All

 

Earlier this year, our Bike Share Program partnered with Outdoors for All,  one of the nation’s largest fleets of adaptive cycles, to provide people with disabilities FREE adaptive cycle rentals in Magnuson Park! The partnership ensures more people have access to the amazing cycles Outdoors for All has to offer, and now, we’re celebrating the 100th rider, Tyler!

 

All summer, a portion of our bike share permit-generated fees will go to Outdoors for All, allowing the organization to better serve the community through their Adaptive Cycling Center. Adaptive cycles include:

  • Handcycles for individuals with no or limited leg movement
  • Three- and four-wheel cycles for those who need more stability
  • Children’s hand and foot-powered cycles
  • Tandem cycles for individuals who want a guide while riding
  • Hand and foot cranked cycles exercising your whole body
  • Standard cycles

Tyler was the program’s 100th rider!

Tyler is blind which prevents him from safely biking, but with adaptive bikes, he can be as mobile as anyone and enjoy the outdoors. He and his mother sat down with us to share more about the impacts of this program.

 

How did you learn about this program?

“I have been coming to Outdoors for All since I was 14 when it was called Ski for All. I came for a bike ride with my Mom recently and found out that it was free! It was a nice surprise. Because of SDOT’s sponsorship, I was able to ride with my Mom around Sand Point. It’s great to be able to take a bike out for as long as you want without worrying about how much it would cost. When I got back to work, I told all my co-workers and friends about the program because they all have mobility issues.”

 

Tyler works at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., an organization that produces an array of machined parts and plastic molding for various manufacturers including the U.S. Military.

 

Because of SDOT paying for something that was $25 per hour, per person, we were able to enjoy an activity that we had stopped doing because it was expensive. We didn’t have to hurry; we could not only take our time to enjoy the ride but, but we were able tostop for a picnic, and enjoy the beauty around us. We will use this program for as long as it’s running.- Jan, Tyler’s Mom

 

How many times have you come back to use adaptive cycles this summer?

“I was back last Saturday with a friend and will continue to use the program. As a member of the United Blind of Seattle chapter of Washington, I am excited to tell the whole group about how you can go and get some exercise, meet some friends, and enjoy the beautiful Pacific Northwest.”

 

SDOT funding this program really ensures that people in the community who may not have financial access, to really enjoy outdoor activities for as long as they want and as many times as they want. What a gift to somebody with a disability that you are giving them to spend a few hours outdoors. – Jan, Tyler’s Mom

 

What does it mean to be able to have a program like this?

“It opens doors to be able to see what you can do. I love being outdoors and trying new things. Feeling safe is the most important thing and I do on these bikes. I am excited to share more about programs like the one SDOT provides to Outdoors for All where folks can get access to trying new activities safely.

 

I like to tell people not to be afraid to try new stuff. This program helps people do so.

 

The worst thing about being blind is that people think you’re stupid or they completely ignore you. When you have a disability, your world gets smaller because you feel hindered by whatever that disability is. I work hard not to confine myself and through sharing information about programs like this, we can ensure that everyone, no matter what their situation has access to do things in the Pacific Northwest.”

 

Outdoors for All staff

Outdoors for All staff

 

Tyler is a guiding light for ALL members of the community but especially folks with mobility issues.  

 

He recently collaborated with Gratitude Sailing and took a group of 40 people with mobility issues on a sailing expedition. He’s flown a glider, a Cessna plane, been in a hot air balloon, and loves roller coaster rides. He has a degree in culinary arts and loves to cook.

 

We are inspired by Tyler’s fearlessness, his overall love of life, and his leadership. Thank you for reminding us of the power in being fearless and for pushing us to move out of our comfort zone!

 

All adaptive cycle rentals will be FREE for children and adults with disabilities through September 30, 2019. Visit the Adaptive Cycling Center today!

 

 

 

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Travel Alert: Changes to 1st Ave N for Seattle Center Arena Construction

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A new traffic signal on 1st Ave N next to the Seattle Center Arena

 

Sidewalk and curb lane changes are being installed on 1st Ave N and a few intersecting streets as part of the Seattle Center Arena Renovation project. These changes allow access for truck hauling and construction staging, maintaining transit service, and separating people riding bikes from large trucks.

 

Changes include:

 

  • Restricting parking and loading areas on 1st Ave N;
  • Adding loading zones and designated disabled spaces on surrounding streets;
  • Installing a temporary protected bicycle lane on the west side of 1st Ave N from Denny Way to Roy St;
  • Adding a new signal at 1st Ave N and Thomas St; and
  • Relocating the northbound transit stop from John St to south of Denny Way.

 

Here’s what you can expect:

 

SCHEDULE

Most parking and loading restrictions have begun along the west side of 1st Ave N. The full signal will be turned on the week of June 24, and the roadway re-striping and the installation of the temporary protected bicycle lane will be complete prior to the beginning of July by the Seattle Arena team.

 

You may notice more activity at the site as demolition finishes and excavation begins in July, which will mean more large trucks and the start of nighttime work.

 

CLOSURE | DETOUR

Most changes will be on 1st Ave N between Denny Way and Roy St.  See the map below for a full view of all of the changes on 1st Ave N.

 

Changes Coming to Parking and Loading on 1st Ave N and Surrounding Streets

Flyer: Changes Coming to Parking and Loading on 1st Ave N and Surrounding Streets

 

BIKING

People biking northbound on 1st Ave N will use the new temporary protected bicycle lane on the west side of 1st Ave N.

 

Temporary Bike Lane on 1st Ave N With New Load Zones

New temporary protected bike lane on 1st Ave N

 

WALKING

Be aware of sidewalk closures and use the new signal at 1st Ave N and Thomas St to cross safely.

 

New Traffic Signal at Thomas St and 1st Ave N

Traffic signal at 1st Ave N and Thomas St

 

TRANSIT

Transit riders who normally use the temporary northbound John St stop will need to use stops either south of Denny Way or at Republican St.

 

DRIVING

If you’re driving through the area, please be aware of these changes and travel carefully. For those parking in the area, consider utilizing existing parking garages or lots in the area, or parking and loading on side streets. Two northbound vehicle travel lanes on 1st Ave N will remain open during construction.

 

PROJECT OUTCOME

The Seattle Center Arena is being redeveloped into a world-class arena, ready for professional hockey, basketball, and music. This project includes a new entry atrium, below grade expansion for additional seating and circulation, a below grade loading dock, vehicular tunnel and parking for up to 400 vehicles to be provided below grade.

 

Want more information?

For more information and to sign up for construction updates from the Oak View Group, please visit newarenaatseattlecenter.com.

 

You can also learn more about the Seattle Center Arena Renovation project at www.seattle.gov/arena.

 

Thank you for your patience!

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Building a connected Seattle bike network.

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Today, the Bicycle Master Plan (BMP) 2019 to 2024 Implementation Plan was delivered to City Council. 

 

It identifies projects and programs which, combined with existing facilities, will deliver a robust connected citywide bike network. Using a combination of protected bike lanes, trails, neighborhood greenways, and funding for bike parking, encouragement programs, and safety education, biking will be a healthy, affordable travel option for people of all ages and abilities.

 

 

“The number of people biking across Seattle is growing. That’s because the city continues to invest to connect Seattle by bike. This plan has a laser-sharp focus on fixing gaps that have long hampered the bike network – like closing the Burke Gilman Missing Link and completing much of the downtown Basic Bike Network,” said Vicky Clarke, Cascade Bicycle Club’s Policy Director.

 

“Building from the Levy Reset we appreciate the administration’s assurance to the community that the projects contained in this plan will advance. We’re glad to see the city has responded to community feedback to add bike connections to, and within, South East Seattle. Now we must act with urgency to find the funding for those overdue connections so that these neighborhoods can finally have equitable access to safe and affordable transportation options. We look forward to working together to do just that.”

 

Over the last 18 months, we’ve invested over $21M in bike infrastructure, including planning, design, & construction & installed 13 miles of new facilities & over 800 new bike parking spaces.

 

Read the BMP

We took a major step last year to create the nation’s largest permanent free-floating bike share program, which supported two million rides in 2018. In the last year, we saw bike ridership increase by 12 percent over 2017, and we were named the “Best Bike City” by Bicycling magazine. This year, we’ll deliver an additional 11 miles of bike safety projects.

 

Building on this effort, Mayor Jenny Durkan’s 2019 to 2024 Implementation Plan invests $76 million over six years making significant progress toward connecting our bike network, including 50 miles of new bike facilities and 29 miles and planning. The plan will transform how people move around Seattle, by completing the Center City Bike Network, delivering protected bike lanes with RapidRide H (Delridge) and RapidRide Roosevelt/Eastlake, increasing connections to future light rail stations, and completing the Missing Link of the Burke Gilman Trail.

 

“We are thrilled that this plan includes critical routes like Eastlake Ave, Martin Luther King Jr Way S, Beacon Ave S, the Georgetown to South Park Trail, Thomas St, and the downtown Basic Bike Network. We look forward to working with the mayor and city council to secure any additional funding that is needed to build these and other critical trails, neighborhood greenways, and protected bike lanes” said Gordon Padelford, Executive Director of Seattle Neighborhood Greenways.

 

“We can, and must, be a city where people, of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds have the choice get to where they need to go by bike.”

 

Center City Bike Network map

Center City Bike Network map

 

In April, we presented a draft Implementation Plan to City Council.

 

While the plan’s budget hadn’t changed, the plan was developed in line with the comprehensive reassessment of the Levy to Move Seattle SDOT completed under the leadership of Mayor Durkan based on more realistic assumptions than we used in 2015. The Implementation Plan is intended to provide accountability for our continued investment in bicycle infrastructure and programs within existing committed resources while also identifying additional projects to be developed to a “shovel-ready” state. The Bike Master Plan is funded in large part by the Levy so we also worked with the Seattle Bicycle Advisory Board and used the 2014 Bike Master Plan prioritization criteria, grant and partnership opportunities to reprioritize projects over the second half of the Levy.

 

New this year, we launched an online survey and hosted four café-style conversations in the north, central southeast, and southwest Seattle to gather input and confirm the plan meets people’s needs and values. We heard from over 350 people at our public meetings and through the survey and over 550 via emails. People shared the importance of safety, protecting the environment, and transparency in decision-making.

 

They’d like increased maintenance of facilities and increased wayfinding. They also highlighted expanding engagement to include the voices of all people impacted, communities of color, and people who might be new to biking. Now that the implementation plan is complete, we’ll incorporate these values and continue to engage community members in the planning, design, and construction of projects. We also worked to clean our protected bike lane network during Bike Everywhere Month in May.

 

One of four café-style conversations with Seattleites

One of four café-style conversations with Seattleites

 

This Implementation Plan reflects the communities desire and our commitment to fight climate change, support a multimodal transportation system that encourages the reduction of single occupancy vehicles, and supports Seattle’s Vision Zero commitment to eliminate fatal and serious traffic collisions by 2030.

 

This plan includes projects that build crucial connections & were identified by the community as priorities.

 

The plan also addresses geographic inequities and prioritizes connections that serve communities located in Southeast Seattle.

 

New projects

Prior to finalizing the Implementation Plan, hundreds of people provided input and called for a southeast Seattle connection to downtown. As a result, we are advancing to construction a project on Martin Luther King, Jr Way S from I-90 to at least Rainier Ave S and to advance planning for a route along Beacon Ave from the Jose Rizal Bridge to S 39th We’re also prioritizing planning efforts to consider a Georgetown to Downtown route and completing a connection along 12th Ave from King St to Yesler Way.

 

Share benefits

The plan now shows when projects connect to transit, schools, community centers, and urban villages occur, as well as to existing bike facilities, or those planned for construction by 2024. We also acknowledge when a project routes through portions of the city that score in the upper regions of quartile of Seattle’s Race and Social Equity Composite Index.

 

Improve accountability

Expected costs and challenges such as agency coordination and parking impacts are listed, highlighting where additional effort may be required, or a project modified.

 

Seek new funding

While the plan builds out 50 miles of bicycle infrastructure over the next six years, additional projects are funded only into design or planning. We are recommitting to seeking additional revenue sources and grants to advance key connections to accelerate progress during the timeframe of the implementation plan.

 

Celebrating $16M to fund Pike-Pine Renaissance and bike improvements with SDOT, WA State Convention Center, Cascade Bicycle Club and Seattle Neighborhoods Greenways

 

Thank you! Join us for our presentation at City Council on June 18 at 2 PM or watch it online.

 

Keep a look out for our upcoming blog posts and as well as other communications to stay current with project updates. We truly appreciate your interest and participation in the 2019 – 2024 Implementation Plan.

 

 

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