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A Vibrant Seattle Through Transportation Excellence.

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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Alaskan Way Viaduct Construction Impacts on Alaskan Way and Denny Way

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Busy viaduct demolition in Pioneer Square. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.

Busy viaduct demolition in Pioneer Square. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.

 

In case you missed it, check out this helpful information from the Washington State Department of Transportation about impacts to Alaskan Way and Denny Way as part of the Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition and the North Surface Streets connections!

 

Check it out 👇👇👇

 

The viaduct is shrinking along Seattle’s waterfront and the work zone is changing this week as the contractor Kiewit shifts their work zone. Meanwhile, the rebuild of 7th Ave N will reach Denny Way this summer and fall with a series of lane reductions and street closures.

 

Around Alaskan Way in Pioneer Square, Yesler Way and S King St are reopen, and S Jackson St is closed.

 

 

Crews are removing the viaduct through Pioneer Square from both ends. Here are traffic control changes to expect this week:

 

  • August 20: S King St reopened at Alaskan Way
  • August 21: Yesler Way reopens at Alaskan Way
  • August 21: S Jackson St closes at Alaskan Way

 

Uniformed police officers will help direct traffic this week at key intersections during the evening commutes.

 

To reach Colman Dock: Vehicles can still enter the drive-on entrance at South Jackson Street by taking a left or right off Alaskan Way. Please allow extra time to reach your ferry as traffic congestion remains high on Alaskan Way.

 

People walking and biking: When S Jackson St is closed, your new east-west options between Alaskan Way and Pioneer Square are S King St and Yesler Way. S Dearborn St and Columbia St also remain open to bicycles and pedestrians.

 

Railroad Way S: This street will become northbound-only from S Dearborn St, with northbound vehicles forced to take a right on S King S. Vehicles can also turn onto southbound Railroad Way S from S King St, but the southbound lane terminates mid-block at the 505 Western Avenue building parking garage.

 

At the north end, prepare for weekend utility work and paving impacts at the intersection of Denny Way and 7th Ave.

 

The intersection of Denny Way and 7th Ave is the mixing zone for two projects, the filling and sealing of the Battery Street Tunnel and the North Surface Street Connections project. Starting this month, this intersection becomes a focus of work. View a map of the current traffic configuration in the area.

 

Crews will be repaving sections of the intersection and installing a duct bank just east of the intersection. Due to the intersection’s importance in moving buses and vehicles, this work will occur only on weekends.

 

Below is what to expect at the intersection of Denny Way and 7th Ave this summer and fall:

 

  • August 24 – 25: Denny reduced to 2 lanes between 6th Ave and Dexter Ave.
  • September 7 – 8: Denny reduced to 2 lanes between 6th Ave and Dexter Ave.
  • September 14 – 15: Denny closed between 6th Ave and Borealis Ave.
  • September 21 – 22: Wall Street closed at Denny Way, Denny reduced to 2 lanes between 6th Ave and Dexter Ave.
  • September 28 – 29: Denny closed between Borealis Ave and Dexter Ave.

 

Crews will also be working in the intersection on weekday nights, which will involve lane reductions but no full street closures. These closures are weather dependent.

 

Want more information?

 

Subscribe to WSDOT’s weekly construction email or follow the Construction notices and detours page for updates.

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Cowen Park Bridge Seismic Improvements Coming This Fall!

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Cowen Park Bridge facing north on 15th Ave NE

Cowen Park Bridge facing north on 15th Ave NE

 

We are preparing to make seismic improvements to the Cowen Park Bridge to reduce the bridge’s vulnerability to earthquakes. Plan ahead and prepare for impacts to travel.

 

Here’s what you can expect:

 

SCHEDULE

Construction on the Cowen Park Bridge is anticipated to begin this fall 2019 and last approximately 6 months. We are in the final stages of selecting a contractor for this project.

 

CLOSURE | DETOUR

There will be redirects for people walking and biking across the bridge, as well as partial closures of walking routes within Cowen/Ravenna Parks underneath the bridge. Prepare for up to 2-3 full bridge weekend closures.

 

NOISE

There will be noise, dust, and vibrations during work hours, as well as equipment and materials staged near the work zone.

 

PROJECT OUTCOME

The planned seismic retrofits include several modifications to strengthen existing bridge components and reduce overall seismic vulnerability while preserving the bridge’s historic Art Deco character.

 

 

Map of the Cowen Park Bridge Seismic Retrofit project

Map of the Cowen Park Bridge Seismic Retrofit project

 

What’s the background on this project?

 

Cowen Park Bridge from below in Cowen Park

Cowen Park Bridge from below in Cowen Park

 

Infrastructure maintenance is critical for a healthy, vibrant, and connected city. As part of the City of Seattle’s efforts to invest in transportation infrastructure and address seismic vulnerability, the City established a bridge seismic retrofit program. Funded through the Levy to Move Seattle, the City selected 16 bridges for seismic retrofits, including the Cowen Park Bridge.  Approved by voters in 2015, the 9-year $930 million Levy to Move Seattle provides funding to improve safety for all travelers, maintain our streets and bridges, and invest in reliable, affordable travel options for a growing city.

 

Cowen Park Bridge was built in 1936, prior to the modernization of the seismic design code. It connects the Roosevelt/Ravenna neighborhood with the University District via 15th Ave NE across a ravine in Cowen Park. The bridge is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated City landmark.

 

 

Want more information?

 

We’re committed to keeping stakeholders informed and working with neighbors throughout the project to limit construction impacts to the extent feasible. For more information, including a schedule for this work, what to expect during construction, translated content, and how to join our email list, please visit www.seattle.gov/transportation/cowen-park-bridge.

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What’s Moving in Seattle This Week? August 19 – 25

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Photo by Thomas Le on Unsplash

Photo by Thomas Le on Unsplash

 

From the arts to sports, markets and block parties, this weekend has got it goin’ on. We advise travelers to be aware of the following events in the city that may affect area traffic.

 

 

TUES. AUG20

 

Private Event: At T-Mobile Park.  Event hours: 5PM – 10:30PM.  Estimated attendance: 40,000.

 

 

THURS. AUG22

 

Swedish Informational Picket: On Broadway between E. Cherry St. and E. Columbia St.  Event hours: 3PM – 7PM.  Estimated attendance: 1,000.

 

 

FRI. AUG23

 

Seattle Mariners vs. Toronto Blue Jays: At T-Mobile Park.  First Pitch: 7:10PM.  Estimated attendance: 30,000.

 

Seattle Opera presents Verdi’s Rigoletto: At McCaw Hall. Event hours: 7:30PM – 10PM.  Estimated attendance: 3,000.

 

 

SAT. AUG24

 

Seattle Marathon Summer 5K/10K Race and Kid’s Fun Run: At Seward Park.  Event hours: 5K starts at 8:30AM, 10K at 9:30AM, and kid’s fun run at 10:30AM.  Estimated attendance: 800.

 

Seattle Design Festival Block Party: Two-day street fair celebrating the powerful ways design affects our lives.  At Lake Union Park.  Event hours: 10AM – 7PM.  Estimated attendance: 5,000.

 

South Lake Union Saturday Market: Weekly Market closes 9th Ave. N. between Denny Way and John St.  Market hours are 11AM – 4PM Saturday.  Estimated attendance: 2,500.

 

Belltown Crush Block Party: Beer and wine festival at Bell St. Park, and on Bell St. between 4th Ave. and 2nd Ave.  Event hours: 3PM to 7PM.  Estimated attendance: 700.

 

Seattle Mariners vs. Toronto Blue Jays: At T-Mobile Park.  First Pitch: 6:10PM.  Estimated attendance: 30,000.

 

Seattle Opera presents Verdi’s Rigoletto: At McCaw Hall.  Event hours: 7:30PM – 10PM.  Estimated attendance: 3,000.

 

 

SUN, AUG25

 

Seattle Design Festival Block Party: Two-day street fair celebrating the powerful ways design affects our lives.  At Lake Union Park.  Event hours: 10AM – 7PM.  Estimated attendance: 5,000.

 

Seattle Mariners vs. Toronto Blue Jays: At T-Mobile Park.  First Pitch: 1:10PM.  Estimated attendance: 30,000.

 

Seattle Opera presents Verdi’s Rigoletto: At McCaw Hall. Event hours: 2PM – 4:30PM.  Estimated attendance: 3,000.

 

Head and the Heart Free Concert: At Pike Place Market. Event hours: 7PM. Estimated attendance: 9,500.

 

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Next steps to create a community-driven Scooter Share Program for Seattle.

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Photo Credit: Pixels

Photo Credit: Markus Spiske temporausch.com via Pixels

 

We’ve made it a priority for our bike share program to function well for everyone, & we continue to work with service providers & the traveling public to do so.

 

We want to do the same with a potential scooter share pilot.  

 

“We will work with stakeholders like our transit, pedestrian and bike oversight boards, disability rights groups, local businesses and transit partners to develop the framework of a scooter pilot for Seattle. We will continue to listen and learn from other cities. We also want to hear from our neighborhoods.” – Mayor Jenny Durkan (Geekwire 5/8/2019)

 

As Mayor Durkan has said, “Let’s try scooters, but let’s do it right.” We must have a pilot that promotes safety, requires fairness for riders and indemnification for the City, focuses on equity, and builds on the best of our bike share program. 

 

So, at Mayor Durkan’s direction, we plan to draw lessons from other cities’ micro–mobility (a term for new, small, and electric transportation modes) programs and hear from community stakeholders before allowing scooter share in the City.  

 

Photo credit: Brett Sayles via Pexels

Over the past few months, we’ve been busy laying the groundwork for a successful scooter pilot.

 

We’ve studied other cities around the U.S. and their approaches to scooter share – from Portland to Los Angeles to Nashville and reviewed best practices and lessons learned. We’ve also surveyed the scooter industry, talked to scooter companies big and small, and learned about the different approaches vendors are taking to offer a safe and responsible mobility option.  

 

Today, we’re announcing the start of a robust public engagement process to help shape Seattle’s scooter share pilot program, planned for launch in 2020. 

 

We’re kicking off the first phase: a focused outreach and engagement effort where we work with stakeholder groups to help shape the goals, scope, and scale of scooter share in Seattle.  

 

There are benefits to scooters in Seattle, particularly given their potential to replace driving trips. But we also know those opportunities may not be equitably distributed, and there may be unintended consequences for specific communities.

 

We intend to co-create a scooter share pilot that offers new mobility options while maintaining sidewalk comfort & the safety of pedestrians, people who are blind or low-vision, & people living with disabilities.

 

Photo credit: Magda Ehlers via Pexels

We’re exploring whether scooter riding should be allowed on sidewalks, in bike lanes, or general travel lanes. We know that enforcement disproportionately impacts communities of color, so we want to find a solution that works for all Seattleites. 

 

So how do we do this? Our planned outreach effort includes conversations with the Pedestrian Advisory Board, Transit Advisory Board, and Bike Advisory Board, as well as organizations focused on disability rights and transportation equity, Center City community groups, neighborhood groups, and community groups representing a high proportion of people of color.  

 

This first phase of outreach is expected to last a couple of months, & we’ll share what we’ve learned at that time.

 

 

We’ll continue accepting input while performing an environmental review and would draft any legislation needed before accepting permit applications and launching the pilot. We’ll also continue to learn from the successes and challenges of scooter share in other cities, and how communities are ensuring their scooter share programs provide an equitable and safe mobility option for their city. These steps will lead to a community-driven pilot scooter share program that works well for Seattle.  

 

If you have any further questions or comments, please visit our website or email us at scootershare@seattle.gov. 

 

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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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Results Are In: Neighborhood Street Fund 2019-2021 Program

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Fifteen projects were selected as recipients of the Neighborhood Street Fund for the 2019-2021 Program Cycle!

 

See the full list of projects below.

 

Table of 2019 Neighborhood Street Fund winners.

Table of 2019-2021 Neighborhood Street Fund winners. Click the picture for links to project information.

 

 

How were the final projects selected?

 

 

 

For the first time, the Neighborhood Street Fund Program partnered with Seattle Department of Neighborhoods to strengthen their inclusive community engagement. Through this partnership, many immigrants, refugees, elders and youth became involved and embraced the voting process. Nearly 7,000 votes were collected from the community through online and in-person voting opportunities.

 

The top-voted projects per City Council District were evaluated and the final selection was made by the Levy to Move Seattle Oversight Committee (LOC) using the following criteria:

 

Equity 

Geographic tools such as the Race and Social Equity Index and Access to Opportunity maps were used to examine  equity factors; race, English language learners, foreign born, income, educational attainment, health disadvantage, economic and social opportunity, transit and public services. Click here to learn more about equity and the City.

 

Community 

Results from the Community Prioritization and Voting phase were reviewed to determine how much community support each project received.

 

Safety 

Data on collisions from the past 5 years was included for each project to determine the safety needs at the project locations.

 

Usage

Bicycle, pedestrian, and vehicle counts helped evaluate how many people will benefit from the proposed project location.

 

Connectivity

Existing Master Plans were evaluated to determine whether the project will connect to future infrastructure.

 

We’ve heard some great stories from the community.

 

NSF team informing people about how to apply for the neighborhood street fund

NSF team informing attendees at the South Park Community Center Halloween Party about how to apply for the neighborhood street fund.

 

“NSF gave us the opportunity to talk to our neighbors from different languages and cultures…share an interest in improving our community and participate in the process by having materials and ballots in language”. –Asmeret, District 2

 

“For the kids 11 years and up, to be able to participate in this process it was very important because it was the first time they ever voted and engaged in city planning”. -Peggy, District 5

 

NSF team attended a Community Dinner

NSF team attended a Community Dinner to talk about the NSF program and to hold a community member vote.

 

Do you have a story about how you or your community engaged in Neighborhood Street Fund 2019-2021 Program Cycle? We’d love to hear it! Please reach out to us at nsf@seattle.gov or 206-733-9361.

 

What’s Next?

This fall we will begin designing the projects. Design will be complete in 2020 and projects will be constructed in 2021.

 

Construction of a traffic circle

Construction of a traffic circle

 

The next cycle is expected to open in late 2020 or early 2021. Subscribe here so you don’t miss our updates!

 

Thank you for your participation in the Neighborhood Street Fund program! We hope you had fun and look forward to seeing these projects built in your neighborhoods!

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August 19-20: West Seattle Bridge Lane Closures

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West Seattle Bridge

West Seattle Bridge

 

The Seattle Fire Department will test the fire hydrants located on the West Seattle Bridge on August 19. Due to the difficulty of accessing the hydrants during normal traffic flow, the inside lanes of the West Seattle Bridge will be closed to allow for traffic control set-up and testing.

 

Ensuring fire hydrants work properly, ahead of a real emergency occurring, is key to keeping the community safe. Firefighters utilize fire hydrants to get a water supply for putting out building fires, vehicle fires, and brush fires. This work ensures the confident functionality of a vital Safety System for our public.

 

Here’s what you can expect:

UPDATE: This work will continue on August 20 between 8:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

SCHEDULE

Work will occur on the West Seattle Bridge between 23rd Ave SW and the on-ramp to 99 North. Inspection and closures begin on August 19 at 8:45 AM and will end at 2:45 PM (at the latest).

 

CLOSURE | DETOUR

The eastbound and westbound inside lanes of the West Seattle Bridge will be closed during the impacted hours.

 

Impacted Area of West Seattle Bridge. Image: Google Maps.

Impacted Area of West Seattle Bridge. Cones signify inside lane closures. Image: Google Maps.

 

Want more information?

If you have further questions, please reach out to Angelina Louman at (206) 386-1201.

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August 23-24: Eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct Demolition

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If you’re traveling eastbound through Spokane Street on August 23 and 24, expect lane closures and detours. Our crews will be demolishing existing road surface and installing new road surface, in an effort to preserve the structure and provide a new driving surface.

 

Spokane Street Viaduct

Aerial View of Spokane St Viaduct

Here’s what you can expect:

 

SCHEDULE

Starting August 23 at 10:00 PM, crews will be conducting work on Eastbound Spokane St Viaduct,  between the 1st Ave S. and 4th Ave S. off ramps. The work will end August 24 at 7:00 PM or when complete.

 

CLOSURE | DETOUR

Left two lanes will be closed. Expect detours.

 

Impacted Area of Spokane St Viaduct between 1st Ave S. and 4th Ave S. Image: Google Images

Impacted Area of Spokane St Viaduct between 1st Ave S. and 4th Ave S. Image: Google Images

Want more information?

If you have questions, reach out to Angelina Louman at (206) 386-1201.

 

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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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