For a summary of the meeting last night here is a snippet.
The start of the discussion was about "connections for everyone" with acknowledgment of the need for connections to downtown, convenient parking, a good transit network, connections for pedestrians and cyclists (this is the order of priority being given to the modes as well, so peds and cyclists come last in priority). The group is planning some sort of elevator/escalator system to get peds and cyclists from the waterfront up to 1st Ave since Western will no longer be ped/bike friendly; it will be a major thoroughfare. And the Waterfront group stresses "balance" not in the terms of safety or need but volume. More cars = balance tips in favor of cars.

Main movement in the area will be north/south. 8 Million ferry users a year at the Colman dock so much planning is done around that area. There will be lots of on-street parking to "accommodate trade." I lost track of how many times the speaker stressed that there will be "on-street parking." They pushed on-street parking hard. Mentioned trade, families, tourists. But my question is if they are improving the area with so much new transit and better walk/bike facilities why is so much parking necessary?

A bike path will somehow be integrated into the street. Some kind of a bike boulevard or multi-use path will be located on the west side of Alaskan. It was shocking that the pedestrian/auto zones were laid out in detail but the bike flow through the area is virtually unknown but they will somehow be located on the west side, and somehow get from there to 1st Ave. Oh, wait, escaltors! Can you imagine waiting in line with hundreds of other cyclists who got off a ferry in the summer to take the escalator up to 1st so you can continue your commute?

Wide medians are planned on the very wide street so that pedestrians can have a "refuge" from traffic while they wait to cross (i.e. the crossings are so wide peds will likely have to wait two light cycles to get across the street). However, these medians are also planned for a potential streetcar or bus use so I guess it won't be a ped refuge for long.

Peak transit-only lanes are planned but the speaker stressed that off-peak it will convert to parking only. Effectively eliminating any sort of idea of a shared bus/bike lane.

A ferry queue will form at around King Street intersection, a special lane. Yes, one lane.

No bike counts were in hand. I do not believe they have taken bike counts in the area and they need to, in order to understand how many cyclists use the area as commuters. Not tourists, but commuters. I would like to see bike counts for those heading north/south and those heading east/west and what streets they use. They have all this information for motor vehicles. I would like to have heard them say something about maybe using Spring or Jackson St as a good E/W bike connection to first by planning good wide bike lanes and wide sidewalks...but no dice. You see, the street planning for cars has already been done. Without factoring in cyclists. Some planning for pedestrians is there, but even that is minimal. While I understand the need for good motor vehicle planning in the area, cyclists, peds and drivers will all be there at the same time. It all needs to work together and I don't see any recognition of that fact.

Thanks for your input lilith! Much of what you said was re-iterated by other cyclists - regarding the "downtown" waterfront section. And about the east side of the lower bridge, there's been a lot of discussion about that area lately, see this article as well: http://seattlelikesbikes.org/wordpress/?p=1173#comments. Note that SDOT doesn't plan, as far as I can tell, on doing any intersection upgrades there in the near (or far) future except add some signage. Those of us concerned about this area need to consistently contact SDOT about it, email them! follow up, follow up, and follow up. West Seattle has the 2nd and 3rd (depending on where you count) largest ridership in the city, bike counts for last fall should be out by now...and we need to get more vocal. It benefits cyclists, drivers and pedestrians in the end.

Al--Thanks for offering, and for keeping us all informed! I'm not sure all these issues fall into this area (the first two may be too far south), but here are mine:

1. I don't like riding the loop under the West Seattle Bridge (because it is dark and isolated and consequently doesn't feel safe), so I will often cross the street straight after coming off the bridge, hit the button, then cross whatever road that is to get to the trail. The crossing from the bridge is set very far to the right of the intersection, though, so vehicles often assume the bicyclist is going on the loop. This makes the crossing very vulnerable to vehicles that turn right after crossing the bridge. I can't imagine I'm the only one who is wary of the loop, and would like the safety of this crossing to be addressed.

2. After you go past the fishing pier and through that weird detour, how exactly does the city think you're going to end up in the bike lane on the other side of the street? I see people cross at various points, but none are good options. I'm hoping there is some plan for that.

3. There are two main issues I currently have with bike path section along the waterfront--crossings and pedestrian/bicycle mixing. Sub-issues related to crossings:
a. Please make them as infrequent as possible.
b. Manage the behavior of drivers to increase awareness of bicycle crossings and prevent them from blocking the bike path when stopping at the stop light.
c. Consider separate signaling for bicycles, cars, and pedestrians.
d. Separate lanes for bicycles and pedestrians (like Alki). I know it's not perfect, but even going at slow speeds (I am definitely not a fast cyclist), it seems to take most pedestrians by surprise when they hear my bell. I don't enjoy startling people, and I'm pretty sure they don't like it either.

Thanks again! I hope it all goes well and am interested in hearing what is discussed, if you have time.

I'll be attending the Central Waterfront Workshop this evening...if any West Seattle cyclists who regularly ride through the waterfront area have specific concerns let me know and I'll try to incorporate them into any feedback I give. The waterfront Design Committee is discussing plans with stakeholders who use the area. Some of the cycling related concerns to be discussed are:

· Wide bicycle facilities to anticipate a large volume of riders
· Bicycle facilities that work for all types of riders
· Strong east-west connections
· Shorter crossing distances for bicycles and pedestrians for safer crossings
· Traffic speeds below 30 mph
· Carefully designed and signalized intersections\

Let me know if you have additional feedback.

Note there is a new, very complex detour coming up on January 5th for cyclists using the Alaskan waterfront.

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR99/Tunnel/CurrentWork.htm

This entails some tricky crossings and traffic coming from directions likely not expected. Note that the west sidewalk along Alaskan will remain open (remember cyclists must yield to pedestrians). Cyclists can also avoid the detour by using Western or 1st Ave with the knowledge that traffic may be heavier on those routes in general due to this detour.

For comments contact WSDOT at Benderb@wsdot.wa.gov.

http://cascade.org/Community/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=14&threadid=18333&STARTPAGE=1

Are you planning to ride your bike from West Seattle during the nine-day viaduct closure? Thanks for choosing to use alternate transportation! Here’s what WSDOT and SDOT are doing to support you:

* Hosting a morning commute meet-and-greet under the West Seattle Bridge with Cascade Bicycle Club. 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 24 and Wednesday, Oct. 26.
* Paving over the existing multi-use path on the west side of the street south at South Massachusetts Street.
* Draining the big “flood” puddles along the multi-use path near the U.S. Coast Guard.
* Adding 90 feet of barrier on the multi-use path near South Massachusetts Street.

Also, we’re aware that some northbound East Marginal Way South freight haulers are illegally using the southbound lane to access the Port of Seattle when a train blocks the intersection at South Atlantic Street. I wanted to let you know that WSDOT, SDOT and the Port of Seattle are working together to address the issue while improving safety for all travelers. Here’s what we’re doing:

* Adding two temporary left-turn lanes on northbound East Marginal Way South between South Atlantic Street and South Massachusetts Street. Trucks will be able to use the two added left-turn lanes to access the port instead of illegally using the southbound lane to jump the line or to turn left into the port.
* Increasing traffic enforcement by adding two additional officers on East Marginal Way South. Additional traffic enforcement would likely deter northbound traffic from speeding or illegally using the southbound lane.
* Working with freight haulers to remind them to watch for cyclists and to use extreme caution when sharing the road with cyclists.
* Asking cyclists to do their part by wearing bright clothing, using lights at night and riding in the multi-use path or striped bike lanes whenever possible.

Thank you, again, for riding your bike during the nine-day closure. Please remember to ride smart and stay visible out there. I’ll look forward to meeting you on the Alki path under the West Seattle Bridge at our WSDOT/Cascade Bicycle Club meet and greet.

A list of intersections where SPD will be:
Morning Commute 6a-10a
4th and Spokane
1st and Spokane
1st and Atlantic
Denny and Queen Anne
99 and Denny
Atlantic and Alaskan way

Afternoon/Evening Commute 3p-7p
Hanford and east marginal
Atlantic and Alaskan
Alaskan and Yesler
Alaskan and Marion
5th and spring

While I am flattered that you think I personally can fix all of these problems (and well known ones at that), sadly I cannot. What I can do is recommend that you make contact at the following places and Follow Up (repeat, repeat, repeat) until something is done. Be nice, be coherent (as you are above) and write, write, write. Pictures accompanying your emails help enormously. Here are some places to start:

walkandbike@seattle.gov
http://www.seattle.gov/waytogo/staff.htm
Walk and Bike can either answer your questions or they will refer you to a more appropriate contact.

http://www.bikewise.org/
Report crashes, hazards and other problems here. If you get a message that your report could not be forwarded to an agency, follow up with the walk/bike group above.

I usually also cc the Seattle Bike Board, bikeboard@seattle.gov, on my emails, just so they know about it and I attend meetings when I can and always speak at the opening comments so they know who I am, how much I ride and where I ride.

For street sweeping/pothole/damage lights not recognizing bikes issues go here: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/potholereport.htm.
Be specific and as detailed as possible. Let them know point-blank it's a bike hazard. It will be fixed/swept.

Get involved!

Al,
I am sure the blinking lights, chain lube and air will be a big hit. I might suggest a few other accommodations for the bike commuters from West Seattle:

-Maybe trim the blackberry bushes that are now extending 1/2 way across the sidewalk to the East of the East waterway bridge.
-Replace the construction fencing with ecology blocks along the detour route at the truck holding yard where the truckers continually back into and thus narrowing the bike path.
-Work with SDOT to send a street sweeper to pick up the misc truck parts that constantly litter the bike lane along the sides of Marginal.
-Paint the fire hydrants that were placed in the middle of the sidewalk at the west side of East Marginal Way (located both sides of Hanford) with reflective paint or something so we can see them in the dark.

and finally....

-Please, Please, Please improve the connection between Massachusetts St. and Edgar Martinez Drive along Alaskan Way. The interaction between cars, trucks, cyclists, pedestrians and the occasional train is really dangerous. This area is where I feel most unsafe as a cyclist. The State, City, and Port have created a real cluster here.

Thanks, and I look forward to a little lube next week.

There's some really cool stuff happening during the Viaduct shut-down for those choosing to ride a bike!
http://blog.cascade.org/

Monday, Oct. 24

6:45 – 9 a.m.
Trail on the Westside of the West Seattle Bridge
Stop by for some morning cheer! If your bike hasn’t gotten regular use, you’ll definitely need some air in those babies. We also have a limited supply of bike lights for new riders who really need them. Once your tires are inflated and you’re feeling ready to roll, join the bike train, heading into the city.

7:30 a.m.
Bike Train to downtown
Cascade’s very own Ed Ewing and Robin Randels will lead a ride downtown for everyone who either wants a little guidance or just wants to ride with others.

Wednesday, Oct. 26 (pretty much the same thing as Monday)

6:45 – 9 a.m.
Trail on the Westside of the West Seattle Bridge
Now that you’ve rolled a couple of days, you might notice your chain is squeaky and dry. We’ll help fix that and send you smoothly on your way, squeak-free.

7:30 a.m.
Bike Train to downtown
Tried it on Monday and want to do it again? We’ll be there. Same details as Monday.

Monday, Oct. 31

6:45 – 9 a.m.
Trail on the Westside of the West Seattle Bridge
Even though the viaduct will reopen by Halloween, this is chance to challenge yourself and keep riding. Wear a costume, trick-or-treat with us and join in the holiday fun!

...and if anyone wants a ride buddy if they are interested in riding to work in October, leave your email or contact info here and I'll get in touch and see if we can't work something out!

That's awesome, thanks, Al! Dang, I wish I would've seen this when you posted about it. I'm one of those 9:30-10ish slackers and could've gone in earlier. :)

eta: And I'm not the only one out there at that time!

On Thursday Sept 29th, during the official bicycle/pedestrian count between 7:00 am - 9:00 am on the west side of the Lower Bridge almost 300 (300!) cyclists were counted. That is amazing! That doesn't even cover those who ride through earlier or later (people were riding through still even as we were packing up).

The annual bike and pedestrian count is coming up at the end of this month. If you are interested in volunteering for the count, you can find the signup information and available count locations/contact information here:

http://www.wa-bike-ped-count.org/index.php

I have contacted Mr. Plumb, the Project Manager of the Horton bridge replacement team again now that the lane markings 'seem' to be completed...
if you also want to contact him his email is terrance.plumb@seattle.gov.

"You did respond to me already right before the new asphalt and striping project was getting started. I have some follow up questions about how SDOT sees the bike routing on this street with the new markings.

- How does SDOT see cyclists joining E. Marginal Way after they exit the bike route heading northbound, after they get to the Truck Parking lot entrance/exit at the corner of E. Marginal/S. Spokane St?

Does SDOT think cyclists will join E. Marginal by crossing over all busy lanes to get to the northbound bike lane on the east side of E. Margainl? This is a manouever for more experienced cyclists.

Or, does SDOT expect cyclists to travel northbound on the sidewalk along the west side of E. Marginal (against the traffic flow...is this a 6' wide sidewalk here, until one reaches S. Horton St?) and cross at one of the unmarked crossings, which puts a cyclist in a very bad position relative to the side-streets...drivers are NOT looking for cyclists crossing at the unmarked intersections (both those travelling on E. Marginal and those turning on/off E. Marginal).

Or are cyclists expected to stay on the sidewalk until they reach S. Hanford and cross at the light?

This stretch of roadway is very confusing northbound and many cyclists I know were hoping for some sort of crossing assistance here as it's a busy street that connects to one of the busiest bike routes in the city.

- Will there be a marked right turn only lane on the other side of the bike lane at the intersection of E. Marginal and S. Hanford as there was before? Currently the lane to the right of the bike lane is not marked. Drivers are using the unmarked lane as both a turn lane and a through lane, which is the worst possible routing for cyclists. Drivers are cutting in front of cyclists, or cutting dangerously close in back of cyclists in order to get ahead of the traffic queued up at the light, northbound. This happens to me if not every morning, then the majority of mornings. Drivers are also cutting suddenly across the bike lane, failing to yield to cyclists in the bike lane.

Is there signage posted that drivers must yield (there may be, I'll have to look today on the way home)?

Why are there no "green bike lane" markings laid down here in the dotted crossing section of the bike lane like in other areas in the city?"

Here's SDOT's answer for now. It doesn't address my question, but it's a legitimate reason to wait for final striping/routing...

"Thank you for your concern about the bicycle pathways on E. Marginal Way. The existing condition that you have experienced on E. Marginal is a temporary, this includes striping for bicycles. I believe that the final configuration of the roadway will answer your apprehension.

Starting on Friday, August 26, our contractor will be grinding E Marginal Way between S Hanford Street and S Spokane Street. Over the weekend we will be doing repairs to the street. Monday evening, August 29, we will repave this section of roadway, and place temporary striping. We will return on Wednesday, August 31, to do the permanent striping; weather permitting. When we have completed the work there will stripped bicycle lanes on both the east and west side of E. Marginal Way between S Hanford and S Spokane Street."

Yes, exactly. I have a response from SDOT but haven't had time to read it yet. Will let you know what they said as soon as I have time to digest it.

I guess if you blink, this will change at a moments notice.

Today when I rode in, they had eliminated the detour route, but had the sidewalk closed on the west side of East Marginal. This is the location where you emerge from the lower Spokane parking lot detour. It spits you out now directly into oncoming truck traffic. Since they now have closed the west sidewalk, and also prevented you from using the signaled intersection / crosswalk at lower Spokane and East Marginal, this leaves cyclists with no option but to make the dash through truck traffic to get to northbound bike lanes on East Marginal. What are they thinking?

Through lane at Hanford is now open northbound. Cones are removed so vehicles are not crossing over bike lane routing (at least most of the time) at this point.

Long time, no post. Not much out of the ordinary really but for the detour route between Hanford/Spokane on E. Marginal. And people took it in stride even though it had its sketchy parts.

However, I am wondering about the flow of the re-marked street itself now that the detour is closed and the new sidewalk is being constructed.

This has been an interesting summer for this little stretch.
The crazy detour was totally gone this morning (thank goodness b/c that nasty blind 90-degree corner at the north end was plain scary).

E. Marginal is nice and smooth with new pavement which is great. The new bike lanes are marked very well (waiting for "bike" markings in lane at this point) and both sides of the road also are marked with Sharrows. It's good to see that they are giving cyclists and motorists ample markings here as it's a busy route with various traffic types at any one point in time, that will just become more intense with they upcoming tunnel work and lane shut downs.

Note that when you are heading northbound into the city from the Spokane St. path, the path now ends right in the entrance/exit for the truck "holding" lot. You have to make a crossing from the truck lot across E. Marginal now. This isn't a huge change from before as lots of cyclists crossed there, but there used to be an option for crossing a bit further north to get a better sightline of traffic approaching from the south. There doesn't seem to be that option any more as the new sidewalk on the west side of the street has obliterated it. I would hope that SDOT puts some sort of street crossing markings here since it will be used heavily by cyclists.

Watch out, at least at this point, for the intersection at Hanford when in the bike lane. Traffic is prevented from using the left lane (which was the through lane) by cones and through traffic is pulling up to the right of the bike lane and then has to cross in front of the bike lane to continue northbound. This is incredibly dangerous.

I'm going to contact SDOT about this area and find out how long the cones will be out (hoping it's just for street marking purposes) and what the street configuration will be.

SBAB Meeting 6/1/11

Central waterfront update covers initial, early designs. The full presentation and a survey is available online at http://waterfrontseattle.org/ (the survey will be available for approximately one more week, through 2nd week of June...).

Two areas are considered in parallel
Core Project: dependent on viaduct removal (like parking areas below viaduct) to waterfront/piers, ramps on/off viaduct and up to Elliott/Western. This also contains “framing elements” that they are planning now because it’s good to do them...somehow relating to connections that join the waterfront to the city, assisting in the creation of better east/west connectivity (not certain what the gist of this was, it was very vague).
New connections: two to three core connections at the current ramp areas where they exist now.

SBAB asked what is WADOT’s role in the Central waterfront design? WADOT is involved in final transportation elements of street and bridges the rest is a city project. This leads me to ask, what streets? I *think* the presenters were referring to the streets leading to/from the tunnel and on-ramps.

The framework planning will be going on to 2012 then they will conduct an analysis of the early projects prior to viaduct coming down. The waterfront design will be built after viaduct comes down in approximately 2016.

Framework planning revolves around mobility/access/art/planning strategy and concept design around traditional planning...to be 10% done by mid-2013.

After holding public meetings on what would the public want to be had at the waterfront (survey at site listed above contains the same questions), the top four things residents want are: parks, concerts, bike/pedestrian paths, places to eat/drink.

Three scales are being worked with: city, framework and waterfront.
City: re-center city around Elliott Bay. The bay is the open space in the city (i.e. no Central Park). Connect the city more to West Seattle (via more water taxis!) and give people more opportunities to move across the water.
Urban framework: differences along the waterfront are created from different uses of the waterfront (ferries vs piers vs park). How to use the different areas and connect them to a unified waterfront. How to make every street a pedestrian connection?
How to get people to it and connect with other places? It will serve as a regional connection point and will be multi-modal...more people more transit. West Seattle was again mentioned as a major user.
Waterfront: get people to the water and interacting with it...parks that allow water access, boat access, overlooks, etc.

Other items discussed:
Parking issues. Some parking will be replaced, some limited street parking will be allowed. The pay lots in the area are currently underutilized, with 80,000 available spaces (mostly in lots) between Mercer and Royal Brougham currently. This is considered good parking availability.
Existing facilities for cyclists/pedestrians exists now, but is not serving the need well. It will be more problematic as more vehicles are added to the waterfront.
Alaskan Way transit must be flexible and sustainable. The more intense transit routes will be along 1st and 3rd Ave - so getting pedestrians to/from those areas which are far away is crucial. More stairs, hill climb assists (escalators/funiculars...?) SBAB mentioned that any mechanical assists must also allow for bicycles.

Traffic will be flowing north/south people east/west. Each intersection is planned to be signalized. Main flow to traffic will be up Western (currently a major bike route into the city). Connections to bike facilities north/south...a cycletrack has been proposed along the west side of Alaskan Way. The planning committee wants to remove cyclists as much as possible from the street. SBAB brought up the fact that although a cycletrack (which is recommended by SBAB) is going to be a good thing, getting cyclists to/from the cycletrack at intersections is very important. And, more advanced cyclists will want to use the street to move quickly and remove themselves from a track which could be over-run by pedestrians during the summer months. So some street planning for cyclists will be necessary.

Hi everyone - I wanted to let you know about some upcoming night closures on Alaskan Way S. that will affect bikes and peds.

Dates: Monday, April 25 through Friday, April 29 and Monday, May 2 through Friday, May 6.

Time: 7 p.m. until 5 a.m. each night

Location: WSDOT is closing the Alaskan Way S. shared use path between S. Atlantic Street and S. Royal Brougham Way.

Detour: Bicycle and foot traffic will be detoured around the closure via East Frontage Road S.

Please note: Northbound cyclists wishing to link back to the Alaskan Way S. multi-use trail at S. Royal Brougham Way should use the crosswalk on the south side of the S. Royal Brougham Way/East Frontage Road S. intersection. If you choose to ride in the street, you will be routed onto the road that goes underneath the Alaskan Way Viaduct to S. King Street. There are no bike lanes or shoulders on this road.

Got questions, suggestions or comments? Please let me know at Benderb@wsdot.wa.gov or 206-805-2817.

Thank you :)

Thanks Jeffro! I rode through there this morning on the trail to get a sense of it. It was at that time (before 7:00 a.m.) a miniscule detour. I am not sure why WADOT is routing cyclists all the way up to 1st via the sidewalk (not a good idea with all the cross traffic/peds). I simply used the UNMARKED CROSSWALK from one side of King St. to another and crossed carefully. Tomorrow I will just ride the street northbound and avoid it altogether.

Southbound will be interesting this evening. Alaskan is very narrow and drivers are not recognizing other road users well so I am tending to stick to the trail southbound. I don't like close-passes. I wil use the same tactic; unmarked crosswalk use to cross King with much caution since traffic will be worse.

It'll be nice when the intersection is signalized. An actual improvement if you ask me.

I rode it today. Northbound I didn't even notice because I took the road at Dearborn, which is especially nice as very few cars are going northbound due to the closure. I saw this post before heading home, so southbound I took the road again, while checking the trail for the detour. Again for southbound, I didn't even see the detour. Alaska way southbound was uncomfortably narrow from King St to Royal Brougham, so I'll be trying the trail tomorrow. This morning (8 o'clock hour) northbound there were two police escorting traffic at Atlantic st which made things go pretty smoothly.

There's been a detour - this was announced Friday evening but I didn't hear about it until Sunday and couldn't post till today. Anyone ridden it yet? It's a sidewalk to sidewalk detour which sounds a bit strange. I'll be riding it tomorrow.

"...wanted to let you know about a temporary detour coming up next week. Starting at 7 a.m., Monday, April 18 through 7 p.m., Friday, April 22, the crosswalk that connects both sides of the Alaskan Way S. mixed use trail at S. King Street will be closed to foot and bicycle traffic.

Northbound and southbound cyclists and pedestrians will be detoured around the crosswalk closure. They will be routed onto the S. King Street sidewalk to the crosswalk at First Avenue S. and back down the sidewalk on the opposite side of S. King Street, returning to the mixed use trail.

Crews need to close the intersection to install a new traffic signal. You can view a map and learn more about the closure on our bicycle and pedestrian route changes website:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR99/HolgateToKing/BikePed.htm

As always, please feel free to contact me directly with questions. (Ms.) Broch Bender (206) 805-2817 or Benderb@wsdot.wa.gov"

Thanks for this update!

SBAB Meeting 4/6/11

- Sally Bagshaw, City Council Member, dropped in on the SBAB meeting and spoke about her support for better cycling facilities in the city.

- Ref Lindmark, of the Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee III (CTAC III) requested assistance from SBAB about cycling priorities across the city and what they would like to see improved or added (kind of like a "wish list"). What would you like to see improved in West Seattle? I can think of, off the top of my head improvements to the 5-street Spokane/Delridge intersection, the Yancy/Avalon crossing, Spokane/Harbor/Avalon intersection improvements, crossing improvements on the east side of the Lower Bridge...can you think of more? If so, email SBAB no later than about April 20th as they must have the report to CTAC III by April 22nd.

- A short SDOT update regarding bike infrastructure planning was discussed. Lots of projects delayed due to weather, public input and budget problems.

A major portion of the SBAB meeting was the introduction to the West Seattle Triangle Concept Plan, presented by Robert Scully and Susan McLain from the Seattle Department of Planning and Development (SDPD). Both Robert and Susan are both bicyclists and seem to be really familiar with the Triangle area; how its current design effects all road users and businesses and how it will change in the upcoming years was very well covered, including recognition that the old Huling empty lots along Fauntleroy will be/likely be developed. The presenters were clear that the area has to continue to serve multiple street users, from pedestrians, cyclists, private vehicles to large delivery trucks and buses. It also functions as the "Gateway" to West Seattle and needs a new vision. The SDPD group had three areas of concern:
1) update the land use codes (re-zoned from commercial to neighborhood/commercial)
2) develop the street design concept over time
3) obtain review of plan from multiple groups (thus, visiting SBAB for input about cycling plans)

The area is changing with the addition of more retail oriented business and new multi-unit residences. The N/S streets are wide and the E/W streets narrower, both with a lot of curb cuts (due to businesses). The parking in the area is unusual as it's mostly undefined and haphazard in some areas. There's also mixed demand for parking.

Adding bike lanes directly through the triangle area was not thought to be viable or necessary through the Triangle area, except along parts of Alaskan, as traffic levels are already not too heavy (SBAB requested traffic counts) and Fauntleroy and 35th do a good job of taking the burden off the area. The main idea of the new streetscape is traffic calming and reducing speeding "cut through" vehicles who use it as a backup route rather than taking Fauntleroy/35th. Plantings, street resurfacing, organizing parking, installing curb bulbs, widening and adding sidewalks, putting down Sharrows - basically visually "narrowing" the streets are the focus. Demand is only expected to increase along with the area becoming more pedestrian oriented. Making Snoqualmie between 36th/37th a "set aside" street that can be blocked off for pedestrian only use for special events is also being reviewed. Alaskan is planned to have Sharrows between 36th/37th westbound, then it will transition to a shared bus/bike lane until the approach at Fauntleroy where the bike lane will separate and continue up Alaskan to the Junction. Eastbound will have a a Sharrowed bus/bike lane to 36th.

A major problem recognized by SDPD is the left turn into the Triangle area from Avalon at 36th. This is one of the biggest problems. This intersection will be looked at when Fauntleroy is examined more carefully as a Boulevard. The intersection could very well be upgraded to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists better. There will also be a pedestrian crossing added at 38th and Fauntleroy which will facilitate pedestrian/bike crossings into/out of the Triangle area. Another goal is to slow right turns off of Fauntleroy into the Triangle area.

Ideas are needed for helping resolve turning problems in this area, especially left turns - the idea began with a discussion of the left turn from Avalon onto 36th. Not only does this turn need to be examined but how cyclists are positioned at the light at Avalon/35th so that they can access the intersection of Avalon/36th must be incorporated into the plan. Bike boxes, adjusting signal phases and bike lane ideas were put forth. Another intersection that has a contentious left turn is west on Alaskan to southbound Fauntleroy. SDPD hadn't even considered cyclists who travel south of Alaskan onto Fauntleroy and they said they will look into that intersection as well (a bike box was thought to be a good addition at that location). SDPD seemed interested to hear more ideas and wants input which was refreshing to hear.

SDPD reminded SBAB that the concept presented was just that, the beginning stages of the concept. Parking design, bike facilities (including bike parking), traffic/pedestrian flow are all under review. If you have any ideas or input you can email SBAB and let them know your ideas at bikeboard@seattle.gov. There are also upcoming public informational/advisory group meetings with SDPD on April 14 and May 5 at 6PM at the West Seattle Senior Center. The purpose of these meetings is to discussion urban design concepts for the portion of the study area (Triangle) around the intersection of SW Alaska Street and Fauntleroy Way SW.

If you are interested in a preview of some of the materials handed out at the SBAB meeting leave a message and I can email you or something. But I'll bet that the materials will also be presented at the upcoming SDPD meetings.

Thought I'd put this post on the WS Blog topic here for reference as it'll be out of the main page in a short while...
Note Brock's email address is above if you want to give him some input on the detour or regular bike commute route.

http://westseattleblog.com/2011/03/traffic-alert-for-bicyclists-new-alaskan-way-detour-starts-tomorrow

SDOT put signage up along the construction zone that makes it madatory that cyclists use the marked bike detour route. The current configuration of the roadway hasn't changed much for months, so why the change that seems to require the bike detour, routing cyclists on a *more* dangerous route (due to crossing several intersections on a crosswalk rather than continuing on the street)?

I have a semi-answer regarding the "Bicycles must use signed path" detours in this area, effectively requiring that cyclists use the detour (narrow shared bike/ped path that crosses two busy intersections that are not bike friendly) rather than stay on the straight roadway, clearly visible to drivers. Note that WSDOT is in control of the bike routing, not SDOT. SDOT is deferring to WSDOT for answers to my questions.

According to Mr. Broch Bender, "Signs stating 'Bicycles Must Use Signed Path' were placed in the northbound direction to notify bicyclists that northbound Alaskan Way S. is closed between S. Royal Brougham Way and S. Atlantic Street. If bicyclists wish to continue on Alaskan Way they need to use the bicycle path. If bicyclists choose not to use the path, they are routed to a detour on East Frontage Road S. with vehicle traffic...

"Signs were placed in the southbound direction to notify bicyclists that they also have the option of using the bicycle path if they choose not to ride in the roadway. In a few months, however, Alaskan Way S. will be completely closed between S. Royal Brougham Way and S. Atlantic Street. At that point, the shared use pathway will be the only option for bicyclists traveling through this section of Alaskan Way S."

I have followed up and asked Mr. Bender why cyclists northbound are not to use the street past Atlantic. If cyclists use the street past Atlantic, they will merge with the bike detour route anyway - and avoid a poor crossing at Massachusetts and the narrow "shared path" along the Coast Guard facility. Cyclists on Atlantic avoid crossing the Terminal 46 entrance as well, which is a perferable option when there's truck traffic there as the trucks often block the crosswalk (enough traffic in fact that SPD directs traffic at the intersection daily during rush hour or other busy times). Not only do trucks block the bike/ped detour crossing, but SPD vehicles are often parked in the middle of the Terminal 46 bike/ped detour crossing. I can find no reason given by WSDOT that cyclists must use the bike detour other than we'll have to use it sometime, so why not now?

According to the southbound signage, there is no "option" for cyclists to stay on the street. The signage is just as clear as the signage for northbound cyclists. If southbound cyclists have the option, according to Mr. Bender, to stay on the street in spite of the signs, why not northbound cyclists?

In my email to Mr. Bender outlining the problems with following the detours (including traveling against traffic across the Massachusetts intersection which has already resulted in at least one driver crashing into a cyclist) and suggested that cyclists should not be mandatorily removed to the path at this time, especially if WSDOT is giving mixed messages regarding what the signage "Bicycles Must use Signed Path" means.

If you have questions about bike routing in that area, you can email BenderB@wsdot.wa.gov

Received this information from the SDOT director's office (BTW: Tom Rasmussen's office was very helpful in getting this information quickly).

* The E. Marginal Way/Alaskan Way S bike route from West Seattle to downtown will not be impacted by the Viaduct First Avenue ramp demolition/reconstruction that begins on Monday.

* Bicyclists and pedestrians will be detoured off of First Avenue (Royal Brougham to King) during President’s Day Weekend for demolition of existing ramp. The detour for the three-day weekend will likely be on Occidental Avenue. Again, this will not impact the majority of cyclists that stay on E. Marginal/Alaskan Way S into downtown.

No answer from WSDOT yet, and the detours start Monday. In addition, this information was recevied by another bike commuter:

"Starting Monday, Feb. 14 Alaskan Way S. will be closed between S. Atlantic Street and S. Royal Brougham Way.

WSDOT text follows below.

This essentially chops out an entire section of the route that most of us bike commuters use to get between West Seattle and downtown. I keep telling myself that WSDOT must have factored this into the equation!!! But, then again...

Monday, Feb. 14 to the morning of Monday, Feb. 21
• Starting Monday, Feb. 14 Alaskan Way S. will be closed between S. Atlantic Street and S. Royal Brougham Way.
• A detour route will be in place using a new city street (temporarily called East Frontage Road S.) located between Alaskan Way S. and First Avenue S.
• When a train is on the BNSF tail track at S. Atlantic Street, East Marginal Way S. is effectively a dead-end north of T-46 for the duration of the blockage. Watch for the flashing signs at S. Hanford Street and detour via S. Hanford Street.
Long-term change starting Monday, Feb. 21
• Northbound Alaskan Way S. will remain closed north of T-46.
• One southbound lane of Alaskan Way will be open north of S. Atlantic Street. When a train is on the tail track at S. Atlantic street, westbound trucks going to T-46 will be able to use the lanes beneath the viaduct, then left onto Alaskan Way S.
• When a train is on the BNSF tail track at S. Atlantic Street, northbound East Marginal Way S. is effectively a dead-end north of T-46 for the duration of the blockage. Watch for the flashing signs at S. Hanford Street and detour via S. Hanford Street."

I have contacted WSDOT again asking about bike route information. If you are concerned I would suggest doing the same and emailing the following:

Travis Phelps
Communications
PhelpsT@wsdot.wa.gov

Greg Phipps
Communications
PhippsG@wsdot.wa.gov

You may also want to cc Seattle Bike Board at bikeboard@seattle.gov and Tom Rasmussen at tom.rasmussen@seattle.gov.

The next HUGE stage of Alaskan Way Viaduct construction is to begin and will cause havoc in the Royal Brougham area.

This is the major bike route as everyone should know by now.

I have not read anything in the latest information regarding specific bicycle route planning.

Here's a quote from WS Blog:
http://westseattleblog.com/2011/02/1st-piece-viaduct-to-be-demolished-soon-to-come-down
A frontage road to take pressure off 1st Avenue South will be open “in about a week”; between Atlantic and Holgate, foundations are being built for the new southbound bridge – the replacement will be side-by-side elevated sections, not the current doubledecker style – that’s why you’re seeing several large cranes; Preedy says they’ll be there for months...Biggest of all: Over the Presidents Day weekend, according to Preedy, the first actual piece of Alaskan Way Viaduct to be demolished – the northbound 1st Avenue onramp to 99 – will come down. All lanes of 1st Avenue South will be closed between Royal Brougham and King for that work. Then up to six weeks of work are ahead while a new northbound onramp is connected. Before that, WSDOT is also working to realign the southbound offramp from 99 to the stadium area...by the morning of Monday, Feb. 14th – you’ll exit onto Royal Brougham instead of 1st Avenue South.

The traffic volumes in the past year have only been heavier due to construction and drivers are responding with more impatience and aggression. I will also contact SPD and let them know that they MUST enforce the traffic laws and keep the bike lanes clear of motor vehicles (trucks regularly park in it, drivers and motorcyclists try to use it to create another driving lane, keep drivers off the sidewalk - yes, I have seen cars driving with the passenger side wheel set down the wider portion of the sidewalk along the west side of E. Marginal Way, and much red light and stop sign running). This will be a challenging time for more vulnerable road users.

I have contacted WSDOT and those of you who use this route - I suggest doing the same so we know, and DRIVERS know, what to exepect regarding construction and the large volumes of traffic to be routed onto the bike route. If I hear anything I will post it.

If you are concerned about maintaining a bike route through the area, please don't hesitate to contact WSDOT project leaders, scroll to bottom: http://wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR99/HolgateToKing/default.htm

SBAB 1/5/11

- Airport Way Viaduct, improvements construction 2011.
Current viaduct is timber. Average of 1,900 heavy vehicles travel it every day. Correcting problems and strengthening viaduct will be main focus of work. Funded by Bridge the Gap, seismic retrofit and refine the approaches to the bridge fit the funding source guidelines. Cannot afford to widen the viaduct to add bike lanes or widen the sidewalk area. Sharrows were considered but the lanes were determined to be too narrow to share (IMHO: this is a great area for Sharrows. Sharrows are ideally used when a roadway is too narrow to add bike lanes and indicates that cyclists will be in the roadway. This is a 4-lane bridge which is also a good location for Sharrows.) Someone asked if the sidewalk approaches were going to be upgraded. The answer was not at this time. Apparently there is a utility pole in the middle of a sidewalk just after a curb cut (where cyclists can move to the sidewalk it they choose to) that makes cycling over this viaduct a problem. It's fairly well used by cyclists and why can't this pole be moved if the approaches to the viaduct are going to be improved? (SDOT will follow up) The viaduct will have full closure during part of the construction to get it done faster rather than string it out over a two year period. The bike detour is planned from Lucille to 1st to Lander or Spokane St then back up the Airport way. This is a very, very long detour and puts cyclists right into detour traffic from 1st Ave and what will be some lane closures from the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Spokane Street is not completed so has the eastbound detour on Spokane been looked at? (Several cyclists at the meeting stressed that east Spokane St is not a safe detour route at this time, the north side of the street which will contain a wider path will not be completed until 2012.) Has 4th Ave been looked at as a detour route? SDOT was not sure, but heavier traffic volumes kept them from looking at this. What about detour signage? Where will it be placed? SDOT was not sure about the exact placement of signage for cyclists. SBAB at this point is wondering why they are only being contacted now, at the end of the planning stage when they could be involved much, much earlier to give good feedback and suggestions for SDOT regarding circumstances affecting cyclists. Note that the detour will route auto/truck traffic to 4th and 1st as well as cyclists.

- Horton/E. Marginal hidden bridge work 2011. There is a hidden bridge that has deteriorated to the point of needing removal under E. Marginal Way under Horton St, just north of Spokane St. Cyclists will be re-routed via a new detour route through the current truck parking lot on the northwest corner of Spokane/E. Marginal. Cyclists will not have to route to 1st Ave. The detour will be three months long. This construction is funded by Bridging the Gap. So far it seems to be a well-planned detour. The course through the lot should not have a detrimental effect on cycling, but be aware of any poor implementation of the detour (like the current one) and contact SDOT about it if you can. There was no estimate of the start date at the time. Note this may impact auto/truck traffic as the roadway could be closed to motor vehicles at times.

- Seattle Bike Parking review update. Question, can the city support the 6,000 cyclists it maintains it wants to draw downtown per day? Inventory of private bike parking was completed (via a federal grant program). Analysis will be forthcoming this year. A total of 70% of private parking received an "A" grade based on a fairly complex matrix of points. However, what actually may be available has gaps depending on neighborhood; which will be looked at in the analysis. Bike parking is not evenly distributed nor is it evenly available to all cyclists. Only 22 buildings in the downtown area (boarder is Mercer, Denny, Royal Brougham and waterfront) have bike parking facilities. Showers and locker availability is sparse, which is a big deal due to terrain and weather. In addition, building managers generally don't want unknown cyclists coming in to use their area (even if they have public motor vehicle parking available).

- 2011 SDOT update. Only 15 miles of bike facilities are planned in 2011 due mostly to budget issues. The addition of a climbing lane on 16th Ave SW is planned (number 5 on the 2011 list) and Avalon Way improvements are number 15 on the list. (It's uncertain how many planned areas SDOT will be able to complete and it may be that smaller projects may be put forward of larger projects like Avalon.) SDOT will be doing the work in-house rather than contracting to save more funds. More SPD enforcement will be employed for cyclists; i.e. if you regularly run lights you may have more of a chance to be pulled over and ticketed (note: no information was given whether motor vehicles will also be pulled over more frequently for running red lights at the same time). If you have any areas you would like to see bike improvements at, contact walkandbike@seattle.gov as soon as possible so your opinion can be taken into consideration to the meager improvements planned for 2011.

Rohr: regarding your comment, do email walkandbike@seattle.gov and report that intersection. SDOT is allocating 2011 dollars for bike projects soon (as meagre as it is) and any input from the public will only help get that area upgraded.

House Bill 1018

This is up for a vote in the State Legislature next week. It's being promoted as a 3' manadory passing law but crammed into it are lots of changes to the current Bicycle RCWs that are a cause for concern. Below is some information about it.

You can read the HB 1018 here: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2011-12/Pdf/Bills/House Bills/1018.pdf

Your Legislature contacts can be found here: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspx

Currently the RCW 46.61.770 gives cyclists the right to operate "a bicycle upon a roadway at a rate of speed less than the normal flow of traffic at the particular time and place shall ride as near to the right side of the right through lane as is safe except as may be appropriate while preparing to make or while making turning movements, or while overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction...A person operating a bicycle upon a roadway may use the shoulder of the roadway or any specifically designated bicycle lane if such exists."

RCW 46.61.110 explains overtaking on the left, and how Right of Way (ROW) is given not to the overtaking vehicle, but the vehicle being overtaken (in this case, the RCW grants the cyclist rights of a vehicle since there is no specific guidance on overtaking for cyclists). "...2) The driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian or bicycle that is on the roadway or on the right-hand shoulder or bicycle lane of the roadway shall pass to the left at a safe distance to clearly avoid coming into contact with the pedestrian or bicyclist, and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken pedestrian or bicyclist. 3) ...overtaken traffic shall give way to the right in favor of an overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not increase speed until completely passed..."

And RCW 46.61.120, which limits overtaking on the left, "No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing other traffic proceeding in the same direction unless authorized by the provisions of RCW 46.61.100 through 46.61.160 and 46.61.212 and unless such left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the operation of any traffic approaching from the opposite direction or any traffic overtaken. In every event the overtaking vehicle must return to an authorized lane of travel as soon as practicable and in the event the passing movement involves the use of a lane authorized for vehicles approaching from the opposite direction, before coming within two hundred feet of any approaching traffic."

Are these RCW's not already explicit enough for drivers and cyclists? The ostensible point of the HB 1018 is to better inform cyclists and motorists "as to safe practices that will help reduce accidents and conflicts between bicyclists and motorists." One of the best available information sheets is already published by the Bicycle Alliance of Washington (BAW): http://www.bicyclealliance.org/data/BAW_STR_Motor-Bike%20as%20distributed.pdf. HB 1018 would turn the rules around so that the ROW would belong to the overtaking (passing) vehicle, and the onus of avoiding any collision would be placed on the slower, more vulnerable road user. This is NOT the current intent of the RCW's nor should it ever be.

* RCW 46.61.770 currently allows cyclists to use the roadway as is safe, giving cyclists the option to use the road, at any time, with or without traffic present, to avoid dangerous situations. The determination of what is safe is left up to the cyclist. HB 1018 rewrites as is safe to as is judged reasonably safe by the bicyclist, of which "reasonably" can be questioned by ANYONE. Who is to determine for the cyclist what is "reasonably safe?" The driver? The police? Another cyclist who may be more/less experienced? A random bystander? This "reasonably safe" definition pulls the safety determination from under the cyclist who is most at risk on the roadway and who needs to be able to determine, oftentimes within seconds, what road conditions are safe/not safe to traverse on two wheels. And the wording covers "objects/roadway" that "may be judged reasonably unsafe" but not situations. Approaching an intersection, traveling an particularly dangerous roadway (narrow, intersecting side streets, businesses lining the street which would create more turning auto traffic), and drivers driving more aggressive than normal (rush hour, event traffic) may also cause a rider to "take more lane" than usual, to increase their visibility and give the cyclist in turn a better view of the street. Forcing a cyclist to ride to the right in these situations can be just as dangerous as riding into any gravel or pothole and is not taken at all into consideration in HB 1018.

* Furthermore, requiring a cyclist to ride to the right "as is reasonably safe" "when traffic is present" relegates cyclists almost automatically to the side of the road at all times, especially in busy metropolitan areas. What determines "when traffic is present?" Is it one, two, three, ten, twenty cars are in the same lane as the cyclist, in the oncoming lane, on side streets? Requiring a cyclist to move right whenever there is traffic in the vicinity would cause a cyclist to take a very irregular line in the roadway, i.e. cause weaving and even potentially cause a cyclist to become difficult to see by many more drivers. If you've experienced a cyclist "popping" in and out from between parked cars, this is the situation that could be created; more dangerous by far than a cyclist being allowed to simply ride in a straight line, to the right as they deem safe.

* And what is the Addition in Section 3, item 5, if a cyclist is overtaken on the right? This apparently gives drivers the right to pass cyclists on the RIGHT, not only the left, "when there is a shoulder or bicycle lane that is wide enough to pass the bicyclist at a safe distance." So this grants drivers to use the shoulder or BIKE LANE as a passing lane, and if a driver chooses to do so, the cyclist must ride to the left (again, as "reasonably judged safe by the cyclist") as the driver passes. This is horrific - it grants motor vehicle carte blanche to every inch of the roadway, so long as a cyclist is present.

* To top off the removal of the judgment by the cyclist as to what is safe bicycle operation, giving no definition to "traffic" and how the cyclist would be forced to act around motor vehicles, and making it possible for drivers to take over a bike lane, drivers would be allowed to freely honk and yell at cyclists. Of course, HB 1018 defines this situation as "when necessary to avoid and imminent or likely collision give warning by sounding the horn or an appropriate verbal warning." BAW and most bicycle advisory groups specifically advise AGAINST doing so. Motor vehicle horns are very loud and can easily startle a cyclist, making them actually swerve and loose control, thereby causing an accident rather than avoiding one. If a driver operates a motor vehicle in such a manner as to come so close to causing a collision with a cyclist, why is it appropriate for them to "warn" the cyclist? Is this granting the driver the ROW even though the driver may have caused the dangerous situation? Have you ever been yelled at by a driver while on a bicycle? Have you ever been able to even understand the driver? Is the driver going to roll down their window, in all types of weather, to "warn" the cyclist that a collision is imminent? From behind closed windows? While going 35 MPH? This is a completely ridiculous section and should be removed. It's allowance to harass cyclists and blame the cyclists for creating an "imminent" collision, pure and simple.

""4) The pedestrian activated crossing signal on SW Spokane Place is also in desperate need of upgraded pavement markings. It's almost impossible to tell where they were and there's no "stop line" for motor vehicles."

Crews will be out in the spring and throughout the summer of 2011 to remark many miles of worn arterials and bike facilities in Seattle."

This doesn't sound like any real attention is going to be paid to this crazy intersection. They need to re-examine the signal timing and take pedestrian and bicycle crossings into consideration. Many times I have waited through several light cycles to no avail. You are basically forced to jaywalk / cross through illegally at this location.

My response:

I have one concern with SDOT not wanting to upgrade the main signalized intersection at the east side of the lower bridge. The paint is in major disrepair and it IS still a crossing that is used by both pedestrians and cyclists even if the "official trail" runs under the bridge. Many people don't even realize that the trail runs under the bridge (there is only signage westbound, and it's not clear from the sign that the trail loops around or where it goes and there is no signage at the bottom eastbound at all). So if a person knowingly or unknowingly decides to use the intersection rather than the "official trail" they are out of luck and so be it that they have to contend with motor vehicles blocking the pedestrian crossings and poor facilities? This is likely the most dangerous area to cross and most do cross there. I would hope the SDOT recognizes this and upgrades the intersection in the near future.

Some of the vegetation was cut back around the port entry a couple weeks ago which helped, but the vegetation along the north side of the bridge was not, it's difficult to see around it if using the pedestrian activated crosswalk. And I know motor vehicles can't see me since it's taller than me on my bike (as you should know from using the area).

I received an answer regarding upgrading the crossings on the east side of the lower West Seattle Bridge. Here's the status...

Thanks for contacting the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) regarding bicycling in Seattle. I am very familiar with the bike route from West Seattle to downtown, as that is my commute route as well. I will answer each of your questions below.

"1) The basic crossings of SW Spokane Pl and 11th Ave (at the Port entry) have been upgraded with extra wide curb cuts. These are great - a huge improvement! I would also suggest adding additional bike/ped crossing signage here (in the past there were two signs at each crossing, one sign on each side of the street) since motor vehicles seem not to understand that they have to yield to bikes/peds wanting to cross and are frequently moving at a high rate of speed (including trucks - 18 wheelers)."

Crossing signage will be installed later this year as the crews start their winter sign installation work.

"2) It looks like the street is marked to have upgraded paint laid down to mark the crossing area. Is this still planned?"

Yes. The street is marked with temporary crossing tape at this time. This will be upgraded to a permanent crossing as crews find the dry weather to do the work.

"3) The MAIN intersection, S Spokane St and the east side of the lower bridge has no improvements made at all. The curb cuts are still tiny and the pavement crossing markings are still almost obliterated. Motor vehicles always (yes, always) put themselves right in front of the curb cut when stopped at the red light - likely because they have no idea it's there. Cyclists and pedestrians have to manoever around the vehicles consistently if they choose to cross at this main intersection."

When heading west bound on the Duwamish trail, the trail continues under the low level bridge. This allows cyclists to safely access the trail on the south side of the low level bridge without having to jump into traffic. Although trail users may legally cross at that intersection, the intersection is not a part of the trail system. The curb ramps are all standard sized pedestrian ramps.

"4) The pedestrian activated crossing signal on SW Spokane Place is also in desperate need of upgraded pavement markings. It's almost impossible to tell where they were and there's no "stop line" for motor vehicles."

Crews will be out in the spring and throughout the summer of 2011 to remark many miles of worn arterials and bike facilities in Seattle.

"5) Are new pavement markings planned for the entrance/exits to the park/other businesses along 11th/Spokane? These are used frequently throughout the year by all, and they are in need of re-painting. In fact it looks like one of the drives used as an exit has never had crossing markings."

The Urban Trails and Bikeways program has completed 43 bike facility and bike trail upgrades throughout Seattle this year. Seattle has miles of trials and bike facilities, and we try to cover improvements in all areas of town. We realize there are more improvements to be made on our existing facilities and will work towards completing some of these in the coming years.

"6) The vegetation that is growing in along the sidewalks/paths in this area is getting to be quite tall (taller than a cyclist on a bike) and obscure the path users from drivers on the streets and obscure the view of the roadway from the cyclists/peds. The vegetation needs to be cut down so that it's easy to see what's happening on the road."

It is the responsibility of the Port of Seattle to maintain the vegetation along this section of the Duwamish trail. Last week, we had SDOT crews go out and trim some of the vegetation along parts of this trail to assist the Port.

Thank you again for contacting SDOT. We appreciate your interests and concerns. I may be reached directly at monica.dewald@seattle.gov or (206) 684-5374.

Hm. I *think* it was to be in place until the work on the Spokane Viaduct at the west end was finished. The holding area there is being used for the storage of equipment in that area..around 2012. If you have any complaints about it you should contact LeAnne Nelson (community liason) LeAnne.Nelson@seattle.gov and the Seattle Bike Advisory Board bikeboard@seattle.gov. The SBAB has been following the issue and I know several members have been contacting SDOT about the detour.

Those are good recommendations.

Was there any indication about how long we can expect to have to use the temporary set up detour for turning from East Marginal to Lower Spokane Trail?

I just received this information in my in-box from SDOT:

Beginning October 29th through the end of March 2011, when the contractor will begin foundation work on the eastside of Alaskan Way South. This work will require the shifting of traffic lanes further west and the removal of the bike lanes on Alaskan Way South between South Holgate and South Atlantic streets. The contractor will place a barrier to create a ten foot clear multi-use sidewalk on the west side of Alaskan Way and the area will be swept to ensure safety. Cyclists will be allowed to use either the roadway or the sidewalk and we will install signage to assist cyclists and pedestrians through the construction site.

As you may be aware, this area will have ongoing construction activities for several years as WSDOT replaces the viaduct. Therefore, the City's construction management staff will be reviewing this area to ensure WSDOT's contractor provides for safe bicycle and pedestrian movements throughout the life of construction.

If I can be of any further assistance please contact me directly at (206) 684-5187 or mike.johnson@seattle.gov.

I responded to Mike with the following concerns. If you have any, you should contact him.

* Flooding in the street is very bad between Atlantic and Massachusetts - so bad that half of the east lane is now often underwater and dangerous for cyclists as it's very deep and we cannot see the roadway. If cyclists take the lane they will be routed straight through this water and over a drain grate (not a tire trapper but can be slippery).

* The flooding also floods the narrow sidewalk area (to the east of the barriers between barriers and building) making it difficult for pedestrains, let alone peds and cyclists.

* There is flooding on the "sidewalk" side of the very narrow barrier area just past Massachusetts. The roadway is dry but those choosing the "sidewalk" route will be routed into fairly deep water and an uneven brick surface. Furthermore this area is also extremely narrow, not sure if it's even 6 feet wide. It's really a poor construction of a temporary sidewalk. There is also what seems to be an abandoned bicycle chained to the street side of the barrier which should be removed as it takes up valuable street space for cyclists.

* Signage indicating to drivers that "Cyclists on Roadway" would be helpful as drivers are becoming more impatient and aggressive with the increasing construction and delays. Anything to assist cyclists would be apprectiated.

SBAB 10/6/10

- Walk/Bike/Ride program goal is to make these methods an easy way to get around; save money, healthier, less infrastructure needed for single occupancy vehicles. Draft of new projects to be funded by car tab increase and parking tax increases. Most new projects are pedestrian related, not bike related. The new car tab increase seems to fund NO new bike projects. Core services come first, street cleaning, road maintenance, etc. Parking tax would provide primary funding for pedestrian and bike projects. But bike projects are first in line to be cut. If new funding is not found, the Walk/Bike/Ride group will exist in name only. No new funding for these modes of travel will be available and all projects will stop.

- SR520 reconfiguration taking cycling into account better. SBAB has been attending meetings and giving input and WADOT seems to be taking in into consideration.

- There was a GIS Bikeability Assessment of Seattle recently (by an independent party at no cost to Seattle). The finding was that Seattle is a more challenging city to navigate by bicycle than other cities known for cycling, like Portland. The top reason in terrain (hills), context of neighborhoods (how friendly they are to cyclists)/connectivity between neighborhoods, and downtown (challenge of traffic & need of infrastructure). Neighborhoods are often located on tops of hills surrounded by slopes of 15% or greater. Ballard/Crown Hill is the exception which looks more like Portland.
*Note that poor facilities was noted as high in downtown and second highest heading to West Seattle from E. Marginal/Spokane Street to Spokane/Delridge intersection.
*Major barriers were also noted at deterrants (freeways, major boulevards to cross, bridges, etc). Outside of downtown the next area full of major barriers was West Seattle.

- South tunnel planning along E. Marginal has updated the bike infrastructure near the Atlantic overpass. The alignment has changed to a wider 16' path (rather than 12') traveling under the overpass which could eliminate a problematic intersection crossing. Then the Multiple Use Path (MUP) will transition to bike lanes similar to how they are configured now along E. Marginal.

- the north end has a new bike signal. this makes three in the north end.

SBAB meeting 8/4/10

- Big discussion about the new Dexter bike lane configuration; bus bulbs, fencing, sharrows, bike boulevard plans.

- The new north tunnel portal plans were discussed. 3 lanes each way on Mercer underway, Valley will become 2 lanes and bike lanes each way. Mercer West/Roy will become 2 lanes each way. Planning for bicycles is limited to wide sidewalks right now, which mixes them with peds, hardly ideal. Seems to be way SDOT is dealing with cyclists.

- Gates Foundation plans for 5th to be extended through the campus. No real issues for cyclists other than opportunity to upgrade cycling system through the area. Prefer cyclists not be routed to link up with Mercer Street since there would be a very problematic and dangerous left turn involved. 6th to Harrison then to 5th a better route.

Summary of Annual WADOT ped/bike count, Thursday Oct 7th at the corner of California SW and SW Alaska, 7:00 - 9:00 am.

Total cyclists: 22
Total pedestrians: 244

Jaywalkers: 3
Illegal left turns by motor vehicles: 2
Kids on bikes: 2
Motor vehicles making right turn on red (illegal): 16
Motor vehicles running red light: 12
Cyclists running red light: 3

Summary of the annual Seattle Bike Counts at the intersection of California and Alaska 6:30-9:00 am 9/15/10:

Total Cyclists: 32, including 6 kids
Male: 22 or 68.8%
Female: 10 or 31.2%

* Drivers running red light (includes those turning on "No Turn on Red" - the vast majority of illegal turns were made by drivers turning east onto Alaska from northbound California): 35
* Drivers making illegal left turn: 3
* Pedestrians walking against Don't Walk: 15
* Cyclist running red or crossing against Don't Walk: 4 (only one cyclist "blew" a red light. The other 3 were sidewalk riders crossing like a jaywalker.)

Of those making illegal intersection maneuvers, drivers made up 67%, pedestrians 26%, and cyclists 7%.
54% of the red light runs by drivers occurred between 7:45 - 8:15, when the intersection was the busiest.

% cyclists on sidewalk: 25%

% of cyclists wearing helmets: 90.6% or 91%

Based on my numbers, I would say the red light running motor vehicles are a bigger concern than cyclists riding without helmets.

SDOT is looking for someone who shares who shares the passion for early morning public service in the name of charting the progress of the Seattle Bicycle Master Plan please send them my way by phone or email. The annual bike count needs a couple more counters: Wednesday, September, 15th, 6:30-9:00 AM.

Virginia Coffman
Seattle Department of Transportation
(206) 684-3902

Highland Park Way SW & Duwamish Trail
34th Ave SW & SW Holden
Delridge Way SW & SW Henderson

That's my understanding. However, I am also expecting it to move/shift/be gone for some periods of time based on what I have read and the meetings I've been able to sit in on.

is this detour through the chain link area then going to be in place through mid 2012?

Got this nice reply to the gravel issue from Mr. Goldsmith, that is solved with a quick blacktop fix shortly after the gravel issue arose. SDOT is working on the east part of the detour at this point so will update when I can.

Thank you for taking the time to register your concern about the safety of the temporary bicycle path through our construction zone at Spokane Street and East Marginal Way. A very similar message was posted on the Cascade Bicycle Club message board last week, the benefit of which was that it drew our attention to the short gravel section at the western end of the detour. While the asphalt paving was ordered right after the message board posting, I drove out to check myself after receiving your email message, and am pleased to report the loose gravel has been replaced with smooth asphalt.

Please be assured that we are committed to safety, and continue to work with our contractors to ensure that temporary conditions and/or detours do not present risks to bicyclists, pedestrians, or motorists. Needless to say, active construction zones do present a host of challenges as we strive to minimize the resulting inconvenience for citizens.

It is our goal and expectation that the finished Spokane Street Viaduct Widening Project not only will facilitate the movement of freight, transit and general traffic, but will also improve bicycle and pedestrian access. The project includes a 10 foot wide bike-pedestrian facility on the north side of Spokane between 6th Avenue and East Marginal Way that will connect seamlessly to the existing bike path west of East Marginal Way. We expect to be completed by mid-2012.

Please feel free to contact me should you have any other issues or concerns with this project at 206-615-0860 or stuart.goldsmith@seattle.gov.

Regards,

Stuart Goldsmith
Supervising Project Manager
Seattle Department of Transportation

There's a bike detour coming up very shortly. I can't find any information about it on the SDOT Spokane Viaduct site http://www.cityofseattle.net/transportation/spokanestreetdetour.htm.

The detour is located, when heading into the city, east on Spokane St north side path, to south on E. Marginal. Signage for the bike detour is up and very large - which is good since there is a metal chain link fence that will block the entire regular bike/ped route to the E. Marginal/Spokane intersection.

It looks like cyclists and pedestrians will be routed through what used to be part of the truck layover parking lot. I didn't notice any signage as I rode southbound on E. Marginal directing me to travel through the detour area to the west, presumably the route will be better marked in the next day or so for those cyclists traveling southbound who are headed west to the lower bridge.

There is a tricky part - the west part of the detour "path" that transitions from the sidewalk on the north side of Spokane St to the paved parking lot is gravel. This gravel portion (consisting of 1" gravel pieces) is on a slight curve as well. I was amazed enough this afternoon to stop and gape at it for a moment; if I hit that gravel traveling my normal speed on thin tires I would very likely loose purchase on the surface and skid/fall. I did not see any "GRAVEL" or "LOOSE SURFACE" signs in the area will be so cyclists be warned to watch for this. I have encountered this type of situation in the past at another construction site that did not have a warning and it was not a pleasant experience.

I've contacted SDOT with some questions and will follow up.
In the meantime here is some contact information if you have any questions or concerns:

LeAnne Nelson, SDOT Community Relations, 206-684-3897,
LeAnne.Nelson@seattle.gov
OR
Paul Elliott, SDOT Community Relations, 206-684-5321,
Paul.Elliott@seattle.gov

I also cc'd these two groups.
Seattle Bike Board (SBAB): bikeboard@seattle.gov
and
Walk and Bike Seattle: walkandbike@seattle.gov

I am not a bicyclist, for sure (too many arthritic joints, work at home, etc. etc.). But I want to thank you for the information that you're providing, Al. I know that many people who commute by bike, and even those for who it's just recreation really need this info. Thanks for passing it along.