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.
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