More future “sharrows” sighted on California SW

| Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

We’ve had two reports today of markings like the ones at left — placeholders for “sharrows” — appearing along California SW (thanks to Scott C and Patt for the tips) in various spots between Alaska and Morgan Junctions. “Sharrows” are meant to remind drivers and bikers that they share the road. They’re already in place on other major routes including Admiral Way and Beach Drive (put in place about this time last year), and the city’s Bicycle Master Plan has them in the works for California SW all the way from College (in North Admiral) to Thistle, along with other streets (here’s the full map of the various bicycle “facilities,” including sharrows and bike lanes, envisioned for West Seattle).

t September 1, 2008 (9:22 pm)

Actually I think they’re spray painted on California clear from Admiral south to Morgan.

What good they do, though, is an open question, if drivers don’t know that bikes have a right to the road, sharrows probably won’t help.

The money could be better spent repaving one of the horrific bike “lanes” West Seattlites use all the time. The bike lane on the east side of E Marginal Way South, past the cruise terminal, would get my vote – exposed brick cobble and potholes is the “bike lane” for downtown commuters to return to West Seattle?!?!

t September 1, 2008 (9:23 pm)

Make that the West side of Marginal. East side of Marginal is marginally better, at least there is no exposed brick cobble.

JanS September 1, 2008 (9:27 pm)

I’m not a cyclist, but…I have to ask how many cyclists feel safe along Calif Ave. south of Edmunds on the way to Morgan St. It’s even a challenge for drivers. I feel bad for cyclists who have to put up with all the patches in that area…

Denny September 1, 2008 (11:01 pm)

all the way South to Thistle? I will yield to any bicyclist who wants to climb that hill.

WSB September 1, 2008 (11:08 pm)

No kidding. We walk up it on the homeward leg of on-foot trips to Morgan Junction, and that’s tough enough.

CMP September 2, 2008 (8:08 am)

I ride my bike along California all the time between the Alaska and Morgan Junctions and usually feel quite safe, even with no sharrows. I’ve had a few close encounters with a Metro bus, of all vehicles. It’s actually not a bad stretch of road for riding, except for where those hideous townhomes are at the old Guadalajara site…debris all over the place, but at least there’s no glass. I think 35th should be next in line for some sharrows. Correct me if I’m wrong since I don’t drive 35th regularly, but I didn’t notice any this morning from Morgan to the bridge entrance.

JenV September 2, 2008 (11:25 am)

We just received out door hanger from the SDOT letting us know that there will be parking restrictions on California Ave while they are painting the sharrows. Signs will be posted 72 hours prior to the start of work, and any vehicles left parked will of course be towed at the owners’ expense. This will all take place within the next 2 weeks.

B September 2, 2008 (1:01 pm)

I ride along California from Morgan to Admiral junction a few times a week and generally feel very safe. It’s 35th that is the real problem. I’ve taken to cutting over on 34th and going through the neighborhoods and dealing with the stop signs. I am in awe of some of the routes chosen and it appears that those picking the routes are not cyclist. Going up the hill from Admiral is extremely dangerous in the afternoon so cycling ride on the sidewalk, but that’s not safe for pedestrians either. Barton and Thistle are also brutal hills. They might be better served to adjust the routes so they wind up the elevations. It takes longer but will be less intimidating.

nottheenemy September 2, 2008 (2:14 pm)

someone needs to remind bikers that they share the road…and get them off the sidewalk.

JH September 2, 2008 (10:15 pm)

When I tackle Admiral (from WS Fwy area up to the totem viewpoint) for exercise, I definitely ride on the sidewalk. It would be bike suicide to ride in the road there! Believe me, that’s much better-I still can’t do it without stopping.

Aaron September 3, 2008 (12:52 pm)

Couple of things…

I noticed the sharrow placeholders last weekend, and was surprised that the city would encourage cyclists to use California. I’ve used it in spots, and it’s okay, but usually not the safest route. I’d much rather ride on 42nd. virtually no traffic, and less of a chance of getting doored. There’s nothing that worries me more than seeing the weekend cyclists on Cali riding right next to parked cars.

35th is not good for cycling during heavy traffic, but can be nice and calm during other parts of the day. Either way, here are a couple routes that I typically use to get in or out of the High Point area. Not the easiest (there is no easy way) but generally the safest: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=111674628031638513893.00045603030e99055af9e&ll=47.559616,-122.345123&spn=0.068462,0.141449&z=13

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