West Seattle 5K/Seattle Summer Streets: Seeking people power

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(May 2009 photo by Eric Bell)
Julian was one of the volunteers that made the Alki edition of Seattle Summer Streets (aka “car-free day”) and West Seattle 5K possible last year – and this year, help’s needed again. SDOT and the West Seattle High School PTSA – which is presenting the WS5K again this year on May 23 (with WSB among the co-sponsors) – are putting out the call for volunteers for both of the day’s big events:

The West Seattle 5K Run/Walk is looking for volunteers to act as “Course Monitors” and assist with setting out marker cones before the race; monitor intersections for safety; and guide runners away from traffic and onto the marked 5K course.

Summer Streets is looking for volunteers to act as “Intersection Guardians” and monitor intersections for safety and invite passersby to come and play; help set up/take down barricades for street closure and local access; staff information tables and more.

For early birds, the first shift during the 5K is from 8:00 to 11:30 AM, the second shift is from 10:30AM to 2:00 PM, and the afternoon shift is from 1:30 to 5:00 PM. If you are interested in helping during the 5K, e-mail info@westseattle5k.com; otherwise fill out the online form at www.seattle.gov/transportation/summer_involved.htm.

monroe1200 May 11, 2010 (1:24 pm)

So does this mean that if a car wants to drive down one of these roads that they will be stopped from doing so? This doesn’t sound very legal considering we pay for the use of the roads when we register our vehicles and the other taxes that are applied to drivers. This should be interesting to see. I look forward to testing this out!

strange_owl May 11, 2010 (8:45 pm)

you’ll be outnumbered by the hundreds (thousands?) of other tax paying owners of that road using it for running, walking, biking & blading. one day out of 365 that you have to get off your arse and out of your car – get over it. you might even enjoy yourself.

alki_2008 May 12, 2010 (9:17 am)

@monroe1200 – yep, unless you live on the street, then you’ll need to “go around”. If you’re already driving in a car, then it shouldn’t be too much of a hassle. Do you also get upset and use the “registration/taxes” line when a street is closed due to accidents, parades, etc?
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The street closures are definitely beyond a “lazy” issue for people that aren’t fully mobile (ie, aged or disabled), but again…if they’re driving, then a detour shouldn’t be a problem.

monroe1200 May 17, 2010 (3:52 pm)

Why the personal attacks? All you are doing is showing your ignorance. My comment has nothing to do with my physical stature, but good try. Also an accident closing a street is not even comparable to a group of people wanting to force something on someone else. I am sure that if car drivers decided to close off “PUBLIC” streets to pedestrians even for one day a year that you would also be questioning the legality of it. I look forward to reading your reply, hopefully you can add something constructive to it.

Sorry, comment time is over.