That’s the helmet-cam video of bicyclist Jeff‘s trip to and through West Seattle’s first “bike box,” originally linked in the discussion following our Sunday report on the addition to the north/eastbound side of Andover at Delridge. Commenters had several followup questions, as did we, and as promised, we took them to SDOT, whose Marybeth Turner researched and responded. Ahead, our eight questions and SDOT’s eight answers, including what’s next for this project site and whether any more are in the works:
1. Is the bike box done, or will there be a WAIT HERE or some other feature added on the road? Signage to come?
A: The project is not completed. The thermoplastic for the crosswalks and stop lines will be added at a later date along with signage.
[WSB note: Crews have been working at that intersection daily since then, but they’re on the south/westbound side, doing curb work to help with truck-turning space.]
2. Why was this done on Sunday?
A: Sunday is the one day that Nucor Steel is not running heavy trucks in and out of the Andover access point. Weekday installation would have required one or two uniformed police officers, multiple lanes closures and a much more complicated traffic setup.
3. If there is a “loop” sensor under the road, will it still pick up cars stopped before the bike box as mandated, so that the signal is tripped? (Or, if this signal doesn’t use a loop, please let us know that.)
A: Detection at the signal is in the design. It will still pick up cars stopped before the bike box. Loop detection will be used and is considered an upgrade from the current detection.
4. A few have opined that a painted surface will be slick in the rain. Is this “just” paint? Is there something taking into account the slickness factor?
A: Slickness is an issue that affects all users of the road. The material that is used for the green color is slip resistant and meets national standards.
5. Somewhere on the SDOT site, it says Bridging the Gap has paid for – or is paying for – bike boxes. Is that the case here? And is $15,000 – a figure published by seattlepi.com some time back – still an accurate price tag for a bike box? If not, what is?
A: This project is funded by Bridging the Gap. We are trying a different procedure with installation so the cost will be less than $10,000.
6. Related to additional signage/verbiage in #2 – is there any kind of outreach planned to explain this?
A: We typically install one educational sign with the project, letting road users know where they should place themselves. You can also view our online video of how to use a bike box here.
7. Are there any other bike boxes under consideration (or, even, planned) for West Seattle? If so, where, and when?
A: No other bike boxes are under consideration for West Seattle at this time.
8. What’s the appropriate mailbox for people to send feedback to?
A: Going to neighborhood meetings and participating will have the biggest impact. If you have questions about SDOT’s bicycle and pedestrian programs, please call (206) 684-7583 or e-mail walkandbike@seattle.gov.
This area is in the jurisdiction of the North Delridge Neighborhood Council, which meets the second Monday of the month (watch their website for updates). Delridge road work – though not specifically this project – is also expected to be discussed at this Wednesday’s joint meeting of the Delridge Neighborhoods District Council and Highland Park Action Committee, 7 pm at HP Improvement Club (12th and Holden).
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