West Seattle traffic alert: Car-motorcycle crash on Alki Avenue

ORIGINAL REPORT, 12:56 PM: Avoid the 1300 block of Alki Avenue SW (map) for a while – there’s an emergency response for what is described via radio as a car-motorcycle collision. While the initial callout was for a “6 per” medic response, indicating potential life-threatening injuries, we’re told a private ambulance is now on the way. So are we, and we’ll update with whatever we find out at the scene.

1:08 PM UPDATE: Per scanner – westbound Alki Avenue is now open at the scene; eastbound still closed.

1:20 PM UPDATE: At the scene – police confirm one person went to the hospital (we’re trying to get more details); the vehicles involved are a Jeep Cherokee and Yamaha motorcycle.

ADDED MONDAY EVENING: We heard back from Seattle Fire spokesperson Kyle Moore, who confirmed that the person taken to the hospital was the motorcycle rider, and was described as conscious and alert when transported.

Kristined May 20, 2013 (1:28 pm)

Tow truck just arrived. Police are directing traffic both ways.

WSB May 20, 2013 (1:34 pm)

Thank you! Must have been right after we left the scene.

Ian May 20, 2013 (6:36 pm)

Commuting daily and year round on a motorcycle sure makes me very aware of what is going on around me. Unfortunately, not everyone sees us, especially those SUVs, and this can happen. Some motorcyclists obviously ride like bloody fools, but these accidents always make me wish people would take a better look before making a move.

justme May 20, 2013 (9:27 pm)

Good points Ian. I am an occasional rider and that alone is risk enough. I wish vehicle drivers would give us more room and not assume they’re quicker, faster, or that we’re farther away than we really are. A loud bike engine helps too.

Kneering May 21, 2013 (5:22 am)

A loud bike does nothing but create needless noise pollution and contributes to creating a negative image of us motorcyclists.

Hope the rider is okay. Am curious to hear more about the details of the accident.

Wendell May 21, 2013 (7:14 am)

Loud pipes only scares the local squirrel population and upsets grandma. Keeping your head in the game while riding is more beneficial. Crashes happen regardless.

Thoughts and prayers to the brother/sister rider.

WSB May 21, 2013 (8:40 am)

I’m not sure where the whole motorcycle-noise sideline came from here, but to be clear, we have NO information about the cause/circumstances of this crash, let alone whether the motorcycle was noisy, the car was noisy, or what; both of the aforementioned would have been irrelevant anyway. We reported this yesterday because at the time it was blocking traffic. Unless either of the people involved happens to show up here to comment, I am not expecting any additional information on this – TR

MrFancyPants May 21, 2013 (10:35 am)

I was raised in Seattle and live in San Francisco and I ride. Lane splitting down here is a real life saver since most accidents are rear end related. You can’t rear end something that’s not in your lane. Plus I’ve always ridden like I’m invisible, I just assume no one sees me.

Is It Me May 21, 2013 (12:43 pm)

Exactly, always assume no on sees you! Because 20% of the time they won’t. The closest I’ve come to being hit while riding was on Alki…by a cop. He pulled out of a driveway and didn’t “see me” and I had to brake hard to avoid hitting him. So it can happen to anyway, by anyone…just pay attention and watch out!

MoJoe May 23, 2013 (8:18 am)

I hope the downed rider is okay.
It is important to note, that driving blindness is when staring straight ahead you lose side vision (peripheral) within less than a minute. No wonder motorbikes seem to appear out of nowhere. That’s why loud bikes save lives. Ex.1(Kneerings moped doesn’t make a sound, cagers dont see him and splat) Ex.2. Loud biker next to little electric Leaf. They lock the doors, but know that bike is there. Don’t they?”
Ride Safe. Support ABATE

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