FOLLOWUP: SDOT wants your thoughts on how Alki Point Healthy Street changes are working out, and what else you’d like to see

| Safety | West Seattle news

(Constellation Park section of Alki Point Healthy Street, February)

Months after the city installed much-discussed permanent changes on the Alki Point “Healthy Street”— Beach Drive and Alki Avenue’s respective west-of-63rd SW stretches – SDOT is wondering what you think. They;ve sent out a survey solicitation – here’s the heart of it:

Since 2020 SDOT has been partnering with Seattle Parks and Recreation and the community to improve safety and access for people who walk, bike, and roll while enjoying Alki Point. Throughout the past four years SDOT has evaluated the temporary Healthy Street, made adjustments and heard the community call for permanent changes. This year we began the construction on the first phase of permanent improvements including:

-A shared-use path along Beach Drive SW for people walking, biking, and rolling
-Three designated public parking areas
-Speed cushions to slow down vehicles
-A vehicle turnaround at the end of the Alki trail

As a regional destination park and marine reserve habitat, Alki Point serves people enjoying many popular outdoor activities like kayaking and paddle boarding, whale watching, exploring the low tides, and taking in views of sunsets and the mountains. We understand the unique nature of Alki Point and are seeking your feedback on this survey to better understand how the changes are working so far and inform our next steps.

Go here to answer the survey. It’s open until December 2.

Reed November 13, 2024 (1:40 pm)

Provided feedback to SDOT requesting that they make it more ped/bike friendly and more restrictive on cars by making it a one-way. The parking issues brought up by the opposition are unfounded; there is always plenty of parking down there.

walkerws November 13, 2024 (2:39 pm)

Yes, this would make it even better! Thanks for the suggestion.
Ts November 14, 2024 (9:28 pm)

Really….unfounded?? There are two disabled parking spots, on the wrong side of the street, at each end, no where near where people actually want to be. Try crossing there with a walker or in a wheelchair. They are always used, by cars without plates or placards, often by cars that I have seen multiple times, regulars or residents? There is no place for elderly disabled to stay in their cars and see anything. If you try to drive down it you often get dirty looks or yelled at. For the elderly this can cause them to leave the house less so they may become less healthy, for the disabled it’s another sign that they are not welcome in our community with the same result.

lucy November 13, 2024 (2:10 pm)

Since a public street has now been closed off to the public, perhaps the folks who live there should pay for the maintenance of the street instead of the public. I wish my street was private. OOOOO, and gated. With guards. And a drawbridge with a moat. And alligators.

Alki Parent November 13, 2024 (2:29 pm)

It is not closed off to the public.
- Donna, The Whale Trail November 13, 2024 (6:21 pm)
  
  Most of the public thinks it is. The Street Closed signs have been very effective at keeping people away. Intentionally or not, Alki Point now functions like a gated community.
  
  How many people come to the signs each day and turn away, unaware of what they are missing? The loss to the wider public is unmeasured, and ongoing.
  - Walker November 13, 2024 (6:48 pm)
    
    From someone who lives near 64th and Alki, from what I’ve witnessed, very few people are deterred by the Street Closed signs and turn around–I would estimate about 1-2% do so.
    - Donna, The Whale Trail November 13, 2024 (8:29 pm)
      
      Thanks Walker. What we need are data showing the actual impact of the signs on the approach traffic.
      
      For example, SDOT could have installed sensors at each entrance to count how many cars entered Alki Point, or not, before and after the signs were installed. Unfortunately that didn’t happen.
      
      Anecdotally, I have talked with many newcomers who believed that Alki Point was fully closed to the public – not just as a place to drive through, but as a place to enter at all. That is a problem for the City, and I think it should be fixed.
    - Smat November 13, 2024 (10:34 pm)
      
      Anecdotally I’ve encountered many people who believe the waterfront trail at Lincoln Park is closed to the public bc you’re not allowed to drive on it. Donna, please look into this problem next!
  - Alki Parent November 13, 2024 (6:52 pm)
    
    This is pure hyperbole.
  - MacJ November 13, 2024 (7:51 pm)
    
    I see cars driving, parking, etc. on all the WS Stay Healthy streets all the time. It hasn’t stopped hardly anyone. This is ridiculous.
  - Beachcombover November 14, 2024 (4:47 pm)
    
    @Donna, Respectfully I’ve heard and witnessed the exact opposite as you have from many people. They say before these signs went up this was a non-arterial street congested and often gridlocked with cars driving and parked and that Alki Point was a hazardous choke point. Many say they now feel safer and more welcome. That’s been my experience too. I think it also helped that they added ADA spots on the street not there before too. And for what it’s worth, since those signs went up Alki Point is the most used of all the Healthy Streets in Seattle – according to multiple SDOT studies and surveys.
    - Ts November 14, 2024 (10:17 pm)
      
      There are no spots on the correct side of the street. It does not feel safe to cross and the spots are often taken by people without permits so they did not help. The spots are at the ends, very far to the actually benches so they do not help, there is less parking. This was a favorite spot for the elderly to sit in cars and listen/watch the water,
- Lola November 14, 2024 (7:29 am)
  
  Then why have a sign that says STREET CLOSED local access only? I will make a note to cruise down this Street every chance I get.
walkerws November 13, 2024 (2:42 pm)

It isn’t closed off to the public. It’s been enhanced so that it’s more pleasant for the public to use. In fact, I see more people using it now than ever before! Cars aren’t people.
Around the Corner November 13, 2024 (4:16 pm)

Lucy, this is not accurate. You can dislike the Healthy Street; I get it. But repeating false information doesn’t help. It is still a public road. Usage restrictions are not the same thing as privatization.
bill November 13, 2024 (4:29 pm)

If you want to believe the street is no longer public, despite being corrected ad nauseam, I am fine with you maintaining your fantasy. Means fewer cars on the street.
JAH November 13, 2024 (4:33 pm)

I really do love the comments in the West Seattle Blog. I get it, it gets obnoxious down along that stretch. But… people have been coming to Alki to blow off steam probably as long as Seattle has been a city. No disrespect to the residents down there but I bet that southern wind is a nuisance, too. You better put up a barrier for that, too. I love all these people that preach inclusion and tolerance until their home is affected. To anyone that lives near Alki, which I do… If you complain about people coming from all around… You know where you chose to move. Shame on you. 2024 = No Hypocrites.

CarDriver November 13, 2024 (2:16 pm)

Sidewalks are ALWAY’S pedestrian friendly and I’ve NEVER been impeded. As far as parking Reed is right there’s plenty of parking for his, and others cars. I see plenty, as the “cars are evil and unnecessary” message sure isn’t resonating.

WSEA November 13, 2024 (2:34 pm)

The separated lane does not make sense for bikers. The northwest corner feels cut off before the curve so I assume bikers should take the main street. Also, how do cars get around each other since its only one lane in one section, or at least feels like one lane. I’m not sure they were solving the correct problem or maybe they had the wrong design sheet for a different area. As long as it works for others. I’ll bike and run in the street as it easier.

walkerws November 13, 2024 (2:42 pm)

They should make the car lane one way. That would solve a lot of the issues.
Jimbo November 13, 2024 (3:19 pm)

Exactly. And from the time that I’ve spent down there, cyclists stick to the street, and walkers and runners stick to the sidewalks ) or the street. The new separated path is empty more often than not.
Alki Teacher November 13, 2024 (5:22 pm)

I second this!
Himt November 13, 2024 (6:37 pm)

Agreed. I support reducing traffic on the street but that NW end of the separated lane is set up in a way that is unsafe and impractical for bikers
- RAP November 19, 2024 (8:33 am)
  
  Agree, the separated walk/bike space of zone 5 is a hazard
  to cyclists using the roadway. On the road-way side outside of the
  walk/bike zone there is not enough space between the concrete road
  barriers for a parked car, passing car, and cyclist to pass each
  other. Once commited to riding in the roadway, the gap between the
  conrete barriers is too narrow for the cyclists to move over into the walk/bike
  zone. Please make a note of this in the comments section towards the end
  of the survey. My suggestion was for them to put it back like it
  was. Remove the concrete barriers. Rarely do I see anyone using the
  walk/bike area in zone 5.

Scott November 13, 2024 (2:37 pm)

I wanted to express my concern regarding the level of attention and funding
that has been approved for this location. When comparing this to the Healthy
Streets program in areas like Highland Park/South Park, it becomes evident that
there is a noticeable disparity in how resources are being allocated.

The level of investment in the Alki area seems disproportionate when
compared to other neighborhoods, which raises concerns about inequality in the
distribution of resources and support for different communities.

walkerws November 13, 2024 (2:43 pm)

It’s because tons of people use this space, those who live nearby and those who don’t. The number of people who use it justifies the investment in this wonderful improved space.
- nothend November 14, 2024 (6:00 am)
  
  …and because tons of people use this 3/4 mile stretch of road it required 2 cops on the 4th of July to make sure the street closed sign was enforced.
CarDriver November 13, 2024 (2:48 pm)

Scott. Follow the area resident’s economic situation -and political influence it enables. You’ll discover who SDOT listens too. Don’t expect any change to that reality anytime soon.
North Admiral Neighbor November 13, 2024 (3:06 pm)

The level of investment is commensurate with the amount of users of the healthy street. Healthy streets in Highland Park/South Park receive far fewer users and thereby get less financial investment.
Luke November 13, 2024 (4:01 pm)

It makes complete sense that the Alki street project would receive more attention and/or funding than the other two you mention. Alki is one of the busiest walking and biking locations in the entire city.
IHeartBPP November 13, 2024 (4:41 pm)

I agree with Scott’s comment about the disparate amount of funding and attention to this wealthy, now-restricted enclave. I suspect SDOT is misallocating funds to benefit a vocal few.
- MacJ November 13, 2024 (7:53 pm)
  
  Restricted! By a concrete barrier that everybody drives around! Mr Gorbachev tear down this wall!
- Follow the Money November 13, 2024 (10:04 pm)
  
  IHeartBPP – After working in government for 25 years, I would imagine the cost of the Alki project compared to other major road projects, like Revive I-5, would be what we called “budget dust.” Much ado about nothing.
My two cents November 13, 2024 (4:41 pm)

It has been that way for years – most recent battle was over improving the sidewalks over parking a few years ago.
Darren November 13, 2024 (4:43 pm)

It’s a wealthy white privileged area, did anyone expect anything different also notice with the proposal for increase density, that area is untouched neighbors won’t need to worry about increase density happening next to their houses for as progressive as this city pretends to be, it’s still run by wealthy white people who protect their interests
- G November 14, 2024 (8:23 pm)
  
  The surrounding blocks are quite diverse (myself included). And the homeowner who initially spearheaded for the street to be closed with the city is a person of color. So your “wealthy white” theory is moot.
Bbron November 13, 2024 (5:46 pm)

Great news is that since it’s completed there’s no way it’ll cost any significant amount more unless there’s continued whinging about accommodating car traffic.

Alicia November 13, 2024 (3:23 pm)

While I understand the intention behind the shared use “path” that was put in, it has caused more confusion and limited access to a wonderful part of West Seattle. The times I’ve gone there, both in summer and winter, there weren’t many people using the path itself, since there is a perfectly good sidewalk right next to it. Cyclists understandably still use the street rather than the path. There is no real indication of which way cars should be going or if the street is a 1 way at all. The reduction in lane space without clear communication causes many cars to turn around or have to weave within parked cars to get past. Thats causing a dangerous situation for everyone involved. Finally, as someone else mentioned, with the sign saying “local access”, it’s unclear if those wanting to visit the area can park on the street. While most Seattleites have ignored the “local access” note on the healthy street signs for years, it still does bring up some question of who that space / street is for and I’m sure it’s confusing for visitors. Keep the speed bumps and designated parking, but loose the path. It’s really quite unnecessary for the amount of traffic on that street.

Walkerws November 13, 2024 (7:44 pm)

Even if people are sticking to the sidewalk, they still get to enjoy using it without a line of idling cars next to them.
Svenry November 13, 2024 (7:48 pm)

Well said. Speed humps make sense. The rest of it is needlessly excessive for that area.

Curious November 13, 2024 (3:56 pm)

Hmm, are those other neighborhoods also regional destination parks and marine reserve habitats where people go to kayak, paddle board, whale watch, explore low tides, and take in the sunsets and mountain views?

Big 5 Guy November 13, 2024 (4:05 pm)

Get RID of the “street closed” signs. It’s not closed.

Paul Hage November 13, 2024 (4:19 pm)

A critique of success for Alki Healthy Streets should include review of basic assumptions. The problem was defined as a need for greater access by walkers, bikes and rollers – and reduction of conflict between cars and other uses. I embarked on a project to document these conflicts with photos. Prior to the wheel blocks 27 photos were taken (Jan-Jun) from the speed bump at mid Beach Drive looking north – about half of the area of concern. The average number of cars on the water side of the street was 3 on each photo at random times in the afternoon. A count of people in the same photos also averaged 3. The number of people in the photos since the wheel blocks were placed again averaged 3 per photo. This information renders the original objective and internal decisions questionable. The limited photo date suggests that use of the water side by cars is not in conflict with people use, and removal of cars does not result in greater use by people. DOT ignored the survey results indicating 600+ users out of 2000 sampled said they use the road to enjoy the view from their car. Maybe they should of asked which side of the road these users preferred for viewing.

Walkerws November 13, 2024 (7:46 pm)

Are you trying to draw conclusions off of a few random photos? In order to disparage a huge improvement to our public spaces? Wow.
- Paul Hage November 14, 2024 (2:58 pm)
  
  To the contrary, my conclusions are not based on “few random photos”. I made 39 observations from the same location covering about half of the area in question and providing a straight line of sight for comparison of use before and after the placement of wheel blocks. The specific day and hour of the photos were random other than most of the time being within the period of “greatest frequency'” (SDOT survey of use). I stand by my conclusions that use of the water side was not in conflict with public use and removal of cars did not result in greater use by the public. While I have seen times when Beach Drive is crowded there is little basis for the extent of total closure we now endure.
  - BEACHCOMBOVER November 15, 2024 (2:07 am)
    
    @PaulHage interesting to examine photos. However, I completely disagree with your conclusions and methodology. I’ve also taken many photos of the street but my focus has been on peak events like low tides and whale sightings. The photos show that even during those events there have been parking spots available on the street and in designated lots and less than a block away on adjacent streets. Based on these photos I believe the fears stoked over lack of parking due to these changes are unfounded.
    - Paul Hage November 16, 2024 (4:30 pm)
      
      I explained my methodology. Yours was what? “many photos”. And yes we disagree. It was unfortunate that DOT elected to close water-side parking late in the process – falsely claiming that was what the public wanted. Their assurance that parking would not be removed, and their lack of recognition that 600 out of 2000 survey takers said their use of this beautiful corridor was to take a break and enjoy the view from their car was underhanded. They won by subterfuge and cemented it in with concrete that would be too expensive to undo – leaving one of the most awkward two way, one lane roads, shared by cars and bikes I have ever seen. I and my handicapped wife (and 600 other citizens) are left with our memories over a decade of waves and shorebirds seen from the water-side curb at times (most of the year) when there was no conflict whatsoever. As to my conclusions that water-side parking was not a problem most of the time, and that removal of water-side parking did not result in greater use by the public – those conclusions stand as stated.

AlkiFan November 13, 2024 (4:39 pm)

This street is so much safer as a pedestrian and bicyclist. It’s drawing so many families with children on trikes and training wheels. Vehicle violence is much reduced. I absolutely love it.

Jenna S November 13, 2024 (4:42 pm)

The addition of the walking/rolling path has created separation between people and cars on this non-arterial street which has helped with safety and access as intended. I also bike on the road side though. Despite concerns, there has been plenty of parking throughout the summer since the change was made even for peak events like low tides. SDOT should complete the path and make safety improvements to the final block/intersection that they delayed due to a county project.

John November 13, 2024 (4:42 pm)

How about speed bumps on Beach Drive SW 4000 – 4200 blocks! Many many speeders, crashes and flipped over cars. Hello SDOT, anyone home?

TAnderson November 13, 2024 (5:56 pm)

Well my immobile wife and I, previous frequenters of the street, never go there anymore because of the one lane issue and there seldom being a place for a handicapped person to park and exit the car. It is not hard to imagine it’s not congested anymore…..no one that is in our predicament can go there….I suspect that was always the plan.

Beachcombover November 13, 2024 (6:37 pm)

Sorry to hear that @TAnderson. I see the people in wheelchairs, using walkers or canes on this street everyday. Many of them seem to access the street from the south end in the ADA spot or any other spots on the home side of the street, or on 64th where it meets Beach Dr or at the entry point on 63rd ave SW and on the arterial portion of Beach Dr. Have you tried any of these spots or the designated parking areas at Benton Place or the Lighthouse?I love seeing the disabled/elderly/children/families using this street on my daily walks.
Alki Parent November 13, 2024 (6:56 pm)

The project added 3 new ADA-accessible parking spaces that didn’t previously exist.
- jack November 13, 2024 (8:07 pm)
  
  Previously there was no restrictions on parking and handy cap parking was never an issue. The street was open to all.
  - Walkerws November 13, 2024 (10:03 pm)
    
    It’s still open to all.
    - Beachcombover November 14, 2024 (6:17 pm)
      
      @WALKERWS thanks for correcting all the misinformation about the street being closed or there being a lack of parking or any other false tropes being raised here over and over again.
    - Ts November 14, 2024 (10:25 pm)
      
      When a person of a marginalized group tells you of an impact on them you do not get to tell them they are wrong. Very dismissive and makes people feel undervalued.
Ts November 14, 2024 (10:37 pm)

I am so sorry to hear this. I feel you. My mom and I used to go get ice cream and sit in the car on the water side there with the windows down and have mother daughter talks or just listen to the water. Now that may parents leave the house rarely to never, I try so hard to get my mom out and would love to recreate that whenever possible. Unfortunately the one time I did we were yelled at and my mom cried and asked to go home, 1 1/2 years ago. Please check out the here and now project, would love to have you both at an event. There is sometimes a free wheelchair basketball tournament held at ws high in December as well by Seattle adaptive sports.

wetone November 13, 2024 (6:09 pm)

Curious on how much Money and Time the City of Seattle and SDOT are going to spend trying to fix something that was never broke ? Very interesting how a few homeowners not liking the noise and a very small group of people that feel cars should be eliminated from public roadways gets such priority from city and SDOT. Sadly, most people probably voted yes for the transportation levy thinking it might go to actual projects that really need repaired or replaced, not this crap. Maybe city should work on its inhouse politics so they can get some qualified people for SPD interested and start enforcing current laws. Wouldn’t have problems such as this in city………….

Walkerws November 13, 2024 (7:50 pm)

Should we never make something (Alki Point) nicer just because someone (a homeowner) might benefit from it? It is a much nicer area now and more people are using it. I use it all the time and don’t live there. Who cares if a homeowner benefits too? There are a few dozen of them, but thousands – tens of thousands – of users who get to enjoy the Stay Healthy Street. Additionally, you show a gross misunderstanding of how the Transportation Levy funds will be used. It largely will be used for key infrastructure maintenance and repairs as you wish. I mean god forbid a single dollar is spent improving a park, right?

Bubbleator November 13, 2024 (6:51 pm)

I just ignore these signs. SPD doesn’t enforce them, and it’s an open question as to whether they are legally binding anyway.

Big 5 Guy November 13, 2024 (7:08 pm)

The signs are 100% misleading. The street is open to all. It’s absurd.
Walkerws November 13, 2024 (7:51 pm)

Its attitudes like yours that ruin a good thing. Have some shame.
- Rhonda November 13, 2024 (10:04 pm)
  
  Walkerws, don’t attack Bubbleator for doing something that’s absolutely legal. Anyone who has a registered vehicle in Washington State can legally drive into the SHS and park there.
  - walkerws November 14, 2024 (8:56 am)
    
    Rhonda, a critique is not an attack. I’m not attacking Bubbleator. You should join the club of having some shame apparently.

Kyle November 13, 2024 (8:17 pm)

Do folks remember why this site was petitioned to close access? It was for none of the utopian pedestrian friendly reasons the urbanists have rallied behind. It was to make it less friendly for car clubs to park, hang out, and smoke weed. When the police were called for more crimes they never showed or lacked staffing. That is why we spent all this SDOT money. All those SDOT no parking overnight signs on the other side of Alki on Harbor Dr that were installed recently? Same thing, couldn’t get police to enforce existing laws. So now I can’t take the water taxi and park overnight if I am to follow the rules. Time to put up no parking signs and make Thistle and Henderson pedestrian utopians too I guess.

mem November 13, 2024 (8:32 pm)

Addressing comments about The Highland Park Healthy Street Closures- it is true that few people use 17th Ave or Trenton St as closed roads. No one walks in those streets because they are vehicular streets used by the neighbors. We walk on the sidewalks on both sides of both streets. There are a few more bikers on 17th than other neighborhood streets but that probably is because it is relatively flat. We were told over a year ago that since there was overwhelming community input to take out the barriers on Trenton, that the city would do so accordingly. For Pete’s sake, stop asking the same question expecting a new answer!!! Reopen Trenton. No one cares either way on 17th. And realize that there seems to be as many people who want Alki reopened as those who like it closed. Spend our tax dollars on something you’re going to actually listen to and act on.

Julie Norris November 13, 2024 (10:29 pm)

“Healthy Streets” popped up during the pandemic. Every time I see one of the signs I’m reminded of that time. Get rid of the signs and let’s just have regular old streets again. We all did fine with them before the pandemic.

Pauline Theam November 13, 2024 (11:31 pm)

In the past I use to cruise from Alki to this location, but it disrupts the access for non locals. It appears for only the residents which is unfair. It was a place to go if Alki was too overcrowded. Now I can’t even take my elder parent there! Where to park that’s not further away from the stripe?!

walkerws November 14, 2024 (8:37 am)

It *enhances* the access for non locals. I live miles away and greatly enjoy this additional stretch of walking without cars idling next to me! :)

Erithan November 14, 2024 (1:57 am)

It makes me sad to see so many people dismissing concerns about those who are immobile who are effected by this, and -only- focusing on “cars are bad!”. Not everyone has the luxury of being able to walk further if they can’t find a close parking spot. And not everyone is able to get placards to be able to use the few spots for them either. =/I honestly wish they’d add more bus stops on Alki which I think would help more with accessibility to the area for those that are immobile and or don’t drive.

Foop November 14, 2024 (1:10 pm)

I have literally never seen the street parking full here. Not even half full. At most someone with mobility concerns would have to move 10 feet from their vehicle to be in the walking rolling lane.my only real complaint is that there are too many curbs making getting in and out of the lane on wheels difficult.

Bob November 14, 2024 (7:48 am)

I have been looking everywhere, and I cannot find any info on what the cost is to have your street closed,

VBD November 14, 2024 (7:58 am)

The bike corral at the corner should be removed. When traveling southbound, it forces traffic into the oncoming side of the street on a blind corner. I have found myself suddenly face to face with a car while riding my bike at the corner… not good. Also, the path for cyclists to enter the curbed trail is not very good, kind of a short quick maneuver to do it. In fact, I never ride in the protected lane. It makes no sense for bikes, since it’s only a couple hundred meters long, and often full of pedestrians.At the other end, the “closed” sign pictured above is a hazard, since southbound cars on Beach Drive must enter on the oncoming side of the street with little visibility. Again, head-on encounters are common here.Lastly, although there may be slightly fewer cars (I’m not sure that’s true), they are now using half the road, so it’s not helpful to bike traffic. I find myself having to squeeze to the edge of the lane there to pass cars coming the other way. Since this road has never been an arterial, the only people who ever used it is residents, and people visiting the park or lighthouse. Has the sign changed? It used to say “park visitors welcome”?

Elle November 14, 2024 (10:01 am)

Love the new improvements! They should add some enforcement from time to time, because there are still people idling on the other side of the street… Go away, idlers!!!

Jenna S November 15, 2024 (2:26 am)

@Elle Agree! This is especially true on the last unfinished block of the street! They need to complete improvements.

Sorry, comment time is over.