Home › Forums › Open Discussion › Cycling in West Seattle (Particularly the bridge)
- This topic is empty.
-
AuthorPosts
-
February 24, 2009 at 7:15 pm #589898
bicycle_gardenerMemberHello there,
I’m moving to West Seattle in May/June and was wondering what other bicycle-commuters experience is with the bridge cutting over to Alaskan Way. Thank you!
February 24, 2009 at 8:32 pm #658933
vincentMemberhttp://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=35th+Ave+SW+%26+SW+Avalon+Way&daddr=Pike+Place+Market,+Seattle,+WA&hl=en&geocode=FavB1QId86-0-CHHlpILFWtENA%3B&gl=us&mra=ls&dirflg=w&sll=47.586715,-122.355938&sspn=0.080931,0.22316&ie=UTF8&ll=47.585789,-122.362633&spn=0.080932,0.22316&t=h&z=13 This is pretty much my exact route into the city. the two biggest hangups I see for new riders, aside from the cars of course, is the end of the lower bridge on the downtown side, which most people don’t notice there is a turnabout for bicycles that loops under the bridge so you can avoid crossing traffic if you wish. The second is the junction shortly after the lower bridge between the existing bike path, and Alaskan way. You have two choices, either merge in off of the sidewalk that you are on, into traffic to recapture the bike lane, or continue on the sidewalk into downtown, and pick the spot you are most comfortable with crossing. thats about it. the only other thing I have noticed is unlike other bike routes around the city, the route to and from West Seattle is relatively unobstructed, so if you miss someone by a couple of minutes, you wont see them on the whole ride. It gives the impression there are less bicycles than their actually are. Summer days when the bridge opens disproves this quickly though.
February 25, 2009 at 5:55 pm #658934
AlParticipantDitto Vincent. I ride the same route into/out of downtown. Just be careful when crossing on the east side of the lower bridge, even if you have the right of way or a green light. Autos/trucks don’t always stop for you even though you may have the right of way.
February 25, 2009 at 5:55 pm #658935
AlParticipantOh, and I’m willing to ride with newbies on the route if you want.
February 25, 2009 at 7:23 pm #658936
bicycle_gardenerMemberAwesome! I’m being stationed there on the Coast Guard Base off Alaskan Way. Also, Have you ever been stuck at the swing bridge? If so, how long does that usually take? I ride a Cyclocross bike with knobby tires.. But that’s here in Alameda, CA. What do you generally commute on. I have taken this bike out plenty in the rain, though, I haven’t dealt with heavy traffic in the rain. Any ideas? Thanks so much for your help!!
-Coree
February 25, 2009 at 8:02 pm #658937
Jim2MemberThis is a great commuting route I have safely traveled for 12 years. My only advice is to beware all street crossings around the bridge! Drivers are generally accommodating, but especially at the East (downtown) end of the low bridge, car speeds are high and bikes appear to come out of nowhere from behind shrubs, other cars, etc. I avoid snap judgments about whether to cross car lanes or not and generally take the path that doubles back under the bridge. Safe to ride another day!
I’d replace the knobbies with slicks. Much better traction on pavement.
February 25, 2009 at 9:18 pm #658938
vincentMemberRunning knobbies is a lose lose, you wear the critical edges off the the knobs making them useless offroad, and you just get more rolling resistance on the road.
February 25, 2009 at 10:06 pm #658939
bicycle_gardenerMemberTrue.. True.. This bike is quickly being converted into a touring bike for the coast ride this spring. Moving to Seattle means that I will have to make friends with the fenders =) Are there any good bicycle advocacy groups in the area for commuting and mountain biking? I’d like to jump in and be a part when I get there. Thanks for all of your help again.
BTW- Where is this Rooster? (haha) I saw a lady walking a Rooster on a leash down on Alaskan when I was there in October.
February 25, 2009 at 11:47 pm #658940
AlParticipantYou will come to love your fenders, not just make friends with them. :-) Slicks are best! I ride a Soma, but there’s all kinds of bikes out there. Doesn’t really matter as long as you are on one. You’ll have an easy commute since you won’t have to travel through downtown. Lots of lights & reflecive stuff on both you and your bike will help too – it’s dark here outside of the summer, or if it rains.
February 25, 2009 at 11:50 pm #658941
vincentMemberhttp://www.cascade.org/ is the largest all inclusive bike advocacy org in the seattle area.
for mtn biking specifically it would have to be http://evergreenmtb.org/home/index.php the evergreen mtn bike alliance, who helped build a in city mtn bike park.
Colonnade!
http://evergreenmtb.org/wiki/index.php?title=Welcome_to_the_I-5_Colonnade_Project_Page!
-
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.