Rant: seattle summer streets

[coupdegrace]

It is beyond description to sit outside on the sidewalk in front of one of my favorite establishments enjoying a cold one, a pot of steaming mussels or a pizza, with a clear view of the Puget Sound without a ginormous Hummer or any car or motorcycle parked in front of me blocking my view, listening to waves gently lap the shore, the seabird’s songs and the cheerful sounds of children playing, making a sand castle on the beach, instead of the thump, thump, thump of the thump-mobiles, motorcycles, car and boombox stereos and the street noise of a constant line of motorvehicle traffic passing by.

I CAN’T WAIT!!! Peace at Last! Peace at Last!

I hope it catches on and is habit forming and becomes a weekly Summer Sunday Event because I for one am addicted to it!

Just exactly what the naysayers are afraid of! An improved quality of life.

Share This

[tsunaminw]

It was hot last year, and the addition of the marathon will be kindof cool so I am open to different results, but that doesnt change some of the dumb things that go along with it.

And Im all for supporting the people who enjoy the event, but when someone posts

“Just exactly what the naysayers are afraid of! An improved quality of life.”

I am tempted to say things that would get me kicked off the board.

Are you not listening? Do you really think I am opposed to a greater quality of life?

Do I need to go back and cut and paste previous comments I have made about my own line of work, my families business, the fact that I support local buciness, the fact that I’d like to continue leaving my car undriven for the entire weekend using the water taxi and my bike instead?

Are you really listening or did you need need to chime in trying to sound witty when you really are not paying attention?

Yea yea, im being belligerent. Who cares, a comment like that would piss anyone off and actually says alot about you and your motivations coup. One reason I am happy im not on the city council is having to deal with people like you all day.

Share This

[tsunaminw]

As far as a weekly summer event, you can bet on people like me fighting that with every breath we have, and if you can’t tell already, I dont quit.

Share This

[feefeelarue]

“running around on sphincter level 10,” I know this is completely off topic but I am so stealing that quote and will come and get ice cream at Full Tilt every chance I get because of it. Carry on!

Share This

[FullTilt]

I think a weekly event would be perfect, or maybe every other week like they do on the lake.

Share This

[mrhineh]

Why don’t you just go back to Pacific Beach then. California is SUCH a better place.

Share This

[mrhineh]

I agree, Lk Wash Blvd shutdowns are the best! And when 99 gets shut down too. How about the days of shutting down the Express Lanes again. It can be such a peaceful experience, maybe we do need to do more weekly shutdowns on Alki too. I enjoy taking my tax money I pay for tabs, licenses and gas to use streets for whatever purpose I enjoy: walking, skating or biking. Equality for all taxpayers.

Lets check back with businesses after this weekend and see if a majority felt business was off, up, or flat.

Share This

[coupdegrace]

tsunaminw, Oh my what thin skin you have! Did I specifically call you out as a naysayer? Each of us has a different concept or definition of quality of life. An improved quality of life for me and hopefully a majority of others will eventually be a life without cars every day at the beach.

The expression coup de grâce (pronounced [ˌkuːdə ˈgrɑːs]means a death blow intended to end the suffering of a wounded creature. It is often used figuratively to describe the last of a series of events which brings about the end of some entity; for example: “The car business had been failing for years; the coup de grâce was the sudden jump in oil prices.”

Game On!

Share This

[JoB]

tsunaminw…

yes.. you have perseverance…

sometimes that is a good thing. sometimes not.

if you want people to listen to you then perhaps you should listen to them.

regardless of the validity of the reason for a car free day.. you have to admit that the absence of cars will improve the quality of life on your little stretch of paradise for that one day…

try to enjoy it.

Share This

[mrhineh]

Here’s another way to dumb it down some. Have you ever used the bike path down there, or tried to cross it? Too many times I have nearly run someone over because they step right out without bothering to look. Imagine an event where all of these participants want to enjoy these human powered activities. Having the roadway as an overflow area makes a lot of sense for safety reasons (whether the city spells that out or not). I’ve been wanting to see it on the Trick or Treat walks in the Junction because the sidewalks get too full with little ones. Having the parking curb lane available as overflow for those 2 or 3 hours makes perfect safety sense. And, I try to use every coupon and to visit every shop when it makes sense afterwards as a show of support for their community involvment. It may not be that same day, but they don’t know if it is today or next month. The point being, visibility on these days is key. The more events and the more diverse the events that bring in new traffic should help that businesses target audience exposure. One day should not make or break anyone (or there are bigger issues). Yes, some one may lose, others might gain. You should look at the bigger picture because every day brings a different flow of business. You can stand around saying that it was crappy day, and blame everything around. Or live to fight another day. Who knows the fickleness of shoppers. But foot traffic is not the enemy.

As for your politician complaints, I’ve got no argument there, we have clowns. As for credibility with sciences, even Sufrider.org believes there is global warnings going off.

Share This

[vincent]

As far as a weekly summer event, you can bet on people like me fighting that with every breath we have, and if you can’t tell already, I dont quit.

if they even close to as successful as you as making a point I would imagine weekly events would start very soon.

Share This

[Al]

http://bikeportland.org/2009/05/29/portlanders-relish-a-warm-carfree-last-thursday-on-alberta/

Portland OR has carfree street days all summer in different locations. They are hugely popular. Yes, they did cause controversy but we can only hope that Seattle’s can be as popular, well attended and fun!

Share This

[coupdegrace]

Quote by mrhineh:

“I think a weekly event would be perfect, or maybe every other week like they do on the lake.”

Bicycle Sunday on Lake Washington Blvd is every Sunday! Except July 5, 26, & Aug 2

For me the issue is not about closing down Alki or any other part of the city to motorized vehicles for the exclusive use of bicycles and pedestrians or any other special user group. The issue is about excluding motor-vehicles from a particular area so that area can be enjoyed without motor-vehicles.

Share This

[tsunaminw]

I can decide when to listen and when not to.

“Just exactly what the naysayers are afraid of! An improved quality of life.”

No, sorry, this isn’t something i’m going to listen to, its inaccurate and ridiculous.

And it may improve the day for those who hate the cars, they don’t bother me either way. I enjoy the beach every possible day regardless.

As far as surfrider, you can support an organisation as a surfer without agreeing with every idea they have. I do plenty on my end to drive less, buy local, etc without agreeing with the main premise behind global warming.

I liked California, but have stayed here for a reason, I enjoy the seasons a bit more.

I already mentioned why bikers dont use the bike path, and think they need to enforce that more. Greenlake doesn’t seem to have the same issues. But that doesn’t make sense to use the street because of walkers in the bike lane either.

Thanks for looking in the dictionary for me, but I know what coup de grace means already, thanks. Irrelevant.

And yes, please do check with the local businesses if you truly support our local shops and food stops. I overheard Mama at Christos today talking about how much it hurt last year and how much she was upset.

So, there, another name. A real name. So don’t bother saying “I’m sure they will be fine” when you don’t really know and are just assuming.

And if they are as successful as last year(not very) in spite of doing another I doubt it becomes weekly. Not if I can do anything about it.

I don’t have an issue with the event, as much as the negatives that go with it that could be improved, and have said as much.

Share This

[tsunaminw]

One more note, all of the emails asking questions about what is allowed and were written very politely and attitude free have gone unanswered for the last 3 days.

summer.streets@seattle.gov

They don’t seem to respond to locals asking how this will affect them.

Share This

[GenHillOne]

“I can decide when to listen and when not to.”

Excellent, finally something we can all agree on and a perfect point to end on in my book :)

Share This

[Cait]

Yeah… that says it all right there doesn’t it, GenHillOne. LOL.

Share This

[tsunaminw]

Im sure you feel very slick latching on to one comment out of context. Im also quite sure by now that to appease the milktoast mentality I should sit down have tea and listen to someone when they say “”Just exactly what the naysayers are afraid of! An improved quality of life.”

or “running around on sphincter level 10,”.

I do distinguish things worth listening to, and those not.

I have heard the word belligerent thrown out there when I said things half as inflammatory, but then encouraged to listen when it comes from others.

I think I’d rather hit myself in the head with a brick, it would make more sense than listening to crap like that. I have discussed things normally even when others disagreed and it only stopped in cases like this.

But you know me, I am afraid of an improved quality of life.

The person may not be crazy, but the ideas that came out of their mouth come very close.

Share This

[JanS]

tsunami…tomorrow is gonna happen…I was reading about a band playing at Bamboo…and they’re having a pig roast , too. And there will be a stage up by Coastal, with at least one band. It all sounds like fun to me. I may have to take the shuttle down there for a while..it sounds like it’s gonna be the place to be on Sunday :)

Share This

[jamminj]

Ok, sorry but I haven’t read every post so excuse me if this is redundant. I don’t keep up with everything in our community even though I have lived here for many years, so excuse me.

What is the exact point of this exercise??

Me and my family go to Alki about 2-3 times a week during the summer. We have a 2 year old, so when we do hit the beach, it is an ordeal for us, and not having to buy water/juice/food every time we go, we tend to pack alot. We use a wagon to haul of our stuff. But we do spend money many times when we do go – we enjoyed some great slices of pizza today.

So how do I handle this tomorrow?? We don’t have bikes, our 2 year old has a limited time before he gets that 2 year old craziness. Can I drop of my family before I go and park outside of the designated area?? (guess that would defeat the purpose though).

Also, my folks come and visit and we head to alki when they do, but my dad has problems walking, so we typically drop the fam off before I park a couple of blocks away. Are the elderly able to get to the main part of the beach tomorrow??

I will choose not to visit alki tomorrow due to the event, but just curious as to how others who aren’t as mobile handle the day.

thanks for the info.

I did find an article from the Times from last year. Nothing to revealing, but seems as if some businesses did feel the pinch.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008165315_carfree08m.html

Share This

[JanS]

the point of going to Alki on Sunday…to have fun, to enjoy the area without cars and car exhaust, and loud music that makes you get a headache. That’s the point. Will it cure global warming? Of course not….we’re not idiots. i truly think it’s more symbolic than anything, and may actually persuade some people that maybe things do need to change a bit.

The Water Taxi Shuttle will be on it’s regular Sunday schedule. There is one from Calif. and Admiral…it’s free…will drop you off anywhere along Alki..and then you just walk across the street. Wanna get back? Just walk across the street to the shuttle stop. It’ll bring you back to Calif. and Admiral. Just park your car in our ‘hood, and go from there. If you’d rather the Alaska Junction for parking, you can do the same from there. I’m 6t2…I don’t concider myself “elderly” by any means. I have arthritis and 2 fake hips. I’m sure I’ll manage quite well going to Alki. I am carless at the moment anyway, so it’s no different than any other time, except…it’ll be more fun.Your folks can at least walk across the street, right?And..maybe a backpack would work better for carrying drinks, etc.

Take your family..you’ll be surprised at how much you’ll like it.

Share This

[jamminj]

backpack – there is 4 of us (drinks, food, clothes, diapers, towels, toys) might have to be a mighty big backpack.

elderly – would the shuttle be able to handle wheelchairs? (have lifts?)

Thanks for the invite! :)

But we will skip tomorrow. We would still have to drive to get outside of the no drive location, again defeating the purpose. As well as having to deal with a toddler (and possibly elderly).

BTW – our family loves loud music – my 2 year old loves to groove every time he hears any beats. He might wonder whats wrong without the cars driving by blasting some beats.

Oh, another thought, with those with pets (we pet sit our friends dog this week), dogs allowed on the shuttle?

Share This

[JanS]

I have no idea about dogs on shuttles. Metro has lifts on some, but..I’m not sure which busses have them. The regular Metro bus will also be going down Alki tomorrow.

There will be at least 2 bands, a pig roast, and other festivities. It’s a shame that you can’t get there. Others will be driving and parking a few blocks away, too, I”m sure.

Yes, it’s not convenient to all. That’s a shame.

Share This

[Jo]

The shuttles ARE wheelchair accessible.

As are most (if not all) Metro buses.

And pets are allowed on Metro and I assume also on the shuttles.

It’s going to be great fun.

Share This

[jamminj]

Thanks for the info on the wheelchair access.

Still going to skip, we go so often, no sense in going when it’s more trouble to get down there.

appreciate the sentiment though. I will try to drive less tomorrow if it means anything.

Share This

[Author]

Posts