Home › Forums › Open Discussion › Reminder: Bike Box at Andover & Delridge
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April 25, 2013 at 5:09 pm #607275
Jeff HParticipantJust a friendly reminder for drivers to please stop at the appropriate line and not block the bike box at Andover & Delridge.
http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/bikeboxes.htm
The weather is getting nicer and May is bike-to-work month, so there will be lots more people riding bikes. Keeping it safe for everyone is the primary goal. I believe it is illegal to block the bike box (see SMC 11.50.320), and I believe it is a $124 fine.
There wasn’t a major incident this morning, but I was asked “what my problem was” when I got in front of a car blocking the bike box (so I was partially in the crosswalk). As I told the driver that he is supposed to stop behind the bike box, he proceeded to tell me that “bikes need to go the speed limit”. As we turned, he called me an @$$hole.
And yesterday I almost got t-boned by a girl who slammed on her brakes (at Fauntleroy & Alaska) as I was going across a crosswalk. I had the pedestrian signal. She had the red light. And was on her phone.
So please…all I ask is for drivers to pay attention and follow the rules.
Thanks, and have a joyous day! It’s so nice outside!
April 25, 2013 at 5:49 pm #788796
datamuseParticipanthe proceeded to tell me that “bikes need to go the speed limit”
I’d be moved to ask why. It’s a limit, not a minimum. ;)
You’d think people would be less cranky now that the sun’s finally out. Maybe all that light’s giving them a headache?
April 25, 2013 at 5:55 pm #788797
Jeff HParticipantYou’d be surprised how many people driving cars think that the speed “limit” actually means the “minimum” speed you’re supposed to go. I’ve been told “go the speed limit” many times.
I’m guessing speed limit signs need to explicitly define it as a maximum limit (rather than a minimum limit).
April 25, 2013 at 7:03 pm #788798
datamuseParticipantNah, I wouldn’t. I’m from the east coast. ;) I will admit to occasionally driving a bit fast myself–but I’m not going to hassle other people on the road about it.
April 25, 2013 at 7:05 pm #788799
sbreParticipantFrom what I’ve seen on the roads, my impression is that a majority of drivers see those signs as SPEED REQUIREMENTS and some of those choose to even go faster, while some of us fail by not going that fast in the first place.
April 25, 2013 at 8:44 pm #788800
amaliaParticipantThe fact that he failed to signal (illegal) illustrates why this is an ideal corner for a bike box. Most people are turning left, maybe half signal, but if cyclists stay right of the cars they will get plowed by the non-signalers who actually ARE going straight.
Funny (and by that I mean not at all funny) that the unpleasant fellow in the car was committing the crime but YOU have the problem.
April 26, 2013 at 5:37 am #788801
Jeff HParticipantMust not have been my day for riding a bike, because on my ride home I got “nudged” by a truck on Alaskan Way (where the construction is happening near Main St).
Close call, but sure wish there was more room on the shoulders where the temporary fencing is. Or it would be nice if there weren’t so many single-occupancy gas-powered 4-wheel vehicles around.
Just another reminder to please pay attention when driving 2+ ton (killing?) machines. I blame myself in this case though because I assumed the fencing gave consistent spacing along the shoulder for the entire distance of Alaskan Way.
April 26, 2013 at 3:32 pm #788802
AlParticipantI don’t trust the shoulder along that route, southbound. The fence is moved fairly frequently, sometimes pushed out to the road, sometimes in and you never know where it will be. Pedestrians also use it although I have no idea why since there’s no room in some places for a person to even walk.
Be aware that the sidewalk bump outs are almost impossible to see, so if you are riding along the shoulder you may likely run into a curb.
I just ride on the street. I am generally moving either with or faster than traffic anyway and only use the shoulder to pass if it’s safe for me to do so.
I rarely have problems along here with drivers unless it’s a lone crazy person who for some inexplicable reason (because I was in front of him in a long line of traffic?) tried to literally run me off the road. I do regret not calling 911 on him.
April 26, 2013 at 4:01 pm #788803
Spring ChickenMemberYour helmet cam is awesome, every cyclist should have one! Your video is very informative and clearly shows what drivers should and should not do. Thanks for posting.
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