Seattle is proactively addressing its rapid population growth and increasing transportation demands by prioritizing bicycle infrastructure. Recognizing the bicycle as a vital component of urban mobility, the city is committed to fostering a bike-friendly environment that enhances livability, affordability, public health, economic competitiveness, and environmental sustainability. This commitment is reflected in ongoing and planned protected bike lane projects funded through the Levy to Move Seattle, alongside the development of Neighborhood Greenways and Healthy Streets initiatives. These efforts are positioning Seattle as a true Bike Master city, leading the way in urban cycling infrastructure.
Current Protected Bike Lane Projects in Seattle
The table below outlines the protected bike lane projects funded through the Levy to Move Seattle. These projects represent tangible steps towards realizing Seattle’s vision of a comprehensive and safe bicycle network.
| Project Name | Sum of Mileage | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| 8th Ave Mobility Improvements | NA | Completed |
| Melrose Promenade | 0.1 | Completed |
| West Marginal Way SW Safety Corridor Improvements | 0.4 | Completed |
| MLK Jr Way Safety Project | 1 | In Construction |
| Pike Pine Mobility Improvements | 0.1 | In Construction |
| Thomas St PBL (5th to Dexter) | 0.25 | In Construction |
| Eastlake Layover Facility Mobility Improvements | 0.8 | In Construction |
| East Marginal Way Corridor Improvements Project | 1.3 | 100% design |
| BMP PBL – Beacon Hill PBL North Segment | 1.7 | 100% design |
| 11th and 12th Ave NE Paving Project | 1.25 | 100% design |
| Burke-Gilman Trail Missing Link | 1.42 | 100% design |
| Georgetown to South Park Connection | 1.64 | 100% design |
| 4th Ave Protected Bike Lane Barrier | NA | 100% design |
| RapidRide J Line – Formerly RapidRide Roosevelt | 2.06 | 100% design |
| Georgetown to Downtown Protected Bike Lane | 1.9 | 100% design |
| Alaskan Way Safety Project | 0.56 | 90% design |
| 130th St PBL between Stone and 1st | 0.62 | 30% design |
| “Missing Link” Bike Route Study on NW Market St – Learly Ave NW – 17th Ave NW | 0.6 | 10% design |
| 8th Ave (Westlake to Bell St) PBL | 0 | Planning |
| Total: 15.7 |
The Compelling Case for Investing in Bicycling Infrastructure
The dedication to expanding bike infrastructure stems from a clear understanding of the multifaceted benefits of cycling. These advantages extend across various aspects of urban life, making the investment in bicycle infrastructure a strategic move towards a more sustainable and thriving city.
One of the most significant reasons to promote cycling is safety for all road users. Research indicates that as the number of cyclists and pedestrians increases, the risk of collisions and injuries for everyone decreases. This phenomenon suggests that a higher volume of cyclists encourages motorists to drive more cautiously, creating safer streets for all. Investing in bike lanes is therefore an investment in overall road safety, making Seattle a safer place for everyone, not just cyclists.
Beyond safety, cycling offers substantial health benefits. Physical activity, particularly cycling, is proven to be effective in preventing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Promoting cycling as a mode of transportation contributes to public health by combating sedentary lifestyles and reducing healthcare costs. Furthermore, studies have shown that active commuting, like biking to school, can improve children’s mental alertness and academic performance, demonstrating the broader cognitive benefits of cycling.
Economically, prioritizing cycling also makes strong sense. Cities with robust cycling infrastructure attract major employers and talented individuals who value active lifestyles and urban amenities. Local businesses also benefit; studies in cities like Portland and New York have shown that cyclists and pedestrians frequent local retail stores more often and spend more money than those who arrive by car. Protected bike lanes in New York City, for example, have been linked to a significant increase in retail sales for local businesses, highlighting the economic stimulus that bike-friendly infrastructure can provide.
From an environmental perspective, transportation is a major contributor to pollution in urban centers. In Seattle, it accounts for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions. By encouraging cycling and reducing reliance on fossil fuel-powered vehicles, the city can effectively reduce its carbon footprint and improve air and water quality. Expanding active transportation options is a cost-effective strategy for achieving Seattle’s climate action plan goals and fostering a healthier environment for residents.
Space efficiency is another critical factor in favor of cycling. As urban populations grow, space becomes increasingly limited. Bicycles offer a highly space-efficient mode of transport, especially for individual commuters. Compared to cars, bikes require significantly less space for travel and parking. By prioritizing bicycle infrastructure, Seattle optimizes the use of limited urban space and creates more efficient and less congested transportation networks. Given that a large percentage of urban trips are short distances, there’s immense potential to shift these trips to bicycles, further maximizing space efficiency.
Finally, investing in cycling promotes equity. A significant portion of Seattle households do not own a car. For these residents, cycling, walking, and public transit are essential transportation options. Developing comprehensive bicycle infrastructure in areas with lower car ownership provides crucial mobility choices and improves transportation equity for all citizens, ensuring everyone has access to safe and efficient transportation regardless of their socioeconomic background.
Goals of Seattle’s Bicycle Plan
Seattle’s ambitious vision for cycling is guided by five core goals, designed to measure progress and prioritize future projects, ensuring the city continues its journey to become a true bike master.
These goals are:
- Ridership: Increase the number of people cycling and the proportion of trips made by bicycle in Seattle for all purposes.
- Safety: Enhance safety for all bicycle riders throughout Seattle, reducing accidents and creating a secure cycling environment.
- Connectivity: Develop a high-quality, interconnected bicycle network that reaches key destinations and offers a competitive and convenient travel option for cyclists.
- Equity: Improve cycling accessibility and opportunities for all residents through equitable public engagement, program implementation, and infrastructure investments across the city.
- Livability: Foster vibrant communities by creating a welcoming and appealing environment for cycling, integrating bike infrastructure seamlessly into the urban landscape.
The Citywide Bicycle Network: A Master Plan for Connectivity
To achieve these goals, Seattle is developing a comprehensive bicycle network plan. This plan proposes a network of bicycle improvements across the city, carefully considering facility types and locations. The cornerstone of this plan is the “Citywide Network,” designed to be accessible and safe for cyclists of all ages and abilities. This network emphasizes comfortable separation from motor vehicles and prioritizes safety at intersections, crucial elements for encouraging widespread cycling adoption and solidifying Seattle’s status as a bike master city. The Citywide Network will consist of protected bike lanes and similar facilities that provide a high degree of safety and comfort.
Complementing the Citywide Network is the “Local Connectors” network. These routes will provide access to the Citywide Network, offering alternative paths for cyclists comfortable riding in mixed traffic, and serving local destinations. This layered approach ensures that the bicycle network caters to a diverse range of cyclists and trip types.
Alt: Seattle Bike Master Plan Citywide Network Map, illustrating proposed all ages and abilities bicycle routes and local connectors.
As the planned bicycle network progresses from lines on a map to concrete projects, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will engage with community stakeholders, including residents and businesses, and partner agencies. This collaborative process will involve gathering data, conducting technical analyses, and developing design alternatives to ensure each project effectively serves the needs of all transportation modes within the corridor. It’s important to note that the final implementation of a project may sometimes differ from the initial recommendations of the Bicycle Master Plan, reflecting the dynamic nature of urban planning and community input.
Essential Supporting Elements: Programs and Facilities
Beyond the physical bike network, Seattle’s bike master plan includes crucial supporting elements that are vital for maximizing the network’s effectiveness and promoting a thriving cycling culture.
Programs focusing on education, encouragement, enforcement, and promotion play a key role. These initiatives aim to educate all road users on safe road sharing practices, increase the visibility of cyclists, and foster a culture of mutual respect and awareness on Seattle’s streets. By promoting safe cycling habits and building a shared understanding of road safety, these programs contribute significantly to the overall success of the bicycle plan.
End-of-trip facilities are another essential component. Providing secure, convenient, and accessible bicycle parking at destinations is crucial for encouraging cycling for a wider range of trips. The plan includes strategies to support the development of diverse bicycle parking options, catering to both short-term and long-term parking needs. By better aligning parking facilities with trip purposes and destinations, Seattle aims to remove a significant barrier to cycling and make it a more practical and appealing transportation choice.
Finally, a well-defined implementation approach is critical for the successful execution of Seattle’s bicycle plan. SDOT is committed to a transparent and consistent project delivery process that involves extensive public engagement, data-driven decision-making, and thorough analysis of alternatives. This process ensures that each project is carefully considered, designed, and implemented to meet the community’s needs and contribute to the overall goals of the bicycle plan. Furthermore, ongoing maintenance and evaluation are essential to ensure the long-term success and adaptability of the bicycle network. With a significant investment and a clear vision, Seattle is well on its way to becoming a true bike master city, setting a benchmark for urban cycling infrastructure and promoting a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable urban future.
