I spoke too soon about "Carmageddon 2.0". Apparently we are going with #Viadoom.
On to more serious matters.
Some of you may have seen this video posted on the Seattle Bike Blog involving dangerous truck-versus-bike intersection in Seattle.
Cascade took these concerns very seriously and took them back to WSDOT to find out what was being done to avoid a crash. Here is WSDOT's reponse:
Are you planning to ride your bike from West Seattle during the nine-day viaduct closure? Thanks for choosing to use alternate transportation! Here’s what WSDOT and SDOT are doing to support you:
- Hosting a morning commute meet-and-greet under the West Seattle Bridge with Cascade Bicycle Club. 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 24 and Wednesday, Oct. 26.
- Paving over the existing multi-use path on the west side of the street south at South Massachusetts Street.
- Draining the big “flood” puddles along the multi-use path near the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Adding 90 feet of barrier on the multi-use path near South Massachusetts Street.
Also, we’re aware that some northbound East Marginal Way South freight haulers are illegally using the southbound lane to access the Port of Seattle when a train blocks the intersection at South Atlantic Street. I wanted to let you know that WSDOT, SDOT and the Port of Seattle are working together to address the issue while improving safety for all travelers. Here’s what we’re doing:
- Adding two temporary left-turn lanes on northbound East Marginal Way South between South Atlantic Street and South Massachusetts Street. Trucks will be able to use the two added left-turn lanes to access the port instead of illegally using the southbound lane to jump the line or to turn left into the port.
- Increasing traffic enforcement by adding two additional officers on East Marginal Way South. Additional traffic enforcement would likely deter northbound traffic from speeding or illegally using the southbound lane.
- Working with freight haulers to remind them to watch for cyclists and to use extreme caution when sharing the road with cyclists.
- Asking cyclists to do their part by wearing bright clothing, using lights at night and riding in the multi-use path or striped bike lanes whenever possible.
Thank you, again, for riding your bike during the nine-day closure. Please remember to ride smart and stay visible out there. I’ll look forward to meeting you on the Alki path under the West Seattle Bridge at our WSDOT/Cascade Bicycle Club meet and greet."
What WSDOT, SDOT and the Port are all doing sounds good and all, but I want to know how you, fellow bike commuter, are feeling out there on the road during #Viadoom. Let us know in the comments.
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