West Seattle Bike Connections is collecting signatures to petition for dead-ending 23rd Ave SW to cars where it meets the West Seattle Bridge Trail at Delridge. This intersection creates unsafe conditions for both cyclists and drivers as cars turn from 23rd onto Delridge.
Drivers turning right from 23rd often block the bridge trail while waiting to merge into fast-moving traffic headed for the West Seattle Bridge on-ramp. Left turns are also dangerous due to limited visibility of cars coming from West Marginal Way and Spokane Street. In either direction, drivers frequently overlook cyclists on the trail. Many roll through the stop sign to keep momentum for merging, adding to the risk.
Ultimately, this intersection has become a major conflict point on one of West Seattle’s busiest bike commuter routes. The 23rd Ave SW connection acts as a shortcut for drivers avoiding the Andover traffic lights just one block south—creating unnecessary hazards for cyclists on the bridge trail.
West Seattle Bike Connections will be communicating with Seattle Department of Transportation and city leaders to move our proposal for dead-ending 23rd Ave forward. Look for us out there as we gather signatures.
Improving East Marginal Way S has been our top priority since 2012. Separation of bike traffic from heavy truck traffic will make it dramatically safer and less stressful to ride a bike on the primary route from West Seattle to downtown and beyond.
Have you ever wanted to do the Seattle-to-Portland bike ride? And forgot to sign up? Or train for it? Here is your big chance! Do it in 2 hours and end up at a huge finish line party! Same weekend as Cascade’s big STP, so you can brag and post pix like the other one-day riders.
Homemade baked goods, coffee and information on bicycling routes and planned improvements will be available, and local enthusiasts can answer questions about commuting, recreational cycling and other biking issues.
Local bike shops will be on hand for simple, on-the-spot repairs.(Note: the day has been moved to Wednesday this year.)
The next Seattle Transportation Levy will fund most of the next 8 years of work on our streets, trails and public spaces. The Mayor’s draft does not get us where we need to go. Deadline is this Friday for comments.
