This latest release details the routing of vehicle through the upcoming construction zone of the south portal of the Alaskan Way Viaduct. http://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/southviaductclear.pdf. There’s nothing in the details about how bikes will be routed, nor pedestrians for that matter, although SDOT has repeatedly maintained that it will consistently include cyclists and pedestrians in the routing plans. Including specific routes for cyclists and pedestrians is imperative now since many people in West Seattle may be considering taking up cycling in order to commute through the looming traffic back-ups that are sure to occur. To someone not familiar with cycling, this plan does nothing to allay their fears that it will be difficult to use a bike through this area. What the heck is the plan for routing bikes through here? This is a part of the 2nd most bike travelled route in the city and bike travelers should be considered implicitly as cyclists are part of the traffic flow in this area. Some questions the traffic planners must consider:
Will the current path be maintained?
Will cyclists be routed to 1st Ave or Frontage Road on the roadway or will a separate path be maintained?
Will there be adequate infrastructure, i.e. signage indicating that cyclists will be on the roadway?
If you have your own comments or concerns, you can send the Viaduct Group an email with a contact form available here.