The Seattle Post-Intelligencer:Â More people biking to work in Seattle
The number of bicyclists who commute into downtown Seattle has jumped 15 percent since 2007, the Seattle Department of Transportation reports.
That conclusion is based on a one-day count on Sept. 16, during which volunteers counted 2,609 bicyclists commuting into the downtown core. The 2009 Downtown Bicycle Counts took place from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
SDOT’s data analysis shows more people using helmets, now at 92 percent, from 89 percent in 2007. The number of female bike commuters also increased — 23 percent in 2009 from 21 percent in 2007. The top five ways for bicyclists to enter downtown are Dexter Avenue North, Colman Dock, the Elliott Bay Trail, the Alaskan Way Path and Pine Street.
Here’s more from SDOT:
Since its release in 2007, Seattle’s Bicycle Master Plan has served as a guide for expanding bicycling across the city. It has enabled SDOT to significantly expand the city’s network of bike facilities, make it easier and safer to ride, and reduce greenhouse gases. These counts are a vital measurement tool as the city strives to reach its goal of tripling the number of bicyclists by 2017.
“The Cascade Bicycle Club advocates for more livable communities through cycling,” said Chuck Ayers, executive director of the Cascade Bicycle Club. “Seattle’s Bicycle Master Plan serves as a model for how to grow the facilities needed to promote healthy, safe bicycle activities in major cities.”
Construction of new bicycle facilities is a key strategy identified by the plan for increasing the number of cyclists. In the master plan’s first three years, Seattle has installed more than 90 miles of bike lanes and sharrows; nearly 35 miles of signed routes; over 800 bike racks; and roughly 5.5 miles of multi-use trails, including the first segment of the Chief Sealth Trail and the Burke-Gilman Trail extension from Golden Gardens Park to 60th Ave NW. In 2010, SDOT is committed to installing 20 miles of new bike lanes and sharrows, more than 30 miles of signed routes, and several new trail segments.
“One of the Downtown Seattle Association’s key goals is to improve access, mobility and transit in Downtown … because we can’t have a healthy, vibrant urban core if people can’t get to, from and around our Center City,” said Dale Sperling, a member of the DSA and Commute Seattle boards. “Clearly, growing commute alternatives such as cycling is an important component to achieving that goal.”
For the full survey, check out: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/bikeinfo.htm.
