Today, Bike to Work Day, we and our news partners The Seattle Times are wondering just how safe you are getting around town on two wheels.
The Times has put together a top ten regional list of bike trouble spots. At the top of the list: the south end of Ballard Bridge, where it meets the bases of both Queen Anne and Magnolia. Here’s what the Times says about this particular bicycling danger zone:
Ballard Bridge’s south end
A curb divides 40 mph vehicles from cyclists and pedestrians on the bridge, and the greatest test of will comes a few yards from the bridge’s south end, where a cut in the curb channels riders directly onto 15th Avenue West. You have to “look for a big opening, where you’re going to jump out,” says cyclist Chris Phillips.
Sightline Institute founder Alan Durning highlighted this spot in April 2007 for his essay series “Bike Neglect.” The city has since added warning signs. “It gives us a false sense of security, thinking we can go out there and the cars are going to stop,” said rider Jo Simonian.
Solution: The city is spending $50,000 to study whether it can add width to bike lanes on the bridge, and improve safety at both ends.
There are a few other trouble spots Queen Anne cyclists are probably familiar with: the Burke-Gilman Trail at 25th Ave NE, and Ballard’s “missing link” of the trail. Check out the whole list here. Curious to see where the majority of bike collisions happen? Check out the Times’ interactive map.
We’re also eager to hear your biking stories for today, or everyday. Do you ride your bike to work? Have any good stories? Do you drive to work and dislike sharing the road with cyclists? Tell us your bike stories from Bike to Work Day and beyond.
Bike to Work Day will be ending with a huge after party and Summer Streets celebration in Ballard. Check out the schedule of festivities here. And don’t forget to watch the road for bicyclists tonight, especially during rush hour.