Second Avenue and Fourth Avenue Bicycle Improvements

Updated May 15, 2008

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is building a network of bicycle lanes, trails and paths over a 10-year span with the goal of tripling the number of people bicycling and helping to reduce greenhouse gases. SDOT is improving bicyclist safety, reducing physical barriers to cycling, integrating the network with transit, and making all of Seattle more accessible to bikes. This is an important part of Seattle’s efforts to create a more sustainable transportation system.

The Bicycle Master Plan and the Center City Access Strategy identify Second and Fourth avenues as the main north/south bike routes through Downtown. In support of this, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is making enhancements to these streets to improve bicycle routes and increase rider safety.

Scope of Work

Second Avenue

• Add a white line between the existing bike lane and the on-street parking.
• Install green bike lane markings at potential vehicle/bicycle conflict points and through some intersections.

Fourth Avenue

• Install a bike lane on the west side of Fourth Avenue between Yesler Way and Spring Street. This requires the removal of the on-street parking and loading zones on the west side of Fourth Avenue south of Marion Street. SDOT is working with building tenants who use the existing loading zones to identify alternate options.
• Paint bike sharrows between Spring and Stewart streets. This will not change the current parking or loading zone configurations.
• Install green bike lane markings at potential vehicle/bicycle conflict points and through some intersections.

Click here to view a map of the planned bicycle improvements on Second and Fourth avenues.

Project Benefits

• Reduce number of vehicle / bicycle incidents
• Create a safer and more pleasant bike riding experience
• Make it easier to get through and around Center City Seattle by bike
• Decrease congestion and reduce greenhouse gases by reducing vehicle use
• Support a healthy, active lifestyle

Project Schedule:

Complete design by early May 2008

Add bike markings June/July 2008. This work is weather dependent.

When SDOT is marking Second and Fourth avenues, expect periodic lane closures and temporary parking restrictions. For the safety of our crews who must work in traffic, and to reduce the impact on mobility in the area, this work may take place in the early morning hours or on weekends. Access to businesses and sidewalks will be maintained at all times.

Project Contact:

Josh Stepherson, (206) 684-3136 or josh.stepherson@seattle.gov

As part of Bridging the Gap (Seattle’s transportation levy) SDOT will repave Second Avenue in 2009 and Fourth Avenue in 2010. The bike improvements described above will be maintained after the repaving. However, SDOT may modify the street layout in the future depending on the Urban Mobility Plan’s recommendations on how to move people and goods through Seattle’s Center City during the planned Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall replacement projects.