Some Seattle streets will be closed to car traffic in August and September, as part of a city initiative to encourage more bike and pedestrian traffic.

In Capitol Hill, both 14th Ave. E., and the Volunteer Park Western Loop will see closures. The city will shut down traffic on 14th Ave. between Volunteer Park and Republican St. for the Peace Concert in the Park on Sun., Aug. 24 from 12-6. The park loop will be closed on weekends- i.e. Saturdays and Sundays- from 9-5 from Aug. 9-Sept. 27; additionally, it will be closed on Mondays from 9-7 from Aug. 4-Sept. 29. I’ve heard rumors that some of the reasoning for this is to help cut down on the not-so-subtle prostitution that happens at Volunteer Park, but then again, it seems unlikely since they’re only closing it until 5 or 7 p.m. depending on the day of the week. (see more at Capitol Hill Seattle)

Additionally, Rainier Ave. S. will see a closure on Aug. 31st from 3-6 between Orcas and Alaska streets. (More on this from the Rainier Valley Post) According to several sites, the mayor is hoping that this will increase foot traffic to local businesses, and create a street-party atmosphere in Seattle neighborhoods (#) like Rainier Valley.

Of course, Alki Ave. in West Seattle will be closed from 12-6 on Sun., Sept. 7. West Seattle Blog reports that Car-Free Day in Alki won’t be entirely car-free- a lane will be left open for the Water Taxi, as well as local residents (hear that, CeRo?)

And, in addition to the Volunteer Parks street closures, the Parks Department will be closing off roads in several other Seattle parks, including the Seward Park Upper Loop Road (Thursdays from 10-9, Aug. 7-Sept. 25, and weekends from 9-6 from Aug. 9-Sept. 27) and Lake Washington Boulevard (Thursdays from 10-4, Aug. 7-Sept. 25, and weekends from 9-6 Aug. 9-Sept. 27). Lake Washington Boulevard will also see Bicycle Sunday on Aug. 31.

By the way- one commenter also left us a note that Critical Mass rides take place the last Friday of the month, and leave at 5:30 from Westlake Center. A smaller group leaves from Red Square in the U-District to meet up with the folks at Westlake.

So, if we haven’t confused you enough regarding street closures and bike traffic, you may want to check out the Seattle Times article, the Seattle Parks Department’s site or the City of Seattle’s site about street closures for more detailed information. Enjoy your walking and riding!

Related posts:

1. Sunday Morning Street Closures
2. This Weekend in Seattle
3. reminder: a modest stretch of capitol hill will be closed to traffic today
4. Seattle: second fittest city in the USA
5. Roadwork warning: I-5 South in Everett