Everyone always complains how much space trucks and SUVs take up in parking lots, but this is a new low:

Actually, it appears this afternoon’s incident was the result of an under-the-influence driver, who fled on foot after an ill-fated attempt to negotiate the ramp down from 25th Ave. Police, fire trucks, and UV’s own Security are out in force to deal with the results.

We’ve all been tempted before…it’s late on a Friday night and you need somewhere to park. There’s a space that isn’t quite big enough and if you just moved the scooter over 6 inches, you could fit. Have you done it?

Photo by lastrandy

Apparently enough people have. City Council just voted in favor of a new $38 fine for moving a scooter.

“We cannot tolerate this behavior in Seattle at a time when we want to make it easier for people to use alternative transportation,” said Councilmember Jan Drago, whose Transportation Committee recommended the measure.

I will be a scooter owner later this year and this very issue has concerned me enough that I will be renting a parking space in my apartment building in order to avoid incidents. Not only do people move scooters, but they also bump them with their cars, causing superficial and mechanical damage.

Source

Photo by Piranesia

WSDOT has concluded that the aging 520 bridge is in good condition (all things considered) but found multiple small cracks throughout it’s surface. As long as the damn thing doesn’t sink while I’m on it, I can deal with some signs of aging.

Over the weekend, there was a situation between cyclists and a driver that resulted in many citizens taking sides, making unreasonable demands, and multiple misunderstandings. From 300 miles away, I could see the tensions rising through blog posts, editorials, and biased articles in the daily papers. This situation will not go away overnight, but will linger for months it not longer. I spoke with a few folks in Eugene, OR on my visit there and they expressed shock and amazement that such an incident happened. Eugene demonstrates how cyclists and drivers can work together to make the road safe for almost everyone.

This morning, I rode my bicycle down the backside of Capitol Hill to the UW. Traveling at 30mph (the speed limit down the hill), I need to focus ahead to ensure that I don’t jam my tire into a rut or misalignment in the pavement while also keeping an eye on cross-traffic and pedestrians. A driver traveling in the left lane rolled down his window and screamed at me “GET OFF THE STREET B***H!” without provocation. I was shocked. Did this stem from the Critical Mass situation?

Regardless of which side you choose, bicycles and driver will have to continue to share the road. There are a few things that we as a whole can do to make this easier for everyone. The main one is to be considerate of others.

Cyclists: ride as predictable as possible. Use hand signals, don’t swerve between cars, pull to the side if you’re holding up traffic, and stop blowing through red lights. Sidewalk riding is legal, but yield to pedestrians and ride at a low level of speed (3-7mph is usually what I ride at).

Drivers: cyclists are aware that you are right next to them so act predictable. Don’t blow your horn or yell, it could cause an accident. If the bicycle is moving slower than the flow of traffic, pass when it is safe to do so. There is no need to punch the gas pedal, race ahead, then slam on the brakes to prove a point.

My rule of thumb has been the same for the 2 1/2 years that I have been biking around Seattle: bikes vs cars in an accident results in the car winning almost every time. It’s not worth my life. It’s also not worth aggravation/impatience/high blood pressure when a car or a bicycle delays my trip for a few minutes. If everyone cooperated together, respected each other, and became aware of one another, these kinds of incidents wouldn’t happen nearly as often. I am not taking sides here, I am making a stand to continue sharing the road whether I am the driver or riding my bicycle.

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!

Officially more expensive than busing across Lake Washington on Sound Transit, it could potentially cost drivers up to $6.85 round-trip to use 520 as their primary commuter route. Further suggestions indicate that the rate would be variable throughout the day and week, with some tolls as low as $0.75. Currently 115,000 vehicles use the bridge daily.

Highway 520 tolls:4 options
TOLLS TO CROSS THE FLOATING BRIDGE would be less if they begin in 2010, or more if the state waits until 2016, when a new bridge is supposed to be finished, a state study says. These examples are for one-way travel.
Toll current bridge in 2010, new bridge in 2016: Morning peak $2.15; afternoon peak $2.95; midday $1.05.
Toll new 520 bridge in 2016: Morning peak $3.05; afternoon peak $3.80; midday $2.10.
Toll new 520 and existing I-90 bridges, in 2016: Morning peak $2.60; afternoon peak $3.25; midday $2.10.
Toll 520 bridge in 2010, and I-90 bridge in 2016: same as preceding option.

* ALL PRICES IN 2007 DOLLARS (Via Seattle Times)

When parts of I-5 closed for repair, commuters utilized a variety of different methods to avoid long backups. These methods consisted of carpooling, working from home, using public transit, and driving during off-peak hours. I wouldn’t be surprised if more companies introduced employee bus passes/rideshare options, or perhaps offer commuter buses ala Microsoft’s Connector.

(Click for larger size)

Google Maps now allows “walking” directions in Seattle. Check it out!

A traffic reminder: All you eastsider’s who want to hang with the cool kids (or, for all you cool kids who want to slum it on the eastside): The 520 Bridge will be closed this weekend for the annual inspection starting at 11 PM on Friday, lasting to 5 AM Monday morning. So either plan to take the long way over 90, or spending a lot of quality time with whoever you’re visiting. And, in keeping with the 520 bridge: Enjoy this video of why they are inspecting it. Note: The opinions in this piece do not reflect that of Seattle Metroblogging, or even the author, but is merely a humorous method to impart useful information. Your humor intake may vary.

This morning

#15 Bus

Me: Kinda sleeping, as per usual.

Old dude: Lower the back of the bus!

Bus driver, on loud speaker: I can only lower the bus from the front, sir. If you’d like me to do that, you must get off in the front.

Old dude: You lying, n-word (he used the real word, which I personally don’t like to say and/or write on blogs).

Everyone on the bus looks up, including me. All jaws are dropped.

Bus driver remains calm: You can come up to the front and I can lower you from here.

Old dude: You lyin’, you n-word.

Woman: Sir, we don’t use that kind of language on this bus.

Old dude walks off.

I can’t go back to sleep.

Many dog owners do not know that you can ride most buses with your four-footed buddy. I’ve done some research about busing with dogs on the various transit agencies in the greater Seattle area and thought I should share this knowledge with everyone. With high gas prices, this might help others leave their cars at home for shorter trips.

Metro:
Metro’s official policy allows dogs on buses as long as they are leashed or in a kennel. Dogs too big to ride on your lap require the same fare as a human traveler. My dog is 42lbs and while he fits on my lap, I usually pay his fare unless the driver waves me off. Dogs may not ride on a seat but sit on the floor. (Source)

Sound Transit:
Only service animals and small pets in containers are allowed on Sound Transit’s buses and the Sounder. (Source)

Community Transit:
This took some work on my part to get a clear answer. Dogs are not allowed on commuter buses (ie: Seattle to Mukilteo rush hour routes, for example), but are allowed on short inter-city trips (ie: Lynnwood to Mukilteo for example) with leash and muzzle. I found a soft mesh muzzle at Mud Bay for $15 that allows my dog to pant and drink. At this time, I am unclear if a fare is required and will assume that one is. (Source: phone call to CT’s customer service line.)

Pierce Transit:
Only service animals and small pets in containers are allowed. (Source)

I’ve heard of bus drivers refusing dogs access on buses for a variety of reasons. Some Metro drivers state that dogs require muzzles (not true) or that there is already a dog on the bus and they are not allowed to pick up multiple dogs (also not true). If you run into an issue with a driver not allowing you to board the bus with a dog and you are following the rules and regulations of the specific transit service, request that the driver call their supervisor or contact the service directly with the route number, bus number, time and location that this incident occurred.

For a treat, Metro bus routes 74 and 75 will take you to Magnuson’s off-leash dog park, located in Sand Point. It is a reliable route, and the park has water access for the pups.

Edit to add a few more details.
Washington State Ferry System:
Pets must be on a leash or in a carrier at all times. Pets, except service animals, are not allowed in terminal buildings or above the car decks, unless they are in a pet carrier. (Source)

Island Transit (Whidbey Island):
Only service animals and small pets in containers are allowed. (Source)