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Big changes coming to Colman Dock |
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Written by Gordon Black
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Thursday, 29 March 2012 13:22 |
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WSF to Open New Gate For Bicyclists May 9
Bicyclists – as well as motorists and pedestrians – will see huge changes accessing Colman Dock starting May 9. That is the scheduled deadline for the closure of north-bound Alaskan Way up to Yesler Way. The closure is in connection with both construction work for the tunnel to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct and associated sea wall reconstruction.
The changes will result in the three blocks on Alaskan Way between Yesler and Madison being closed to through traffic: the area in front of the ferry terminal will be used for staging overflow car traffic for the ferries, as well as hold relocated bus stops. South-bound traffic in Alaskan Way will be diverted on to the roadway below the viaduct between Madison and Yesler. This roadway will convert from one-way, as now, to two-way.
The road changes will also see the closure of the north gate, adjacent to McDonald’s and the opening of the automated bicycle entry point at the toll plaza. Work on the card reader for frequent bicycle users (it will accept 10-trip tickets and monthly passes but not single trip tickets) has been completed for some months but WSF has delayed its opening pending the construction on Alaskan Way.
Regular commuters should have already noticed the curb-cut south of where taxis currently wait and the scanner on the wall opposite the most northerly of the four tool booths. Bicyclists will be able to use the scanner by entering the terminal via the area beside the fountain or the bike lane installed on the northern lane leading to the toll plaza. The scanner will activate a green light once a ticket is accepted and allow one rider at a time to proceed. WSF staff and a camera will monitor the scanner.
Occasional riders needing to purchase a single-trip ticket will continue to use any available toll booth: the bicycle surcharge of $1 still applies for individual tickets, but not for frequent users with passes or multi-ride tickets.
The changes will cause confusion and crowding on roads near the terminal – bicyclists are urged to allow extra time to access to the terminal.
Squeaky Wheels is working with Washington State Ferries on publicizing the changes. A meeting on the island will take place later in April at which WSF will have maps and leaflets. Check back here for more information.
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Safer Roads Campaign |
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Written by Gordon Black
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Monday, 28 November 2011 19:25 |
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Last November, just before the election, Squeaky Wheels launched a campaign to have five road safety projects given top priority. The five roads are: Eagle Harbor Drive between Bucklin Hill and Wyatt; Lynnwood Center Road between Fletcher Bay and Blakely Avenue; Fletcher Bay Road between New Brooklyn Avenue and High School Road; and Miller Road between Tolo Road and Koura Road. These roads all lack shoulders - some such as Miller have heavy traffic, including frequent truck trips. Eagle Harbor Drive is a critical route simply because all traffic from Winslow to the south end, uses it.
Signs encouraging people to contact the city council were placed on these roads - due to weather and vandalism, most have now been lost. But not lost is the goal of Squeaky Wheels to get these roads improved. To that end, Squeaky Wheels board members have been meeting with council members urging them to select and fund one project for 2012, and make a similar commitment for the four remaining projects. Squeaky Wheels has not taken a position as to whether a bond issue or a locally imposed car tab fee should be used to raise the money necessary to fund a 2012 project but given the city's detierorating roads and financial situation, it seems unlikely that the city can squeeze funds out of its existing budget for roads.
Earlier, the city council rejected Squeaky Wheels' call to use part of the settlement with Washington State Ferries to fund one project in 2012 - Eagle Harbor Drive at the head of the bay: the $2M obtained from WSF will be used exclusively for water-related projects. You can help make the case for the city to fund a project in 2012 by contacting your city council member.
For individual city council members, see www.ci.bainbridge-isl.wa.us/city_council.aspx
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Bikes and Ferries |
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Committee Tackles Ferry/Bike Issues
Washington State Ferries (WSF) now has a committee to discuss - and hopefully address - ferry issues important to bicyclists. Squeaky Wheels has long championed bicycle issues with WSF and was a catalyst for the formation of this committee. Board members Ross Hathaway and Gordon Black as well as regular commuters Morgan Coleman and Lisa Maccio will represent the interests of cyclists on the committee. If you have ideas or suggestions that you wish to be brought to this committee, contact either
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or Gordon -
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Note: Olympic Drive is frequently congested; some cyclists choose to beat (or avoid) the motor vehicle traffic by riding on the left side of the double yellow stripes at the road centerline. This is both dangerous and illegal. A better approach, and one made practical by the volume of cyclists during commute hours, is to ride in the left lane. Usually this maneuver includes waiting for the lead motorcycles to pass before moving to the left lane from the right lane, but once in the left lane, motor vehicles will stay behind you when you act as a group, rather than as individual riders. Remember, it is legal to take the lane when making a left turn. Be safe and practice courtesy to other road users. |
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Bike For Pie Registration is Open |
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Written by Gordon Black
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Monday, 20 June 2011 19:58 |
Bike For Pie - August 19 - registration now open
Registration is now open for what might be the Northwest's most original cycling event - Bike for Pie. Squeaky Wheels' signature event combines four great elements - bicycling, Bainbridge Island scenery, summer weather and, of course, pies. There are again two routes set up - a challenging 32-mile ride that loops around the island and features a rest stop with savory pies hosted by Friends of the Farm, and the family-friendly 12-mile ride. Both include a mouth-watering selection of fruit pies served at Fort Ward, which is now under the management of Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park District. To sweeten the event for 2012, we have even reduced the price - now it's the best bargain as well as the most delicious ride. For entry fees and registration details:
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Read more...
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Smart Riders are Safe Riders |
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Written by Dana Berg
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Wednesday, 11 May 2011 07:32 |
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Knowing and following the rules of the road are the best way to stay safe while pedaling. Whether you are a new rider or a seasoned commuter, double check that you follow these simple steps:
Ride on the correct side of the road, the right, with traffic
Stop at stop signs
Be visible day and night-wear something bright in daytime, add lights, front and rear, at night
Take the lane, but don't cross the yellow center line, when exiting the ferry
Wear a well fitted helmet
And you also need to be savvy enough to expect the unexpected. One of the most common surprises is the right hook-a driver passes you and then immediately turns right in front of you. And also the crossing driver-a car pulls out from a side street directly in front of you. These drivers are behaving illegally, but you, as a bike rider, need to be able to avoid them to stay safe. A police officer once told me that it is extremely hard to catch a cyclist by surprise, as they seem to be very tuned into their surroundings. That is true of a seasoned cyclist and it is one of the joys of cycling for me. |
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