By Pendergast Law on September 20, 2017
Recently, Traffic Lab asked cyclists around Seattle how they felt about the city’s infrastructure for bicyclists, and how safe overall they felt riding around the city. They received mixed reviews, so in the end, Seattle falls somewhere in the middle; especially when compared to other cities around the country and in other parts of the world.
Polite Drivers Spotted in Seattle
Overall, Seattle cyclists seemed most impressed with how drivers respond to them while they’re out on their bikes. Nearly every comment from cyclists in Seattle Times remarked just how courteous drivers were. Many commented that this also caused them to be more conscientious when they were out driving and met with a cyclist on the road.
Also, Bad Infrastructure
But one area in which Seattle falls short is the infrastructure, for both cyclists and drivers. The lack of a connected bike trail was one of the major complaints among cyclists. While Seattle certainly does have trails and routes specifically for bikes, the fact that one cannot get from one end of the city to the other without leaving a trail is a cause of major concern.
When compared with other countries, such as the Netherlands, Seattle’s infrastructure for bikes has a long way to go. The Netherlands has separate bike lanes alongside nearly every roadway. Seattleites might not need these drastic measures. All they really want is for their bike lanes to be made safer. Some commenters were saying that the lanes seemed to be added as an afterthought.
But it’s not just the bike paths that need improvement for Seattle’s cyclists. Others feel as though the actual city streets also need improvement. Potholes, patches, and cracks make roads unsafe for both drivers and the cyclists. While cars can glide over potholes fairly easily, it could be disastrous for a cyclist, especially if he or she is thrown in front of traffic.
A Brighter Future Ahead?
Many hope that the city’s Bicycle Master Plan is going to resolve some of these issues. But even if it doesn’t, for the most part, bicyclists seem pretty happy to be out on Seattle’s roads and bike paths.
If you’ve been in a bicycle accident, or a car accident involving a bicycle, contact Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S., at 888-539-9211. We know the struggles cyclists in Seattle have when riding around the city, and we have the experience needed to help you with your case!