Pedestrian Opportunity
PROBLEM STATMENT
Despite being zoned for pedestrian priority, The Ave is unfriendly to pedestrians. There is a sense of danger among pedestrians and cyclists, feeling that the space isn’t safe for them to fully use because speeding and street racing are not prevented, collisions or near collisions occur on a daily basis, and mid-block crosswalks are inconsistently recognized by drivers
Public analysts have recognized the need to prioritize non motorized travel, but motor vehicles are prioritized in roadway use and on-street parking. The sidewalks are narrow, there are only a handful of linger spaces and even fewer bicycle parking spaces.
%
of shoulder is for car parking
General width of sidewalk
to be gained in spending revenue per hour per square meter converted from car parking to bicycle parking
of protected bicycle lanes
METHODS
This data was gathered by ground-truthing (walking and counting) the car and bicycle parking spaces, loading spaces, streateries, and other items listed in the shoulder of the Ave. Not counted were spaces where the sidewalk extends further toward the road such as at a bus stop. The recommendations were created based on stated policy goals from the City of Seattle and its residents as seen in Vision Zero and other initiatives. Research was also conducted on the relationship between walkability/bicycle access and economic activity.
PEDESTRIAN INTERVENTION
More than three quarters of the shoulder space is allocated for cars. Bicycle parking occupies only five parking spaces’ worth on the shoulder between 45th and 40th streets.
Is this setting ourselves up for economic success on the Ave? Common sense and research from other cities around the world say no. Check out our conclusions below. A car brings, typically, fewer than three persons per hour to a parking space, displacing at least 6 times as many cyclists and dozens of diners per hour in an eatery.
And, the market of the U District isn’t big on driving. The opening of the U District light rail station means more people are coming here on foot or bike than ever. The U District is one of a few neighborhoods designated a walker’s paradise, and more residents will be able to experience it as new housing goes up. Lastly, members of Gen Z get their driver’s licenses later and drive less. Transit users and pedestrians make up more than two thirds of UW commuters, and the university is trying to get that share even higher.
To get more foot traffic and therefore more sales, we recommend implementing the strategies below over a five-year period. Below, check out the checkpoints we hope the Ave will see.
Existing
What’s on the shoulder?
Cars: 70.18%
Under 30 minute loading: 7.89%
Pedestrian and cycling amenities: 21.93%
What uses the road?
Cars: two way traffic, 25 MPH
Bikes: fewer than 10 sharrows
What’s there for pedestrians and cyclists?
18 bicycle racks
5 streateries
0 non-transit benches
2 mid-block crosswalks
What programming is there?
Fewer than 5 street closure festivals per year
What could be done in 1 year ?
What’s on the shoulder?
Cars: 50%
Under 30 minute loading: 20%
Pedestrian and cycling amenities: 30%
What uses the road?
Cars: two way traffic, 10 MPH, decorated bollards (lane dividers)
Bikes: 15 sharrows
What’s there for pedestrians and cyclists?
25 bicycle racks
8 streateries
5 mid-block crosswalks
What programming is there?
Weekly Saturday closures from NE 52nd to NE 45th (Farmers Market extension)
What could be done in 3 years ?
What’s on the shoulder?
Cars: 35%
Under 30 minute loading: 30%
Pedestrian and cycling amenities: 35%
What uses the road?
Cars: one way traffic, 5 MPH
Bikes: two way protected lanes (in former car lane)
What’s there for pedestrians and cyclists?
35 bicycle racks
12 streateries
5 mid-block crosswalks
What programming is there?
Springtime weekly Sunday closures from 50th to 41st
What could be done in 5 years ?
What’s on the shoulder?
Cars: 10%
Under 30 minute loading: 30%
Pedestrian and cycling amenities: 60%
What uses the road?
Cars: delivery and drop off only
Bikes and pedestrians: integrated roadway, also known as a woonerf
What’s there for pedestrians and cyclists?
50 bicycle racks
Sculptural, interactive benches and other amenities
Entire roadway from NE 45th to NE 41st as a streetery
What programming is there?
Monthly cultural, arts, and food arts festivals
Student-led activities