I drive this road every day to work using I-5 northbound from Magnolia. Tthis will make it safer, maybe slower but well worth it. Event at 1/2 the speed it will only add 300 seconds. People speed and cut others off all the time. Kudos.

I like the idea of more bike lanes and slowing vehicles on Nickerson down but have reservations about the bike lane being between two lanes of cars.

This is a great idea. Biking on Nickerson is always a dicey. Now they just need to complete the trail under the Ballard Bridge to drastically reduce accidents.

mayor tweety bird is an idiot from the east coast

I think this idea is terrible. It will create horrible congestion and all for the sake of the bikers. Has anyone checked out the bikers on Elliott in the BAT lanes. They force the buses to move in and out of the two congested lanes. This is really bad news. Plus, the bikers never follow the rules of the road anyway.

I’d be willing to tradeoff an increase in car travel time if it meant an improvement in bike commuter safety.

However, it appears that this change would ALSO significantly reduce the overall capacity of the road because of the reduction in the number of lanes. Nickerson already backs up significantly when either bridge is up; with only one lane available, it may mean that non-bridge thru traffic will also be blocked (Eastbound: from Nickerson to Westlake, Westbound: from Nickerson to 15th southbound, via the onramp under the Ballard Bridge).

Nickerson is a major arterial connecting Ballard, Magnolia, Queen Anne, and Fremont, as well as the Mercer area. Why would we willing make an already-congested road so much worse, with the attendant increases in emissions, gas consumption… and stress?

All these issues were raised before, and the plan was shelved until the city addressed tunnel access issues. What’s changed?

Why not enforce the existing speed limit, without reducing the number of lanes?

I biked this route for about 5 years everyday and the traffic is not that bad for bikers, plus there is a bike trail just past the lumber yard all the way to the Fremont Bridge. Easy for us bikers to use that route and not deal with traffic. Lets spend that money to keep our parks open or to finish the bike path from the lumber yard to Magnolia. Wish I never voted for our current Mayor. He continually seems out of touch when it comes to spending our money.

This is good news. If you think this is a bad idea then check your speed next time you’re cruising down Nickerson. Then when suddenly the car in front of you stops to turn left so you quickly cut off the person in the lane beside you all the while magically avoiding the biker who can’t bike on a bike trail from Magnolia because BNSF can’t seem to move a track maybe you can think again. Think about someone other than yourself. Think about posted speed limits and common courtesy.

Right now, except for the stretch of the Burke-Gilman that runs up Lake Washington, the cycle path options in Seattle are a scattered mess, strewn throughout an oppressive New Jersey-like system of busy highways. I will be moving to Magnolia in a month and will be looking forward to this kind of support for cycle commuters. Getting to UW from Magnolia via bicycle is dangerous, and this mayor’s leadership on mixed traffic systems helps improve transportation safety, air quality and the general quality of life for everyone, including those who cannot commute by automobile.

@Jen: The bike lane is between a lane of cars and a parking strip, which is pretty standard for bike lanes around here.

When this was first proposed, the unfinished bike path on the south side of the canal was given priority for completion. Whatever happened to that?

As far as speeding on Nickerson, if that’s happening (sorry I drive the speed limit when I’m on it), why isn’t SPD out there giving tickets as a reminder?

The backups and ensuing frustration will end up causing more problems. McGinn is a mouthpiece for the 10,000+ members of the Cascade Bicycle Club.

This is par for the course for the whack job Mayor who clearly has absolutely no idea how to run a city. Waste of already tight tax dollars. Come on. Use that money to fix our crumbling streets and sidewalks.

Im with Magbiker- finish the bike trail by the lumber yard already!!! and why not build a bike/foot bridge over the railroad tracks under the ballard bridge? Just like the one by the pier 91 bridge… this makes more sense for bike safety..dont you think????

Hooray! Finally, a mayor has put pedestrian safety above the desire of car drivers who want to speed through everyone else’s neighborhoods.

The project is really about pedestrian access, not bike access. Given this is where SPU is located, it only makes sense that pedestrians take priority.

I’m a north Magnolia resident, a motorist and a cyclist. I bike commute 2-3 days a week and drive the other days. I work in NE Seattle, so I use Nickerson to the Fremont bridge when I’m driving and I use the locks to Shilshole to the Burke-Gillman when riding. Though Shilshole is quite dicey for cyclists, it’s preferable to me when compared to the West Emerson / flyover / Nickerson route. Bike lanes and sharrows on Nickerson will do nothing to address this risky access problem while completing the south Ship Canal trail under the Ballard Bridge / flyover will. It’s completion might also diminish the need for a wholesale reconfiguration of Nickerson, though cyclists coming to and from Queen Anne would still need safe access to the Ship Canal trail. The City recently extended the trail such that it now runs from the Fremont bridge (which provides good access to the Burke) to just east of the Ballard Bridge. A section of trail already exists along West Emerson, on the Magnolia side of the Ballard Bridge / flyover, but it’s presently a trail to and from nowhere. (It runs under the flyover on-ramp and ends abruptly at a chain-link fence.) As I understand it, connecting these two sections of trail is contingent on BNSF Railroad moving utilities and underutilized tracks so that the City can complete the connection under the Ballard Bridge. All available pressure should be brought to bear to ensure that this happens immediately. Though I am not certain how the planned reconfiguration of Nickerson will ultimately affect the flow of traffic, I completely understand the concerns expressed in previous postings regarding traffic impacts related to the Viaduct replacement. Completion of the south Ship Canal trail may serve as a reasonable compromise.

The point of this rechannelization is not create bicycle lanes, but to lessen crashes, and improve and enable safe pedestrian crossing, while not reducing the roadway throughput capacity. There is pretty solid evidence that making these types of changes to roadways under a certain vehicle count actually accomplish that goal. This seems counterintuitive to many, but those who drive on Phinney or Greenwood can attest to what a more pleasant driving experience it is, to not have to be constantly scouting for up-ahead L lane turners, etc.

Because this involves ‘paint’ only, the City should proceed, as was proposed over a year ago, and implement this. And then they should evaluate, evaluate, evaluate. If it don’t work, then paint it back the way it was. If it works, then we have created a more friendly right of wayfor pedestrians and cyclists roadway, and met the needs of people in cars and freight in trucks.

Seems pretty straightforward, doesn’t it?

McGinn had obviously never tried to get East to West from Magnolia in our fair city with the choice of the Mercer Mess or Nickerson (has he never heard the Hendrix song “Crosstown Traffic?” The average openings of the Fremont Bridge year round is every fifteen minutes. Is anyone listening to the needs of our neighborhood that is going to be significantly impacted by the viaduct replacement and now adding this to the daily stress?

I urge you to write to Mayor McGinn http://www.seattle.gov/mayor/citizen_response.htm
and all or some of the city council persons listed below:

Transportation Committee on the Seattle City Council:

Chair: Tom Rasmussen

Vice-Chair: Jean Godden
Member: Tim Burgess & Nick Licata
Alternate: Sally J. Clark & Bruce A. Harrell

You may also contact Councilmembers by mail at:
Seattle City Council
PO Box 34025
Seattle, WA 98124-4025

Here’s the Magnolia Voice blog about this issue with an illustration of the changes: http://www.magnoliavoice.com/2010/05/11/nickerson-to-become-one-lane-of-car-travel/

Tell him that this proposal will adversely impact your daily life and that it should be tabled until at least after the viaduct work has been completed and the Mercer Mess has been untangled.

Please take a moment to do this today, all the information is here for you to send snail mail or e-mail. Thank you for your time.

Kevin is spot on.
First, road diets like this make the roadway safer for all users, and pedestrians, and do not cause congestion.
Perfect example is W. Governement Way. One car lane each direction, one bike lane, one turn lane. Have you seen a back up?
And I believe everyone except BNSF wants the south ship canal trail done.

Pedestrian safety is important, but the City admittedly did not study any alternative to achieve this goal other than road diet, such as adding signalized crosswalks at key locations. The City admits that bus traffic will be slower. The City believes that the left turn lane will take pressure off of Nickerson, but there are no meaningful left turns off Nickerson. The City has not adequately taken into account the traffic diversion that will occur on Nickerson during the period of time when the Viaduct is down and new the Alaskan Way is not functional. According to the literature, road diets generally work best when there is a business neighorhood that needs revitalization and when there is a parallel arterial that through traffic and freight can use. Neither of these criteria a met here.

I vote Jose for mayor. I think he summed it up nicely. Lets hope we never have an accident on the bridges. Thats always a traffic nightmare. I can’t wait to get my 90 year old aunt on a bike.

One thing is for sure: Nickerson is a speed trap. I’ve seen more cops sitting with radar guns on this stretch of road than anywhere else in the city. Folks pick up serious speed going down that hill.
Fauntleroy Way in West Seattle used to look like present-day Nickerson, and the new lane system was put in place. It made it much safer for pedestrians, but a lot of folks were unhappy about the lengthy construction. However, it didn’t seem like there were as many backups after it was put in place.

@thatguyinmagnolia: I don’t think you can compare traffic on W. Government Way to Nickerson… I think the last time there was a backup on W. Government way was back in WWII Nickerson sees 20k cars a day, with a bridge on either end, once of which seems like it’s open every 20m.

This is great news! I see cars ignoring the rules of the road all the time–speeding, drivers talking on the phone, changing lanes without signaling, turning without signaling. Slowing down the pace here will really be an improvement.

@ Steve C
W. Gov’t has less traffic than than Nickerson, so instead consider Stone Way, Fauntleroy, or Marginal Way as more similar.
All research shows if less than 20,000 vehicles travel a road, road diets work.

http://lcmpoweb.las-cruces.org/Training/Road%20Diet/Road%20Diet%20Supplement.pdf

@thatguyinmagnolia – thanks for the reference; made an interesting read… it does paint an alluring picture for what could be.

I would be more positive about this change if it weren’t for the fact that there are two bridges on either end that already cause significant backups. When I asked the City engineers about this a year ago, when this proposal was first surfaced, they seemed unaware of the issue.

And I wonder why this proposal is so suddenly being mandated, after the agreement less than a year ago to not make any changes, at least not until the Mercer re-do is completed, or why the City isn’t putting more emphasis on the existing trail along the Canal…

Makes me wonder whether we’ll wake up some morning and find new lines painted on the street…

I’m sure the Mayor pushed it along.

I believe the plan will still have Nickerson in it’s current lane configuration at each end near the bridges.
“Between Warren Avenue N and 13th Avenue W, SDOT will reduce the number of motor vehicle lanes and add an uphill bicycle lane (a “climbing lane”). The new roadway configuration will include one driving lane in each direction and a center two-way turn lane. The downhill traffic lane will have shared lane markings installed, called “sharrows”. (A sharrow is a bicycle symbol with two chevrons which reminds motorists to share the road with bicyclists.) Pedestrian crossing improvements, including new marked crosswalks, will be installed at 12th Avenue W, Cremona Street, and Dravus Street.”

I read this as near the Ballard Bridge, where one lane goes to Magnolia and one to the bridge reamins. East of SPU(past that giant power pole), the road splits into three lanes, which will also remain.

It’s unusual for me to find something on the web that is as entertaining and fascinating as what you’ve got here. Your page is sweet, your graphics are outstanding, and what’s more, you use source that are relevant to what you are talking about. You are definitely one in a million, well done!

WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..more wait .. …

Of course, what a fantastic site and informative posts, I surely will bookmark your site.Have an awsome day!

I found your entry interesting do I’ve added a Trackback to it on my weblog ……

My goal at the very start is to get a viewpoint of what is all about.

This website is awesome. I constantly come across something new & different right here. Thank you for that data.

Hi! Your article rocks and is really a very good understand!…

I appreciate a fantastic along with useful report We genuinely recognize all the effort which went into the creating.

This is really a extremely beneficial read for me, Have to admit you might be 1 in the most effective bloggers I ever saw.Thanks for posting this informative article.

Hi there can I reference some of the material found in this entry if I reference you with a link back to your site?

I Too Like the Blog here. Keep up all the work. I too love to blog. This is great everyone sharing opinions

I’m not in a position to see this web site properly on my cellphone

First of all, allow my family value a person’s command during this matter. Even though this is certainly brand new , nevertheless soon after registering your site, this intellect has exploded extensively. Allow all of us to take hold of one’s rss to help keep in touch with at all probable messages Sincere understand but will pass it on to help admirers and my individual are living members

I found your entry interesting do I’ve added a Trackback to it on my weblog ……

Between me and my husband we’ve owned more MP3 players over the years than I can count, including Sansas, iRivers, iPods (classic & touch), the Ibiza Rhapsody, etc. But, the last few years I’ve settled down to one line of players. Why? Because I was happy to discover how well-designed and fun to use the underappreciated (and widely mocked) Zunes are.

Awsome site! I am loving it!! Will come back again. I am taking your feeds also

Been searching just about everywhere on information regarding this. Really thanks a lot.

As a Newbie, I am constantly searching online for articles that can help me. Thank you

Can I post your put up to my weblog? I will add a one-way link to your forum. That’s one actually sweet post.

I gotta say this internet web page is definitely attention-grabbing, retain posting very good information.

I was been after the Internet for such information and just wanted to say thanks to u for the post. Also, just off topic, where can i find a copy of this theme? – 10x

After study a couple of the posts on your web site these few days, and I really like your way of blogging. I added it to my favorites website list and will be checking back soon. Please visit my internet site too and let me know what you think.

Thnkx so much for this! I havent been this thrilled by a post for quite some time! You have got it, whatever that means in blogging. Well, You’re definitely somebody that has something to say that people should hear. Keep up the outstanding job. Keep on inspiring the people!

There is clearly a bundle to identify about this. I suppose you made some good points in features also.

I am always looking online for articles that can help me. Thx!

You made some clear points there. I looked on the internet for the subject and found most persons will approve with your website.

When I was reading these words I suddenly felt that I fully thoroughly understand the topic of this article and writer has written entirely for me.

Greetings everyone, This webpage is remarkable and so is exactly how the subject had been extended. I like some of the remarks also even though I would prefer all of us keep it on the subject to be able to add value to the subject.

When are you going to post again? You really inform me! actually loved. thought into your a lot I like your way of thinking

Thx for the downright post. I have been searching nearby for this web-site following becoming referred to them from a colleague and was thrilled when i was able to locate it right after looking for extended time. Correct wanted to commentary to demonstrate my appreciation for your internet site because it is extremely inspiring to do, and several writers usually do not secure acknowledgment they deserve. I am confident I’ll be back and will send my close friends

Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…

No matter what others say, I think it is still interesting and useful maybe necessary to improve some minor things

I was been searching the WWW for this information and i wanted to thank u for this post. By the way, just off topic, how can i find a version of this theme? – Thanks

I have been after the Internet for such information and just wanted to thank you for this post. By the way, just off topic, where can i find a copy of this theme? – Regards