Comments on: Summertime trail safety starts with all of us

By: Erica Hann

Erica Hann — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 22:52:56 +0000

Thank you to everyone for your feedback and suggestions! It is so awesome to have the collective knowledge of so many folks, and I will do my best to make sure we get Ambassadors to all of these locations. It’s also great to get some ideas about which messages to push-i.e fast riders and unclear passing/intersections seem to be the biggest concerns. Thank you again for all this feedback, and I hope this conversation will continue. Look out for the Ambassadors along the Elliott Bay Trail (near the Sculpture Park), Sammamish River Trail (in Bothell), and Burke Gilman Trail (by UW) in the coming weeks!

By: kk :)

kk :) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 17:37:49 +0000

Hello. I completely agree with the signage issue . I also feel a big issue as a pedestrian or as a cyclist tjat enjoys the trails is the following: MOST cyclists do not use a bell or annouce that they are passing–a sign and clearly posted ‘rule’ on the trail. It is mostly about safety but it is also a common courtesy to others. Unfortunately, the people who also drive cars and DO NOT a) signal their intent or b) obey posted signs/traffic lights (espeically the yields and stops) or c) obey traffic laws (ie: keep right when they are slower traffic), or d) notice that there are actually other people on the road besides themselves – - they are out there riding bikes and are not subject to monitoring, not required to have a basic education or to obtain and maintain a license. As for me, I try to follow this : be the change you want to see in the world.

By: Billiam

Billiam — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 06:10:02 +0000

The Stone Way eastbound crossing of the BGT is appallingly dangerous. That odd little building there completely blocks the view to traffic on 34th, much of which turns right onto Stone/Northlake, often at an unsafely fast speed. The crosswalk light is also badly timed there, running “walk” only half the time when both directions of 34th are moving.

And weekend warriors – a paceline is NEVER appropriate on the trail. Please find somewhere more rational to train.

By: The Breeze

The Breeze — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 05:35:10 +0000

Fairer weather brother and sister cyclists,

It’s so great to see you enjoying the better weather on all our local trails. Where have you been in the off-season? Please, please, please remember that single file riding is much, much, much safer than riding two (or, yes, sometimes more) abreast as our trails become more occupied w/ all sorts of users. Most of our trails have almost enough width to accomodate three bicycles, but pushing the capacity to three bikes across leaves no room for error or passing.

Keep the rubber side down.

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 20:19:13 +0000

I agree with the previous post regarding the trail barrier posts. I think their original purpose was to keep cars off of the trail system but is this really needed. Some of the trails around the south end are now missing these posts, and I have never seen a car on the trail (green river or interurban trails). I however do know of a person that is now unable to run or walk becuase of these posts.

Why can’t we just get rid of these dangerous posts or use something that doesn’t tear your leg off?

By: janis

janis — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:06:54 +0000

I communte between 45th NE and Sand Point Way to Kenmore on the Burke-Gilman. The new trail between 145th and Kenmore has spoiled me and has most certainly increased the safety in that section.

The rest of the trail is safe for the most part except for a few narrow spots and the huge bumps from roots. Riders try to avoid these bumps (some are mountains) by swerving around creating a potential collision hazard. One exceptionally bad spot is by Matthews Beach but they are continuous throughout this section of the trail.

The other hazard are the riders who are training for the Tour De France creating a hazard for all. I am very afraid a child will be seriously injured or killed by someone who simply cannot and will not slow down. EVERYONE, at least slow down when you see a child and when the trail is very busy with both bikers and pedestrians. I am not sure what can be done to slow down the all the Lance Armstrongs on the trail.

I am very hopefully we can resurface this section of the trail or at least cut out the major bump hazards increasing the safety.

I am very thankful to the people responsible for converting the train tracks to the Burke-Gilman trail. I love love love the Burke-Gilman Trail.

By: Greg

Greg — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 14:41:22 +0000

On many parts of trails that prohibit motor vehicles, the barrier post in the center of the trail is both SHORT and GRAY, making it difficult to see. This is especially dangerous in low-light and rainy conditions because the post BLENDS IN WITH THE PAVEMENT making it difficult to see. I nearly hit one of these posts when passing a jogger whose body blocked my view of it until after I had passed her. I wrote to the president of the CBC several years ago and sent pictures of a paved trail in Oregon that uses HIGH (around ten feet) POSTS and paints them BRIGHT RED-AND-WHITE so they are easily seen from a distance and in incelement weather.

By: LC

LC — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 06:27:25 +0000

Alki trail is dangerous in summer both for cyclists and for the pedestrians who ignore the ‘wheels only’ markings and walk on the trail instead of the walking path. Riding on the road is not a good option because of the bumper to bumper traffic. Better signage on the trail even flagging would help.

By: George Pressley

George Pressley — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 04:05:43 +0000

There are two intersections on the Burke Gilman Trail that are very dangerous. They are both located on Bothell Way. One at Ballinger and the other, one intersection south. The problem is the lanes do not allow for safe access from one side of the street to the other side. It is particularly bad for cyclist riding northbound who have to make an extreme sharp right turn, around a light standard, to enter the right side lane.

If you want clarification, feel free to contact me.

By: Lamar Bass

Lamar Bass — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 20:31:33 +0000

you need to contact the city of bellevue transportation department about improving the signage. once you become familiar with the area, using the offstreet paths from Factoria Blvd to Newport Shores are much friendlier than riding in the street.