Cyclists urged to attend SR 520 bridge meeting Thursday

Future 520 bridge

The artist’s conception of the new State Route 520 bridge over Lake Washington shows a first-ever bike lane across the span, among other amenities.

But the devil is in the details, and the Cascade Bicycle Club is urging cyclists to attend a Thursday workshop on the bridge presented by the Washington Department of Transportation.

Tessa Greegor, principal planner for the club, says the connections to the bridge for bicyclists are important too. On Thursday, transportation staff will share their work on designs that integrate connections for bicycles, pedestrians and commuters.

They’ll also discuss the Shelby/Hamlin neighborhood, East Montlake Park, the Montlake shoreline beneath the planned 520 highway, access on East Lake Washington Boulevard.

In a message to members, Greegor mentions some areas that need cyclists’ attention:

• Provide a bike/ped facility along the Portage Bay Bridge connecting to Capitol Hill
• Create dedicated bicycle connections through the 10th and Delmar project area
• Ensure 24th Ave E is designed to facilitate safe bicycle and pedestrian crossings
• Provide dedicated bicycle connections along Shelby/Hamlin
• Create a safe and attractive Montlake Boulevard for bicycle riders and pedestrians.

In addition, the Seattle Bike Blog published last week a proposal to create a multi-use trail through the Arboretum, so cyclists can take that route toward the bridge.

The meeting is scheduled from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 12, at the Museum of History & Industry, 2700 24th Ave. E., Seattle.

Link to Cascade’s Action Alert on the meeting. Also a blog post at Cascade by Greegor regarding the new bike lanes on Route 520.