Safer Route -- Seattle Should Designate A Bicycle Path Along Westlake Avenue North

Editor, The Times:

Seattle needs a bike path along Westlake Avenue North from the south end of Lake Union to the Fremont Bridge.

Such a path would provide a safe, fast and convenient route from downtown to the neighborhoods of North Queen Anne (Seattle Pacific University), Fremont and parts of Ballard and Wallingford.

Westlake Avenue North has no shoulder to provide bicyclists a safe lane. Drain covers, with openings that run parallel to bicycle tires, and manhole covers, set inches below the road surface, provide a constant hazard for bicycling commuters.

Speeding traffic along Westlake generally exceeds the posted limit of 35 mph. Cars can enter Westlake from several spots along the avenue's east side.

All of these entry points suffer from poor visibility. One bicyclist I know was hit by a car attempting to enter Westlake. Luckily, the biker avoided serious injury.

My favorite way to ride Westlake Avenue North is the sidewalk on its west side. Unfortunately, and in spite of a great weed-whacking job done this spring, the sidewalk is now overgrown with blackberry brambles, weeds, grass and vines.

Some riders prefer the half-gravel, half-paved parking strip on Westlake's east side. That route, however, is marred by train tracks, potholes and drivers who are not looking for bicyclists in what they consider a parking lot. The majority of bicyclists brave the busy street, helmets strapped firmly to heads.

The solution is simple. Connect the south end of Lake Union with the Fremont Bridge and, thus, the Burke-Gilman Trail, with a clearly marked bicycle path along Westlake's east side. This path would run parallel to Westlake Avenue North, separated from the road by a three-foot green strip. Reduce the number of Westlake's access points, increasing safety for both bicyclists and drivers.

Yes, this plan would reduce the amount of parking. But Westlake Avenue North businesses would still enjoy free and available parking, more than enough to make downtown and neighborhood business owners jealous.

The bike path would also increase traffic safety. Parked cars would no longer obscure the view of oncoming traffic for drivers attempting to enter Westlake.

The path would be a safer, flatter alternative to the bike lane along Dexter Avenue. Try riding up Dexter's grade in the rain, against the afternoon head wind. After breaking into a sweat, you, too, will appreciate the idea of a flat bike route along Westlake Avenue North.

Seattle must make a commitment to bicycling as a valid method of commuting within the city. A separate, clearly marked bicycle path along Westlake Avenue North is one of many ways to do just that. - Hank Trotter, Seattle