The City of Seattle has unveiled a series of pedestrian and bicycle improvements along the Pike and Pine streets corridors, a collaborative effort featuring Mayor Bruce Harrell, the Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects, and Sound Transit. According to a statement from the mayor's office, this initiative is a part of the Downtown Activation Plan, aiming to make downtown Seattle more accessible and welcoming.
Mayor Harrell highlighted the timeliness of the project, stating, "With more people returning downtown for in-person work, major events, shopping, dining, and exploring, we are delivering upgraded infrastructure that makes it easier and more comfortable to walk, roll, or ride to your destination." Over 1.5 million people traversed the Pike/Pine corridor in March, and now, they can benefit from over a mile of new or improved bike lanes with enhanced safety features like upgraded bike signals and buffers between cyclists and vehicles.
Notably, the project also incorporates public art, adding a distinctive visual identity to this vibrant artery of the city. Artists Derek Bruno and Gage Hamilton have contributed to transforming the bridges over I-5 with their artwork, as reported by the Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects. The enhancements range from high-visibility crosswalks to installations of over 1,400 plants, aiming to foster better community engagement and aesthetic pleasure.
Another significant change is the block on Pike Street between 1st and 2nd avenues, which has been transformed into a curbless street doubling as a plaza. To complement these improvements, the Seattle Department of Transportation and the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) have crafted the First & Pike public space into a pedestrian-only plaza, featuring daily events during the summer, as reported by the DSA President and CEO Jon Scholes. He said, "A delightful pedestrian experience is critical for creating a healthy and vibrant downtown experience."
Amidst these developments, transportation dynamics have also been reconfigured. Pike Street now operates eastbound, and Pine Street westbound, each accommodating its respective one-way protected bike lanes. This new system aims to facilitate a safer and more enjoyable journey for pedestrians and cyclists alike, as confirmed by the Cascade Bicycle Club and Seattle Neighborhood Greenways. "The completion of the protected bike lanes on Pike and Pine proves that Seattle’s bicycle network can successfully expand along our city’s busiest travel corridors," stated Lee Lambert, Executive Director of Cascade Bicycle Club.
The project has been met with enthusiasm from the local business community as well. Anne Johnson, General Manager of The State Hotel, told the mayor's office, "A pedestrian-friendly environment isn’t merely a pleasant amenity; it’s an economic catalyst. When people feel safe and comfortable walking, they explore, they linger, and they support local businesses." The overarching sentiment echoes the success of a city initiative that not only improves transportation but also strengthens the fabric of downtown Seattle's community and economy.
