Carmageddon is upon us!

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The upcoming Alaskan Way Viaduct closure is the second coming of “carmageddon.” No really, it is. Before you start stocking your basement with canned goods and toilet paper, I would like to remind everyone that the last time carmageddon was upon us, all was not lost. Far from it.

Last summer Los Angeles closed I-405, a major automobile thoroughfare, to expand the highway, and the media freaked out. Stay home! The streets will be a parking lot! Panic was upon L.A. Jet Blue offered $4 flights across the city over the carmageddon weekend. In response, a group of cyclists decided to race the flight to show how ridiculous the whole situation was. Long story short, the bicyclists won.

Now I know the Viaduct issue is a little different. The Viaduct will be closed for nine days, not just a mere weekend. However, one message came out loud and clear during the L.A. carmageddon: you can get places by bicycle. And this wasn’t in bike-town Portland. Or Minneapolis (where they brag that Portland is just a street). This was in Los Angeles, the car-capitol of the country.

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L.A.'s take-away is true here, too. We can get places by bicycle. And we invite you to give it a try. Why? Besides the fact that it's our mission to encourage biking, the word on the street is that the fastest way to get downtown from West Seattle during the Viaduct closure is by bicycle. We want to support everyone who is willing to try bike commuting instead of driving. So in partnership with WSDOT, we're here to help you bike to work next week.

Viaduct Closure Energizer Stations

Monday, Oct. 24

6:45 - 9 a.m.
Trail on the Westside of the Lower West Seattle Bridge
Stop by for some morning cheer! If your bike hasn't gotten regular use, you'll definitely need some air in those babies. We also have a limited supply of bike lights for new riders who really need them. Once your tires are inflated and you're feeling ready to roll, join the bike train, heading into the city. Additionally, WSDOT will have a representative available to answer questions about the closure and the multi-use trail.

7:30 a.m.
Bike Train to downtown
Cascade's very own Ed Ewing and Robin Randels will lead a ride downtown for everyone who either wants a little guidance or just wants to ride with others.

Wednesday, Oct. 26 (pretty much the same thing as Monday)

6:45 - 9 a.m.
Trail on the Westside of the Lower West Seattle Bridge
Now that you've rolled a couple of days, you might notice your chain is squeaky and dry. We'll help fix that and send you smoothly on your way, squeak-free.

7:30 a.m.
Bike Train to downtown
Tried it on Monday and want to do it again? We'll be there. Same details as Monday.

Monday, Oct. 31

6:45 - 9 a.m.
Trail on the Westside of the Lower West Seattle Bridge
Even though the viaduct will reopen by Halloween, this is chance to challenge yourself and keep riding. Wear a costume, trick-or-treat with us and join in the holiday fun!

Need a little more help? Here are our tips for riding on the road, what all the paint means, and the essential gear for riding in Seattle.

So, what do you think? Will you dust off your bike, skip the drive and ride with us next week?