We can't wait

Last year neighbors from across Seattle rallied for safer streets by volunteering their time and energy to pass the Move Seattle levy, which included a commitment to build 50 miles of protected bike lanes and 60 miles of neighborhood greenways to connect Seattle. Nationally, observers heralded Seattle as a new leader in creating a 21st century transportation system.

Now, six months after the levy’s passage, the city’s revised bike plan appears to lack protected bike lanes and greenways where they are needed most: in the Center City. It’s time for clarity and a strong vision forward, because we can’t wait for safer streets in Seattle. City council needs to hear this now.

Currently, biking downtown requires skill and bravery, and one protected bike lane alone will not result in safer streets in our city, nor would it lead to increased ridership.

Building out an entire grid of streets downtown will have a widespread, network effect, increasing the number of people who feel able and prepared to bike from their neighborhoods to the nexus of our region. This network will allow a family to safely bike with their eight-year-old from their home in Beacon Hill to the Mariner’s game in SoDo.

Cities near and far are making the choice to build out a network of protected bike lanes in the downtown core. With Move Seattle in place, we can build a safe and connected network of bike lanes that moves us forward, but city leaders need to hear your voices on Tuesday at 2 p.m. Sign up today.

RSVP to testify on Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Seattle City Council Transportation Committee to let them know we can’t wait for safe streets.

Can’t make it to testify?

Join Seattle Neighborhood Greenways and take your bike to lunch at City Hall where you can fill out postcards to share.

Seattle City Council Sustainability and Transportation Committee meeting

Tuesday, May 17 at 2 p.m.
City Hall Lunchtime from noon to 1 p.m.
Arrive at 1:45 p.m. to get on the speaking list, meeting begins at 2 p.m.
Seattle City Hall
RSVP

If the city of Seattle is serious about making our city a place where people of all ages and abilities are comfortable riding — and ultimately reaching Vision Zero — it will choose to prioritize the Center City Bike Network and definitively add the entire Network into its five-year implementation plan.

Together, let’s send a clear message that we can’t wait for safer streets in Seattle.