Pedal Car-Free Over the West Seattle Bridge on May 5!

Cascade Bicycle Club’s historic Emerald City Ride returns on May 5, offering people the rare opportunity to pedal over the iconic West Seattle Bridge and “experience Seattle like never before.”

“The 2024 Emerald City Ride will be one of the most spectacular and scenic urban bike rides in America this year,” says Executive Director Lee Lambert. “This is a rare opportunity to enjoy unobstructed views of the Seattle skyline and revel in the scenic splendor of the Puget Sound.”

Typically closed to bicycles, the West Seattle Bridge and Washington State Route 99 will be closed to motor vehicles for two hours on the morning of May 5.

Registration for the 20-mile ride opens on Tuesday March 12. Registrations will be capped at 4,000 riders, so sign up today before Emerald City Ride sells out. 

Register for Emerald City Ride supported by Western WA Honda Dealers

“If you live in Seattle, this is your chance to experience Seattle like never before from the saddle of a bicycle,” Lambert says. “If you live elsewhere and are seeking a bucket-list bike ride, book your travel plans and join thousands of others at this event that will showcase the Seattle region’s scenic splendor.”

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Emerald City Ride Details

The fully supported 20-mile ride starts and ends in Seattle’s Stadium District near Lumen Field. From there, people will pedal up to and over the half-mile-long West Seattle Bridge that rises more than 150 feet over the Duwamish River.  

Riders will then descend from the bridge and pedal on a paved bike trail along the waterfront to Alki Point for a rest stop, snacks and photo op. From there, riders will pedal to Fauntleroy where they will encounter the route’s most significant hill, with sidewalks if you need to walk your bike. Electric bikes are welcomed on the Emerald City Ride, and riders with e-bikes will enjoy the boost on this hill--where the city will restrict parking to offer bikes more space.

From the high point in West Seattle’s Delridge neighborhood, the route will proceed on streets and neighborhood greenways that bring riders back to the Spokane Street “Low Bridge” that passes beneath the West Seattle Bridge. Riders will then follow the bike lanes on East Marginal Way back toward the finish line at Lumen Field. 

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“This is a special opportunity to pedal car-free over one of Seattle’s tallest highway bridges and experience the splendor of unobstructed Seattle skyline views with thousands of other bike riders,” says Rides and Events Director Allison Pringle. 

People who don't want to ride the full 20 miles can shortcut the route by turning around after crossing the West Seattle Bridge and returning to the Stadium District via the Spokane Street "Low Bridge" that has a separated bike path. This will be a self-supported option.

History and Background

This will be the fifth edition and return of the Emerald City Ride, which was held from 2016 to 2019--when it was canceled due to the pandemic. Emerald City will be the kickoff ride for Bike Everywhere Month in May, when Cascade and partners host rides and events across Seattle and the Puget Sound region. 

The Emerald City Ride was created to showcase Seattle's beauty and unite the bike community by allowing people to pedal car-free on highways. Previous highlights include the 520 Bridge, Interstate 5 Express Lanes, Interstate 90, and the former Alaskan Way Viaduct bridge before it was torn down. 

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The Emerald City Ride supported by Western Washington Honda Dealers is a fundraiser for Cascade’s bike advocacy and education programs. Everyone who registers is supporting Cascade’s mission of improving bicycling for all. The Emerald City Ride offers tiered donation pricing that allows riders to pay a registration fee based on their income.

“The Emerald City Ride is a great opportunity for Cascade members and the entire bike community to experience the joy and excitement of a welcoming, fully supported, large group ride that supports safer bicycling in Seattle,” Pringle says. 

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Past Emerald City Rides

2016: 

• 6,926 riders.
• Bike takeover and grand opening of the 520 Bridge
• Highlights: Start and finish at Husky Stadium, out and back on the 520 Bridge, I-5 Express Lanes, and a snack stop in the International District

2017:

• 6,914 riders
• “Freeway loop.” 
• Highlights: 520 Bridge, Interstate 90 Express Lanes and I-5 Express Lane

2018:

• 7,062 riders
• “Viaduct Ride”
• Highlights: I-5, Aurora Bridge, and the SR 99 Viaduct bridge before it was demolished as part of the Tunnel project

2019:

• 2,571 riders
• This Emerald City Ride was overshadowed by the Tunnel Ride on February 3, which drew an incredible 12,000 riders.
• Highlights: through the SR99 Tunnel and up onto the I-5 Express Lane.

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