Seattle to build $10 million bicycle-pedestrian overpass

smoocher1 said on May 25, 2011 at 2:26 PM

We need to start suing legislators for incompetence but then if its the Feds you have to get their permission first. Next best, find out who okayed this use of public funds while cutting necessary services and vote them out of office. Its like the MLT city council who still don't understand why the folks there voted down their 37 million dollar town center project when businesses have been closed up for years and the economy is in the tank. They refuse to give up and will promote it again. How about legislators offering to cut their salaries and benefits...then maybe they will be taken a tad more seriously.

arcticfireguy said on May 24, 2011 at 8:27 PM

Gezzzz... wish I could figure out why the State is broke. ~

peggy95sue said on May 24, 2011 at 3:08 PM

We can't fix potholes but we can build more bycycle stuff. That sucks!

seattlebusinessm said on May 24, 2011 at 1:09 PM

What a waste of money. We are laying off people like "deputy of the year" from the Sheriff's department, cutting education, not filling potholes, crime is out of control in Seattle, and yet our nightmare mayor wants to build a bike overpass? They say this will be funded by private money, what a joke, Seattle cant do anything on a budget, so I am pretty sure the city will be picking up the "overage" in cost. Way to go Mr. Mayor, yet another stupid decision to approve this by the city.

1beachperson said on May 24, 2011 at 1:06 PM

Another mayor mcNUTT waste of $$. Build it, then shut it down, or tear it down when they start the tunnel

1beachperson said on May 24, 2011 at 11:23 AM

Another Mayor McNUT waste of $$ - Build it, then block it when the tunnel construction starts.

mightymouse12203 said on May 24, 2011 at 8:52 AM

Tabs wouldn't change that, a license plate might, but that would create a huge problem for the aerodynamic's of the bike, and slow riders down a lot, cause them to strain their muscles much much more, and make them angry (at the loss in functionality) Especially when its windy. a 5mph headwind makes it liek twice as hard to go as no wind. You'd be amazed. I am a cyclist who bikes (and follows the rules of the road better than most cars) because I haven't the money to buy and maintain a car and transit doesn't go where I need to (or it takes twice as long as cycling) If you people would vote in more transit money instead of voting it down (IE: PT's levy that failed recently) I wouldn't have to bike and get in your way. But the bus being in your way probably makes you just as mad so you won't go for that either.

kss123 said on May 24, 2011 at 8:19 AM

Make tab costs high enough to cover the expense. If electric vehicles are at $100, make cyclists the same or more. Aside from making them pay for some of these improvements, make them accountable. I can't tell you how many times I've seen cyclists kick, scratch, or damage vehicles and ride away scot free.

mightymouse12203 said on May 24, 2011 at 7:41 AM

Bike tabs would not generate enough money to cover paying for collecting the money, otherwise, trust me, the government would have already instated them. Wonder why there are potholes not being fixed and bike bridges being built? because at Least you HAVE a more or less dedicated infrastructure for your cars. There is little to no infrastructure for bikes in many areas, so its natural that that be expanded while potholes are left be a little bit longer. And to my understanding, regarding the person who mentioned crumbling bridges, Seattle seems to be doing a pretty good job of fixing those ie: South Park bridge, Spokane St.(viaduct), etc. The city spends hundreds of million on building roads, and a few million on cycle paths/lanes. Also: Just because you don't use something in society does not mean no one does, and that it isn't a valuable contribution to society. I spend most the year in Chicago and it has plenty of expressways, that I never use, but I recognize their need.

joe_auburn said on May 24, 2011 at 7:37 AM

Too bad there isn't money for what I 'thought' were their primary responsibilities - police and fire protection for the public.

ex_bkr said on May 24, 2011 at 6:53 AM

How odd,,,,I thought the city and the county didn't have enough money to keep the parks open,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

kinison said on May 24, 2011 at 6:51 AM

Cyclists and pedestrians dont mix very well. Walk the burke gilman trail and count the number of near collisions due to cyclists blissful arrogance that pedestrians need to yield to them. When a cyclist yells "On your left", its supposed to mean "Careful, im right behind you, about to pass you on your left", not an instruction to move out of the way.

shoreline said on May 24, 2011 at 6:32 AM

So, they're going to build this thing and take bikes and pedestrians off the surface streets (allowing MV traffic to move more safely and freely) and some of you are complaining? Build it already! I think a lot more people would use thier bikes if they didn't have to compete with cars for space on the roads. We all pay taxes for things we don't personally use, it's part of living in society. Couggirl, the State is not in debt up to thier eyeballs, they are constitutionally required to have a balanced budget every year. They don't run in deficit. Things like the Burke-Gillman Trail, Greenlake, Gasworks, etc. all make Seattle a better place to live, even if you don't personally use them. I don't use the Mercer Street exit, but my tax dollars are being used to repair/upgrade it. I'm not complaining. BTW, I don't ride my bike downtown so I have no personal stake in this project. A also own (and pay for) two cars which I use the majority of the time.

freedomfrank said on May 24, 2011 at 5:45 AM

yessir,, you are correct IF this was known that this was going to be built when the people voted on the levy. What about over runs? Who will pay for that?

yessir said on May 24, 2011 at 5:14 AM

What timing... We have all the air choked Tea Party nuts just frothing at the mouth for another "gubbamint waste" story... and Seattle announces the "project of pathetic timing".... Yes... I know this big bill is the result of private donations, levy funds passed for such projects, and grants, but the "yellers" either don't understand that or don't want to. Either way... in an era when the ranters are complaining about the cost of fixing pot holes, was it really wise to proudly announce a shiny new bycicle overpass? King... you should keep feeding the animals don't you ; )

couggirl said on May 23, 2011 at 11:11 PM

They can't fix the potholes and the entire state is in debt up to thier eyeballs but they can build a bicycle bridge. WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE???? If I were still living in Seattle I would be screeming at the top of my voice "NOT WITH MY TAX DOLLARS!!!!!

javajoe said on May 23, 2011 at 10:07 PM

It's time for license plates for bikes and a hefty user tax, and no complaining it's for mother earth :)

jackwong said on May 23, 2011 at 9:44 PM

All u bike haters are probably a bunch of out-of-shape losers who drive SUVs and complain how much gas prices are. Well unlike u all... I don't complain... I ride. For all the bike riders, make sure you show up at Westlake Center this Friday for Critical Mass!

smoocher1 said on May 23, 2011 at 9:33 PM

The sea wall to protect Seattle from a Tsunami crumbles in the hand from worm rot according to Inspector America. We have bridges that are rotting out and we need a new viaduct. Who wants to be in a tunnel in a major earthquake? Shouldn't these be priority repairs before bike and pedestrian overpasses. Those two are worthwhile in the long run but shouldn't the safety and security of hundreds of thousands come first?

scott_bellevue said on May 23, 2011 at 8:27 PM

Yes! All you nay sayers have no idea. I've lived in cities with great bicycle routes and people do use their bikes more. It makes the city more livable and more fun. Quit whining and get on your bike!

nonotme said on May 23, 2011 at 7:45 PM

Just another example of frivilous spending for a very small and narrow segment of the population..... Just look at what those 'bicycle boxes' have cost us....and are more dangerous than without them....at least BEFORE you knew where to look - and what to look out for.... NOW most automobile drivers are just confused - and distracted - by looking for bicylists - where they're not expected.............and not focusing on their driiving......

nonotme said on May 23, 2011 at 7:42 PM

EXACTLY WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THE SEATTLE POPULATION - USES BICYCLES AS THEIR SOLE TRANSPORTATION??? This monetary decision is so asinine - it ALMOST makes me speechless.... Now IF this were solely for the use of pedestrians - I could understand it....but again - I have some real questions - about who will be using this - when will they be using this - Ist this something that will ONLY be used by people attending the fireworks on the 4th (if they have them at Myrtle Edwards again)..... Sounds to me - like ANOTHER MCGINN FOLLY........

torkezilla said on May 23, 2011 at 7:34 PM

Jackwrong hates the smell of common sense.

pamby said on May 23, 2011 at 6:12 PM

Car tabs do not equal bike tabs. Car tabs pay for cars..true..but their are specially made bike lanes-so bikes should have tabs to pay for them. I love you guys but: Mayor McGinn = Mayor McShwinn Mayor Nichols= Mayor McCheese

whatsyurbeef said on May 23, 2011 at 6:06 PM

Good idea look forward to it.

waynendeb said on May 23, 2011 at 5:43 PM

car tabs we have.....bike tabs we don't

contraryjim said on May 23, 2011 at 5:23 PM

One would never guess the city has budget problems.

pixelater said on May 23, 2011 at 5:21 PM

crawl back under a rock jack.

jackwong said on May 23, 2011 at 5:17 PM

@Trojan22: Smells like a Republican.

lsmith5870400119 said on May 23, 2011 at 5:03 PM

When are you apartment dwellers going to realize you live in a looser city?

Trojan22 said on May 23, 2011 at 5:02 PM

Jackwong -- When you bike through this area, after it's build, you'll probably slam into a homeless person with a shopping cart and you'll probably be killed instantly when you get flipped over the handlebars. BAM!!!!!!! That'll teach you not to vote Democrat....

ckosko said on May 23, 2011 at 4:04 PM

I'm thinking there are WAY better things to spend money on in this economy.

useyourhead99 said on May 23, 2011 at 3:53 PM

Jackwong....Really! you think that somehow this project got the money and that's that.... This is the top priority for ten million dollars. You're blind. I can see many ways that we could use ten million $$, like the parks themselves for one!

gohawks035820457 said on May 23, 2011 at 3:52 PM

People who bike SUCK AT LIFE!!! You're all Lance Armstrong wannabes in those fruity uniforms like you're biking in the Tour De France. Guess what YOUR NOT!!!! Building this thing is soooooo stupid. Fix the roads with all the pot holes in them, or something productive. I feel for the people of Seattle who are going to be paying for this. Mayor McCheese is a joke.

Trojan22 said on May 23, 2011 at 3:44 PM

Well they have to spend the millions of dollars that they raised by issuing tickets on Aurora Avenue and parking tickets that were issued on holidays somewhere! What happened to the budget shortfall that caused them to have to close city parks, cuts at the library, and reduced law enforcement services? Building a bike bridge means that they have money to burn now. Did they issue that many tickets? Wow...

jackwong said on May 23, 2011 at 3:36 PM

Kudos to the city for building this. I bike there all the time and always have trouble biking through that area. The people who are complaining are stupid... the fact is, we are a country of laws and procedures. Running a city isn't just like running a family of four. We have different votes on different moneys, appropriated differently. Somehow this project got the money and THAT'S THAT!!!

brewster said on May 23, 2011 at 3:29 PM

I gotta barf!

gracer said on May 23, 2011 at 3:22 PM

I hate to point out..... majority of cyclist also have cars. And already pay taxes for tabs etc for that vehicle. And they don't belong, by law, on the sidewalk. Get a clue, learn to share. Just because a few people on bicycles are jerks, doesn't mean all cyclists are. That's like being mad at everyone driving a VW because some gal in a bug cut you off.

seagrl said on May 23, 2011 at 3:19 PM

Holy cow. We're closing city parks and letting the city go to the dumps, and yet we can afford to build something this ridiculous to accomodate 2% of the city commuters? Make. Me. Sick.

freedomfrank said on May 23, 2011 at 3:19 PM

Hey mayor,,, people are being rousted out of their homes because they can't afford to live there anymore, people are having to choose between lights and food, having to choose between safe quality daycare for their children or just leaving them home alone and you are building this $10,000,000 dollar boondoggle? You need to be recalled or impeached or just plain ol quit if you have the fortitude. The tax payers of Seattle need to get together and get this fool out of the drivers seat.

jodyg said on May 23, 2011 at 3:16 PM

Why, just becaue it's on a voted levy, do we have to go ahead and build something....why don't we just have another vote to amend the levy...can this be done so wasted money isn't wasted? Maybe if we had beaucoup money--to burn...it would be different but just to do it because it was voted on (in the past) doesn't mean it's still the smart thing to do....What are our options to opt out at this point?

renesta said on May 23, 2011 at 3:14 PM

Do we really need tax dollars going to this?!? The government needs to work on its priorities!

jodyg said on May 23, 2011 at 3:12 PM

and don't forget mandatory insurance! Monumental waste of tax dollars but then that's government for you....special interests get what they want....even Queen Christine chastised the voter saying in so many words, ..."we would pay for not voting her way..." I'd like to see all of them deal in real dollars and cents instead of sticking it to the voter every time their cup runs dry because they can't balance a checkbook...if I did that, I'd be homeless and probably without a job given that I handle money for my job....Morons!!!!

andyblue555 said on May 23, 2011 at 3:11 PM

More money for bike projects? Outrageous after going after drivers in every way. I understand there is a recall mayor Mcginn drive on Facebook. Now I see why.

kryptin said on May 23, 2011 at 3:04 PM

we can't afford to maintain the parks we have and they use the levy money on this bridge? I think we need a mayor recall. What a waste of money.

Anonymous said on May 23, 2011 at 2:46 PM

Is this the Parks Levy I and II where they said...... if you don't approve the levy, we are going to close the parks. Then they do this?

bikersbaby said on May 23, 2011 at 2:40 PM

you're joking,right ?????? just another waste of money that i will NEVER use.. like Qwest Field, EMP, and Safeco Field .. and in the mean time ..we have potholes the size of a humvee ALL over Seattle... we need this fecking thing like we need another nose... $10 million ??? you are joking ,right ? There's NOT a bicycle rider in Seattle that will use it , no.. not when they can ride in the streets.. treating those of us who have cars to that oh so delightful sight of thier bony butts in those spandex pants... (puke) I think we need to get RID of Mayor McCheese....he has outstayed his welcome.. maybe he would be happier in Amsterdam where everyone has a bicycle.... lets face it kids.. Seattlites love thier automobiles....and i HATE bicycle riders..... !

useyourhead99 said on May 23, 2011 at 2:20 PM

When the city is charging teams/kids to play at a baseball field or soccer field 5-10 times what they paid just a few years ago now the city has an extra 10 million to build a bike bridge, you're kidding right!. I would like to see the small print (if any) in the Park Levy I and II that authorizes this bridge. I bet this is just another perk for Mr. Allen and Mr. McGinn....Why should parks pay for this bridge anyway? I know, since parks has so much money, maybe we can get parks to pay for some potholes to be fixed?

blaze3016 said on May 23, 2011 at 2:10 PM

Yes they will charge a toll, but it will be added to our car and truck tabs. This city just makes me sick the way they waste our tax dollars. Is it to late to ask for mayor McCheese back...

chuckstr76 said on May 23, 2011 at 2:09 PM

$10 million dollars for a bicycle bridge !!??? Are you kidding me...? Who's the rocket scientist who thought this one up? We have homelss people living on the streets and we squander money for sh%t like this...OMG...

tugthug said on May 23, 2011 at 1:59 PM

The City of Seattle's priorties are all in the toilet. Got money for a bike overpass, but not for potholes or road maintenance. Anybody do an impact study to see how many people would use it? It's going to turn out just like the bridge in Alaska, a $10M dollar bridge to no where! Only in Seattle, go figure!

NWdude83 said on May 23, 2011 at 1:08 PM

On a slightly different but still relevant subject... People who ride their bikes in the middle of car lanes should be FORCED TO PAY FOR CAR TABS for their bikes. You people use the car lanes and you hold up traffic, use the sidewalks!

hydropwr said on May 23, 2011 at 1:05 PM

Freedomfrank - Totally agree with you!! They should charge a toll on this new project!! I think we should get in the business of TABS on Bikes!! start them out at $10.00 bucks a year and the following year raise them by $80 bucks!! maybe than the bicyclist will start paying their own way!!

kong5 said on May 23, 2011 at 1:02 PM

new homeless hangout

ramigo said on May 23, 2011 at 12:45 PM

McGinn's last bicycle project, I hope!

freedomfrank said on May 23, 2011 at 12:40 PM

Hope they are going to charge a toll on this bridge.