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We all have the potential to be superheroes. By looking out for each other as we travel, we have the power to save lives. |
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Debunking the travel myth: I need my car to travel!
Have you ever found yourself making excuses why walking, biking, and riding transit can't satisfy your travel needs? You're not alone. Making the transition to travel without a car can seem daunting, but it's easier than you think. Here are some of the common travel myths and the real story.
1."It's raining out; I can't ride my bike in the rain." FALSE! Biking in the winter Seattle weather is not only possible, it can be fun too! Check out these Seattle Bike Blog and Cascade Bike Blog posts for great ideas on becoming an all-weather bike warrior.
2. "Taking the bus won't work for me; it's impossible to know when my bus is coming." FALSE! Handy apps like OneBusAway, SeattleBus and Roadify take the guess work out of transit arrival times. Real time information is also being installed at busy transit stops. The next kiosks will be installed on Rainier Avenue this spring. You won't be left waiting in the cold wondering when your bus will arrive.
3. "Walking won't get me where I want to go fast enough." FALSE! Walking is the most reliable form of transportation and is sometimes faster than taking the bus. Use Neighborhoods on Foot maps by Feet First to see how far you can travel in just five, 10 or 20 minutes. Walking maps for the city are also available at: www.seattle.gov/transportation/walk_map.htm.
4."I can't ride my bike because there's no place to lock it." FALSE!
SDOT has 2,230 parking spaces all around Seattle for you to use, and there's even a bike parking app. If you bike to work, ask your employer where you can park it at the office.
5. "I have kids, so I need my car to drive them around." FALSE! What better way for your kids burn energy and stay healthy? Organizations like Bike Works make it easy to learn about biking as a family and offer tips on safety and how to keep your bike in good working order. If you take the bus, kids under four ride for free, and youth (ages 6-18) pay only $1.25 on King County Metro. If you're worried about getting your kids to school safely on foot, Seattle Public Schools highlights all of the elementary school safe Walk Zones.
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| Options to Get Around | Pedestrian and intersection improvements at Northgate are now complete. You will notice a safer and  more attractive pedestrian environment, transit improvements, and better mall access. The new crosswalks on all four sides of the intersection now match the cobblestone stamped look of other Northgate pedestrian improvements. Better traffic flow due to the added left-turn lane from westbound Northgate Way to southbound Fifth Avenue and the extended right-turn lane on northbound Fifth Avenue to eastbound Northgate Way also reduce pedestrian waiting times between lights. Finally, new intersection signals adjust response times to actual traffic conditions. |
| Tools to Help You Walk, Bike and Ride | |
King County Metro rolled out new timetables and trip planning  information on February 16 to reflect recent service changes. Pick up a new pink timetable on your bus or at a Metro information rack. Custom printable timetables are available on Metro Online and you can also plan your trips with Metro's Trip Planner. If you ride Community Transit, Pierce Transit or Sound Transit, please check their websites and new schedules.
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Inspiration to Walk, Bike and Ride
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Take a free ride! Did you know that you can  get eight free rides on King County Metro when you renew your car tabs? The form is included with your car tabs, so be sure keep an eye out for it. This Metro Transit Incentives Program began in June 2012 and will continue through May 2014. Each household in King County that renews car tabs for at least one vehicle per year is eligible for this offer. Already have a bus pass? You can also donate your tickets to a local human services agency.
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Upcoming
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Hey, fifth graders: your art could be featured on the next cover of the SDOT bike map. The Bike Alliance is sponsoring a poster contest to feature the art of one lucky fifth grader on the cover of the 2014 SDOT bike map, as well as offering other great prizes. Do you know a fifth grader in Seattle who would want their art featured where all Seattle bike riders would appreciate it? Posters are due by April 1, so sign your school up now by contacting Seth at SethS@BicycleAlliance.org or (206) 224-9252 x301.
Seattle Bike Expo, March 9-10. Seattle Bike  Expo is the largest consumer bicycle show in the United States! Exhibitors from the United States and Canada fill more than 250 booths with exhibits of bikes, gear, travel, health and fitness. Expo is the official kick-off party for everyone's bicycle season in the Puget Sound. More info at:
https://shop.cascade.org/content/events/expo Tour the Trees in Freeway Park. Grab a bus, or bike down to Freeway Park March 23 and join a tree walk. Learn about the many interesting species, including unique magnolias, larches, hemlocks, and more. The English version of the tour starts at 9:30 a.m. and the Spanish version starts at 11:15 a.m. Meet on the patio on the south side of Washington State Convention Center at 800 Convention Place. |
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Regards from the Way to Go, Seattle! Team
www.seattle.gov/waytogo |
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