MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Bike activists block lane of traffic in Downtown Seattle

May 18, 2018, 8:24 AM | Updated: 9:55 am

Bike activists block a lane of traffic in Seattle. (KIRO 7) SDOT says activists created a "temporary protected bike lane" Friday morning. (SDOT) Bike activists block a lane of traffic in Seattle. (KIRO 7)

A group of cyclists temporarily shut down a lane of traffic in Downtown Seattle on Fourth Avenue between James and Cherry streets as they pushed for a network of protected bike lanes.

RELATED: Putting unthinkable cost of bike lanes into perspective

KIRO 7’s John Knicely reports the protest was not sanctioned by the city.

The protesters moved off the street before 8:30 a.m. It’s unclear how long they blocked traffic.

Cyclists held the protest on Bike Everywhere Day (or Bike to Work Day).

Expanding the city’s protected bike lane network is one of several projects hindered by a funding shortfall. An assessment of the $930 million “Levy to Move Seattle” found that cost estimates included in the original budget were insufficient to meet the commitment. The city originally planned to build about 50 miles of protected bike lanes.

Shortly thereafter, there were reports that bike lanes were costing the city millions per mile, instead of hundreds of thousands. The Second Avenue bike lane through Belltown, for example, cost the city $12 million.

MyNorthwest News

KIRO Newsradio gracie awards...

MyNorthwest Staff

KIRO Newsradio anchors receive Gracie Awards for outstanding work

Heather Bosch and Lisa Brooks, anchors at KIRO Newsradio, have been honored by the Alliance for Women in Media with prestigious Gracie Awards.

3 hours ago

Kia Boys...

Kate Stone, KIRO Newsradio and Bill Kaczaraba, MyNorthwest

‘Kia Boys’ allegedly execute a crime spree in south King County

Renton police chased down a 14-and 16-year-old but are still looking for two other teen suspects in what they said was a "crime spree" in south King County.

4 hours ago

Spanaway woman shot dead...

Kate Stone

Search for shooter continues after woman shot dead while driving in Spanaway

A 47-year-old woman was shot dead in Spanaway, causing her to hit another driver head-on early Wednesday morning.

5 hours ago

nintendo redmond...

Frank Sumrall

Nintendo to lay off 86 Redmond employees this spring

Nintendo of America is laying off 86 contract workers in Redmond, beginning May 25, due to company reorganization.

5 hours ago

Everett boy missing...

Sam Campbell

4-year-old Everett boy missing, police worried he’s in danger

Police and Search and Rescue crews are looking for a missing four-year-old boy they suspect could be in danger.

7 hours ago

Image: The awnings of a store advertise the sale of lottery tickets, including Mega Millions and Po...

Steve Coogan

Lottery jackpots update: Powerball prize jumps again after $1.1B Mega Millions win

A lottery jackpots update: The Powerball prize reached an estimated $935 million ahead of Saturday night's drawing.

16 hours ago

Bike activists block lane of traffic in Downtown Seattle