SDOT releases ‘hilarious’ new video on protected bike lane

Nearly two months after Seattle’s protected bike lane opened on Second Avenue, the Seattle Department of Transportation has released an educational video.

People for Bikes funded the entire video, hosted by a guy named Riley and presented as a fictional TV show called “What’s What.” If drivers “nail” their parallel parking job or bikers follow the new signals correctly, Riley rewards them with a gift card to local businesses located along the new bike lane.

The gift cards were paid for by People for Bikes.

“The ensuing interactions are hilarious,” touts the press release.

There was some confusion in the few days after the bike lane opened, but the city said it was trying to adjust lights and “No Turn on Red” signs to make both bicyclists and drivers more comfortable with the changes.

A bicyclist and car collided Oct. 8 when a car crossed the protected bike lane to enter a parking garage between Union and Pike. The female bike rider was checked out by medics at the scene, and was able to ride off on her own.

The collision prompted the SDOT to remove several parking spaces along Second Avenue to increase visibility, according to The Seattle
Times.

Nearly 1,100 bicyclists used the new two-way bike lane each day during the first week, according to the city. That’s three times the riders that were using the one-way, unprotected bike lane prior to the conversion.