Bike riders to invade Bainbridge Island
Feb 25, 2016, 10:54 PM | Updated: May 6, 2016, 10:55 pm
Drivers should anticipate delays Sunday morning, Feb. 28, on the Seattle to Bainbridge ferry due to heavy bicycle traffic participating in the annual Chilly Hilly Bicycle Classic.
More than 4,000 bicyclists are expected (more if the weather is nice) and vehicle capacity will be limited on these boat departures from Seattle: 7:55 a.m., 8:45 a.m., 9:35 a.m., and 10:35 a.m.
Bicycles will be accessing the ferry terminal for staging via Marion Street (North exit). All off-loading vehicles from Bainbridge and Bremerton will exit south onto Alaskan Way.
Drivers are advised to use caution as bicyclists return to Seattle throughout the afternoon. Obviously, this is a beautiful bike route but we here KIRO Traffic were wondering, “Are drivers OK with sharing the road with these big bike rides?”
Brent Tongco with the Cascade Bicycle Club said, “Drivers during the event have been very courteous and safe around the riders. In an email we send to registered riders, there is a whole section on being good guests on Bainbridge Island and courteous to drives.”
With 4,000+ bikes on the road, safety for bike riders and drivers is obviously a concern. Tongco explained, “We support two Bainbridge nonprofits to provide safety monitors at tricky intersections. Squeaky Wheels, the local bike club and BI Youth Services receive a portion of our entry fees to supply safety monitors on course. We also have off-duty police officers helping at high-traffic intersections and one roving the course in reverse.”
So this weekend watch for bikes, plan on ferry delays and find your Zen while you are sitting in traffic on Bainbridge Island.
