The Seattle Department of Transportation will host the third open house about the proposed Westlake Ave Cycle Track (or Bikeway) from 5:30-8:00pm this evening at Fremont Studios.

The proposed addition of a cycle track along Westlake Ave seeks to address the lack of a bike-specific thoroughfare along this popular route between South Lake Union and Fremont/Points Beyond. Pedestrians, vehicle traffic, businesses in the area, marina users, and of course, cyclists all have a stake in the decision. A project of this scope is unlikely to find unanimous support, numerous debates have arisen on the cost/benefit of the project. Local media outlets have been covering the project for the past eighteen months including those linked below:

Final Westlake Bikeway open house is Wednesday + A look at updated plans by Tom Fucoloro on the Seattle Bike Blog

The Stranger’s take on the Cycle Track Showdown by Ansel Herz

This overview of the project from May 2014 by our friend Kirby Lindsey at Fremocentrist.com

And this letter featured in local sailing magazine 48 North about the impact on liveaboards and sailing businesses along Westlake.

Here is the information from SDOT about tonight’s Open House:

Join us for our third project open house! Wednesday, Oct. 22

5:30 – 8 PM

Presentation at 6:15 PM Fremont Studios

155 N 35th Street

Bus routes: 5, 16, 26, 28, 31, 32, 40

Paid parking and bike racks available Join project staff and designers to view the latest concept, learn about biking, walking, driving and parking in the corridor, and share your feedback. Make it a family event – we’ll have activities for kids too! View open house materials and click here to complete the comment form.

Project Description:

The Westlake Avenue N corridor between Fremont and South Lake Union neighborhoods connects to the Fremont Bridge, Ship Canal Trail and Lake Union Park. This unique 1.2-mile corridor is a major truck street with transit and is home to marine-related businesses, moorage areas, floating homes and more. The west side is a four lane street with one sidewalk. On the east side, people walking, using wheelchairs, biking and driving all share an undefined space. People walking and biking use the sidewalk, the parking area and a service lane meant for drop-off, pick-up and deliveries. There is no dedicated space for bicycles. This project will add predictability and create a safer, more comfortable place for drivers, walkers and bicyclists.

Full details about the project can be found on SDOT’s website here.