The first Bicycle Sunday on Lake Washington Blvd is May 6. The mostly car-free event has been giving people the chance to cruise on a beautiful stretch of the historic lakeside roadway north of Seward Park since 1971. Seattle’s Bicycle Sunday may be one of the oldest ciclovia-stytle events in the world, and served as inspiration for some of the world’s best bicycle events
If you have never been to Bicycle Sunday, you must go this year. The street gets filled with people using all kinds of people-powered movement, and you will likely never see so many kids learning to ride a bike in one place at the same time. It’s wonderful.
Like last year, there will only be 12 events this year (as opposed to 19 in 2009-10).
The 2 1/2-mile course on Lake Washington Boulevard between Seward Park and Mount Baker Beach will be closed to motor vehicle traffic from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on those days.
That makes the shoreline stretch a magnet for everyone from families on bikes to road cyclists completing a loop around Lake Washington.
The number of dates offered — 12 — are fewer than the 19 set aside for bicyclists, roller bladers, and other self-propelled folks in 2009 and 2010. The city reduced the number of Bicycle Sundays last year to accommodate several events.
The city also announced the dates and locations for Seattle’s other city-sanctioned car-light events: Summer Streets. Though more of a neighborhood party than a ciclovia, Summer Streets takes over a short segments of main commercial drags around the city.
Summer Streets helps the public imagine a bright future where healthy transportation options and a vibrant local economy help create a wonderful quality of life. During Summer Streets you live that vision, and people want more.
Celebrating its fifth year, Summer Streets has quickly become a tradition as aspecial part of summers in Seattle. Local merchants and artists work together months in advance to make their event even better each year. Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss the fun!
Ballard—Friday, May 18, 2012 from 4 to 7 p.m. with the Bike to Work After
Alki—Sunday, May 20, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the W Seattle 5K Run/Walk
Greenwood/Phinney —Friday, August 10, 2012 from 6 to 10 p.m. with Art Up & Chow Down
Rainier Valley—Saturday, August 18, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the Rainier Valley Heritage ParadeWant to host an activity? Sign up on our Get Involved web page. The deadline for the Alki event is April 5. Also, like us on Facebook to get regular updates.
It’s everybody’s street. Imagine the possibilities.
Comments
One response to “City announces dates for 2012 Summer Streets and Bicycle Sundays”
Bicycle Sundays are great. We rode with our kids last year for the first time. Down to Seward, picnic and a swim then back up the lake. Very kid friendly and it’s great to see so many bikes out cruising along.