The Ballard Bridge has a long history of not being the safest bridge to cross for pedestrians, but Ballardite and co-owner of Peddler Brewery, Haley Woods, has created a video with hopes of improving the crossing.
Woods has created a video that depicts just how dangerous the bridge is for cyclists and pedestrian.
“I thought that the best way to show how bad it is would be to show what it’s like on the bridge because a lot of people just haven’t been on the sidewalk of the Ballard Bridge. I’m sure people have heard that it’s bad and probably driven across, but they probably haven’t actually been on the sidewalk, so I figured the video would be the best way to give them the experience without actually going out there.”
Woods shows the route from a variety of perspectives and situations including from the eyes of cyclists, parents pushing a stroller and the disabled.
“I ride my bike and walk as my main mode of transportation and find this dangerous route a necessary hurdle to cross, but many fellow cyclists and pedestrians avoid it for safety concerns,” said Woods.
In her film, she discusses the history of the bridge and just how wide the crossing is. At just over three feet, the bridge sidewalk barely leaves room for more than one bicycle or two pedestrians to walk safety. Being a main route for commuters, individuals intersect all the time, and they find that the only thing separating them from cars moving upwards of 35 miles per hour is a 10-inch concrete curb. Crossers have to awkwardly maneuver around each other, balancing common courtesy with falling into on-coming traffic.
Another danger Woods addresses is the lack of clear merging areas for bikers trying to move into the southbound lane onto 15th Avenue NW after crossing bridge.
Woods reports that to take alternative routes means an additional 25 minutes (over an hour for walkers) to cross the canal at the Ballard Locks or the Fremont Bridge.
Woods also discusses the structure itself and how it is not up to current safety standards. Regulation sets five feet as the standard for paths and sidewalks. The three-foot sidewalk barely leaves room for a wheel chair to get through when meeting a pedestrian or bicycle
In addition, the film addresses the preliminary effort SDOT made last year with the Ballard Bridge Sidewalk Widening Concept Study. The study examined widening the sidewalk to 10 feet. However, so far plans have stalled and pedestrians still find themselves in harm’s way.
Woods knows all too well how dangerous the bridge can be. Almost two years ago she attempted to cross the bridge when a gust of wind slammed her into the rail of the bridge and bounced her out onto the bridge deck. Luckily, there were no cars coming. Today she is extremely cautious while crossing the bridge.
A similar accident happened to a cyclist in 2007. Terry McMacken lost his arm after a car struck him while he was crossing the bridge. He died a year later due to complications from his injuries.
Woods has emailed the video to Mayor Ed Murray, Seattle City Council and SDOT urging them to quickly work toward bridge-sidewalk improvements.
“There are many people that don’t take the Ballard Bridge and who don’t feel safe on it, and others who take and hate it. The public is not happen with the current state of the bridge and it does need to be changed. It’s not safe.”
Check out the video at: http://youtu.be/PcbStPM7wZs
