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The 8th Avenue Safety Project began as "Reconnecting Ballard", a campaign to raise awareness on a dangerous pedestrian crossing in Whittier Heights at 70th and 8th Ave. Our event was attended by over 500 local residents and received coverage on Fox13 News. After strong community support we expanded our effort to encompass other emerging pedestrian/bicycle/motor-vehicle conditions which put our local community at risk. The new campaign, "8th Avenue Safety Project" looks to work closely with SDOT and Seattle Council-members to prioritize long overdue safety enhancements to Ballard's 8th Ave corridor.
"Years ago, after coming home from work on the bus, I tried to run across the street in a break in the traffic, and I fell all the way down, flat on my face. I thought I was going to die." - Ballard Resident (55-64 Years Old)
“People use 8th like it's a highway and don't pay attention to pedestrians... You have to stand there until someone shows that they are going to slow down for you." - Ballard Resident (35-44 Years Old)
“It's gotten progressively worse over the last fifteen years, likely a slow cultural shift with drivers over that time, although the pandemic seems to accelerated driver aggression throughout the city. Very few cars stop now. " - Ballard Resident (45-54 Years Old)
“I’ve lived around the corner from this intersection for 20* years and it has always been unsafe. I hear screeching breaks all the time from cars at that intersection.” - Ballard Resident (45-54 Years Old)
Safety Concerns
- Speeding (cars clocked at 70+ MPH)
- Inattentive Drivers (multiple rear-ends when stopping for pedestrians)
- Illegal Passing (using right lanes to pass cars traveling speed limit)
- Dangerous Left-hand Turns (poor visibility endangering pedestrians and cars)
- Cars Blocking Bike-lanes (nearly 40 cars obstructing bike-lanes waiting for Ballard Goodwill)
We're fighting for change in 2025! Sign our petition!
What are we doing to change things?
Ballard-Fremont Greenways Advocacy
BFG's has a track record for getting things done with SDOT, providing structured feedback for improvements on 15th Ave NW. We're leveraging strong relationships with Council-member Strauss and SDOT to rally for immediate change in 2025.
This corridor has reached a breaking point and has been de-prioritized for far too long. Following positive reception from our block-party this past Jun '24, in 2025 we've launched a new door-to-door campaign rallying support from all neighbors who live off 8th Ave to demand change from the city in its next vote on pedestrian safety projects this February 2025.
What should we expect next?
Both Council-member Strauss and SDOT have reviewed our materials and achnowlege the communities concerns. In order for SDOT to effectively address these concerns both SDOT and City-council must name 8th Avenue Safety Enchancements as a priority project for the next installment of the Levy's spending cycle. The revised list of projects and priorities will be decided this quarter.
How can you help?
If you are a resident who lives within 2-blocks of 8th Ave please sign our petition. Your address will be used to register your representation.
If you would like to volunteer please join our Google Group where we organize our outreach efforts.
Feedback on needed safety improvements
- 70th: Comprehensive safety changes including the request for a Traffic Signal and making 70th Greenway ready
- Safety improvements (speed reduction) to avoid drag-racing and prevent cars from crashing into residential property along 8th
- Adding Bike Lanes and protections
- Reduce availability of parking for oversized vehicles (improve day-lighting so people can see around corners when pulling off residential streets)
- Changes to mitigate Goodwill idling (will need Goodwill to make changes in their parking lot)
- 53rd: crosswalk and connection between 6th ave and 17th ave greenways
- 51st: crosswalk and connection between 6th ave and 17th ave greenways
- 49th: Cross walk
- Market: Green boxes (bike zone) at intersection
- Leary: Green boxes (bike zone) at intersections