Seattle’s pedestrian pilot at Pike Place Market may be scaled back to three days a week this winter as the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) seeks a compromise among Market stakeholders.
Under SDOT’s proposal, Pike Place between Pike Street and Virginia Street would have “soft closures” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays through Sundays only, starting in October. Vehicles would still be able to enter the corridor, but new signs would direct drivers to yield to pedestrians. Full barricades, or “hard closures,” would be used only during special events.
On other days, at least through March 31, vehicles would be allowed to travel through the corridor without restrictions. Many of the barriers installed to manage crowds during the FIFA World Cup would also be removed.
The current pilot limits through-traffic on Pike Place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. By several metrics, it has been successful. Market sales have increased, as have visitor numbers, particularly among local residents. However, the changes have drawn opposition from some Market business owners and advocates.
SDOT has spent the spring and summer meeting with the Pike Place Public Development Authority, the Pike Place Merchants’ Association, the Pike Place Market Historical Commission and a representative from Mayor Katie Wilson’s office to determine how the pilot should continue.
A June survey of nearly 5,500 Market visitors found broad support for vehicle barriers, with only 2% opposing them. About 38% said the barriers improved pedestrian safety, while 25% said they created a more welcoming environment.
The current pilot’s approval expires at the end of September. The Historical Commission is scheduled to consider SDOT’s proposal at its August 26 meeting.
