Bicycle Information

2011 Downtown Bicycle Count Results

SDOT conducted downtown bicycle counts on Wednesday, September 28th 2011.  Volunteers were out on the streets counting cyclists from 6:30 to 9:00 AM at 16 locations surrounding downtown. Click here to see a map of the count locations. NOTE: Historically SDOT counted at 29 locations surrounding downtown; in 2011, only locations expected to have 50 or more bicyclists were counted due to a lack of volunteers.

Please click here to see the 2011 count results, which compare the 2011 results with the results from downtown counts held in 2000, 2007, and 2009.

Bikes on Buses Program

If you would like to ride a bus while traveling with your bicycle, you now can do so -- at no additional cost! Metro has installed bike racks on the front of all its buses, providing a convenient way to "bike-and-ride." You may load and unload your bicycle at any Metro bus stop. For further information on Metro's Bike & Ride program, visit their web site or call (206) 553-3000.

For more information about the Seattle Bicycle & Pedestrian Program, call (206) 684-7583.

Use a Helmet When You Ride a Bike - It's the law!

Head injuries cause about three-fourths of the 800-900 deaths resulting from bicycling-related accidents in the U.S. each year. According to a study conducted by the Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, helmets that meet ANSI or Snell standards can cut the risk of riders' head injuries by 85%.

For more information, visit the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute in Washington, D.C.

Bicycle Facts and Statistics

Estimated number of cyclists in the U.S. who bicycled to work at least once a week last year: 3.2 million

Percentage increase since 1985: 100

Estimated number of participants during Bike to Work Day in King County: 10,000+

Number of times cyclists put their bikes on Metro buses every year: 300,000+

Number of free Seattle Bicycling Guide Maps distributed annually: 25,000

Calories burned by a 130-pound cyclist pedaling 14 miles in an hour: 402

Calories burned by a 180-pound cyclist pedaling 14 miles in an hour: 540

Time to drive from University District to Pike Place Market in light traffic: 15 minutes

Driving time during rush hour: 35 minutes

Cycling time, moderate pace: 30 minutes

Time to park car: 5 - 25 minutes

Time to park and lock bike: 1 minute

Number of bikes which can be parked in one car parking space: 14

Number of bicycle racks on public sidewalks in Seattle: 2,800

Estimated construction of Park and Ride Costs: $17,000 per stall for surface lots, and $25,000 per stall for structured parking (per King County Transit Planning)

Number of miles cycled yearly by average bike commuter: 1,992

Remember to Use Your Hand Signals!

	Right Turn Signal

For more information about the Seattle Bicycle & Pedestrian Program, call (206) 684-7583.