UPDATE 6:41 PM: Got a note that clears up some of the decision making process behind the removal of the Broadway bike corral:
The rack placed in front of the QFC on Broadway was removed because it had been damaged. The rack design and location were part of our pilot project, which allowed us to test different configurations and sites. It is unlikely we will install a new rack there because the demand for bike parking at that location was low.
SDOT will consider other Capitol Hill locations in 2010 as we explore additional spots citywide. (To better support cyclists, SDOT has installed over 800 off-street bike racks over the past three years along with on-street bike parking at a number of locations.)
If bike riders have ideas about where new on-street bike parking should go on Capitol Hill, they can let us know by e-mailing bikeracks@seattle.gov
Rick Sheridan
SDOT
We've asked Sheridan for more information about what caused the damage. In the meantime, let your on-street bike parking ideas flow.
Original Report: There's one more place to park a car on Broadway. One of Capitol Hill's two experiments with on-street bicycle parking has disappeared. We were first alerted to the disappearance of the 'bike corral' in front of the Broadway Market QFC by @zlogblog's Tweet: Wtf? big bike rack in front of north broadway qfc is now gone.
Here's an image of the corral in all its glory this summer. It was ugly but it was used.
BEFORE
AFTER
Zach went on to tell us that a QFC employee said the corral has been gone for weeks, disappearing around Thanksgiving.
Here's another shot of the corral just after it was installed in February.
We're still waiting for an explanation from the Seattle Department of Transportation -- they're understandably busy today with the announcement that SDOT director Grace Crunican is resigning -- so no official word on the removal yet.
SDOT Director Crunican Announces Resignation
Will assist incoming administration in transition to new director
SEATTLE – Grace Crunican, director of the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), announced today that she will step down as the head of the department. After eight years of service with the city of Seattle, she will depart to start her own consulting company. In order to assist the incoming McGinn Administration with critical transportation issues, such as the Mercer Corridor project, Ms. Crunican will continuing serving until a new director has been identified and the transition is complete.
We haven't been over to check but assume the other bike corral in front of Cafe Presse is still in place. More when we get a chance to talk with SDOT.
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