Several readers have written in complaining about gravel still left in many bike lanes throughout the city. It was initially spread to help with the ice and slick roads from our recent storm.
One reader says,
“I have noticed a number of places where the bike lanes and routes have enough gravel in them to present serious hazards. The city puts the gravel out in a timely fashion for motorists during a winter storm, and they should be cleaning it up for cyclists in an equally timely fashion after a storm.”
Another reader lists locations he has noticed being particularly dangerous:
- Eastbound bike lane on NW Everett between ~ NW 21st and I-405
- Eastbound SW Main between SW 4th and the Hawthorne Bridge
- SE Hawthorne Boulevard through the Hawthorne business district
- Eastbound SE Harrison between SE 23rd and SE 25th
I assume gravel clean-up is the responsibility of the city’s maintenance division. Unfortunately they’re not usually the most bike-friendly part of the team. In last year’s PDOT budget survey they consistently gave bike-related issues very low priority. Not sure if that has anything to do with it or not.
Have you had any problems with gravel? If so, where? Maybe a good idea is to call 823-SAFE (7233) (503) 823-1750 (thanks Dat!).