A longtime debate about vehicle access at one of Seattle's biggest tourist attractions has resurfaced as safety is top of mind for many following the New Year’s Eve massacre in New Orleans.
It's common to see cars moving at a snail's pace along the cobblestones of Pike Place Market as they wait for pedestrians or service and delivery trucks to pass.
“It’s the heart of the city in many ways, and yet we have this outdated street through the heart of it that really isn’t functioning well for anyone at this point,” explained lifelong Seattle resident Gordon Padelford.
The question here is whether cars should be allowed through such a busy spot for the sake of safety or entertainment.
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“We need access for emergencies and delivery vehicles, but generally, I believe it would make sense to limit access to what other vehicles have access to this street,” stated Emily Pike, who has worked at the Market for more than a decade.
“If they get rid of cars, then they could start throwing fish in the street!” added Alden Edison from Seattle.
The group Seattle Neighborhood Greenways is tossing around one idea. It's collecting online signatures to show the city council that tens of thousands of people support pedestrian improvements on the road in front of the market.
They support loading and unloading traffic, plus handicap access, among other things.
“More seating, more outdoor dining, more vending, more space for arts and culture,” added Padelford who serves as the group’s executive director. “Just the whole space for opportunities that reimagining this street could offer.”
They started the petition well before the tragedy in New Orleans, in which the driver passed barricades and plowed through the New Year's Eve crowd. Still, a group spokesperson, and some Pike Place vendors and customers told KOMO News they believe closing off this route to most traffic could help prevent something similar.
“I think about that a lot. I’m very concerned about that,” Pike stated.
They noted other incidents that brought up their safety concerns. In April 2022, a case of road rage between two drivers led to a crash. A hammer came out at one point, and a pedestrian was struck by the runaway vehicle.
The Seattle Department of Transportation, which manages the street, reports the agency is aware of three traffic incidents leading to injuries on Pike Place between Pike and Virginia Streets over the past three years. Two of those cases led to serious injuries, according to spokesperson Ethan Bergerson.
Not everyone supports a change, though. One vendor said the magic of the market is that much of it stays the same.
“I think we should leave the cars driving through. It’s always been that way and I like to see things stay the same,” Parris Rosolina with Sweetie’s Candy Shop explained. “We need to get back to the focus on small business.”
The mayor has expressed support for reducing vehicle traffic at the market for safety while considering logistics to navigate merchant loading and unloading, "deliveries, and ADA access for the seniors and people with disabilities who live at the Market," city spokesperson Callie Craighead wrote.
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Jackie Kent
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