The Cascade Bicycle Club has announced a unique opportunity for riders to cross the high-rise West Seattle Bridge this spring.
The event is scheduled for 7 a.m. May 5, as this year’s version of the annual Emerald City Ride, which typically attracts about 7,000 participants. The city of Seattle will close the bridge and an adjacent section of southbound Highway 99 for two hours.
There are 20-mile and 7-mile versions, starting at Lumen Field, then into the southbound lanes of Highway 99, and across the bridge. After descending, riders can turn back, pedal to Alki Beach, or loop all the way around West Seattle, returning to Sodo via Pigeon Hill back roads and the low West Seattle swing bridge.
“If you live in Seattle, this is your chance to experience Seattle like never before from the saddle of a bicycle,” said a statement by Lee Lambert, the club’s executive director. He called it a “bucket list event” for visitors. The 160-foot-high bridge provides full views of Mount Rainier, Elliott Bay and the Duwamish River.
Back when the high-rise bridge was closed for crack repairs, between 2020 and 2022, many Seattle cyclists yearned for the city to organize a touring ride, while a few bypassed the work zone fences to cross illegally.
Club spokesperson Paul Tolmé likened the Emerald City Ride to events in many cities, such as CicLAvia in Los Angeles, where people get to ride on roads that are usually exclusive to motor vehicles, with an assist from legions of donors and vendors.
“It’s a way to let people see their city from a new perspective, and get the community together,” Tolmé said Saturday. Previous rides have traveled Highway 520 and the I-5 express lanes.
Registration begins Tuesday at www.cascade.org. Entry fees are $22 for youth 18 and under. Adults choose a fee between $55 and $165 based on their income. Lower-income people can apply for discounted registration. The logistics costs are very high for Seattle to close highways, and for Cascade to support the riders with first aid, snacks, crossing safety and other support, Tolmé said.