Seattle SR-520 BRIDGE Grand Opening April 2nd
 

Join your fellow Seattle area gliders :) for a trip on the new SR-520 Floating Bridge.

WSDOT will have the bridge open to Walk, Bike, and Run on the weekend of April 2nd.

Preliminary Segway Plans

Meet up somewhere in the University District

Glide to Bridge access point, Glide the Bridge.

Possible Meeting Point is the UoW E1 :confused: paid parking area with 3K spaces.

Expected Bridge access will be Saturday afternoon.

Travel distance would be ~ 10 miles round trip based on E1 parking.

We have ample time to discuss other options for parking, trip route, and our start time.

WSDOT has not finalized the Saturday afternoon Bridge Events.

Known Today February 2nd
Attachment 2386

WSDOT web-site for Bridge Opening:
http://www.520golong.com/

This is an unofficial event.
No Sponsors, No Fees, No one in charge. Can we make if happen?
Hope to Hear from all the Seattle Area gliders.

I'll be there...
 

...if we can confirm that it will be open to pedestrians after the runs on Saturday morning. (We're biking it on Sunday.)

Maybe it will be possible...?
 

[email protected]

Great to see that you have the GoRun and GoBike events for the Grand Opening of the SR520 Bridge. Too bad that as a Disabled Senior that you don’t have a “GoMobility” Event.

Can you imagine...thousands of mobility scooters cruising across the bridge. It’s a great dream for somebody who is no longer able to run or bicycle to be able to still become involved. A nice dream though..

BoscoBob

Reply

Dear BoscoBob,

Thank you for contacting the SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program regarding the Grand Opening celebrations.

In the coming weeks, WSDOT will announce a full day of activities during the Grand Opening weekend that will be free and accessible to all. You will have the opportunity to experience and cruise across the bridge at this time.

Please continue to check www.520GoLong.com for the most up-to-date event information.

We look forward to seeing you at the Grand Opening of the world’s longest floating bridge.

Sincerely,

Stacey Howery
Communications
SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program
Washington State Department of Transportation

Free and Accessible to All - - Positive
 

Hi BoscoBob,

Nice to read “the weekend that will be free and accessible to all” statement from the WSDOT spokesperson. :thumbsup:

Still no news on the 520GoLong site for just what the additional activities will be, am guessing that:
- Saturday afternoon will be open to everyone.
- Walk, bike, skate, Segway, etc.
- Even if it's a no bike time, am thinking positive that SEGs will still get access.
With the TBD “events” likely street fair activities for kids and families (a Beer Garden maybe a bit of a reach)

Side Note:

WA State Law says (edited):
An electric personal assistive mobility device [EPAMD] is not considered a motor vehicle.

Except for the limitations of this subsection, persons operating an EPAMD have all the rights and duties of a pedestrian.

However, there is also
A state agency or local government may regulate the operation of an EPAMD within the boundaries of any area used for recreation, open space, habitat, trails, or conservation purposes.

TerryP had this observation on access . . . whether we ask permission before or forgiveness after. Either way, we'll likely rile someone, but it's a chance to demonstrate how polite and safe we are in a crowded event.

Seeking forgiveness (if needed) is the current plan.

April 2nd Glide Canceled
 

WSDOT has decided to restrict Segway access :( to the Bridge during the opening day events.

. . . We will be limiting entry of EPAMD to individuals with mobility limitations due to safety and crowd concerns.
As you know, there will be bike corrals on the Evergreen Point Road lid to store your devices. . . .

So the Bridge Opening Glide Event is Canceled.

Some of us are considering doing a Kingston Ferry trip on the 2nd instead.

Also, later in April the 520 bridge's 14-foot-wide pedestrian and bike path will connect to SR 520’s completed Eastside path and open as an "out and back" route from the Evergreen Point Road lid. A group Glide maybe scheduled after the path opens. :thumbsup: