Lake Washington Boulevard is one of Seattle’s greatest public spaces — a three-mile lakeside corridor connecting neighborhoods, parks, beaches, and communities from Mt. Baker Beach to Seward Park.

For decades, Bicycle Sundays and Bicycle Weekends have transformed the boulevard into a safer, more welcoming place for people walking, biking, rolling, running, and gathering. Today, these open street events are among Seattle’s most beloved public space programs.

New Safety Improvements Coming to Lake Washington Boulevard

Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) are moving forward with additional safety improvements along the boulevard in 2026 and 2027.

This next phase includes:

• New speed cushions to slow dangerous speeding while maintaining emergency access
• Walk and bike path improvements
• New curb bulbs near S Orcas St
• New swing gates at:
  • Mt. Baker Beach
  • S Horton St
  • 43rd Ave S

The new swing gates are currently being designed and will be installed in 2026 for use during Bicycle Weekends beginning in 2027.

Locations of New Swing Gates

Why These Changes Matter

Lake Washington Boulevard should feel safe and welcoming for everyone — especially families, kids, older adults, and people with disabilities.

Unfortunately, temporary barricades used during Bicycle Weekends are frequently ignored or moved, allowing unauthorized cars onto the roadway during open street hours. This creates unnecessary safety risks and undermines the experience for everyone using the park.

Permanent swing gates will:

• Prevent illegal vehicle access during scheduled closures
• Create a more predictable and welcoming environment
• Improve safety for people walking, biking, and rolling
• Replace temporary “construction-style” barricades with infrastructure designed for public space

The gates are designed to allow easy access for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users, and emergency responders while preventing unauthorized vehicle entry.

Existing Olmsted Swing Gate on Lake Washington Boulevard

The Safety Data Is Clear

SDOT speed studies collected over the past several years show that drivers regularly exceed the posted 25 mph speed limit on Lake Washington Boulevard.

At locations where speed cushions were installed, vehicle speeds dropped by approximately 5 mph — a meaningful safety improvement on a park roadway heavily used by people outside of cars.

Data collected in future Phase 3 locations showed drivers traveling between 30–36 mph prior to installation.

These improvements are being implemented because the data — and years of community feedback — show they are needed.

Bicycle Weekends Continue to Grow

Bicycle Sundays programming on Lake Washington Boulevard dates back to the 1970s and remains one of Seattle’s most successful open streets programs.

Every summer, thousands of Seattleites use the boulevard to:

• Bike with their kids
• Walk and roll safely near the lake
• Learn to ride
• Exercise
• Meet neighbors
• Experience what people-first public space can feel like

The new gates and safety improvements will help make that experience safer, calmer, and more intuitive for everyone.

We’re excited this year they’ll be every weekend this summer between Memorial Day and Labor day with the exception of August 1-2. This predictable scheduling will increase accessibility for people to access the Lake and reduce confusion among drivers and people interested in participating in Bicycle Weekends.

Ways to Get Involved:

1. Sign our petition to show support for the swing gates on Lake Washington Blvd!
2. Volunteer with us to spread awareness by tabling on the Boulevard during Bicycle Weekends!
3. Join our Lake Washington Boulevard committee.
4. Spread the word - talk to your neighbors and friends! Organize bike rides, strolls, picnics, or other events during Bicycle Weekends this summer.
5. Organize a bike ride, stroll, picnic, or neighborhood outing on the boulevard.

For Additional Reference

Lake Washington Boulevard Renovations Projects