The roadway in front of Pike Place Market has been historically open to vehicle traffic until very recently (within the last year) when the city finally decided to attempt a pedestrian-only pilot program. That’s what you’re seeing here.
The biggest opponents to making this street permanently pedestrian-only are the market vendors themselves who rely on street access for deliveries, though those can be accommodated during off hours.
Both the locals and tourists adore the car-free market, so my money is on Mayor Wilson having the political will to make it permanent. Those retractable bollards are expensive, but I think everyone has the vision of how it could work now.
We have a pedestrian mall like this, have for decades. There are times when delivery vehicles are allowed to access, there are bollards that staff (of the mall) lower and raise (this is new in last decade or so)
Seattle resident here.
The roadway in front of Pike Place Market has been historically open to vehicle traffic until very recently (within the last year) when the city finally decided to attempt a pedestrian-only pilot program. That’s what you’re seeing here.
The biggest opponents to making this street permanently pedestrian-only are the market vendors themselves who rely on street access for deliveries, though those can be accommodated during off hours.
Both the locals and tourists adore the car-free market, so my money is on Mayor Wilson having the political will to make it permanent. Those retractable bollards are expensive, but I think everyone has the vision of how it could work now.
We have a pedestrian mall like this, have for decades. There are times when delivery vehicles are allowed to access, there are bollards that staff (of the mall) lower and raise (this is new in last decade or so)