Cyclists in Fremont have likely noticed new pavement markings and directional signs along neighborhood bike routes recently as part of a pilot project aimed at creating clearer connections between Seattle neighborhoods.
The “Bike Lines” route spans 6 miles from Ballard’s Gilman Soccer Fields through Fremont to Lumen Field downtown. Volunteers from Ballard-Fremont Greenways and Downtown Greenways installed the markings in one morning before the Sounders vs Botofogo kickoff game.
The project uses existing bike infrastructure to create what organizers describe as clearly marked routes similar to bus rapid transit lines. The pilot cost less than $2,000 in materials and received design support from Toole Design.
“We want to invite Club World Cup fans to bike and scoot to the games using routes like the Ballard Bike Line,” said Gordon Padelford, executive director of Seattle Neighborhood Greenways.
The route highlights Fremont’s position as a key connector between Ballard and downtown Seattle for cyclists. It follows low-traffic streets and existing bike lanes through the neighborhood.
Seattle Neighborhood Greenways hopes the city will adopt the concept for a broader network of signed bike routes ahead of the 2026 World Cup, when the city expects to host hundreds of thousands of visitors.
The organization cites research showing 60% of people would like to bike more, with lack of knowledge about safe routes as the primary barrier.
Route maps are available at seattlegreenways.org/bikelines.