S E AT T L E S T R E E TC A R

Looking Out for Your Safety

Seattle Streetcar Online Information

June 2014

SDOTs mission & vision

Mission: delivering a first-rate transportation system for Seattle.

Vision: a vibrant Seattle with connected people, places and products.

SDOTs core principles

Keep it safe

Provide great
service

Support a
thriving
economy

Focus on the
basics

Build healthy
communities

Overview
Things to know about
streetcars
What to know if youre:
Walking
Biking
Driving
Riding the streetcar

Things to know about streetcars

Streetcars are very quiet. Its
important to look out for their
movement.
Streetcars sound warning bells and
horns when there are obstacles in
their path.
Streetcars mostly share a lane with
cars, buses and trucks. There are no
fences or other barriers separating
streetcars from other street users.
In some locations, streetcars run
through a pedestrian plaza or in
their own dedicated lanes, where
other vehicles may not travel.

The streetcar runs in a dedicated lane through

Lake Union Park.

Things to know about streetcars

Because they run on tracks,
streetcars cannot swerve to avoid
obstacles.
Streetcars travel up to the
permitted speed limit, typically 30
mph.
Streetcars sometimes have their
own traffic signals and can cross
the street when other vehicles
cannot.
Streetcars are mostly powered by
overhead electric wires, similar to
Metro trolley buses. The overhead
electric wires are live and can be
extremely hazardous! They should
never be touched or disturbed.

People walking
Only cross streetcar tracks at
marked crosswalks or
intersections.
Always look both ways when
crossing streetcar tracks.
When crossing tracks with
wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers
cross at a right angle to avoid
getting wheels stuck in the track
groove.
Remove headphones and put
down mobile phones so you can
hear streetcar warning bells and
horns.

People biking
Cross streetcar tracks at a right
angle to avoid falling. Because the
track groove is just slightly wider
than the typical bike tire, your tire
could get stuck.
Dont ride on top of the rails! Your
wheels may get stuck in the track
groove.
Consider walking your bike across
streetcar tracks when they are wet
or icy, as tracks can be slippery.
Dont enter lanes reserved
exclusively for streetcars. These
lanes are indicated by signs and
changes in pavement.

Bicycles should cross streetcar tracks at a right angle

to avoid getting caught in the streetcar track.

People biking
Use bike lanes and marked bike
crossings, where available. Avoid
riding in the streetcar lane.
You can bring bikes onto the
streetcar, if theres space available.
Leave room for people in
wheelchairs and dont block seats
or exits when they are needed.
Use clear hand signals so that
streetcars and other drivers are
aware of your intentions.

New signs to look out for

Streetcars only
no bikes, no cars.

Streetcar tracks ahead.

Be careful and cross
tracks at a right angle,
if possible.

Vehicle
signal

Two-stage left turn boxes can

help you cross streetcar tracks at
a right angle if youre on a bike.

Bikes use two-way

path.

Bike
signal

Bike signals indicate when bikes in the

protected bike lane should stop (red light) or
may cross the intersection (green light). Bike
signals are not the same as vehicle signals.

Driving
Be prepared to stop behind
streetcars. Streetcars stop in lane to
pick up passengers.
Be careful when tracks are wet or icy
they could be slippery.
Look out for pedestrians running to
catch a streetcar or getting off a
streetcar and crossing the road.
If you have a fender bender over a
streetcar track, clear the track and
move into a parking lane or other
protected place, if its safe to do so.

Parking and loading

Never stop, idle or park your
vehicle in the streetcars path or in
protected bike lanes. Obstruction
could lead to your vehicle being
towed.
Always park inside the marked
parking lines to ensure that your
vehicle is not in the streetcars path.
Before opening your car door,
check to see if a streetcar is
approaching.
Load and unload in designated
loading zones only and dont place
items in the streetcars path.

Trucks and oversized vehicles

Freight and other oversized
vehicles should be sure to have
sufficient clearance between
streetcar overhead electric wires
and the vehicle, including any
load. If you are in any doubt about
your vehicle clearance, contact
SDOTs commercial vehicle permits
and enforcement group.
If your vehicle has extending
cranes or other types of variable
height equipment, fully lower
equipment before driving near
streetcar overhead electric wires.

Riding the streetcar

At your stop:
Do not run across the street or
tracks to catch a streetcar.
Always cross the street at marked
crosswalks or intersections.
Stay clear of the platform edge
marked in yellowwhen the
streetcar arrives and departs. Do
not stand in the yellow area.
Let people get off the streetcar first
before you get on.
People using wheelchairs or
strollers may access a loading ramp
by pressing a button outside the
streetcar.

Riding the streetcar

On the streetcar:
Use hand rails if you are standing on
the streetcar. It is easy to lose your
balance when the streetcar brakes or
accelerates.
People using wheelchairs or strollers
may exit via a loading ramp by
pressing a button inside the streetcar.
Do not attempt to use the doors
when the door-closing tone is
sounding.
Be mindful of priority seating areas for
people with disabilities and those less
able to stand.

Thanks!

http://www.seattle.gov/transportation

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