This summer, for the first time, Seattle banned cars in the Pike Place Market :
Last year (2024), some politicians said no one will shop here anymore if it’s pedestrianized :
https://publicola.com/2024/04/02/dont-open-pike-place-to-pedestrians-council-member-urges/
Ok that explains some of it but also no seriously Jesus fucking shit its hell to drive. I’ve heard amazing things about the tour.
But yeah I really don’t buy that grade is that big of an issue when it’s a few blocks from the Westlake station. The city is absolutely hilly as hell and that can be exhausting, but anything close to the rail line isn’t that bad. If it were next to the space needle I’d agree though.
Walk up from Pike Place Market on uh, Lenora, or Blanchard.
I swear its almost a 30 degree incline.
I remember back in the 08 snowstorm seeing a city bus literally dangling a 1/3rd of its length over I5, having skid down a steep road in Capitol hill and not being able to totally stop in time.
Finally, if you want a fucking incline, go walk up to the top of Queen Anne from the Science Center.
You might as well be climbing a mountain.