Starting November 1st, people will be able to use bikes, rollerblades, scooters, and skateboards once again on the Green Lake Path (also known as the Inner Loop). From 2020 to 2022, Seattle Parks and Recreation restricted wheeled users from the path to ensure spacing for health and safety considerations during the pandemic and to provide more time for Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) to complete their design process and coordinate the construction timeline for creating a complete outer loop around Green Lake with protected access for bikers and pedestrians. On September 22nd SPR and the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners recommended a return to the historic use regulations for this 2.8-mile shared use path.
SPR received hundreds of comments during the last two years about people’s experiences on the path. One common element of this feedback was that a reminder of the Courtesy Code for all users would help with ensuring that everyone could share the path in a safe and enjoyable way. As such, here are some reminders of how to use this slow recreational path respectfully.
The Green Lake Path is designed as a place for slow recreational use. Bike commuters and people seeking routes for fast travel should look to other places such as the Green Lake Outer Loop (to be fully complete in December 2022). The speed limit is 10 mph for all users, and folks should slow down even more in congested areas. By staying right users can ensure space for people passing to do so safely. To pass, signal with a bell or voice, and be aware of your surroundings. Pedestrians always have the right of way.
Green Lake can get busy, especially on weekends. Wheeled users may wish to avoid these congested periods, instead using the path on weekday mornings or other times with less use. To ensure space for everyone to share the path, it is important that everyone stay in their lane! Wheels travel counterclockwise on the outside lane, while pedestrians can travel both ways on the inner lane of the paved path and the gravel path adjacent to the lake. If recreating with a friend, please travel no more than two people abreast. Also, if you are walking your dog, keep it on a short leash less than five feet long.
Wheelchairs and other similar uses protected by the ADA are allowed in the lane that feels safest for their users. SPR suggests that slow travel utilize the inner lane, while faster speeds use the outer lane with other wheeled devices.
No motorized vehicles are allowed on the Green Lake Path. This includes electric bikes, scooters, one wheels, solo wheels, e-skates, and other such devices. We suggest using the Green Lake Outer Loop to get around the lake on these devices or one of our multi-use trails in other parts of the city. All bike/scooter share devices are automatically de-powered when entering Seattle’s parks.
All in all, the Green Lake Path can work well for all users if the Courtesy Code is followed. Please follow the above regulations and posted signs and always show courtesy toward others. Together, this shared use path can continue to provide slow recreational fun for many years to come.
For more information on the Green Lake Park Path and the Courtesy Code, visit our website.
