Streetcar Safety
Updated: January 28, 2020
Whether you're a bicyclist, pedestrian or motorist, following a few general safety tips will ensure a safe, fun and enjoyable experience.
Whether you're using the Seattle Streetcar for the first time or are a regular rider, please follow our safety tips:
- 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 yellow, when 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, or inside the streetcar.
- Use handrails if you are standing on the streetcar. It's easy to lose your balance when the streetcar brakes or accelerates.
- Do not use the doors when the door-closing tone is sounding.
Did You Know…
- Streetcars are very quiet.
- Streetcars sound warning bells and horns when necessary.
- There are no fences or barriers separating streetcars from cars, bikes or pedestrians.
- Streetcars cannot swerve to avoid obstacles — they run on tracks.
- Streetcars sometimes have their own traffic signals and can cross the street when other vehicles cannot.
Pedestrians
- 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 phones so you can hear streetcar warning bells and horns.
Bicyclists
- 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.
- Don't ride on top of the rails! Your wheels may get stuck in the track groove.
- Use bike lanes and marked bike crossings, where available. Avoid riding in the streetcar lane.
- Consider walking your bike across streetcar tracks when they are wet or icy, as tracks can be slippery.
- Don't enter lanes reserved exclusively for streetcars. These lanes are marked with signs and changes in the pavement.
- Use clear hand signals so that streetcars and other drivers are aware of your intentions.
Consider a parallel bike route
- The 2nd Ave protected bike lane will run parallel to the 1st Ave section of the future Center City Connector.
- The 9th Ave protected bike lane will run parallel to the Westlake Ave N section of the South Lake Union Streetcar.
- The Broadway protected bike lane runs adjacent to the Broadway section of the First Hill Streetcar.
Drivers
- Be prepared to stop behind streetcars. Streetcars stop in the lane to pick up passengers.
- Never stop, idle, or park your vehicle in the streetcar's path or in protected bike lanes.
- 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, move into a parking lane or other protected place, if it is safe to do so.
- Before opening your car door, check to see if a streetcar is coming.
- Don't place items in the streetcar's path when loading and unloading.
