Pike Place without cars: Success story or still unsettled?

SEATTLE - One year after Pike Place Market restricted most vehicle traffic during business hours, city leaders and vendors are weighing whether the pedestrian-only pilot is delivering on its promise and whether it should become permanent.

Pedestrian pilot shows gains in visits, sales

The pilot program, which limits most vehicles during peak daytime hours, has been described as a success by advocates who say it has improved both safety and the overall experience.

"People love coming down to Pike Place Market, it really is the heart and soul of Seattle," said Gordon Padelford, executive director of the Seattle Streets Alliance. "It feels just so much more like home when you’re not dodging cars trying to walk through the street."

Padelford pointed to data from a Market Public Development Authority study showing increases in both foot traffic and sales since the change.

"Visitors are up. Sales are up. Fire and SPD are able to get through smoothly," he said.

He added that while the physical look of the market has largely stayed the same aside from signage and barriers at entrances, the atmosphere has shifted, calling it more "family friendly" and "relaxing."

Businesses see mixed impact

What they're saying:

The study found overall sales at the market have increased by about 8% since the pilot began last May, including growth in areas like the lower levels known as the "Down Under." But not all vendors say they are feeling those gains equally.

Skyler Davis, a cheese monger at The Cheese Box, said customers have embraced the pedestrian-friendly environment.

"The customers all love the change,everyone’s super happy to be walking around and not feel crowded," said Davis.

He also believes the street is safer without cars. He would see car accidents every week.

Still, Davis said business results have been inconsistent.

"There has been an impact on business over this last year. I’m not sure if that’s in part due to larger geopolitical and economic factors," he said. 

Davis noted a drop in international tourism, including fewer visitors from Canada, which he believes could be contributing factors to a decline in sales.

"There’s definitely something in the air. Something’s happening economically to affect the market here. I can’t attribute that specifically to the street being closed," he said.

The other side:

Before the pilot, some business owners worried about how deliveries and access would work without regular vehicle traffic.

Padelford said those concerns have largely been addressed, and the market remains a functioning commercial hub.

"This is a working market and it needs to make sense for the businesses here," he said.

Authorized vehicles are still allowed during designated hours, and ADA access remains in place for those with placards.

Outlined in the new study are some "negative themes" received as feedback from the market community. Among them, frustration with enforcement. Some vendors want to expand loading times to more than 30 minutes, while others are upset they can no longer park for free for the entire day on Pike Place.

What's next:

The pilot is set to continue through the summer, after which the market authority and Seattle Department of Transportation will determine next steps.

Padelford said he hopes the city moves toward a permanent solution, potentially replacing temporary barriers with infrastructure like retractable bollards.

He also noted additional security measures could be introduced ahead of major events like the FIFA World Cup, including more heavy-duty barriers designed to protect pedestrians.

MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE

Homeowner shoots suspect during home invasion in Kent

Seattle police arrest felon after Capitol Hill bike dispute sparks gunfire

Skydiving Kirkland woman finds 'freedom' from quadriplegia, breaks record

Renton police boost patrols at park following recent shootings

2 motorcyclists killed at same spot 1 week apart in Pierce County

To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.

Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.