More than 6,000 cyclists are expected to travel from Seattle to Portland during the annual Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic (STP) on July 11 and 12, prompting Washington transportation officials to urge motorists to plan ahead for delays and safely share the road.
The two-day ride, organized by Cascade Bicycle Club, is one of the Northwest’s largest recreational cycling events and follows state highways and local roads from Seattle through Pierce, Thurston, Lewis and Cowlitz counties before crossing the Lewis and Clark Bridge into Oregon.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) said drivers should expect increased bicycle traffic and periodic congestion along portions of the route throughout the weekend.
“Our goal is to help everyone travel safely,” WSDOT officials said, encouraging both motorists and cyclists to follow traffic laws and remain alert as thousands of riders travel through western Washington.
The heaviest traffic impacts are expected at several locations along the route.
On Saturday, July 11, drivers can expect delays during the early morning hours along State Route 7 in Pierce County and from midmorning into the afternoon on State Route 507 through Thurston and Lewis counties.
On Sunday, July 12, congestion is expected during the morning on State Route 411 between Castle Rock and Longview, with the most significant delays anticipated throughout the day near State Routes 432 and 433 at the Lewis and Clark Bridge.
According to WSDOT, motorists using State Route 432 in Longview should prepare for delays of up to 20 minutes between approximately 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sunday while riders are escorted across the Lewis and Clark Bridge into Oregon.
The STP route begins near the University of Washington and travels through Seattle, Renton, Kent, Auburn, Puyallup, Spanaway, Yelm, Centralia, Chehalis, Castle Rock and Longview before crossing into Oregon.
Washington State Patrol troopers, local law enforcement officers and certified flaggers will be stationed at key intersections and along portions of the route to help direct vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic throughout the weekend.
Transportation officials are reminding drivers to slow down, remain patient and provide adequate space when passing cyclists. Cyclists are also expected to obey traffic signals, signs and Washington’s bicycle safety laws while riding on public roadways.
Cascade Bicycle Club provides participants with a bicycle safety guide outlining Washington’s rules of the road and event safety information.
The Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic has become one of the region’s signature cycling events, attracting riders from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond while showcasing communities along the nearly 200-mile route between the two cities.
Drivers planning to travel along portions of the route this weekend are encouraged to allow extra travel time and watch for changing traffic conditions, particularly in areas where cyclists will be sharing the roadway.
Additional event information, including route maps and rider information, is available through Cascade Bicycle Club.
