Driving through Pike Place Market has long been part of Seattle life, yet many inhabitants have questioned whether it’s time to rethink this tradition.
A recent pilot program initiated by the city aims to restrict vehicle access along Western Avenue, focusing on creating a pedestrian-friendly environment.
As the pilot prepared to launch this spring, the market already seemed to belong to the pedestrians. Visitors strolled peacefully through cobblestones, often oblivious to a slow-moving SUV behind them. The atmosphere on the final day of unrestricted vehicle access was chaotic, as pedestrians took the forefront and drivers struggled to navigate around them.
Attempts to shift the market towards being more pedestrian-centric have been ongoing for years, garnering immense public support. In 2021, a survey found that 81 percent of Seattle residents favored a car-free market, with many willing to contribute taxes to see the idea come to fruition.
Rachel Ligtenberg, the executive director of the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA), noted that discussions regarding pedestrian and vehicle relations have been a focal point since she took on her role. Emily Pike, a longtime market worker, led a grassroots initiative advocating for reduced vehicle traffic, revealing that many vendors were frustrated by the impacts of vehicle presence, such as distracted drivers and inefficient deliveries.
After gathering approximately 150 signatures on a petition calling for a reevaluation of vehicle use in the market, Pike noted, “There seems to be a very broad consensus that what we’ve been doing is not ideal.”
The implementation of a reduced-vehicle pilot program marked a significant change in the historical norms of the market. While the resistance to change is typically strong in cities, the stars aligned in Seattle, prompting new leadership, grassroots organizing, a supportive mayor, and the upcoming FIFA World Cup to push for this test.
In a speech highlighting the city’s goals, Mayor Bruce Harrell envisioned transforming Pike Place into “one of the greatest pedestrian experiences in the country.”
After a month of the pilot program, the market transformed noticeably. Ligtenberg pointed out that while some vehicles were still present, their roles were essential. Deliveries from trucks and curbside orders for customers now comprised the primary vehicle presence instead of unnecessary rideshares or leisurely traffic.
Historically, cars have always been part of Pike Place Market, with its origins seeing Model Ts parked alongside horse-drawn carriages. The plan is to reduce the number of casual drivers while still accommodating essential services.
Ligtenberg expressed hope that this pilot will create a more captivating and enriching market experience, stating, “Being in the market means also to be on Pike Place the street.”
As Seattle moves forward, the pilot will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of the pedestrian-focused approach within a historically automotive landscape.
image source from：https://www.seattlemet.com/news-and-city-life/2025/06/pike-place-market-car-free
