Seattle - Bike commuting ?

[Tirian]

Hi

I am flying into Seattle on business next week (arrive Sun) and it occured to me to use a bicycle to get around for the week. I was thinking it would be good for my body, and the env and all that.

For all the talk about the environment, it sure is difficult to arrange such a mode of transport. No businesses seem ready for clients like myself. I've seen web sites for bike retal companies there with prices up to $300.00 a week. One place was much better at $95.00 for a week, but they are far from the airport, and not open sundays, so I'd have to use a cab to get to my hotel Sun, then cab over to the bike shop mon, and then back again from the shop on Fri.

Bike rentals at the airport - a business plan for someone maybe ?

Is there anyone familiar enough with Seattle to tell me, is there some alternative I should explore here ? A co-op, or cimmunity bike program ?

Also is there a pedable route from Kent to downtown ?

Thanks.

[snowy]

Here are some resources for you:

King County bike resources, plus a link to a bike trail map: Bicycling resources - King County Road Services Division

Seattle bike maps: Seattle Department of Transportation: Bike Program

And back-up modes of public transport from Kent to Seattle, in case biking doesn't work out for you: Sound Transit - Ride the Wave and Metro Online Home Page

Where are you going to be staying in Seattle? Where do you have to go while you're there? The bus system in Seattle is surprisingly good, and downtown there is a large "fareless square."

[dirtyrascal7]

Honestly, I'd suggest using the bus system instead. You'd likely get where you're going cheaper, safer, and faster, while still helping the environment. Seattle is a big place... even just going from the airport to downtown would be a heck of a bike ride. Plus, considering you're staying for a week... you probably have a good amount of luggage to tote around as well, which would make biking just that much more complicated.

Google maps now also offers directions via walking and public transit, so that might help you decide the best mode of transportation.

[Tirian]

My hotel is in Kent on 212th St. Daily for all 5 days I need to go only 2 miles to the office north on 181.

I see by the map, that it's 20 miles to downtown from there. I'd like to go visit Pikes one evening if possible, otherwise maybe just thinking about pedaling around to a local park or trail or something.

I imagine there's a bus fairly direct from SeaTac to downtown ?
-----Added 6/8/2008 at 05 : 02 : 47-----
OK - by googlemaps - looks like a different route would be 17 miles - not a lot different, but 6 miles off a round trip.

It also says I can take bus 150 from very near my hotel, to downtown, but it takes 50 minutes to make the trip.
Then 122 followed by 180 to get back - little over an hour.

It's 1.7miles from hotel to office, so I could easily just walk that daily.

Maybe bussing is the way to go.