This project will evaluate the impact of pedestrianization of Pike Place Market traffic and estimate the impact on market vendors. We will measure the reaction of vendors and carriers to changes in access and map-out options for future traffic management at the market. We will also analyze changes to traffic patterns adjacent to the Market as a result of the Market’s Vehicle Access Pilot.
Task 1: Merchant interviews and survey
Working with the PDA, the UFL team will develop a Market merchant interview strategy and interview instrument. Upon completion of merchant interviews UFL will develop a follow-up survey to expand the pool of merchants included in the evaluation and suggest alternatives to the current traffic control scheme.
Task 2: Traffic data analysis
SDOT will provide vehicle, pedestrian, and cyclist movements from MioVision sensors for June 2024, January 2024, June 2025, and January 2026. This data will be provided to the UFL for analysis and interpretation.
Task 3: Customer survey
The PDA is interested in surveying market customers to understand the impact of access changes on their market visit and purchase behavior. There is a particular interest in comparing the impact and behavior of “local” shoppers, to those visiting from outside of the Puget Sound. UFL will create an online survey instrument and distribute to customers via PDA message boards and flyers throughout the market. UFL will provide statistical analysis of the survey responses.
Task 4: Reporting
UFL will report our findings and recommendation in a technical memo provided to PDA and SDOT.