Nonetheless, conservative commentators keep arguing car-clogged Pike Place is working great and a welcoming doormat for the Market.
The Urbanist has long argued for the pedestrianization of Pike Place, but some stubbornly insist cars are needed right down the middle of Seattle’s most bustling market and selfie backdrop. The latest in that genre was former Councilmember Jean Godden who said the street didn’t need fixing and sharply criticized Councilmember Andrew Lewis for thinking otherwise. Shortly before the piece went to post, three motorists locked in a bitter road rage duel involving a hammer injured a pedestrian bystander — apparently breaking her leg — when one motorist turned his vehicle into a battering ram and she was caught in the middle.
According to eyewitness Dylan Jackson, the motorist tried to drive away after injuring the woman, but a staff member and other onlookers intervened and blocked his way, and both he and the other motorist were arrested. The police report recounted a slightly different chain of events, with the 54-year-old Mazda driver arriving last and introducing the hammer into the fight between two other feuding motorists, who had traded blows. He smashed the Toyota 4runner backwindow, leaving the hammer behind. The 32-year-old 4runner driver picked up the hammer and smashed the Mazda windshield, which prompted the original hammer guy to back up his car and ram him, catching the woman in the crossfire. Both motorists face assault charges. The woman works at a nearby venue, the police report says.
