The Seattle Department of Transportation announced yesterday (Jan. 20) that it would begin "aggressively cleaning bike lanes over next several days."

Ten sweepers have been deployed to clean up more quickly from the storms of December and early January, nearly double the normal number used. Staff will be inspecting roadways throughout the city to assess where additional emphasis is needed.

Mechanical street cleaners and crews with hand sweepers will clear bike routes throughout the city.

The department has nearly completed its initial sweeping of sand from 1,531 lane miles of Seattle's main streets and will continue its cleaning work with additional runs along the same major streets and will focus aggressively over the next several days on bike lanes.

If residents have concerns about streets still requiring sand removal or where additional sweeping would be beneficial, they can call the transportation department at (206) 684-ROAD.

The public is asked to heed "No Parking" signs placed to support sweeping.