Deception Pass Bridge ranks among cyclists' most feared bridges nationwide

Deception Pass Bridge is one of Whidbey Island’s most photographed landmarks, but a national survey cast it in a far less flattering role: 26th among bridges cyclists fear most, and one of only three Washington spans to make the list. The survey drew responses from 3,057 cyclists nationwide and was commissioned by California-based injury lawyers Bisnar Chase through Cherry Data Signals.

The bridge’s reputation is easy to understand once a cyclist reaches the crossing itself. Washington State Parks says the span is 1,350 feet long, with a 22-foot roadway bordered by railed pedestrian walks. It is part of a two-bridge crossing with Canoe Pass Bridge, and on a windy day the combination of traffic, narrow space and exposed lanes can feel unforgiving to riders trying to move between Island County and Skagit County.

The survey found that 42% of cyclists had experienced a near miss with a vehicle while riding on or near a bridge. Respondents pointed to close contact with drivers, speeding, distracted driving, honking, aggressive driving, tailgating and motorists who refuse to yield. They also identified wind, traffic, narrow lanes and limited safe space as major stress points, which fits a crossing that serves not just sightseeing traffic but also commuters, recreational riders and tourists every week.

RB McKeon, communications manager for the Washington State Department of Transportation, said the agency had not had time to evaluate the survey’s methodology or data. WSDOT said the bridge is safe for vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle traffic and said it relies on frequent inspections, seismic evaluations and maintenance. The agency inspects about 7,300 bridges on state, city and county road systems, and most are inspected every two years.

The historical record underscores why Deception Pass remains so important to Island County. State Route 20 through Deception Pass is the only highway connection between Whidbey Island and the mainland. Deception Pass Bridge and Canoe Pass Bridge were completed in 1935 as part of a Public Works Administration-era project, and the National Park Service record for the Deception Pass listing is dated July 16, 1982, with significant years listed as 1934 and 1935. Washington State Parks says Civilian Conservation Corps crews helped prepare roadways to access the bridge during construction.

That history gives the crossing its iconic status, but it does not erase the practical concerns for cyclists. A 2025 local report said a seismic study recommended about $3.2 million in retrofitting work, reinforcing that the bridge is not just a scenic overlook but a piece of living infrastructure. For anyone crossing it by bike or by car, weather and comfort level still matter as much as the view.