Those immigrants were Lutherans, right? Then they had a protestant ethic — making a lot of money is a sign of virtue, spending it is a sign of vice, doing it conspicuously is the sin of pride. I like how Seattle still works hard and has less conspicuous consumption than most other similar cities.

I read somewhere that Ballard was never populated by more than 25% people of Scanner descent, and today far fewer, yet it seems like the history is completely tied to Scandinavians.

Why is this? (if it is true — the numbers could very well be wrong) Did the Scandos drive the culture and economy and other ethnicities just came along for the ride? Were other group more diffuse? Is there any significant history in Ballard that highlights non-Scando ethnicities? Do people just like to identify Scando? I've got a buddy who is 1/2 German and 1/4 Swedish, but he totally identifies as being of Swedish stock.

Bob Slydell “Peter, you've been missing a lot of work.”

Peter Gibbons “I wouldn't say I've been 'missing' it”

Watch it. Now.

lolajean – can you start investigating??

In the words of Peter Gibbons in Office Space “I wouldn't say I've been “missing'” it”

You and I might know it's the law but most people don't. I do think it's a dumb law.

IMHO

Seriously and you not thinking so doesn't make it right. I agree it's stupid but it's still the law whether you like it or not. I suggest you try reading section 11.44.120 of the Seattle Traffic Code (http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/bikecode.htm)

“The whole idea that trucks can't cross the trail without someone getting hurt is ridiculous.”

I somewhat agree. I do think the danger is being overstated by some. However, I do think it would be safer to simply have the BG go down Ballard to make it a non-issue. I've ridden the stretch of the BG through Frelard and I've seen a few near misses involving bikes and trucks. Half the time it was because cyclists ran a stop sign but the other half were trucks running stop signs. Doesn't help that the signage along that stretch is inconsistent – some intersections it's the cyclists who have a stop sign, others it's the trucks.

The city needs to just win the lawsuit, and build the f'n trail along shilshole. After it is all said and done all the missing link opponents will just change their diapers, grab another cup o' joe, and go back to work. Hopefully the next Mayor can make this happen.

BTW, did you know that every day every one of of SBS&G' s trucks crosses the trail down in Frelard where they park the trucks. The whole idea that trucks can't cross the trail without someone getting hurt is ridiculous.

Sounds like we agree on most things here (including MADSEN's).

But the alternate routes you suggest work as safer streets to ride on (I use them too), but the Missing Link is a designed and funded connection for a multi-use trail that should connect, IMHO, rather than dump people out on streets with lots of congested intersections to negotiate.

As for the interim route, the 17th/Ballard/Vernon jog is too circuitous for most. The confident cyclists will stay on Shilshole, and the rest of will muddle along as we have been. Smart infrastructure makes it faster and more convenient to ride bikes, not less.

I'm a huge fan of multi-use trails, bicycle boulevards, city bikes, bakfiets, etc. I'd also love to see Seattle put in separate, dedicated bike lanes like they have in some European cities.

However I'm also a realist and know that's never going to happen for a whole lot of fiscal, cultural and political reasons. Instead we need to put trails in where they can be accommodated.

In the case of the Missing Link they can route the trail along Shilshole and have to deal with the hazard of the tracks and truck traffic or they can chose to re-route the trail a few blocks and avoid the tracks and trucks. If you're trying to get everyday people out on bikes and make cycling safer – and have a limited budget – doesn't that make more sense? In many ways the interim route seems better than the final route as it avoids all the trucks on Shilsole.

When I get my Madsen I won't try crossing the tracks with my kid in back, I'll detour a block and take the safer route. I'll also ride my Madsen down 28th because it's quieter and has far fewer cars than riding on 24th, even with the bike lane.