Cyclists pushing for safety improvements on the ‘Missing Link’ of the Bure-Gilman Trail in Ballard

Cyclists Push for Safety on the ‘Missing Link’ of the Burke-Gilman Trail in Ballard

If you’ve ever tried biking through Ballard on the Burke-Gilman Trail, then you’ve probably felt it too—the sudden jolt when the smooth path disappears and you’re thrown into chaotic, uneven roads shared with cars, trucks, and confusion. I’ve been there, and let me tell you, it’s not just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous. That’s the infamous “Missing Link,” a 1.4-mile gap in what’s otherwise one of Seattle’s most beloved bike trails.

Every time I ride through that stretch, I can’t help but feel like I’m rolling the dice. Potholes, train tracks, and freight traffic all collide in a way that puts cyclists like me in a vulnerable spot. We’re not asking for luxury—we’re asking for safety, and finally, momentum is building again to fix this broken section.

For years, cyclists, advocates, and community groups have been pushing hard to complete the trail through Ballard. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about preventing injury and even saving lives. In fact, over 50 reported crashes have happened in that area in recent years. And those are just the official ones. I personally know two people who ended up in the ER after wiping out on the train tracks near Shilshole.

Recently, I joined a group ride organized by Seattle Neighborhood Greenways and Cascade Bicycle Club to bring awareness back to this issue. We rode as a pack, wearing bright vests and carrying signs that read “Fix the Link” and “Safety Now.” People honked, waved, and some even joined in. The energy was real. There’s this collective sense of: enough is enough.

What’s wild is that this project has been stuck in legal and bureaucratic limbo for nearly two decades. Despite support from the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and court rulings allowing construction, lawsuits from industrial businesses in the area have delayed progress again and again. It’s frustrating watching a safety solution get tied up in red tape when lives are at stake.

But I do believe change is coming. More people are biking than ever, especially with the rise of e-bikes and the city’s push toward greener, healthier commuting options. The pressure is mounting, and the city council is feeling it. There’s talk that 2025 could finally be the year construction begins.

Until then, we ride cautiously and speak loudly. I’m sharing this not just as a cyclist, but as someone who believes in smart, safe infrastructure that benefits everyone. This isn’t just a “bike issue.” It’s a community issue. Whether you’re a parent biking with your kids, a delivery worker on an e-bike, or someone like me just trying to get from point A to B safely, the Missing Link affects us all.

So let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s keep showing up. Let’s fix the link—together.