April  2008

Trail News

By Kristin Kinnamon

The Interurban Trail bridge over I-5 at 124th Street in Everett was scheduled to be substantially completed at the end of March. Landscaping and other minor work was to continue in April.

I have suggested to the state that BIKES would love to be involved in a bridge opening celebration when the time comes. Nothing is planned as yet, but check the club website for updates.

The Snohomish-Arlington Trail Coalition, of which BIKES is a member, has worked for many years  to complete the trail from Snohomish to Arlington. The “gaps” in the trail are being designed now for construction in 2009. The coalition’s stated purpose will then be complete – but of course they are advocating for the extension of the Centennial Trail north of Arlington to Skagit County and for the currently unimproved Whitehorse Trail from Arlington to Darrington.

I have suggested that the Coalition change its name and purpose to the Snohomish County Trail Coalition so it can support all these efforts with its history and expertise.

Other trails under development in Snohomish County include the North Creek Trail from Bothell to Mill Creek, a trail from Snohomish to Monroe and a trail from Monroe to Duvall.

County Parks Planner Marc Krandel is not optimistic about the future of a trail along the Snohomish-Woodinville railway that has been purchased by the Port of Seattle. Interest in using this for a tourist and commuter rail corridor is high, and there are spots along the right of way where there really isn’t room for both rail and a trail.

Finally, a trail planned by the city of Marysville up on Whiskey Ridge (from Hwy. 528 to Soper Hill Road) needs our support. The Bayview Trail has some adjacent property owners concerned, but would be a great link for recreation and transportation as the area grows.

City staff and elected officials need to hear our support for this and other trail and bike plans in Marysville. Please write to: jballew@ci.marysville.wa.us and also to mayor@ci.marysville.wa.us

Miles through

Ride Leaders: Don’t forget to send in the participant names and miles for club rides to Pier Fiorentini at ridermiles@bikesclub.org.

Club Miles for Club Members

 The Frequent Rider Miles program is intended as a fun benefit of BIKES Club membership.
Ride 100 miles on club-sponsored rides, earn a club water bottle. Ride 500 miles, earn a club cycling cap, etc.
Miles reported for non-members who participate on club rides are tracked, but not shown in the newsletter.
Join the club and you, too, can be part of the fun!
 

Frequent Rider Miles
through 3/17/08