WORKOUTS ON 2 WHEELS

from Beacon Magazine – Spring 2023

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There’s a biking trail for everyone

by Makenna Dreher

When I discovered the Interurban Trail a few years ago, it was by accident. Soon after, I found myself biking in a safe haven away from the cars and noise; the scenery seemed to change around me with every pedal stroke.

Biking from Shoreline, I followed the blue signs going north. I also saw green Bike2Health wayfinding signs that I had never noticed before while driving. This hidden gem existed within a mile of where I lived, and I had no idea.

It left me breathless and itching for more time on the trail to explore.

Winding between bike lanes on city streets and a paved trail, the Interurban Trail provides an unforgettable experience with a north-to-south route for any biker, regardless of skill level.

“You can go either direction (on the Interurban Trail),” said Margaret Elwood, co-chair of Edmonds Bicycle Advocacy Group (EBAG). “The best route for beginners is to go northbound. The Interurban Trail is the closest protected bike trail we have in Edmonds.”

Other bicycle advocates and enthusiasts share her opinion on the ease and accessibility of the northern Interurban Trail.

“The Interurban Trail is one of my most frequently visited trails in the Edmonds and north Seattle area,” said Claire Mar- tini, project manager for Leafline Trails Association.

“The Interurban Trail is pretty important,” said Peter Hallson, co-chair of EBAG and ride leader for over 20 years with Cascade Bicycle Club, the nation’s largest statewide bicycling nonprofit. “There aren’t many places that have an Interurban Trail in their backyard. You can start a ride in Lake Ballinger and go everywhere with no trouble at all.”

The 24-mile northern Interurban Trail runs from the Everett Mall to Seattle. It follows the former Interurban Trolley railway in use from 1910 to 1939. In the mid-1990s, Snohomish County – along with the Public Utility District No. 1 and the cities of Everett and Lynnwood – created the 11.8 miles of paved trail in Snohomish County that we know today. Trails

There are numerous trails in Puget Sound for bikers to enjoy, like the southern Interurban Trail connecting Tukwila and Fife, as well as the popular Burke-Gilman Trail, which I grew up riding. There’s also the 30-mile Centennial Trail that winds its way from the city of Snohomish to the Skagit County line.

Although the region has some great trails for biking, they don’t come without faults – and that’s where the advocacy side of cycling gets involved. There is a particularly dangerous section of the Interurban Trail for cyclists on Highway 104, Hallson and Elwood explained.

Heading south, when the Interurban Trail crosses Highway 104 at 76th Street SW in Edmonds and turns into Meridian Avenue North in Shoreline, there’s a big problem, Elwood explained.

“All of a sudden, you’re in the right-turn-only coming from a dead standstill and pedal uphill,” she said.

There is a possibility of an overpass to make it safer for cyclists to connect this Edmonds and Shoreline crossing. EBAG is now a part of this conversation with local leaders, Elwood said.

“EBAG’s main projects right now are working on safer bike routes and improving bike lanes, which is the biggest challenge we have,” said Hallson.

Luke Distelhorst, a volunteer at EBAG and the Leafline Trails Coalition, echoes these concerns.

“Many of our bike lanes end at intersections, are bisected by major state highways like Highway 104, 196th Street SW, and Highway 99, and force people to mix with two-ton-plus metal vehicles.”

To get more visibility on what’s good and bad about biking in the area, EBAG and other advocacy groups like Leafline have led on-trail gatherings with members of the biking community and government officials, including U.S. Congressional Rep. Rick Larsen, whose 2nd District includes Edmonds and Mukilteo.

“(On these rides) we’ve brought together (Leafline’s) members, partners, and supporters, as well as elected officials, to celebrate accomplishments and discuss some of the needs on the ground,” said Martini.

In the Puget Sound area, there are over 500 miles of trails open across King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties, but they’re not all connected. Leafline’s goal is to connect 900 miles of trails across the Central Puget Sound region, said Martini.

“Today, we’re about 56% of the way there.”

There are several gaps in the Interurban Trail that need to be connected, with the opportunity to connect east-to-west routes as well, said Martini.

“Improving bike accessibility is very complex, with a lot of moving parts and players with different roles and specialties,” said Hallson.

“Mobility is a human right, and cities should be planning for and building safe infrastructure for its residents to have safe freedom of travel,” added Distelhorst. “We are a long way off from that, and any impact I can be involved with to improve our community safety is a worthwhile cause.”

E-bikes, anyone?

For anyone with an injury or needing assistance while biking, electric bikes are a great option for flattening hills, but they come at a high price. “The starting price for an e-bike is $1,200, and they are heavy and bulky,” said Hallson. “They can go for 30 or 40 miles on a charge and are becoming another form of transportation than a car.”

“We’re seeing the popularity of e-bikes skyrocket as well … We see that e-bikes are supporting riders of all abilities and ages to get on the bike and stay active,” said Martini.

To get started with a regular bike, one can expect to budget at least $500 for all the equipment and accessories, said Hallson. Finding used bikes and helmets can make the process more affordable.

“The most important thing is to buy a bike that fits properly by going to somebody reputable,” Hallson said.

Gregg’s Cycles, Harvey’s Bike Shop, and Sharing Wheels Community Bike Shop are all highly recommended when considering buying a new or used bike.

Student biking

Biking has little impact on a person’s joints and offers the opportunity to use all of our senses and accommodate people with different strengths, said Hank Landau, EBAG co-chair, cycling enthusiast, and Edmonds resident.

“Bicycling has proved a great way for me to bond with my children and grandchildren,” he said.

Of course, biking isn’t just for grandparents and adults.

Consider the Edmonds Mountain Bike team, which serves middle- and high- school students in the Edmonds School District. Its season started in February and continues through June.

Joining a team can lead to a lifetime of bike riding, whether on mountain or suburban bike trails.

The minimum gear needed is a bike in working order and helmet, said team coach Cabryn Taylor. Other gear that can help are hydro packs, gloves, and warm, layered clothing.

There is a team registration fee, and there are a series of cross-country mountain bike courses scheduled.

Whether biking for recreation, transportation, or exercise, there are so many trail options to choose from in the area.