Open up more trips by bike & foot

The required detour via Meridian/76th and 200th on the Interurban makes the trip between Edmonds and Shoreline much less appealing than if the trail were a continuous route north-south. Even experienced cyclists are daunted by having to negotiate the southbound connection across SR 104. The shoulder with bike lane ends about 100 yards prior to the junction, there is a climb up to the traffic signal and no bike lane initially once across SR 104.

Getting the trail across SR 104 would remove most of those barriers - and potentially all, depending on the final route chosen for a bridge and approaches.

Making it easier to ride or walk means more people will do so - opening up a healthier option for shopping, recreation and errands. The success of trails like the Burke-Gilman, Sammamish River and the emerging Eastrail in King County demonstrate that when given the chance to enjoy fresh air for pleasure, commuting and errands in a safer environment than offered by auto-filled streets, more people will do so.