Dear Editor: A big congratulations to the over 700 bicyclists who were counted at Ballard's two Bike To Work Day stations on Friday, May 19th. And many thanks to the volunteers who staffed the BikeSport station at the Ballard Bridge and the Friends of the Burke-Gilman Trail station along the BGT. It was inspiring to learn where passing bicyclers were headed that day: Kirkland, Eastgate, Renton, UW, Tukwila (can you imagine bicycling every day from Ballard to Tukwila? I can't.)

Ballard's best joined 15, 234 other riders that day who were counted at the various stations set up around the Seattle area to count cyclists on their way to work or school. Participation was up 50% from last year-there seems to be no doubt that more and more of us are 'getting back on the saddle' and using our bicycles to run errands, get to work, for recreation, and for exercise. This is definitely a good thing.

I hope more Ballardites will be inspired in the months ahead to walk more, bike more, to get out and smell the flowers, and help make Ballard the most pedestrian and bicycle friendly community in the whole city. This summer, be on the lookout for Metro's Ballard In Motion program (partnered with Groundswell NW, Sustainable Ballard, and the Ballard Chamber of Commerce), and look for more bicycling information at the ongoing Sustainable Ballard Summer Schools at Marvin Gardens park throughout the summer. Way to go Ballard!

Kevin Carrabine

Ballard